Mk7 Golf R Discussion Thread

[Fab_R]

Wow....

Beijing Auto Show 2014 – Volkswagen R 400 Study - VWVortex

[Mikey1]

Wow....

Beijing Auto Show 2014 – Volkswagen R 400 Study - VWVortex

Wow is a massive understatement! If it was priced right, wouldn't this wipe the smug smile off every A45 AMG owner, many of whom are existing hot hatch defectors from Audi and Volkswagen. I noticed the resurrection of the highly fancied, albeit expensive, Recaro sports/race seats and twin centre exhausts. Volkswagen must finally be listening to what its enthusiast customers want! Now, if only it would be available with a good old fashioned manual transmission...

[Mikey1]

As has been previously reported, though without any detail, Wheels May 2014 has just been released. It's a fabulous read, cover-to-cover, containing articles about the new Audi TT, Subaru WRX, Mercedes C-Class and a classic comparison between the new BMW M235i and a 1988 BMW E30 M3. Of course, it's the GTI PP and R which you are all interested in.

Where do I start. Of yes, the R lost. Why? Well because Wheels criteria rewards the underdog. Let me explain, the GTI PP really is much greater than the sum of its parts. Volkswagen took the already highly praised standard GTI to a new level of performance and value with the electronic/mechanical LSD and all the other goodies for just another $4,500. ($4,000 actually, as Wheels hasn't acknowledged the recent $500 across the board price rise of existing models.) The ride, even with its big wheels adorned with recommended 280kPa tyre pressures gave a cushy ride in Comfort mode. The R with its recommended 260 kPa tyre pressures gave a firm ride in Comfort mode. I'll quote the second last paragraph word-for-word, which pretty much sums up their thoughts:

What seals the deal for us is the GTI Performance's outstanding dynamic depth, and it's thinking person's persona. If it were human, it would have a university degree and love watching the ABC, whereas the R is more like a fit, cashed-up tradie who hasn't quite nailed the finer points of social etiquette.

Due to copyright laws, please don't ask me to post a scanned copy of the road test review.

Does this comparison review change my mind on my order? Hell no, but anyone tossing up between the two should get hold of this review before placing their order. While I agree in principle with every comment the tester made, my selection criteria overrides that of the tester/Wheels magazine, and perhaps every forum member on this thread would feel the same.

[Dutch77]

What seals the deal for us is the GTI Performance's outstanding dynamic depth, and it's thinking person's persona. If it were human, it would have a university degree and love watching the ABC, whereas the R is more like a fit, cashed-up tradie who hasn't quite nailed the finer points of social etiquette.

Due to copyright laws, please don't ask me to post a scanned copy of the road test review.

Does this comparison review change my mind on my order? Hell no, but anyone tossing up between the two should get hold of this review before placing their order. While I agree in principle with every comment the tester made, my selection criteria overrides that of the tester/Wheels magazine, and perhaps every forum member on this thread would feel the same.

Could sway a few GTI buyers who were considering the R to save a few pennies, but can't imagine R buyers, especially those on this forum being swayed down to the GTI.

Thanks for the Wheels commentary. I've got my latest Motor but haven't got around to reading it yet, suffice to say the standard GTI had the new WRX and an SS Commodore covered (to be fair, all good vehicles for their intended buyers).

I'm not even swayed to go to the PP, but maybe that's because I don't watch the ABC.