Fast Golf for Oldies

[numtumfutunch]

Hi

I am a life long petrol head. My wife isnt.

Since we got together we have had a succession of family friendly cars culminating in a 5 series touring which is now:

a) a bit old
b) far too big

... since the boys have left home and the missus has flogged her own car we are a one car family/couple

The most obvious solution for me is a Golf GTi however Im a bit out of touch with the current model line up not to mention how they cope on long journeys. We live in Leeds and the boys are in London, driving is easily our preferred option - in the 530D this is lovely.

Advice welcome on how the various GTi versions cope with munching motorways

Cheers

[Hoofy]

Depends on how much in-built padding you have. The seats are quite firm on the warm version (GTE) which to me makes it uncomfortable.

Also for longer journeys I understand the GTD will give you a better MPG if you can afford to pay up to £1.99 per litre!

[the-photographer]

You want a MK7 auto/DSG from 2014 onwards all of them have ACC

Expect to pay £18,000 and up for a low mileage facelift 7.5

For comfort, you're going to have to find a local one for a test drive

[SNWT]

We recently purchased a new GTI 8.5 coming from a 530d touring (68 reg). After the BM comfort and refinement is not a strong point with the GTI even with the variable dampers set to comfort and on 18" alloys. As a drivers car it's more fun feeling lighter with much better steering. Having owned a number a GTIs in the past (mk2 in 90 & mk5 in 05) we were looking to relive the past but so far it's a case of mixed feelings. We have kept the BM for long distance drives.

[Pica-Pica]

Hoofy said:

Depends on how much in-built padding you have. The seats are quite firm on the warm version (GTE) which to me makes it uncomfortable.

Also for longer journeys I understand the GTD will give you a better MPG if you can afford to pay up to £1.99 per litre!

I think £1.99 per litre is long gone - £1.85 now

[sneezer212]

I really like the gti it is a great car to drive with a good weight balance and good grip. I prefer it to the R which (although is faster) isn't as fun.

I had both the 240hp and 265hp versions and the 265hp one was noticeably better (although louder and less refined).

It is reliable, parts are reasonably cheap and the fuel economy is fine (30 in town, 40 on the motorway).

But it is not a comfortable car for the motorway. It feels squished and the engine drones a bit. Without a sunroof it is quite dark.

You haven't given a budget or desired age so it is difficult to advise alternatives.

[AddyT.]

I had a Mk7 R for 6 years and it was a good car. My wife has a 7.5R which is definitely an upgrade over that and has the right options. I now have an 8.5 Clubsport and it's a great all rounder. Much more fun than my R was and on DCC it's comfortable enough. Bit of tyre roar on the motorway but that's about it....very easy indeed to live with. Have driven my wife's car recently and it just doesn't seem anywhere near as fun to drive as the Clubsport. It's as quick (to a point - watch the Carwow video) but the Clubsport pulls harder and feels a lot faster. Had one little software niggle which will get sorted when it's serviced shortly but bar that, very impressed. And quite a rare car too. As everyone's defaulting to crossovers and SUV's, these cars are seldom seen.

[Legacywr]

The budget?

I’ve had a 7.5 GTI Performance, an 8 R, and now have an 8.5 R.

All great cars, I love the 8.5 R.

I’d love a 40th Anniversary in green, though.

[downthepub]

I think they are great cars, had my 2023 GTI Clubsport for just over a year now. Purposely looked for one on the smaller 18” wheels with dynamic chassis control; the aim being a hot hatch which is fun to drive on an occasion but isn’t a pain in the arse when Mrs DTP or I are using the car for work or ferrying aged parents to the doctors. The ride is firm, well damped, but not uncomfortable in, er, comfort mode. It’s noticeably more “jiggly” on Scottish roads in Sport; Nurburgring mode, unique to DCC, softens the suspension but sharpens throttle response, steering, and really is a hoot.

Fine motorway cruiser, plenty comfortable for me. Just doublechecked with my wife as she took the car 4 up from Aberdeen to Glasgow and back in an afternoon last week. She thought it plenty comfortable and no complaints from the 3 passengers.

In saying all this I’ve not driven a non-DCC car.

[numtumfutunch]

Thanks everyone

Having seen available discounts I am fortunate enough to be considering a new car

Much as I value having fun on B roads I really need something that can go up and down the motorway network with some refinement as it will be our only car

[ZX10R NIN]

It depends on your budget?

Off the bat I'd suggest looking at a 240i, it's smallish fast comfortable & more refined on a long run than a GTI/hot hatch.

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202604231...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202605032...