RE: VW Golf R: Driven

[acme]

Appreciate its been discussed before but I do prefer the looks of the GTI, & the pre facelift standard 18's on the GTI were great, whereas the 18" Cadiz's (?) on the R were rubbish. I wonder why VW chose ones that are seemingly universally disliked (so people upgrade to the great looking Pretorias)?

One thing I don't get is why people call the R dull, it's a Golf FFS, that's almost it's 'raison d'etre'. And I say that running a MK7 myself (not a R though), it's so competent (& that's what makes it a great daily) it's also what makes it characterless.

Rather than moaning we should be celebrating a purple patch for hot hatches, there's almost every conceivable type for differing tastes, fill your boots

[2 sMoKiN bArReLs]

rufusgti said:

I'm a big fan of the R but if I'm honest I'd rather the Gti. Haven't driven either

And that for me sums this thread up.

All Golfs are great cars. Buy the one that you like, don't buy the one you don't.

Gti...fab car. Golf R fab car

[ashleyman]

SidewaysSi said:

Is the Golf genuinely exciting to drive at normal speeds? I have no doubt it will be capable and fast but in normal road conditions (NSL, roundabouts etc), is it genuinely exciting or does it demand pushing really very hard to get close to any sort of thrill?

Yes, it is. Had mine 1 year and it still surprises me at how good it is, was looking to change because of money but can't find anything that comes close so kept it. Round town it's extremely capable but it can be boring because just as that sense of speed is felt, you have to stop as you're at the speed limit. It grips really well so even when you do go round roundabouts or leave traffic lights it sticks to the road and goes well. It stops well too.

If you do push the car hard on the right roads, say 40mph+ with some bends and roundabouts it does come alive. There's a roundabout near me on a 40MPH road, go round that AT 40 and then power off up the straight at NSL and it's fantastic fun and leaves everything behind. Then when you press on really hard and get it on it's toes it really livens up. There have been times where I've shocked myself at how good it is, given myself butterflies in my stomach and slowed down. For example, being on an NSL road in Cornwall, come to a bend that's rated for 20MPH but being able to flick the car round it, get the back to step out and then power out of it at 50MPH all without so much as a screech from the tyres. It's a brilliant little car.

If you want a car thats fun to drive ALL THE TIME I don't know what car would really tick that box. If you want a car that will do it's job in town and relatively quietly (not talking Q car but just under the radar to most) and quickly but be an animal on the right roads at the right time then buy a Golf R.. My R is black with the 19's. I think it looks smart, but it's not out there and obvious like a blue M240 would be so does surprise some people as it's 'Just a Golf'.

Edited by ashleyman on Monday 17th April 18:21

[TomScrut]

acme said:

Appreciate its been discussed before but I do prefer the looks of the GTI, & the pre facelift standard 18's on the GTI were great, whereas the 18" Cadiz's (?) on the R were rubbish. I wonder why VW chose ones that are seemingly universally disliked (so people upgrade to the great looking Pretorias)?

One thing I don't get is why people call the R dull, it's a Golf FFS, that's almost it's 'raison d'etre'. And I say that running a MK7 myself (not a R though), it's so competent (& that's what makes it a great daily) it's also what makes it characterless.

Rather than moaning we should be celebrating a purple patch for hot hatches, there's almost every conceivable type for differing tastes, fill your boots

I prefer the Cadiz to the Pretoria, I think the Pretoria shows too much if the inside of the disc/hub for some reason, I.e. the centre is too small. I was very very wary when my car was on order that the wheels would look naff but I'm very happy with them and think 18" is better proportioned on the car. Cheaper to shoe too

[acme]

TomScrut said:

acme said:

Appreciate its been discussed before but I do prefer the looks of the GTI, & the pre facelift standard 18's on the GTI were great, whereas the 18" Cadiz's (?) on the R were rubbish. I wonder why VW chose ones that are seemingly universally disliked (so people upgrade to the great looking Pretorias)?

