Topic: Test Drive: 2015 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn

[dkaz]

I normally like leather but there's a rad factor with the plaid.

[Jaeger]

I totally dig the plaid.  And pretty much everything else about this car.

[greengs]

APR just released a flash for the GTI

291whp, 367wtq on 93 octane.  No other mods.  They ran 13.1 @ 110 mph 

[dirtyjeffer]

APR just released a flash for the GTI

291whp, 367wtq on 93 octane.  No other mods.  They ran 13.1 @ 110 mph 

jeebus, that's sick.

[mixmanmash]

APR just released a flash for the GTI

291whp, 367wtq on 93 octane.  No other mods.  They ran 13.1 @ 110 mph 

jeebus, that's sick.

Seems a little slow IMHO.  What's the curb weight?  Or given the numbers, it's got the torque down low but the top end is falling off.

[dirtyjeffer]

APR just released a flash for the GTI

291whp, 367wtq on 93 octane.  No other mods.  They ran 13.1 @ 110 mph 

jeebus, that's sick.

Seems a little slow IMHO.  What's the curb weight?  Or given the numbers, it's got the torque down low but the top end is falling off.

i was talking more about the power output, than the 1/4 mile time...either way, 13.1 is pretty quick and that trap speed is pretty good too.

[jamesautos]

consumer report slammed this new generation of GTI... something like too boring, just like a golf with more power, doesnt deserve the name "GTI", etc...

what does the reviewer think? if you were blind folded and without knowing you were driving a GTI... would you still think you were driving a GTI?

[Great_Big_Abyss]

consumer report slammed this new generation of GTI... something like too boring, just like a golf with more power, doesnt deserve the name "GTI", etc...

what does the reviewer think? if you were blind folded and without knowing you were driving a GTI... would you still think you were driving a GTI?

Or, is it more a case of the golf coming up to the GTI's level?

[DriverJeff]

consumer report slammed this new generation of GTI... something like too boring, just like a golf with more power, doesnt deserve the name "GTI", etc...

what does the reviewer think? if you were blind folded and without knowing you were driving a GTI... would you still think you were driving a GTI?

I just had this car for the past 4 days and drove it almost 800 km and I tend to agree with the report you've mentioned.  It is a very capable performance car.  It's smooth, quiet and very refined -- but VW has engineered the life out of it.  If I were blindfolded I'd assume it was an Audi A4.  For many people, this new, more mature GTI will probably hold tremendous appeal, but compared to some of the other affordable sporties, it's just lacking a bit too much character.

[Julie]

^^ Jeff, even more so than the Mk6?

[Oldsguy]

I just had this car for the past 4 days and drove it almost 800 km and I tend to agree with the report you've mentioned.  It is a very capable performance car.  It's smooth, quiet and very refined -- but VW has engineered the life out of it.  If I were blindfolded I'd assume it was an Audi A4.  For many people, this new, more mature GTI will probably hold tremendous appeal, but compared to some of the other affordable sporties, it's just lacking a bit too much character.

What's wrong with seeming like an A4? That seems to me to be an admirable achievement if you don't want road noise and a harsh ride while still being very capable.

[OliverD]

What's wrong with seeming like an A4? That seems to me to be an admirable achievement if you don't want road noise and a harsh ride while still being very capable.

Well then you should buy an Audi.

[toolatecrew]

I just had this car for the past 4 days and drove it almost 800 km and I tend to agree with the report you've mentioned.  It is a very capable performance car.  It's smooth, quiet and very refined -- but VW has engineered the life out of it.  If I were blindfolded I'd assume it was an Audi A4.  For many people, this new, more mature GTI will probably hold tremendous appeal, but compared to some of the other affordable sporties, it's just lacking a bit too much character.

What's wrong with seeming like an A4? That seems to me to be an admirable achievement if you don't want road noise and a harsh ride while still being very capable.

I think its a huge appeal of the GTI that it is the most refined car in its class. That's why guys like me (over 40) buy them. I want some sport and fun. But also refinement. I can't afford an A4. The other cars in the calls like the Civic SI are fun but I always feel like I'm wearing clothes a 20 year old should wear. They might look good and even fit but I just feel out of place.

