Volkswagen Golf R vs. Golf GTI TCR
Discussion
I picked up a new GTI PP in Sept as a dailt runaround in London. I needed a car quick after having my Touareg stolen through keyless relay theft. It was the theft issue that put me off the R, which was a shame. I got a large discount off list on the GTi PP, not as much in % terms as what was available on the R. Had a TCR been available I would have probably opted for that (despite only ever driving in town or to a max of 6/10s), but as poster above indicates getting cars quickly is dependent on dealer spec levels - or wait 6 to 9 months. I really rate the dash and infotainment on these new golfs, it's much better than In our other car. Although looking at images for the mk8, that seems to be the same.
The best thing about golf's is whilst ubiquitous they don't draw the ire, stigma or assumption of other vehicles available (IMHO). They are pretty anonymous and telling a GTE for a GTI TCR is pretty difficult (or a non blue R even).
Mine on its winter wheels. It's as bland as you can make a hot'ish hatch.
The best thing about golf's is whilst ubiquitous they don't draw the ire, stigma or assumption of other vehicles available (IMHO). They are pretty anonymous and telling a GTE for a GTI TCR is pretty difficult (or a non blue R even).
Mine on its winter wheels. It's as bland as you can make a hot'ish hatch.
rollo said:
Reading the report, it appears that the R wins in every single area. Not much of a comparison then, eh? Besides, stealth is a better attribute than shouty spoilers and a pointlessly large diffuser which is trying to marshal airflow from a totally messed-up underbody area. If only VW would offer a single tailpipe option on the R to complete the subtle look. That, and a de-badging exercise, would be the ultimate incarnation. Given that most four-cylinder engines in race cars feature a 4 into 1 or 4 into 2 into 1 exhaust systems, why the need for this particular (expensive) piece of bling on a road car? Is there a more capable all-rounder available to buy anywhere than a 5-door (or estate version) Golf R? I can't think of one. Anybody....?
Completely agree, and that’s why there are so many of them on the road (including mine). People like the subtlety and class of it, and if you’re mature(ish) like me you don’t feel like a fool driving it. Some journalists don’t get it “looks too conservative” etc.) but the buying public does! It’s a wonderful car in every way!Court_S said:
Personally, I prefer the TCR. I think it’s a much better looking car than the R. The red details help it stand out a bit more as does the diffuser etc.
Unfortunately we live in time where dullness, blandness and conformity, often summarized as "mature", is the standard. Standing out, doing things differently and having character is not appreciated these days and so cars on the roads all look the same._ppan said:
Unfortunately we live in time where dullness, blandness and conformity, often summarized as "mature", is the standard. Standing out, doing things differently and having character is not appreciated these days and so cars on the roads all look the same.
What, like the Civic Type R? The Civic Type R is the other extreme that’s where to me the Renault Sport Megane gets it just right. (Not seen many about though)
I think all these modern hot hatches probably drive superbly and it really is down to individual preference.
Great time, maybe the pinnacle for hot hatches.
I think all these modern hot hatches probably drive superbly and it really is down to individual preference.
Great time, maybe the pinnacle for hot hatches.
Bright Halo said:
I think all these modern hot hatches probably drive superbly and it really is down to individual preference.
Great time, maybe the pinnacle for hot hatches.
Ooh, don't say that. Great time, maybe the pinnacle for hot hatches.
Despite them being better by absolutely every objectionable measure, being faster, grippier, safer, more reliable, with more creatures comforts, someone (old) will be along to say that they are too bloated and too fast nowadays and that some old Peugeot that rattles itself to pieces whilst barely managing to hit 60mph in 9seconds is what a true enthusiast would have and anyone else is just a young pretender.
Elatino1 said:
Bright Halo said:
I think all these modern hot hatches probably drive superbly and it really is down to individual preference.
Great time, maybe the pinnacle for hot hatches.
Ooh, don't say that. Great time, maybe the pinnacle for hot hatches.
Despite them being better by absolutely every objectionable measure, being faster, grippier, safer, more reliable, with more creatures comforts, someone (old) will be along to say that they are too bloated and too fast nowadays and that some old Peugeot that rattles itself to pieces whilst barely managing to hit 60mph in 9seconds is what a true enthusiast would have and anyone else is just a young pretender.
What do you drive anyway? A Kia?
nickfrog said:
What, like the Civic Type R?
I knew this was coming. Yes, like the Civic Type R but there are few other not so bland but slightly less extreme examples. First that come to mind is the Focus RS and Megane RS, but in terms of standing out with appearance for affordable cars it stops there. There used to be a lot more. Impreza WRX STI, Corsa VXR, Lancer Evo 9 and earlier, Megane R26, MR2, Civic FN2, Focus RS mk1 and especially the mk2 (yum). Hell, Vauxhall even had a Zafira VXR/OPC that was far from bland and a Meriva. Maybe not my taste but I really do appreciate the variety and having the balls to stand out and doing something different.Elatino1 said:
Ooh, don't say that.
Despite them being better by absolutely every objectionable measure, being faster, grippier, safer, more reliable, with more creatures comforts, someone (old) will be along to say that they are too bloated and too fast nowadays and that some old Peugeot that rattles itself to pieces whilst barely managing to hit 60mph in 9seconds is what a true enthusiast would have and anyone else is just a young pretender.
Sound like a Tesla Model S is the ideal sports car for you. That ticks all your boxes.Despite them being better by absolutely every objectionable measure, being faster, grippier, safer, more reliable, with more creatures comforts, someone (old) will be along to say that they are too bloated and too fast nowadays and that some old Peugeot that rattles itself to pieces whilst barely managing to hit 60mph in 9seconds is what a true enthusiast would have and anyone else is just a young pretender.
