Mk7 Golf R Discussion Thread

[lenojd]

I'm not sure if comparing the Golf R with the base S3 on price is fair due to a difference in standard specification of each. For example, the adaptive suspension, or magnetic ride control in Audi language, is a $1600 option on its own. Metallic or pearl paint another $1050, rear seat load through $400 and privacy glass another $700. There is no 19" wheel option for those who may want this. Audi charge a lot more for dealer delivery, unless on corporate program. I know the Audi MMI is superior to the crap VW Discover Media, but these are the performance models in the range, and the priority should be on that.

I think the difference will be pushing ~10k for a full spec R v full spec S3 (taking into account discounting or no discount ie like for like in that regard).

It will therefore come done to personal circumstances and tastes as to whether the 10k is enough to justify the step up or not.

For me, I am happy with the extra ~10k (assuming it is about that).

I had a MK6 R on order about a year ago which fell through and since it was at the end of the line, I was unable to find another in the spec/colour I wanted.

In hindsight, I think it was a blessing in disguise for a few reasons.

- Firstly, I no need an auto/DSG as it will be the family car and the R on order was another manual
- Whilst at the time I was happy with a fairly low spec R, since the new car will be a family car for myself and the wife, I want a full spec'd car with all the bells and whistles
- Coming from a MKV GTI, I've realised I definitely want something that feels nicer and more modern inside.. unfortunately IMO, the MK7 (GTI nor R) doesn't feel like a step up enough inside
- I am not bothered by the 18" wheels on the S3 and actually think that in my situation i'd rather 18" than 19"

So with that being said the S3 is a better package in for me in my situation. That is before taking into account the fact that there are incremental bits which the R just can't do/match.. like the much better sound system (B+O), LED lights, far superior Audi MMI, nicer sport seats, plus general nicer feel inside

(and I think it's a better looking car)

So in reality the ~10k is more like 5k and I/we can justify that.

Like I said earlier though, everyone is different (obviously) and with different tastes, preferences, priorities so congrats on your order Mikey1 and to anyone else who has a R on order or is thinking about getting one. I know if I was to rewind time a few years, I'd more than likely be buying the R (with 19" etc) than the S3!

Either way, they're both going to be a great buy and I think it's good we have fairly similar yet distinctly different cars in somewhat similar price ranges to chose from!

[Mikey1]

Thanks "lenojd" for the mention. I wish you luck in getting a fully kitted S3 for not much more than $70K. I passed on an offer for $74.2K, which I thought was pretty good, as the full on-road cost was $78.7K. That would have been a $5.7% discount. I estimate $73K would have been the absolute best if I wanted the S3. For me that's still $11K more for a manual R with the lot before any discounting on the R applies.

[Longy]

Thanks "lenojd" for the mention. I wish you luck in getting a fully kitted S3 for not much more than $70K. I passed on an offer for $74.2K, which I thought was pretty good, as the full on-road cost was $78.7K. That would have been a $5.7% discount. I estimate $73K would have been the absolute best if I wanted the S3. For me that's still $11K more for a manual R with the lot before any discounting on the R applies.

What are you classifying "fully kitted" out S3? One with the S performance package as a definite, and if that was it, the drive away price is just under $66k then add on the $4800 S performance pack which gives you a price of approx $71k, but for those that are actually serious about buying the car rather than just a curious price query, you will find that you can negotiate a discount of approx 8%, which gives you a price just under $64k drive away.

[Mikey1]

What are you classifying "fully kitted" out S3? One with the S performance package as a definite, and if that was it, the drive away price is just under $66k then add on the $4800 S performance pack which gives you a price of approx $71k, but for those that are actually serious about buying the car rather than just a curious price query, you will find that you can negotiate a discount of approx 8%, which gives you a price just under $64k drive away.

Fully kitted = every option except privacy glass, roof rails and black exterior styling package. Can you please support your claim by posting a copy of a quote. If true, then I will gladly walk away from my pre-order and sign-up to a S3. Who wouldn't at the price!! I assume from your signature, you received an 8% discount on your S3 sedan. Congrats if you did. I'm sure forum members reading this will now visit their local Audi dealer with renewed enthusiasm.

[Dutch77]

The corporate program is available to eligible employees of the top 200 ASX listed companies by way of market capitalisation. However, the Volkswagen fleet manager who looks after the company I work for advised the new Golf R will be excluded from the corporate program. I suspect this might not have been communicated to the dealers or their sales staff yet. However, don’t let this exclusion put you off from asking for a discount of at least 5% straight off the dealer’s on-road price. As is always the message in this game, shop around.

