Mk7 Golf TSI & TDI - Observations and Questions

[Golf7]

Yep, had a test drive today. Bi xenons "steer" into the corner, but don't have the auto dip functionality available in Europe. And I was told the ACT (two cylinder mode) only works above 130kmh, so no value in Aus - at least that's what the dealers were told.

Anyway, have a highline on order with options that means it hasn't been built yet. sooner than I expected to order, but there was a first week deal on.

Anyone have an informed opinion on paint / upholstery protection? I've rejected tinting, but not sure if it is worth the money for the extra protection.

The fact that we won't get the ACT for that reason is a load of rubbish. It only works under 130km/h! That's more like it... VWA couldn't bother paying more for our cars to get the system and we wouldn't appreciate it much here in OZ as a fuel saving of maybe 0.3 litres is negligible with our relatively low fuel prices by world standards, It just wasn't worth it... Mind I ask at dealer you test drove the car? Did they come in with you for the drive and was the car registered???

[b c]

The fact that we won't get the ACT for that reason is a load of rubbish. It only works under 130km/h! That's more like it... VWA couldn't bother paying more for our cars to get the system and we wouldn't appreciate it much here in OZ as a fuel saving of maybe 0.3 litres is negligible with our relatively low fuel prices by world standards, It just wasn't worth it... Mind I ask at dealer you test drove the car? Did they come in with you for the drive and was the car registered???

They had at least one golf 7 registered, but the one I drove with my wife wasn't. Dealer came with us, but I asked for some winding/bumpy road and he took us to some I was familiar with.

[Golf7]

Anyone else wanting to share their test-drive experiences? Driving the car again this Saturday, review will go up shortly after...

[Cuthbert]

I picked up my new Golf 7 TSI Comfortline today. I love it. It feels and drives like a very special car. I can see why it has won all those big awards. Those clever Germans - they just keep refining and refining until they get it right. Hopefully, they have ironed out the problems with the DSG too. Time will tell.

The brushed aluminium dashboard of the Comfortline looks very good too - so much better (in my opinion) than the glossy black piano inlay of the Highline (a magnet for smudges, dust and reflections).

In summary, I would recommend the new Golf 7 to anyone. A beautifully designed and engineered car that is so practical. Can't wait to go on a long trip in it.

[Marcotto]

I drove the 110TDI today. For me it was well.. meh for the experience.

Things i did like.

The seats are excellent.
The dash was fantastic

What i didn't like.
The Sat nav screen is A LOT smaller and lower resolution ( cost cutting ? )
I had fair amount of wind nose from the right side drivers mirror.
Also had a rattle in the lower right cabin.

I had all intent to purchase today. but i walked away not being sold. I will wait for the GTD.

[Golf7]

I picked up my new Golf 7 TSI Comfortline today. I love it. It feels and drives like a very special car. I can see why it has won all those big awards. Those clever Germans - they just keep refining and refining until they get it right. Hopefully, they have ironed out the problems with the DSG too. Time will tell.

The brushed aluminium dashboard of the Comfortline looks very good too - so much better (in my opinion) than the glossy black piano inlay of the Highline (a magnet for smudges, dust and reflections).

In summary, I would recommend the new Golf 7 to anyone. A beautifully designed and engineered car that is so practical. Can't wait to go on a long trip in it.

Congrats on your new car! Without a doubt something special! Enjoy!

[The_Hawk]

I sat in one of the highline models yesterday at the dealership while picking up some parts. First impression was it's very nice, everything just seems newer and more high tech compared to my Mk6. While it looks sexy I'm not entirely convinced on the piano black vs fingerprints thing. The MFD looks higher res than the older one. The doors and wing mirror arrangement looks different, especially with that tiny window...



In any case it's now a waiting game for the GTI. I was having a nice chat with the salesman and while talking we were pondering what the GTI is going to bring both in terms of features and pricing. Sure it will have more power, but with so much standard in the highline where else might the differentiators be?

Standard leather? Xenons? Panoramic Sunroof?

Also interesting was that I was told the base model comes with hub caps with the optional alloys being dealer fit only, not factory order-able... seems like the dealerships are likely to end up with lots of spare stock rims?... although how many 90TSI vs the Comfortline will be sold? especially those upgrading the rims at near $1,000 for the set (which his a huge chunk of the difference between the models). Again it seems they have a basic base model almost so they can claim a lower starting price...

