MK7 Golf R versus...

[WhiteJames]

Volkswagen has done a sterling job of adding extra chassis rigidity in the new MQB Golf 7 platform. This allows Volkswagen the ability to really firm up the suspension on the Golf 7 R, with less effect to chassis integrity, twisting or torquing & with less effect on wheel/tyre integrity under cornering loads. The improvement in the Golf 7 range is tangible.

I believe that Volkswagen could only go so far with the earlier MK6 Golf platform in terms of a harder core sport suspension set-up due to potential for chassis flex (i.e. Ray adding 4mm and 6mm irrigation tubing inside his door frame rubbers).

Fitting a set of KW/H&R/Bilstein/Koni Sports coilovers and set of aftermarket sway bars will stiffen up the suspension tune on the MK6 Golf chassis, but not the overall suspension integrity in relation to the chassis stiffness that the new Golf 7 R MQB chassis has built into it, therefore never creating that tuff’as’nails chassis feeling of the Golf 7 range.

In other words, the stiffer chassis allows for more sporting suspension tune in the new Golf 7 R. Volkswagen had the ability to really up the ante in sporty suspension tune to compete with the harder core type of vehicles, WRX STI and EVO. It appears that Subaru has done a similar thing with the new STI from early reports re: aggressive suspension tune that enables the tyres to be worked harder with greater chassis integrity, faster turn-in into corners and less body roll & lean.

The issue I have with the Golf 7 R is that the dampers are stiffer, but lose a bit of premium feeling in the process. You can tell that that the stiffer dampers in the Golf 7 R are built to a price. This seems to be masked to a higher degree in the softer & lighter Golf GTI.

Additionally, the magnetic dampers in the Audi offer an alternative to the standard Volkswagen dampers (I imagine standard oil Boge-Sachs dampers). Just look at what Volvo did with the Polster S60 on Ohlins dampers, firm and relatively comfortable. Renault Sport have also done a reasonable job re: quality of damping hardware in the Megane RS265. This may be something to consider when shopping a Golf R –v- Audi S3 and may be a reason why more grown-ups are opting for the Audi.

While on this topic: The extra sporty & firm chassis tune of the Golf 7 R in contrast with the 7 GTI and MK6 R, the 7 R big wheel/tyre combo, turbine whistling aftermarket noises very audible within the cabin, and a bit of exhaust noise and drone in addition to suspension noise … I’m thinking that the Golf R is the perfect competitor to the new Subaru WRX STI … both are now comparable on price.

The next review I conduct may be for WJ’s old-chook: Holden Calais/Caprice –v- Audi A3 Sedan (pref. diesel).

Here’s another video review of the Golf R, which disagrees with WJ on ride comfort re: Golf 7 R. If only the tester drove out of that car park?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P89eQfdUVDs

WJ

[Dutch77]

The next review I conduct may be for WJ’s old-chook: Holden Calais/Caprice –v- Audi A3 Sedan

That's quite a variance WJ!

If it's size, performance (V and value for money the Calais is a winner and a pretty decent ride to boot. If those factors aren't relevant then the junior Audi could be a good buy.

I've spent some time behind the wheel of a (Walkinshaw fettled) SS Redline and must say its a shame Holden have to shut up shop, they really are a great proposition if that's what you're chasing.

I'm guessing size and the V8 aren't on the cards though - why not new Octavia VRS?

[DrWHO]

I've just returned from the Royal National Park where I spent most of the day driving a Mk7 GTI manual and a Mk7 R DSG. My head is swirling with all sorts of stuff, but, I think I'm going to go for the GTI and pocket the difference.

R:

I love the sound it makes as go through the gears (not so much the fake stuff), and power to all the wheels is noticeable on cornering some of the tight turns, which I did a few times in both cars. I like the wolf-in-sheep's-clothing that the R presents. I'm not a fan of the DSG/paddles so I'd go a manual (not available at the moment). I found the steering precise, braking very good and take-offs get the blood pumping. Yes, I'm a fan of the way it drives.


I don't like the ride - a bit harsh in my opinion for a daily driver. Also, NVH seemed obtrusive in a car with this dollar value. I'm wondering if the sunroof added to the problem and whether a solid roof would provide less noise. Turning circle is compromised by the AWD compared with the GTI.

