Golf R in Canada Thread

[kwernebu]

I will be able to live with the manual transmission (hey look, I've gone back to the 80s, who needs modern technology?) but the 4-door is goddamn *$@$ing awful.

When you say you contacted VW of Canada, what do you mean? Whom did you contact? I would *love* to express my feelings on the matter.

Honestly, who made this decision? Not like 2 door vs 4 door needs different certification or anything...
God, even if we're only getting 500 couldn't 150 of those be 2-door?!?

[TRBO DESL]

I guess beggars can be choosers!

I'm surprised that this vehicle is even coming to Canada. We just don't have the market for it. The only way they can afford to bring it to our shores is to build all 500 the same.
Why 4dr? so it can compete with Lancer, STI, WRX.
Why no DSG? I assume cost savings, they have a price point to meet.

In the end who knows maybe this is the trial round for the 2016 R. Depending on sales and demand perhaps next go around we'll get more of a variety.

I swear people forget that VW is trying to make money, not piss it all away trying to make the vortex crowd happy.


In the end, if you don't like it don't buy it!

Now please take your bitching and moaning to the Jetta VI forum. I believe they're still on the topics of hard plastic dashes, and drum brakes.

[SHO'NUFF]

so if the US is getting that option (2 door vs. 4 door) why not Canada?

[TRBO DESL]

so if the US is getting that option (2 door vs. 4 door) why not Canada?

Because the US has the market and demand for these cars, Canada does not. The American market is 10 times the size of ours. The cost of doing business in Canada is just too expensive. To manufacture these cars with options like : sunroof, dsg, 2dr, 4dr, nav etc, and lets say 3 color choices only, the combinations are endless (think back to high school math). VW would then pass on these higher manufacturing costs to the consumer, higher costs mean less demand. In turn means VW is stuck with cars they can't move, which means money lost.

Personally I don't care, give me my 4dr, 6spd, only comes in one color Golf R. VW has created the demand that usually means resale stays high!

[kwernebu]

Doesn't make sense. If they've done so much work figuring out exactly how many will likely sell and what colours and so forth then they would also have a pretty good idea of what percentage of cars would sell as 2-door and bring in the appropriate percentage...

[Ozzker]

Doesn't make sense. If they've done so much work figuring out exactly how many will likely sell and what colours and so forth then they would also have a pretty good idea of what percentage of cars would sell as 2-door and bring in the appropriate percentage...

Not enough to make a good enough profit to bring them here. Unfortunate, because I want one, but reality.

[kwernebu]

I still don't get it. What's the added cost, why would a 2-door make them less profit than a 4-door?
If they estimate 20% of buyers want 2-door, and they bring 10% of their inventory that way they're guaranteed to sell it. No added cost, and better chance of selling everything. There will be a small portion of buyers, such as myself, who will not buy a 4-door and they have just excluded that portion of the market. There is no portion of buyers left behind if they offer a choice, and that choice costs them no extra.

[TRBO DESL]

I still don't get it. What's the added cost, why would a 2-door make them less profit than a 4-door?
If they estimate 20% of buyers want 2-door, and they bring 10% of their inventory that way they're guaranteed to sell it. No added cost, and better chance of selling everything. There will be a small portion of buyers, such as myself, who will not buy a 4-door and they have just excluded that portion of the market. There is no portion of buyers left behind if they offer a choice, and that choice costs them no extra.

Big reason it only comes in 4 door is so it can directly compete with other cars in its class STI, Lancer, etc. are all 4 door AWD vehicles. I'd imagine that if VW thought they could pre-sell all 500 we would see some options. It's mush easier to push a $40,000 car with 4 drs off the lot when compared to its 40,000 2 dr counterpart.

[Ozzker]

I still don't get it. What's the added cost, why would a 2-door make them less profit than a 4-door?
If they estimate 20% of buyers want 2-door, and they bring 10% of their inventory that way they're guaranteed to sell it. No added cost, and better chance of selling everything. There will be a small portion of buyers, such as myself, who will not buy a 4-door and they have just excluded that portion of the market. There is no portion of buyers left behind if they offer a choice, and that choice costs them no extra.

To produce 2 door vehicles that conform to Canadian standards costs money. They need to sell X units for the cost of certifications and productions of a different body style that are built to Canadian standards to be covered and then make profit. If VW doesn't think they can sell enough units to make a profit, they won't.

[Seff56]

thats a big reason why it sucks to be canadian because we ultimately pay a premium for everything that essentially is sold as well in the U.S.

