Golf R Ergonomics

[rob9371]

1,500 miles in and I just can't get comfortable.

The brake pedal (DSG model) feels far too high relative to the accelerator - I have to lift my whole leg to shift from accelerator to brake which ends up tiring my thigh and lower back.

A related issue is that the steering wheel won't reach far enough towards me. To compensate, I need to sit closer to the wheel. This means my feet are closer to the pedals than they should be, exacerbating the 'lift to brake' issue.

Given this is the everyman car with doubtless millions spent on the ergonomics, I'm stunned I am finding it so difficult to get set up correctly. I'm of relatively average proportions (5ft10; 75kg; not aware of a bizarre arm/leg ratio). I must be doing something wrong.

Before I make the embarrassing trip to the dealer (please, Sir, can you set my seat up for me?), is anyone else struggling and/or got tips on how they got comfortable?

Car is great overall, but being uncomfortable is a significant fly in some otherwise potent ointment.

[anonymous-user]

Sounds strange, I'm the same height as you (67kg though) and I find it very comfortable. Steering wheel is fully extended, seat as low as it will go but not reclined significantly, and my wrists lie on top of the steering wheel when my arms are straight.

[DUMBO100]

I'm 6ft and find it quite comfy apart from after my Mrs drives it and I have to squeeze in like a contortionist, squashing my nose with my knees before I can reach the seat adjustment lever under the seat

[servantleader]

I agree that the brake pedal is far too high in relation to the accelerator. I would say I'm comfortable enough but nowhere near as comfortable as I was in the BMW's I had (with electrically adjustable seats).

[the-photographer]

I had a 48hr GTI test drive, same result, rejected because I couldn't get comfortable.

So was nice to get back to the sofa chairs in the MK5.

[RumbleTumble]

the-photographer said:

I had a 48hr GTI test drive, same result, rejected because I couldn't get comfortable.

So was nice to get back to the sofa chairs in the MK5.

I'm looking at getting and R or GTI PP, or an M135i. I've had the regular 30min test drive but I didn't feel it was long enough to judge the cars. How did you manage to get a 48hr extended drive? I've asked for an extended test and been offered a test drive for an hour or so....

[the-photographer]

RumbleTumble said:

the-photographer said:

I had a 48hr GTI test drive, same result, rejected because I couldn't get comfortable.

So was nice to get back to the sofa chairs in the MK5.

I'm looking at getting and R or GTI PP, or an M135i. I've had the regular 30min test drive but I didn't feel it was long enough to judge the cars. How did you manage to get a 48hr extended drive? I've asked for an extended test and been offered a test drive for an hour or so....

I've not tried the M135i because of the offset pedals, but you can get electric seats and even the standard ones have a variable seat base, try your luck!

The "request a test drive" option on vw.co.uk doesnt have any extra fields, so I used the email address of a number of local dealers. In the email, I made it clear I was a serious VW owner telling them to look at my service records for two previous cars (over 100,000 miles). I was able to negotiate the sales manager's GTI PP for the weekend. Over the years, I had also purchased two cars from the group.

If you have no history with your local dealer(s) then its luck if you can fob-off the sales guy with a good story.

Lastly, if you are planning big miles with your R, then consider "investing" in a rental from http://www.avisprestige.com from any of the major UK cities, I think you can get the GTD from them.

[env]

Brake peddle really is too high. Quite surprised about the wheel, I am the same height and if I pull it all the way towards me it is too close. Have you tried really pulling it all the way out? Quite stiff.