Who is liking their new Golf R?
Discussion
Given there are a few of you on here that have ordered one, would like to hear your thoughts..?
Mine is nearly a week old and had moments of uncertainty when I ordered it initially, as never owned a Golf before, however it has totally surprised me. As an overall package for doing various tasks seems perfect blend.
All of those positive write ups and video's coming from the media seem to be justified. I don't think I would have looked at the R, if it was not for those lease deals, but glad it did.
The R sort of reminds me of a mini RS4..apart from the auto-box of course.
So what are your first or even longer term impressions?
G
Mine is nearly a week old and had moments of uncertainty when I ordered it initially, as never owned a Golf before, however it has totally surprised me. As an overall package for doing various tasks seems perfect blend.
All of those positive write ups and video's coming from the media seem to be justified. I don't think I would have looked at the R, if it was not for those lease deals, but glad it did.
The R sort of reminds me of a mini RS4..apart from the auto-box of course.
So what are your first or even longer term impressions?
G
Hey,
So... I've done 1500 miles in my R... It's pretty nippy to say the least, 5 doors suits me fine, pity the boot is so small. I really like driving it, it also looks good, and the quad exhausts set it apart from the rest, and the toys... well it's very very well equipped! I love the ACC, makes driving very easy, if not a bit lazy. I get from 20's MPG from spirited driving to 40 if i'm cruising, so running costs are as expected.
My main gripe is the build quality, it's pretty woeful unfortunately, this will be my first and last Volkswagen because of the build quality, I would be gutted if i paid top whack for it and didn't get a great lease deal.
So... I've done 1500 miles in my R... It's pretty nippy to say the least, 5 doors suits me fine, pity the boot is so small. I really like driving it, it also looks good, and the quad exhausts set it apart from the rest, and the toys... well it's very very well equipped! I love the ACC, makes driving very easy, if not a bit lazy. I get from 20's MPG from spirited driving to 40 if i'm cruising, so running costs are as expected.
My main gripe is the build quality, it's pretty woeful unfortunately, this will be my first and last Volkswagen because of the build quality, I would be gutted if i paid top whack for it and didn't get a great lease deal.
I've posted on the other thread.
I ordered mine in Night Blue as I wanted it to attract as little attention as possible. However, it gets noticed everywhere! I've had several people comment after seeing it in the work car park. Everyone knows it's an "R". Neighbours have commented. I am especially getting lots of attention from women! LOL. I didn't know the "R" had such a following. I guess it may be down to Top Gear or all the articles in the press.
Love the car. It's the first car I have got really excited about in many years. I am getting less than 30mpg. I may have to take it out of Race mode.
I ordered mine in Night Blue as I wanted it to attract as little attention as possible. However, it gets noticed everywhere! I've had several people comment after seeing it in the work car park. Everyone knows it's an "R". Neighbours have commented. I am especially getting lots of attention from women! LOL. I didn't know the "R" had such a following. I guess it may be down to Top Gear or all the articles in the press.
Love the car. It's the first car I have got really excited about in many years. I am getting less than 30mpg. I may have to take it out of Race mode.
It's agreat car, but agree with Greig - built quality leaves a lot to be desired.
There are copious amounts of cheap plastic trim around the front bumper and rear skirt that will not stand the test of time, the boot handle, despite being standard VW fare for years feels weak and plastic. Boot is tiny! INterior isn't really that special, especially compared to the likes of the Mk4 R32 which really looks good and feels solid. Having some from a B5 S4, maybe nohting modern will feel solid tho.
On the driving side, it's a rocket ship and fun to drive, but not very involving. Very understeery unless you power out of every corner, but then you end up driving much faster than you wanted. It does suffer from lag, which is probably not surprising I suppose, but takes a while to get used to. Suspension is pretty solid and makes driving over typical Scottish roads with passangers rather amusing. You can cover ground at some speed tho and you simply do not get a sensation of speed in this thing. I wish it was a 5 speed - absolutely no need for 6 speeds in a car like this, esp not given that 6th is hardly a cruising ratio.
It most certainly worth the money we're paying, and partner is enjoying having it, but I'm quite content with my Corrado and don't feel too hard done by. I would never purchase one tho, but then, I'd never purchase any new or nearly new car.
I think I'm jsut old school.
There are copious amounts of cheap plastic trim around the front bumper and rear skirt that will not stand the test of time, the boot handle, despite being standard VW fare for years feels weak and plastic. Boot is tiny! INterior isn't really that special, especially compared to the likes of the Mk4 R32 which really looks good and feels solid. Having some from a B5 S4, maybe nohting modern will feel solid tho.
On the driving side, it's a rocket ship and fun to drive, but not very involving. Very understeery unless you power out of every corner, but then you end up driving much faster than you wanted. It does suffer from lag, which is probably not surprising I suppose, but takes a while to get used to. Suspension is pretty solid and makes driving over typical Scottish roads with passangers rather amusing. You can cover ground at some speed tho and you simply do not get a sensation of speed in this thing. I wish it was a 5 speed - absolutely no need for 6 speeds in a car like this, esp not given that 6th is hardly a cruising ratio.
