Swapped Audi for Golf R sate - mini review

[phatmanace]

I traded in my 2006 Audi A4 Avant (2.0T) for a golf R estate, which looks a bit like this



(obviously, mine is RHD with english plates )

its a great car: quite similar to the Audi, Fast, 4wd estate, 2.0L turbo (although the golf has two, the audi only had one)

We downsized slightly, although the audi's arches encroached into the boot a bit, so the golf, although smaller I think, seems to have a very similar sized 'useful' area.

Its loaded with toys (My Audi had almost none) - the radar guided cruise control is particularly good, and both Mrs C and I love being able to listen to spotify in the car.

I'm also pretty impressed with the DSG gearbox - very little slop and it changed gear quicker than I can.

The power is brilliant, and with 4WD, it seems to scamper round corners like some crazed cat. When you hammer down a straight in race mode (yup, it's really called that) - the noise and the gear changes are great and you get the auto-blipper when you need to slow down. Pretty sure at least some of the noise is fake, but I don't really care - it sounds nice!

I get about the same economy as my audi and the Tax is a little cheaper, which seems a good trade for an extra 60 bhp

Negatives: road noise a little intrusive if the tarmac is crappy, or the tarmac is concrete (like on the M25 between the M23 and the M4) - and the ride is pretty hard. Also the stop start combined with DSG is a little weird, in stop/start traffic the car lurches slightly when you dab the throttle to start the engine and go - I've gotten into the habit of dabbing the thottle with my heel/right hand side of my foot to start the engine just before I want to move, then the pull-away is a bit smoother.

Any questions, let me know.

[Ahbefive]

phatmanace said:

2.0L turbo (although the golf has two, the audi only had one)

Nope, the Golf only has one too, unless you have installed another.

[shtu]

phatmanace said:

Also the stop start combined with DSG is a little weird, in stop/start traffic the car lurches slightly when you dab the throttle to start the engine and go

Shouldn't need to use the throttle, the car will restart when the one in front moves.

[Ceeejay]

phatmanace said:

Also the stop start combined with DSG is a little weird, in stop/start traffic the car lurches slightly when you dab the throttle to start the engine and go - I've gotten into the habit of dabbing the thottle with my heel/right hand side of my foot to start the engine just before I want to move, then the pull-away is a bit smoother.

Any questions, let me know.

Try this instead. if you give the steering wheel a bit of a waggle, the system decides you need the engine on, so the power steering can be activated.

You dont need to turn the wheel much. Feels heavy because no power steering. Engine will start, and you wont move off. Prevents over dabbing the accelerator and releasing the brakes.

[acme]

shtu said:

Shouldn't need to use the throttle, the car will restart when the one in front moves.

I think what's being referred to here is both starting the engine and having auto hold engaged, in essence the engine starts and at the same time the handbrake comes off, mine too jolts in this scenario, I too tap the throttle to re-start the engine when I see traffic up ahead moving, thus separating the engine and handbrake release.

As has been noted with ACC on the car recognises the car in front has moved & re-starts the engine, you can then tap the throttle or the reset button.

[Alucidnation]

shtu said:

phatmanace said:

Also the stop start combined with DSG is a little weird, in stop/start traffic the car lurches slightly when you dab the throttle to start the engine and go

Shouldn't need to use the throttle, the car will restart when the one in front moves.

I thought it was governed on when you take your foot off the brake in an auto, or you dip the clutch on a manual.

[shtu]

Here's how it works in mine,

Auto hold on.
Drive up, stop. Green light on dash, engine stopped.
Leave in "D", feet off everything.
Wait for car in front to move.
Engine restarts as car in front moves.

tbh I can't remember the last time I used the handbrake switch.

(edit, no jolt here, auto hold stays on until you press throttle. Maybe trade-in those diver's boots. )

[T0M]

You don't need to turn off S/S every time - just be gentler with the brake when pulling up to a halt.

Leave auto-hold activated, but when you roll up to the traffic lights don't jam the brakes on when you transition to stationary - apply JUST the right amount brake pressure for the car to stop and the green auto-hold light come on allowing you to release the brake and auto-hold, without engine cutting out - too firm on the brakes and the engine will cut out.

[anonymous-user]

Turn off your autohold on the handbrake. Car will restart the minute you lift off the foot brake - no need to touch the accelerator. Much smoother.

[va1o]

Shouldn't need to, as mentioned a couple of posts up you can leave Auto Hold on and modulate when the Start/ Stop kicks in depending how much pressure is applied to the brake pedal. Also you can restart the engine but not release the brakes by just lightly pressing the accelerator