One thing I don't get is why people call the R dull, it's a Golf FFS, that's almost it's 'raison d'etre'. And I say that running a MK7 myself (not a R though), it's so competent (& that's what makes it a great daily) it's also what makes it characterless.

Rather than moaning we should be celebrating a purple patch for hot hatches, there's almost every conceivable type for differing tastes, fill your boots

I prefer the Cadiz to the Pretoria, I think the Pretoria shows too much if the inside of the disc/hub for some reason, I.e. the centre is too small. I was very very wary when my car was on order that the wheels would look naff but I'm very happy with them and think 18" is better proportioned on the car. Cheaper to shoe too

In fact I get exactly what you mean, the Pretorias do indeed 'show' too much, odd really.

I'd assume standard GTI wheels would fit a R, that'd be tempting. Must admit I often prefer smaller wheels for ride comfort & that the cars are often seemingly designed around them.

[Crumpet]

How does a Golf R compare to a previous generation Audi S3 (2012 model)? Is it similar in handling and steering feel? The numbers suggest it's a little bit quicker in a straight line but is it noticeable in the real world? Does the suspension feel more compliant (comfortable!) on British roads?

[limpsfield]

wormus said:

Different classes of car I'm afraid - Golf is a hatchback, Saab 9-5 is an (old) executive express.

Christ! This place sometimes!

[TomScrut]

Crumpet said:

How does a Golf R compare to a previous generation Audi S3 (2012 model)? Is it similar in handling and steering feel? The numbers suggest it's a little bit quicker in a straight line but is it noticeable in the real world? Does the suspension feel more compliant (comfortable!) on British roads?

Is that one of the last 265hp models or an early 300hp one?

The Golf is supposedly far better to drive than its S3 brother, although I haven't driven an S3 (I nearly replaced the Golf with one but ended up with an S5). The brand new S3 is meant to have improved a bit in this respect.

[Crumpet]

TomScrut said:

Is that one of the last 265hp models or an early 300hp one?

The Golf is supposedly far better to drive than its S3 brother, although I haven't driven an S3 (I nearly replaced the Golf with one but ended up with an S5). The brand new S3 is meant to have improved a bit in this respect.

I suspect it's a 265bhp S3 (it's my 65 year old mother's car!). I'm not very good with my VAG knowledge but as it's a 2012 I expect it's the last of the old 265bhp model. The only reason I ask is that while it's relatively fast I find it to be completely unengaging from a 'feel' point of view - it goes from A to B quickly with little effort but it never excites me. I do wonder whether I'd find the Golf R the same (I'm sure it's an excellent car but it's not the type of thing that excites me).

[scherzkeks]

Crumpet said:

TomScrut said:

Is that one of the last 265hp models or an early 300hp one?

The Golf is supposedly far better to drive than its S3 brother, although I haven't driven an S3 (I nearly replaced the Golf with one but ended up with an S5). The brand new S3 is meant to have improved a bit in this respect.

I suspect it's a 265bhp S3 (it's my 65 year old mother's car!). I'm not very good with my VAG knowledge but as it's a 2012 I expect it's the last of the old 265bhp model. The only reason I ask is that while it's relatively fast I find it to be completely unengaging from a 'feel' point of view - it goes from A to B quickly with little effort but it never excites me. I do wonder whether I'd find the Golf R the same (I'm sure it's an excellent car but it's not the type of thing that excites me).

I found it quite easy to get the back end out in mine when I had it (2009 sportback model). Car always felt lively and sprightly on B-roads. The only glaring negative I found on that chassis is that the rear was not planted at high speed elevation changes on the autobahns here in Germany. People always go on about how great these cars are for covering great distances at pace, but this was not a car for high speed cruising.

[TomScrut]

scherzkeks said:

People always go on about how great these cars are for covering great distances at pace, but this was not a car for high speed cruising.

I think this is mostly in reference to (when it comes to Audis) where they say they are very fast A-B on such as a B road but don't do anything to excite rather than a great way to cover autobahn miles.

