RE: VW Golf R: Driven
Discussion
ClockworkCupcake said:
I've got a TVR Sagaris for doing that, if we're going to go in for dick-swinging here. 
Well you and your TVR are in good company with my Saab then. Both cars from an era nobody cares about built by manufacturers that no longer exist. Difference is my Saab is not only better built but has a heater that works and can be used all year round. You won't win any dick swinging contests either
wormus said:
Well you and your TVR are in good company with my Saab then. Both cars from an era nobody cares about built by manufacturers that no longer exist. Difference is my Saab is not only better built but has a heater that works and can be used all year round.
And, again, you totally miss the point. wormus said:
You won't win any dick swinging contests either
Well that's certainly true. 
ClockworkCupcake said:
And, again, you totally miss the point.
Perhaps that's because it's not totally clear? Golf R is a good car, no doubt but all the points made so far could equally said about the GTD which is just as practical and a great shopping car.
I think the reason most aquire them is because they are cheap to rent and have a reputation for being fast which of course is a relative term. But let's not pretend they don't have a reputation as a bit of a Nedmobile as the only reason PH keep coughing up these articles is becuase they provoke this sort of reaction.
Everyone wants something different in their car. Reality is that most people these days want a new car with a fancy badge and speed above all else which the R provides for not much cash. And that includes most people on PH.
Something older with more feel which is probably better looking and more fun is not really that important for them.
I don't mind the Golf. Can see how it may fit in my life. But I am not slightly excited by the prospect of owning one or think it will be anything more than a white good. Depends how hard you are willing to push on the road IMO and it is hardly a track car.
Something older with more feel which is probably better looking and more fun is not really that important for them.
I don't mind the Golf. Can see how it may fit in my life. But I am not slightly excited by the prospect of owning one or think it will be anything more than a white good. Depends how hard you are willing to push on the road IMO and it is hardly a track car.
wormus said:
Golf R is a good car, no doubt but all the points made so far could equally said about the GTD which is just as practical and a great shopping car.
I think the reason most aquire them is because they are cheap to rent and have a reputation for being fast which of course is a relative term. But let's not pretend they don't have a reputation as a bit of a Nedmobile as the only reason PH keep coughing up these articles is becuase they provoke this sort of reaction.
All the points? The GTD is a fair bit slower in a straight line, which is one of the key points made surely? Not to mention (at least when I leased mine) the R was cheaper than both GTD or GTI. And I know a few people with them none of which are neds (and I aren't even if I am wearing a hoodie when typing this)! Unless you are suggesting neds like to steal them, which I agree with they do.I think the reason most aquire them is because they are cheap to rent and have a reputation for being fast which of course is a relative term. But let's not pretend they don't have a reputation as a bit of a Nedmobile as the only reason PH keep coughing up these articles is becuase they provoke this sort of reaction.
But they reason so many get stolen is actually the reason why many people have them to begin with, a car with space for several occupants with some "gear" and are about as fast as anything within realistic limits on the road whilst being very accessible i.e. not necessarily needing to be a fantastic driver to get nearly the most out of it. If you were going to break the law, stealing a car to do another breaking the law job you would want to have faith in the car you were nicking. I'm not suggesting other cars like this aren't available, but I know for a fact when I ordered mine it stood out from a value for money perspective (compared to other new cars of course).
And now it is going back next week I don't regret getting it at all, although there is in some respects not a lot to shout about (which is a lot of peoples issues) the only thing I didn't like was that I couldn't turn the soundaktor off without disconnecting it or plugging something in to the OBD. And they sorted that for the 2016 MY anyway so is no longer relevant. And I think a long term average of 31mpg is good for a 4WD 300PS petrol car.
I've recently bought one, not leased. I've been lucky enough to own a fair few performance cars, and I can honestly say pound for pound, this is possibly the best car I've had.
I love the understated looks, the interior is great, boot space is enough for the weekly shop, everything is well thought out.
Performance certainly 'feels' quicker than the figures suggest, and the grip is brilliant.
I can get my family in it, does the motorway cruise well, and is a blast down single lane roads.
