Golf R to be 'detuned' for Oz

[John Deere]

Maybe it is so Audi still have a chance to sell the odd S3 at full price.

[CatonaPC©]

. . .but on the other hand why would VW care about those poeple?

It's called Trade Practices Act.

. . . .says use only 98 octane fuel, then who really cares if their engine breaks?

The problem is VW would have a difficult time to argue against a customer; therefore they hedge their bets and take precautions.

but then again while its not MEANT to take such crap fuel, it probably still can

Unfortunately, some stories going around suggest owners who have filled up with 91 instead of 98 have done more damage than they had bargained for.

You bring up valid points, but it's a risk. A 10kw reduction in power might be a small price to pay to avoid a bigger headache down the line which would be being at the receiving end of an incompetent customer tirade. You'd want to try to avoid it.

I think the issue is similar to the reasons why VW do not sanction the use of bio-diesel. There are too many variables to deal with and rather than give the okay and risk a class action law suit, they just say - no bio-diesel.

[Golf Loon]

Something in the back of my mind is thinking the real reason for the de-tune is because of the quality of our fuel. We still sell 91 octane unleaded while in Europe, the lowest is 95. Perhaps it's just a precaution in case someone inadvertently fills up with 91, and I don't think higher octane fuel is available everywhere is Australia.

I agree totally. There is a mindset that any car should be able to run on the cheapest fuel properly. Motoring Journalists particularly irritate me banging on about the need for the latest euro performance car to use 98 octane petrol. Regardless of the fact that the extra $4 spent at the pump gets you 50ks further and the engine runs cleaner and faster.

[Shteifen]

It's called Trade Practices Act.

Haha, yeah true, good point

I think the issue is similar to the reasons why VW do not sanction the use of bio-diesel. There are too many variables to deal with and rather than give the okay and risk a class action law suit, they just say - no bio-diesel.

absolutely. the diesel engines CAN run the bio diesel, a guy i work with did it to his jetta, but like you said there is too many variables for VW to sanction it.

and i do agree with u too, that 10kw is a small price to pay for vw to cover themselves. dont think people will really care anyway, anyone who wants more will just chip it anyway, like they would have if the power was higher in the first place.

it still gives me the s**ts when customers dont read AND FOLLOW their owners manuals, which could save dealerships and customers too alot of time and money too when it comes to issues like what fuel to use and also just general operation of features of their cars.
-steve

[noone]

As you've all touched on its all about warranty (well, could be a competition with S3 also).

If they have to fix a $2000 problem on 20 cars, so be it.

If they have to fix a $5000 problem on 200 cars, thats really eating into their profit.

Much easier for them to tone it down slightly and be done with it.

Personally, if you are not looking at modding it, I don't know why you would not stick with the GTI for the small power difference and massive price difference (obviously TBC).

[mikepologti]

actually , just recently my gf , has noticed that 91 fuel without ethanol is actually disapearing pretty soon anyone with a modern car that can only take 91 fuel without ethanol (ie a hyundai getz) will be forced to use 95, change is happening gents just at glacial speed.

on topic: the detune will be nothign to worry about, i mean honestly how many of you will leave it stock? and we all know the detune will only be at an ecu level, certainly nothign to worry bout gents, good times ahead with this lil beauty