Gti Performance Pack for daily drive

**tigger73** · 26-10-2014, 06:04 AM

Originally Posted by oztadpole

Drove a tarago for 20 years. Was a real workhorse. Nowadays I'm the only one in the car because I drive it to work.

The thought of getting back into a small car - was a bit hesitant at first. But kids are all grown up and driving. They have their own transport.

My parents were in the same position when us kids all grew up. Dad was looking to upgrade the family run about but the trade-in price wasn't too favourable. So I suggested getting rid of the people mover as the number of times everyone travelled together was almost zero anyway. Best move to replace the Mazda Traveller which was essentially a commercial vehicle with an interior fit-out and a bit of a death-trap in terms of handling and braking ability. Went to a Saab 9000 with leather and sunroof. Mum was happy

I think if you went with either GTI or GTI PP you'd be streets ahead. If you go the GTI route there's a few people that have upgraded the bulbs with a higher output halogen which is a relatively cost effective upgrade in terms of improving the light output. However nothing is going to compare to the factory bi-xenons but it is a relatively hefty price tag if that's the only option that you need.

Have a read of the Mk7 Headlight thread for some options for standard globes.

**AJW** · 26-10-2014, 07:43 AM

Interesting thread.
This is exactly the same position I'm in.
After having Bi-Xenons on my MK5 & MK6 GTI's I wouldn't get a car without them now.
It's not just the brightness it's as though they design the front end of car around the look of the Bi-Xenons and the models without don't look complete.
So when they originally spec'd the cars with the Bi-Xenons as an option I thought great I can order them again on the GTI.
When they dropped them as an option and only had them on the PP I thought great now I'll have to get 19" wheels which I'm not so keen on.
So it's interesting to read some comments from people that have the PP.

I also have Adaptive suspension on my MK6 GTI , I don't think there were many MK6's sold with this option.
Again this was something I was going to re-order on the MK7, luckily it's fitted as standard.
I've mostly been running it in comfort due to the crap Sydney roads.
Sometimes it can feel a bit soft so maybe running 19's will just take the edge off this a bit.

I wont be ordering my car until next year so I'll be very interested to see what Oztadpole does and what you think.

**oztadpole** · 26-10-2014, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by tigger73

My parents were in the same position when us kids all grew up. Dad was looking to upgrade the family run about but the trade-in price wasn't too favourable. So I suggested getting rid of the people mover as the number of times everyone travelled together was almost zero anyway. Best move to replace the Mazda Traveller which was essentially a commercial vehicle with an interior fit-out and a bit of a death-trap in terms of handling and braking ability. Went to a Saab 9000 with leather and sunroof. Mum was happy

I think if you went with either GTI or GTI PP you'd be streets ahead. If you go the GTI route there's a few people that have upgraded the bulbs with a higher output halogen which is a relatively cost effective upgrade in terms of improving the light output. However nothing is going to compare to the factory bi-xenons but it is a relatively hefty price tag if that's the only option that you need.

Have a read of the Mk7 Headlight thread for some options for standard globes.

I'm leaning heavily towards the pp also due to availability.

The wheels is not such an issue as it was a few days ago. Had another quick drive of one. Unfortunately I couldn't get hold of a demo for any decent length of time.

The gti I drove 3 - 4 times. Including an overnight loan. So got a really good feel. This was 4 weeks ago.

A std gti with bixenons is already 2.5k shy of a pp - and that's if you can get hold of one.

The pp looks good value all things considered. And its a good looking car!

Like you say gti or gti pp - can't go much wrong with either.

Sound like I'm rationalising here - haha

**oztadpole** · 26-10-2014, 09:25 AM

Originally Posted by AJW

Interesting thread.
This is exactly the same position I'm in.
After having Bi-Xenons on my MK5 & MK6 GTI's I wouldn't get a car without them now.
It's not just the brightness it's as though they design the front end of car around the look of the Bi-Xenons and the models without don't look complete.
So when they originally spec'd the cars with the Bi-Xenons as an option I thought great I can order them again on the GTI.
When they dropped them as an option and only had them on the PP I thought great now I'll have to get 19" wheels which I'm not so keen on.
So it's interesting to read some comments from people that have the PP.