The corporate discount is open to more than just the top ASX200 companies, I had it on my previous order that fell through and enquiry this time around as well and I never have or will work for one of those companies. Can't comment on the lack of an R benefit, but the discount I negotiated on my GTI turned out to be a lot more than my initial enquiry under the corporate discount - although this time around it was definitely well under 10% so there may be varied levels.

[Mikey1]

The corporate discount is open to more than just the top ASX200 companies, I had it on my previous order that fell through and enquiry this time around as well and I never have or will work for one of those companies. Can't comment on the lack of an R benefit, but the discount I negotiated on my GTI turned out to be a lot more than my initial enquiry under the corporate discount - although this time around it was definitely well under 10% so there may be varied levels.

Well that's a revelation! Every corporate customer has a Volkswagen fleet manager, even if the one fleet manager looks after multiple clients. Just out of interest, do you work for a publicly listed company?

Given forum members thrive on feedback from others about pricing, can you share with us what actual percentage discount did you actually receive on your new GTI? Was this amount off the on-road price or the list price? Did you also receive a discount on the dealer delivery fee?

[Paul_R]

I'm going to have a good look at the S3. I'm not fussed on 19s and want a stereo I don't have to upgrade. Electric memory seats would be nice but neither car has them. Electric seats without memory is stupid so it's good the S pack seats are manual adjust. The S3 has heated seats though which is good if you live in Albury. Pity I can't get a discount for choosing manual over DSG. Suppose I'll wait for pricing and then talk to both dealers. Hmmm. There's another issue. Wodonga Prestige (VW) have excellent customer service but the Audi dealer is hopeless. Maybe I'll have less trouble with them if I buy an Audi. They were terrible when we bought the Mazda from them. VW drove 20kms out to the house for me to sign the papers so when I went in later it was a matter of here's the keys have fun. Mazda told us we'd only have to go in once, made us wait for 2 hours and then told us to come back later, by which time they had smeared grease on the head lining, the car was the wrong colour and the cargo cover still hasn't turned up 2 years later. Actually after remembering all that I think I'll stick with the Golf...

Just realised the R will have heated leather too.

[Dutch77]

Well that's a revelation! Every corporate customer has a Volkswagen fleet manager, even if the one fleet manager looks after multiple clients. Just out of interest, do you work for a publicly listed company?

Given forum members thrive on feedback from others about pricing, can you share with us what actual percentage discount did you actually receive on your new GTI? Was this amount off the on-road price or the list price? Did you also receive a discount on the dealer delivery fee?

No I am employed privately. Perhaps the system has changed and they haven't worked that out yet - on my mk6 order I did need to provide proof of membership to a qualifying professional organisation so maybe that's enough to keep me on the books now as corporate eligible.

In any case on the mk7 I was only offered a flat $2k regardless of options (on a GTI mind you). The final discount was around 10%. This was on the final price and not allocated on the order, just a one line deduction.

Given the pent up demand for the R and the general wind down of the anti-VW sentiment in the market then finding discounts might become harder for the first few months of release, and as you said they may not permit the corp discount either.

[Mikey1]

I'm going to have a good look at the S3. I'm not fussed on 19s and want a stereo I don't have to upgrade. Electric memory seats would be nice but neither car has them. Electric seats without memory is stupid so it's good the S pack seats are manual adjust. The S3 has heated seats though which is good if you live in Albury. Pity I can't get a discount for choosing manual over DSG. Suppose I'll wait for pricing and then talk to both dealers. Hmmm. There's another issue. Wodonga Prestige (VW) have excellent customer service but the Audi dealer is hopeless. Maybe I'll have less trouble with them if I buy an Audi. They were terrible when we bought the Mazda from them. VW drove 20kms out to the house for me to sign the papers so when I went in later it was a matter of here's the keys have fun. Mazda told us we'd only have to go in once, made us wait for 2 hours and then told us to come back later, by which time they had smeared grease on the head lining, the car was the wrong colour and the cargo cover still hasn't turned up 2 years later. Actually after remembering all that I think I'll stick with the Golf...

Just realised the R will have heated leather too.

Paul_R, your post is very amusing! My sister lives in Horsham, and she has issues with Morrow Mazda and avoids them whenever possible. I feel for country folk who don't have the option of another dealer in the same town. Now you have the first world dilemma of upgrading to a Mk7 R without the option of a Dynaudio sound system, and you probably won't be too impressed with the low resolution and slow response Discover Media system.

[Benz]

Figured many may be interested in the first real road comparison review of the Golf R.

My first post so hope this works!

Evo 195_8 HATCHES MODERNS - Evo

Enjoy.