I have just gone from a Golf R to an S5 Sportback and its ability to cover high speed miles on a motorway is vastly superior to the Golf, and very similar on a B road even if the Golf is more chuck-able with better steering.

[scherzkeks]

TomScrut said:

scherzkeks said:

People always go on about how great these cars are for covering great distances at pace, but this was not a car for high speed cruising.

I think this is mostly in reference to (when it comes to Audis) where they say they are very fast A-B on such as a B road but don't do anything to excite rather than a great way to cover autobahn miles.

I have just gone from a Golf R to an S5 Sportback and its ability to cover high speed miles on a motorway is vastly superior to the Golf, and very similar on a B road even if the Golf is more chuck-able with better steering.

Yes, was just saying that I found mine to not be a very great way to cover autobahn miles here in Germany. At speeds above 145 km/h, the car was a bit nervous and the rear was prone to dancing. Not confidence inspiring, and downright scary on a few occasions. Changed direction well on B-roads however.

Current Merc cruises like nobody's business.

[GloriaGTI]

scherzkeks said:

Yes, was just saying that I found mine to not be a very great way to cover autobahn miles here in Germany. At speeds above 145 km/h, the car was a bit nervous and the rear was prone to dancing.

Has this got anything to do with the rear track width being narrower than the front?

[M1C]

Crumpet said:

TomScrut said:

Is that one of the last 265hp models or an early 300hp one?

The Golf is supposedly far better to drive than its S3 brother, although I haven't driven an S3 (I nearly replaced the Golf with one but ended up with an S5). The brand new S3 is meant to have improved a bit in this respect.

I suspect it's a 265bhp S3 (it's my 65 year old mother's car!). I'm not very good with my VAG knowledge but as it's a 2012 I expect it's the last of the old 265bhp model. The only reason I ask is that while it's relatively fast I find it to be completely unengaging from a 'feel' point of view - it goes from A to B quickly with little effort but it never excites me. I do wonder whether I'd find the Golf R the same (I'm sure it's an excellent car but it's not the type of thing that excites me).

I know exactly what you mean. I used to work for a VW franchise (and Seat) and drove the Mk6 Golf R....it was....so accomplished...but like...not exciting! Quick, for sure...but....not exciting. I drove a Leon Cupra R at the same time (2011ish) and the Leon was SO much more fun! Not as 'nice' in many ways...but from a driving fun perspective...vastly more engaging.

[Baz Tench]

I currently drive a leggy (144000), but still very sharp manual e46 M3.

I've never had a new car before, but I really quite fancy something like a new R. The alternative being a used e92 M3, but I can't make my mind up about them.

There is a lot of snobbery in this thread re: leasing etc. but who cares? Though if I did get one, I'd probably go down the buying route to get the spec I'd like.

[TomScrut]

Baz Tench said:

I currently drive a leggy (144000), but still very sharp manual e46 M3.

I've never had a new car before, but I really quite fancy something like a new R. The alternative being a used e92 M3, but I can't make my mind up about them.

There is a lot of snobbery in this thread re: leasing etc. but who cares? Though if I did get one, I'd probably go down the buying route to get the spec I'd like.

If you wanted a high spec then yes you would want to be buying IMO. Adding the 19s and metallic is probably viable on a lease but leather for example would kill it.

[mrnoisy78]

Baz Tench said:

I currently drive a leggy (144000), but still very sharp manual e46 M3.

I've never had a new car before, but I really quite fancy something like a new R. The alternative being a used e92 M3, but I can't make my mind up about them.

There is a lot of snobbery in this thread re: leasing etc. but who cares? Though if I did get one, I'd probably go down the buying route to get the spec I'd like.

The Golf is an ok car for everyday use but ultimately it all depends on what you're used to.