It most certainly worth the money we're paying, and partner is enjoying having it, but I'm quite content with my Corrado and don't feel too hard done by. I would never purchase one tho, but then, I'd never purchase any new or nearly new car.
I think I'm jsut old school.
They are great and I'm very pleased I jumped in on the deal. 4k so far and aside from minor build niggles it has been perfect. Agreed about lag and understeer but I have an m5 for contrast on that side of things. They are a perfect family machine, daily driver and hot hatch mentalist in one and very pleased I went for this over an old 123d! Ride comfort is superb for me but I have DCC and standard wheels?
Blown2CV said:
i think it's great 4.5k miles in. Build quality seems very good to me, but then I had an XF previously. That really was made out of cheapness and badly put together.
Strange. Both my XFs seem streets ahead of any Golf I've been in. Let's hope those shotguns don't fall off those new Golfs, because their amazing build quality forgot to weld them properly on the first ones Edited by fatboy b on Saturday 13th September 21:33
Other half has one, we love it.
Build is good, just not as solid as the V R32.
Really disagree with the understeer comments.
Make use of the haldex system and there is no problem at all (my point is understeer is not an issue when giving it the beans)
Handling and traction are superb....it's a weapon in the wet for sure.
Build is good, just not as solid as the V R32.
Really disagree with the understeer comments.
Make use of the haldex system and there is no problem at all (my point is understeer is not an issue when giving it the beans)
Handling and traction are superb....it's a weapon in the wet for sure.
fatboy b said:
Blown2CV said:
i think it's great 4.5k miles in. Build quality seems very good to me, but then I had an XF previously. That really was made out of cheapness and badly put together.
Strange. Both my XFs seem streets ahead of any Golf I've been in. Let's hope those shotguns don't fall off those new Golfs, because their amazing build quality forgot to weld them properly on the first ones Edited by fatboy b on Saturday 13th September 21:33
At least in the Golf everything to me feels a lot more solid, the buttons feel decent quality and everything feels so much better to the touch. I am sure it could be better, but I don't think there is a car available to buy new today that is truly built to the highest quality possible, save for maybe a Bentley but even then.
Blown2CV said:
fatboy b said:
Blown2CV said:
i think it's great 4.5k miles in. Build quality seems very good to me, but then I had an XF previously. That really was made out of cheapness and badly put together.
Strange. Both my XFs seem streets ahead of any Golf I've been in. Let's hope those shotguns don't fall off those new Golfs, because their amazing build quality forgot to weld them properly on the first ones Edited by fatboy b on Saturday 13th September 21:33
At least in the Golf everything to me feels a lot more solid, the buttons feel decent quality and everything feels so much better to the touch. I am sure it could be better, but I don't think there is a car available to buy new today that is truly built to the highest quality possible, save for maybe a Bentley but even then.
t trim. The new Bentley Conti has to reduce it's piece part cost by 20% from the current £55k. That can mean only one thing. The rest of VAG are on similar % cost-downs. If you like VWs, then enjoy them while you can. I think they're awful cars now, with awful dealers. The O/H has a Seat Ibiza. We bought new and is now 2 years old. It's been fairly good, apart from continuous rattles that the inept dealers can't sort.
Edited by fatboy b on Sunday 14th September 16:42
Had my Golf R 2.5k miles now and still really enjoying it. Especially more so now that I've unplugged both the sound actuator and the flaps in the exhausts, so there is no fake noise, and all 4 exhausts are permanently open (in any mode). This two incredibly simple 5 minute mods have increased my Golf R experience hugely, exhaust sounds great through the rev range, and you can actually hear it, and your passengers, without the stupid fake noise being blasted into the cabin.
Everything else, including the standard kit list, handling, looks and interior, are spot on for me, and make the Golf R an excellent 'do-it-all, well' car.
Everything else, including the standard kit list, handling, looks and interior, are spot on for me, and make the Golf R an excellent 'do-it-all, well' car.
Our XF was terrible - will never consider another JLR product as a result. Terminated the lease in the end as the car and local dealer were so bad and car spent weeks in the garage and the underlying electrical faults were never resolved (over a dozen headlight bulbs failed, glove box would randomly open or refuse to latch, locking system faults, nav and Bluetooth faults, battery would be flat if car not used for 24hrs, battery control module fault, electronic parking brake fault, huge appetite for rear brake pads).
Pretty gutted I missed out on the mega Golf. R lease deals though - had quotes from Vehicle Savers and Phil before VWFS 'kicked off'...
Pretty gutted I missed out on the mega Golf. R lease deals though - had quotes from Vehicle Savers and Phil before VWFS 'kicked off'...
teambeer said:
Had my Golf R 2.5k miles now and still really enjoying it. Especially more so now that I've unplugged both the sound actuator and the flaps in the exhausts, so there is no fake noise, and all 4 exhausts are permanently open (in any mode). This two incredibly simple 5 minute mods have increased my Golf R experience hugely, exhaust sounds great through the rev range, and you can actually hear it, and your passengers, without the stupid fake noise being blasted into the cabin.
