Golf R now at Barloworld

[Justin Fox]

Just in today and Christina and I happened to be in there to take a few candid shots.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/4683165063_215c34a600_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1279/4683164839_4897f121b8_b.jpg
Big brakes.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/4683165189_7e8a4d20b2_b.jpg
225/40/18.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4022/4683165323_53399f385a_b.jpg
Nice tails.

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1269/4683793958_269a44685f_b.jpg
Really strange skirt that goes out then back in.

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4683794280_8743e4648d_b.jpg
Grey one inside (DSG, blue one outside is a manual).

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/4683165641_977afd1e84_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4008/4683794400_a2b5ee33d2_b.jpg
Interior trim detail.

[Pharkus]

What are you guys up to? The interior trim looks awesome. Also notice how the better colour gets to stay indoors.

[nath_mk6]

Nice! Does that mean the release is here?

[G-rig]

Nice photos JF, would have been good to see them at last!!

[DubSteve]

Good to see, people in Europe are already throwing massive brakes and slamming it already!

[Capercat]

Disappointing how they chose boring black brake calipers. Red or Blue would have looked better.

[chugga44]

do we know any more about the brake setup. 2pot 4 pot?? no doubt they were borrowed from some other VAG platform.

i love how they have left plenty of clearance around the exhaust...4 inch pipes mmmmmmmmmmmm

[OraQube]

Disappointing how they chose boring black brake calipers. Red or Blue would have looked better.

I agree. They're supposed to have the R logo printed on them but can't really see it with that spoke in the way.

[mshl1979]

That corner shot of the UG one looks exactly like a Polo.

[kaoticice]

next time u there justin, remember to steal those tail lights for me =D

[S&H]

Disappointing how they chose boring black brake calipers. Red or Blue would have looked better.

The ones on the R I tested in Sg were blue and did have the R logo on it.

[10d]

Side skirt ala Scirroco R

I think the brake would be the same as the R32. Different colour and clips

[random]

Test drive?

[nath_mk6]

Haha just ducked down to my local and they don't have it on display, a few in their yard near bunnings though. Not happy that it's on display elsewhere as they were told they weren't to be displayed until the 16th lol....

[random]

You can look but can't touch... Just like whenever I'm with my girlfriend when we are out

[saad]

Booked for a test drive this Saturday :)

Tyre kicking yes, but everyone does it!

[vanboy]

Looks great!

Very yummy tails

[random]

The car shape is exactly he same as he gti right? Apart from a few cosmetics details

[fungry]

rear light hotness.

[S&H]

The car shape is exactly he same as he gti right? Apart from a few cosmetics details

Yup.

[G-rig]

The car shape is exactly he same as he gti right? Apart from a few cosmetics details

Yeah look almost the same.

[M4RK0]

Is the Barloworld in Mascot?

[Lima]

do we know any more about the brake setup. 2pot 4 pot?? no doubt they were borrowed from some other VAG platform.

I don't know for absolute certain, but it's a pretty safe bet they are the same brakes as the S3. They're pretty decent OEM brakes too I have to say.

AFAIK the same setup was used on the Mk5 R32 as well.

Here's a paragraph from the S3 press blurb:


"The brake system is closely in tune with the talents of the Audi S3. Four large-dimension, ventilated disc brakes provide safe, dependable deceleration. The front discs measure no less than 345 mm in diameter. The black-painted calipers, sporting the S3 emblem, house sports brake pads that combine high performance with incisive response."

No detail given on number of pistons and off the top of my head I can't recall either.

[S&H]

Whatever they are, they were pretty good in pulling up the R (fully loaded) when I tested it. Definately felt better than the GTI/Pirelli brakes.




I don't know for absolute certain, but it's a pretty safe bet they are the same brakes as the S3. They're pretty decent OEM brakes too I have to say.

AFAIK the same setup was used on the Mk5 R32 as well.

Here's a paragraph from the S3 press blurb:



No detail given on number of pistons and off the top of my head I can't recall either.

[Kooki]

IMO for a performance car it lacks sport appeal/attitude. Interested to see how it drives before putting the thumbs down.

[S&H]

IMO for a performance car it lacks sport appeal/attitude. Interested to see how it drives before putting the thumbs down.

Interesting, my wife didn't warm to its looks too. The drive is great though - makes up for it's failing in the looks dept - almost...

[D4NM4C]

I want to shoot one haha
Someone buy one and let me come on the test drive, please!