I came from a 440bhp Subaru and was looking for something more refined whilst still fast.
I bought an E92 and it's superb in so many ways BUT for me doesn't deliver excitement factor unless you're driving it at 8 or 9/10's all the time.
Tried an RS3 (superb engine, suspension too hard), RS5 (lovely looking but slow compared to the M3 and awful handling), M4 (no more exciting, better ride though), Mk3 Focus RS, FK2 Civic Type R (great fun to drive but way way too hard a ride) and a Golf R.
The Golf R was I suppose the median of everything but because of that didn't really stand out in any way, just felt very average and didn't excite me. I felt the gearing was designed more for Autobahn than UK driving. The handling felt good, ride was supple but interior - despite what many will doubtless say - is just not much more special than a Focus; it's certainly no BMW or Audi.
I actually ended up in a Focus RS but bad move, just wasn't practical and it's most definitely overhyped even with a map and upgrade pack, so now in a C63 PPP, much happier. Silly car, terrible mpg but I don't give two hoots about that because it is simply hugely entertaining to drive whilst being a very practical car for the family.
Maybe not a long distance commuting option, and it's not an M in terms of handling, but the power and that soundtrack has me hooked!

The Golf R is a safe middle of the road option. If you've had fast cars (I'm talking 400+ bhp) it's not going to set your world on fire but if it's your first hot hatch it's got style many of its competitors won't be able to match.
I do hear they respond very well to a map though but then you're on the slippery slope of modding. RS3 has massive potential for a fast 4WD hatch - even though the interior looks like a Golf with different seats!

Edited by mrnoisy78 on Thursday 20th April 20:40

[J4CKO]

wormus said:

TomScrut said:

Not to mention that if spending £7k or whatever to lease a new Golf can be deemed daft by some, spending £3k modding a 20 year old £500 car is pretty insane! Unless the OP has bought the car for £500 with the mods which also wouldn't be a surprise.

How so? Spend £3.5k on a car to have a car at the end of it or £7k on a shopping trolley and have to give it back after 2 years?

I'm not suggesting an old Saab is the pinnacle of automotive performance or sophistication, just illustrating that there are other ways to go fast for less. That won't appeal to some who are only concerned about renting the latest appliance, Each to their own.

How is a Golf R "an appliance" and a Saab not, same market space in their respective time zones, a Saab now is a cheap and interesting option, but not everyone wants one, I had two and enjoyed them but the MK7 Golf is way, way ahead in every way, it is called progress and perhaps why Saab failed, I hate it as VW is like Marks and Spencers, darling of the middle classes, but they do things well, a Golf R has that plus the sporting edge, and then some, epic car for the money.

[ClockworkCupcake]

wormus said:

I'm not suggesting an old Saab is the pinnacle of automotive performance or sophistication, just illustrating that there are other ways to go fast for less. That won't appeal to some who are only concerned about renting the latest appliance, Each to their own.

And going fast is the be-all and end-all of a car purchasing decision, is it? I've got a TVR Sagaris for doing that, if we're going to go in for dick-swinging here.

Maybe some people want all the practicality of a Mk7 Golf, but want a bit of oomph and handling on the very rare occasions that the opportunity presents itself? With roads so congested these days, being able to set the Adaptive Cruise Control on the Mk7 Golf and just follow the car in front until the right road comes along is more important than a one-trick-pony car that is fast but uncomfortable and lacking in day-to-day practicality.

Edited by ClockworkCupcake on Thursday 20th April 21:24

[TomScrut]

ClockworkCupcake said:

And going fast is the be-all and end-all of a car purchasing decision, is it? I've got a TVR Sagaris for doing that, if we're going to go in for dick-swinging here.

Maybe some people want all the practicality of a Mk7 Golf, but want a bit of oomph and handling on the very rare occasions that the opportunity presents itself? With roads so congested these days, being able to set the Adaptive Cruise Control on the Mk7 Golf and just follow the car in front until the right road comes along is more important than a one-trick-pony car that is fast but uncomfortable and lacking in day-to-day practicality.

Edited by ClockworkCupcake on Thursday 20th April 21:24

That's exactly it for me. Having a Sunday car would probably be pointless for me since that's when the decent roads clog up round here!