110tsi Driving Impressions

[jdw]

Hi, I am currently driving a loan demo 2019 Golf Comfortline DSG with less than 2,000 kilometres. ( My usual car is a 2016 GTI PP). I have noticed with the Comfortline an annoying characteristic upon take off from stationary. The slightest application of the accelerator results in a very jerky take off followed by a brief dead spot then off we go. Is this a normal characteristic of
the MK 7.5 with the 7 speed box ?

[gregozedobe]

That will be the (unreliable, fragile) dry clutch 7 speed fitted to low torque Golfs, not the (reliable, robust) DQ381 wet clutch DSG fitted to more powerful Golfs. Lots of problems reported about the former.

[Transporter]

Hi, I am currently driving a loan demo 2019 Golf Comfortline DSG with less than 2,000 kilometres. ( My usual car is a 2016 GTI PP). I have noticed with the Comfortline an annoying characteristic upon take off from stationary. The slightest application of the accelerator results in a very jerky take off followed by a brief dead spot then off we go. Is this a normal characteristic of
the MK 7.5 with the 7 speed box ?

That can happen if you are to quick from brake to accelerator pedal or left foot braking. If you don’t do any of these it’s possible that there could be something wrong with the car you road testing.

[Splashalot]

I've had the same year and model Golf as a loaner and can't say I noticed that particular foible. I was actually quite impressed - enough to consider buying one for my wife - until I did my research and found they run the DQ200 DSG. And that was the end of that.

[gmx]

Unfortuantely have one of these in my possession. Full well knew of the 7 spd DSG junk problems. Absolutely hate how it drives.
Auto-hold, stop-start are all piss-poor. Auto-hold holds too long and there is intermittent abruptness to get a smooth take off, as if loads up the stall on a conventional auto or something.
Stop-start... well this thing shuts the engine off decelerating but still moving around 5-9km/h. In slow moving grind I have to turn it off, it's bad.
The only good thing about these two systems, I can tap the accelerator to turn the engine back on but still have the car auto-hold.

It is everything that is wrong with a modern car. It tries to drive you, but does it wrong. Didn't have any such problems with the myriad of electrics in say a W205 Merc. Programming is piss poor from them imo. If it really were my decision, get a Hyundai or Renault similarly priced if not going for at least a GTI.

[jdw]

I've had the same year and model Golf as a loaner and can't say I noticed that particular foible. I was actually quite impressed - enough to consider buying one for my wife - until I did my research and found they run the DQ200 DSG. And that was the end of that.

How is your 2017 manual ? I would be replacing the wifes 2012 118 tsi manual, so manual tranny is not an issue with us.

[Sharkie]

How is your 2017 manual ? I would be replacing the wifes 2012 118 tsi manual, so manual tranny is not an issue with us.

I have a 2018 manual. It’s brilliant, best car for sale today under $30k.
No gearbox issues, smooth shifts, light clutch, no stop-start problems. Can’t fault it.
It’s even decently quick. Would absolutely buy another without hesitation.

Would not touch a DSG in a Golf

[jdw]

I have a 2018 manual. It’s brilliant, best car for sale today under $30k.
No gearbox issues, smooth shifts, light clutch, no stop-start problems. Can’t fault it.
It’s even decently quick. Would absolutely buy another without hesitation.

Would not touch a DSG in a Golf

How and where did you mod it to 145 kw ? I am in Brisbane too.

[Splashalot]

How is your 2017 manual ? I would be replacing the wifes 2012 118 tsi manual, so manual tranny is not an issue with us.

I traded it after 5 months for the 2018 GTI. However, that doesn't mean I hated the Trendline, or it is a bad car. I just missed a GTI something terrible.

The manual box is fine in the Trendline. Shifts are a bit lighter, longer and less precise than the GTI, though. Clutch is light. Take up point is a little vague, but very, very smooth - smoothest I've ever driven a manual car! One criticism I did have of the 1.4 and manual combination (not evident in the DSG with 1.4) is a very soft throttle response and considerable lag (not turbo lag - throttle lag). For example, when turning into a side street, getting back onto the accelerator post-corner produces lag of varying duration. At it's worst I timed it at two seconds of no response whatsoever. This was somewhat cured by fitment of a pedal box, but never completely eliminated. I'd recommend test driving one if possible to see if this lag bothers your wife in low speed city driving.

Apart from this, they're cracking cars. Fantastic ride, unbelievable fuel economy and good performance.

Hope that helps.

[Sharkie]

How and where did you mod it to 145 kw ? I am in Brisbane too.

Guy Harding at Harding Performance did it for me. I have used him for many years now (15 at least ) to tune my VWs. Harding Performance ECU Software - 1.4 TSI MQB - Harding Performance

Info on the Golf here Project 145TSI

As an FYI, the 110TSI's are exceptionally good on fuel. On the highway it will drop below 5l/100km easily and in town (even with 145kw) and some moderately aggressive driving it sticks around 7l/100km. Contrast that to the R at just under 7 on the highway and about 9.5 in town and the Mustang at 9 on the highway and 18 (!!!!!) in town.

It is such an easy daily driver and I'd happily recommend it to anyone. Just don't drive a GTI or a R as a comparison as they take the 110 goodness and ramps it up to more.