Golf R or Clubsport ed40 - maybe with Stage 1 remap?

[five50]

As above. Not driven either yet. Am noting the Golf R’s ‘do it all’ creds, but then some are saying that it’s not the most engaging drive.

Like the appeal of a Golf for a number of reasons - but need 5 doors and DSG.

So also wondering about the non-S Clubsport Edition 40. Not sure whether that ups the excitement with a bit less traction or is more of the same. Struggling to find real comparative commentary.

Also, used 7.5 Golf R’s with the ‘satnav dashboard’ / cockpit are starting to move towards Clubsport asking prices.

Am thinking of buying outright but as wisely as possible (ie unlikely brand new) as prefer the flexibility of owning the car myself - unless a really outrageous lease comes along.

Can buy in late December if that is going to help me get a deal.

Open to any thoughts...

[anonymous-user]

If you want engaging by a Clubsport, if you want the perfect all rounder by an R. I’ve had GTIs and Rs for nearly twenty years, but I like the all weather capability of my current cars (both Rs) so much that I’m not sure I’d go back to a FWD Golf.

[st33ly]

I think the new 7.5 R has all the boxes ticked. Its fast comfortable and well specced. TBH my own situation is I am after either a Clubsport S or a Mk7.5 R. We are starting a family in the near future and apart from a S3 (The same car) there is nothing that ticks all the boxes. Clubsport S is a itch I need to scratch though. I love my megane RS R26.R but the build quality always annoys me. I would take the R as the new dash is just lovely and the lights are cool.

[rob1234]

I was in the same boat. Test drove Mk7.5 R and a CS40 - bought the Edition 40!

[five50]

Thanks - just preferred the drive?

[rob1234]

Yep - felt much lighter and just as fast. Obviously traction wasn't as good off the line, but everywhere else felt just as lively. Recaro seats absolutely brilliant also!

The Mk7.5 R had a much more annoying constant (fake?) engine noise, and the new 7 speed box drops to 6th every time you even tickle the throttle which I found annoying. It also didn't have the adaptive dampers, which I think are a must have. I' sure it's faster down a given (wet, bumpy, British) road - but road driving isn't a race and the CS40 is more than fast enough on the B roads round me where I do most of my driving, and comfortable and quiet on the motorway when needed.

[rob1234]

PS all other things being equal, a lightly used R is much better value though!

[five50]

I definitely think that perfect off the line traction is over rated if you want something that feels interactive to drive. 😃

[anonymous-user]

five50 said:

I definitely think that perfect off the line traction is over rated if you want something that feels interactive to drive. ??

I'd agree to a point. I've had many FWD Golfs, and it always amazes me when people talk about remapping them. The front wheels scrabbling around for traction isn't exactly enjoyable, and I've always ran mine with premium rubber. Maybe I've got a lead foot!

[five50]

In the past I had a Mini JCW with remap - found the tugging at the steering wheel a part of its character.
Probably not short of heavy right feet around here...

[SuperchargedVR6]

five50 said:

In the past I had a Mini JCW with remap - found the tugging at the steering wheel a part of its character.
Probably not short of heavy right feet around here...

Agreed. Exploring the limits of traction is something that amuses you, or it doesn't. The lack of drama from my old R32s nearly bored me to tears.

You won't get a lot of tugging of the wheel, mind. Torque steer has been absent since the MK5.

I've also had FWD and 4WD Golfs for a very long time and will always choose FWD because it's the essence of GTI. And let's remember it was a FWD Golf that set the ring record, not a 4WD one.

If you're into traffic light grand prix, or live in Scotland, the R may be the better choice. Everywhere else, the GTI is as good, or better.

[Priso]

Had a golf R and now the GTI with performance pack, GTI bit more fun to drive given the front breaks traction if you push it, the R just grips and goes, I’d go for edition 40 with bucket seats if you can get one more classic GTI.