GTI:

I found the cabin more comfortable than the R. I could live with this car daily. Not as quick, can't be driven as hard as the R (I'm not a professional driver), but wins in the bangs per buck segment. Car sounds good, NVH is much better sorted than in the R. The pre-programed settings seem to work better on the GTI than the R. The GTI had no suspension thumping and was softer than the R (as expected), and I think this work better for me. The GTI looks better than the R.

Both cars had bad placement of the satnav - too low down and way too small, but the touch controls were accurate and fast, no lag and just as well as you have to take your eyes off the road until you get used to button placement. I don't like the tiny quarter window in front of the wing mirrors - the Mk 6 looks better from both inside and outside around the door mirrors. I had no problems seeing the mode button but it is on the wrong side of the shifter...steering wheel access for the driver, why would you want a passenger to have access to the setup? Sloppy VW for not porting it for RHD. The gloss black trim inside is a mistake...dust and fingerprint magnet.

I did think the standard GTI headlights were way inferior to the R. They seemed quite dim - even dimmer than my 118. Side by side they looked quite yellowish, brand new versus 2.6 years old. They may not have been good examples. So the only option I'm considering for my GTI is the headlights.

As I'm not going to be doing track days or any modding I think the GTI is all the car I'll ever need (to paraphrase another car nut).

[WhiteJames]

Lucky you Dr Who … you get to drive both GTI and R around some fun & challenging roadways.

To answer the above questions:

My old-chook is a 68 y.o. retired widow with a Merc Diesel and V6 supercharged Commodore sedan with LSD. The issue with the diesel is not fuel economy primarily, but less need to frequently attend the service station for re-fills. My brother is pushing towards the Calais/Caprice for cheaper service, local parts availability and big car safety.

My sister and I are pushing her in the direction of the Audi A3 sedan as it’s the best looking small car around with unmatched perceived quality. Being small, it’s easy to park. The only issue I have with the Audi A3 sedan is lack of rear headroom. I’d like to talk the old-chook into an Sports Audi S3 sedan, but this may be a bit too hard-core for a 68 y.o. widow. Skoda brand doesn’t enter the picture country-city folk tend to be conservative in regard to marginal euro brands.


The issue of sunroof making interior (NVH) noise on the new golf R?

I doubt it. The Golf 7 R around Sydney Airport with no sunroof was very noisy compared to the GTI. I’m sure it’s the firmer suspension tune, firmer rubbers & suspension bushes, in addition to stiffer sway bars (i.e. a bit like adding the polyurethane suspension bushes).

Ironically, even though the Golf R has greater balance than the FWD GTI, the front end does tends to scrub a bit with understeer, more than the less F to R balanced GTI for lower speed cornering. I think the Golf R is set up for really fast corners, where you’d want a bit more understeer dialed into the chassis, not to mention the effect of the extra weight.

I’m very happy with my Manual Trans Golf 7 GTI. It was purchased with a view to driving around 7/10ths, give or take a tenth. Being the lightest Sporty Golf, the Standard Manual Trans Golf GTI makes for a fluid drive experience for 90% of the time during normal day-to-day driving duties.

Having said that: when deciding between GTI, PP-GTI or R, you’re giving up something in exchange for something else … there are no winners or losers whichever Sporty Golf you purchase, just a matter of budget and preference.

A bit of trivia from Autocar (NZ) Magazine:

Weights with full tank of juice:

Subaru WRX (new model): 1531kgs.
Golf GTI – PP DSG: 1438kgs.

Weight distribution front to rear:

WRX: 60.6/39.4%
GTI – PP: 62.1/37.9%

The Kiwi’s put each vehicle on a scale apparently.

WJ

[WhiteJames]

Regarding the extra NVH in-cabin noise from the Golf R’s stiffer suspension tune. The same applies to the new Subaru WRX STI, with stiffer suspension tune creating extra rally-car type of noise emanating into the cabin. I imagine that Volkswagen is making no apologies for the firm Golf R ride either:

2014 Subaru WRX STI | GoAuto - Our Opinion

A little more road noise than is desirable was transmitted through the low-profile tyres, and the super-stiff suspension made for a very firm ride with authentic rally-style rattles and the sound of gravel spraying in the wheel-arches.

