Mk7 Golf GTI Discussion Thread

[Go Cats]

I think if an entertainment system, sat nav, screen size and clarity, sound system etc is really important then the A class is a much better package than the Golf's system. I was extremely disappointed that I couldn't upgrade the GTI system in the Mk 7. I tried the sat nav in the Mk 7 when it came out and it was terrible compared to the Merc system. Let alone that VW Aust disabled the voice recognition system (although now that I've tried it in dad's new S3 Audi I'm not suprised). What a joke, having to spell out a street name rather than speak the word in a $65,000 European car. VW are better off without it. Probably a good move. The Merc system is also better than a touch screen in the Golf. The Harmon-Kardon system in the upgrade A Class package is absolutely outstanding, can't fault it.
I've had 2 GTI's and never ever thought I'd go elsewhere but I wanted a change so went for an A250 Sport. In many ways it's inferior to the GTI as an overall package, particularly the suspension compliance. The DSG transmission is also far superior to the Merc auto. I had manual GTI's but dad has always had DSG's in his VW's and been very happy.
I'm glad I went for a change but I still think the Golf is the best hot hatch in the class. I think VW are getting a bit too greedy with their incredible success over the last 10 years or so. They should be offering us the packages from overseas but maybe it's because they won't make enough profit on it or it's just too much trouble for them! The majority of A250 buyers have moved from a GTI. Mercedes know how to look after their customers and really, the A250 is simply a copy of a GTI but done by Mercedes.
I tried to contact VW for months before I bought the Merc. I wanted to see if there was any chance of being able to add packages or if/when they might be available. No replies despite being asked by my dealer to harass them. Hopeless. This had a lot to do with my decision to not get another GTI. Still think they are a magnificent package though and I do miss my GTI's but happy for a change.

[Ryan_R]

Except the A class system is a tacky stuck-on-the-dash afterthought iirc

The Audi system looks much nicer by comparison. The 1.8T Quattro could be a good GTI alternative for some

[lenojd]

Except the A class system is a tacky stuck-on-the-dash afterthought iirc

indeed. Looks absolutely horrid imo

[pologti18t]

Except the A class system is a tacky stuck-on-the-dash afterthought iirc

The Audi system looks much nicer by comparison. The 1.8T Quattro could be a good GTI alternative for some

And its optional... extra $$ for sat nav. extra $$$ for improved stereo.

[Dutch77]

And its optional... extra $$ for sat nav. extra $$$ for improved stereo.

$3k I believe, although one can argue they've at least given the option rather than remove it as VW has with dynaudio.

$1.2k for metallic paint.. ouch.

The reviews of the screen display are usually less than flattering - the way it is tacked on and sun glare in particular.

Still imitation can be the sincerest form of flattery with the new Mazda 3 following a similar route.

[readerr0r]

Volkswagen Golf : mystery high-performance hatch spotted at the Nurburgring | CarAdvice

Thats one interesting spoiler, also Autoexpress thinks it'll be a Golf R model not GTI

Hotter VW Golf R spied | Auto Express

[Dutch77]

Those wheels and ride height look the goods, although lose that hideous rear wing.

If it is indeed a hotter R guess we'd miss out anyway - it's a 3 door.

[readerr0r]

Those wheels and ride height look the goods, although lose that hideous rear wing.

If it is indeed a hotter R guess we'd miss out anyway - it's a 3 door.

VWA suggested they'd bring in the 3 door as a special edition, so this would fit the bill nicely for that.

[Ryan_R]

Sorry if I came across that way mate. Obviously wasn't thinking that Merc owners would be here reading this, if I did I wouldn't have chosen those words.

For the record I have not driven either Audi or Merc, but am considering one next year. And I agree with you about the standard Mk7 Golf satnav - not a fan.

[DoggieHowser]

While the Merc satnav screen may look like it has been added on, I personally find it more usable when driving. Having to look down to find the screen to fiddle with the audio controls or satnav like you do on the Golf IMHO means taking the eyes off the road, even if for a split second. On my Tiguan, I like that the steering wheels give me some control but selecting destinations/playlists IMHO still requires access to the screen.

[nat225]

i had a close look at a mk7 gti with PP, it is a bit disappointing that they use 225 35 19, load 88, on the 19" rims. i would have thought 235 35 19 size would be a proper one (wider = more contact patch = more grip) given that mk6 golf R comes with that rubber size for 19" upgrade.

[Diesel_vert]

i had a close look at a mk7 gti with PP, it is a bit disappointing that they use 225 35 19, load 88, on the 19" rims. i would have thought 235 35 19 size would be a proper one (wider = more contact patch = more grip) given that mk6 golf R comes with that rubber size for 19" upgrade.

225/35 R19 is a closer match to 225/40 R18 and 225/45 R17 with regards to the tyre's rolling circumference.

225/35 R19 88Y XL tyres are fitted on 7.5 J x 19 wheels for the Mk7 GTI. A minimum width of 8.0 J is needed to fit 235/35 R19 91Y XL tyres in order to meet roadworthy requirements.

The Mk7 Golf R is available with optional 235/35 R19 91Y XL tyres on 8.0 J x 19 wheels from the factory (standard fitment for Australian delivered models, IIRC), as the Mk7 R is over 100 kg heavier than the Mk7 GTI.

[Dutch77]

I remember when I looked at an R in December 12 that pretty much all the stock available and in transit was carrying 19s, so whether they again figured the bulk of more recent orders were 19s and wanted to simplify things? Although the black Tallies were popular and they're not covering that so.. forget that idea as well.

[Paul_R]

225/35 R19 is a closer match to 225/40 R18 and 225/45 R17 with regards to the tyre's rolling circumference.

225/35 R19 88Y XL tyres are fitted on 7.5 J x 19 wheels for the Mk7 GTI. A minimum width of 8.0 J is needed to fit 235/35 R19 91Y XL tyres in order to meet roadworthy requirements.

The Mk7 Golf R is available with optional 235/35 R19 91Y XL tyres on 8.0 J x 19 wheels from the factory (standard fitment for Australian delivered models, IIRC), as the Mk7 R is over 100 kg heavier than the Mk7 GTI.

This would explain why the S3 SB doesn't have 19s (correct me if I'm wrong). The SB has 7.5" wheels. The sedan however has 8" wheels (sedan is wider) hence the S3 sedan can have either 18s or 19s.

Still leaves the marketing department to blame for the R only having 19s though. Combine that with the lack of Dynaudio and I think VW have successfully pushed me into an Audi.

PS re the deletes above: I tried to post this earlier but my blood sugar was low so it came out all wrong...

[n0d3]

Doh finally cleaned my car today and I saw what I thought was bird poo so I was trying to get it off, realised it was touch up paint. Wasn't really well done (it looked raised, thus I thought it was white gunk). Told the dealer, hopefully they'll do a better job this time (not sure if they did the touch up or whether it was done somewhere else along the delivery process). Really hard to see, didn't pick it up during delivery. :\