Nick's an R sole.........

Nick the Greek · 03-20-2015, 08:44 AM

Had a drive in a Golf R this morning

Spec was DSG, 19" alloys, adaptive dampers, 5 door, nav, blah blah...

Initial impressions.
Lapis blue is a very pretty colour. Personal preference is for the 3 door. Purely on look. I won't comment any further on looks as it's a personal matter. Just to say, I think it looked great.

Inside.
I felt the quality was more or less on par with my F30. What was very noticeable was that the Golfs interior design is far more cohesive than my F30. The driving position was fine, albeit a little " higher" than my F30, even with the seat on it's lowest setting.
The room in the back, after adjusting the driver's seat for me, was more than adequate.

Drive
First time I've driven a VW with the DSG. I felt the flappy paddle's could have been a little larger, but I'm aware that there are aftermarket options to solve this. In the 'normal' mode for the suspension, throttle and box mapping, the DSG does a very good impression of a torque converter auto such as the BMW 8 speed. Not quite as smooth and you don't get the 'creep' at parking speeds, but nevertheless, very manageable and impressive.
The DSG in "race" model with the steering wheel paddles is great fun, quick going up or down the box, lovely blip on down changes. I couldn't catch it out.

Ride
Even on 19" rims and the chassis set to "race" the ride is better than my F30 on 18" rims. This really surprised me as my F30 is far superior to the E90 LCI I had previously. Also far quieter. Very pleasing. All of this down some quick A and B roads, with not the best surfaces.

Performance
A little quicker than my 328i, but not night and day. To be fair, my F30 has 30k on the clock and has never felt faster (always 98RON fuel),"whilst the Golf only has 600 miles on the clock.
Even though the two cars are similar weight, the Golf has a shorter wheelbase and more compact overall dimensions. You notice this when pushing on. The conditions were bone dry at 10•C, so traction was never going to be an issue with the Golf and frankly the chassis could easily handle another 100 bhp. Not something you could say of my F30.
What really, really impressed me was how neutral the Golf is. Some detractors say it's FWD lead. Well I say 'bollocks' you haven't driven one! You can get the car set up for the corner, go in on a neutral throttle and plant it at the apex and get a wonderfully balanced feel, with no corruption to the steering. Highly enjoyable.
I can only imagine the fun it would be in the wet, when you can get the chassis really engaged!

Fuel economy.
No idea. But it must run on 98RON to get the full 300 PS.

Conclusion
Frankly, I don't see the Golf R as in a different "class" to my F30. The Golf has a wide repertoire allowing it to hoon one minute and cruise in a relaxed manner the next.
I really love my F30.
But the Golf R is better.
Very high up on my list of possible now.

dopper99 · 03-20-2015, 08:52 AM

Nice review Nick .... sounds like a fair appraisal.

Tengocity · 03-20-2015, 09:00 AM

That's a nice appraisal.

Two points-

1. Your 328 is still on runflats? If so then change those and see how they compare

2. Your 328i has an engine to compete with the Golf GTI more than the R so the performance gap is to be expected.

Nick the Greek · 03-20-2015, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tengocity

That's a nice appraisal.

Two points-

1. Your 328 is still on runflats? If so then change those and see how they compare

2. Your 328i has an engine to compete with the Golf GTI more than the R so the performance gap is to be expected.

Yep on runflats Terry. Tread is still nearly new, so not going to invest in some alternatives at this time, as car is approaching the end of its life with me.

I guess the 328i sits between the GTI ppk and R in performance

Buttons · 03-20-2015, 09:15 AM

Hi Nick,

Can I ask; assume you didn't have a salesman next to you?
I can never drive spritely enough when there's someone next to me banging on about finance for this, deal for that b@ll#x!

roshambo · 03-20-2015, 09:20 AM

Better ride on 19's because of the dampers maybe? But RFTs are no help on your 18's.

I've not driven it but I bet it's a nice lil pocket rocket! The styling doesn't work for me though, I personally prefer the GTI/GTD styling but ETTO!

Nick the Greek · 03-20-2015, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roshambo

Better ride on 19's because of the dampers maybe? But RFTs are no help on your 18's.

I've not driven it but I bet it's a nice lil pocket rocket! The styling doesn't work for me though, I personally prefer the GTI/GTD styling but ETTO!

Interesting. There was a line of GTIs next to the R. My preference is for the R as not so overly sporting, exhausts aside.
But ETTO as you say.

Nick the Greek · 03-20-2015, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buttons

Hi Nick,

Can I ask; assume you didn't have a salesman next to you?
I can never drive spritely enough when there's someone next to me banging on about finance for this, deal for that b@ll#x!

I did have a salesman with me, but I'd been totally honest with him up front in that the R is one of a number I'm looking at. I did have some questions for him on the difference finance options, before we went out.

This meant that when we were out in the car, he let me get on with it and encouraged me to give it the beans. He also was in no hurry to get back to the showroom so was out for a good hour.

