Mk5 GTI to MK7 GTI - anyone made the switch?

Mk5 GTI to MK7 GTI - anyone made the switch?

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Metty53

Original Poster:

21 posts

119 months

Saturday 14th May 2016
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I'm in a world of pain.

Worked myself up to changing my much loved MK5 GTI for a MK7 with PP, been offered a great deal by my local dealer but...the test drive didn't exactly leave me overwhelmed.

I love the speed, looks, interior, kit etc. but there's not much character there - if you turn the fake noise off (which i don't really like) the car feels pretty mundane. In contrast the MK5 feels like a much better balance between refinement and hot hatchery, mainly due to the genuine induction and exhaust noise that comes in when you push.

Anyone made the switch and not looked back...or been disappointed? Will i forget about the genuine feel of the MK5 once I've experienced all the modern goodies that come with a MK7? Anyone fitted an induction kit or aftermarket exhaust to get back some old school charm? Would be interested to know others experiences.

The dealer chap reckoned a Leon would feel more like the MK5, but i'm not convinced that's true (not tried one yet though).

va1o

16,029 posts

206 months

Saturday 14th May 2016
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Not quite the same but I used to have a MK5 GTI and now have a MK7 GTD as my daily. The MK5 was definitely more fun and had bags more character. But the MK7 does feel substantially more modern and is more comfortable to travel in!

Closest in spirit to the MK5 GTI is probably the Mk7 R. BMW M135i could also be worth a look

the-photographer

3,479 posts

175 months

Sunday 15th May 2016
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I tried one over a weekend;

+ flat cornering
+ Modern interior with all the latest gadgets
+ Radar cruise
+ Refinement

- Engine didn't feel any stronger
- Lack of feedback (compared to MK5)
- Terrible seats (to wide and hard)

Juicetin1

599 posts

189 months

Monday 16th May 2016
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I did, went from Mk5 to Mk7 GTI PP, overall much preferred the driving experience of the Mk5. The mk7 was undeniably loads better inside but the engine felt devoid of any character whereas my mk5 had plenty, there was no intake or exhaust noise (my Mk5 sounded great, standard) and the throttle response was terrible (my mk5 was excellent).
My mk7 also suffered a number of annoying rattles from new around the dash and a-pillar area which the dealer could never trace.
I never gelled with it and traded up to a Mk7 R, which is much more like it, like a mk5 on steroids.

si_xsi

1,189 posts

194 months

Monday 16th May 2016
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Not driven a Mk 7 GTI but owned a Mk 5 Gti and test drove a Mk 6 GTI. It was clear even when the Mk 6 GTI came out that the noise and responsiveness of the Mk 5 was getting subdued in place of style / emissions / convenience. I've not driven one, but an edition 35 might be a good compromise but depending on how you are financing the purchase, it might make more sense to go for a Mk 7 R to get your driving thrills!

http://usedcars.volkswagen.co.uk/Golf-GTI/GTD/R/GT...


SuperchargedVR6

3,138 posts

219 months

Friday 20th May 2016
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I think a 3 door PP remapped and with the active dampers - at the right price - could sway me away from my Edition 30, but I would never look back at a MK7 after parking it up though.

The Corrado VR6 and Edition 30 are 2 of the best looking VWs ever imo. Maybe it's because MBQ cars are everywhere these days, they just all meld into a sea of sameyness and one day the 7 might grow on me. But for now, naaaaah, I'm keeping my 5! 7Rs will be cheap enough in 3-5 years once the novelty and rental agreements have worn off.....plenty to choose from then.

pitch3110

162 posts

181 months

Sunday 22nd May 2016
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We went from a mk5 ED30 to a BE A3 an now a mk7 R.

The R is quicker, never had anything make me grin as much, more comfortable and nicer to drive to and from the shops. BUT.......no soul compared to the ED30

SuperchargedVR6

3,138 posts

219 months

Monday 23rd May 2016
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But you can be just as fast as a 7R (in a dry, straight line at least) with an Edition 30, keep the soul, keep the looks and be much better off financially.

urquattroGus

1,845 posts

189 months

Monday 23rd May 2016
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How about NOT buying a Golf!?

