The Many Faces of Volkswagen's Golf R

[VWPDX]

NO SUNROOF???

please tell me what "loaded" is if it doesnt have a sunroof

and don't tell me "A/C" CD player, power windows and locks, all that ish is standard now

I think everybody has their opinion on what is appealing in option packages. Living in Portland a sunroof gives me a view of gray skies 8 months a year. It otherwise decreases my structural integrity and gives me the opportunity to leak. On the other hand, I personally love keyless go. Once you've had it, it's hard not to.

[liquid stereo]

I hate to say it but the Golf R is already looking dowdy, frumpy and even old.

[Candyman1]

I hate to say it but the Golf R is already looking dowdy, frumpy and even old.

LOL

Must suck being so far behind the rest of the world in delivery of the R



I doubt anyone expects the R to be a DB9 in looks but that is what I like about it, a sleeper without the need to show off

Mind you, since you are an EOS owner/lover, your taste is perhaps a little twisted

My GTI makes way for my R in just a few weeks. I am more than happy to be driving a frumpmobile

[Landshark99]

I'm glad to see that so many on this forum care about nothing but paper specs.

256 hp is plenty for me, the R is nicer in every other way than the Evo/WRX/STI/MS3 (if my GTI is any indication) and even a simple tune really helps this car out in case 256 isn't enough. An STI is more than the price of the R and the interior still looks like crap. I don't have much experience with EVOs At $33-34k, this car is competitive in specs and quality. If you really need something better and faster, throw a couple grand at it and it'll smoke that STI.

The difference are just not paper specs, the all wheel drive systems in both the EVO and STI are far more adaptable and sophisticated than anything the R has, the brakes are also superior, the tires and wheels are both lighter and sticker, the engines produce both more hp and torque stock, yes the interior is nicer on the R but that is the compromise of a GT car, the STI and EVO are more of a performance car; pick which suits you better but at least be honest about what they are. Call the EVO and STI boy racers if you like but they are actually more "pure racer" than the R,which just might be a more all around car, a GT, VW could have brought over a high performance car here but they left RS3 over there. By the way they may still come with wings but gold wheels are after market now.

[likes2driveslow]

I guess you're right: it's all about what you're after. I'm not planning on racing the R so I think it'll serve me just fine with the pretty interior. My one gripe is the brakes. I hear lots of complaints from the R32 crowd.

[Dutchmastr9]

[Time for a GTI]

wackingawoundeddonkey.gif

A million times, this.

Does every thread have to devolve into dash stroker vs. boy racer banter? Really?

[speeedfrk]

personally, im a little torn. i have a RS MKIV R32 and ill NEVER sell it...i already had a TR brand new and selling it was the biggest mistake ive made in the cars ive had (47 in total). the price is going to be hard to swallow because ill be keeping my MKIV, but having two kids, im going to love love love having a 4 door toy.

white 4 door please...thank you!

[Dutchmastr9]

A million times, this.

Does every thread have to devolve into dash stroker vs. boy racer banter? Really?

i think its pretty obvious that it does

[Landshark99]

A million times, this.

Does every thread have to devolve into dash stroker vs. boy racer banter? Really?

My point, all these cars have positives and negatives, it just gets old with non-factual bashing of one over the other. Just because one loves VWs does not mean you need to slam others.

[likes2driveslow]

My point, all these cars have positives and negatives, it just gets old with non-factual bashing of one over the other. Just because one loves VWs does not mean you need to slam others.

What else are we supposed to talk about in relation to this car, Dr. Phil? WE KNOW NOTHING ELSE ABOUT IT

[TechEd]

Many faces, indeed. But these faces remain overshadowed by a core identity crisis.

In the face of the bastardized demographic in the US to which this car appeals the most, the new R will continue to suffer from the same old identity crisis as its predecessors because it simply can't compete with the Asian peers that are assumed to be it's competitors here, and here alone.

If anything, VWoA is actually guilty of buying in to this bastardiation of the original, home market demographic for the R32 and R ....unlike VWAG, they don't know how to pick their fights. But despite the juvenile bickering and criticims from the boy-racer crowd, VWoA's is obviously banking that their Euro/Dollar losses on R business will be offset somewhat by the brand magnet aspect of the car that results in increased showroom traffic. When the price is deemed a bit steep (which given the current Euro/Dollar exch. is not) increased Golf, GTI, Jetta, GLI & CC sales are easy to pull off. As before, the new R will be more of a success in this regard than anything else on the surface, and through showroom traffic alone will contribute to VWGoA (finally) posting a profit after almost 10 years.