The dsg imho is much nicer than say dct from BMW, I can't fault it.
I've grown tired of fast rwd cars, the lack of grip, traction issues etc, this thing on the other hand is fantastic!
I love the understated looks, the interior is great, boot space is enough for the weekly shop, everything is well thought out.
Performance certainly 'feels' quicker than the figures suggest, and the grip is brilliant.
I can get my family in it, does the motorway cruise well, and is a blast down single lane roads.
The dsg imho is much nicer than say dct from BMW, I can't fault it.
I've grown tired of fast rwd cars, the lack of grip, traction issues etc, this thing on the other hand is fantastic!
spudgun08 said:
I've recently bought one, not leased. I've been lucky enough to own a fair few performance cars, and I can honestly say pound for pound, this is possibly the best car I've had.
I love the understated looks, the interior is great, boot space is enough for the weekly shop, everything is well thought out.
Performance certainly 'feels' quicker than the figures suggest, and the grip is brilliant.
I can get my family in it, does the motorway cruise well, and is a blast down single lane roads.
The dsg imho is much nicer than say dct from BMW, I can't fault it.
I've grown tired of fast rwd cars, the lack of grip, traction issues etc, this thing on the other hand is fantastic!
All the reasons it holds little appeal for me. We all have different needs...I love the understated looks, the interior is great, boot space is enough for the weekly shop, everything is well thought out.
Performance certainly 'feels' quicker than the figures suggest, and the grip is brilliant.
I can get my family in it, does the motorway cruise well, and is a blast down single lane roads.
The dsg imho is much nicer than say dct from BMW, I can't fault it.
I've grown tired of fast rwd cars, the lack of grip, traction issues etc, this thing on the other hand is fantastic!
SidewaysSi said:
All the reasons it holds little appeal for me. We all have different needs...
Indeed. It would be nice if the most vocal detractors on this thread would realise that, rather than trying to "prove" that this makes them superior to anyone who likes the Golf R.One man's meat is another man's poison, as the saying goes.
ClockworkCupcake said:
SidewaysSi said:
All the reasons it holds little appeal for me. We all have different needs...
Indeed. It would be nice if the most vocal detractors on this thread would realise that, rather than trying to "prove" that this makes them superior to anyone who likes the Golf R.One man's meat is another man's poison, as the saying goes.
SidewaysSi said:
True. But I like my cars purer and more involving than a new Golf. Reality is that I don't see someone who only has an R as being a the sort of car guy I would relate to.
What cars available new are pure enough for you?Then out of that how many are practical enough for everyday use to somebody with a family?
TomScrut said:
SidewaysSi said:
True. But I like my cars purer and more involving than a new Golf. Reality is that I don't see someone who only has an R as being a the sort of car guy I would relate to.
What cars available new are pure enough for you?Then out of that how many are practical enough for everyday use to somebody with a family?
-Any Lotus, particularly the current Exige
-Alfa Quadrofoglio, Merc C63
-Current Megane 275 Cup
-Any Porsche GT car
-Volvo V90
I like focused cars and for me the Golf covers too many bases. But that is its appeal for some but for me, it lacks singular focus as a result.
Of course, if I had a gun to my head to buy a new car for £300 a month which had to do everything and I could only own one vehicle then it would get a look in.
Given most of us are not in that position, I would question whether the owner of an R and nothing else is a true car guy.
I am not against new cars at all, I have a Cayman GT4 after all. But my family car for carrying the wife and kid is an old oversteery BMW coupe.
Ahbefive said:
DoubleD said:
wormus said:
DoubleD said:
If a Golf is a "shopping trolley" then what is a saab.......an old "shopping trolley"
Different classes of car I'm afraid - Golf is a hatchback, Saab 9-5 is an (old) executive express.I'm sorry but the 2 are incomparable. The banger that's had £3.5k spunked on it is still only worth banger money.
I'm speaking as someone who runs bangers/old cars too.
I've had my "Nedmobile" (
) Golf R for a little while now; nearly 2 years and, even though I've only covered 6700 miles in it owing to frequent trips abroad, I know it well enough to compare it favourably to my previous 911, remapped 335i, Z4M etc as well as more exotic metal that I've had the pleasure of driving.
