MK6 -v- MK7 : Golf GTI

[Mutch1983]

If where just relying on reviews then it might actually be if you own an Audi S3 don't pick a track battle with a BMW 135i AWD or Golf mk7 R manual. Or even if you are a 135i owner maybe don't pick a battle with a Golf Mk7 R DSG. Here are three European comparison tests I got off another forum that reinforce these suggestions.


The Golf R is the best allrounder, the M135i is the sportscar and the S3 is the comfortable, everyday hot-hatch of this comparison.
Win for the Golf R. Second place: M135i.

Audi S3 Sportback S-tronic / BMW M135i xDrive / Volkswagen Golf R

Power: 300 hp / 320 hp / 300 hp
Gearbox: 6-speed-DSG / 8-speed-automatic / 6-speed-manual
Weight: 1517 kg / 1568 kg / 1498 kg
0-100 km/h: 5,0 s / 5,0 s / 5,7 s
0-200 km/h: 19,4 s / 19,3 s / 20,5 s
Braking (100-0 km/h), warm: 36,4 m / 34,2 m / 35,7 m
18 m slalom: 67,9 km/h / 67,7 km/h / 69,2 km/h
110 m evasive test: 140,4 km/h / 145,6 km/h / 145,1 km/h

[Mutch1983]

AutoBild:
"The drive, the suspension, the seats. The R became a real racer."
Win for the Golf here as well. Second is the BMW, followed by the S3.

Audi S3 Sportback S-tronic / BMW M135i xDrive / Volkswagen Golf R

Power: 300 hp / 320 hp / 300 hp
Gearbox: 6-speed-DSG / 8-speed-automatic / 6-speed-manual
Weight: 1521 kg / 1574 kg / 1476 kg
0-100 km/h: 4,9 s / 4,8 s / 5,5 s
0-200 km/h: 19,0 s / 18,2 s / 19,6 s
Braking (100-0 km/h), warm: 35,6 m / 34,5 m / 35,3 m
Contidrom laptime: 1:38,38 min / 1:37,35 min / 1:37,53 min

[Mutch1983]

AutoZeitung's comparison is out yet - with the Golf R DSG.

"With the new R-model Volkswagen proved again that the Golf is the best car in its class. And not because it's the best allrounder, but it's the sportiest one as well."
Second place: S3.

Audi S3 Sportback S-tronic / BMW M135i xDrive / Volkswagen Golf R DSG

Power: 300 hp / 320 hp / 300 hp
Gearbox: 6-speed-DSG / 8-speed-automatic / 6-speed-DSG
Weight: 1561 kg / 1585 kg / 1513 kg
0-100 km/h: 4,8 s / 4,9 s / 4,7 s
0-200 km/h: 17,9 s / 18,0 s / 18,0 s
Braking (100-0 km/h), warm: 34,3 m / 33,1 m / 32,9 m
18 m slalom: 67,5 km/h / 68,6 km/h / 69,9 km/h
Laptime: 1:43,4 min / 1:42,2 min / 1:41,9 min

[WhiteJames]

This track battle has me thinking that the PP GTI ain't much slower than the Golf 7 R?

Volkswagen Golf GTI Vs Renault Megane RS review - AutoExpress - YouTube

WJ

[WhiteJames]

I see that the Golf R put up against other hot hatches, including GTI PP, Seat Leon Cupra R, Renault Megane RS265, and BMW 135i had the Golf 7 R taking out the win, although not for absolute driver's vehicle (RS265), but for nailing everything else including the holy grail of riding comfortably & handling well … as reviewed in EVO Mag iPad Ed.

Surprisingly … Top Gear (UK) Ed on iPad also gives the Golf 7 R the victory (just) over the Merc A45 AWD. Interesting to read that the Golf R was sharper in the handling department and rode a bit sharper than the A45 Merc AWD. The European 18" look much better than the 19" Golf 7 R destined for AUS.