Or if anyone is friendly with the people at Barloworld.....

[S&H]

Is the Barloworld in Mascot?

Yes.

[nath_mk6]

so they are being delivered but no dealer is supposed to display let alone allow a test drive of one until next week by the sounds of it.

jumped into the dealers yard on the way past this morning, took a few happy snaps (R and GTD)

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1277/4683619935_848f9d025a_b.jpg

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1278/4684256098_6a78a61f8e_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/4683633695_9842e34aab_b.jpg
these look so hot in person...

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4069/4684268458_1f53c2dd47_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4024/4684276772_93fdaf4e47_b.jpg
just like the GTI damn ugly Euro plate holder

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4016/4683658061_11c3a5592d_b.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4683667581_eed1edef11_b.jpg
GTD just because it was there

[Kooki]

Interesting, my wife didn't warm to its looks too. The drive is great though - makes up for it's failing in the looks dept - almost...

Yes don't ask me why but women always get too hung up on the asethetics even though more enjoyment comes from the drive performance. :lol:

[Capercat]

That white Polo looks like a baby R from the front. Very cute.

[Cam]

WOW nice pics guys!
CW R looks so good.

[MasterKevin]

*some snaps i just took then*

Looks very nice and sits very nice stock imo :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v654/AznKevin1/09062010725.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v654/AznKevin1/09062010726.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v654/AznKevin1/09062010727.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v654/AznKevin1/09062010728.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v654/AznKevin1/09062010729.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v654/AznKevin1/09062010730.jpg

:)

[Capercat]

Agreed, very nice.

[Big Yellow]

nice!!! blue and black wheels!! see even VW knew this was a good combo!! stuff u haters!! :P

[S&H]

The black wheels don't do it for me. Still prefer them in silver.

[S&H]

nice!!! blue and black wheels!! see even VW knew this was a good combo!! stuff u haters!! :P

LOL - Matte Black wheels are better though.

[MasterKevin]

nice!!! blue and black wheels!! see even VW knew this was a good combo!! stuff u haters!! :P

anything with gloss black is sex imo :P haha

[Capercat]

Has anyone noticed the scratched black wheel? (or is it just a reflection)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v654/AznKevin1/09062010726.jpg

[G-rig]

Did you take it for a spin MK? Looks like your private estate in the background :).

[G-rig]

The black wheels don't do it for me. Still prefer them in silver.

Don't so it for me either at least not on blue. May look good on CW though for some contrast.

[MasterKevin]

Did you take it for a spin MK? Looks like your private estate in the background :).

He told me to, but i was heading home from uni. said i had to study. he just told me to drop in when i had spare time.

He still thinks my gti is faster though :P lol

i said yeh but it fails off the lights as i never get traction lol.

Ps: you can see my daewoo im driving :D hahahaha

its a beast :D

[S&H]

Don't so it for me either at least not on blue. May look good on CW though for some contrast.

Chris32 has Matte Black BBS CH rims with a polished silver lip on his BMP R32 and that looks hot.
So yes, it depends on the rim, the car and the texture of the paint IMO.

[S&H]

He told me to, but i was heading home from uni. said i had to study. he just told me to drop in when i had spare time.

He still thinks my gti is faster though :P lol

i said yeh but it fails off the lights as i never get traction lol.

Ps: you can see my daewoo im driving :D hahahaha

its a beast :D

So you didn't get to test it?

[Islos]

MMM i might be the only one out on this limb... but i am not sold on the new R.... Few issues....

1. No option to continue the 3.2i motor.... grrr
2. Its nice dont get me wrong, but TO ME its nothing special.... and doesnt hold a candle to the Scirocco
3.Whats with the black brake calipers.. i think some one has said this but why not continue with the blue or red...
4.I would buy the GTI instead.
5.The interior is just the same as the MkV minus a few small changes

Now I know I have not put one positive item up there but you have to understand I am not hating it and it may take a while for me to get use to it but I think they droped the ball a bit with this one.

And i am very sorry if i have offended some one that is buying or bought one, not my intention at all. It is just my view and not something that is probably shared by any one else....

and i do get it power wise it exclipces the MkV R32, emmision it is better, fuel consumption better, So in a lot of ways better

but then VW being VW reduces the power here in Aus... WHAT THE....

I read the article and get it but seriously

again I appologies for the negetive manner of this post I am just a bit disappointed as I was hoping for more from VW with this car...

