Golf GTi for snow - Downsizing from 4WD

**mh44** · 02-05-2012, 08:26 PM

Hey all,

Well, at the minute I'm considering trading down from my dual cab 4wd (GLX-R Mitsubishi Triton, 2010 MN Diesel - Anyone interested?? hahaha). Main reasons being that I just don't use the 4WD capability, and I may be moving for work and won't need it. Also it is way too long for my liking. Has been very handy where I live now on a small property, but needs change, and I'd like something a bit more fun to drive whilst still keeping some degree of practicality. The most 4WD use it has got has been heading up the the snow through winter which I try and do once a week or fortnight.

I was originally considering a Subaru Forester XT and other SUV'S, but to be honest the Forester was the only one I liked the drive and look of (Subjective I know). Fuel consumption, however is far from good on the XT which is a big turnoff. Anyway, went for a look at the VW lot and was VERY impressed. Took a GTD golf for a drive which was good, but more interested in a GTI (Dealer didn't have one to drive at the minute though).

I would consider the Tiguan, but the interior of the GTI/GTD has really sold me - It's just what I am after. That and I couldn't really see a significant size difference between the GTI and the Tiguan (Am I missing something?). Oh, that and the fact I would be more interested if they offered the Tiguan with the R-Line pack in Australia, but anyway...

So at the minute I guess I'm questioning if the Golf is too small. I'm thinking though, how big do you really NEED your car to be? I have a monstrous 4WD I'm not using to its potential, and it would be better in the hands of someone that will... As I said, the main thing I get up to with my car is going up to the snow as much as possible. I know there are snow chains available for the Golf, but what I can't find much info on is if there is enough room INSIDE the back of the car with seats folded down to store a couple of snowboards in bags? Not interested in roof racks as I lashed out to buy bags which are waterproof and hold all of my gear (boots etc)... that and I don't really like the look of the roof racks / snowboard racks. Can anyone help, maybe with some pics? I intend to try and get to a dealer with my kit to throw in the back of a GTI / GTD but in the meantime, any advice is appreciated...

Anyway, cheers!

**Lucas_R** · 02-05-2012, 09:47 PM

Hi - the Tiguan is essentially a jacked up Golf with a different shell. It's probably got a bit more headroom but otherwise it will be very similar space wise on the inside.

Im not surprised you liked the interior of the Golf, it's way ahead of the Triton and many other cars on the market. A work colleague has a near new Triton and I can't believe the awful plastics inside - especially that shiny semi corrugated section on the passenger side of the dash....yikes.

Yes you can get snow chains and also tyre covers for the Golf - an American website called ECSTuning.com has quite a good range. OEM / Performance Parts for Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Porsche & Volkswagen - ECS Tuning

If your concerned that your ski gear might not fit in the boot of the Golf, then check out the Skoda Octavia vRS. It has the same engine / transmission / brakes / suspension etc as the Golf GTI, but comes with a larger body in both lift back and wagon. Skoda is owned by VW, and they share many parts.

**mh44** · 02-05-2012, 10:09 PM

Originally Posted by Lucas_R

Hi - the Tiguan is essentially a jacked up Golf with a different shell. It's probably got a bit more headroom but otherwise it will be very similar space wise on the inside.

Im not surprised you liked the interior of the Golf, it's way ahead of the Triton and many other cars on the market. A work colleague has a near new Triton and I can't believe the awful plastics inside - especially that shiny semi corrugated section on the passenger side of the dash....yikes.

Yes you can get snow chains and also tyre covers for the Golf - an American website called ECSTuning.com has quite a good range. OEM / Performance Parts for Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Porsche & Volkswagen - ECS Tuning

If your concerned that your ski gear might not fit in the boot of the Golf, then check out the Skoda Octavia vRS. It has the same engine / transmission / brakes / suspension etc as the Golf GTI, but comes with a larger body in both lift back and wagon. Skoda is owned by VW, and they share many parts.

Thanks for the quick reply! Yeah I must say the Triton is an awesome truck, but the interior isn't great! For its size the diesel is very good on fuel though. I average 8-9l/100 km and looking at the XT Forester hitting on average 13l/100km on premium it was not a good prospect...

Yeah I think I might be asking a question that only I can answer as to if its big enough for me. I guess that I should just take my gear in one day and throw it in a demo car - If the dealer wants a sale I'm sure it won't be a problem!

**Molotov** · 02-05-2012, 10:13 PM

You've probably already thought about this but what about a Golf R?

As fun and practical as the GTI but with the added benefit of AWD for the trips to the snow.

**mh44** · 02-05-2012, 10:18 PM

Originally Posted by Molotov

You've probably already thought about this but what about a Golf R?

As fun and practical as the GTI but with the added benefit of AWD for the trips to the snow.

Looking at them, I would LOVE one, but single with a mortgage, so unfortunately out of my price range for now!

**MIRSAD** · 02-05-2012, 10:56 PM

Originally Posted by mh44

Hey all,

... As I said, the main thing I get up to with my car is going up to the snow as much as possible. I know there are snow chains available for the Golf, but what I can't find much info on is if there is enough room INSIDE the back of the car with seats folded down to store a couple of snowboards in bags?

Anyway, cheers!

maybe this special snow addition GTI is something to consider:

Volkswagen Zubehr Shop - Schlitten GTI, Crazy Bob, Schwarz 000050504C 041

**mh44** · 02-05-2012, 11:12 PM

Originally Posted by MIRSAD

maybe this special snow addition GTI is something to consider:

Volkswagen Zubehr Shop - Schlitten GTI, Crazy Bob, Schwarz 000050504C 041

Haha might have to swap the board for one!!

**jameshero** · 02-05-2012, 11:31 PM

you might want to check out the thread already on snow chains, think it may have been in the middle of the accessories thread, as according to the manual, chains can not be fitted to the GTI wheels, and therefore special chains that don't wrap behind the wheel are required. they're rather expensive $500+ and as far as I know cannot be hired

**AdamD** · 03-05-2012, 09:18 AM

I'd echo Lucas' sentiments - check out the Skoda Octavia RS. It's a fantastic car, in hatch or wagon, and is really 4/5ths a Golf GTI, with a larger interior and slightly softer suspension, for less money. You'd have no problem stashing a couple of boards in the back!

Check out the Octavia forum on VWW too.

**mh44** · 03-05-2012, 06:15 PM

Originally Posted by AdamD

I'd echo Lucas' sentiments - check out the Skoda Octavia RS. It's a fantastic car, in hatch or wagon, and is really 4/5ths a Golf GTI, with a larger interior and slightly softer suspension, for less money. You'd have no problem stashing a couple of boards in the back!

Check out the Octavia forum on VWW too.

Thanks mate, they do look like a good car, but I'm just not so keen on the styling (fickle I know)...