But complaining about a slightly uncomfortable ride in one of Subaru’s most aggressive and potent road cars is ineffectual, because the WRX STI makes no apologies for the features which make it such a rewarding drive.

Mitsubishi’s Lancer Evo is a marginally more aggressive drive with a flatter ride through tricky camber corners and its deep Recaro bucket seats are far more supportive than the STI’s, but the Evo is a whopping $56,990 and doesn’t have the same feel of quality of the STI so it is hardly a rival.

Meantime Volkswagen’s freshly launched Golf R is a sublime all-round machine, but is pricier and less powerful. For those chasing a little more refinement, however, it could be the go.

On the other hand, I have noticed, as stated in the earlier article, especially when driving uphill without any sporting intention, the FWD of the Golf 7 GTI can trouble the ESC on steep uphill drives. I think this is a combination of a lighter chassis, extra torque (350Nm) and more poignantly, that the slanted motor in the Golf 7 range sits further rearwards towards the front axle. This makes for dynamite handling, in addition to stiffer chassis, but may hinder FWD traction on steeper uphill climbs compared to the MK6 Golf GTI. It’s something I’ve noticed after several months of Golf 7 ownership. I think that the PP – GTI may offer a bit more drive in similar conditions as the LSD can shuffle drive front left to right & vice/versa if one wheel only loses traction.

WJ

[WhiteJames]

Apparently AUS is not the only country having their Golf 7 R de-tuned. South Africa also receives the 206kW version of the Golf 7 R. Like the presenter in the following video, I'd go for the PP GTI as well. Having said that, I can see why some Volkswagen Dealers are saying that the Australian Spec PP - GTI is not selling as well as expected ... seems to be in that middle price range not too far off the Golf R base price ... and no manual transmission of course:

Volkswagen Golf 7 R | New car review - YouTube

WJ

[WhiteJames]

I'm not going to argue that the Renaultsport Megane RS265 is the still the king of FWD hot hatches, not with this latest video surfacing, with a comparison between the Seat Cupra R 280 (PP-GTI to a lesser extent) -v- Megane RS265.

Based on the previous video comparison (Cupra R -v- Golf 7 R) where the Cupra R was quicker around a short & tight circuit, does this mean that the Renaultsport is still reasonably priced hot hatch king?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QtelVhTYHjI

Speaking of harder-core, I mentioned earlier that I was pushing my neighbour Ray to put down 15K + his almost fully loaded ex-demo 2013 Golf MK6 R in exchange for a new Golf 7 R. Ray did enquire about the new Subaru STI, which came to 14K changeover with Golf MK6 R valued at 40K and Subaru STI at 54K drive away with premium pack included.

Looks like our small and fragmented market in AUS is about to hot up re: deals ... watch out Volkswagen.

WJ

[SilvrFoxX]

I recently drove the MK 7 R whilst my MKVI R was being serviced.. largely agree with most of the reviews here.. as I have a stage 1 tune I was disappointed with the R even though it was supposed to be a higher performance spec than mine. The lag felt pronounced and acceleration post the 2000 rpm was less than enthusiastic.

I found the steering much light and very numb. No matter how I try and can't warm to the new shape, I swear if you took the wheels off and launched it into space it would make an episode of buck rogers as a shuttle. Sticking that sensor in the middle of the grille has to be the worst design decision. Interior feels and look much the same, few extra lights and a smaller screen didn't make me want it..

The dealership offered me a 20k turn over price for my R for a config of leather and driving assist DSG.. tempting but for $2500 extended factory warranty was better investment.

[DrWHO]

... tempting but for $2500 extended factory warranty was better investment.

You know there is really no such thing. What you probably bought is an insurance policy from Allianz. Having read the PDS cover to cover there are a few clauses that give both the dealer and VW (Australia) more than enough room to knock back claims. A couple of clauses are so vague and Allianz's response to questions likewise, I chose not to take up their offer...especially since my quote was for $3900.

[SilvrFoxX]

Well it is underwritten by Allianz but all the documentation is VW it also came with 2 years roadside Vw service. The beat part is it is transferable . All insurance will have clauses even full factory warranty. My view was if the gearbox grenades that's 10 grand so $2500 for another 2 years made sense.. It only has 39k on the clock and has been a dream to own