I can hear the boffins at VWAG & VW Individual telling the VWoA planners back in 2009 "I told you so...." becasue the original home market demographic as envisioned by the parent for the R32 and R is very, very thinly and mostly quietly (read: do not frequent vwvortex) represented in the US, i.e.: mature (35 - 55) ex MK1 & MKII GTI owners that are now empty nesters seeking a practical, refined, fast autobahn tourer for summer trips to Italy or Sylt (...that, BTW would never consider a Subaru Sti or Mitsu Evo in the first place). This, and also the fact that all the competitve models targeted as R32 & R competitors in the home market (Alfa 147 GTA and Ford Focus RS) do not exist in the US. The application of the 2.0L turbomotor and excellent Haldex update in the new R have served to skewed the home market demographic somewhat younger, but this only worsens the identiy crisis in the US becasue the paper tigers now have more equivalency to poke fault at.

It does many things well as per the home market design intent and demographic. Sadly, there remains many that can't accept the value of these things in a purely singular, very personal way.

[29_MALE_SOCAL_SPICY]

I guess you're right: it's all about what you're after. I'm not planning on racing the R so I think it'll serve me just fine with the pretty interior. My one gripe is the brakes. I hear lots of complaints from the R32 crowd.

YOu and Landshark are completely wrong. One thing the Mk4 R32 killed the same year evo and STI was Braking. Name brand brembos dont always equal better performance. You need to consider brake feel, high speed braking stability, and ABS programing.


The MK5 R32 shouldn't even be mentioned in the same post with the MK4.


I expect the MK6 R to have superior brakes. This is one thing VW does well.

[likes2driveslow]

^ people are saying the brakes in the R are the same as in the Mk5 R32. my comment pertained to brake feel... maybe we're not wrong.

http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...1#post70553051

[GOT R32?]

Years ago I talked to a VWoA executive who told me they "Watered Down" the MKV to broaden the market share. This backfired on them. If you all remember back then the MKV was suppose to be the .:R36 (I know I still cry at night thinking about what could have been!!!). That would have kicked much ass!! Then they decided they HAD TO HAVE A DSG in it (More sobs over that decision). The DSG could not take the torque so they went with the 3.2 (Yes more sobs!!!).

The SIMPLE answer was to keep the row your own gears manual transmission in the car. Money would have been saved because this tranny is ubiquitous at VAG. It was used in everything from the Cayanne to the S4 and more. She told me they lost 50% of there crowd for the .:R. I WAS IN THE 50%!! I wanted a MKIV but at VW Pasadena for example they got 10 and 7 NEVER saw the showroom floor. My goal was the MKV .:R36. When I heard the decision I told them to find me a MKIV .:R stat (One of the best decisions I have make in my life!!!)!!! On December 1st 2006 I took delivery of the "Secret Weapon" and have not looked back.

When the MKV came out I was at VW Glendale to get a center cap when a salesmen saw me looking at the MKV on the floor. He thought he had an easy sale, and then he asked me what do I currently drive. I pointed to the Secret Weapon in front and his JAW DROPPED!! He said and I quote "TRADE YOU!!!!!" Hell no was the answer. He told me that when people call about an .:R they wanted the MKIV and not the MKV. Because of that I can see why they would be scared to do something big in the US.

Remember people this is an ENTHUSIAST car and we love them hard core!!!! If the .:R is to hard core for you, you have an option its called a GTI!!!! Its people like that who F-up the .:R brand!! We have to be more vocal to VWoA about what we want. Only the hard core want the car so give us what we want!!! Make sure they get the feed back and no one gets hurt!!!

UNDER STEER MUST DIE!!!

[WonderBucket]

still do want..... but at $34,000..... it better come fully loaded

It's going to a be a bit more than than for the fully loaded.

[ratkinso]

The new Golf R looks like a winner, but as usual, we don't get the really good stuff. I'm referring to the Golf R Cabriolet, of course. I know why they won't bring it here, they think it will steal sales from the Eos and Beetle Cabrios, not to mention Audi. Well if they won't give us the R Cabriolet here, could they at least put AWD and the hot motor in the Eos? Why do those of us in the "wind-in-the -hair" club only get the "chick cars"?http://www.vwvortex.com/Anthony/Smil...s/confused.gif

[justinsvr6]

Then if thats TRUE....guess your ordering a BASE model Golf if you dont care about power.

