Golf 40th vs Golf R

[ringo]

Exactly why I jumped on the R Wagon.

Tiguan was my next choice if had missed out.

I think it's a bless when someone can honestly like a wagon, especially when he's buying a performance car. I could never stand them, and considered the "wagon" option as something that would render the entire idea of owing a nice performance car that I like to look at, take photos of etc. pointless (ie. not looking that sporty/special any more).

If I absolutely needed that much space all the time (carrying dogs, or special equipment around) I would have gone with something like a Tiguan. It surely lacks the absolute R power (although the 220bhp AWD shouldn't be too bad) but the R-Line looks in fact much beefier and sportier than an R wagon.

[Bassik]

I think it's a bless when someone can honestly like a wagon, especially when he's buying a performance car. I could never stand them, and considered the "wagon" option as something that would render the entire idea of owing a nice performance car that I like to look at, take photos of etc. pointless (ie. not looking that sporty/special any more).

If I absolutely needed that much space all the time (carrying dogs, or special equipment around) I would have gone with something like a Tiguan. It surely lacks the absolute R power (although the 220bhp AWD shouldn't be too bad) but the R-Line looks in fact much beefier and sportier than an R wagon.

Oh for sure, every time I see a wagon R I think hahaha why would you bother, they look so bad and you pay for what a bigger boot, no thanks. As for the Tiguan that is a nice piece of equipment. It packs everything I want other than the power and driving experience however there is a lifestyle that is somewhat attached to it which does involve some new driving experiences. It's by all means not a a true 4X4 and I wouldn't take it out for heavy 4X4 tracks but the driving pleasure is all there.

What's the drive away price for the R Line over there ringo in comparison to the CS? It's a pitty it ain't here yet coz if it was reasonably priced I'd consider it.

[Dutch77]

Fair to say beauty is in the eye of the beholder as I am quite the fan of the R wagon, both the concept and the execution.. whereas I could never buy the CS as I cannot stand how cheap and odd it looks vs a stock GTI or the R. But then again I'd never buy the CS as I know I won't track it so will not gain the benefits. That's just my opinion and is obviously in complete contrast to you guys, aren't cars fun.

We can agree the new Tiguan is a decent looking SUV, although the rear tails weren't executed well.

I can't vouch for the Euro market but here the R is the leader, and thus the CS will always just be a limited edition GTI even if it's carrying some decent mechanicals (and hobbled by that disgusting wheel choice and weight). If you're a track enthusiast who values the ten tenths of driving then that's a real tough choice, but for the bulk of buyers the R is the no brainer. I'd fall into the latter as I know my limitations, and I also know my interests which no longer extends to wanting to track.

Although that would change if I could live in Germany and could pop over to the Ring.

[andrew7]

I think it's a bless when someone can honestly like a wagon, especially when he's buying a performance car. I could never stand them, and considered the "wagon" option as something that would render the entire idea of owing a nice performance car that I like to look at, take photos of etc. pointless (ie. not looking that sporty/special any more).

If I absolutely needed that much space all the time (carrying dogs, or special equipment around) I would have gone with something like a Tiguan. It surely lacks the absolute R power (although the 220bhp AWD shouldn't be too bad) but the R-Line looks in fact much beefier and sportier than an R wagon.

Does look sharp doesn't it? (Apologies off topic) I'm tossing up the diesel Highline Tiggy +/- R line, the latter option dependent on price. I'm coming from 2 x Golf R's the 2nd for some reason was ultimately for me a disappointment/not involving enough; the "icing" on the cake was the dreaded tinny wastegate rattle. So its mid/high po diesel SUV's for me going forward...

[Bassik]

Fair to say beauty is in the eye of the beholder as I am quite the fan of the R wagon, both the concept and the execution.. whereas I could never buy the CS as I cannot stand how cheap and odd it looks vs a stock GTI or the R. But then again I'd never buy the CS as I know I won't track it so will not gain the benefits. That's just my opinion and is obviously in complete contrast to you guys, aren't cars fun.

We can agree the new Tiguan is a decent looking SUV, although the rear tails weren't executed well.

