Golf GTI: the good, the bad, the weird...and appreciation thread

**mfl** · 24-08-2010, 08:33 PM

Originally Posted by picard2bridge

flappa said:

Has anyone else experienced this?

Yes, I have to admit some days it seems that way and also the outside temperature seems to make a difference as well, ie seems more responsive on colder days,than on hotter days but I think that's a normal characteristic for turbos. (yes this is my first turbo).

**cameronp** · 24-08-2010, 09:10 PM

Originally Posted by picard2bridge

I've had exactly the same thought, and for a while there I was worried that there was something wrong with my GTI. First week or so, my head was repeatedly jerking backwards against the headrest, but now no more. And I miss it.

But I'm sure there's not a change in the actual performance, it's just that I am used to it now, and probably a little more controlled with the right foot as well.

You definitely adjust to driving a fast car and begin to think of it as normal. My 118TSI is slower than my previous car, and it still feels to me like I have to rev it pretty high if I want it moving in a hurry. But every time I drive another (more 'normal') car, I'm reminded that compared to most of what's on the road, even the Golf TSI is pretty quick.

mfl's comment about turbo'd cars being slower in hot weather might also be relevant. This was really noticeable in my old Ford XR5 which was very much designed for European conditions: both the engine and the air conditioner were happier when it was below 30 degrees outside. Lots of people on the XR5 forums had fitted larger intercoolers to help make up for that. I'm assuming that the Golf GTI isn't quite so bad because I haven't seen anyone here mentioning doing that - and I'm sure that if it was a problem, a company like APR would step up to provide an aftermarket solution.

**Corey_R** · 24-08-2010, 09:51 PM

Originally Posted by cameronp

mfl's comment about turbo'd cars being slower in hot weather might also be relevant. This was really noticeable in my old Ford XR5 which was very much designed for European conditions: both the engine and the air conditioner were happier when it was below 30 degrees outside. Lots of people on the XR5 forums had fitted larger intercoolers to help make up for that. I'm assuming that the Golf GTI isn't quite so bad because I haven't seen anyone here mentioning doing that - and I'm sure that if it was a problem, a company like APR would step up to provide an aftermarket solution.

*cough* You mean like this? *cough*

**REXman** · 25-08-2010, 12:57 AM

Yes hot air is not good for turbo cars trying to achieve optimal power.

Cold air = More oxygen = more boost.

Cold morning's will see (easy if you have a boost gauge) that the car in question will boost considerably higher and quicker than on a hot day.

Once you have driven your new GTI/R/TSI etc on a scalding hot Sydney/Queensland day (SLUG!).. and then you give the car a hit on a crisp, cold morning.. awesome stuff!

I remember my friend and I when we were younger (10 years ago) took his 180SX to the snow.. insane difference. Had to be at least 10 atw kw..

**ConR** · 27-08-2010, 01:32 PM

Here's a weird one I've noticed: it seems to take a bit for the steering wheel mounted audio controls to start working after starting the car. Took at least 20 seconds before the arrow keys to change track started to work...same for the volume.

What's weird is that there are occasions where it starts working right away....there are other times when it takes some time.

**Maverick** · 27-08-2010, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by ktrianta

Here's a weird one I've noticed: it seems to take a bit for the steering wheel mounted audio controls to start working after starting the car. Took at least 20 seconds before the arrow keys to change track started to work...same for the volume.

What's weird is that there are occasions where it starts working right away....there are other times when it takes some time.

If you re-enter the car after it's been stopped for under 20 minutes they will work straight away.

If you open the door and take your time getting in they will work generally a few seconds after starting.

And if you open the door and start the car straight away (after it's been sitting for >20 minutes) it will take a while for the headunit to startup and the steering wheel controls to operate. The controls on the front of the headunit work all the time.

**Ryan_R** · 27-08-2010, 06:16 PM

Have never experienced noticeable delay with the steering wheel controls - I only wish that they would still work after I stop the engine after a trip.

**rs73** · 27-08-2010, 09:03 PM

The Good:
- left mounted indicator stalk (yes, that's right!) - this way I get to keep my right hand at the wheels at all time since the wiper, headlights are all automatic. Car is DSG so there is no need to shift back and forth between indicator stalk and gearshift.
- DSG is quiet and smooth in traffic, while still allowing some decent performance when I give it the boot
- deep low exhaust growl, pop and crackle when revmatch downshift is fun.

The Not so Good:
- no bixenon standard - I think they should for a car of this 'calibre'
- no rearview camera standard - if you have kids you'll know why it's quite important to have one
- 4 door's window control felt was mounted a bit too high, I constantly reached rear window control when trying to lower front window

The Weird
- had a corolla hatchback wanted to race, wtf?
- could still spin the wheel quite considerably even with ESP on... I thought it would prevent that?