Finaly I got out from my chest..I LOVE MY CAR...

[2011VWTDI]

I was thinking for a while to change my TDI with Golf R. Today I called my friend (he is a salesperson at VW dealership) and asked him if they have any R available for sale. He told me two Rising Blue (one 2 door, one 4 door) available.

Then I jumped on my car and went to dealership to make a test drive.

He gave me the key for 2 door fully loaded R. I opened door, started the car, then deep sound. I was impressed "wow" then I got out from the seat, went outside and started to look at car. Then wait a min....sound is not coming from muffler, coming from front, its I believe called "Soundaktor". It was a disapointing news (not the first disapointment).

Then we both jumped in the car.....Lets drive a "RACE" car....
I put on first gear, then hit the gas...What the hell, f**king car feels like no first gear. Gear ration is so short, you have to change to gear to second right away. My first question to VW : This car is all wheel drive. Why you need such a short gear ratio on first gear??? Answer is obvious, gearbox doesnt drive for this particular car, its available many more front wheel drive cars as well.

Then second, not bad, third, fourth so on. After 10 min. or so driving we pulled over some empty paking lot and try it more. Damn, same thing, car doesnt feel "Race" car and obviously can not make 0 to 60 5.6 sec.

Then my friend got the wheel, same again, just we both didnt feel so much difference..

After back to dealership, I started to look in and out of the car. Another disapointment, leather seats. My friend has Golf TDI with Katzkin leather seats on it. Leather feels thick and great feeling when you touch it. What about R??? I believe VW used "Chicken Skin" instead of cow or sheep. It feels so thin. I had many cars before with leather seats on it, BMW, Volvo, Chrysler, etc.. Leather seats on R feels so cheap.

Lets talk about navigation system. RNS315. I have RNS510 now on my Golf. I know mine is little bit slow then RNS315, but, come on VW, its a $37K car, you can do better then that small screen POS RNS315.

And the famous "BLUE NEDDLE" cluster. Good luck if sun comes from sunroof to see it. Forget about visibility issue, looks like doesnt belong the car at all. All lights are red, neddle blue. It reminded me my old Holda Civic.

Let me tell what I felt about "Sounduktor" thing. It feels like having sex with hooker. She make noises like hooker but you know deep inside its faking it. Come on VW, eighter make the car which makes good sound or dont put those type of s**ts. Its fake, and after 15-20 min of driving, became annoying.

Also the price. Paying over $37K for this car, it is worth it? I DONT THINK SO..Its similar like GTI with some steroids in it. I was thinking about to trade my TDI, oh GOD, I am glad I didnt make such mistake. My Stage 1 TDI with DSG runs much better then R, plus, I've got more then double MPG.

I know someone will say "Its all wheel drive". Ok, its all wheel drive, but please look at Europe, they are gettin a lot more snow then us and they dont have too many AWD cars. If you know how to drive in snow, front wheel drive car is perfectly fine.

Long story short, when I back to home, I gave my baby nice bath. Now she is clean and shinny. I fell in love with my TDI again....Even they offer me R with same price, nope, I will stick with my baby...

[intoflatlines]

Nice write up. I enjoy the hooker comparison

[gravis86]

I enjoy hookers.

FTFY :p

[tstahlGTI]

Just sayin'

[afrost]

Maybe I'm a fanboi but I still think the R is cool as sheit It has a lot of tuning potential out of the box and it's not hard to disconnect the soundaktor.

[absoluteczech]

Just sayin'

[dunkadunkle]

nice review haha, i too think the R is wayyyyy over priced, shouldnt even be past 30k imo, 37k can get you alot more power and luxury. enjoy the tdi

[nick0188]

I was thinking for a while to change my TDI with Golf R. Today I called my friend (he is a salesperson at VW dealership) and asked him if they have any R available for sale. He told me two Rising Blue (one 2 door, one 4 door) available.

Then I jumped on my car and went to dealership to make a test drive.

He gave me the key for 2 door fully loaded R. I opened door, started the car, then deep sound. I was impressed "wow" then I got out from the seat, went outside and started to look at car. Then wait a min....sound is not coming from muffler, coming from front, its I believe called "Soundaktor". It was a disapointing news (not the first disapointment).

Let me tell what I felt about "Sounduktor" thing. It feels like having sex with hooker. She make noises like hooker but you know deep inside its faking it. Come on VW, eighter make the car which makes good sound or dont put those type of s**ts. Its fake, and after 15-20 min of driving, became annoying.

.

You didn't hear the sounduktor idleing. The sounduktor doesn't make any deep noises. If anything it just makes a tinny noise and it only happens when you get on it. This is a dumb post and I have reason to believe you were just trying to talk yourself out of it from the get go. It's a 265hp AWD car...what exactly did you expect?

