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Picked up my GTI yesterday morning and have driven it for about 400kms 
Half of that was coming back from Shepparton to Melbourne.. but the other half was cruising all over the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
Quick observations from the last 36 hours:
1. The car is great and fulfil all my expectations of what a GTI should go, feel and sounds. No regret whatsoever getting this instead of Mini Cooper S. Straight after picking-it up; was disappointed with how muted/polite the exhaust note was. After driving it a couple of hours.. began to realise that it actually sounds much louder outside than inside (e.g. windows down). Above 3000rpm though is when it starts to really sing..
2. Few rattles that seem to come and go in certain road speed and when pumping out the stereos with relatively loud bass; there are some rattle from the left door. Nothing major though.
3. Fuel economy is excellent for the performance you're getting. My other car is a 1.8 Astra. GTI isn't much worse off than the Astra. Averaging 8.9l/100kms for the last 400kms or so.
4. Clutch is light and easy to use, steering and gearshift are all a pleasure to use around town and in heavy traffic. Much less work than a Mini Cooper S I have to say.
5. Handling is very good with slight 'softness' just off-centre. Coming from a garden variety (but lotus-tuned suspension) TS Astra; I expect the GTI to be much sharper in terms of steering feel. Maybe this is to do with the EPS instead of the more conservative hydraulic on the Astra? No complaints though.. the whole handling/steering feel in GTI is certainly a spot-on dose of comfort/sporty set-up.
Overall I have to say I am very impressed with how the GTI works as a package and is such a nice place to sit and drive in no matter you're stuck in the traffic or carving the dandenongs.
Now I understand what all the fuss are about and why GTI is still the hot hatch to beat. VXR might look better, MPS might be faster, XR5 might handle better; but none of them make you happier to sit, drive and own (and yes, I've driven all of them). I feel privileged to be a part of this community.
Cheers
---------------------------------
Now here's the obligatory newbie question part:
1. Anyone has the RCD 500 manual in pdf ? or point me on the web where can I get it. The car comes with the navi. system manual instead of the stock cd/tuner. I want to know what the 'TIM' settings are for under MENU -> SETUP. Also is there a pause button for the CD?
2. There's no auto door locking after takeoff. Is this the default setting? brochure says programmable but through where? dealer visit? at cost? I don't have 'Convenience' on MFD because it's the Mid-line (split screen). I've read several threads on this forum that confused me whether this is possible. Please confirm that there is absolutely no way you can access Convenience menu if you have a mid-line computer.
3. How do you take the light cover off the light on the vanity mirror? there's a bug/fly stuck in there (this is a country car, by the way..). Tried to pry it open several times but it wouldn't budge.. afraid I'll snap it.
Half of that was coming back from Shepparton to Melbourne.. but the other half was cruising all over the eastern suburbs of Melbourne.
Quick observations from the last 36 hours:
1. The car is great and fulfil all my expectations of what a GTI should go, feel and sounds. No regret whatsoever getting this instead of Mini Cooper S. Straight after picking-it up; was disappointed with how muted/polite the exhaust note was. After driving it a couple of hours.. began to realise that it actually sounds much louder outside than inside (e.g. windows down). Above 3000rpm though is when it starts to really sing..
2. Few rattles that seem to come and go in certain road speed and when pumping out the stereos with relatively loud bass; there are some rattle from the left door. Nothing major though.
3. Fuel economy is excellent for the performance you're getting. My other car is a 1.8 Astra. GTI isn't much worse off than the Astra. Averaging 8.9l/100kms for the last 400kms or so.
4. Clutch is light and easy to use, steering and gearshift are all a pleasure to use around town and in heavy traffic. Much less work than a Mini Cooper S I have to say.
5. Handling is very good with slight 'softness' just off-centre. Coming from a garden variety (but lotus-tuned suspension) TS Astra; I expect the GTI to be much sharper in terms of steering feel. Maybe this is to do with the EPS instead of the more conservative hydraulic on the Astra? No complaints though.. the whole handling/steering feel in GTI is certainly a spot-on dose of comfort/sporty set-up.
Overall I have to say I am very impressed with how the GTI works as a package and is such a nice place to sit and drive in no matter you're stuck in the traffic or carving the dandenongs.
Now I understand what all the fuss are about and why GTI is still the hot hatch to beat. VXR might look better, MPS might be faster, XR5 might handle better; but none of them make you happier to sit, drive and own (and yes, I've driven all of them). I feel privileged to be a part of this community.
Cheers
---------------------------------
Now here's the obligatory newbie question part:
1. Anyone has the RCD 500 manual in pdf ? or point me on the web where can I get it. The car comes with the navi. system manual instead of the stock cd/tuner. I want to know what the 'TIM' settings are for under MENU -> SETUP. Also is there a pause button for the CD?
2. There's no auto door locking after takeoff. Is this the default setting? brochure says programmable but through where? dealer visit? at cost? I don't have 'Convenience' on MFD because it's the Mid-line (split screen). I've read several threads on this forum that confused me whether this is possible. Please confirm that there is absolutely no way you can access Convenience menu if you have a mid-line computer.
3. How do you take the light cover off the light on the vanity mirror? there's a bug/fly stuck in there (this is a country car, by the way..). Tried to pry it open several times but it wouldn't budge.. afraid I'll snap it.
no complaints for me, obviously.
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