There is a big difference between constructive and inflammatory comments.
Troll all you want, I own a 2005 Mk5 Comfortline as well as Mk6.
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Settle you two
In terms of handling between the Golf R –v- Golf GTI:
There is one issue that may be relevant to both the Golf R and Mark 6 GTI that was not apparent in the earlier R32 and Mark V GTI. That issue is steering wheel kickback.
I’ve noticed on the GTI that on certain B-grade roadways with corrugations running across the corner, esp. around apex, the undulations in the roadway filter back through the steering wheel causing it to tug of your intended steering line. This was not apparent in the Mark V R32 or Mark V GTI - regardless of whether they were running OE or aftermarket suspension. I’ve heard of reports that the Golf R had a tendency for some steering wheel kickback (ausmotive.com.au).
On a recent 500km round trip from Queanbeyan/Canberra – Batemans Bay – Bega – Cooma – return to Canberra which includes The Clyde Mountain on Kings Hwy and Brown Mountain on the Alpine - Snowy Mountains Hwy – with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) running in both NORMAL (40%) and SPORT (60%) - the Mark 6 GTI had a tendency to have steering wheel kickback.
The kickback was less frequent with DCC in Normal mode. DCC Sport mode had the kickback occurring with greater intensity and frequency and was annoying at times. The kickback was quite frequent on this 500km route of country roadways and had me thinking: (1) The taunt chassis of the Mark 6 has less suspension compliance than the earlier MKV version – unable to say exactly what has induced the kickback in terms of chassis, springs, bars, bushes, geometry, etc; (2) Had me wondering if the new Polo GTI has a tendency to exhibit steering wheel kickback. That new Polo GTI is hot.
On B’grade road country trips, the exhaust scavenging resonating rattle is rarely heard – but after a few tight twisties, the B-Pillar clicking sound not apparent with the Mark V Golf occasionally develops – although this appears to be on warmer days with a greater amount of humidity. The squeaky front passenger seat is still an issue in both the MKV and Mark 6 GTI – regardless of having leather or cloth trim. Fuel consumption on the 500km trip with a major mountain climb up Brown Mountain with oil temp hitting as high as 116 degrees was 7.4 litres.
Speaking of fuel consumption:
The new Polo GTI is stated to use an average of 5.9 litres/100km – weighs 175kgs less than the GTI and 300kgs less than the Golf R making it more agile – has no turbo lag due to addition of a supercharger improving usability – has XDS to kerb understeer on public roadway. The Polo GTI is very much looking the goods on paper as a driver’s vehicle.
On another tangent: Neighbour is yet to test the HSV Clubsport R8 – he does like the fact that there are avenues to modify the HSV with less hassle regarding warranty. Ray did test drive the new Lexus IS350 with 235kW V6 motor, weighing in at 1640kg, costing @ 80K with sports suspension/wheels & plenty of executive type kit included that would have the price of a similarly optioned Audi A5 sky-rocket. Not sure if it’s easy to source a supercharger for the Lexus V6 –v- HSV Clubsport R8.
Cheers
WJ
The GTI exhibits far less kickback for a torquey front driver than I would otherwise expect - indeed, far less than any of my previous FWD cars.
My drive of an R covered some broken bitumen roads and railway crossings, and I didn't notice any kickback to speak of.
Given the number of kilometres you've travelled in your GTI, and the extent of your analytical commentary on same, surely any kickback issue is extremely minor if you've not mentioned it until now?
Steady on there WJ, you haven't even driven it yet.
2008 MkV Volkswagen Golf R32 DSG
2005 MkV Volkswagen Golf 2.0 FSI Auto
Sold: 2015 8V Audi S3 Sedan Manual
Sold: 2010 MkVI Volkswagen Golf GTI DSG
Ummm, it's called GRIP? Use of both hands on the wheel should cure this terrible flaw in the R's design.
Surely you should spend a bit more time in an R than just a tyre kicking drive before parroting stuff you read on the internet as gospel?
What's your next moan about the R? LED tails somehow add to drag or change the centre of gravity? R front badge causes clearance issues for the bugs flying into the grill? Lack of red stitching makes you sad, but you read it somewhere else on the internet too, so it's a valid complaint?
And yes, it's a monday!
Also, again with the Polos? Really?
No no no no, it will be the flux capacitor and the difference of effectiveness between the GTi & the Golf R...of course the GTi will come out on top, with the Polo GTi thrown in for good measure, that will come second.
In percentage terms, it will look like this. GTi 60% Polo GTi 30% & Golf R 10%
Neighbour Ray will also be thrown in for another opinion... he will be considering a Hyundai I30 purchase as a result of the confusion thrown in by his neighbour WhiteJames.
I give up!
Feeling some feedback through the steering wheel is part of the fun with front wheel drive cars. Agree that other manufacturer's would be worse. The polo will have a smaller footprint and less grip that could make it seem like more fun.
Agree the squarky door seals are annoying on the MK5 and 6, they should use a different kind of rubber or something.
Last edited by G-rig; 25-10-2010 at 09:57 PM.
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