[nick0188]

Oh and wrong forum...

[Guack007]

I loved the review, and anyone who has ever had the pleasure of driving an MK4 R32 would totally agree.

Seats were fukin awesome, sound was unbelievable and real, gearing was great and no fukin soundakator

[Squirrel Nuts]

So much hate for hookers. I still them.

[2011VWTDI]

You didn't hear the sounduktor idleing. The sounduktor doesn't make any deep noises. If anything it just makes a tinny noise and it only happens when you get on it. This is a dumb post and I have reason to believe you were just trying to talk yourself out of it from the get go. It's a 265hp AWD car...what exactly did you expect?

Go buy one then. You are wrong, go check it out R real quick and see where the sound is coming from.

By the way its my personal opinion, just an opinion, if you call dumb you are the dumbest person on the Earth...

[2011VWTDI]

You didn't hear the sounduktor idleing. The sounduktor doesn't make any deep noises. If anything it just makes a tinny noise and it only happens when you get on it. This is a dumb post and I have reason to believe you were just trying to talk yourself out of it from the get go. It's a 265hp AWD car...what exactly did you expect?

Go read moron...Learn how Soundaktor works....

The signal generator produces a spectrum of superposed oscillations
dependent on the engine's operating state. This analog signal
spectrum is amplified by the signal amplifier to produce a power
signal and converted to structure-borne sound waves by the
structure-borne sound actuator.

The structure-borne sound actuator R214 is mounted to the
windscreen cross member. The generated structure-born sound is
thus transmitted directly to the vehicle body and then partially
converted to airborne sound. The generated structure-borne sound
is transmitted up to the windscreen. The windscreen acts as a
membrane and radiates the structure-borne sound into the vehicle
as airborne sound.

[Jay07GLI]

Wow. Dope review. Keep drinking the haterade. Negative nelly nitpicker. The seats? Really? R u serious? I've had an RNS510, and Id pay money to UPgrade to the RNS315.

Because all the auto experts that praise R are wrong? Original R32 was nice, classic. But Golf R is a better car. More composed, more refined, not so nose heavy, quicker, more features, more potential.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but yours contributes nothing, benefits no one, and nobody cares. Dope job ripping the best VW North America has ever seen in a VW forum. At Stage 1 with a CAI, my R will get 0-60 in sub 5, good luck doing that in your TDI.

[gravis86]

Wow. Dope review. Keep drinking the haterade. Negative nelly nitpicker. The seats? Really? R u serious? I've had an RNS510, and Id pay money to UPgrade to the RNS315.

Because all the auto experts that praise R are wrong? Original R32 was nice, classic. But Golf R is a better car. More composed, more refined, not so nose heavy, quicker, more features, more potential.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but yours contributes nothing, benefits no one, and nobody cares. Dope job ripping the best VW North America has ever seen in a VW forum. At Stage 1 with a CAI, my R will get 0-60 in sub 5, good luck doing that in your TDI.

I kind of agree with you, but at the same time I kinda don't. The MkIV .:R is still my favorite .:R. It had really good leather seats, where the MkV and MkVI leather isn't as nice. And it sounds the best of the three. As far as your MkVI having more potential, you must be smoking something! People have pushed the 3.2-liter VR6 to over 650 horsepower. I haven't seen a 2.0 FSI break 550.

The Mk6 definitely is more refined though. And would probably be better as a daily driver.

I'll stick with my GTI until the Golf RS come out in a couple years. Then we'll see

[2011VWTDI]

Wow. Dope review. Keep drinking the haterade. Negative nelly nitpicker. The seats? Really? R u serious? I've had an RNS510, and Id pay money to UPgrade to the RNS315.

Because all the auto experts that praise R are wrong? Original R32 was nice, classic. But Golf R is a better car. More composed, more refined, not so nose heavy, quicker, more features, more potential.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but yours contributes nothing, benefits no one, and nobody cares. Dope job ripping the best VW North America has ever seen in a VW forum. At Stage 1 with a CAI, my R will get 0-60 in sub 5, good luck doing that in your TDI.

You guys are seriously retarted...

First, I went to dealership to purchase one. I didnt like it. End of the story.
Second, would you believe what you call "expert" reviews always. They have been chosen Hyundai Equaqus or whatever over Mercedes S series... Give me a break.
Third, seats, go compare with other cars....You'll see what I am talking about.
Fourth, RNS315 is better then RNS510???
0 to 60, My car is Diesel, its not a race car. I didnt bought to race with someone.
And the last one...good luck with your R, but dont cry when VW introduce better GTI next year alot lower price then your R......

[tomasepley]

English 101.