WJ

[WhiteJames]

The ESC engaged completely is quite intrusive on the Golf 7 GTI (I.e. default setting). ESC partially disengaged (i.e. Off on GTI) provides a nice blend of safety and adjustability for everyday driving, although not on the track as Tiff Needal would attest in this Fifth Gear (UK) video review:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nATb...A332E66C66FBB3

Word on the street is that the Golf 7 R will be available for test driving on 22nd April 2014.

WJ

[team_v]

The ESC engaged completely is quite intrusive on the Golf 7 GTI (I.e. default setting). ESC partially disengaged (i.e. Off on GTI) provides a nice blend of safety and adjustability for everyday driving, although not on the track as Tiff Needal would attest in this Fifth Gear (UK) video review:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nATb...A332E66C66FBB3

Word on the street is that the Golf 7 R will be available for test driving on 22nd April 2014.

WJ

One should never drive with the ESC off on public roads and it should never kick in on a public road unless the driver is doing something that is likely illegal or dangerous.

On a track is a different matter

[WhiteJames]

There was no need to switch off the ESC in the MK6 GTI. The Golf 7 GTI electronic safety package is a much different beast … the ESC really prevents the driver from loading the car on its tyres front to rear and side to side using the throttle or brake … in other words, it cuts in well before the limit of grip is exhausted. The ESC Off feature (partial disengage or not fully engaged) is actually an ESC Sport mode, where the driver is unlikely to breach the threshold of grip on public roadways in good weather and is fine for sporty driving. The Golf 7 GTI ultimately offers a two stage ESC feature, one that is more vigilant than the previous MK6 Golf GTI, and the other (ESC Sport) that allows the driver to take a bit more control. Having said that, all the hype about switching off the ESC completely is overdone unless you intend to track the car.
WJ

[WhiteJames]

The MK VII range seems to show that VW have adopted a new philosophy towards stability (ESC) control.

Looks like VW have narrowed the regular default ESC 'on' setting threshold offering less yaw rate, body roll & movement in the Golf 7 GTI chassis to ensure that the intended line of arc around a corner does not deviate. I think this is a good thing generally for safety and protecting people from themselves.

When running in my new Golf 7 GTI:

I began to think that there was something wrong with the tyre pressures as the ESC stability control was activating much much earlier than it would have on the previous MK6 Golf GTI. I checked the tyres pressures, which were all uniform. I then began to think that something was wrong with the ESC system, as the ESC does not allow the driver to lean on the Golf 7 GTI, as was the case with the MK6 GTI.

After becoming acquainted with the Golf 7 GTI chassis around the mountain passes, climbs and descents during run-in phase, I began using the ESC Sport program. This partially disengages the ESC system to allow for a bit more lean on the suspension from side to side around corners, unlocking the goodness of the Golf 7 chassis (and a good FWD chassis it is), which dramatically improve my drive experience and gave me a bit more control over in terms of working the chassis & tyres.

I agree with the journos that the ESC Sport function on the Golf 7 GTI is well judged for public road driving … maybe not the track, but then again, I wouldn't have purchased a Golf GTI for track duties. I'd go as far to say that ESC Sport setting is the default setting for any driver tackling the tight & twisty mountain passes. Whether this philosophy covers all VAG products, I cannot say, but this would most probably be the case as these decisions are generally made at a high boardroom level.

Ray is been getting a little more intimate with his dealer on the Golf 7 R … reckons that 59.5K will get you into a fully optioned Golf R DSG on the road (this includes discount) … have to wait and see if this is correct come official launch.

Additionally, dealers are showing some concern that the Golf 7 R is not attracting the attention that VW dealers were expecting. Easy to see why … iMO: A Golf 7 R with DSG and Leather + 3 year fixed priced servicing costs is line ball comparable with & not far off a standard Audi S3 with DSG as standard feature and 3 years free servicing by Audi in terms of cost. The Audi is also lighter, esp. at the front end where it counts. As a bonus: the Audi has smaller 18" wheels/tyres as standard. Not everyone wants to be fully sick.

WJ

[WhiteJames]

Word on the street is that a GTI PP fully optioned can be yours for 54K drive-away. Personally ... I'd be shopping it against a Manual Golf 7 R + Leather for about the same money. Time will tell if the 7 R is the same money.
WJ