Golf R Observations and Questions

[G-rig]

Dont think you'd really need ACC on the R.. people have reported that even with 19" it's quite comfortable.

[Corey_R]

Having been talked out of the 2006 911 Carerra S I fell in love with I had to find something 'more practical' .....I am after all getting rid of a Diesel Prado that has been the faithful family hauler.

So I drove the new R yesterday and loved it. I am 98% certain that I'll go ahead and order one (for an October\November 2010 delivery), I have a couple of questions before I commit though...

Hi mate. Welcome to the forums. I moved your thread into this thread since it was already created for this very reason.

1. I've also looked at the Audi S3, and apart from the price and some different names for the options (eg S-Tronic vs. DSG etc.) I cant see too many differences. Am I right in this? There is close to a $15K premium on the Audi.

Correct. It's built from the same platform, in the same country (different plant), uses the same engine and all that - it just has a different styling of the exterior and interior. It also comes in a "sportback" which is all of 6cm longer... lol.
Some people say that the Audi quality finish is better. Various people would say that the MK6 Golf finish is better now. But really, it's up to you to decide which one suits you better, and if that is the S3, whether it is worth the $15k+ premium.

2. Is the ACC option worth it? My only experience with adjustable suspension was with a 1985 Ford Telstar (hey it was the Ghia model) I had @ Uni in the 90's and I was somewhat underwhelmed.

It's not just that it's adjustable suspension, it's the fact that it monitors the suspension a thousand times a second and proactively adjusts based on which setting you have selected (comfort, normal, sport). So it should be noted that "normal" isn't necessarily the equivalent in ride quality and performance as not having ACC. The other thing is that it also changes the weighting of the steering. Some people have commented that the Golf's steering is too light for spirited driving. The ACC fixes that by adjusting the weight when Sport is engaged. There are some good write ups on this forum by WhiteJames - so maybe do a search on his posts

3. One thing the Audi has as an option is folding mirrors - is this available for the Golf?

No.

I am looking at the following specs

- Volkswagen Golf R 5 Door DSG
- Rising Blue
- Talladega 19” Alloy Wheels (Black)
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Navigation
- VW Enhanced Bluetooth
- Dynaudio
- Sunroof

Sounds great. Just to note about the Bluetooth, is that the $550 MY11 Bluetooth option (code 9ZB)? I haven't heard the term "VW Enchanced Bluetooth" before. If it isn't, you may want to ask the dealer about 9ZB and potentially save some money, or get a better featured option

Whilst I was quite impressed with the power and delivery, me being me, I know I'll be wanting to up the power etc. in the future. Has anyone had experience with the APR ECU upgrades with the new R?

Thanks in advance.

Sure, if you look at today's posts in this thread, you will see that FLM has had the APR Stage I ECU flash done and has run the car in finally and decided to do some 0 to 100 runs with a G-Tech device. 4.68 seconds 0 to 100 is mighty impressive

[giddleberry]

So I drove the new R yesterday and loved it. I am 98% certain that I'll go ahead and order one (for an October\November 2010 delivery), I have a couple of questions before I commit though...

You'd better order quick if you want delivery in October...

[Guy_H]

Just some notes on the differences between the Audi S3 & the Golf R

1. I've also looked at the Audi S3, and apart from the price and some different names for the options (eg S-Tronic vs. DSG etc.) I cant see too many differences. Am I right in this? There is close to a $15K premium on the Audi.

The Golf R cuts a lot of costs in comparison to the S3 (in hardware).

ACC is a much more cost effective solution compared to the Audi Magnetic drive. The Audi System seems to be way ahead - but costs more.

Golf R has cast steel control arms & hub carriers (front) The S3 is all lightweight alloy (lots less unsprung weight).

Added: The S3's rear subframe is also girder construction alloy, The Golf R simple pressed steel.

The Golf R intercooler is way smaller than the S3 (might be also why they rate the power as less).

Fit & finish is good, not to the Audi standard.

Audi's stereo is way better (and blue tooth standard) - but the RNS510 is a far better nav unit than the end of the generation RNSE in the S3.

Leather is also standard in the S3.

Worth more for the S3? - depends on what you want, but components alone almost stack up to the price difference - so there is a clear difference in the vehicles.

If actual bang for your buck is what you are after (not the nice bits listed above) the Golf R wins.

2. Is the ACC option worth it? My only experience with adjustable suspension was with a 1985 Ford Telstar (hey it was the Ghia model) I had @ Uni in the 90's and I was somewhat under whelmed.

Personally not for me - I did a lot of running around, pot holes, round abouts, smooth highway & even a corrugated dirt road (road into Mount Cotton hill climb) - the difference is subtle & often hard to differentiate depending on the conditions, I would personally spend the $1500 elsewhere.

[Prodigy]

Dont think you'd really need ACC on the R.. people have reported that even with 19" it's quite comfortable.

