How good is VW Golf GTI Performance?

How good is VW Golf GTI Performance?

Author
Discussion

tallpaul26

Original Poster:

458 posts

220 months

Tuesday 18th February 2020
quotequote all
I've got an extremely tempting deal lined up for a run-out Golf GTI Performance with DSG.


I was all set to FTQ but the test drive has left me a little cold. I'm coming out of a 1 series, and the upsides of the Golf are actually what seem to be the most dissappointing i.e. it's more comfortable, better tech. Despite being objectively 'better' by most measures, weirdly the low, impractical, slightly crashy ride of the BMW 'feels' better.


For those who've been living with a GTI PP for a while, how are you finding it long term?

acme

2,971 posts

199 months

Tuesday 18th February 2020
quotequote all
Perhaps not the most helpful reply, but I had a non GTI MK7 Golf for 86k miles, and the human interface element of it just works so well, it's just so intuitive, a massively adjustable seating position and a seat you can get nice and low.

It says an awful lot that after a year out of one I'm also looking for a GTI PP in manual.

Prior to the Golf I had a 120D for a weekend/500 miles on test, I was in no doubt I made the right decision with the Golf, especially for the 20-25k pa I did.

Edited by acme on Tuesday 18th February 12:51

Mo28

907 posts

101 months

Tuesday 18th February 2020
quotequote all
Out of interest, what deal did you get?

bobsavage789

657 posts

55 months

Tuesday 18th February 2020
quotequote all
tallpaul26 said:
I've got an extremely tempting deal lined up for a run-out Golf GTI Performance with DSG.


I was all set to FTQ but the test drive has left me a little cold. I'm coming out of a 1 series, and the upsides of the Golf are actually what seem to be the most dissappointing i.e. it's more comfortable, better tech. Despite being objectively 'better' by most measures, weirdly the low, impractical, slightly crashy ride of the BMW 'feels' better.


For those who've been living with a GTI PP for a while, how are you finding it long term?
I've had a mk VII GTI PP manual for high-end 3 years now, and completely understand what you mean about not being blown away.

However...

It's a relentlessly practical and reliable car, which is still more than capable of putting a smile on my face. Also, the standard equipment is extensive and impressive (I don't know how I'd cope without ACC now!). I believe the 7.5 is even better (larger screen; digital dash).

Other benefits are: cheap insurance (a m140i was £800; Golf GTI £400), reasonable fuel economy (I get ca. 30mpg in my 6 mile, 19mph average commute), cheapish servicing and tyres.

When buying, I also test drove a Golf R and GTI PP DSG. I found the R too heavy, and preferred the involvement of the manual. Yes, the R gives you more pace/power, BUT they're far more common (from what I've seen) and the GTI just feels so nimble.

It's a fab car to commute in, and does just enough to keep me entertained on the right sort of roads.

Acme: I'm actually planning on selling mine in the summer (64 plate; 27k). PM me if you're interested!

ZX10R NIN

27,632 posts

126 months

Tuesday 18th February 2020
quotequote all
It depends on what you want from your car? Have you tried any other alternatives?

tallpaul26

Original Poster:

458 posts

220 months

Tuesday 18th February 2020
quotequote all

Cheers for the replies. I think I’m partly disappointed at what north of £30k actually gets you. It seems like such a lot of money for ‘just a golf’ even if the actual spec is pretty phenomenal.

ZX10R NIN said:
It depends on what you want from your car? Have you tried any other alternatives?


Such as? I don’t really want to go up a class in size and I can’t really get excited about any of the GTI’s peers. Maybe the S3 sportback but it’s not the same thing and is consequently even more expensive! I really don’t want a Ford, Hyundai, Renault or Peugeot. Currently in a BMW 1er, I’ve no love for Merc A35. Basically, I was certain a GTI was the answer, hence my disappointment.

Baked_bean

1,908 posts

193 months

Wednesday 19th February 2020
quotequote all
I work for VW and have primarily had GTI Performances as company cars, they are a brilliant everyday car. They have all the comforts you need and the base car is brilliant. The cars talents reveal themselves over time and down the right roads they still make me smile.

The R is faster and better away from the line but is a less involving drive IMO.