Golf R Observations and Questions

[SilvrFoxX]

If the R is just capable, my wife's 2011 Corolla must be almost dangerous!

Is that an euphemism

[brimway]

Is that an euphemism

She loves her car and dislikes mine.

[Candyman]

If the R is just capable, my wife's 2011 Corolla must be almost dangerous!

Interesting comparison, the R at 3 times the price, yes, you would hope it handles better.

My daughters Swift at $17k new is more fun to drive than a stock R. Much sharper, better turn in, more immediate response and it's a soft suspension 1.4 sewing machine.

The R should be better than it is, handling wise, for the price and for the way VW advertise it.

I understand owners defending their purchase, I as an owner see it for what it is, good all rounder entry level sports hatch but lacking in many areas that need addressing with aftermarket improvements, especially handling.

[SilvrFoxX]

I don't think there is a defence of purchase, others just dont agree with you...

Now as a MX Driver on weekends I know where you are coming from, however VW don't advertise the R as anything but a performance Hatch with sporting abilities. Now if you look at the various definitions they are clear on what it is for, it is not an entry level vehicle it is the top of their range of Golf. Is it top of the class, I doubt it.

[Candyman]

Entry level as far as hot euro hatches is concerned, I didn't refer to the VW range

As for defending purchase, it's a natural response.

Just as people defend the DSG

[Ideo]

Interesting comparison, the R at 3 times the price, yes, you would hope it handles better.

My daughters Swift at $17k new is more fun to drive than a stock R. Much sharper, better turn in, more immediate response and it's a soft suspension 1.4 sewing machine.

The R should be better than it is, handling wise, for the price and for the way VW advertise it.

I understand owners defending their purchase, I as an owner see it for what it is, good all rounder entry level sports hatch but lacking in many areas that need addressing with aftermarket improvements, especially handling.

I agree.

It's highly capable and competent. But it's not amazing.

[SilvrFoxX]

I agree.

It's highly capable and competent. But it's not amazing.

For the price it is.. we have all been down the path of comparing it to EVOs and WRX/STI, they are quicker and more capable but no where as near as nice a place to be.

You then look at the Euro equivalents and the numbers no longer make sense.. Audi S3, M135i you start in the late 60s and then well into the 80/90s before it hits the road.

You can call it defensive but we have all arrived here because at the time there was nothing close to what it had to offer for the money both in quality and performance

18 months seems such a short time for some to tire of something.. maybe I just work harder to appreciate things more

[Candyman]

I'm not tired of the R, were you referring to someone in particular ?

Haven't had mine 18 months so must be Ideo ?

I prefer not to "work hard" to appreciate a car, that defeats the purpose of car ownership, especially the modest amount spent on the R

As you said, many of us bought it knowing it compromised in many areas but overall was a good jack of all trades

I was referring specifically to handling, where stock, it is weak, for what it is intended to be

[SilvrFoxX]

No one in particular just responding the dark clouds gathering in general.

In reference to working hard, it was in reference to money and appreciating anything you have to be clear.

I agree it is the best of all worlds to a point because in fact you want it to compromise. I love driving and being driven in the MX-5 because it is simple, sharp and doesn't make apologies for what it is and it is best in class. Having said that I adore climbing out of it into my nice soft GT. I like the idea of all it can do yet potentially only leverage 40% of its capability ( except when there are slug like Meganes around and over zealous GTI drivers )

[parso_rex]

For the price it is.. we have all been down the path of comparing it to EVOs and WRX/STI, they are quicker and more capable but no where as near as nice a place to be.

Huh ? need to get your car on a level 2 tune then.

Actually tossing off aside, try getting a WRX or STI into the 12's for the same money, at $1100 ( or less if I'm feeling nice) I think the R is actually cheaper. Even if you have to add a dump its still cheaper and thats 12.8 1/4 or so
Yeah lets just leave the corners out of the equation, its a big fail there if compared to an STI but I guess not so bad when compared to the WRX

btw the Coding mod for our ESP is useless as its a totally different number. We'll have to get some Gen-Y kiddies setup with vagcom and let them loose for a few days to work out what combo works on ours

p.s I still hate all these F'ing useless buttons on the roof console and wheel and I've turned the Euro manbag style sunglasses joke thing into a card holder