With the current information of the top of the handbook transmission for the GTI and Golf R, the writing is on the wall for one of many all-time-greatest efficiency automobiles, on this configuration anyway. They’ll proceed constructing MK8s however the handbook is the transmission to think about right here.
This isn’t actually going to be a comparability check, or perhaps a assessment, just some fast ideas on the relative deserves of the MK 7 Volkswagen GTI, MK 8 GTI and MK 8 Golf R.
Last time I used to be at Jalopnik, I lined the GTI/Golf R beat, writing in regards to the MK7 and MK8 GTI and the MK8 Golf R. But, I by no means had a possibility to drive them again to again to again till just lately when VW was sort sufficient to drop off a MK8 GTI and Golf R to park subsequent to my spouse’s MK7. You can learn my ideas on the MK7 right here, briefly I believe it’s one of many “GOATs of all time.”
I drove an RE-71R-equipped MK 8 GTI on a observe and an autocross course some time again and got here away impressed. I used to be excited to test it out on inventory tires, on the roads I drive every single day so I signed myself up for per week lengthy mortgage. First impressions had been good, you don’t understand how prepared the MK7 was for a visible redesign till you park it subsequent to a MK8. The new automotive is slightly larger, however total the replace works. It’s good-looking, sporty and utilitarian.
But for the primary few days driving the MK8, I used to be slightly upset. It felt numb and slightly disconnected. The shifter motion was so gentle that you just puzzled if it was linked to something in any respect. But the extra snug I received with the automotive, and the extra I pushed it, the higher it was. The MK8 does nook slightly extra neutrally, and it’s significantly better getting again on the ability. It’s quicker than the MK7, and could also be higher to drive than the MK7, however you must push much more to get that out of it.
The a lot maligned contact controls are certainly unhealthy, however they’re not particularly unhealthy. Yes, it sucks to hit slightly capacitive sensor to vary menus so you’ll be able to flip the A/C on, however let’s be trustworthy, most of those techniques are maddening in a technique or one other. VW goes to vary it, and they need to, however I do assume most reviewers are slightly too excitable in relation to this kind of factor.
As talked about, I had already pushed the Golf R by the point one confirmed up in my driveway. However, I’d pushed it on a frozen check observe again after we had been all taking COVID considerably significantly, so I used to be wanting to drive it on the highway now, after we’ve all forgotten COVID continues to be occurring. I believe the large takeaway from driving this one is that it’s the primary Golf R for the reason that MK4 the place it is smart to pony up the additional cash over a GTI. The first time round, I stated it makes extra sense to consider it as a smaller E36 AMG Wagon than it does to consider it as a GTI with AWD. I’m going to go forward and keep on with that. It’s heavier than a GTI, and extra advanced, nevertheless it’s additionally rowdier and crucially, extra drifty. Its additional energy, noise and grip means it registers as “fun” extra instantly than the GTI. However, should you don’t dwell in an space the place you’ll be capable of make use of that rear diff within the winter, there’s nothing mistaken with selecting the GTI at a extra approachable worth level.
Speaking of cheaper price factors, lots of people will ask if it is smart to simply purchase a used MK7 or MK7.5. In my opinion, the MK7 is an instantaneous scorching hatch basic that individuals will bear in mind. There’s a stage of connectedness with the MK7 that neither MK8 can contact, nevertheless it’s not manic or uncooked, simply type of easy and keen. It’s precisely what my previous MK2 gave me and it’s the highest aspiration for the new hatch builder. It’s a automotive that makes you need to go for a drive. It’s wonderful proper out of the wrapper and with upgraded rubber, and maybe even a tune, it should ship an unbelievable quantity of practicality and driving pleasure. It’s even confirmed unexpectedly dependable. Here I’m writing one other put up about how nice the MK7 is, whereas having already linked to a put up about how nice the MK7 is.
The early ones are getting slightly lengthy within the tooth, and the MK8s have made them look slightly dated, but when yow will discover one with nice upkeep data and no scary modifications, I’d be laborious pressed to make a case for a costlier MK8.
Since I drove the MK8 for the primary time, Toyota launched the GR Corolla, which is de facto in a category of its personal. Given the selection between a GR and a Golf R, I’d decide the Toyota each time with out a second’s hesitation. There’s additionally the nice Civic Type R, otherworldly Acura Integra S and the much-loved Elantra N on the market, all of which can proceed to be provided with a handbook transmission for the foreseeable future.
So whereas we could also be saying a kind of goodbye to the enjoyable Volkswagen, we’ll have choices for some time.
Source: jalopnik.com