Golf R 3 door/5 door speculation/information thread

[WhiteJames]

Read in this weeks AutoCar Weekly (12/2/2010):

Entire 350 U.K. allocation of Golf 'R' for 2010 has sold out already.

This is despite the the Golf 'R' costing more than the Audi S3 ($2,000GBP). The United Kingdom Volkswagen dealers are now asking for more 'right-hand drive' stock (maybe from Aus).

Maybe my dealer is right, we may see the Golf 'R' in July in limited numbers only, but no significant numbers of 'R''s until Europe is sufficiently supplied. In other words, probably more like Sept-Nov 2010.

If the U.K. receives an allocation of 350 R's, what will Australia receive (thinking @ 100-150 vehicles).

Cheers.
WJ

[Sharkie]

Latest Wheels magazine has a comparison roadtest with the Megane and Focus RS.

Whilst they say all of these are in a different league to their lesser stablemates (ie the GTI), the R did not do too well against the other 2.

I'm thus standing by my decision to testdrive the R before proceeding through to making a purchase.

I've been looking around and a 2003/4 model Porsche Boxster S will probably cost me the same as the R. For my intended use, very little day-to-day and as much track as I can find time for, the Boxster S, would probably be the better bet. If I spend $80K on the Porsche I'd have a really nice car, so its going to be a tough decision come June/July ....

[WhiteJames]

This thread has some discussion information on the latest UK magazine reviews of the Golf R (towards the latter half of the thread). The Golf 'R' is also compared to the Renault Megane Cup and Focus RS for a better gauge on how it performs. The Golf R is still predominantly a FWD biased vehicle, according to the latest magazine reviews. See link above half way down:

http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=103996

Cheers.
WJ

[G-rig]

Latest Wheels magazine has a comparison roadtest with the Megane and Focus RS.

Whilst they say all of these are in a different league to their lesser stablemates (ie the GTI), the R did not do too well against the other 2.

Could be true for outright performance and feel but the Golf would probably be the better daily driver and be the better all rounder. The others have fairly agressive styling and Meganes drop in value faster than anything. A few mods/retune would make it more fun if it was too refined anyway IMO.

I'm thus standing by my decision to testdrive the R before proceeding through to making a purchase.

Good idea, that's what everyone should do, not just assume it will be good.

[WhiteJames]

Porsche as a fun car rather than daily commuter sounds the way to go. Golf R will be too heavy for the track, AWD will take away too much from the driver in terms of skill level ... AWD does make it very easy when pressing on, and more parts to go wrong with the extra diffs in the Golf 'R' as opposed to the basic layout of the Porsche. Heat under the bonnet in this hot climate is also anotehr issue to consider. A fella on the golfmkv.com site has had his Audi S3 5 door DSG on the track and has complained of the DSG overheating and going into limp mode. DSG cooler is not currently an aftermarket option AFAIK. Having done reviews of the R32 and GTI in the past re: suspension kits, I can always smell the Haldex diff fluid after a good run in the R32 ... smells like something burning. No such issue in the simple layout of the GTI; Porsche be the same imo.

Cheers.
WJ

[G-rig]

I don't think having anyoverly expensive car as a dedicated track beater makes sense, and Porsche parts and servicing will still cost a lot.

Just my 2c.

[WhiteJames]

Bear in mind that the Golf 'R', like the Mark 6 GTI, will most probably not allow the driver to completely disengage the ESC. A major drawback for the track day enthusiast. Saw video recently of a Black Golf 'R' (NZ I think) where the driver revs it before take off and comments it will not go above 4,000rpm. I found this with the MANUAL GTI on the Mark 6 and I believe the APR guys have had a similar problem launching their GTI's with this 4,000rpm rev ceiling limiter. Stops owner from abusing the vehicle potentially causing damage to driveline.

I'm erring on the side of caution and taking the NZ Golf 'R' Brochure difference in weight between the GTI and Golf 'R' as @ 130kg (www.drive.com.au Jez Spinks stated its 160kg?).

One thing I like about the MKV GTI and the EA113 motor in the Golf 'R' is that it has higher compression ratio. Bad for boosting up turbos for you power hungry mongels, but motor is more responsive when off boost. The newer EA888 motor in the Mark 6 GTI and Audi TT feels a bit doughy when off boost due to the lower compression.

Having a MK6 GTI for half a day test drive, I found the suspension setup mostly spot on for daily use and the occasional blast ... in some areas, could do with a tad more damping, but 85% felt good. The Golf 'R' with 20% stiffer suspension tunes/springs, is stated to be spot on in this area. I'd still say that ACC could be worth the extra spend if it increases the steering feel and throttle repsonsiveness. I have ordered ACC for my GTI. Thought seriously about not optioning the ACC and sticking in a set of HPA KW SHS coilover from HPA Motorsport in Canada for @ $1600 for a comfort/sports ride/handling mix ... had a set at home to swap from KW V3 coilovers before the I sold the MKV GTI. ACC is more pratical adjusting on the fly. ACC also changes from 'normal' to 'sport' once you hit a certain speed (80 or 100 or 120kph?).

There is a common thread between all the Volkswagen sports vehicles: Sirocco R, GTI, Golf R, in that they come across as a bit dull to drive compared to the Renault Sport Cup LSD and Ford Focus RS. Most journos point out that the Golf 'R' is not aiming to be like either of those vehicles and targeting a different 'executive' type market that is looking for some sporting intent, rather than an all out boy racer hot hatch. If you want your Golf 'R' to be like these vehicles ... a set of H&R sway bars and sports orientated coilovers should do the trick. Personally, after having a set of KW V3 coilovers and small H&R sway bars on my MV5 GTI, I'm looking forward to a ride that is more refined, if a bit dull.

Cheers.
WJ

[poloplayer]

I grabbed a copy of this month's Car magazine which had the Golf R vs. Megane RS vs. 911 GT3. The latter 2 scored 5 stars, but the R only scored 4.

[qsilverza]

Are you kidding me Sharkie ??? Go the Boster and day of the week man !

Latest Wheels magazine has a comparison roadtest with the Megane and Focus RS.

Whilst they say all of these are in a different league to their lesser stablemates (ie the GTI), the R did not do too well against the other 2.

I'm thus standing by my decision to testdrive the R before proceeding through to making a purchase.

I've been looking around and a 2003/4 model Porsche Boxster S will probably cost me the same as the R. For my intended use, very little day-to-day and as much track as I can find time for, the Boxster S, would probably be the better bet. If I spend $80K on the Porsche I'd have a really nice car, so its going to be a tough decision come June/July ....

[cme2c]

I grabbed a copy of this month's Car magazine which had the Golf R vs. Megane RS vs. 911 GT3. The latter 2 scored 5 stars, but the R only scored 4.

That is an odd comparison. I would think the Scirocco R would be more a Megane RS250 rival, so it won't have one in Australia

184kW in the Renault without the weight of AWD and ESP that has normal, sport and off (that _really_ means off). Strikes me as interesting. I know you would have to put up with French reliability and resale but...


How the Golf R and the Megane compare with a GT3 that costs more than the other 2 put together is a mystery to me.

I am shaking my head.