[S&H]

MMM i might be the only one out on this limb... but i am not sold on the new R.... Few issues....

1. No option to continue the 3.2i motor.... grrr
2. Its nice dont get me wrong, but TO ME its nothing special.... and doesnt hold a candle to the Scirocco
3.Whats with the black brake calipers.. i think some one has said this but why not continue with the blue or red...
4.I would buy the GTI instead.
5.The interior is just the same as the MkV minus a few small changes

Now I know I have not put one positive item up there but you have to understand I am not hating it and it may take a while for me to get use to it but I think they droped the ball a bit with this one.

And i am very sorry if i have offended some one that is buying or bought one, not my intention at all. It is just my view and not something that is probably shared by any one else....

and i do get it power wise it exclipces the MkV R32, emmision it is better, fuel consumption better, So in a lot of wasy better

but then VW being VW reduces the power here in Aus... WHAT THE....

I read the article and get it but seriously

again I appologies for the negetive manner of this post I am just a bit disappointed as I was hoping for more from VW with this car...

My answer would be because it drives more like the MkV GTI than the MKVI GTI and this is all I will say that.

[Islos]

My answer would be because it drives more like the MkV GTI than the MKVI GTI and this is all I will say that.

The new R....

[Islos]

again I appologies if any one gets upset by this i am not a negative person... just expressing a veiw....

i usualy like all mods and all changes and every one brings something new to the car... and with a bit of work the new R would look shmik i am sure... but its just me.....


OMG I AM SO DEAD FOR THIS ONE. lol

[MasterKevin]

again I appologies if any one gets upset by this i am not a negative person... just expressing a veiw....

i usualy like all mods and all changes and every one brings something new to the car... and with a bit of work the new R would look shmik i am sure... but its just me.....


OMG I AM SO DEAD FOR THIS ONE. lol

hahaha all good hence individual taste :D

[G-rig]

Chris32 has Matte Black BBS CH rims with a polished silver lip on his BMP R32 and that looks hot.
So yes, it depends on the rim, the car and the texture of the paint IMO.

Yeah those BBS ones are more classy and have a better finish, still may not look the best on blue or shiny metallic paint but quite good on white (and black/grey).

[S&H]

The new R....

Yes the New R.

[S&H]

again I appologies if any one gets upset by this i am not a negative person... just expressing a veiw....

i usualy like all mods and all changes and every one brings something new to the car... and with a bit of work the new R would look shmik i am sure... but its just me.....


OMG I AM SO DEAD FOR THIS ONE. lol

There should nothing to get upset about, as long as people don't take it personally. You are entitled to your opinion.

[Islos]

S&H as to yet have not driven one but ill take your word for it...

and i know but people can get a bit antsy so its better to be safe then sorry....

[S&H]

S&H as to yet have not driven one but ill take your word for it...

and i know but people can get a bit antsy so its better to be safe then sorry....

Drive one when the opportunity presents itself - I think you will be pleasantly surprised - I know I was.

[G-rig]

Drive one when the opportunity presents itself - I think you will be pleasantly surprised - I know I was.

Have you driven an S3 out of interest?

[S&H]

Have you driven an S3 out of interest?

No - have been meaning to but haven't had the time to make an appt. Would be good to compare the two.

[BBR32]

just 2 new vw R at vw wollongong both DSGhttp://farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/4684626584_689c8b658b_b.jpg

[BBR32]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4684626952_a800943d41_b.jpg new R

[BBR32]

Rhttp://farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4684627810_3c08a3b397_b.jpg

[BBR32]

Rhttp://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4684627522_8c228eaa5d_b.jpg

[RobR32]

lol BBR32 you can attach more then 1 photo in each post you know?

[BBR32]

hahaha yeah i did try to but only 1 pic was up my bad

[Byza]

I have my flame suit on and maybe having one of those days but...........

if you bought a "R" and had intentions of lowering it, wouldnt it be pointless in getting the adaptive suspension??? i would think this also applies to the GTI? I guess some tuning companies will bring out aftermarket suspension that will work with this equipment but surely it would be rediculous a price for this feature...?

sorry I maybe having a stupid moment so apologise in advance...

