Reply With Quoteadam298 thanks for the review, like I said before the R can put a smile on your face I am happy for your choice, any color in particular?
Dubber
So I test drove the GTIPP and the R back to back today. I took each car out for 1.5 hours, and put them through their paces (as much as a novice can on public roads). My primary objective was to compare ride firmness/comfort (NVH) between the two, as I had read many comments about the R's apparent harshness and unsuitability as an everyday car.Originally Posted by adam298
Firstly I took both cars to a nearby side street that is so terrible it's like driving on cobblestone. When in normal or comfort modes, there was not a great deal of difference between the two cars, but the gti was softer and a little more comfortable. Putting the cars in race mode (sports in the gtipp) changes everything, it was very harsh and uncomfortable, more so in the R, but I must stress, this was an exceptional side street... A plush E-class merc would have struggled to make it comfortable.
Next onto everyday driving on Adelaide's roads, no issues, both cars quite comfortable, GTIPP more so, but I have definitely put my NVH fears aside, the R is not at all harsh IMO, it's a comfortable and pleasant firm(ish) ride. At cruising speed you do notice a hum/droning in the R, and under any acceleration there is always a growl from the engine/exhaust, at all times you certainly know that you are driving an R. The gtipp had none of that, it was very calm and civilised around town, you could easily forget that you are in anything other than a standard golf, that is until you give the throttle a good poke, then the gti came alive again. The steering in the gtipp felt quite different, still nice and light, but less connected, very clinical.
At this point I asked myself "can I live with the R as a daily ride, for when I just need to commute from A to B? Or would a calmer more refined GTIPP be a better choice?" Honestly, I wasn't sure, but then I arrived at the tollgate (start of the freeway), and the answer started to become clearer, I then turned off at the second exit (eagle on the hill, mount barker road) which is known as a hooning ground with plenty of tight hairpins and great corners. Everything changed, I could not believe how the R did what it did, it gripped those corners, you turn the wheel and it just goes, you could take the same turn at 60km, or 120km, and it just did it, no fuss, no stress. The steering felt light, it felt connected and provided plenty of feedback. The DSG performed well when left in auto, although I did prefer to switch to manual.
The Gtipp struggled with same challenge at eagle on the hill, it was here the gtipp could no longer hide its dirty secret, front wheel drive. The steering felt flabby/jittery and loose under acceleration. It was enjoyable in an unpredictable sort of way (if that makes sense). Here you certainly feel the gtipp has limits, whereas the R felt limitless. I have been up and down that stretch of road in well over a dozen different cars, none came close to R. I decided at that point that the R was the car for me, no doubt whatsoever. I have never been left quivering with a massive smile on my face from a short drive in a car. To anyone out there with doubts, I urge you to take it for a test drive, preferably to a nice driving road where the R can show off its talent.
On a side note, 'yes' the nav screen is small, not even six inches, but it's very capable, fast and responsive (no pun intended). It detects your approaching finger and enlarges icons and buttons automatically. I connected my iPhone 5 for the first time and started playing my music all in less than a minute (whilst driving), it was very simple.
I m use to my PSB audiophile headphones and Bowers & Wilkins audio at home, and I was pleasantly surprised at how good the audio quality was, big improvement from my old vw Eos.
No electric seats is a big let down, very disappointing VWA. I ordered the leather but test drove the alacantra and I really liked it, very comfortable seats, almost reconsidered the leather option (but if I chose alacantra I would have to wait 6 months).
Apparently no sunroof in the gtipp!!? WTF?! Why?
No electric folding mirrors in either car, and the incomplete RHD conversion is annoying... I'm 6ft 5, and I still couldn't see the driving mode button. And good to know the e-handbrake button is next to the passenger, and the driver has the cupholders?!
I couldn't find the settings to disable the artificial engine sound generator in the R (not sure if it can be disabled, perhaps someone knows how?).
Conclusion? I ordered the R, the end.
Volkswagen Fan
adam298 thanks for the review, like I said before the R can put a smile on your face I am happy for your choice, any color in particular?
Super Moderator
VWwA Super Moderator
Nice write-up.So I test drove the GTIPP and the R back to back today. I took each car out for 1.5 hours, and put them through their paces (as much as a novice can on public roads). My primary objective was to compare ride firmness/comfort (NVH) between the two, as I had read many comments about the R's apparent harshness and unsuitability as an everyday car.
Conclusion? I ordered the R, the end.
When is your car due for delivery?
We expect to see it out out some of our events!!!
2017 Tiguan Sportline - Tigger73's 162TSI Sportline
2016 Scirocco R, stage 1, 205kwaw (sold) - Tigger73's Scirocco R Build
2013 Tiguan 155TSI, stage 1, 144kwaw (sold) - Tigger73's 155TSI Build
2011 Tiguan 125TSI, Stage 2+, 152kwaw (sold) - Tigger73's 125TSI Build
Dubber
Cheers, but I wouldn't go so far as to call it a review, it was more an excited rant fuelled by the residual adrenaline from my drive.
And I've ordered Lapis blue with leather sunroof and driver assist
Cheers, delivery due two weeks from today, and i'd love to come out to some of your events.Nice write-up.
When is your car due for delivery?
We expect to see it out out some of our events!!!
Last edited by adam298; 29-04-2014 at 08:57 AM.
Volkswagen Enthusiast
Good review Adam, I felt exactly the same way after I got out of the R after test drive, huge grin on my face, felt like a 10 year old who'd just ridden a rollercoaster for the 1st time (particularly post launch control :0 ) Its an incredible car and the consensus is that the ride whilst sporting and firm is still comfortable (sorry WJ). I'm also in the Lapiz Club (leather and assistance), iI suspect our R's are on the same boat the Carmen its due in to Melbourne on Friday
Volkswagen Fan
Super write up Adam.
Dubber
Just sold my trusty Ralliart and now the countdown begins.
Driving my nan's 2002 Civic VI hatchback (blistering 95kw / 155nM of torque!) for 3 weeks until my R arrives on the 20th of May
Last edited by choC; 29-04-2014 at 02:30 PM.
Volkswagen Fan
Picked up the new baby today. She is quite the head turner
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Dubber
So clean! Congrats
What car are you coming over to the R from?
Volkswagen Fan
Looks superb.
Love the colour.
Love the plates.
2014 Mk7 GTI|Pure White|Manual|Tint
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