Golf R Observations and Questions

[Corey_R]

delxa - keep in mind that "Top Gear Magazine" features a LOT more cars than the TV show has time to feature. So they definitely did test the Golf R - it just wasn't featured on TV.

[dave_r]

They also seem to spend a lot more time these days on "entertaining" skits and challenges rather than car reviews which is unfortunate IMO. But it is probably why it is so popular.

[delxa]

delxa - keep in mind that "Top Gear Magazine" features a LOT more cars than the TV show has time to feature. So they definitely did test the Golf R - it just wasn't featured on TV.

Well aware of that fact, Corey. Not saying they didn't test it, merely stating that it wasn't featured in the show which would have been quite nice to see.

In my opinion, Series 10 was the best season by a sizable margin. Unfortunately, I tend to agree with dave_r. Lowest common denominator. Anyway, I suspect we may have hijacked this thread.

Looking forward to sharing my thoughts on the R in November. (barring no delays)

[dave_r]

Anyway, I suspect we may have hijacked this thread.

Going OT is what forums are about

[DDTW]

I've just wasted 20secs of my life reading the past few posts. So have you if you're reading this lol.

[dave_r]

And since you have e-mail notifications going, here's another 10 seconds Dan

*waves to corey*

[D_Mag]

They also seem to spend a lot more time these days on "entertaining" skits and challenges rather than car reviews which is unfortunate IMO.

Totally agree.

[orkers]

Here's an observation - Fab's R looks mighty fine and sounds fantastic! He hooned past me this evening on Fitsimmons Lane. His LED number plate lights look good too!

[Vino]

So I've had the R for a week and the initial impressions I had on that first test drive nearly seven months ago have been vindicated. The interior is definitely a step up from my previous ride (a Subaru Liberty premium pack) and I'm glad I did tick the box for the leather seats, very supportive and the leather feels similar to the the product in my Touareg. The layout internally is intuitive although the centre console space is cramped and would be more so with the MDI fitted. Steering weight took a bit of getting used to so I understeered a bit coming out of corners at speed but am getting better with practice. The DSG is just amazing. Having never driven a car with this sort of transmission before, it took a little adapting to and can understand why some people would have trouble if their previous car was an auto. The up changes in D are very rapid as many people have already mentioned and in S it does hold gears nearly too long for my liking. The paddles on the steering wheel are the best way to find a happy middle ground, however they are too small (in my opinion). Maybe my fingers are too short, but I don't want to get into THAT discussion (with all its other small hand implications!!!). The ride on the 19's is perfectly fine even though I drive on a lot of B grade regional roads that also test the suspension rebound to its limits. I haven't experienced the turbo lag that a lot of people have mentioned but in all fairness my last daily ride didn't have a turbo and the Touareg isn't really a proper comparison. All in all, I've had a fantastic initial ownership experience (albeit a weeks worth). If I had to do it all over again the only other option I might consider is the ACC......and I'd wait the six months for it too.

[shakespeare]

So I've had the R for a week and the initial impressions I had on that first test drive nearly seven months ago have been vindicated. The interior is definitely a step up from my previous ride (a Subaru Liberty premium pack) and I'm glad I did tick the box for the leather seats, very supportive and the leather feels similar to the the product in my Touareg. The layout internally is intuitive although the centre console space is cramped and would be more so with the MDI fitted. Steering weight took a bit of getting used to so I understeered a bit coming out of corners at speed but am getting better with practice. The DSG is just amazing. Having never driven a car with this sort of transmission before, it took a little adapting to and can understand why some people would have trouble if their previous car was an auto. The up changes in D are very rapid as many people have already mentioned and in S it does hold gears nearly too long for my liking. The paddles on the steering wheel are the best way to find a happy middle ground, however they are too small (in my opinion). Maybe my fingers are too short, but I don't want to get into THAT discussion (with all its other small hand implications!!!). The ride on the 19's is perfectly fine even though I drive on a lot of B grade regional roads that also test the suspension rebound to its limits. I haven't experienced the turbo lag that a lot of people have mentioned but in all fairness my last daily ride didn't have a turbo and the Touareg isn't really a proper comparison. All in all, I've had a fantastic initial ownership experience (albeit a weeks worth). If I had to do it all over again the only other option I might consider is the ACC......and I'd wait the six months for it too.

Great to hear mate, don't worry about the hand thing, I hear you can get longer replacements (paddles that is!) I've found after 7 months that I've become used to the paddles and they don't worry me too much anymore (yet to track it so will see how I feel after that!)

ACC is great and a worthy option imo, however I'm sure the R is also fine without it. Enjoy your R