Sports Pack vs Sunroof

[Allegiance]

Hi Guys,

I know this is a weird question, but with the 118tsi, would you choose sport pack or sunroof as an option?

I am looking for one and there are two that are on their way. One has a sport pack and one has a sunroof.

Ideally I wanted one with both options but can't wait for one to be built.

Is the sport pack worth it?

Thanks!

[moniker]

Personally I'd go with the sports pack no questions there.
IMO the car looks a lot better with the better wheels and lower stance.
Sunroof - yeah I've had cars with them but really, what real use are they?
Good for letting out the hot air after you've been parked in the sun is all I end up using them for.


That's my 0.2c worth anyway.

[Corey_R]

Is the sport pack worth it?

The sports package includes this:

Alloy wheels (Seattle) 17 x 7" with 225/45 R17 tyres (4)
Dark tinted rear side windows and rear window, 65% light absorbing
Front fog lights with static cornering light function, mounted in lower bumper
Front sports seats with sports cloth trim
Low tyre pressure indicator
Sports suspension

Although the upgrade to nicer wheels is good, some people complain that the sports suspension firms up the ride too much (i.e. people who are not looking for the 'GTI style ride' and hence why looking at a 118TSi instead of a GTI in the first place). The fog lights, sports seats and low tyre pressure indicator are also nice, although the 'dark tinted windows' appears to be more of a pain in the rear end than anything else. It's only the rear side and rear windows which are tinted, not the driver and front passenger window. Getting a tint which matches in colour and shade restricts your option. Also, although it is a "35% tint", it doesn't reduce both UV A and UV B like proper aftermarket tint does, and there are also 'concerns' (raised by other members who have it) over its effectiveness at reducing heat. Therefore some VWwa members have actually had 'clear tint' placed over the VW dark tint. 'Clear tint' is actually even more expensive than traditional aftermarket 35% tint - therefore making the entire process more complicated and expensive than it needs to be (or you might not care and be happy with it just the way VW supplies it! hehe).

[nau]

bit fan of sunroofs but if u have to pick between 2 I got with a sports pack.... more value and more features

[soogs]

Have you driven both? I feel with sports package it corners flatter ie with less body roll.

[aw611]

hey Allegiance,

My 118TSI has both of these options.. but I would definitely pick the sportspack over sunroof if I can only choose 1.

for the same price, the sportspack offer more features and improve the look of the car. I personally prefer the lower stance that comes with the lowered suspension on the sportspack.

I've also feel VW has gone backwards with their sunroof designs. The one on my 118TSI when opened 80% starts generating interference (ie. whooping noise) around 40-50km/h where my gf's MK4 doesn't have the same issue.. the noise will disappear under 40km/h or over 50km/h, I know the problem can easily be solved by opening the windows slightly but it sure is annoying...!!

just my 2 cents and I hope it helps..

Cheers,
A

[MurphyTheElf]

I've also feel VW has gone backwards with their sunroof designs. The one on my 118TSI when opened 80% starts generating interference (ie. whooping noise) around 40-50km/h where my gf's MK4 doesn't have the same issue.. the noise will disappear under 40km/h or over 50km/h, I know the problem can easily be solved by opening the windows slightly but it sure is annoying...!!

It's a bit like having a helicopter wedged in your ear. Without the mess.

I haven't logged exactly in what conditions it occurs in my car, although it does happen at certain speeds when open 100% Opening the rear windows doesn't help as much as the fronts.

[thewafflecaust]

You don't even need a sunroof to get this silly noise. Just having a window open at certain speeds results in whoopwhoopwhoopwhoopwhoopwhoopwhoop.

As for Sports Pack v Sunroof. I'd say Sport Pack. You just get more for your money.

That said I'm not really sure how much the sport pack suspension helps with body roll.
I test drove a TSI without the sport pack and ordered one with it. The reduction in body roll is fairly marginal

[nau]

It's a bit like having a helicopter wedged in your ear. Without the mess.

I haven't logged exactly in what conditions it occurs in my car, although it does happen at certain speeds when open 100% Opening the rear windows doesn't help as much as the fronts.

golf 4 with after market sunroof - same story
at some speeds and % of opening it generates the chopper sound
- i dont think thats about sunroof its mroe about aerodynamics etc

[aw611]

golf 4 with after market sunroof - same story
at some speeds and % of opening it generates the chopper sound
- i dont think thats about sunroof its mroe about aerodynamics etc

some say it's the design of the sunroof wind deflector that affects this noise... just hope VW will do something to it..

[Corey_R]

some say it's the design of the sunroof wind deflector that affects this noise... just hope VW will do something to it..

Yeah - I think that a large portion of the issue is the wind deflector. The VW design is pretty basic and compact. Compare it to the wind deflector on the top of BMW and Mercs....


... yes, it's that funky broken up thing at the top of the car, lol

[STV4SYT]

Wind noise there may be, but realistically how many people use the sunroof rolled back. I can count on the fingers of a one handed butcher how many times i have used it like that.

Always just tilted up for a bit of fresh air.

[cktsi]

I valued a sunroof more than sportspack - but it's an emotional decision.

I've driven a Golf with stiffer suspension and the difference is enough to put a smile on my face every time I fang around a corner.

In terms of value for money agree with everyone here sports pack is better.

But is your priority on
1. external looks (which you won't see when you're driving) and better handling (not sure how often you'll drive 9 tenths) versus
2. sunroof which IMO lifts the feel of the car by letting in more light & give more a sense of luxury

[Corey_R]

Wind noise there may be, but realistically how many people use the sunroof rolled back. I can count on the fingers of a one handed butcher how many times i have used it like that.

I would have liked to on my MKV GTI... but the wind noise was just too great. Plus, on a 3 door, you have no rear windows to crack open. To me, that was the only disadvantage of not having the rear doors... though if VW just designed the wind deflector properly...

[nau]

just FYI
Merc M class

full open sunroof on a lower speed with side wind creates one hell of a noise