SkyJawa · 03-20-2015, 09:47 AM

I'd never go out if there was a salesman next to me. If they can't let me go out in one on my own then they lose the sale.

That's any car, not just the golf.

BMW and Merc were more than happy to throw me a car for the afternoon to get a good feel of.

F30AM · 03-20-2015, 10:12 AM

Great, balanced write-up.
Glad you liked it.
It's not too bad for a people's car.

Cuprat · 03-20-2015, 10:29 AM

FWIW our Golf has improved a lot over 3000 miles. Performance is noticeably better and fuel economy is up by around 3-4mpg.

I agree with all your comments. Its not loads smaller than a 3 series but it feels it when you drive it....in a good way.

Nick the Greek · 03-20-2015, 10:31 AM

Select Contracts doing the three door DSG at 6+23 £318 pm on 10k miles

fastflyer · 03-20-2015, 10:33 AM

Hope you don't live in Coventry.

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/new...000-vw-8868699

Nick the Greek · 03-20-2015, 10:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastflyer

Hope you don't live in Coventry.

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/new...000-vw-8868699

No Cheshire.

We have guards on the border to stop this sort from entering the county.....

roshambo · 03-20-2015, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastflyer

Hope you don't live in Coventry.

http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/new...000-vw-8868699

Not just R's being stolen. M135's and S3/RS3's have been targetted too. Scumbags!!

....,,,,..,,.. · 03-20-2015, 11:35 AM

Great appraisal of the car, from someone independant...

Not really considered a VW as 2nd car tbh.

On test drives, usually first time round have a salesman,

The young lad that came out on my first BMW test drive, hastily declined coming out with me on the 2nd lol.

F30AM · 03-20-2015, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brigand

Great appraisal of the car, from someone independant...

Not really considered a VW as 2nd car tbh.

On test drives, usually first time round have a salesman,

The young lad that came out on my first BMW test drive, hastily declined coming out with me on the 2nd lo.l

Mah deah, thou art so butch!

F30AM · 03-20-2015, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick the Greek

No Cheshire.

We have guards on the border to stop this sort from entering the county.....

They have a culture shock and faint when the toe rags attempt entry. We then run them over.

....,,,,..,,.. · 03-20-2015, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F30AM

Mah deah, thou art so butch!

Not sure if it was driving or my hand on his knee.....

F30AM · 03-20-2015, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brigand

Not sure if it was driving or my hand on his thigh.....

So Village People!!

....,,,,..,,.. · 03-20-2015, 11:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by F30AM

So Village People!!

Lol just how far 'up' you going with this lol.

Nick the Greek · 03-20-2015, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brigand

Great appraisal of the car, from someone independant...

Not really considered a VW as 2nd car tbh.

On test drives, usually first time round have a salesman,

The young lad that came out on my first BMW test drive, hastily declined coming out with me on the 2nd lol.

I have no particular affinity to VW.

Quite the reverse.

It's going to take a lot to get me out of the BMW.

But, as above, I was really impressed with the R.

If you haven't driven one, you should.