[random]

ahh i missed out on checking out the Golf R... one of the dealers drove it to derek's european autotech and i wasn't there to see it :(

[BBR32]

do not like it in black sorry http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4684697050_2d91f3af6f_b.jpg

[D4NM4C]

Negative, the blue, white or gunmetal for me

[saad]

I have my flame suit on and maybe having one of those days but...........

if you bought a "R" and had intentions of lowering it, wouldnt it be pointless in getting the adaptive suspension??? i would think this also applies to the GTI? I guess some tuning companies will bring out aftermarket suspension that will work with this equipment but surely it would be rediculous a price for this feature...?

sorry I maybe having a stupid moment so apologise in advance...

Agreed, which is why I wouldn't go ACC

[nath_mk6]

I have my flame suit on and maybe having one of those days but...........

if you bought a "R" and had intentions of lowering it, wouldnt it be pointless in getting the adaptive suspension??? i would think this also applies to the GTI? I guess some tuning companies will bring out aftermarket suspension that will work with this equipment but surely it would be rediculous a price for this feature...?

sorry I maybe having a stupid moment so apologise in advance...

Yeah I read somewhere, cant remember and Greg may be able to clarify, that you pretty much stuck at the moment, the most you can do is a swap of springs and then you're limited there too. So any car with the ACC is pretty much at its height from the factory....

[AP]

Well I think it looks hot!!! Might have to ad one to my vw collection!!

[BBR32]

Well I think it looks hot!!! Might have to ad one to my vw collection!!

yeah man do it but get white lol:D

[G-rig]

I have my flame suit on and maybe having one of those days but...........

if you bought a "R" and had intentions of lowering it, wouldnt it be pointless in getting the adaptive suspension??? i would think this also applies to the GTI? I guess some tuning companies will bring out aftermarket suspension that will work with this equipment but surely it would be rediculous a price for this feature...?

sorry I maybe having a stupid moment so apologise in advance...

Yeah I wouldn't order it if you have big plans on lowering the car. Good way to stop me playing around with it anyway.

WJ seems to think you can replace the springs to get a small drop (ie 15mm) but I'm not in a rush to do it as you'll get the old side affects like spring chatter and other noises. Someone in the US has done it on MK6.

Im sure aftermarket suspension will start to appear that works with this technology to give superior ride compared to most aftermarket setups.

[Justin Fox]

Yes don't ask me why but women always get too hung up on the asethetics even though more enjoyment comes from the drive performance. :lol:

Haha... Cheeky!!!

[GTom]

Well I think it looks hot!!! Might have to ad one to my vw collection!!

Saw one today, Charcoal Grey and it looked very nice from far away and close up, looked very aggressive!

[VTECMACHINE]

It's nice... those black rims are ugly though. Pretty disappointed by the Interior, I though they'd have something better than just Blue needles, and small trim.
How nice are those rear lights though! I'm sure it is quick.

[Capercat]

yeah man do it but get white lol:D

For some reason I'm really liking the new R in white with black rims.

[Ben]

I don't know if its the wheels or front bar though it doesn't look as aggressive as an R32 to me.
Scirrocco now that is an aggressive looking car they should have brought out - not a bad looking angle on it

[Robby_jai]

hmm i kinda.. miss the shiny chrome grill on the old R32... and for some reason to me.. the old Golf R32 had real road presence!!! the New Golf R you sort of need to do two looks before you realise its a R.... too similar to a GTI..

still a nice car.... any one heard the exhaust on the new R??? Whats it sound like?

[DaveXR8]

next time u there justin, remember to steal those tail lights for me =D

Must have been these that I saw on the truck heading North Ed!

Similar looking front bar to the Scirocco I think.

[Cam]

still a nice car.... any one heard the exhaust on the new R??? Whats it sound like?

Shannon and one or two other people have said its like a louder more angry version of the pirelli exhaust. Nice but nothing like the v6


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LBLq3FtCXI&feature=related

[BBR32]

yeah i gave the new R a rev today and its not so good at all

[BBR32]

For some reason I'm really liking the new R in white with black rims.
yeah def looks hot with white on black

[D4NM4C]

I still think its the best looking car to leave VW Dealerships..
My #1 car atm

[chugga44]

yeah i gave the new R a rev today and its not so good at all

cant wait to see a big set of twin cannons on an R. rice it up

[OraQube]

From that vid, they don't sound very inspiring at all.

[S&H]

From that vid, they don't sound very inspiring at all.