[Mkj]

While it looks sexy I'm not entirely convinced on the piano black vs fingerprints thing.

I can confidently say after picking up my TSI Highline over a week ago, that the fingerprints on the piano black gloss are not an issue. Why would you be touching it anyway? The only thing you tend to touch are the buttons (which are not black gloss) and the touchscreen. Loving the interior LED lighting in the Highline at night too, it's really special!

[Golf7]

I can confidently say after picking up my TSI Highline over a week ago, that the fingerprints on the piano black gloss are not an issue. Why would you be touching it anyway? The only thing you tend to touch are the buttons (which are not black gloss) and the touchscreen. Loving the interior LED lighting in the Highline at night too, it's really special!

Congrats with your new car! So jealous!

[pologti18t]

Also interesting was that I was told the base model comes with hub caps with the optional alloys being dealer fit only, not factory order-able... seems like the dealerships are likely to end up with lots of spare stock rims?... although how many 90TSI vs the Comfortline will be sold? especially those upgrading the rims at near $1,000 for the set (which his a huge chunk of the difference between the models). Again it seems they have a basic base model almost so they can claim a lower starting price...

Isn't that what a base model is for?
Upgraded alloys on a 90TSI will be a "thrown in to deal to make you buy it".
Alloys wheels should never (on a low cost hatch) be a factory option. 3 month way for alloys! You've got to be kidding.

GTI - i reckon standard Sat Nav, maybe HIDS. Limited options like the Highline. VW Aust have finally worked out that endless option lists cause nothing but grief. The Japanese learnt that decades ago.

[Golf7]

Isn't that what a base model is for?
Upgraded alloys on a 90TSI will be a "thrown in to deal to make you buy it".
Alloys wheels should never (on a low cost hatch) be a factory option. 3 month way for alloys! You've got to be kidding.

GTI - i reckon standard Sat Nav, maybe HIDS. Limited options like the Highline. VW Aust have finally worked out that endless option lists cause nothing but grief. The Japanese learnt that decades ago.

Totally agree with this guy, the specs are nail on perfect... Well almost...

Now we get onto the GTI

The base GTI will have bi-xenons, the Discover Pro Sat-Nav as well as the standard 18 inch alloys, ACC will be an option as will the Performance Package which will also bring the 19 inch alloys. Expect leather and sunroof to also be options obviously.

[volksweapon]

Totally agree with this guy, the specs are nail on perfect... Well almost...

Now we get onto the GTI

The base GTI will have bi-xenons, the Discover Pro Sat-Nav as well as the standard 18 inch alloys, ACC will be an option as will the Performance Package which will also bring the 19 inch alloys. Expect leather and sunroof to also be options obviously.

What makes you believe the Australian GTI will have the discover pro system? Or any of the options you mention?

[Golf7]

What makes you believe the Australian GTI will have the discover pro system? Or any of the options you mention?

Um, because I saw the car??? During their spec consultation???

[Lupo]

Um, because I saw the car??? During their spec consultation???

In which country? Unless you work for Volkswagen Australia, I can't imagine someone having the details already or that there is already a car in the country. They usually keep spec and price pretty close until the launch or shortly before. And if you DO work for them or their agency, you should think twice before giving away confidential information and risking your job.

But I guess, time will tell. In a few months we will see if all the things you promised us as standard will really be in the car. If not - your credibility will be gone. So good luck mate!

[Golf7]

In which country? Unless you work for Volkswagen Australia, I can't imagine someone having the details already or that there is already a car in the country. They usually keep spec and price pretty close until the launch or shortly before. And if you DO work for them or their agency, you should think twice before giving away confidential information and risking your job.

But I guess, time will tell. In a few months we will see if all the things you promised us as standard will really be in the car. If not - your credibility will be gone. So good luck mate!

I cannot see your point, maybe chucking in your two cents makes you feel better. I do not appreciate being spoken to as above. If you do not know what is going on, or if you are making mere unqualified assumptions regarding myself, I ask that you do not write personal posts on the forum directed at me. I do not appreciate being told how to act or behave, this is not your role and insulting.

I can't believe that I actually have to 'explain' myself to some random stranger. As a journalist, I was involved in an event where the Golf GTI was shown to us and we were expected to give feedback on the car's provisional specifications. I'm not sure if you know this but MK.7s have been in Australia since January 19th.

Make of this what you want.