[SoCalMK6GTI]

English 101.

[tstahlGTI]

[fjbvr6]

I loved the review, and anyone who has ever had the pleasure of driving an MK4 R32 would totally agree.

Seats were fukin awesome, sound was unbelievable and real, gearing was great and no fukin soundakator

[RogueTDI]

Haha. I just checked out an R at local dealer. They just received it. Nice package, just the way Id get it (set up.same as my Golf TDI) - no sunroof or nav, but everything else. Was missing kessy and push button, but nice, mt6, rising blue.

Dealer started it, blipped throttle. Sounded cool, who cares how the sound is created. Its still the engine, just tweaked. Blue gauge needles were ok. Leather, i did notice it felt a bit odd, but not sure that equates to "cheap.". Sticker was $35.x k.

I think its a pretty sweet ride. Not.worth nearly 40 out the door probably, but its cool. A K04 turboed 2.0T. Nice.

I thought it was funny that both the glovebox and sunglass doors were sticky when opening. 7mi on the odo.

I was there mostly to inquire and express interest in Bluesport Roadster (no info, unsurprisingly). The only foreseeable VW product Id buy (maybe also Q5 TDI, or Tiguan TDI).

[2011VWTDI]

Haha. I just checked out an R at local dealer. They just received it. Nice package, just the way Id get it (set up.same as my Golf TDI) - no sunroof or nav, but everything else. Was missing kessy and push button, but nice, mt6, rising blue.

Dealer started it, blipped throttle. Sounded cool, who cares how the sound is created. Its still the engine, just tweaked. Blue gauge needles were ok. Leather, i did notice it felt a bit odd, but not sure that equates to "cheap.". Sticker was $25.x k.

I think its a pretty sweet ride. Not.worth nearly 40 out the door probably, but its cool. A K04 turboed 2.0T. Nice.

I thought it was funny that both the glovebox and sunglass doors were sticky when opening. 7mi on the odo.

I was there mostly to inquire and express interest in Bluesport Roadster (no info, unsurprisingly). The only foreseeable VW product Id buy (maybe also Q5 TDI, or Tiguan TDI).

I love Q5. I would buy if comes with diesel.

[SoCalMK6GTI]

Haha. I just checked out an R at local dealer. They just received it. Nice package, just the way Id get it (set up.same as my Golf TDI) - no sunroof or nav, but everything else. Was missing kessy and push button, but nice, mt6, rising blue.

Dealer started it, blipped throttle. Sounded cool, who cares how the sound is created. Its still the engine, just tweaked. Blue gauge needles were ok. Leather, i did notice it felt a bit odd, but not sure that equates to "cheap.". Sticker was $25.x k.

I think its a pretty sweet ride. Not.worth nearly 40 out the door probably, but its cool. A K04 turboed 2.0T. Nice.

I thought it was funny that both the glovebox and sunglass doors were sticky when opening. 7mi on the odo.

I was there mostly to inquire and express interest in Bluesport Roadster (no info, unsurprisingly). The only foreseeable VW product Id buy (maybe also Q5 TDI, or Tiguan TDI).

Wow, this disappoints me. I went in to try and buy one about two weeks ago and was told there were none left. Was told this by a dealer at a dealership near me in Southern California. Was also told that this particular dealership didn't raise the price from the MSRP and that's why they sold so fast but they weren't getting anymore because all of them were sold

[RogueTDI]

Ok, i take it back, basically a speaker to.simulate engine noise. Pretty lame. I thought it was some tweak to the exhaust or something...

Edit: Just heard comparison on youtube. Not as much difference as i thought. Gladly, the low frequency rumble is actually the engine. Anyway, definitely sounds better without, especially on acceleration.

[2011VWTDI]

P.S. : Those 2 R's available at my dealership were pre-ordered ones and according to my sales person, people who ordered those R's changed their mind after test drive...

[Dtullyjr]

Ummm......Its cute that you love your TDI. I know the feeling with my GTI. You are a little out of line bashing the Golf R the way you did man. Look at it from a GTI Owners perspective. A GTI buyer is more interested in performance than most TDI buyers so the Golf R is even more of a direct comparison and temptation for purchase. Then you factor in the performance differential which in some ways really isnt all that much and the price which is, how do i put it? Steep. I can safely say that like you, I love my GTI. However, The Golf R is fantastic. As its been said, the Golf R is kind of a culmination of everything Volkswagen has ever done right. It does outperform the GTI and keeps up with the other drivers cars out there while giving the driver audi like fit and finish. You really shouldnt speak so poorly of the car. Yeah it's your opinion, but what you did is kind of like going over to someones house for dinner and then complaining about their family's secret recipe. Dont be that guy. I think you owe the Golf R an apology....

