Mk7 Golf R Discussion Thread

[Mikey1]

If I didn't know better, I'd think that VW were actively trying to get me to buy an Audi S3. I don't want 19" wheels but I do want MDI.

Why is there so much negative sentiment to 19" wheels being standard? The R comes standard with adaptive dampers, which from all reports tames the ride far better than the A45 AMG which has no adjustability, and most owners accept the relatively harsh ride as just part of the hot hatch experience.

[team_v]

Why is there so much negative sentiment to 19" wheels being standard? The R comes standard with adaptive dampers, which from all reports tames the ride far better than the A45 AMG which has no adjustability, and most owners accept the relatively harsh ride as just part of the hot hatch experience.

Because the golf is a compromise.
Most people use it as a daily driver and as such it needs to be comfortable but our roads are not built like the autobahn so we get potholes and bumps and 19" wheels make it annoying, no matter how much ACC/DCC stuff you put into the car.

Also, people don't like not being given a choice as 18"s would be lighter, cheaper to shod in rubber and have more options for performance tyres.

[Mikey1]

For a more balanced view on this vexed subject, let's hear from Mk6 R owners with adaptive suspension and 19" wheels to comment.

[Ryan_R]

Go have a look at the posts from WhiteJames for that

[Diesel_vert]

Why is there so much negative sentiment to 19" wheels being standard? The R comes standard with adaptive dampers, which from all reports tames the ride far better than the A45 AMG which has no adjustability, and most owners accept the relatively harsh ride as just part of the hot hatch experience.

There are several technical reasons why most people are better off sticking with less enormous wheel and tyre assemblies, given the same make and model of tyre:

- Larger tyres have higher raw material costs, which is often (but not always) reflected by its higher purchase price.
- Reduced compliance, as the tyre's ability to conform with the road surface diminished, simultaneously affecting ride and handling on less than ideal (i.e. real world) road surfaces.
- Increased unsprung weight (heavier OEM wheel & tyre assembly), which increases suspension workload, simultaneously affecting ride and handling.
- Increased fuel consumption (heavier OEM and wider wheel & tyre assembly).
- Increased road noise (wider wheel & tyre assembly).
- Less progressive breakaway characteristics (probably irrelevant for most Golf owners).

There are also some technical counter-arguments as well:

- Better handling characteristics on smooth road surfaces, such as (but not limited to) circuits or race tracks.
- Larger wheels (depending on the design) generally allow the fitment of larger brake components, which is useful for racing.
- Not a technical reason, but it happens that Michelin Pilot Sport 2 Cup tyres are available in 235/35 R19. Again, useful for racing.

The above is not vehicle model dependent and generally applies irrespective of marque.



Having said that, none of the above really matters to most people, because most people would consider bigger wheels to be more aesthetically pleasing - and as far as they're concerned, that's the end of that.

Hence, why Australian models have been specified with 19" wheels, even though 18" wheels are actually standard fitment on the Mk7 Golf R.



Compared to what Volkswagen offer (225/40 R18 or 235/35 R19), I think 235/40 R18 tyres on 8.0 J x 18 wheels (a la Scirocco R) would've been a technically better compromise, IMO.

[DoggieHowser]

Also, 19" rims doesn't automatically mean you can fit in say, the Alcon or AP Racing bolt on replacements, particularly when the offset of the rims doesn't give enough space (depth wise) for the larger callipers.

You may end up having to swap out for a different rim design to get the brakes to fit.

[Diesel_vert]

Also, 19" rims doesn't automatically mean you can fit in say, the Alcon or AP Racing bolt on replacements, particularly when the offset of the rims doesn't give enough space (depth wise) for the larger callipers.

You may end up having to swap out for a different rim design to get the brakes to fit.

That's certainly a possibility, as the wheels Volkswagen fit on modern Golfs tend to have relatively high (positive) offsets.

[godzilla_110TDI]

Spoke design effects brake fitment more so than offset and rim diameter.

[AdamD]

Any more discussion of Range Rovers in this thread will result in infractions - we're all well and truly over it. Keep it polite and on-topic.

[nat225]

Btw i wonder if the new R would have the oil starvation issue as the mk6 gti tsi engine, when using race compound semi on sharp turn on a race track.

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[Fab_R]

Official on-sale date is 12th April

[AdamD]

The car can be ordered from April 12 in NADCON, yep. Sales staff are getting the introductory training in the second week of April.

I've also heard that a couple of NSW dealerships may be getting one demo R each (from VWA's press fleet) in the next fortnight (I'm currently in Sydney and spoke to sales staff at one particular dealership about this recently).

[sekas]

Official on-sale date is 12th April

Is there a source for that info? Im just sick of being told different things by different dealers


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[Fab_R]

Is there a source for that info? Im just sick of being told different things by different dealers


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Sure thing.....you can bank on it sir

[Boost]

That would be great news as I'm getting sick of waiting.

To see the car in person and how VW prices it.