Mk7 Golf GTI Discussion Thread

[ClownDog]

I know any time I want to test drive here I just get chucked the keys and get a 'see you in an hour or two'.

That was my experience too, but I suspect we both used the same dealer. I test drove 3 different Golfs and each time I took the car overnight. Picked up after work on a Friday and returned with about half a tank less petrol on Saturday around midday. It was the night driving that led me to order my GTI with xenons.

[Dutch77]

ClownDog: I believe you are correct.

Splashalot and ClownDog are examples of the buyers who I understand need xenons for more than once in a blue moon unlit night driving - so the lack of xenons on the base model as an option is a poor choice by VW. Maybe even a travesty, but I am not one for hyperbole.

For me (and ClownDog IIRC) we could set up to the PP and either live with the Santiagos are swap them out for something easier on the eye. Splashalot doesn't get that option, so short of a very expensive (but legal) retrofit has no choice but to at least consider the competition.

Motor had a test a while back which had the GTI and Focus (ironically a base model with xenons and manual) and the GTI won due to its all round abilities, but the Focus was not disgraced and was a fair drive - it may do the job.

Probably worth noting it has a really small boot though in the interests of providing all relevant details.

[irossiter]

Splashalot,
I studied in Tassie for 6 years and know very well how much road kill and live stuff! is on the roads at night. I had a '63 Mini with modified full Cooper S specs and once hit a dead wombat in the middle of the road (near St Helens) at 100kmh and the whole left side of the car was airborne for about 20m! Thanks to my magnificent 1950's technology lights! I optioned up Xenons in my Mk 6 GTI after halogens in the Mk 5 (even tough I now live in Geelong and Melb) and could never go back. I was absolutely furious when VW dropped the headlight option in the standard GTI because I wanted a manual as always. I ended up getting a GTI Performance, partly because of the Xenons. I'm very happy with the DSG (FAR better than Merc's version) but deep down I miss the manual. I didn't want 19 inch rims either but I'm shocked at how good the ride quality is (again FAR better than a Merc A250) and I'd say better than my Mk 6 GTI on 18's. I found the new R just a bit too extreme for my everyday long distance driving on imperfect roads. The Focus is still a very good car but have a look at a Performance or a second hand near new Mk6 or Mk7 GTI.


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[ihawk]

First time I drove a Mk7 GTI was out of the showroom on delivery date.

Same

[nma]

APR TUNE......... Just returned from South west travelling about 500 km thought I would post a small report on how the car performed. Fuel consumption figures averaged 7.5 l/100 with a mixture of normal and aggressive driving oil temp was considerably lower around 97. Amazing acceleration for overtaking and gear box seems a lot smoother during changes ,no rubbing issues with wheel set up . Overall very impressed with this little pocket rocket

[wasabiz]

Getting my tune this Thursday since I have the day off. Probably order the VWR panel filter while I'm at it, Called APR hotline and they said the stock air box is good enough for stage one, just go for it when the DP is available for stage 2.

[nma]

That's great. U will be giggling after like I was it's such a different drive

[wasabiz]

That's great. U will be giggling after like I was it's such a different drive

Haha I hope so! Hey how's the springs treating you? Mind giving us a thought on how it feels in the long term?

[Dutch77]

Haha I hope so! Hey how's the springs treating you? Mind giving us a thought on how it feels in the long term?

+1, still thinking about springs v KW DDC coilovers v stock.

Come on wasabiz, bite the bullet and go for some wheels as well.

[wasabiz]

Hahahaha been tempted to go and order one of the Rays g25. But I wanted to wait and lower my car first, still can't decide if KW or springs are the way to go :p

I still need to take up on your offer nma on meeting you and sit in your car haha

[nma]

You will be. Springs are settled and all is good ,with the ability to adjust the ride whether norm comfort or sport I am more than happy I might add that the Apr tune really makes the car jump out of its skin so being slightly lower and firmer certainly keeps it grounded

[nma]

Sure that's fine.

[Mikey1]

Hahahaha been tempted to go and order one of the Rays g25.

Nice choice of wheels. [emoji7] I have a set on order, which will arrive before I receive my R, so the marriage of new wheels to new car should occur shortly after delivery.

[Splashalot]

+1, still thinking about springs v KW DDC coilovers v stock.

Please excuse a dumb question, but aftermarket dampers (or springs?) would mean you lose the adjustable suspension system, no?

[giveway]

Please excuse a dumb question, but aftermarket dampers (or springs?) would mean you lose the adjustable suspension system, no?

Splash, both KW and Bilstein have dampers that have electronic control. I think they can also interface with the OEM controls most of the time.

I looked into them for my track car but realised I'm not going to be changing damper settings mid session and just have them on soft the rest of the time.

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