03-20-2015, 08:44 AM	#1
Nick the Greek Banned 2010 Rep 6,065 Posts Drives: M135i. I don't do diesel. Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Nick's an R sole......... Had a drive in a Golf R this morning Spec was DSG, 19" alloys, adaptive dampers, 5 door, nav, blah blah... Initial impressions. Lapis blue is a very pretty colour. Personal preference is for the 3 door. Purely on look. I won't comment any further on looks as it's a personal matter. Just to say, I think it looked great. Inside. I felt the quality was more or less on par with my F30. What was very noticeable was that the Golfs interior design is far more cohesive than my F30. The driving position was fine, albeit a little " higher" than my F30, even with the seat on it's lowest setting. The room in the back, after adjusting the driver's seat for me, was more than adequate. Drive First time I've driven a VW with the DSG. I felt the flappy paddle's could have been a little larger, but I'm aware that there are aftermarket options to solve this. In the 'normal' mode for the suspension, throttle and box mapping, the DSG does a very good impression of a torque converter auto such as the BMW 8 speed. Not quite as smooth and you don't get the 'creep' at parking speeds, but nevertheless, very manageable and impressive. The DSG in "race" model with the steering wheel paddles is great fun, quick going up or down the box, lovely blip on down changes. I couldn't catch it out. Ride Even on 19" rims and the chassis set to "race" the ride is better than my F30 on 18" rims. This really surprised me as my F30 is far superior to the E90 LCI I had previously. Also far quieter. Very pleasing. All of this down some quick A and B roads, with not the best surfaces. Performance A little quicker than my 328i, but not night and day. To be fair, my F30 has 30k on the clock and has never felt faster (always 98RON fuel),"whilst the Golf only has 600 miles on the clock. Even though the two cars are similar weight, the Golf has a shorter wheelbase and more compact overall dimensions. You notice this when pushing on. The conditions were bone dry at 10•C, so traction was never going to be an issue with the Golf and frankly the chassis could easily handle another 100 bhp. Not something you could say of my F30. What really, really impressed me was how neutral the Golf is. Some detractors say it's FWD lead. Well I say 'bollocks' you haven't driven one! You can get the car set up for the corner, go in on a neutral throttle and plant it at the apex and get a wonderfully balanced feel, with no corruption to the steering. Highly enjoyable. I can only imagine the fun it would be in the wet, when you can get the chassis really engaged! Fuel economy. No idea. But it must run on 98RON to get the full 300 PS. Conclusion Frankly, I don't see the Golf R as in a different "class" to my F30. The Golf has a wide repertoire allowing it to hoon one minute and cruise in a relaxed manner the next. I really love my F30. But the Golf R is better. Very high up on my list of possible now.
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03-20-2015, 08:52 AM	#2
dopper99 Lieutenant General 3533 Rep 11,292 Posts Drives: Golf R Mk8 Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: UK iTrader: (1)	Nice review Nick .... sounds like a fair appraisal. __________________ Current: Golf R Mk8 Previous: Golf R Mk7.5 Mercedes AMG C63 S Coupe F80 M3 Competition Pack
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03-20-2015, 09:00 AM	#3
Tengocity General 8567 Rep 19,982 Posts Drives: 911, Cayenne Turbo, Disco 4 Join Date: Sep 2013 Location: Crieff, Perthshire, Scotland iTrader: (0)	That's a nice appraisal. Two points- 1. Your 328 is still on runflats? If so then change those and see how they compare 2. Your 328i has an engine to compete with the Golf GTI more than the R so the performance gap is to be expected. __________________ Current: Porsche 911 991 C4S, Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Land Rover Discovery 4. Gone...G01 X3 M40i, Cayman S 987, F31 340i, Cayman GT4, F82 M4 CP, Lotus Exige V6, G20 330e, F30 330e, Boxster S 987, F31 335d, Mini Cooper SD, E89 Z4, E90 330d 320d, E60 520d, E46 330d 320d, MX5s, E30 325i
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03-20-2015, 09:15 AM	#5
Buttons Lieutenant 76 Rep 502 Posts Drives: F31 330d Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Stroud, UK iTrader: (0)	Hi Nick, Can I ask; assume you didn't have a salesman next to you? I can never drive spritely enough when there's someone next to me banging on about finance for this, deal for that b@ll#x!
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03-20-2015, 09:20 AM	#6
roshambo Captain 230 Rep 964 Posts Drives: F36 435i M Sport Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: Sheffield iTrader: (0)	Better ride on 19's because of the dampers maybe? But RFTs are no help on your 18's. I've not driven it but I bet it's a nice lil pocket rocket! The styling doesn't work for me though, I personally prefer the GTI/GTD styling but ETTO! __________________ F36 435i M Sport
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03-20-2015, 09:47 AM	#9
SkyJawa Major General 3719 Rep 8,636 Posts Drives: F10 530d Join Date: May 2014 Location: Hampshire iTrader: (1)	I'd never go out if there was a salesman next to me. If they can't let me go out in one on my own then they lose the sale. That's any car, not just the golf. BMW and Merc were more than happy to throw me a car for the afternoon to get a good feel of.
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03-20-2015, 10:12 AM	#10
F30AM Major General 706 Rep 5,021 Posts Drives: F30 330d M Sport sDrive Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: London, UK iTrader: (0)	Great, balanced write-up. Glad you liked it. It's not too bad for a people's car. __________________ Previous: Superman 330d sDrive M Sport + Toys Present: Red Tornado Golf 7R 5 Dr, DSG + Toys
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03-20-2015, 10:29 AM	#11
Cuprat Private First Class 23 Rep 191 Posts Drives: BMW 335d Xdrive Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Uk iTrader: (0)	FWIW our Golf has improved a lot over 3000 miles. Performance is noticeably better and fuel economy is up by around 3-4mpg. I agree with all your comments. Its not loads smaller than a 3 series but it feels it when you drive it....in a good way.
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03-20-2015, 10:31 AM	#12
Nick the Greek Banned 2010 Rep 6,065 Posts Drives: M135i. I don't do diesel. Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Select Contracts doing the three door DSG at 6+23 £318 pm on 10k miles
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03-20-2015, 10:33 AM	#13
fastflyer Second Lieutenant 31 Rep 233 Posts Drives: G01 x20d M Sport Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: W. Sussex, UK iTrader: (0)	Hope you don't live in Coventry. http://www.coventrytelegraph.net/new...000-vw-8868699
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03-20-2015, 11:35 AM	#16
....,,,,..,,.. General 6733 Rep 20,651 Posts Drives: xxxx Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: xxxx iTrader: (0)	Great appraisal of the car, from someone independant... Not really considered a VW as 2nd car tbh. On test drives, usually first time round have a salesman, The young lad that came out on my first BMW test drive, hastily declined coming out with me on the 2nd lol.
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