Well, you asked for it
Well peoples, after 2 days and 280 kms of driving my new Golf GTI 40Yrs, I'm ready to share my first impressions.
As my annual performance review used to say: EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS!!
To those trying to decide between one of these and an “R”, unless you want to spend all your time doing ¼ mile drags, then save your money and get one of these.
My kms covered a bit of everything, including a mountain loop at the back of the Sunny Coast north of Brissie which I often use to try vehicles on.
In the traffic and on the freeway, comfort mode selected was a relaxing drive. One complaint is with the DSG on take off still has that hesitation which I detested in my MkVI Golf 118TSI 7speed DSG. I thought VW would have improved this by now, but no. For quick take offs, select manual or sport mode. Another thing, the P Zero tyres are NOISY, but levels of grip are tenacious on the twisty bits. I would prefer the Bridgestone RE050s I had on the RS (Megane) for all round comfort AND grip.
Straight line acceleration feels around the 6 sec mark but lacks the raw kick in the back which the Renault used to produce from a manual gearbox. Noticeably lacking is the massive torque steer from the Renault, with this car having the least TS of any high powered FWD I have driven. A very, very nice feeling/surprise! This car is just as fast but in a more refined manner. There was even some exhaust pops on gear changes going up as well as down gears. Understandably I treated the car with caution till I get a lot more ks on it, but suffice to say, it ticks all the boxes for performance, and I haven’t tried the extra power unleashed yet!
Handling is precise and smooth. In sports mode the ACC (adaptive chassis control) and the XDL (extended differential lock) do a great job. Line up the corner, shoot for the apex and power on gets you pulled through the corner with precise positioning and neutral stance. I would rate it as good as the RS on the twisty bits, which I thought I would never concede, as the RS held the “King of the Ring” for FWD cars for almost 5 years without the aid of electronic wizardry, just all mechanical LSD which is brilliant. Now I’m not sorry its gone, this Golf is fantastic.
Performance and handling both exceeding my (very high) expectations. Compared to the GTI PP I drove before I ordered this, I CAN feel the extra punch from the extra HP and the handling seemed better controlled. However I did not get to try the PP on my mountain loop, so could be an invalid perception there.
As previously discovered here, list of deletions on this model:
Ambient lighting, only foot-well and lower door leds on this. (and the roof of course)
No voice control for the infotainment system! How backwards is this! Sales tells me no Golf gets this in Australia? Any one else know this.
Navigation system is not up to the level I expect from 2016 systems. Whilst it gets the job done, it lacks features I've been used to for years.
Front parking sensors – miss them already
No GTI tartan seat cloth – hooray! The seats look and feel great, maybe not as hugging as the Recaros but way more comfortable and way adequate for normal lateral forces.
Front fog lights – doesn’t worry me as I don’t see much fog here. The DRLs are great for their intended purpose.
Things I do like:
Alcantara trim on seats, steering wheel (feels great to drive with), door inserts above the arm rest.
Adaptive Cruise Control is sensational! Even puts on the brakes when some muppet cuts in on you.
Blind spot monitor is great on the free way, works on both sides so the suicide bikers coming through on the left may get to live a little longer
The red stitching on the seat belts LOL. Classy but not ostentatious like the all bright red belts in the RS Megane.
I haven’t mastered the steering wheel controls nor the infotainment system yet so will not air my grievances till I have more time with them.
Thats about it for my thoughts for now, will add as things occur to me.
In conclusion, anyone having doubts about this car being worth the money, DON'T!
Worth every bit.
My opinions are just that, and are based on my last 7 years of driving.
2009-2012 Mk VI Golf 118TSI “Twincharger” with Stage 1 mods
2013-2016 Renault Megane RS RB8 special. Bought after dismissing the “R” as not as much a drivers car and “Head Turning” ability. The RS is by far a better handling car than the R, even with its AWD.
Now – GTI 40Years – looking good so far
On order – New Ford Focus RS – AWD 250kW – remains to be seen if it lives up to the hype.
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Originally Posted by Bassik
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