Golf R Observations and Questions

[PTW]

Its funny coz there are thousands of posts regarding fuel economy...whats even funnier is when people buy performance cars and talk about fuel economy...imagine down the local pub in Monaco "Good Sir, my Rolss Royce Phantom gets good mileage on premium" "Well im disappointed with my Bugatti Veyron, darn thing only goes for 11mins flat out!"

Oh and the next person to get serious about fuel consumption will be banished to Green Peace!!!

Don't get me wrong, I care less about fuel economy really, it is a handy side benefit though. Christ I was looking at C63's but relented in pursuit of the mortage.

[police state]

VW have flagged Australia as a hot destination and detuned it for longevity of the components. There is headroom in the performance no doubt and the tune exploits that but at what cost. I note on hot days the car is very doughy indeed so placing an additional burden on the engine has to be causing higher levels of wear and tear.

I'm sorry Fox but I just can't believe that VW propaganda, more likely the decision to de-tune was based on some sort of market placement against other models. If I ordered a Ferari Enzo, would they de-tune it for Australia?????

Contrary to popular belief, the sun also shines in Europe and I can can tell you from first hand experience that a long hot summer in Spain, Portugal, Southern Italy, Greece etc. can be hotter, more energy sapping & harder to tolerate than those in Sydney & (especially) Melbourne.

Which is why I got the stage 1 tune, I wanted to get closer to how the car was originally designed and I think it tops the car off really nicely.

[Candyman]

*ahem cough*

Panadol and antibiotics ??

On topic though

Some like to jailbreak their iPhones, others enjoy the device as it was delivered.

Not the best analogy but remarkable in it's similarity in many areas.

People applying a tune developed by third parties to a vehicle delivered by the manufacturer already endowed with copious torque and power. Up to the user.

[PTW]

I agree totally with SF
The R as it is has excessive power and torque for road use.

to a vehicle delivered by the manufacturer already endowed with copious torque and power.

Why aren't you in a Prius/echo/similar non scary low power car then?

[Candyman]

Why aren't you in a Prius/echo/similar non scary low power car then?

I have all these wonderful Golf R badges and stickers, would be a waste not to have an R to stick them on

Stupid Q deserves a stupid A

[KRA21E]

I have all these wonderful Golf R badges and stickers, would be a waste not to have an R to stick them on

Since when has that stopped anyone? How many cars go around with Type R stickers from Honda?? lol TurboSmart stickers on a non-turbo anyone? i could go on for days!!

[Candyman]

Since when has that stopped anyone? How many cars go around with Type R stickers from Honda?? lol TurboSmart stickers on a non-turbo anyone? i could go on for days!!

It was sarcasm ..... Oh dear

Moving on though, D mode is working so much better than on our GTI.Shifts are quicker and at higher RPMs, not so happy with downshifting on hills though (that should be reserved for S mode).

[SilvrFoxX]

Hey Candyman, I was thinking about your comparison's to your GTI, the brakes on the R and not worse just not as touchy, the main reason for not getting a GTI was I hated FWD and the brakes ( comes from owning a Liberty ).

Cant talk to your DSG experience, I have an MY11.05 and I think it is fine, it seems a little better when it is cold and after a really long run, so although you are having a good experience it could be 2 fold, everything is still new and tight and you have just given it a long trip. you will probably have to do some city driving to see how it changes personality

[Candyman]

Hi SF

Yes, am thinking you are right on both counts

I really need to bed these brakes in and get them hot. Usually improves them. Repeated hard braking

Hope the D mode stays like it is but longer term it may well revert to true D umb mode. Enjoying it while it behaves.

[KRA21E]

It was sarcasm ..... Oh dear

Noooo!?! Really?? lol

[Candyman]

Good to see the side seat mouldings actually fit the seats unlike out GTI where there were gaps all over the place. Fit and finish overall is better although I did get all door fittings and cables foam wrapped to eliminate rattles

[Large Fruit]

Moving on though, D mode is working so much better than on our GTI.Shifts are quicker and at higher RPMs, not so happy with downshifting on hills though (that should be reserved for S mode).

Gear changes are only quicker when you have the foot down. I haven't noticed any difference between this and the S-tronic in the wife's A3 2T. Did your GTI have the first Gen DSG (i may have missed if you said it)? If you are driving sedately the shifts are like a slush box.

I'm used to engine braking on motorbikes so for me for downshifting on hills feels normal. This way i don't need to ride the brakes

[Candyman]

Our GTI was an 08

D mode definately shifts at higher RPM on our R and much faster shifts driving sedately on my daily commute or quicker on weekend driving,

Very different

The R is an MY12

Downshifting is new on the R. I prefer to use cheaper brakes than extra wear on gears. D mode doesn't need it IMO.

[KRA21E]

I really need to bed these brakes in and get them hot. Usually improves them. Repeated hard braking

Just be careful not to hold the brakes on when you stop once you get them hot as they warp easily. Use your handbrake lightly instead to allow the front brakes to cool evenly.

The Hill Hold function is a major contributor to that also coz they keep the brakes on once you have stopped for a certain period after you have taken your foot off the brake.

I have 13,500km's and the disks are slightly warped as a result of hard braking and then the hill hold function holding them on.

Just some helpful advice.

[PTW]

Hi SF

Yes, am thinking you are right on both counts

I really need to bed these brakes in and get them hot. Usually improves them. Repeated hard braking

Hope the D mode stays like it is but longer term it may well revert to true D umb mode. Enjoying it while it behaves.

lol, I'm surprised you don't think 345's are excessive as well.......