Mk 6 VW Golf GTI

[dom180]

Any information on the forthcoming mk6 GTI? - Autocar indicate that the mk6 Golf will be released in the Autumn.

[steebo888]

doubt it will be this Autumn, probably 2009 as the GTI does get released till about 6-12 months after.

[dom180]

Yes, last time there was a fair wait until the GTI turned up - I haven't really read anything about the new GTI and wondered if I'd missed something!

[deviant]

I was in a VW dealership nosing round a Golf GTI and chatting to a salesman and he said late 2008, 2.0 litres turbo / supercharged engine and DSG is getting 7 gears.

[my93wrx]

VW also told me that the Mk5 was so over engineered they are under engineering the Mk6 to save production costs, for example not continuing with the Multi link suspesion and going back to a more conventional set up.

[SMB]

deviant said:

I was in a VW dealership nosing round a Golf GTI and chatting to a salesman and he said late 2008, 2.0 litres turbo / supercharged engine and DSG is getting 7 gears.

DSG 7 gears is for low torque models typically, no mention of it for GTI type cars.
The 2 litre turbo/supercharged will probably be a mis representation of the change of name by VW from TFSI to TSI ( TSI being used previously for the 1.4 turbo/supercharged engine)The 2.0 TSI engine ( update to current 2.0 litre turbo with chain drive and different fuel pump /ECU) is shipping into the states already in some models in the current cars.

[waynepixel]

my93wrx said:

VW also told me that the Mk5 was so over engineered they are under engineering the Mk6 to save production costs, for example not continuing with the Multi link suspesion and going back to a more conventional set up.

That a great idea then, the Mk6 should be real crap.

[Welshbeef]

SMB said:

deviant said:

I was in a VW dealership nosing round a Golf GTI and chatting to a salesman and he said late 2008, 2.0 litres turbo / supercharged engine and DSG is getting 7 gears.

DSG 7 gears is for low torque models typically, no mention of it for GTI type cars.
The 2 litre turbo/supercharged will probably be a mis representation of the change of name by VW from TFSI to TSI ( TSI being used previously for the 1.4 turbo/supercharged engine)The 2.0 TSI engine ( update to current 2.0 litre turbo with chain drive and different fuel pump /ECU) is shipping into the states already in some models in the current cars.

Cam chains....AT LONG LAST - reduced klonger term running costs, no more cam belt worries every 4 years. Bliss

[Biggriff]

Not quite as straightforward as the Mk6 will be crap.

The base Mk6 models will have more simple rear suspension but my understanding from someone within VAG HQ is that top models retain multilink.

The 7 speed DSG was also confirmed, but nothing definite on the standard 230bhp engine, although with the megane, focus etc all at 230bhp I cant see how it could not be the case.

The Mk5 is notoriously expensive to produce and VW will save costs in places you cant see. I dont think they will be crap, just easier to produce (hence more profit).

The R36 was not confirmed and the view was R32 still, but as all the other performance models will be R36 I cant see that this wont happen either.

[Welshbeef]

It is a well know fact that the Mk4 was much better built than the Mk5 Autocar & Autoexpress covered this at the time of the launch.

[SMB]

Welshbeef said:

It is a well know fact that the Mk4 was much better built than the Mk5 Autocar & Autoexpress covered this at the time of the launch.

don't think you can say this, Mk4 had a better feel to the interior, but instances of waterpump failure, temperature sender failure, cd changer failure, valve failure on 20v, breaking window regulators, leaking rear brake pipes etc, don't equal drastically better build to me.

[Ecurie Ecosse]

The Mk6 is due out so soon?

It only seems like yesterday that the Mk5 came out!

[Welshbeef]

Ecurie Ecosse said:

The Mk6 is due out so soon?

It only seems like yesterday that the Mk5 came out!

The Mk5 was first out on 53 reg cars.... 5 years ago now!!!However most really started on the "04" reg.

[my93wrx]

Biggriff said:

my understanding from someone within VAG HQ is that top models retain multilink.

Thats a bit of a relief then, as like the handling on my Mk5 GTI

[steebo888]

I think Honda did this on the new civic type r by having a torsion bar to save money as Top Gear pointed out saying how bad it made it.

[deviant]

steebo888 said:

I think Honda did this on the new civic type r by having a torsion bar to save money as Top Gear pointed out saying how bad it made it.

Ah that would be the Jeremy Clarkson way of testing a car....heave on the steering wheel and stomp on the throttle in 2nd / 3rd gear and then moan about understeer.

Top Gear magazine did an artical with the Stig driving various hot hatches on the track and he rated the Civic at the top as being the best on track.

[BBYeah]

Any news on when the GTI is expected to launch yet?

Also, anyone hazard a guess at pricing and possible discounts? I'm considering a Mk 5 GTI at the moment but if the Mk 6 will be out soon and won't be a lot more I'd like to look at that too.

[baz1985]

BBYeah said:

Any news on when the GTI is expected to launch yet?

Also, anyone hazard a guess at pricing and possible discounts? I'm considering a Mk 5 GTI at the moment but if the Mk 6 will be out soon and won't be a lot more I'd like to look at that too.

its on VW UK website now...for pre-reg info

[havoc]

Biggriff said:

Not quite as straightforward as the Mk6 will be crap.

The base Mk6 models will have more simple rear suspension but my understanding from someone within VAG HQ is that top models retain multilink.

The 7 speed DSG was also confirmed, but nothing definite on the standard 230bhp engine, although with the megane, focus etc all at 230bhp I cant see how it could not be the case.

The Mk5 is notoriously expensive to produce and VW will save costs in places you cant see. I dont think they will be crap, just easier to produce (hence more profit).

The R36 was not confirmed and the view was R32 still, but as all the other performance models will be R36 I cant see that this wont happen either.

Pretty much my understanding.

Also, AIUI, the Scirocco means there is ZERO point in getting the 3dr MkVI, as residuals will be terrible.

Re: Mk IV / V / VI and build...
- IV was built to 'feel' properly premium, and did. Good ones still feel hewn from granite. Reliability however took a tumble from the 1980's reputation. Dynamically, however, it was shocking...quick in a straight line, out of ideas on anything twisty.
- V was the response to the dynamic criticism, and it drives very nicely - not a hardcore hot-hatch, more a polished all-rounder - think GTi-6 built in Germany. But interior quality took a step back to keep the price affordable.
- VI (as stated above) intended to make more money for VW by using better production methods. Actually a "Mk5 and a half" I believe. Interior touted as better, but I'd venture it'll be little different. Dynamically??? The cooking models haven't been well-received, but the comments above by Redgriff offer some hope...


Conclusion:
- If you have to have a new car, buy the Scirocco!
- If you have to have 5 doors, you won't feel shortchanged if you buy a pre-reg MkV and save yourself some money!