If you are expecting a guttural V6 growl, you won't find it on the R. But it did sound more aggressive than the standard GTI and Pirelli from both the inside and out. UNLESS of course, the demo car I test drove has had it's resonator deleted (as a marketing ploy) by the dealership. Which could have been a possibility. :)

[G-rig]

An aftermarket exhaust could be the go, the RSC sounds a lot meaner if that's what you want.

[onpole01]

So many good comments and observations about this car-very enjoyable reading.

Not having seen it in person to get a sense of its 'presence' it's hard for me to judge. But i agree with Robby_jai in that it's a 'look twicer' in that you have to look twice to see if it's an R, I don't think that serves this model's appeal well at all. The GTI has a red stripe across the front to help distinguish it from other Golfs however the R has a silver R and not much else. The grill is from where? i am not sure. if you buy an R you'd expect a little more 'look at me value' perhaps?

It's still way more appealing for me as potential purchase than a MKVI however. Anyway i need to go and see it and get a proper feel for it. I actually like that exhaust sound too.

Anyways, 188KW plus flash will be nice

[Cam]

From that vid, they don't sound very inspiring at all.

Sounds like its rev limited at 4k like the MKVI GTI is. In which case I'm sure it sounds better once its actually moving
:)

[BBR32]

Sounds like its rev limited at 4k like the MKVI GTI is. In which case I'm sure it sounds better once its actually moving
:)

yeah u are right i think it will sound better moving def it still just not doing it for me

[OraQube]

If you are expecting a guttural V6 growl, you won't find it on the R. But it did sound more aggressive than the standard GTI and Pirelli from both the inside and out. UNLESS of course, the demo car I test drove has had it's resonator deleted (as a marketing ploy) by the dealership. Which could have been a possibility. :)

It's understandable...just gotta get used to the fact that it's not meant to sound like an R32. However, from the inside it does sound better, as I remember watching another vid where you could hear it quite predominantly.


Sounds like its rev limited at 4k like the MKVI GTI is. In which case I'm sure it sounds better once its actually moving
:)

I think you may be right too, Cam.

[S&H]

Review of the R in the Belfast Telegraph.

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/motoring/review-volkwagon-golf-r-14569594.html


Just a snippet:

As a car and a concept, the R32 never really captured the imagination in the manner of the, less powerful and ultimately less capable GTI. Though it was seriously fast, the car’s V6 engine and four-wheel-drive transmission piled on weight and cost. A rethink was deemed necessary and the meaner, leaner Golf R was fashioned to better plug the gap at the top of the Golf range.

The thinking behind the R isn’t difficult to appreciate. The GTI is a leader in the hot hatch market but it’s a little more restrained than the majority of its rivals. Volkswagen has created a fine-handling and devastatingly quick car that’s also refined and comfortable as an everyday drive. It sounds superb but the effortless pace and measured maturity of the GTI isn’t quite what a certain segment of the market is looking for.

The majority of the cars we’d term hot hatchbacks feel more aggressive than the GTI, even if they are ultimately less capable, while models like the Ford Focus RS and Subaru Impreza STi have demonstrated that there’s a market for real hardcore heavyweights. The Golf R is the GTI let off the leash.

[Justin Fox]

Interesting read that. What really pisses me off is this bit:

Volkswagen has created a fine-handling and devastatingly quick car that’s also refined and comfortable as an everyday drive.

I'd much prefer it if they just deleted the middle bit to this:

Volkswagen has created a fine-handling and devastatingly quick car FULL STOP!

[Capercat]

I'd much prefer it if they just deleted the middle bit to this:

Volkswagen has created a fine-handling and devastatingly quick car FULL STOP!

That's why VW bought Porsche, saves them the guess work. haha (not the most comfortable ride)

[S&H]

Interesting read that. What really pisses me off is this bit:

Volkswagen has created a fine-handling and devastatingly quick car that’s also refined and comfortable as an everyday drive.

I'd much prefer it if they just deleted the middle bit to this:

Volkswagen has created a fine-handling and devastatingly quick car FULL STOP!

Sorry, but I do not understand...isn't that middle bit - a positive?

That is what Top Gear and Fifth Gear said of the MKV GTI in their reviews of it. It can be both maniacal (when given the stick) but comfortable for everyday driving at the same time (a good balance). The MKVI GTI however is less maniacal and more civil ...a observation that this review and a couple others (e.g. Autocar) have alluded to.

[ikprojekt]

just fantastic! i saw a big truck coming with heaps of them. ..

