Mk7 Golf R Discussion Thread

[Paul_R]

Do use use for weekends away?

Nah. Wife has a CX 9. I thought a Q7 might have as big a boot but it doesn't . The Mazda boot is enormous! Can fit a full sized pallet and 5 adults in that thing.

[sergioscirocco]

Comparison S3 and Golf R video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_M8p7N2Y77E&feature=youtu.be

[mp2811]

My wife ordered s3 sedan red yesterday! Will go nicely next to my R! Could only test drive the hatch version as no sedans at 3 local dealerships! My wife commented that the golf r better looking as hatch! Nicer rims too!
Pretty amazed how many standard features the s3 has. I think no comp for s3 in sedans but in hatch the golf the better option!

[mfl]

My wife ordered s3 sedan red yesterday! ! My wife commented that the golf r better looking as hatch! Nicer rims too!

Interesting to see other peoples views, I much preferred the look of the S3 Sportback, especially the interior. The Cadiz wheels on the R remind me of the Mercedes AMG wheels, much prefer the GTI PP wheels. My wife made the comment she preferred the look of our mk6 GTI better than the mk7 version.

After having a good look at the R, I bought an S3 instead.

[mp2811]

Interesting to see other peoples views, I much preferred the look of the S3 Sportback, especially the interior. The Cadiz wheels on the R remind me of the Mercedes AMG wheels, much prefer the GTI PP wheels. My wife made the comment she preferred the look of our mk6 GTI better than the mk7 version.

After having a good look at the R, I bought an S3 instead.

It was more the exterior looks, we both agree that the S3 interior nicer and more classy. If I was wanting leather interior other options and price then similar to S3 I would pick it but we got good deals on both cars and S3 $10k more. I think the Golf R with DSG for mid 50's can't be beaten and I think that S3 sedan has no real rival as closest is CLA45AMG and that's almost $30k more!

[mfl]

It was more the exterior looks, we both agree that the S3 interior nicer and more classy. If I was wanting leather interior other options and price then similar to S3 I would pick it but we got good deals on both cars and S3 $10k more. I think the Golf R with DSG for mid 50's can't be beaten and I think that S3 sedan has no real rival as closest is CLA45AMG and that's almost $30k more!

Yes I was after an R with leather as I just didn't like the standard seats in the R, and as we got a good deal on the S3 Sportback, the price difference wasn't that great. I also thought about an M135, but that was another $10k + more.

I agree with you about the S3 sedan, in terms of it's price point compared to its competition.

Unfortunately an old back injury means I am giving up driving a manual, because a manual R with no options, is certainly very good value.

[mp2811]

I totally agree with you once you add leather and DSG price similar to s3 and in that case I think the s3 the better option.
I think the R in manual a bargain considering only 2k more than GTI PP.
I test drive the m135i twice, I personally preferred the s3 and golf R but that's just me, the ZF 8sp transmission fantastic though!

[jonoz]

I am really confused about what prices you are getting for the S3...

I went looking and fell in love with a black S3 with the S Performance Pack but for the same engine + transmission in an Audi shell the price tag was $15k more than the optioned R, coming it at $76k driveaway. This was then negotiated down but there was still a considerable gap between the R and S3 initial price let alone considering the servicing cost on the Audi is close to double the VW's capped price servicing schedule.

Oh also, drive-wise I felt the Audi somewhat uncomfortable - the cabin is also very distracting with their layout and placement of the infotainment leads me to believe that it is going to be common practice to turn off the display when driving using the manual override.

To me, the Audi exhaust is also a little bit more high-pitched and as a boxer lover the R has a much more similar drone that is just lovely to listen to whilst putting along.

[andrew7]

I agree Jonoz.

To my mind there's not much point speccing an S3 without the S performance pack (very poor relation come resale if you don't, also good add ons) and by the time I added metallic paint (on a white mind you), load thru and tint it came in it at $67.5k (after some negotiation). My R with dsg, leather and DAP was almost $10k less.

I'd agree also that the S3 cabin was claustrophobic, had no throttle side foot rest (the latter a huge issue for me) and was less dynamic and involving to drive. So, for me and others here the R was a clear winner on value plus more involving/exciting to drive

[Mikey1]

I think the message here is that making an informed choice based on one's own objective and subjective evaluation, including local availability of options and features, and relevant actual pricing comparisons, gives us, the motoring enthusiast, the confidence we have made the right decision. Those who have the opportunity to do this more regularly are afforded the luxury of being able to review an ever changing plethora of new models from all manufacturers, as well as changes to one's own priorities.

[Paul_R]

I suggest anyone thinking of a A45 AMG ride in one before you buy. Was in a CLA AMG yesterday and it is firm +++ ! Bloody quick but very stiff ride.

[AdamD]

I went looking and fell in love with a black S3 with the S Performance Pack but for the same engine + transmission in an Audi shell the price tag was $15k more than the optioned R, coming it at $76k driveaway.

To my mind there's not much point speccing an S3 without the S performance pack (very poor relation come resale if you don't, also good add ons) and by the time I added metallic paint (on a white mind you), load thru and tint it came in it at $67.5k (after some negotiation). My R with dsg, leather and DAP was almost $10k less.

I've ordered an S3 sedan without the S performance pack (I don't believe in buying more options to improve resale), but did spec the magnetic ride control (active dampers) and B&O stereo from it. Also added sunroof, metallic paint, load through, special rims and hold assist, and am paying well under $70k (with corporate pricing).

[jonoz]

I've ordered an S3 sedan without the S performance pack (I don't believe in buying more options to improve resale), but did spec the magnetic ride control (active dampers) and B&O stereo from it. Also added sunroof, metallic paint, load through, special rims and hold assist, and am paying well under $70k (with corporate pricing).

I am assuming that since you have said under $70k that it is between $65-70k which is still at least $5k more than what you are going to get an R for. Regardless, if you can get ~15% off the RRP drive away price go for it.

We went from a stock S3 to one with the S Performance Pack and there are just some stupid differences - with the SPP you lose fully electric seats and the B&O sound system for a ~$1k had minimal impact on the sound in the cabin. This was even with my partner going through doing her normal tweaking of the bass, treble, etc and pumping up the sub it just didnt really impress all in all.

Unfortunately we didnt get to test drive one with the magnetic ride control but for me, 6' - 100kgs, the cabin was intrusive and almost claustrophobic whereas the Golf feels open and spacious in comparison.

Even with those negatives I took away, if they would give me a black S3 sedan with SPP and a sunroof for $62k drive away I would get it.

[mp2811]

I agree Jonoz.

To my mind there's not much point speccing an S3 without the S performance pack (very poor relation come resale if you don't, also good add ons) and by the time I added metallic paint (on a white mind you), load thru and tint it came in it at $67.5k (after some negotiation). My R with dsg, leather and DAP was almost $10k less.

I'd agree also that the S3 cabin was claustrophobic, had no throttle side foot rest (the latter a huge issue for me) and was less dynamic and involving to drive. So, for me and others here the R was a clear winner on value plus more involving/exciting to drive

Andrew you must be a great negotiator 67,500 with all those options is fantastic price especially if sedan that's like 15% off.

[amatsd]

Unfortunately we didnt get to test drive one with the magnetic ride control but for me, 6' - 100kgs, the cabin was intrusive and almost claustrophobic whereas the Golf feels open and spacious in comparison.

This absolutely baffles me. The S3 interior is nice and roomy imo and feel the Golf lacks the spacious feel due to the dash design and layout etc