[langis]

Yes a 4 door Golf R with Manual is all I want. Do we know what color? I own a 2 door now and I hate it, big doors make it hard to park in tight spaces and bringing people in the backseat sucks. During the holidays I was driving a DSG jetta around in the snow, not as much fun as a manual I must say. DSG is an awesome gearbox and would've still bought a R either way.

These cars are going to sell quick. 500 is not enough.

Rejean
07 Rabbit

[Shneeds]

Why all the fuss? Just import a 2-door from the U.S.

[WOB-16vT]

I have my deposit down, but the price is a major factor.
I'm willing to pay 40k, but of this is just a upgraded GTI then I'll back out and go with either a GTI or tiguan

I'll have to wait and see what we "aren't" getting.

[Matt5L]

looking forward to this release

[langis]

I have my deposit down, but the price is a major factor.
I'm willing to pay 40k, but of this is just a upgraded GTI then I'll back out and go with either a GTI or tiguan

I'll have to wait and see what we "aren't" getting.

What kind of car are you looking for? The R is an upgraded GTI as the GTI is an upgraded Golf.

The Tiguan is a totally different beast.

[twisted by dezign]

What kind of car are you looking for? The R is an upgraded GTI as the GTI is an upgraded Golf.

The Tiguan is a totally different beast.

The Tiggly Wiggly is like a GTI on stilts.

[55Oval]

Why all the fuss? Just import a 2-door from the U.S.

Then you have zero warrantee

[55Oval]

I will be able to live with the manual transmission (hey look, I've gone back to the 80s, who needs modern technology?) but the 4-door is goddamn *$@$ing awful.

When you say you contacted VW of Canada, what do you mean? Whom did you contact? I would *love* to express my feelings on the matter.

Honestly, who made this decision? Not like 2 door vs 4 door needs different certification or anything...
God, even if we're only getting 500 couldn't 150 of those be 2-door?!?

I pulled the email off the press release. Here is my email and the lame reponse on the 2 door question. Please all, send this guy your thoughts. I did.


From: "Tetzlaff, Thomas (Canada)"
Date: December 30, 2010 9:11:02 AM PST (CA)
To:
Subject: RE: Golf R

Hello Chris.

I can understand your frustration, but ask that you consider some of the
challenges we have when importing unique cars into the Canadian
marketplace. Our market is significantly smaller than the U.S. As
such, our volumes are considerably smaller. When given an opportunity
to import a limited-production model; such as the Golf R, we are forced
to consider all variables (such as colour, options, etc.). Ultimately,
it is our desire to offer the Canadian consumer as much choice as
possible, while also considering the problems associated with order
complexity.

At the present time, the clear favorite in GTI lineup is the 5 door
model, equipped with the manual transmission. Since we will only have
the opportunity to import a small number of vehicles, the decision was
made to bring in the model that appealed to the greatest number of our
customers. I'm sorry that this does not represent your favorite version
of the vehicle, but ultimately the decision had to be made and it was
made to satisfy the majority of our existing customer base.

I hope that that you can understand our reasoning, even if it means you
will not be able to get your "perfect" Golf R in Canada.

By the way, I like the 5 door better...but that's just one man's
opinion.

Have a great New Year...and drive safely.


Thomas Tetzlaff
Manager, Public Relations
Volkswagen Canada
Thomas.Tetzlaff@vw.ca



-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, December 27, 2010 1:55 PM
To: Tetzlaff, Thomas (Canada)
Subject: Golf R

Hello Thomas,

After having to jump through the hoops to import my current R32 from the
US, I was happy to see that we will be getting the Golf R in Canada for
the first time. Looking at the US announcement I see they will have the
3 door available. I note, if Canada will only get the 5 door, I will
NOT be ordering a new VW Golf R. My comment would be why bother having
the car in Canada at all. Seems like just another poke in the eye, that
we don't get the same options that the US would. I have owned 6 cars in
my life and 5 of them are VW's, no 3 door in Canada may mean a move to a
different manufacturer, especially if my only option would be to import
a 3 door Golf R from the US that would have no warrantee recognition in
Canada.

Best Regards

Chris

[kwernebu]

I'll send my note in a minute...

What a load of crap that is. They've sold GTIs in 2-door for a *long friggin time* with great success. How dare he say 5-door represents the majority of their existing customer base?

I pulled the email off the press release. Here is my email and the lame reponse on the 2 door question. Please all, send this guy your thoughts. I did.


