Missing options on Golf R in UK

[md_ian]

I've asked the VW brand director of my local dealership but haven't had a response yet. Does anyone know why certain optional extras are not available on the Golf R (facelift) in the UK, yet they are in Germany and other European countries.

Examples being the Performance Pack (not just the exhaust) and also Heated Seats.

Seems strange we cannot get them, unless the dealership has more available boxes to tick than the VW UK configurator.

Anyone know?

[sjg]

Winter pack is standard now, hence no heated seats option.

[Patch1875]

Isn't it always like that? Different spec for different countries.

Thought I heard the exhaust was going to be available from October.

[anonymous-user]

md_ian said:

I've asked the VW brand director of my local dealership but haven't had a response yet. Does anyone know why certain optional extras are not available on the Golf R (facelift) in the UK, yet they are in Germany and other European countries.

Examples being the Performance Pack (not just the exhaust) and also Heated Seats.

Seems strange we cannot get them, unless the dealership has more available boxes to tick than the VW UK configurator.

Anyone know?

The performance pack and exhaust are available to spec on new orders, they're even on the online configurator.

As others have mentioned, winter pack is standard now so not listed as an option.

[anonymous-user]

md_ian said:

Seems strange we cannot get them, unless the dealership has more available boxes to tick than the VW UK configurator.

By the way, they are notoriously slow at updating the app configurator. The web-based one is much better.

[Glasgowrob]

what on earth is a brand director?

[md_ian]

andrewparker said:

The performance pack and exhaust are available to spec on new orders, they're even on the online configurator.

The exhaust system is already on there as you've said, but that isn't the same as the performance pack, which also includes uprated brakes, removal of the limiter, changes to the airvents etc. Can you see it? Does anyone know if that is coming to the UK, or can be specced by a dealer?

I didn't know about the winter pack now being standard, thanks for that.

A brand director is just a fancy title I think, but as the dealership is part of a larger group, I guess they feel a director representing the VW brand is important to them. He's just always been my contact.

[anonymous-user]

md_ian said:

The exhaust system is already on there as you've said, but that isn't the same as the performance pack, which also includes uprated brakes, removal of the limiter, changes to the airvents etc. Does anyone know if that is coming to the UK, or can be specced by a dealer?

Yes, can be specced, and is on the configurator.

[md_ian]

andrewparker said:

Yes, can be specced, and is on the configurator.

So it is the £2975 option, because that only mentions the exhaust, I cannot find a separate option that include the rest, hmm.

On 'drive the deal', they have the £2,975.00 option (for the exhaust) and £2,300.00 for the performance pack...very odd!

[anonymous-user]

You're not looking hard enough!

[anonymous-user]

md_ian said:

On 'drive the deal', they have the £2,975.00 option (for the exhaust) and £2,300.00 for the performance pack...very odd!

That's correct, they've always been two separate options.

[md_ian]

Wow, this is weird!

[anonymous-user]

I wonder if they've forgot to add the Performance Pack option on the 3-door version?

[md_ian]

Ah, DSG only, well that sucks!

[talksthetorque]

Glasgowrob said:

what on earth is a brand director?

A remarketed Marketing Director

[anonymous-user]

md_ian said:

Ah, DSG only, well that sucks!

Doesn't make any sense given that there are no engine modifications.

To be honest, if all you're after is the uprated brakes you could probably get VW to fit the Clubsport S brakes for less money.

[md_ian]

andrewparker said:

To be honest, if all you're after is the uprated brakes you could probably get VW to fit the Clubsport S brakes for less money.

True, I had initially though the performance package included the exhaust too, which was the main appeal to liven up the dull 2ltr turbo engine tone, whilst retaining a warranty. It doesn't seem as good a value, especially as I want manual again.

[anonymous-user]

I don't think I'd spec either. I'm not keen on the Spielberg alloys that the performance pack comes with, nor do I think the standard brakes are lacking for a road car. The exhaust looks great, but as a standalone item it is far too expensive, despite it sounding pretty good –

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YgilxmziFEA&t

I do think VW are missing a trick here in not offering performance upgrades similar to Mountune. Perhaps they will do in the future.

Incidentally, I think the manual 'box in my Golf R is the weak link. I've had a long line of manual performance Golfs and I just can't get a long with this one. Suffice to say, my new one is coming with DSG!

[md_ian]

andrewparker said:

Incidentally, I think the manual 'box in my Golf R is the weak link. I've had a long line of manual performance Golfs and I just can't get a long with this one. Suffice to say, my new one is coming with DSG!

Interesting as the throw and general feel of the manual box in my GTi is great, but I've heard similar to you that it just doesn't work as well with the R. I might have to consider a few demo drives first before deciding.

[anonymous-user]

md_ian said:

andrewparker said:

Incidentally, I think the manual 'box in my Golf R is the weak link. I've had a long line of manual performance Golfs and I just can't get a long with this one. Suffice to say, my new one is coming with DSG!

Interesting as the throw and general feel of the manual box in my GTi is great, but I've heard similar to you that it just doesn't work as well with the R. I might have to consider a few demo drives first before deciding.

In the manual R achieving smooth 1st to 2nd gear changes isn't easy. It's been frequently brought up on the VWROC forum, and accepted by many as a trait of the car. I've always tried to resist moving to DSG but the majority of people seem to think it is perfectly suited to the car, and I did like it a lot on my test drive, even though some aspects of it will take some getting used to.