[2011VWTDI]

Ummm......Its cute that you love your TDI. I know the feeling with my GTI. You are a little out of line bashing the Golf R the way you did man. Look at it from a GTI Owners perspective. A GTI buyer is more interested in performance than most TDI buyers so the Golf R is even more of a direct comparison and temptation for purchase. Then you factor in the performance differential which in some ways really isnt all that much and the price which is, how do i put it? Steep. I can safely say that like you, I love my GTI. However, The Golf R is fantastic. As its been said, the Golf R is kind of a culmination of everything Volkswagen has ever done right. It does outperform the GTI and keeps up with the other drivers cars out there while giving the driver audi like fit and finish. You really shouldnt speak so poorly of the car. Yeah it's your opinion, but what you did is kind of like going over to someones house for dinner and then complaining about their family's secret recipe. Dont be that guy. I think you owe the Golf R an apology....

Apology??? Give me break..

$37K car, none of the issues solved with other MKVIs had

Still wind noise from door edges...
Tricked out old FSI engine...Fake engine sound...
Cheap, small screen navigation....
Speakers on door still rattles.
VW claims R can do 0 to 60 5.6 sec. NO WAY...
Gear ratios...
Way too much movement changing the gears (I mean no short shifter)

Again, I went dealership to purchase the car. I just didnt like it.

[Srbgti]

When i was in sebia they had all wheel drive tdi's

[Dtullyjr]

Oh well. To each their own. Glad you like your TDI. I test drove a TDI before I got my GTI and knew that the GTI would make me happy after how good the TDI felt. One quick thing about the gear ratios..... With the auto industry trending towards high performance engines that still get good fuel economy, a lot of performance oriented or "racecar" like vehicles are going to feel like the ratios are too short. It comes with the territory. You must love digging in with the Deisels torque eh?

[Frank Reynolds]

Fantastic write up. Some may rememer but i have a deposit on an R. The op's sentiment is exactly how i felt.

Not worth the money AT ALL.


Cheers!

[afrost]

nice review haha, i too think the R is wayyyyy over priced, shouldnt even be past 30k imo, 37k can get you alot more power and luxury. enjoy the tdi

Right it should be less than a loaded GTI....that is super smart

[dubman6]

The R is not worth the money at all I think we can all agree on that. Had they stuck the 3.6L VR6 under the bonnet then they'd have some justification. All in a the R is a beautiful car and very refined and aggressive but its too close to a GTI to be $10,000 more. your had the money I'd buy an R for the 4Motion. But I don't n living in the flat ol sunshine state, I don't need it. Mk4 R32 still reigns supreme.

[not JDM]

Right it should be less than a loaded GTI....that is super smart

paying 30k for your GTI

I think the R is sick but definitely wouldn't pay 37k for it. I'd stick with my GTI and spend all the extra on mods

[tstahlGTI]

Wow, this disappoints me. I went in to try and buy one about two weeks ago and was told there were none left. Was told this by a dealer at a dealership near me in Southern California. Was also told that this particular dealership didn't raise the price from the MSRP and that's why they sold so fast but they weren't getting anymore because all of them were sold

http://www.vadenvolkswagen.com/Vehic...-GA/1737706973

http://www.vadenvolkswagen.com/Vehic...-GA/1728668603

paying 30k for your GTI

I think the R is sick but definitely wouldn't pay 37k for it. I'd stick with my GTI and spend all the extra on mods

This.

[2011VWTDI]

R engine comes straight from Audi S3, which means it is based on the older EA113 unit instead of the EA888 of Golf GTI because the latter is not robust enough. However, in terms of subjective qualities, a four-cylinder will never match a well-tuned six-cylinder engine, especially is one as good as the old VR6. It can't quite emulate is the smoothness, clean throttle response at very low rev and the sound quality of the narrow-angle V6. Sadly, Volkswagen group is phasing out the VR6 for the better of its fleet emission - and by the way save costs. Consequently, the bloodline dated back to the Mk3 Golf VR6 has finally come to an end.

Review from AutoZine...

Thats the main problem with R. It feels like desicion made by VW overnight and put into production. Instead of making engine more advance (like variable valve timing bot intake and exhaust valves) and twin scroll turbo (like BMW), they decided to put larger turbo and re-inforced connecting rods (a lot of GTI guys doing KO4 upgrade probably over night)

I was talking about gear ratio. R has same gear ratio with GTI and TDI. Those are both front wheel drive cars. They need higher gear ratio (3.36 I guess) on first gear to reduce slipping front wheels. If you look Audi or Mitsubishi (EVO), first gear ratio around 2.3 to 2.5, which means first gear, they have much better acceleration.