Mk7 VW GTI

[MrH]

2013 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk7 review - Autocar.co.uk

Looks like they love the car, and they've fixed what seemed to be the biggest issue with the current one (the brake-based differential).  The new electronic differential sounds really good.  I know every one raved about the e-diff in the E92 M3.

If they keep this thing around $26k, I think it'll be a hell of a value.  I love the current GTI, and this one looks even better.

Thoughts?

[2o6]

I guess it's great; I just don't like the way the Golf looks, though.

[CALL_911]

Mine is better, because my VIN starts with "W"

[cawimmer430]

Renault Megane RS, Ford Focus RS and now the Volkswagen Golf GTI. FWD cars with a complex differentials upfront for more enthusiastic driving. Sounds like a hit to me.

[MexicoCityM3]

Looks like they love the car, and they've fixed what seemed to be the biggest issue with the current one (the brake-based differential).  The new electronic differential sounds really good.  I know every one raved about the e-diff in the E92 M3.

If they keep this thing around $26k, I think it'll be a hell of a value.  I love the current GTI, and this one looks even better.

Thoughts?

Well, the GTI is the segment benchmark and has been forever. Very high performance yet a car that you can drive without looking like a teen hooligan. Mature performance. I really like it and it'd be the car I'd get in the segment.

A clarification: The E92 M3 has a mechanical diff that has variable lock depending on the speed differential between the rear wheels. It's non-electronic and it's the same diff on the E46 M3, 1M, Z4M. It works great. The new M5 does have a locking differential that is electronically controlled. Is this GTI system really a diff or a fancy name for brake intervention?

[Galaxy]

Is this GTI system really a diff or a fancy name for brake intervention?

It really is neither.

Basically what VW did is install the Haldex AWD system in a FWD car. Instead of distributing power between the front and rear axle, it shits power between the front left and right wheels, the system can lock between 0 and 100%.

However at least for the German market this is part of a performace package that also includes upgraded brakes and wheels, plus a symbolic 10hp bump. 

[LonghornTX]

I think I would probably get a Focus ST over this, but it would be close. This model looks to have closed the gap significantly in performance, but the looks just don't get me going. I do love the plaid seats though

[Raza]

It looks fantastic.  Probably the perfect stablemate to my Z4. 

[Colin]

I think I would probably get a Focus ST over this, but it would be close. This model looks to have closed the gap significantly in performance, but the looks just don't get me going. I do love the plaid seats though

Autocar are publishing their comparison of Focus St v Golf GTi in tomorrow's mag......... it is already clear that the Golf wipes the floor and obliterates the Ford. You'd have to have a special reason for wanting blue oval to prefer it to the Golf......

[LonghornTX]

Autocar are publishing their comparison of Focus St v Golf GTi in tomorrow's mag......... it is already clear that the Golf wipes the floor and obliterates the Ford. You'd have to have a special reason for wanting blue oval to prefer it to the Golf......

Have you read the article? Is it online? I would love to read it.

I would want to read other comparisons before I came to that conclusion myself. Having driven the ST and the MK6, the MK7 would have to be SO much better than the 6 to justify that kind of statement. Maybe it is, maybe it isn't. I have no reason to doubt, but sometimes Sutcliffe (I assume he is doing the test, as with the vid above) can get carried away with the superlatives IMO. I would also want to read R&T's and C&D's take on it, for the sake of comparison.

But even without all of that, I can tell you that a big reason for choosing between these two would be looks. I fall on the side of the spectrum of liking my hot hatch to look hot, and to me this new MK7 just looks kind of boring...

[Colin]

The conclusion is that the Golf absolutely annihilates the Focus.

I suspect that they will publish it on their website in due course... if not, I can scan it in and publish it here.

[68_427]

I'll post scans in a bit.

[68_427]

[SVT666]

I'll wait to see what multiple publications have to say before forming an opinion.

[93JC]

I'd wait to drive them before forming an opinion.

[SVT666]

I'd wait to drive them before forming an opinion.

Touche.

[LonghornTX]

The conclusion is that the Golf absolutely annihilates the Focus.

I suspect that they will publish it on their website in due course... if not, I can scan it in and publish it here.

I will wait for more info before I take that opinion as fact, but this new GTI sounds epic.

[S204STi]

I dig.

[Catman]

Didn't they have an AWD model with the GTI?

[Galaxy]

Didn't they have an AWD model with the GTI?

The Golf R has AWD.

[MX793]

Didn't they have an AWD model with the GTI?

The Golf R32 and Golf R were AWD, but the GTI never has been.

[Char]

Still using the same boring, crappy powerplant?

[Char]

The Golf R32 and Golf R were AWD, but the GTI never has been.

And for as much as they cost, why would you?

[Soup DeVille]

This guy, man.

Who says an unimaginative  and repetitive troll can't be entertaining?

[MexicoCityM3]

This Golf is being built for the first time in Puebla, Mexico for our markets. Even the GTI. Hopefully it will be slightly more affordable.

[LonghornTX]

I've really come around to this car's looks, especially after seeing it in person...Definitely high on the list for my next ride

[Catman]

I've really come around to this car's looks, especially after seeing it in person...Definitely high on the list for my next ride

Same here

[MrH]

GTI or Golf R?

[Madman]

I've been reading the reviews of the new Mk VII Golf GTI and I think I'm falling in love!!! 

[MrH]

You mean madman likes a European car he'll never buy?! Say it ain't so!