When I owned my 08 GTI I said it was the best "all around" car I'd ever owned. Practicality, fun fuel consumption etc. Not the best at anything but very good at everything. Only thing it lacked was some noise control and a little refinement. The MK7 to me is just about perfect ( well if there was a switch to turn  the stupid engine "sound enhancer".  I actually prefer the interior to an A4.

Sadley as with many cars of today the cost of them has risen much faster than my income. After freight and HST is ovr 38 K. So sadley I don't see one in my immediate future.

[whaddaiknow]

What's wrong with seeming like an A4? That seems to me to be an admirable achievement if you don't want road noise and a harsh ride while still being very capable.

Well then you should buy an Audi.

So your definition of GTI is great handling with choppy unrefined ride? Sounds kinda silly when you can have your cake and eat it too.
GTI is my kind of car. Great ride, VeryGood+ performance, easy tuning options, excellent all-rounder. What's not to like?

[OliverD]

What's wrong with seeming like an A4? That seems to me to be an admirable achievement if you don't want road noise and a harsh ride while still being very capable.

Well then you should buy an Audi.

So your definition of GTI is great handling with choppy unrefined ride? Sounds kinda silly when you can have your cake and eat it too.
GTI is my kind of car. Great ride, VeryGood+ performance, easy tuning options, excellent all-rounder. What's not to like?

It doesn't need to have an unrefined ride but some of these reviews are calling the car boring.

I find the new GTI to be hugely appealing.

[DriverJeff]

It really is a 'have your cake and eat it too' kind of car.  There's nothing wrong with it growing even more refined -- for most people that like the GTI, I suspect this is exactly what they want.

For me personally, I want something a little more raw and visceral.  I'd rather feel like I'm connected and working with the car to earn some speed rather than yawn, look down and realize that the car is so smooth and quiet I've just doubled the speed limit without noticing. 

Make no mistake, I think the new GTI is sensational and an outstanding choice for those who like it.  It's just not the car for me right now.

[Oldsguy]

It really is a 'have your cake and eat it too' kind of car.  There's nothing wrong with it growing even more refined -- for most people that like the GTI, I suspect this is exactly what they want.

For me personally, I want something a little more raw and visceral.  I'd rather feel like I'm connected and working with the car to earn some speed rather than yawn, look down and realize that the car is so smooth and quiet I've just doubled the speed limit without noticing. 

Make no mistake, I think the new GTI is sensational and an outstanding choice for those who like it.  It's just not the car for me right now.

They make cars like the Mazda 3 for lovers of NVH like you.

[dirtyjeffer]

I find the new GTI to be hugely appealing.

i think it is great too...it's pricey, but i guess the good stuff usually is.

[DriverJeff]

It really is a 'have your cake and eat it too' kind of car.  There's nothing wrong with it growing even more refined -- for most people that like the GTI, I suspect this is exactly what they want.

For me personally, I want something a little more raw and visceral.  I'd rather feel like I'm connected and working with the car to earn some speed rather than yawn, look down and realize that the car is so smooth and quiet I've just doubled the speed limit without noticing. 

Make no mistake, I think the new GTI is sensational and an outstanding choice for those who like it.  It's just not the car for me right now.

They make cars like the Mazda 3 for lovers of NVH like you.

Indeed.  And I expect to love the next Mazdaspeed3 if /when it arrives.

[Vanstar]

It really is a 'have your cake and eat it too' kind of car.  There's nothing wrong with it growing even more refined -- for most people that like the GTI, I suspect this is exactly what they want.

For me personally, I want something a little more raw and visceral.  I'd rather feel like I'm connected and working with the car to earn some speed rather than yawn, look down and realize that the car is so smooth and quiet I've just doubled the speed limit without noticing. 

Make no mistake, I think the new GTI is sensational and an outstanding choice for those who like it.  It's just not the car for me right now.

They make cars like the Mazda 3 for lovers of NVH like you.

Greg, I drove a 2014 Mazda 3 and I didn't find the NVH bad a all, quite the opposite. It retrospect it seemed more refined than the 2015 Golf I test drove on the weekend. However, the Golf went like stink so it gets my vote. The bad news was the fuel economy was listed at 9.2 L/100 km. It's a heck of a lot of motor for a car of this size and price.