Golf 77TSI Details, Observations and Questions

[Inception.dln]

*eats popcorn*

[PassatB6]

Polo and Golf have won WCOTYs and so many other awards its becoming mundane. No-one has to justify buying any version of either of these vehicles especially to someone who is just being a troll.

[AdamD]

Am I seriously only the one that thinks this tarnishes the image of the 'Golf' ?? The R looks so indifferent from the rest of the model range... It's not so hot anymore!

If you feel that the 77TSI and R look too similar, and that the former tarnishes the look of the latter, then I would respectfully suggest that the subtle qualities of the R's styling package are lost on you, and you would be much better off buying something else. Perhaps something louder.

I also personally think the base MkVI Golfs are handsome cars, but are lacking certain styling embellishments that the GTI and R deliver in spades. I certainly don't mind that the base models exist - in contrast they make my car look better.

If anything, at least Toyota are giving their new hot hatch a Lexus label. Much better than an overpriced Corolla. I am sure the tech on this upcoming model will far outstrip the bare bone R. R doesn't even have start/stop, memory seats, adaptive cruise control or standard bluetooth!?! The interior does little to stir enthusiasm.. It's all about the engine, AWD and handling dynamics.. But $40k for it? I think not. It's a go kart.

Lexus vehicles are, with very few exceptions, badge-engineered Toyotas. This is no bad thing - Toyota builds cars well. But don't fool yourself that by buying a Lexus you're getting a better standard of design, engineering or manufacture than you would in a Corolla. Lexus doesn't have a distinct design language, and their technology is straight ToMoCo. They do, however, feature more toys and more chrome.

As for describing the R as "bare boned", and insinuating that the R is somehow technically simpler than its competition, can I draw your attention to the incredible DSG and latest-gen Haldex diff technology, the direct injection, the standard touchscreen audio... to name just a few of the R's strong distinguishing points.

Driven a Lexus GS460? 2nd hand (2-3 years old) for the same money. 0-100 in less than 5 seconds and the tech is lightyears ahead of the vintage Golf.

Motor magazine describes the GS460 as "Supposedly Japan's 5 Series but it's miles adrift - soft, characterless, flawed". If that's the kind of car that appeals to you, then the Lexus or similar will fit the bill, I'm sure. The Golf R is not that kind of car, and is not aimed at that type of buyer: it instead appeals primarily to the performance enthusiast market. I interpret an enthusiast in this context as a buyer who's prepared to forego some features (such as a start button) in exchange for all-round performance (acceleration, handling, feel, predictability, dynamism). Is that you?

I want to hear your views!

Well, you did ask.

[V6Passat]

Am I seriously only the one that thinks this tarnishes the image of the 'Golf' ?? The R looks so indifferent from the rest of the model range... It's not so hot anymore!

If anything, at least Toyota are giving their new hot hatch a Lexus label. Much better than an overpriced Corolla. I am sure the tech on this upcoming model will far outstrip the bare bone R. R doesn't even have start/stop, memory seats, adaptive cruise control or standard bluetooth!?! The interior does little to stir enthusiasm.. It's all about the engine, AWD and handling dynamics.. But $40k for it? I think not. It's a go kart.

Driven a Lexus GS460? 2nd hand (2-3 years old) for the same money. 0-100 in less than 5 seconds and the tech is lightyears ahead of the vintage Golf.. V8 with same economy as the R.. I personally love how it hands you the steering wheel when you press the start button. That is $60k worth. New, they were $140k. Their resales suck, but take advantage! Just as expensive as a Golf R to run and maintain..

The R32 had the edge in being V6, it clearly seperated it from the pack... The R is just another turbo in the range.. I don't think it will hold value as well as R32.. And who is a fool that does not factor in resale?

Feel free to criticise.. I want to hear your views!

I think everyone should slow down, take a deep breath and RELAX......Remember, pricing is one thing, but before the world caves in and Golf out sells corolla, Mazda 3 etc there would need to be astronomical sales in a very short period of time in Australia...I cant see this happening too quickly the auto landscape surely doesnt change that quickly. How many more VW Dealers would you need in a city or town to outsell corolla etc? The 3/4 in Brisbane probably couldnt move enough (assuming they could get stock) to make a marked leap in the numbers. Just my 2 cents worth.

[dave_r]

Am I seriously only the one that thinks this tarnishes the image of the 'Golf' ?? The R looks so indifferent from the rest of the model range... It's not so hot anymore!

I'm really not sure which Golf R you were set on buying to think that things have changed so much. The ONLY difference is now the price of entry to the Golf range is slightly lower. Big deal.

Good luck with your overpriced camry.

[dribs]

Looking at pictures, it seems that the 77TSI is distinguished on the road with no red lettering in the "TSI" at the back and has only one exhaust pipe, not to mention no alloy wheels.

[Corey_R]

Looking at pictures, it seems that the 77TSI is distinguished on the road with no red lettering in the "TSI" at the back and has only one exhaust pipe, not to mention no alloy wheels.

Yeah - the no alloy wheels and things like that are not surprises. The 77TSI appears to be taking over the "MY10 Trendline" specs whilst the 90TSI and 77TDI Trendlines have seen their spec increase from MY11 production to justify their price premium over this new 77TSI.

[triode12]

Looking at pictures, it seems that the 77TSI is distinguished on the road with no red lettering in the "TSI" at the back and has only one exhaust pipe, not to mention no alloy wheels.

If given the choice, I rather drive this than a Corolla for the same money (In saying this I still dislike looks of the MKVI chassis).

[hooba]

(In saying this I still dislike looks of the MKVI chassis).

Give it a rest, we all already read in plenty of posts about how you prefer the koala faced MKV.

[ratedr]

Golf R fully spec'd with discount = $65k driveaway.

Just for awareness, the same money buys you:

$65k =
2008 BMW 335i convertible;
2005 Porsche Cayenne Turbo;
2008 Porsche Cayenne S;
2008 Q7 TDi fully spec'd;
2008 Toureg V10;
2010 R Line Volvo XC60;
2009 A4 V6 fully spec'd;
2008 Merc C280k fully spec'd;
etc etc

All of the above except Cayenne Turbo have less than 40,000kms..

I was never a 2nd hand fan.. But cars are depreciating faster than ever.. Some real hot cars at great prices.. As new and saving 50-70% off new sticker price.

Sometimes we get caught in a bubble... All the above prices sourced from carsales.com.au today (30/09/10). It pays to have an open mind at times...