Mk7 Golf GTI Discussion Thread

[Splashalot]

45 for a 5k 2014 demo manual is a rip. It must have some options at that price. Surely it would work out cheaper to go interstate even with the extra costs?

Nope, bog standard. Not one single option. Plus I think it is a 2013 plate MY14 build. Pretty much sums up the buying experience down here with just the one dealer. To be fair, though, their service dept. is spot-on. However, I think buying interstate will be #1 option for me when/if VW ever bring back the xenons option. Our dealer's list price is greater than the price listed on the VW site.

[Dutch77]

For what it's worth freight from Cairns to Adelaide (4000km+) was only going to come to $1,100 approximately, so if you could jag a car from Melbourne at the right price it shouldn't be too bad - although I don't know how they price the ferry section.

I've obviously been tracking the used market closely in the last few weeks and given where my car sits price wise, a used/demo 2013 MY14 manual in white with no options should be $41k from a dealer, and I'd be buying under $40k privately.. before haggling; my car is priced a lot sharper than that.

[bobg]

Hi all,

I'm still getting to know my 1 week old mk7 GTI and was wondering if it's normal for the GTI in sports mode to sit in such low gears when cruising at around 60kph? Mine sits in 2nd gear.

I'm thinking it probably is normal which then raises the question, how often do you use this mode?

[dening]

Hi all,

I'm still getting to know my 1 week old mk7 GTI and was wondering if it's normal for the GTI in sports mode to sit in such low gears when cruising at around 60kph? Mine sits in 2nd gear.

I'm thinking it probably is normal which then raises the question, how often do you use this mode?

Yeah it changes to third around that 60kmh and rpm mark.

I really can't use it in an urban commute, it's just too tiring to hear that drone. If I am on a drive on some twisty hills it can work right, but I still use the paddles.

[mp2811]

Mk7 R is the same! Race mode WAY over the top and I find D mode the opposite too fast to change gears. Hit's 6th before 60 making car feel sluggish. I'm pretty confident DSG flash fixes this up a lot. I have APR tune on mine so torque high so I want DSG tune for improving drivability mainly but also increased clutch clamping etc.

[Dutch77]

Sports mode can only generally be used for a spirited drive in the twisties. However I do actually use it in car parks and the odd bit of stop start traffic to keep it sitting in first (without going to manual).

The flipside is normal mode is often too lethargic unless you get on it early or give it a bit of a boot.

That's where a DSG tune will come in if you want to go that far.

[Moonee]

Hopefully nobody takes this the wrong way but I've never understood the logic of buying a sports car in anything other than manual form.

[Ralfi]

Hopefully nobody takes this the wrong way but I've never understood the logic of buying a sports car in anything other than manual form.

Neither did I, until I was driven in a DSG the way it's meant to be driven (when not bogged down in gridlock), & it's got me thinking......

Though, it'll end up being out of my price range, (& I'm yet to forget about the horror stories of the original Polo GTI DSG), so chances are I'll stick with the manual.

Another thing with the manual - they've implemented an engine cut-out feature when you say stop at a set of lights, put the car in neutral & take your foot off the clutch? I do this now to rest my clutch foot in peak hour.....cut-out feature makes the manual less appealing, but not a deal breaker.

[Dutch77]

Hopefully nobody takes this the wrong way but I've never understood the logic of buying a sports car in anything other than manual form.

Not taken the wrong way but there are a number of reasons why one would choose the DSG over the manual, ignoring the simple fact that a GTI is not a sports car.

The flipside to that is I still cannot fathom the logic of someone who can't work out why some buyers choose DSG and others choose manual. Each to their own.

Neither did I, until I was driven in a DSG the way it's meant to be driven (when not bogged down in gridlock), & it's got me thinking......

Though, it'll end up being out of my price range, (& I'm yet to forget about the horror stories of the original Polo GTI DSG), so chances are I'll stick with the manual.

Ralfi, remember the GTI has the much more reliable DQ250 box which has had minimal issues when compared to the 7 speeder in other models including the Polo GTI.

Having said that the DSG will always carry a premium so in your case the manual will absolutely save you some pennies.

[Jimi]

It's also better for the release bearing in the clutch to not have it held down for long periods

I turn off the stop start every time I get in now. I'm sort of on autopilot these days - clutch in, turn key, release park brake, disable stop-start, select first, drive away

[Dutch77]

+1.. it's a start up routine; ignition on, air on, stop/start off, park brake release..

[Ralfi]

Good to know you can disable the feature. Thanks.

Gees they're selling the Focus ST for $34k in their '14 runout sales.

The new model due in May should compete with the Golf GTI with many features bettering that of the VW (8" screen etc).

Should be an interesting sales battle.

[Dutch77]

Can be disabled each start-up (it defaults to on) or you can disable it permanently if desired.

The Focus is good value, and I am sure some buyers will cross shop and pick it, but I still think if you're after a premium feel you won't go past the GTI (notwithstanding that in Mk7 guise it has a lot a little of that feeling). I hate the VW screen, but that wouldn't swing me to the Focus, and I still prefer the clean understated styling of the Golf over the Focus.

Choice is great though - it's a hot section of the market now so there is sales for everyone.

[Moonee]

... ignoring the simple fact that a GTI is not a sports car.

Wow

Well if you really believe that then I strongly advise you against clicking any of the links below


Best Sports Car under $50,000


RACV RoyalAuto - Australia's Best Cars: Sports car under $50,000


Sports car comparison : Subaru WRX v Volkswagen Golf GTI Performance v Renault Megane RS265 | CarAdvice


Australia's Best Cars 2014 - Best Sports Car Under $50,000 - Volkswagen Golf GTI - YouTube

etc etc etc ...

Another thing with the manual - they've implemented an engine cut-out feature

It's also in the DSG version.

I must say, first couple of months of ownership I was disabling the stop/start but I no longer do (except in bumper to bumper traffic).

Actually the stop/start works better in the manual than in the DSG.

Whereas in the latter you can get heart flutters if the car stops while waiting to turn right across traffic, the manual won't because stop/start doesn't kick in while the clutch is pressed in.

[Ralfi]

It's also in the DSG version.

I must say, first couple of months of ownership I was disabling the stop/start but I no longer do (except in bumper to bumper traffic).

Actually the stop/start works better in the manual than in the DSG.

Whereas in the latter you can get heart flutters if the car stops while waiting to turn right across traffic, the manual won't because stop/start doesn't kick in while the clutch is pressed in.

Yeah the DSG cuts out when it detects no movement & no foot on the brake for a certain period of time, so if you were on flat ground, waiting to turn right at a major intersection, it could get dicey.

Or maybe I've got that wrong - I'm pretty sure handbrake has to also be on?

----

Any views on the sunroof by long time owners? Regret it/still love it? I've noticed a few comments around by people saying if they had an option they wished they didn't purchase, it's be the sunroof.

The DSG I test drove the other day had one, & I found it useful, especially the shade cloth, in controlling the light in the cabin. & if I were to get tinted windows, that control of light adjustment, along with negating the need to often wind down windows would be beneficial I think?

Despite that, I was also thinking of getting wind shields for those times I do wind down the windows. Anyone find these serve their purpose?