Bought MkVI GTI after a MkV...feeling a bit underwhelmed
Discussion
Hi guys. This is my first post on PistonHeads.
I've just bought a MkVI Golf GTI to replace my MkV which I've had for four years. I've loved the MkV, really loved it, but tbh I'm feeling a bit underwhelmed by the MkVI and I'm in two minds about keeping it.
My biggest issue with it is the noise, or lack of it. It sounds to me like a fairly standard petrol Golf with a bit of induction noise. Whereas the old MkV sounded meaty on low revs (for a four cylinder) and you could hear the turbo and exhaust singing when pushing it, the new one is much more muted and overall feels more like an exec than a hot hatch. It makes it much less fun to drive than the old one.
I didn't have much chance to try the car before buying it but I'd done my homework online beforehand and was expecting it to be like my MkV but a bit better all round. I've not read any posts from owners being disappointed with the noise or excitement factor after a MkV, or the big difference between the TFSI and TSI engines. In fact I thought VW had reworked the induction on the TSI to make it sound better.
Am I alone in being a bit disappointed with the MkVI after having a MKV? If I'm not alone, anyone know of any mods to make it more exciting?
Hopefully I will get used to it, but I'm feeling a bit disappointed at present. I'm still to advertise my MkV and the thought of just keeping it is taunting me!
I've just bought a MkVI Golf GTI to replace my MkV which I've had for four years. I've loved the MkV, really loved it, but tbh I'm feeling a bit underwhelmed by the MkVI and I'm in two minds about keeping it.
My biggest issue with it is the noise, or lack of it. It sounds to me like a fairly standard petrol Golf with a bit of induction noise. Whereas the old MkV sounded meaty on low revs (for a four cylinder) and you could hear the turbo and exhaust singing when pushing it, the new one is much more muted and overall feels more like an exec than a hot hatch. It makes it much less fun to drive than the old one.
I didn't have much chance to try the car before buying it but I'd done my homework online beforehand and was expecting it to be like my MkV but a bit better all round. I've not read any posts from owners being disappointed with the noise or excitement factor after a MkV, or the big difference between the TFSI and TSI engines. In fact I thought VW had reworked the induction on the TSI to make it sound better.
Am I alone in being a bit disappointed with the MkVI after having a MKV? If I'm not alone, anyone know of any mods to make it more exciting?
Hopefully I will get used to it, but I'm feeling a bit disappointed at present. I'm still to advertise my MkV and the thought of just keeping it is taunting me!
Correct me if Im wrong, but it was only a facelift between the two cars, same chassis etc. A few tweaks to engine and suspension wouldn't make it noticeably different imho.
Same goes for the engine really, driven one VAG turbo 4pot, you've driven them all?!
Pity your feeling underwhelmed mind :-(
Same goes for the engine really, driven one VAG turbo 4pot, you've driven them all?!
Pity your feeling underwhelmed mind :-(
I've noticed the same comparing my 2005 GTI to my mates 2011 model.
I put it down to the extra 6 years and 40k miles mine has under it's belt so everything has loosened up, plus the mk5 platform is less refined than the mk6.
But I agree, it sounds much more raw, more boost, better exhaust note from inside the cabin.
I put it down to the extra 6 years and 40k miles mine has under it's belt so everything has loosened up, plus the mk5 platform is less refined than the mk6.
But I agree, it sounds much more raw, more boost, better exhaust note from inside the cabin.
Might be down to stricter noise testing for newer cars, or VW deciding they needed to make it more refined for the majority of owners who just buy the top model and don't want to hear the engine working?
As above - aftermarket exhaust will release the noise while keeping it legal for UK use if you only change the cat back
As above - aftermarket exhaust will release the noise while keeping it legal for UK use if you only change the cat back
teambeer said:
I've noticed the same comparing my 2005 GTI to my mates 2011 model.
I put it down to the extra 6 years and 40k miles mine has under it's belt so everything has loosened up, plus the mk5 platform is less refined than the mk6.
But I agree, it sounds much more raw, more boost, better exhaust note from inside the cabin.
Ironically It might be better to consider taking the soundaktor out even though it makes some of the noise in the mk6. You might find you can hear the mechanicals more and see if the turbo noise returns. A 2011 model should have one, search google for soundaktor and golf gti.I put it down to the extra 6 years and 40k miles mine has under it's belt so everything has loosened up, plus the mk5 platform is less refined than the mk6.
But I agree, it sounds much more raw, more boost, better exhaust note from inside the cabin.
B120WNY said:
Correct me if Im wrong, but it was only a facelift between the two cars, same chassis etc. A few tweaks to engine and suspension wouldn't make it noticeably different imho.
Same goes for the engine really, driven one VAG turbo 4pot, you've driven them all?!
Pity your feeling underwhelmed mind :-(
Yeah more or less just a heavy facelift, and its a different engine albeit of the same capacity and similar power. Main improvement IMO is the updated interior. Chassis is exactly the same.Same goes for the engine really, driven one VAG turbo 4pot, you've driven them all?!
Pity your feeling underwhelmed mind :-(
Thanks for the replies. I didn't know about the soundaktor, may try disabling it to see what difference it makes. The mkvi does sound more synthetic and less mechanical compared to the mkv, so removing it may help.
I'm really struggling with this car atm, in some ways it's so similar to the mkv in others seems quite different.
I'm really struggling with this car atm, in some ways it's so similar to the mkv in others seems quite different.
teambeer said:
I've noticed the same comparing my 2005 GTI to my mates 2011 model.
I put it down to the extra 6 years and 40k miles mine has under it's belt so everything has loosened up, plus the mk5 platform is less refined than the mk6.
But I agree, it sounds much more raw, more boost, better exhaust note from inside the cabin.
This is exactly the type of difference I'm feeling, but my MkV doesn't seem any different to when I bought it at 29k. I put it down to the extra 6 years and 40k miles mine has under it's belt so everything has loosened up, plus the mk5 platform is less refined than the mk6.
But I agree, it sounds much more raw, more boost, better exhaust note from inside the cabin.
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