Golf R v GTI Performance

[wasabiz]

I went for the PP over the GTI - I wanted the Xenon's as I had them in a previous car. It was a $2k option on the GTI, so I figured for another $2k I would be get the PP with 19", electronic diff, alcantara & LED taillights. The R would be nice, but we all have a budget to work to.

Can't agree more to this.

[irossiter]

I was VERY unhappy when I found out we weren't getting the manual GTI PP. That's one of the reasons I jumped ship to Merc (failure). I didn't want 19's either. I'd had 2 GTI's and 2nd one loaded up with extras. Swore I'd never have a car without brilliant Xenons again either. Then they stop allowing them as an option by the time I come back to VW! ;-(
I think the perfect Golf would be a GTI with AWD. I think they've made the R a bit too hard core for everyday driving (I'm sounding old now !). The Audi S3 is a much more relaxed car but still hammers when you need it to. Get to drive dad's . He's 78 and doesn't drive it like he should!
I would have bought a non PP GTI sunroof, driver assist and Xenons if I could have found one. Found a PP demo with. 80kms on it and VERY happy. I wouldn't want any more power through the front wheels though. Even more axle tramping! I also desperately miss my manual but the VAG DSG is at least 2 generations ahead of the miserable Merc equivalent. GTI or R? Both brilliant cars. Can't lose.

[daveee]

I was a bit put off by the small hatch area in the R because of the Haldex. My other half also didn't like the GTI wheels so ended up with the PP. Do miss the manual a bit though.

[andrew7]

In a stunning U-turn I've ditched the Idea of replacing my written of Mk7 R with another R or GTI PP given family constraints (1 car family for 12 months, poor boot space in the R as pointed out by davvee above makes it untenable as a family 'wagon') and instead have ordered a new white Passat Alltrack with custom matte black powder coated rims and tint (very good deal helped ease my pain of waving goodbye to the R). Further, I will bide my time and satisfy my need for speed when we need a 2nd car in 12 months with the next generation bargain Polo GTI (will be running the tasty VAG 1.8l turbo it appears). Farewell for some time Golf

[Eaglehawk]

Wise Choice

(I've got an Alltrack too)

[andrew7]

^ Absoultely Eaglehawk, tried and tested, gutsy diesel good for the snow + road trips = win Will miss the VAG turbo petrol and the addictive DSG fart in the short term but looking forward to the new improved Polo GTI to scratch that itch in 2015.

[mfl]

Hi Andrew7,

I think calling it a 'stunning u-turn' is a massive understatement ! you went from an S3 to an R or GTI PP to a diesel SUV. - you certainly covered a wide range of alternatives.

[Jimi]

There's a new Passat around the corner and it looks awesome. Could you have waited for that and just jammed everyone into an R in the meantime?

[andrew7]

The Passat's about 12 months away at least and the Alltrack some time after that so….we do currently have a company car Alltrack which this car will replace so its a known quantity and works well. Anyway, its a compromise but looking forward to the Polo GTI in due course...

[Paul_R]

Nice one. I'm trying to get my wife out of her enormous gas guzzling front wheel drive CX9 into an Alltrack. She's got more parking scratches and dents on it than I can count. We've got 3 kids, never use the 3rd row seats, and are near the snow. No luck so far.