Me, I'd rather drive a car like an MX5 on a b-road even though it's less comfortable and slower in every quantifiable way. And if I'd have to choose, I'd rather have an MX5 as a daily driver then a quantifiable quicker car like a Tesla Model S (apart from the difference in value, I'd take the model S, sell it and buy an MX5 and have a lot of money left
).Edited by _ppan on Wednesday 1st January 10:44
_ppan said:
nickfrog said:
What, like the Civic Type R?
I knew this was coming. Yes, like the Civic Type R but there are few other not so bland but slightly less extreme examples. First that come to mind is the Focus RS and Megane RS, but in terms of standing out with appearance for affordable cars it stops there. There used to be a lot more. Impreza WRX STI, Corsa VXR, Lancer Evo 9 and earlier, Megane R26, MR2, Civic FN2, Focus RS mk1 and especially the mk2 (yum). Hell, Vauxhall even had a Zafira VXR/OPC that was far from bland and a Meriva. Maybe not my taste but I really do appreciate the variety and having the balls to stand out and doing something different.nickfrog said:
_ppan said:
Unfortunately we live in time where dullness, blandness and conformity, often summarized as "mature", is the standard. Standing out, doing things differently and having character is not appreciated these days and so cars on the roads all look the same.
What, like the Civic Type R? Having Hot Hatches that don't shout Hot Hatch at full volume doesn't make a car bland or dull. It actually helps you keep a broader market segment open.
Having had various hot Hatches through the years, RS's, William's, EP3, MkV GTI, S3, etc; there is nothing wrong with an err "mature" intepretation. Going from a EP3 to a Mk V GTI, was a similar transition. In the real world nothing splits them apart, and unless you are on a track the differences between them all are so tiny, it's almost irrelevant.
I agree with an another poster that said we are at the pinnacle of Hot Hatches. No matter how you want one, there is a flavour to suit.
The VW intepretation is "mature", but there are other brands and choices (even in VAG group).
If I had to pick my top 5 owned hatches (owned), in order:
1. EP3 Type R
2. William's Clio
3. Mk 7.5 GTI PP
=4th. MK V GTI / RS1800
To most buyers these are Jack of all trades cars. Quick, 4 seats, cheap to run, small, frugal (ish), capable of a long run etc. I don't believe most buyers are looking at 10/10s performance - otherwise buy or have a proper uncompromised sports car.
rollo said:
Is there a more capable all-rounder available to buy anywhere than a 5-door (or estate version) Golf R? I can't think of one. Anybody....?
AMG A35, S3. There is a bit of a gulf between the A35 cars and the Golf R but we will see VW return fire in 8-10 months time with the new R.
nickfrog said:
Yes perhaps. When BMW did things differently with the 130i and M135i they got absolutely slated by the PH massive who decreed them both (objectively) ugly. I find them both really good looking. So BMW launches a more conventional 1 series and guess what. It gets slated on PH, who now prefer the old M135i, perhaps because it is now within a more affordable price range...
If there's one thing you can't do, it keeping everybody happy 
stongle said:
Nothing wrong with the Type R. Ignoring hyper Hatches, the GTi TCR and Type R, are the best representation of the Hot Hatch in 2020. I really like the new Type R, it's not the styling that puts me off, but the fear of having to buy a Honda supporters / Mugen jacket (a 90s fear from Subaru owners maybe). Subjectively of course!!!!
Do not fear, the whole community-thing has pretty much been degraded to a niche.stongle said:
Having Hot Hatches that don't shout Hot Hatch at full volume doesn't make a car bland or dull. It actually helps you keep a broader market segment open.
To be fair, you have a point. But I want a choice. And if you like cars with a characterfull sporty outside, there is not much to choose from.stongle said:
I agree with an another poster that said we are at the pinnacle of Hot Hatches. No matter how you want one, there is a flavour to suit.
I don't fully agree. There is a lot to choose, absolutely. But no hot hatch is N/A anymore. Some don't like N/A, some do. I like both N/A and turbo/supercharged, but have a preference for high rev N/A. I absolutely love revving to 8000+ rpm to get things going and having to put effort in driving my car quickly. Subjective of course 
Also, everything has electric power steering, which is widely known to certainly not give as much feedback as hydraulic. And the new hot hatches seem to be driving for you after you give your input, instead of you driving the car. There is a lot going on between the road and the car. Great if you like it, less so if you like a more pure, raw interpretation. Of course, with the latest hot hatches there are also advantages, I don't want to sound all negative. It's absolutely wonderfull to see how much power fwd cars can put down and still be driveable. More than that, they can put it down in corners. Besides that, there are a few contentders with 4wd, for the people who like that. And soon there will be one more (Yaris GRMN). Obviously interiors have progressed as well as gadgets etc which make the car a nicer place to be on a day to day basis.
But I certainly do not agree that there is something for everyone. Partly due to a changing market, evolving cars and also partly due to rules and laws. This is mostly how life works, not only with cars; you leave behind an era with certain characters and a new era with a different character is entered
Gitwhoismiserable said:
SidewaysSi said:
Some sweeping statements there.
What do you drive anyway? A Kia?
Do you need to drive something to have an opinion?What do you drive anyway? A Kia?
te. The fact that I have no interest or knowledge about the beautiful game makes no odds.Elatino1 said:
SidewaysSi said:
That reminds me, I must go on a cricket forum and spout utter ste. The fact that I have no interest or knowledge about the beautiful game makes no odds.
You know "the beautiful game" isn't a phrase to do with cricket?te. The fact that I have no interest or knowledge about the beautiful game makes no odds.So don't want to answer the question I take it.
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