I didn't know about the lease deals when I bought mine otherwise I may have taken advantage of one rather than purchasing. I'm perfectly ok with financing and leasing; no snobbery there and I like that the Golf is a Family-mobile first and not a Track demon.
I've also experienced a particular neighbour thinking I'm getting poorer somehow having gone from a Porsche 911 to a "little Golf" as he called it. He enjoyed telling me his new-ish Audi was paid for. That's nice, I thought, my UK home is paid for and worth a lot more than his and my other home is nearly paid for and worth more than my UK home. All going well, I'll be emigrated and retired or semi-retired before the age of 49 later this year. But the penalty will be I won't be able to afford an expensive car. Which may mean some people will believe my car choice demonstrates I'm not a 'car enthusiast'. Maybe preferring my home and laid-back Lifestyle in a place with an average of 300 days of Sunshine does indicate a lack of love for cars.
I do like cars though and not just to look at.
The Golf R has been a joy to own and drive. It has been a pleasure on long trips to mainland Europe and I think it is the best car I've had for Suburbia; Town and City use.
It isn't a Sports car like a Porsche Boxster or a 911 is. It isn't as Track-focussed as some other 'Hot Hatches' are. It isn't even the fastest 'Hot Hatch'. So is it the car equivalent of "white goods" as some Posters here like to denigrate it as?
Not in my opinion. It is a car that can fulfil the small Family-vehicle role very well but it is more than that; it does evoke the spirit of the 'Hot Hatch' even if it isn't the sharpest, fastest or most characterful. It is, simply, very capable at doing everything. It doesn't need to be best at any one thing or everything - albeit it can be argued that it is the best at being good at everything. And that is where it sells itself; it is what many - including myself - prefer.
It isn't 'shouty' it isn't brash. It is a car that can go from A-B without drama, looking sensible and good while also appearing nondescript and yet able to produce a turn of speed and driveability to bring a smile when the opportunity arises.
For some, its lack of a distinct character or racy looks - or even an appearance to stand out from the crowd of other Golf's and small cars - leaves them cold. Some can't get their jollies in anything that doesn't have 1000bhp and scrapes their bottoms on the tarmac or cause heads to turn as they glide by with a massive whale-tail stuck to their rear. Some need attention. I get that. But it is precisely the qualities the Golf does and doesn't have that endears it to others, like me. I can have fun in this car while not causing a stir. It is, after all, a quick 296bhp car. And the best small car at being good at everything.
) Golf R for a little while now; nearly 2 years and, even though I've only covered 6700 miles in it owing to frequent trips abroad, I know it well enough to compare it favourably to my previous 911, remapped 335i, Z4M etc as well as more exotic metal that I've had the pleasure of driving. I didn't know about the lease deals when I bought mine otherwise I may have taken advantage of one rather than purchasing. I'm perfectly ok with financing and leasing; no snobbery there and I like that the Golf is a Family-mobile first and not a Track demon.
I've also experienced a particular neighbour thinking I'm getting poorer somehow having gone from a Porsche 911 to a "little Golf" as he called it. He enjoyed telling me his new-ish Audi was paid for. That's nice, I thought, my UK home is paid for and worth a lot more than his and my other home is nearly paid for and worth more than my UK home. All going well, I'll be emigrated and retired or semi-retired before the age of 49 later this year. But the penalty will be I won't be able to afford an expensive car. Which may mean some people will believe my car choice demonstrates I'm not a 'car enthusiast'. Maybe preferring my home and laid-back Lifestyle in a place with an average of 300 days of Sunshine does indicate a lack of love for cars.
I do like cars though and not just to look at.
The Golf R has been a joy to own and drive. It has been a pleasure on long trips to mainland Europe and I think it is the best car I've had for Suburbia; Town and City use.
It isn't a Sports car like a Porsche Boxster or a 911 is. It isn't as Track-focussed as some other 'Hot Hatches' are. It isn't even the fastest 'Hot Hatch'. So is it the car equivalent of "white goods" as some Posters here like to denigrate it as?
