Golf R Observations and Questions

[Corey_R]

And I am in support for non-ACC with 18" wheels. The standard setup is perfect.. It's still heavy and tight, but light over the bumps.. The guys at the dealership ordering their own R's said they went without ACC as they weren't grandpas with diapers.. It's comfier than many BMWs I have ridden in.. I think the overall weight of the car helps, its not light and jolted by bumps in the road..

Great feedback about the R. I've enjoyed reading this post and your previous one on the subject. But since I've seen two comments along this line from you in relation to ACC, I just thought I'd point out that you've missed the point... which is understandable since your test car doesn't have it, and most of the dealers don't get it either.

It's nothing to do with comfort, or what size the wheels are, it's about the fact that it measures the suspension and body 1000 times per second and is constantly adjusting (based on the three profiles of comfort, normal, and sport). It's about the fact that it keeps the car flatter during cornering, dynamically reducing body roll, without the need for overside anti-sway bars which ruin the comfort for the rest of your ride.
Driving a car with ACC set to "Normal" is not the same as driving a car without ACC.

So I'd recommend that since you've had plenty of time in a car without ACC now, that you jump into a car with ACC and throw it around some corners. Even if you just leave it in Normal

And as for weight, it feels heavy! For a small car, it feels like a brick.. I haven't driven an S3 or know the weight difference is, but just wonder how the alloy body would alter the driving experience. I don't think it's an issue for the steel body R as it keeps it planted firm against the road.. You just wonder though, 2-300 kgs lighter.. Would be 0-100 in 4 something I guess..

I'm not sure about this steel body vs alloy body thing. But there is only 21kg difference between a stock 3 door manual R and the stock 3 door manual S3....

[Fab_R]

Great feedback about the R. I've enjoyed reading this post and your previous one on the subject. But since I've seen two comments along this line from you in relation to ACC, I just thought I'd point out that you've missed the point... which is understandable since your test car doesn't have it, and most of the dealers don't get it either.

It's nothing to do with comfort, or what size the wheels are, it's about the fact that it measures the suspension and body 1000 times per second and is constantly adjusting (based on the three profiles of comfort, normal, and sport). It's about the fact that it keeps the car flatter during cornering, dynamically reducing body roll, without the need for overside anti-sway bars which ruin the comfort for the rest of your ride.
Driving a car with ACC set to "Normal" is not the same as driving a car without ACC.

So I'd recommend that since you've had plenty of time in a car without ACC now, that you jump into a car with ACC and throw it around some corners. Even if you just leave it in Normal

I know its been covered to death on the ACC -v- Non ACC but having lived with ACC since June this year, it is a frigging awesome option and I'm totally glad that I got it.

I'm always using it, but never in "Normal" Just Sport (on good roads, freeways and smooth twisty's) and "Comfort" on crap roads.

Corey_R is spot on, go and plonk your bum in a ACC equipped R and go for a good long drive in it.

The dealer is most likely wanting to keep the price down for your purchase.

[Icarus]

Let the picture speak a thousand words.

[Prodigy]

Let the picture speak a thousand words.

Thats porn, is it yours?

[Icarus]

Thats porn, is it yours?

Yes, that's my baby. I still cannot wipe the smile off my face.

[BezzyR]

Yes, that's my baby. I still cannot wipe the smile off my face.

Grats Mate.. the wait is killing me.. very envious

[runningmanz]

Geez another lucky bastard! *shakes two fists at the sky* Noooo I want my R too! lol. Roll on Jan!

[Danny]

Let the picture speak a thousand words.

(Sigh!) - Insert obligatory "can't wait for mine" statement here..

[Big_Dave]

same as mine.

[ratedr]

5 door looks so much better, IMO... Plus it doesn't limit practicality for what quintessentially is what the golf stands for... 18" wheels should not be written off either.. They look just as good, IMO... More rubber equals more straight line grip and in corners, proven to be no difference between 18 and 19... For minor aesthetics, tires cost significantly more, easier to pop and wheels are quickly disfigured via road inconsistencies... I speak from experience!!