If it has to be a Golf - Has to be an R....

SuperchargedVR6

3,138 posts

219 months

Tuesday 24th May 2016
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Or an S3. Less likely to be nicked.

pitch3110

162 posts

181 months

Tuesday 24th May 2016
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SuperchargedVR6 said:
But you can be just as fast as a 7R (in a dry, straight line at least) with an Edition 30, keep the soul, keep the looks and be much better off financially.
Having spent a lot of time in both the R is a great deal swifter from A to B and by a margin, it just grips.

JackReacher

2,118 posts

214 months

Wednesday 25th May 2016
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I would try a Leon Cupra, slightly less noise insulation and reputedly a better drive. Even my 1.4 Leon feels relatively similar to drive to my old Mk 5 Gti, although obviously down on straight line pace. No harm giving it a go. But you may as well assess all options M135i, Megane etc. Make the right choice rather than assuming you want another Golf.

SuperchargedVR6

3,138 posts

219 months

Wednesday 25th May 2016
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pitch3110 said:
SuperchargedVR6 said:
But you can be just as fast as a 7R (in a dry, straight line at least) with an Edition 30, keep the soul, keep the looks and be much better off financially.
Having spent a lot of time in both the R is a great deal swifter from A to B and by a margin, it just grips.
Oh absolutely! The MK5 definitely shows it's age through the corners, well, a standard one does at least. Is your R ACC equipped? That makes a big difference too. 4WD not so much, laterally speaking.

pitch3110

162 posts

181 months

Tuesday 31st May 2016
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SuperchargedVR6 said:
pitch3110 said:
SuperchargedVR6 said:
But you can be just as fast as a 7R (in a dry, straight line at least) with an Edition 30, keep the soul, keep the looks and be much better off financially.
Having spent a lot of time in both the R is a great deal swifter from A to B and by a margin, it just grips.
Oh absolutely! The MK5 definitely shows it's age through the corners, well, a standard one does at least. Is your R ACC equipped? That makes a big difference too. 4WD not so much, laterally speaking.
Yes ACC equipped it is. Why should that make a difference ??

Ta

clubsport

7,257 posts

257 months

Wednesday 1st June 2016
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I have driven Acc and regular suspension, on the road I prefer the standard set up.

ACC is fine if you have a bad back and need comfort ( heard this a few times) or take it on track, so it makes sense to use the Sport setting, as that is the only time you will use it! Pointless on a bumpy B road.

Apart from the Mk5 now being an "old" car and the potential maintenance & rust this may entail.
The biggest difference between mk5 & 7 is the tech, you have to set a mk7 up to your requirements. I hated this at first, setting adaptive cruise, city brake, stop/start etc, but once you get your head around it, the car works very well as a daily driver.

Either GTi PP or R are fine as daily drivers for road use, great to run alongside more focused and interesting cars.
As an only car?... I think I would be bored fairly quickly, despite both being capable in their own way.

Metty53

Original Poster:

21 posts

119 months

Wednesday 8th June 2016
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Thanks for the replies guys. I've decided not to buy a Mk7 GTI. It seems I may just be disappointed. This is exactly the position I was in two years ago when I realised a Mk6 was not as enjoyable to drive as a Mk5, which none of the reviews had really picked up. The Mk5 will be hanging on in there for a bit longer!

I don't get why VW can't still make a GTI that is fun and refined, like the Mk5 was, with a genuine mechanical feel. Surely its not beyond the wit of man.

I'll be keeping the Mk5 a bit longer but I may give an M135i or R a try. An Edition 30 is very tempting but I'd probably have to spend £5k to end up with basically the same car.

lee_fr200

5,476 posts

189 months

Wednesday 8th June 2016
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I absolutely love my mk7 gti I think it drives nice tbh is very comfortable over long distance and goes well too

cheddar

4,637 posts

173 months

Wednesday 8th June 2016
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pitch3110 said:
We went from a mk5 ED30 to a BE A3 an now a mk7 R.

The R is quicker, but no soul compared to the ED30
That's interesting, I always remember my ED30 having everything but soul....... scratchchin