Late to the party, but i enjoyed this video review. I bought a 2013 R, and came from my new 02 WRX sedan. I do not accept the driver's view that VW sacrificed some performance for refinement. The two are not exclusive of one another at all. VW has a different vision of the hot hatch arena than Mitsu and Suby. Too bad. The 2015 R will be more competitive in the areas more of performance more closely aligned to the STi and the EVO. Having siad that, the 2012 R was only 0.02 behind a 2011 STi in MT's Lightning Laps at VIR. Not bad for no ESC-defeat, and being down over 40hp (but more comfortable!)
Lesson #1 for today...if you want a "perfect car," you're just going to have to pony up the money and spend $100k + on a car. For us normal people, I guess we will have to deal with sticky pedals, a whistle-while-you-work turbo, and a sedate-but-not-so-sedate interior. Lesson #2 for the day...$60k minus $36k is $15k, not $24k. I guess that's how they do it in the "dirty south."
This review was the nail in the coffin to buy one and i am pretty happy with it. But keep in mind 35k USD are cheap compared to the 45k Euro the car costs here in germany. @bum813 yes the DSG is absolutly worth its money!
Personally I really like the Golf R and will seriously consider it as my next. Why pay more for the S3 or even S4 when for less there is almost as much fun in the Golf R. Also there is the German cabin quality, which Subaru and Mitsubishi don't have, there's no real perceptible difference with the much lauded Audi quality any more. It's got handy 4WD traction for all weathers and it's a rather understated sleeper like the Audi S line up, but she'll move like the hammers of hell when needed.
I don't know what to say to you. I think your driving is less than stellar. I have driven 16v gti"s and Porsche 911 gt3 rs on a track as well as golf r. I"m an hpde and race instructor and I race spec Renaults. The golf R rotates! Clearly you have never driven a 4000 Quattro or a ur turbo coupe. learn how to make a car rotate and then I can take you seriously. The golf R oversteers, I race on frozen lakes and own a golf r and your review is detailed but lacks experience.
Strike's me as a negative review considering the fact the R has the powertrain of the TTS for nearly half $20,000 less. With that said its your opinion and I appreciate the honesty. In the price range of low thirties to get a German car built to these specs for 34,000 seems high, yet quite a good deal considering you get the Audi TTS powertrain with a direct injection turbo motor, connected to a 6 speed manual and all wheel drive.
On the reported lack of oomph below 3000 rpm, there is no technica excuse for that anymore. They should have put in another smaller turbo to spool below 3000 rpm and let the bigger one take over at 3k. That's what Audi did over ten years ago with the 2.7T motor. It's a brilliant yet simple solution to the below rpm power issue.
The culprit to the throttle response problem is the drive by wire system. It can be easily fixed to work faster with a ECU flash or a few other aftermarket devices. There is nothing wrong with it stock, but yes, there is DBW LAG. Just like the other current gen VW cars. Great car, not for everyone... but great car.
Sure I did watch the entire review before commenting and did appreciate and agree with that final thought of value of the powertrain from the TTS. However the review was nicely paced and honest from your perspective. I felt it was a bit on the negative side. I would have liked to see the car pushed a bit on a track as a few comments also suggested to get a full scope of the car.
I was considering buying one of these. Saw your review, went for a test drive and just was not impressed. I like my 11' WRX until I order my S4. Golfs are decent cars, but I don't like the size/shape of the vehicle.
Do you think this car would be better with a dsg gearbox? Great review. Also idk if you have driven a GTI autobahn trim but the interior and the seats look about the same, Wanted to know your thoughts?
reviewing the golf R in the local park. dude what about going on the track, cuz you are not reviewing 1.6 TDI for example! the European specs are better, try it!
Bro,,, this guy is talking all kinds of "opiniology" about the car while not even pushing it to its top performance limits. I've driven this car and let me tell you it's a beast when properly driven to its full potential.
I think thats a perfect review of the car. I love that car and at the same time I don't really understand the 36k price tag. It seems quite a bit down on power vs evp/sti, yet not as refined as an Audi A4. So you dont really know what to associate it with, but it is just a nice car to drive. Although, it seems that investing some money into it is kinda a must to get at least 300 hp. Also, maybe they should remove a few luxuries such as the push button start in order to price it a little better
::hi five:: Golf R friend. I totally agree not sure why they didn't install LED tails for the US. Meant an extra $700 for me to get it to look like the Euro version, expensive but definitely worth it. I've seen a few R's in my city but haven't seen one with tails like mine. ;D
***** Only go with the European OEM ones. They're pricey but worth it in terms of quality, I've seen some fake ones that look like garbage. Here's where I got them: www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Golf_R--2.0T/Lighting/Tail_Lights/ES2221157/ They fluctuate in price a bit... I took them in to get installed at a shop I trust... don't have a VAG COM nor the expertise even if I did and I didn't want to brick anything. Hope this helps!
According to APR, probably the best Audi/VW tuning company in the US, an exhaust, intake, high pressure fuel pump, and ecu upgrade bring the car to 350hp and 360 lb ft of torque.