I also have Adaptive suspension on my MK6 GTI , I don't think there were many MK6's sold with this option.
Again this was something I was going to re-order on the MK7, luckily it's fitted as standard.
I've mostly been running it in comfort due to the crap Sydney roads.
Sometimes it can feel a bit soft so maybe running 19's will just take the edge off this a bit.

I wont be ordering my car until next year so I'll be very interested to see what Oztadpole does and what you think.

Ajw,

I was told by a friend who owned an mk6 gti that mk6 gti's were pretty stiff in general compared to mk7. The adaptive suspension must've made a difference?

Have you test driven a pp?

**Dutch77** · 26-10-2014, 10:04 AM

The Mk7s are a lot more compliant than the Mk6 regardless of dampers.

At the end of the day if you must have xenons then get the PP.

If you don't need them then either save coin and grab a stocker, or if coin isn't an issue and/or availability is take the PP.

The diff and brakes are 0.01% items that based on your comments you won't need (I've been on a few VWW cruises with my stocker and was not missing anything, to gain a benefit on the road mostly suggests you probably shouldn't be on the road). The. 19s will be firmer but most people are suggesting there is not much in it so it is unlikely to be a concern - and if you find it is what better reason than to get rid of those fugly wheels?

Much like those who say the xenons complete the front whereas that red line is a massive no for me.. it's all subjective and pointless arguing it with someone who holds the opposite view.

Just buy a damn car already and start posting your ownership thoughts in the GTI thread.

**AJW** · 26-10-2014, 11:34 AM

Ajw,

I was told by a friend who owned an mk6 gti that mk6 gti's were pretty stiff in general compared to mk7. The adaptive suspension must've made a difference?

Have you test driven a pp?

Intersting about the difference between the MK6 & 7.

Yes the adaptive suspension on the MK6 is fantastic and removes the jittery feel that can make you feel tired on a long run.
I was coming down the Bells Line of Road in the Blue Mountains with it in Comfort Mode and also the road out to Mount Wilson.
If I drove it in Normal it would have been too stiff especially the Mount Wilson road.

What's great about the adaptive suspension is if you just want to drive to work and relax a bit you have the option to do so.

No I haven't driven a MK7 yet, but I'm almost certain I'll be getting a PP.

**brad** · 26-10-2014, 01:46 PM

Just from the other point of view, there are plenty of people getting around Sydney & other lousy roads on 19"s without issue. I think one of the key preventers is keeping the tyre pressure at the factory recommendation which is up around 38psi or a bit higher.

I'm sure a lot of people just run the default 32psi that all the servo machines revert back to after a few minutes.

**Mattlock** · 26-10-2014, 02:03 PM

Originally Posted by brad

I'm sure a lot of people just run the default 32psi that all the servo machines revert back to after a few minutes.

Couldn't agree more. I did a driving course a few years ago and it clearly demonstrated to me the advantages of maintaining good tyre pressure.

I'm thinking about chopping in my GT for a new GTI. I like the idea of the PP but not that it comes with a DSG only 'box. I want a manual (it's a key point for me) and considering it's sold in other markets with a manual it's a bit annoying that I can't get it with the extra features. Ultimately, it may end up with my ring to justify to the Minister why I want to buy an R instead!

**oztadpole** · 26-10-2014, 02:28 PM

Originally Posted by brad

Just from the other point of view, there are plenty of people getting around Sydney & other lousy roads on 19"s without issue. I think one of the key preventers is keeping the tyre pressure at the factory recommendation which is up around 38psi or a bit higher.

I'm sure a lot of people just run the default 32psi that all the servo machines revert back to after a few minutes.

That's a good point. So many cars around with 19"+ nowadays.

Originally Posted by Mattlock

Couldn't agree more. I did a driving course a few years ago and it clearly demonstrated to me the advantages of maintaining good tyre pressure.

I'm thinking about chopping in my GT for a new GTI. I like the idea of the PP but not that it comes with a DSG only 'box. I want a manual (it's a key point for me) and considering it's sold in other markets with a manual it's a bit annoying that I can't get it with the extra features. Ultimately, it may end up with my ring to justify to the Minister why I want to buy an R instead!

Haha we all have our rationalisations!!