[S&H]

Another person has test driven the R...here is his impression of it...

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f112/golf-r-specifications-prices-45641-11.html#post519363

[Justin Fox]

Sorry, but I do not understand...isn't that middle bit - a positive?

Depends on who's buying I suppose. I do admit I go in and out of old man vs. young man syndrome though. Sometimes I just want a comfy car so I run out and buy a Jazz, or a Golf but then I get so comfortable I almost fall asleep at the wheel!!! It's a bit of a never ending cycle with me and usually not too long before I rip out the padding to get the car to feel more 'alive' no matter what car it is.

[random]

Reading good reviews are one thing, but taking a test drive yourself is another. I think i will make my own judgment in the coming weeks.

[Justin Fox]

I've read so many great reviews on things but found them to be nothing at all like the review. I'm not just saying car stuff. It's everything. Food, bikes you name it!

Worst of all when I go to test a car I don't usually get to spend enough time with it to really get to know it enough. IE: I'm thrust into such a different car to my own that I just can't possibly review it to my best ability in such a short period of time as that time is wasted on just getting used to the differences.

The best reviews I've done on cars have been on other tuned cars which were the same model and make as my own but with different modifications. For example, taking my mate Mark's NA MX5 out on the track for 4 laps. I was able to distinctly feel (and see) the differences in the way it handled, accelerated and stopped in comparison to my one.

Buying a new car based off a 20 minute test drive is a scary thought. Buying a house based off a 20 minute house inspection is even scarier!

[random]

I've read so many great reviews on things but found them to be nothing at all like the review. I'm not just saying car stuff. It's everything. Food, bikes you name it!

Worst of all when I go to test a car I don't usually get to spend enough time with it to really get to know it enough. IE: I'm thrust into such a different car to my own that I just can't possibly review it to my best ability in such a short period of time as that time is wasted on just getting used to the differences.

The best reviews I've done on cars have been on other tuned cars which were the same model and make as my own but with different modifications. For example, taking my mate Mark's NA MX5 out on the track for 4 laps. I was able to distinctly feel (and see) the differences in the way it handled, accelerated and stopped in comparison to my one.

Buying a new car based off a 20 minute test drive is a scary thought. Buying a house based off a 20 minute house inspection is even scarier!

That is so true justin.

On a test drive, or course people will love it, because it is something new, something different. (not saying the golf R will be a bad car or anything). And for 20 minutes, on roads you don't usually drive around, you can't really tell the difference, you always see the pros first before you see the cons. Just like when you see a pretty girl, good on the outside and not always good on the inside.

In terms of car reviews. They are not always accurate, some big reviews have been paid for, and some smaller reviews just copy what others say. And most reviewers get around 20 minutes like everyone else (in europe anyway).

Also completely true about the house thing, such a big investment and decision... but i did spend a very long time to decide which house to buy.

Oh on the review thing... so many reviewers rave on about the polo, personally i thought it was quite poor.

[Lima]

...Not having seen it in person to get a sense of its 'presence' it's hard for me to judge. But i agree with Robby_jai in that it's a 'look twicer' in that you have to look twice to see if it's an R, I don't think that serves this model's appeal well at all. The GTI has a red stripe across the front to help distinguish it from other Golfs however the R has a silver R and not much else...

Apart from LED DRLs and deeper/more aggressive front grille and its the only Golf in the range not to have foglights. Then there's the gloss black mirrors, centrally mounted twin exhaust, LED rear tailights, distinctive alloys and proper side skirts.

I do agree its subtle, and the average Joe would be unlikely to notice it, but for car forum nerds like us the differences are quite obvious (or should be, I would've thought).

Besides, anyone wanting a more lairy look at me hardcore car shouldn't be buying a Golf. It's just not Volkswagen's bag and never really has been. And, for me, generally that is why the more affordable VAG brands (eg. VW/Audi) appeal.

What we really need is the crazy and sexy curves of the Seat range in Australia.

[Jeffie]

Saw a grey one on Church st Parra (Denlo I think?). Went in looking for it, walked past it 3 times before I realised what it was. If they were going for subtlety, they got it, as I could barely pick it from the rest of the MKVIs. To be honest I think the GTI even looks more out there than the R.

I think it was because it was 5 door... If you get a 3 door at least people wont mistake it for a done up TDI.

Its a shame that the R has slowly gotten less aggressive since the MK4.