I can't vouch for the Euro market but here the R is the leader, and thus the CS will always just be a limited edition GTI even if it's carrying some decent mechanicals (and hobbled by that disgusting wheel choice and weight). If you're a track enthusiast who values the ten tenths of driving then that's a real tough choice, but for the bulk of buyers the R is the no brainer. I'd fall into the latter as I know my limitations, and I also know my interests which no longer extends to wanting to track.

Although that would change if I could live in Germany and could pop over to the Ring.

True to that. I am with you on that as I would never track a car (never have) but it might push me to...lol Regardless if you tracked the CS or not I believe you'd still get a pretty damn good commute to work. It's a nice car to drive and fun is really an understatement. I'm tempted to test drive the R again and not have someone in it because you can quite comfortably fall into your driving habits. Having someone sit next to you going over the already know features is rather distracting. That would really give me a true understanding of what to compare but in all honestly the CS is more fun from what I have tested... I've driven the R 3 times now over the span of a year or so and only the CS once and that's the one that sticks in my head. Could be coz I had it for half hour and alone or maybe not. Time will tell.

I don't think the CS looks cheap but in comparison to the R I do see what you mean. The CS is a true racer/fanboy/track car where as the R is more elegant and sophisticated however it doesn't project that limited edition feel.

As for the Tiguan I also agree the back isn't thhhat nice but the front totally makes up for it. But it's all about features and oh it's features is where is shines.

Could turn this into a CS vs Tiguan thread haha....

[Bassik]

This has got to make some R owners feel a bit better, better than a $10k more costing RS3. He mentions the SEAT Cupra as well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3jWVTKYcP0

[ringo]

Of course on a track you could exploit all of the Clubsport's potential but you certainly don't need one to appreciate its superior driving characteristics. Much like you experienced on your test-drive without I suppose driving anywhere near 10/10. Only a couple of corners and it'll be putting a smile on your face before you know it.

Current S3/RS3 are (once again) falling short on dynamics with the RS3 being actually the worst (heavy engine just amplifies the understeer tendency) of the group. The R has different springs, dampers and steering rack and therefore drives better than both of them. The moaning threads on Audi forums from driver enthusiasts about the S3/RS3's handling are/were quite regular.

[Dutch77]

True to that. I am with you on that as I would never track a car (never have) but it might push me to...lol Regardless if you tracked the CS or not I believe you'd still get a pretty damn good commute to work. It's a nice car to drive and fun is really an understatement. I'm tempted to test drive the R again and not have someone in it because you can quite comfortably fall into your driving habits. Having someone sit next to you going over the already know features is rather distracting. That would really give me a true understanding of what to compare but in all honestly the CS is more fun from what I have tested... I've driven the R 3 times now over the span of a year or so and only the CS once and that's the one that sticks in my head. Could be coz I had it for half hour and alone or maybe not. Time will tell.

I don't think the CS looks cheap but in comparison to the R I do see what you mean. The CS is a true racer/fanboy/track car where as the R is more elegant and sophisticated however it doesn't project that limited edition feel.

As for the Tiguan I also agree the back isn't thhhat nice but the front totally makes up for it. But it's all about features and oh it's features is where is shines.

Could turn this into a CS vs Tiguan thread haha....

I guess it depends where you live - I did have a nice bit of tarmac when I was in Cairns last year, but my Adelaide commute is pretty mundane. At the end of the day any of these cars with the ability to merge with a brush of the throttle suits me.

I'd definitely find a dealer who will let you take the car for a decent drive solo, and go back to back with a few. The 'original' VW dealer in Adelaide has always been good for that with me at least and it does pay off - I was close to pulling the trigger on a Mk6 R but after a lengthy drive I ended up sticking with my GTI. The dealer didn't mind as the Speaker scored a Polo instead.

I'm probably being a bit harsh on the CS - cheap is the wrong word - but the front bar looks like someone got lost pasting shapes on a 3D generator and the rear 'wing' is overdone. I find the stock GTI is far more resolved and lives up to that crisp clean VW design language. And don't even get me started on those wheels..

But I've always preferred clean design over plastic fantastic - I understand ringo for example will disagree completely with my views on styling and good luck to him. Each to their own, my criticisms are just my view and are not intended to bait within a CS thread.

A CS v Tig sounds like the sort of conundrum I'd find myself in so I'm happy to get involved in that. An R Line Tig with the right wheels, ride height and tuned up would be a great commuter and weekend vehicle for me these days. But then again I'd probably be better off with one of those 'fugly' R wagons..

