GTI Edition 35 v GTD

[andrew7]

G'day All

I know the GTD V GTI topic is a little old hat, but I have a dilemma. Walked into a VW dealer 2 weeks ago looking to buy a Tiguan (trading down from a big petrol guzzling 7 seat 4WD to the fuel efficient and compact 103 TDI) and was immediately seduced by a hot looking CW R ready for delivery in the showroom (19 inch black wheels were superb), whilst that would have been too much of a jump, they had a lovely CW GTI DSG which when I test drove absolutely blew me away, comfort, performance, awesome power delivery and the "pop" on upshift sonically satisfying. However, my sensible side said "diesel"/fuel economy" (echoing previous thoughts of purchasing the Tiguan diesel) so i thought I should try the GTD. As it happened none were available that day so I came back the next day (dreamt of the GTI that night), drove the GTD and was impressed with the performance and undiesel like sound. Build quality and comfort as per the GTI superb; missed the red brake callipers and red grill trim and dual exhaust not as sexy. So, not quite the magic of the GTI. However, as my round trip drive to work is 75km on mainly highway, the GTD seemed the more sensible option and a great ride (particularly compared with my current lumbering 4wd), so I ordered one (CW with a few toys, sun roof, RVC, nav and tint). A wait of 5-6 months is on the car.

I now am plagued with doubts (and have discovered this forum with a ton of discussion on the merits of the GTI/R); should I have listened to my heart and chosen the uplifting GTI, or stick with my head and stay with the GTD. Given I've ordered the GTD 2 weeks ago will there be a problem cancelling the order and switching to a GTI? NB. This was further brought to a head today when I saw the GTI Edition 35 reviewed in "head to head" in Drive today (sat)- beautiful looking car in CW and even more power/performance; also the cachet of the "special edition". Would there be similar wait times for the GTI Edition 35/ or GTI? Any thoughts/advice gratefully received!

[team_v]

Why not just get a tune on the GTD and paint the calipers/grill so it matches the GTI?

[andrew7]

Good ideas team_v

Any recommendations for repaint Melbourne way (guess could order GTI red grill strips and replace?).

Also re tune sounds good but warranty issues? (having said that most of you guys have a tune of some description...). Also, few tunes seem readily available for the GTD- any recommendations down melbourne way appreciated.

[Rob_R]

Your head says economy, heart says performance. From what you say from your observations GTD has the economy with surprising performance. You've kinda ticked both boxes with the GTD. I've been on some cruises and I can tell you the diesels hold there own, especially those that have had a tune. You never know you may be able to change your order if it's done at the same dealership. They are going to get a sale either way.

[team_v]

Good ideas team_v

Any recommendations for repaint Melbourne way (guess could order GTI red grill strips and replace?).

Also re tune sounds good but warranty issues? (having said that most of you guys have a tune of some description...). Also, few tunes seem readily available for the GTD- any recommendations down melbourne way appreciated.

Check out Viezu or Custom Code of Bluefin or Oettinger.

[Johnbu]

I'd swap the order for a regular GTI.

I think the diesels also suffer from more problems than the petrol.

The GTI is very economical on the hwy- in the 6s

Given you are driving mainly on highways, the GTI will only use 2l more per 100km if that, which is bugger all.

Being lighter the GTI will be more nimble, handle better, brake better etc etc. Not to mention more fun to rev.





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[SilvrFoxX]

Go with your heart cause you will always kick yourself for going with your head..

Jokes aside.. i think that you look at deisel for fuel economy but that gets wiped out on the servicing.. the economy of the GTI is really very good and given that you are coming from a truck anything is better. My 20 cents reckons you go the GTI

[andrew7]

Good advice all: seems that GTI is the predominant vote...(jeez I hate to vacillate but my heart says GTI).

If i switch to GTI there is no doubt that the 18inch detroits are the way to go from a looks perspective. This then begs the question do you also need ACC to go with the 18's? (mainly to select the comfort mode for gentler/quieter handling on highway cruising?). This adds $$$ v sticking with the smart 17's seattles on the GTD (with no need for ACC)....

[SilvrFoxX]

heh.. can't help you with the options list decisions.. usually it is a money issue then.. ACC is something I enjoy however those without it would tell you that it is great the way it is... as for the Detroits thats a no brainer just do it cause if you don't you will be back here the day after you get it wanting to know if anyone wants to sell theirs

Also if you go the GTI then I think there are a lot of stock around and you could get a good deal now and drive away now

[Rob_R]

Right here goes...... my previous thread tried to analyse all your thoughts and decision you made to order a GTD.

Now my opinion..............I always seem to buy with the heart so I reckon you buy what ever will give you the biggest buzz out of the two models you mentioned. If the budget allows it go for excitement.

[SilvrFoxX]

Right here goes...... my previous thread tried to analyse all your thoughts and decision you made to order a GTD.

Now my opinion..............I always seem to buy with the heart so I reckon you buy what ever will give you the biggest buzz out of the two models you mentioned. If the budget allows it go for excitement.

and of course its better if it is RB

[Rob_R]

and of course its better if it is RB

Damn straight!!

[andrew7]

Awesome work guys, thanks for the quick responses.

Will talk to the dealer on Monday and see what the options are....if its too hard/messy/unnecessary might introduce myself to the hot hatch segment via the GTD and then in 3 years post end of the GTD lease graduate to the R (after all I'm coming from the big cruisy family 4wd wagon, so as it is the GTD feels like it goes like the clappers! GTI and the R could be a tad exciting straight out of the blocks)...

[SilvrFoxX]

You will get used to it quickly... Reckon you should cut your teeth on the GTI.. no looking back after that

[stormshark]

I've had both on the Phillip island Race track back to back, have a Tuned GT Sport Diesel considerably quicker than the GTd but not as refined, my opinion go the GTI or better the 35.