I agree, tested 2 R's both without ACC riding on 18" & 19" rims and in both cases thought the ride quality was better than in my WRX which has 18" rims.

[dave_r]

I agree, tested 2 R's both without ACC riding on 18" & 19" rims and in both cases thought the ride quality was better than in my WRX which has 18" rims.

But you get another button to play with LOL. I don't think I need it either, but whats another $1500, damn gadget whore hehe.

[halojump]

I’ve just come back from longer 2nd drives of both cars (S3 and Golf R) and driving one after the other I think I prefer the Golf to drive; it seemed tighter and more responsive to me, but I guess it’s a fairly subjective thing. I also found the S3 to be a bit more ‘crashy’ over bumps and rough spots.
The actual pricing, once you add all the other bits (taxes etc.) shows a fairly substantial difference. I am purchasing on corporate plans. With VW this gets you a discount up front and a few minor benefits, the Audi is the same but it also adds 3 years servicing into the mix.
The Golf R is $66370 and the Audi S3 is $94169, just under $30K more.
Specs are similar with only minor differences
- Audi has a better range of colours, including a nice Red which I would love to see on the Golf
- The Audi Sunroof is also a lot better; it extends to the rear of the car.
- The leather in the Audi seems a higher quality than the Golf
- The VW Sat Nav is light years ahead of the Audi S3 but yes, the Audi does have BT as standard.
- There are no factory 19” wheels on the Audi, they’d be a dealer fit option.
- The park assist\sensors on the Golf are front and rear as standard, whereas the Audi is rear only, but does offer full Park Assist [but having the car park itself, has, in my opinion little actual value]
- There is no rear view camera option on the Audi
- There is a neat storage package available on the Audi @ $314, but for about $230 I can buy the OEM under seat drawers from a few places.
- The sports steering wheel (flat bottomed) is standard on the Golf, but a $520 option on the Audi. Also the trip computer works off the wiper stalk on the Audi rather than the steering wheel.
- The Audi has the option of Folding Mirrors (which are also auto dimming) for $489
- Despite the differences in leather, IMO the Golf has more comfortable seats.
Delivery times are much the same, looking @ delivery December (if I order real soon) or March 2011 for the Audi.
So, based on this and the info I’ve gathered here, I’ll be ordering a Golf before the end of the week. The real issue of course is just how hard is the wait going to be.....

Thanks for everyone's replies and advice.

[ccoops79]

I’ve just come back from longer 2nd drives of both cars (S3 and Golf R) and driving one after the other I think I prefer the Golf to drive; it seemed tighter and more responsive to me, but I guess it’s a fairly subjective thing. I also found the S3 to be a bit more ‘crashy’ over bumps and rough spots.
The actual pricing, once you add all the other bits (taxes etc.) shows a fairly substantial difference. I am purchasing on corporate plans. With VW this gets you a discount up front and a few minor benefits, the Audi is the same but it also adds 3 years servicing into the mix.
The Golf R is $66370 and the Audi S3 is $94169, just under $30K more.
Specs are similar with only minor differences
- Audi has a better range of colours, including a nice Red which I would love to see on the Golf
- The Audi Sunroof is also a lot better; it extends to the rear of the car.
- The leather in the Audi seems a higher quality than the Golf
- The VW Sat Nav is light years ahead of the Audi S3 but yes, the Audi does have BT as standard.
- There are no factory 19” wheels on the Audi, they’d be a dealer fit option.
- The park assist\sensors on the Golf are front and rear as standard, whereas the Audi is rear only, but does offer full Park Assist [but having the car park itself, has, in my opinion little actual value]
- There is no rear view camera option on the Audi
- There is a neat storage package available on the Audi @ $314, but for about $230 I can buy the OEM under seat drawers from a few places.
- The sports steering wheel (flat bottomed) is standard on the Golf, but a $520 option on the Audi. Also the trip computer works off the wiper stalk on the Audi rather than the steering wheel.
- The Audi has the option of Folding Mirrors (which are also auto dimming) for $489
- Despite the differences in leather, IMO the Golf has more comfortable seats.
Delivery times are much the same, looking @ delivery December (if I order real soon) or March 2011 for the Audi.
So, based on this and the info I’ve gathered here, I’ll be ordering a Golf before the end of the week. The real issue of course is just how hard is the wait going to be.....

Thanks for everyone's replies and advice.

R u going with DSG or Manual mate ?

[G-rig]

But you get another button to play with LOL. I don't think I need it either, but whats another $1500, damn gadget whore hehe.

Still a bit of a gimmick IMO, but more necessary on the GTI with 18" from all reports (and having it personally the ride is good).

There is a noticeable difference between the settings and on bad roads the comfort setting is plush however handling may suffer slightly too.

I just like coilovers but ACC is good if you think you'll never go for aftermarket suspension.

[team_v]

Still a bit of a gimmick IMO, more necessary on the GTI.

Agreed.

1500 + LCT would be better spent on APR stage 1 imho.