[OrlandoR]

I might just have to sell a kidney for one of these suckers. I don't want to part with my MKIV .:R32 to have extra cash to throw at this. Can't I have both?

Thats what I plan on doing.

[VWPDX]

The new Golf R looks like a winner, but as usual, we don't get the really good stuff. I'm referring to the Golf R Cabriolet, of course. I know why they won't bring it here, they think it will steal sales from the Eos and Beetle Cabrios, not to mention Audi. Well if they won't give us the R Cabriolet here, could they at least put AWD and the hot motor in the Eos? Why do those of us in the "wind-in-the -hair" club only get the "chick cars"?http://www.vwvortex.com/Anthony/Smil...s/confused.gif

Are men allowed in the "wind in the hair" club?

[Landshark99]

YOu and Landshark are completely wrong. One thing the Mk4 R32 killed the same year evo and STI was Braking. Name brand brembos dont always equal better performance. You need to consider brake feel, high speed braking stability, and ABS programing.

I expect the MK6 R to have superior brakes. This is one thing VW does well.

I have never driven a 2004 STI so I will give that too you, that in 2004 the R32 had better brakes.
This is 2011 I had a MKV R32 for three years the rumors are that the R will come with the same brakes as the MKV,
I now own a 2011 STI the brakes are better on my STI than my MKV32, not by a huge amount but better, do not feel the need for a big brake kit with this car, will probably upgrade the pads when these wear out, but so far, I am sorry but they seem better to me. Maybe you will luck out and VWoA will use the euro spec brakes.

[socaldave]

I doubt anyone expects the R to be a DB9 in looks but that is what I like about it, a sleeper without the need to show off

^^This is what I like about the R too.^^ I agree with TechEd's post. A lot of "us fail to remember that the EVO and STi are homologated rally replicas. Not until the Polo R did VW Group get envolved in the WRC. Also with the WRC rules allowing AWD to be installed to all of the homologated entries' cars there is no need for expensive and complicated AWD to be fitted as standard. Its very rare to see a affordable "hot hatch" with AWD like the Golf R. I'm eagerly awaiting the R. AWD performance without the fuss!

[ramdmc]

NO SUNROOF???

please tell me what "loaded" is if it doesnt have a sunroof

and don't tell me "A/C" CD player, power windows and locks, all that ish is standard now

Also comes with your very own .:R Fleshlight (tm)

[ramdmc]

Are men allowed in the "wind in the hair" club?

Only while operating a Lotus Seven/Eleven, 550 Spyder, or early Maserati Spiders.

All others are chic cars

[AWDMKV]

I just wanted to chime in here about the brakes on the MKV .:R32 - They are amazing and will stop on a dime and give you .09 cents in return..

If your passanger doesn't have his belt on and you have to do and emergency stop - they are going through the windshield... Just saying you will be more than happy with the brakes - now if you start producing high HP you will need to upgrade the brakes to stop the Car now that your speeds are in a whole nother category...

Hope someone finds this usefull..

Jason

[KatieLuvsFstRabbits]

I don't see the big deal; many of us are not interested in that boy racer look.

I totally agree! This is a reasonably fast little car with a magnificent interior. And as for it's exterior appearance: it's a good looking car that a woman wouldn't be ashamed to be seen driving or to own. The 20 y/o boys can keep their STI's and beer bongs. I'm going to get a chip upgrade, new intake and exhaust and it will be my daily driver and autocross champ. Viva VW!

[davesco]

I totally agree! This is a reasonably fast little car with a magnificent interior. And as for it's exterior appearance: it's a good looking car that a woman wouldn't be ashamed to be seen driving or to own. The 20 y/o boys can keep their STI's and beer bongs. I'm going to get a chip upgrade, new intake and exhaust and it will be my daily driver and autocross champ. Viva VW!

+ 1
That's exactly the mods I was thinking doing to my candy white R whenever it gets here. Will this bring it down to the 5.5 sec range 0-60?

[KC Jazz]

I just wanted to chime in here about the brakes on the MKV .:R32 - They are amazing and will stop on a dime and give you .09 cents in return..

If your passenger doesn't have his belt on and you have to do and emergency stop - they are going through the windshield... Just saying you will be more than happy with the brakes - now if you start producing high HP you will need to upgrade the brakes to stop the Car now that your speeds are in a whole nother category...