From: "Tetzlaff, Thomas (Canada)"
Date: December 30, 2010 9:11:02 AM PST (CA)
To:
Subject: RE: Golf R

Hello Chris.

I can understand your frustration, but ask that you consider some of the
challenges we have when importing unique cars into the Canadian
marketplace. Our market is significantly smaller than the U.S. As
such, our volumes are considerably smaller. When given an opportunity
to import a limited-production model; such as the Golf R, we are forced
to consider all variables (such as colour, options, etc.). Ultimately,
it is our desire to offer the Canadian consumer as much choice as
possible, while also considering the problems associated with order
complexity.

At the present time, the clear favorite in GTI lineup is the 5 door
model, equipped with the manual transmission. Since we will only have
the opportunity to import a small number of vehicles, the decision was
made to bring in the model that appealed to the greatest number of our
customers. I'm sorry that this does not represent your favorite version
of the vehicle, but ultimately the decision had to be made and it was
made to satisfy the majority of our existing customer base.

I hope that that you can understand our reasoning, even if it means you
will not be able to get your "perfect" Golf R in Canada.

By the way, I like the 5 door better...but that's just one man's
opinion.

Have a great New Year...and drive safely.


Thomas Tetzlaff
Manager, Public Relations
Volkswagen Canada
Thomas.Tetzlaff@vw.ca



-----Original Message-----
From:
Sent: Monday, December 27, 2010 1:55 PM
To: Tetzlaff, Thomas (Canada)
Subject: Golf R

Hello Thomas,

After having to jump through the hoops to import my current R32 from the
US, I was happy to see that we will be getting the Golf R in Canada for
the first time. Looking at the US announcement I see they will have the
3 door available. I note, if Canada will only get the 5 door, I will
NOT be ordering a new VW Golf R. My comment would be why bother having
the car in Canada at all. Seems like just another poke in the eye, that
we don't get the same options that the US would. I have owned 6 cars in
my life and 5 of them are VW's, no 3 door in Canada may mean a move to a
different manufacturer, especially if my only option would be to import
a 3 door Golf R from the US that would have no warrantee recognition in
Canada.

Best Regards

Chris

[LibtekVr6]

They sold more 5 doors....easy to understand I think. VW Canada should make an exception for the R if you were to import one from the States. Only real enthusiast would really want to import since it's much more trouble.

[langis]

I'll send my note in a minute...

What a load of crap that is. They've sold GTIs in 2-door for a *long friggin time* with great success. How dare he say 5-door represents the majority of their existing customer base?

I don't know about you but where I live they didn't sell many GTI's until they sold them in 4 door. A GTI was a rare thing to see, now they are everywhere.

[CanadianHatch]

different strokes for different folks....i'd never buy the 3dr model.

if all goes well, i'm putting down my downpayment tomorrow.

i'm so excited for this car. it'll be my first VW. i've never been able to afford them. i had a 2001 Kia Rio, now a 2008 Jeep Patriot, and soon a 2012 Golf R

very excited! i'm gonna test drive a GTI as well just to see what i've been missing.

[langis]

different strokes for different folks....i'd never buy the 3dr model.

if all goes well, i'm putting down my downpayment tomorrow.

i'm so excited for this car. it'll be my first VW. i've never been able to afford them. i had a 2001 Kia Rio, now a 2008 Jeep Patriot, and soon a 2012 Golf R

very excited! i'm gonna test drive a GTI as well just to see what i've been missing.

Don't buy a VW, its an addiction, once you have one everything else seems boring.

Go try out the GTI, if you love it then the R is for you!!

[CanadianHatch]

hoping to cut a deal with the guy too.

i'm going in there tomorrow for the R but my fiance can't drive stick shift and i really don't want to teach as it's one of those things i think she simply won't get.

so i'm hoping to get the R and cut a deal for a certified pre-owned jetta or Tiguan as well. i know this isn't directly "R" related but the dealership should be able to cut a deal if i'm buying 2 cars right?

[langis]

Hope you get a deal. I would teach her to drive a manual. She just needs to practice.

[1Point8TDan]

I have my deposit down, but the price is a major factor.
I'm willing to pay 40k, but of this is just a upgraded GTI then I'll back out and go with either a GTI or tiguan

I'll have to wait and see what we "aren't" getting.

In the Tiguan, its an $3,600 option for 4-Motion.
2011 GTI 4-DR with 18" and luxury leather package is: 34,815
Add in the extra 56hp, and "sports" package then it should be around the $40K (over if Nav will be standard). Being exclusive, I think VW will charge a premium.

