Golf GTI Edition 35

[triode12]

I'm not sure where the Apple reference goes. But I'm pretty sure the delusion might be staring you in the face when you look at mirror

Here's the thing about "fun". When I first got my R35, I found it incredibly boring to drive after having driven a highly tuned Evo8MR. The thing is, the overall improvements to driving and grip meant I COULDN'T drive at the speeds I was used to in the Evo. I just had to go faster. Much faster. (not unlike how Jeremy Clarkson's mind didn't let him go fast enough in the Lotus track car but on a smaller scale). Once I got rid of the mental barrier and pushed the car beyond what I thought was sane, that's when the fun took place. In fact more fun than the Evo, because while the R35 is AWD, it is also rear biased and even with traction control on, the system lets the rear slip out a little to have a better angle of attack when crossing the apexes.

But I digress.

I have driven the MkVI GTI (in Singapore, it's pretty much fully loaded with the ACC and other frills), and it's just a step up in terms of handling. With the ACC on sports mode, the car is just more capable, and pushing it beyond the limits of the MkV is where you can get the car into its elements. And when you need to settle down and run errands, just switch to Comfort mode and it's just as sedate as a Comfortline. IMHO, that's closer to what makes hot hatches so appealing. They are fun to drive when pushed, say 8/10ths on open roads and then just as practical to drive when you need to go to the shops.

Sure you could outfit a MkV with aftermarket coilovers (I recommend Ohlins DFV.. shd have one for Golfs as well) but IMHO that detracts a little from the daily drive capability of the car as it compromises the ride quality.

If there's one thing I'd like in the next GTI, it's that extra cog. That's the same problem the GTR suffers from. That would get the gearing much tighter spaced and I'm sure the acceleration could be nudged up a notch or two.

Thank you! You have just confirmed the point I have been trying to put across, i.e. the new cars are so refined and capable that you have to push them to licence losing territory to get any fun out of them. It is not about the performance, the MKVI GTI I am sure is a better performer but to me it fails as a GTI because I cannot enjoy the benefits of the extra performance w/o taking it to the track. And I cannot enjoy driving it at legal speeds. With the MkV, you don't have to upgrade the brakes or add coilovers, in my experience, all that is needed are sways and ALK and you can have as much fun as you like.

But the ultimate fun machine IMO is the previous Polo GTI - which pales in comparison (performance wise) to the MKV or VI GTIs and your R35.

I know you think that going fast = fun. But I don't. You can get the sensation of great speed from a 125cc go kart (max spd 120km/hr). 10mins in one of them will leave you bruised and battered - ribs especially.

[DoggieHowser]

If you just wanted fun at slow speeds, I'd recommend an open top MX5. Doesn't go particularly fast, but definitely feels so. Especially with the top down. And with RWD handling, it's bucket loads more fun. But I'm not sure if cops take offence to powersliding (even at slow speeds) at roundabouts. hehe



As for the MkV vs MkVI, I don't think the speed differences are anywhere near that gap I got between my 8MR and the GTR but whatever helps you sleep better at night, right?

[AdamD]

Cool guys, let's leave it at that and get back on subject - the ED35. (Feel free to continue in General Discussion or in one of the existing threads related to the subject of driver involvement.)

[SilvrFoxX]

Cool guys, let's leave it at that and get back on subject - the ED35. (Feel free to continue in General Discussion or in one of the existing threads related to the subject of driver involvement.)

It's purdy girly car

[Andych]

It's purdy girly car

No comment on that part....but the colour of the one in the clip on the first page is very nice...
Not too fussed on the wrinkly finish interior though.... much prefer the R's interior options.

[Capercat]

Why stick with a real clutch when you can have two real clutches

"three is a crowd" with two real clutches you also get a mechatronic control unit that has a mind of its own.

[SilvrFoxX]

No comment on that part.....

[Jasonpb]

It's purdy girly car

Looking at the video they appear to be targeting a female audience, sure doesn't make me want to buy one! day time running lights look crap as well.

[DNA Tuning]

Pretty keen to get my hands on one to see what can be extracted from the powerplant; if the Mk V Pirellis are an indication of what can at least be achieved then it's looking very tasty indeed.

Not really digging the advertising campaign they've got going on for it - but can't help but feel there is a certain element of truth to it. I've seen many girls driving around in them, my friend just got one recently too... but she's always been a car enthusiast so that's all good.

[Mi16 Man]

I don't see much value in a CW manual 35 GTI @ $48500 driveaway. Too close to R money for my liking.

In the meantime, I'm happy with my $39k driveaway MKVI GTI! APR looks like a good option.