Not in my opinion. It is a car that can fulfil the small Family-vehicle role very well but it is more than that; it does evoke the spirit of the 'Hot Hatch' even if it isn't the sharpest, fastest or most characterful. It is, simply, very capable at doing everything. It doesn't need to be best at any one thing or everything - albeit it can be argued that it is the best at being good at everything. And that is where it sells itself; it is what many - including myself - prefer.
It isn't 'shouty' it isn't brash. It is a car that can go from A-B without drama, looking sensible and good while also appearing nondescript and yet able to produce a turn of speed and driveability to bring a smile when the opportunity arises.
For some, its lack of a distinct character or racy looks - or even an appearance to stand out from the crowd of other Golf's and small cars - leaves them cold. Some can't get their jollies in anything that doesn't have 1000bhp and scrapes their bottoms on the tarmac or cause heads to turn as they glide by with a massive whale-tail stuck to their rear. Some need attention. I get that. But it is precisely the qualities the Golf does and doesn't have that endears it to others, like me. I can have fun in this car while not causing a stir. It is, after all, a quick 296bhp car. And the best small car at being good at everything.
Coolbanana said:
I I can have fun in this car while not causing a stir. It is, after all, a quick 296bhp car. And the best small car at being good at everything.
And that's really end of thread. It's no more, no less. If you like one buy one, if you don't don't. (and there's no need to explain to us why you don't 
)
SidewaysSi said:
TomScrut said:
SidewaysSi said:
True. But I like my cars purer and more involving than a new Golf. Reality is that I don't see someone who only has an R as being a the sort of car guy I would relate to.
What cars available new are pure enough for you?Then out of that how many are practical enough for everyday use to somebody with a family?
-Any Lotus, particularly the current Exige
-Alfa Quadrofoglio, Merc C63
-Current Megane 275 Cup
-Any Porsche GT car
-Volvo V90
I like focused cars and for me the Golf covers too many bases. But that is its appeal for some but for me, it lacks singular focus as a result.
Of course, if I had a gun to my head to buy a new car for £300 a month which had to do everything and I could only own one vehicle then it would get a look in.
Given most of us are not in that position, I would question whether the owner of an R and nothing else is a true car guy.
I am not against new cars at all, I have a Cayman GT4 after all. But my family car for carrying the wife and kid is an old oversteery BMW coupe.
This is the problem with all of these threads.
SidewaysSi said:
Very few is the answer. However, some new cars certainly do appeal, for instance:
-Any Lotus, particularly the current Exige
-Alfa Quadrofoglio, Merc C63
-Current Megane 275 Cup
-Any Porsche GT car
-Volvo V90
I like focused cars and for me the Golf covers too many bases. But that is its appeal for some but for me, it lacks singular focus as a result.
Of course, if I had a gun to my head to buy a new car for £300 a month which had to do everything and I could only own one vehicle then it would get a look in.
Given most of us are not in that position, I would question whether the owner of an R and nothing else is a true car guy.
I am not against new cars at all, I have a Cayman GT4 after all. But my family car for carrying the wife and kid is an old oversteery BMW coupe.
I have more than one car, I just gave my perspective on why I bought a Golf R, sorry I didn't buy one that's on your special list. -Any Lotus, particularly the current Exige
-Alfa Quadrofoglio, Merc C63
-Current Megane 275 Cup
-Any Porsche GT car
-Volvo V90
I like focused cars and for me the Golf covers too many bases. But that is its appeal for some but for me, it lacks singular focus as a result.
Of course, if I had a gun to my head to buy a new car for £300 a month which had to do everything and I could only own one vehicle then it would get a look in.
Given most of us are not in that position, I would question whether the owner of an R and nothing else is a true car guy.
I am not against new cars at all, I have a Cayman GT4 after all. But my family car for carrying the wife and kid is an old oversteery BMW coupe.
Although I've previously had two c63's amongst many other nice cars, this obviously isn't enough to be in the groovy gang seeing as I currently have a Golf R, I must pop off to the Volvo dealership soon then for something truly special . Good grief.
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