[G-rig]

Well put Liam, it's definitely not a look a me car and very subdued. At least with the iconic detroits/denvers and red stripe you can tell fairly quickly it's a GTI.

Although, those LED's will get a fair bit of attention (when on my GTI :P).

Proper side skirts would be nice too.

Agree, MK4 was the toughest looking.

[S&H]

I've read so many great reviews on things but found them to be nothing at all like the review. I'm not just saying car stuff. It's everything. Food, bikes you name it!

Worst of all when I go to test a car I don't usually get to spend enough time with it to really get to know it enough. IE: I'm thrust into such a different car to my own that I just can't possibly review it to my best ability in such a short period of time as that time is wasted on just getting used to the differences.

The best reviews I've done on cars have been on other tuned cars which were the same model and make as my own but with different modifications. For example, taking my mate Mark's NA MX5 out on the track for 4 laps. I was able to distinctly feel (and see) the differences in the way it handled, accelerated and stopped in comparison to my one.

Buying a new car based off a 20 minute test drive is a scary thought. Buying a house based off a 20 minute house inspection is even scarier!

Yes, I hear what you are saying. Reviews are only a general guide of what to expect or act as a confirmation once you have tested the product. There are so many variables involved and everyones different (differing likes/dislikes) that one review can properly address every persons expectations/needs. What one has to do is to read as many reviews as possible of a particular product and look for a general concensus/common links between them, to glean a better idea of the product.

The hands on test is just to confirm or refute the things you have researched. However, this can also be a two edged sword, the reviews can also colour your expectations (positively or negatively) of the product before the test.

With the R, I wasn't expecting much of the car having had a negative experience with the MkVI GTI (after testing it at the GTI track day last year) and reading the intial specs of the R on the net, I was expecting the R to be equally uninspiring. But I was pleasantly surprised after my test drive - mainly because it felt familiar - it felt like driving my Pirelli but better - most notable was the better acceleration, better stopping power and that aggressive sounding zorst.

WRT house hunting, it takes time looking at many many homes - you will know once you find one that is made for you. A house + pest inspection by an engineer will report if there are any structural problems with the place.

[Lima]

Its a shame that the R has slowly gotten less aggressive since the MK4.

I love the Mk4 R32, don't get me wrong, but you must remember a different one to me. :p

http://i47.tinypic.com/2nm3lp4.jpg

http://motorjournalist.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/2010-vw-golf-r-top1.jpg

[Jeffie]

How about less aggressive in relation to the normal ones in base R spec?? In dark grey and 5 door you just cant see anything special about it. With the mk4 there were no other 3 doors except the R32.... That 6 sound... the Recaro seats standard. It was just special where as this is gets lost in the crowd.

PS you picked the least flattering and most flattering photos of each to prove your point :p

[G-rig]

Shame the MK4 are slow, the MK6 will be a ripper.

[Lima]

PS you picked the least flattering and most flattering photos of each to prove your point :p

Haha, not really. Visually, at least, the car's a pretty much identical in philosophy. A big deep lower front grille is the main visual identifier. Apart from that its pretty much standard fare, aside from a few special R bits as pointed out earlier.

Its true the Mk4 does have a lovely engine note that no four cylinder could ever imitate and the seats are pretty special. So, I do know where you are coming from. Those aspects aside, though, the new R, on paper anyway, has raised the performance game considerably from the first R32. IMO that outweighs the intangibles the Mk4 (or Mk5 for that matter) may offer.

I've only had a brief drive of the Mk4 R32 and, exhaust note aside, there was not really any redeeming feature it offered over our Mk5 GTI. In fact the GTI even felt quicker and more responsive. If you put both cars against the clock that might not be the actual case, but from the seat of the pants I found the supposedly more lowly Mk5 GTI to be a better drive. But, like I said, this conclusion came after a brief 20 minute test drive so is not intended to be a conclusive opinion.

[saad]

Well Im taking one for a test drive this saturda - lets hope I can get some proper time behind the wheel. And theres the VW training thing on tuesday and Im hoping Ill get to give one a good flogging there. Will be good see how it really drives, and I would love to properly compare it to an S3.

[chugga44]

give one a good flogging there. .

i feel very sorry for the R's next tuesday...poor little things

[G-rig]

That's why you don't buy a demo haha. Although these cars are meant to be driven hard i guess.

Let us know how you go Saad.

[forsaken]

is this Barloworld in Ferntree Gully Vic? Looks awesome!