2007 VW Golf R32 any good?

On the standard GTi, paddles were an optional extra on the DSG on the early models (04-05 I believe). After that they became standard.
 
GTi Edition 30 is the only GTi I would have. IIRC the standard GTi still has that massive plastic rear bumper. It looks cheap, really cheap
 
DSG, it's really good from what I've read/heard.
Take both types for a drive and I'm sure she will know.
 
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DSG everytime if given the choice. Nice and easy to live with on the commute (in D mode) and proper mental when you want it to be (manual mode or S mode).
 
Firestar_3x said:
How reliable is the DSG system ourdays?
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I have heard reports of a small few having mechatronic units fail (no idea what this is) that have been replaced under warranty.

Other than that they seem pretty robust.

The MK5 GTI ED30 looks far better than the MK5 GTI, mainly because of the wheels and a little bit because they actually bothered to paint the plastic rear bumper on the ED 30 lol.
 
Interesting thread. I have my heart set on a MKV R32 as my next car as I want something cosy to lug the dogs & my bike around but still have something fun.

Seeing as the nicest car I've had is the EP3 I fancy something comfy with plenty of toys and something solidly built. Plus I like the idea of having an engine with more than 4 cylinders. Coming from a MK1 MX5 on coilovers I clearly like something that handles though. Tough one, but I'm not against mods, coilovers and a tasty set of BBS might help the handling. Surely the n/a R32 engine is a nicer delivery than the turbo GTi engine too? Especially for a back road hero such as myself.

Gonna miss RWD and country roads won't be as fun as the MX5 but then can't have everything. I suppose the consensus is to test drive all 3 and see what takes ones my fancy? Bit of saving to do first anyway, but quite excited at the prospect :)
 
Dup said:
Seeing as the nicest car I've had is the EP3 I fancy something comfy with plenty of toys and something solidly built. Plus I like the idea of having an engine with more than 4 cylinders. Coming from a MK1 MX5 on coilovers I clearly like something that handles though. Tough one, but I'm not against mods, coilovers and a tasty set of BBS might help the handling. Surely the n/a R32 engine is a nicer delivery than the turbo GTi engine too? Especially for a back road hero such as myself.
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I had that thought as well until I drove the GTi. For a turbo it is actually quite progressive. I've been in cars with turbos that are all or nothing and they lurch around - its not like that. It is quite happy cruising in 6th above 40mph but drop it a few cogs and take it on a B-road and its a monster :) A very good all rounder really.

It is worth test driving one, I bought it right away after driving mine :)
 
Dup said:
I'm not against mods, coilovers and a tasty set of BBS might help the handling. Surely the n/a R32 engine is a nicer delivery than the turbo GTi engine too? Especially for a back road hero such as myself.
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But if back roads are your thing you want poise and balance not outright grunt. This is where the GTI is simply a better choice - it has better weight distribution and if its power you want a remap will see you at R32 levels anyway?
 
Interesting, I honestly thought the R32 would get recommended over the GTI on here unanimously.
 
I assumed that the driving experience of an NA 6-pot over a turbo'd 4 would be preferable.

Didn't realise it upset the handling that much, mind.
 
Tute said:
I assumed that the driving experience of an NA 6-pot over a turbo'd 4 would be preferable.

Didn't realise it upset the handling that much, mind.
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The R32 isn't a bad "handler" by any stretch but you really notice its ~ 1.6ton weight when attempting to throw it around. The GTI is much better in this regard as a number of others have alluded to.

I have owned a 2006 MKV R32 DSG and would still get a GTI (of equivilant spec) over it if I wanted a better day to day car. The R32's biggest strength; its engine, is also its biggest weakness. Touch the loud pedal and it drinks like an alchoholic stuck overnight in a brewery. Expect low 20's average with 30 achievable but not very realistic.

Any R32 post March 06 will also fall into the £450 tax bracket as well which is another mark against it.

Personally if I wanted that engine / feeling again I would look at the cheaper, better built and marginally quicker (its lighter) A3 3.2 Quattro. Basically the same car but with the advantages of the A3.

That said, in the Op's case I would be looking at a Golf GTI Edition 30 or Audi S3. A Standard GTI would also be worth looking at as long as it is well specced.
 
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