GTi Question

**GTi3dr** · 10-02-2010, 09:13 AM

I'm in the market for my first hot hatch. The Golf GTi is a joint front runner after driving a few, the other is a 3 MPS.

I just have a few questions I need some answers for before I make a decision.

I've been reading reviews on the MK6 GTi and the ESP isnt switchable, which is a problem for me as I will be using it for hill climbs, track days, motorkhana's and anything else that takes my fancy. Is there an aftermarket flash that lets it be turned off when the button is pushed?

And my final question is, is there an actual Flash box that you can carry with you to upload tunes on the run or when the car goes back to VW it can be flashed back to stock? All I seem to read about is software updates and I dont like the idea of losing the tune if VW has an 'update' one service and paying out $1500 again.

Cheers Mat

**triode12** · 10-02-2010, 09:16 AM

Originally Posted by GTi3dr

I'm in the market for my first hot hatch. The Golf GTi is a joint front runner after driving a few, the other is a 3 MPS.

I just have a few questions I need some answers for before I make a decision.

I've been reading reviews on the MK6 GTi and the ESP isnt switchable, which is a problem for me as I will be using it for hill climbs, track days, motorkhana's and anything else that takes my fancy. Is there an aftermarket flash that lets it be turned off when the button is pushed?

And my final question is, is there an actual Flash box that you can carry with you to upload tunes on the run or when the car goes back to VW it can be flashed back to stock? All I seem to read about is software updates and I dont like the idea of losing the tune if VW has an 'update' one service and paying out $1500 again.

Cheers Mat

You want a MkV not a MkVI. Cheaper and you don't have to fuss about with getting a flash to disengage ESP.

**GTi3dr** · 10-02-2010, 09:19 AM

Originally Posted by triode12

You want a MkV not a MkVI. Cheaper and you don't have to fuss about with getting a flash to disengage ESP.

That doesnt really help me now does it, I'm buying new hence the questions

**iBoost** · 10-02-2010, 09:19 AM

Hi Mat,

The ESP can be switched off, although from reviews I have read "off" is not off completely. It still will cut in, all be it once you're way out of control. As I understand it, it lets you have more than a bit of fun before it comes to the party. Not sure if this would affect track usage, maybe others can comment further.

As far as tunes go, most can be switch between stock and the upgraded tune quite easily. If VW were to reflash your car with an update, you simply go back to the shop who did the flash tune and they will reflash it free of charge. I've not heard of anyone being charged to have their tune redone before.

Hope this helps. Having owned the previous 3 MPS, it is a monster of a car, great acceleration as well, and with the new model also comes with a few more goodies thrown in such as sat nav etc. I do think that the GTI is a cut above it overall though and is only a flash tune away from MPS eating power. Best of both worlds in my opinion.

**GTi3dr** · 10-02-2010, 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by iBoost

Hi Mat,

The ESP can be switched off, although from reviews I have read "off" is not off completely. It still will cut in, all be it once you're way out of control. As I understand it, it lets you have more than a bit of fun before it comes to the party. Not sure if this would affect track usage, maybe others can comment further.

As far as tunes go, most can be switch between stock and the upgraded tune quite easily. If VW were to reflash your car with an update, you simply go back to the shop who did the flash tune and they will reflash it free of charge. I've not heard of anyone being charged to have their tune redone before.

Hope this helps. Having owned the previous 3 MPS, it is a monster of a car, great acceleration as well, and with the new model also comes with a few more goodies thrown in such as sat nav etc. I do think that the GTI is a cut above it overall though and is only a flash tune away from MPS eating power. Best of both worlds in my opinion.

Ah interesting with the tune, thanks, so there are no box's that you can carry with you?

With the ESP, the reason I'm concerned is mostly is the fact of the handbrake use around a wet skidpan and ESP going crazy trying to correct it for me.

**trueman** · 10-02-2010, 09:27 AM

Wow expensive car to thrash like that.
Perhaps a jap car would be better.

**dave_r** · 10-02-2010, 09:43 AM

Originally Posted by trueman

Wow expensive car to thrash like that.
Perhaps a jap car would be better.

LOL you're not serious are you? What better way to make good use of the purchase!!

May as well get a barina with free sunroof and drive from a-b!

**Rocket36** · 10-02-2010, 09:44 AM

Originally Posted by trueman

Wow expensive car to thrash like that.
Perhaps a jap car would be better.

Drive them to the limits. What's the point in owning something and not using it to its full potential? Especially when the full potential of the higher performance models costs a lot more. I'd hardly call driving a car within the limits of its capability "thrashing". I had mine at a track day for its run-in, two days after I bought it!