Everything else, including the standard kit list, handling, looks and interior, are spot on for me, and make the Golf R an excellent 'do-it-all, well' car.
What's the 5 min mod please?Everything else, including the standard kit list, handling, looks and interior, are spot on for me, and make the Golf R an excellent 'do-it-all, well' car.
Cheers,
Adam
Gave the car its first good blast at the weekend over some back roads. It's devastatingly quick and highly addictive.
Still stick by the understeer comment - if you gun it out corners, it feels like it'll never lose grip but anything less than full throttle with turbo on song does result in a bit of nose heaviness.
Ride is very firm and makes life for any passenger less than comfortable - the types of road around me do need something with some more spring travel but heyho no car can do everything.
Fuel economy is fairly stable - 33-35mpg just cruising about, 24mpg when gunning it.
Still stick by the understeer comment - if you gun it out corners, it feels like it'll never lose grip but anything less than full throttle with turbo on song does result in a bit of nose heaviness.
Ride is very firm and makes life for any passenger less than comfortable - the types of road around me do need something with some more spring travel but heyho no car can do everything.
Fuel economy is fairly stable - 33-35mpg just cruising about, 24mpg when gunning it.
jamiehamy said:
Gave the car its first good blast at the weekend over some back roads. It's devastatingly quick and highly addictive.
Still stick by the understeer comment - if you gun it out corners, it feels like it'll never lose grip but anything less than full throttle with turbo on song does result in a bit of nose heaviness.
Ride is very firm and makes life for any passenger less than comfortable - the types of road around me do need something with some more spring travel but heyho no car can do everything.
Fuel economy is fairly stable - 33-35mpg just cruising about, 24mpg when gunning it.
Your comments about the ride being very firm. Is yours running 18's or 19's? Mine is running 18's and find the ride very comfortable..Still stick by the understeer comment - if you gun it out corners, it feels like it'll never lose grip but anything less than full throttle with turbo on song does result in a bit of nose heaviness.
Ride is very firm and makes life for any passenger less than comfortable - the types of road around me do need something with some more spring travel but heyho no car can do everything.
Fuel economy is fairly stable - 33-35mpg just cruising about, 24mpg when gunning it.
Gregmitchell said:
teambeer said:
Had my Golf R 2.5k miles now and still really enjoying it. Especially more so now that I've unplugged both the sound actuator and the flaps in the exhausts, so there is no fake noise, and all 4 exhausts are permanently open (in any mode). This two incredibly simple 5 minute mods have increased my Golf R experience hugely, exhaust sounds great through the rev range, and you can actually hear it, and your passengers, without the stupid fake noise being blasted into the cabin.
Everything else, including the standard kit list, handling, looks and interior, are spot on for me, and make the Golf R an excellent 'do-it-all, well' car.
What's the 5 min mod please?Everything else, including the standard kit list, handling, looks and interior, are spot on for me, and make the Golf R an excellent 'do-it-all, well' car.
Cheers,
Adam
Exhaust flaps here - http://www.rforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=4... and a few more words on that:
If you look at the offside connection, you will see a small white tab on the top. Pull this towards the rear of the vehicle ( may need to use your nail, can be fiddly). Then simply pull the plug off.
The nearside is a little more fiddly, and you wont be able to see the white tab. It pulls towards the nearside of the car. I've seen it suggested that you use a mirror so you can see, but i just did it by feel!
No tools required for either!
teambeer said:
Sound actuator here - http://www.rforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=4...
Exhaust flaps here - http://www.rforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=4... and a few more words on that:
If you look at the offside connection, you will see a small white tab on the top. Pull this towards the rear of the vehicle ( may need to use your nail, can be fiddly). Then simply pull the plug off.
The nearside is a little more fiddly, and you wont be able to see the white tab. It pulls towards the nearside of the car. I've seen it suggested that you use a mirror so you can see, but i just did it by feel!
No tools required for either!
Fantastic! My actuator has started to buzz on idle, very annoying!! Will be unplugging asap! Exhaust flaps here - http://www.rforum.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=4... and a few more words on that:
If you look at the offside connection, you will see a small white tab on the top. Pull this towards the rear of the vehicle ( may need to use your nail, can be fiddly). Then simply pull the plug off.
The nearside is a little more fiddly, and you wont be able to see the white tab. It pulls towards the nearside of the car. I've seen it suggested that you use a mirror so you can see, but i just did it by feel!
No tools required for either!
jamiehamy said:
Running 18s. It's comfortable, it's more the road types I drive on. Very bumpy/undulating - without long travel, you fairly get flung about. Just a downside to stiff suspension, it's great on better laid roads.
I see - I have the Cadiz 18" wheels and thought I had made a mistake not ordering the bigger 19" Prets, however I quite like them, think they suit the black paintwork and don't look too small.G
jamiehamy said:
Ride is very firm and makes life for any passenger less than comfortable - the types of road around me do need something with some more spring travel ....
Do you have the adjustable chassis?I find normal perfectly acceptable, comfort is fine too of course.
Even sport mode is not unbearable.
I find the R more comfortable than my F10 M5, really!!
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