[tigger73]

As for the Tiguan that is a nice piece of equipment. It packs everything I want other than the power and driving experience however there is a lifestyle that is somewhat attached to it which does involve some new driving experiences. It's by all means not a a true 4X4 and I wouldn't take it out for heavy 4X4 tracks but the driving pleasure is all there.

What's the drive away price for the R Line over there ringo in comparison to the CS? It's a pitty it ain't here yet coz if it was reasonably priced I'd consider it.

The Tiguan has the same engine as Golf GTI so if you want a little more power, the new Tig will be good for 250kW with a tune and DP. I think that should be enough poke for a soccer mum car

They're suggesting there's going to be a moderate (say couple of grand) increase over the current model when it's released in late August/Sept. Though the Highline/R-line models won't be here until the end of the year or early 2017.

I have the opportunity to have a sit in the CS and would certainly consider it compared to the Wolfsburg wagon. I don't think the fake carbon seats would ever grow on me.

[Bassik]

Yeah totally each to there own. For me it's about something different but without losing some what of a driving experience, whether it be luxury/4WD or supreme performance or all of the above lol. The Tiguan does tick 2 of those where as the R and CS do as well. But what the Tiguan lacks is where the other 3 gain.

I'll hopefully try and test drive another R this weekend, and request a solo drive. I'm not wasting my time if they hop in with me.

I wish we knew the Tiguan prices as that would clear a lot up for me. I'm not prepared to pay $60k if that's the starting R Line 162kw TSI price. As I have already been pulled out of a CS sale I planned to now wait and see what the prices will be, but until then the CS's are slowly fading and I could end up with my only option being an R.


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[ringo]

I guess it depends where you live - I did have a nice bit of tarmac when I was in Cairns last year, but my Adelaide commute is pretty mundane. At the end of the day any of these cars with the ability to merge with a brush of the throttle suits me.

I'd definitely find a dealer who will let you take the car for a decent drive solo, and go back to back with a few. The 'original' VW dealer in Adelaide has always been good for that with me at least and it does pay off - I was close to pulling the trigger on a Mk6 R but after a lengthy drive I ended up sticking with my GTI. The dealer didn't mind as the Speaker scored a Polo instead.

I'm probably being a bit harsh on the CS - cheap is the wrong word - but the front bar looks like someone got lost pasting shapes on a 3D generator and the rear 'wing' is overdone. I find the stock GTI is far more resolved and lives up to that crisp clean VW design language. And don't even get me started on those wheels..

But I've always preferred clean design over plastic fantastic - I understand ringo for example will disagree completely with my views on styling and good luck to him. Each to their own, my criticisms are just my view and are not intended to bait within a CS thread.

A CS v Tig sounds like the sort of conundrum I'd find myself in so I'm happy to get involved in that. An R Line Tig with the right wheels, ride height and tuned up would be a great commuter and weekend vehicle for me these days. But then again I'd probably be better off with one of those 'fugly' R wagons..

Yeah it's true that I completely disagree but there's nothing wrong with that! On the rear wing aspect, looking at the competition I think it's as subtle as it can be, don't forget in the end there has to be something that directs the air flow beneficially to the car's aerodynamics otherwise there is no point in sticking anything just for show. And it is a track-focused car after-all, it's not meant to be blending in completely un-noticed. Still it does the job as you'd expect from a Golf: different, yet with the minimal provocation possible. Every other competitor has a far more dramatic look, to me the Clubsport looks and feels the classiest car in the track-focused hatch range (the R is not in that list). Mitsubishi EVO, Civic Type-R, A45 AMG, Focus RS, these cars have huge wings, the Clubsport doesn't:

[SevenR]

wow, i just read a review on the GTI 40 year limited edition, nearly 1 sec slower to 100 than an R - I never knew that.

[ringo]

wow, i just read a review on the GTI 40 year limited edition, nearly 1 sec slower to 100 than an R - I never knew that.

You don't say, any ideas why?

[SevenR]

no idea, it's marginally lighter & slightly more powerful (10 sec at a time lol)

[ringo]

no idea, it's marginally lighter & slightly more powerful (10 sec at a time lol)

Not much into cars right?