SC03OTT
ClioSport Club Member
Golf GTI
So back on the 30th September I placed an order for a Mk8.5 GTI. Proper lease spec; no options, flat white paint. Having now had it for a week - after it was delivered last Thursday - figured I'd do a wee write up. Don't worry, there are pictures for the ADHD amongst us...
My Impression
I'm eight days into fast(ish) Golf ownership and I now, fully understand why everybody that owns one drives like such a weapon. They're effortlessly quick. DSG, point, shoot. This is +35PS over my vRS and will be lighter as well. This feels much quicker, more planted, stiffer and clinical. The vRS was no oil tanker in its handling but this is definitely sharper.
I much prefer the styling of the Mk8.5 over the Mk8, particularly the front bumper. The infotainment has far too much customisations and options buried within it. The interior whilst looking nice has come cheap feeling elements. The seat fabric in particular doesn't seem finished that well. The doors give a nice thud when closing. Except the boot. That sounds cheap and rattly.
The exhaust note in "Comfort" mode sounds pretty good. In "Sport" mode though, it is drowned out by the stupid sound generator. Both "Eco" and "Individual" modes are wasted on me. I'll never use them.
It has keyless entry and go but I have disabled the entry part. All assist systems default to on. It's only a few menu clicks to turn them (start/stop, lane assist, speed warning, drowsiness alert) off.
Being a lease I have zero plans for this. What you sees what you get and how it will remain.
Overall though I am delighted with it. Some pics now and more detailed blurbs to accompany.
The DSG is great when moving. I personally have not found it to be constantly hunting top gear, which is something I had read about with these 'boxes. When performing slower manoeuvres it can be dim-witted. Rolling up to a junction/roundabout and deciding there is a gap, the 'box just isn't quite sure what to do for a split second. This can result in a jerky experience. If you have start/stop activated the blundering is even worse. Perhaps in time I will learn how to combat this? The paddles are good fun but, in reality I am never going to use them 99/100 times.
There are some nice styling elements. The rear light cluster has three animations to choose from (when unlocking the car - I have opted for number 3). The illuminated front VW logo and full width light bar are absolute AIDS. I initially hated the "GTI" on each front door however, a week in I now quite like them. Ambient lighting is all round the cabin. Colours or themes can be selected from several pre-sets or customised.
The interior, whilst overall is a very nice place to be, contains some cheap feeling and irritating elements. The seat fabric doesn't feel premium and there are some suspect stitching going on. The floor mats feel like Temu specials despite being OEM. The light controls are touch sensitive and always default back t "Auto". VAG have been using the same rotary light dial for years. There was literally nothing wrong with it. I want it back.. And why are the heated window controls on the same panel?!?
My Impression
I'm eight days into fast(ish) Golf ownership and I now, fully understand why everybody that owns one drives like such a weapon. They're effortlessly quick. DSG, point, shoot. This is +35PS over my vRS and will be lighter as well. This feels much quicker, more planted, stiffer and clinical. The vRS was no oil tanker in its handling but this is definitely sharper.
I much prefer the styling of the Mk8.5 over the Mk8, particularly the front bumper. The infotainment has far too much customisations and options buried within it. The interior whilst looking nice has come cheap feeling elements. The seat fabric in particular doesn't seem finished that well. The doors give a nice thud when closing. Except the boot. That sounds cheap and rattly.
The exhaust note in "Comfort" mode sounds pretty good. In "Sport" mode though, it is drowned out by the stupid sound generator. Both "Eco" and "Individual" modes are wasted on me. I'll never use them.
It has keyless entry and go but I have disabled the entry part. All assist systems default to on. It's only a few menu clicks to turn them (start/stop, lane assist, speed warning, drowsiness alert) off.
Being a lease I have zero plans for this. What you sees what you get and how it will remain.
Overall though I am delighted with it. Some pics now and more detailed blurbs to accompany.
The DSG is great when moving. I personally have not found it to be constantly hunting top gear, which is something I had read about with these 'boxes. When performing slower manoeuvres it can be dim-witted. Rolling up to a junction/roundabout and deciding there is a gap, the 'box just isn't quite sure what to do for a split second. This can result in a jerky experience. If you have start/stop activated the blundering is even worse. Perhaps in time I will learn how to combat this? The paddles are good fun but, in reality I am never going to use them 99/100 times.
There are some nice styling elements. The rear light cluster has three animations to choose from (when unlocking the car - I have opted for number 3). The illuminated front VW logo and full width light bar are absolute AIDS. I initially hated the "GTI" on each front door however, a week in I now quite like them. Ambient lighting is all round the cabin. Colours or themes can be selected from several pre-sets or customised.
The interior, whilst overall is a very nice place to be, contains some cheap feeling and irritating elements. The seat fabric doesn't feel premium and there are some suspect stitching going on. The floor mats feel like Temu specials despite being OEM. The light controls are touch sensitive and always default back t "Auto". VAG have been using the same rotary light dial for years. There was literally nothing wrong with it. I want it back.. And why are the heated window controls on the same panel?!?
