118TSI revelation

[mr gee]

I've had both TSI and GTI. Sold/traded both for a Scirocco

TSI had 2 water pump changed, DSG clutch pack and dsg remap under warranty. Otherwise, great car to drive and excellent fuel economy
GTI was a late 2011, had no rattles and great point to point squirter . Fuel economy was only 1l/km poorer

[eccentriq]

Sorry to whore this thread but, I too am in this position 118TSI w/APR Stage 1 or GTI? It must be DSG so theres no escaping that fact. The car won't be tracked or anything like that and will majority of the time be driven A-B with a bit of spirited driving on the odd occasion. Could some 118TSI owners please give me their opinions?

[jrgti]

About to clock 30K with my MY10 GTI. Have had absolutely no issues, not even any rattles...................although VW customer service and dealers are in general shocking. Not really a mechanical related issue but had to let it out.

Edit: Air-con smell problem is an issue for me personally.

[Ryan_R]

A couple of points in favour of the Stage 1 118 TSI:

* Price
* No turbo lag (supercharger is awesome with Stage 1 + a SprintBooster set to Race mode)
* Essentially just as quick as a stock GTI (only a few ponies less than the GTI, but 320nm of torque compared to the GTI's 280nm).
* Stealth/sleeper. Doesn't grab unwanted attention unless you decide to accelerate from 0-100kph in < 7 seconds.
* Better fuel economy (about 1l/100km less than the GTI).
* Can retrofit other GTI items such as flappy paddle steering wheel or metal pedals.
* Avoid an expensive (~$1200) DSG oil change at 60,000km service. That saving alone almost covers the APR Stage 1 upgrade.

Those are the headlines, hope that helps.

[DoggieHowser]

Why wouldn't the 118TSi need a 60k km DSG service?

[eccentriq]

Why wouldn't the 118TSi need a 60k km DSG service?

I too am dumbfounded by this... pls explain

[Ryan_R]

You still service the car at 60000km, but the 7spd DSG is DRY clutch, no oil to change.

GTI is a 6spd DSG wet clutch setup.

[eccentriq]

You still service the car at 60000km, but the 7spd DSG is DRY clutch, no oil to change.

GTI is a 6spd DSG wet clutch setup.

my mind is BLOWN. too bad i cant rep you?

[Ryan_R]

lol, I'm happy to share what I've read/heard. Occasionally I get it wrong but others here are quick to correct me

btw if I recall correctly that $1200 was for someone getting their car serviced at Volkspower, so a dealer would presumably charge considerably more for it.

[AdamD]

* Can retrofit other GTI items such as flappy paddle steering wheel or metal pedals.

How is that a point in favour of a 118, Ryan? You still need to pay $$$ and do the mods.

At the end of the day, if you want something that's more sports-inclined, I'd recommend the GTI. Bringing a 118 up to GTI spec in all respects would cost far more than simply buying a GTI (both in terms of standard inclusions, and mechanicals). You can chip anything with a turbo and get good gains, but straight-line urge is really just one component of a much bigger picture.

But, if what you're after is a highly competent and comfortable daily with a bit of poke, that's not a sports car or really a hot hatch, then the 118 is a great choice.