[CanadianHatch]

done. i'm #1 on the list at my dealership. that should secure me an R. full refundable deposit. once they are available for order, i go in, and either order it, or walk away.

[jeff2.0t]

I made a 500$ deposit also in Montreal. I am the 4th on the list and they will get 6 cars.

if the price doesn't cross the 40K$ mark before taxes I will buy it, if it cross the 40K$ mark I will buy a 37K$ Sti instead.

[CanadianHatch]

how do they know they'll get 6? mine in toronto doesn't know their allotment but are hoping to get a few as they were the #2 dealership in sales.

[jeff2.0t]

how do they know they'll get 6? mine in toronto doesn't know their allotment but are hoping to get a few as they were the #2 dealership in sales.

I really dont know. My theory is that each dealer probably has the obligation to take X amount of R in relation to their sales volume IF the 500 units are not reserved before the delivery date. however no matter where you make your deposit if you are in the first 500 to reserve you will have a R for sure. They will probably adjust the allotment in line with the reservation they get in the dealer network.

So IMO if they cash your deposit they have an obligation to deliver you a R. They will probably adjust the offer with US demand also, I imagine that if all the 500 Canadian units are reserved and that the 4500 units in states are not they could bring more in Canada and gives less unit in state.

[kwernebu]

Heard a rumour today it'll hit $42k CAD.

[jeff2.0t]

Good luck with that. Every dealer in Calgary has at least 3 deposits down. With only 500 coming to Canada, that's roughly 2 per dealership. So you're probably already sh$t out of luck.

Calm down... A deposit is not a sale. I made a deposit and it is redeemable. this thing is not the God Cab, we are 14 month away, we dont know a **** about this R on our soil. They wont sales those Golf at any condition and price because IT IS A GOLF and at this time if they have demand for 600-700-800-1000 units they will bring those 600-700-800-1000 units, those aren't hand built Bentley or Rolls Royce and I dont think ordering 100 more units for them is pretty complicated at this moment (14 month before delivery).

For now I am still open for other alternative if they want to screw us on price. With all those rhumor about offering only 4 doors and fully loaded car, it smell "we need excuse" because this one will be hard to swallow price wise.

IMO this car should be priced between the base STI(37K) and the Sportec STI(41) as a premium WRX(The performance of the WRX with the Dashstroking experience that worth a premium). If it cross the 40K mark, I will take the STI and Dashstroke on a beach twice a year with a cerveza in Playa Del Carmen with the 200$ per month I would save if the R cost more than the sportec STI (it would be insane).

[Mbaylis]

Any news on the R showing up at this years auto shows in Canada?

[langis]

Calm down... A deposit is not a sale. I made a deposit and it is redeemable. this thing is not the God Cab, we are 14 month away, we dont know a **** about this R on our soil. They wont sales those Golf at any condition and price because IT IS A GOLF and at this time if they have demand for 600-700-800-1000 units they will bring those 600-700-800-1000 units, those aren't hand built Bentley or Rolls Royce and I dont think ordering 100 more units for them is pretty complicated at this moment (14 month before delivery).

For now I am still open for other alternative if they want to screw us on price. With all those rhumor about offering only 4 doors and fully loaded car, it smell "we need excuse" because this one will be hard to swallow price wise.

IMO this car should be priced between the base STI(37K) and the Sportec STI(41) as a premium WRX(The performance of the WRX with the Dashstroking experience that worth a premium). If it cross the 40K mark, I will take the STI and Dashstroke on a beach twice a year with a cerveza in Playa Del Carmen with the 200$ per month I would save if the R cost more than the sportec STI (it would be insane).

I agree more than 40k is way too much, my guess is they will price it around the price of an A3 AWD, maybe a little bit more but not much.

[saza]

I am hearing $45k in Calgary..

Lets be honest, if money wasnt a problem, heck i would buy the golf R at any price, but thats not my situation. if its anything near 45k im going to be looking at the STI sport-pack. thats a way better car, better awd, and thats what we need here in calgary. (getting tired of driving my jeep, winter car)

Another good choice would be the mistu Evo, i think its around the same price as the STI .

lets face it, the sti or the evo > Golf R . I would have to be stupid to get that car at that price. although i love the Golf R, its just ridiculous 45k.

Whats worse too, is that we are being forced to buy the 5 door R, it might not even be the sport pack, leather interior etc..