Hope someone finds this usefull..

Jason

Yeah man. Cool story.

^^This is what I like about the R too.^^ I agree with TechEd's post. A lot of "us fail to remember that the EVO and STi are homologated rally replicas. Not until the Polo R did VW Group get envolved in the WRC. Also with the WRC rules allowing AWD to be installed to all of the homologated entries' cars there is no need for expensive and complicated AWD to be fitted as standard. Its very rare to see a affordable "hot hatch" with AWD like the Golf R. I'm eagerly awaiting the R. AWD performance without the fuss!

So...basically the only thing that makes the R32 so great is that it was a hatch? Really? That's what separates it from it's boosted and AWD rivals? Get real. Having two doors and a lift gate doesn't excuse it's pathetic performance. The current STi and Evo are not rally reps. Stop with the ignorance. Jesus.

I can hear the boffins at VWAG & VW Individual telling the VWoA planners back in 2009 "I told you so...." because the original home market demographic as envisioned by the parent for the R32 and R is very, very thinly and mostly quietly (read: do not frequent vwvortex) represented in the US, i.e.: mature (35 - 55) ex MK1 & MKII GTI owners that are now empty nesters seeking a practical, refined, fast autobahn tourer for summer trips to Italy or Sylt (...that, BTW would never consider a Subaru Sti or Mitsu Evo in the first place). This, and also the fact that all the competitve models targeted as R32 & R competitors in the home market (Alfa 147 GTA and Ford Focus RS) do not exist in the US. The application of the 2.0L turbomotor and excellent Haldex update in the new R have served to skewed the home market demographic somewhat younger, but this only worsens the identiy crisis in the US becasue the paper tigers now have more equivalency to poke fault at.

I don't think you have the grasp you think you do. My father purchased a Mk1 Scirocco new, and has since owned a MK2 GTI, two MK4 GTis, as well as a few Audis (B6 A4, B7 S4, C5 A6 2.7t) and currently found his driving joy with a 2011 WRX hatch. He test drove a few VAG cars (including the MKV R32) and still chose the WRX. You guys are acting like it's people that haven't experienced VAG who chose the competition - it's not. Look at my sig. In my 6 years of driving I've had 4 VAG cars and 2 Subarus and loved all of them. I just dream that one day all the VW dorks can lose their bias and respect other ****.

[KatieLuvsFstRabbits]

+ 1
That's exactly the mods I was thinking doing to my candy white R whenever it gets here. Will this bring it down to the 5.5 sec range 0-60?

Well APR Tuning, ( you have to go to the Australian site because they have the kits for the Mk VI R's @ http://www.goapr.com.au/products/ecu..._265hp-vw.html ), says their stage one kit will boost you to 322 bhp and 321 Ft-lbs of torque, ( the equipment requirements are only their chip but they recommend a new intake and a bigger exhaust and exhaust manifold). In a car that has a curb weight of 3400 lbs and a Haldex 4 all wheel drive system should put you closer to 5.2-5.4 for 0-60 unless; A) the turbo lag is rediculous B) you don't know how to drive a stick or C) you are bigger than Kirstie Alley after a two week binge at Dollywood. Stage 2 and 3 kits all put you over 350 bhp, but honestly, I think that's too much for the little car and I can't afford new tires every week.

[ElevatedGaze]

i'll have to reserve final judgement until one arrives at my VW dealership, but i don't think anything is going to get me off of my mk4 R's styling and exhaust note. plus it's almost paid off

[VW-R]

Bad design again, facelift as a new focus,tailgate like a MINI.Stupid.Stupid, at least copy audi a3.

[GOT R32?]

i'll have to reserve final judgement until one arrives at my VW dealership, but i don't think anything is going to get me off of my mk4 R's styling and exhaust note. plus it's almost paid off

First of all the only thing IMO that should get you off your MKIV.:R is............................... DEATH!!!! Second you have not been paying attention. The Golf VI.:R will be at your local dealership................. I would say sometime AFTER the Golf VII is already on sale!! The world will never know why a car that already exists takes so long to come out.

[GINCH]

Bad design again, facelift as a new focus,tailgate like a MINI.Stupid.Stupid, at least copy audi a3.

Your user name and reply don't jive

[haohao007]

[http://www.flickr.com/photos/7722185...n/photostream]

[GTI0811]

[http://www.flickr.com/photos/7722185...n/photostream]

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