The Mega Mk7 Golf GTI/GTD/R thread

bazz26

Oafley Jones wrote: »

The tartan thing always looked absolutely rotten to me. Where does that come from? Is it simply because the game came from Scotland?

It stems back the game alright I'd imagine when the MkI GTi was launched same as the golf ball type gear stick. Enough people must like it to keep it going 7 generations later all the same.

JoeA3

Yeah it's a retro throw back. Some love it some hate it. I must say photos don't tend to do it justice especially crap dealer Carzone pics. If you can find / spec from new the half alcantara option with the tartan centres it does look very smart IMO.

MisterDrak

Having driven the cars for the last few days, I'm blown away by the much improved ride and comfort, and general quietness in the cabin.

It leaves me to wonder what there actually a serious problem with my previous car ?

Also love the DSG, although Iv only left it in Eco for the moment.

JoeA3

MisterDrak wrote: »

Having driven the cars for the last few days, I'm blown away by the much improved ride and comfort, and general quietness in the cabin.

It leaves me to wonder what there actually a serious problem with my previous car ?

Also love the DSG, although Iv only left it in Eco for the moment.

In what way was your old car uncomfortable / noisy? And it was on 17's right? Was the cabin full of squeaks and rattles?

I can't say I notice a significant difference in mine. The R is on 19's but it's actually a bit more comfortable on the bumps, largely because I had the GTI lowered a little on slightly stiffer springs (won't be doing that again). The R interior also feels a tad more solid (the GTI had the occasional squeak/buzz, but nothing major tbh). The R being brand new obviously feels very tight...

ondafly

I don't have any squeaks or anything in my 132 GTI except for the babyseat when its empty, I'm also on 19s. @MisterDrak did you have leather in the previous car ? I found leather in cars is a massive sound/rattle killer.

What I will say about the Mk7 GTi that I don't like and the R as well, is they didn't make unique seats for them, or shall I say desirable ? I love how the headrests in the Mk5 GTI fit into the seat and who can forget the awesome buckets for the R32.

MisterDrak

JoeA3 wrote: »

In what way was your old car uncomfortable / noisy? And it was on 17's right? Was the cabin full of squeaks and rattles?

Speed bumps and anything approaching a pothole had me either slowing to a crawl or dodging madly before hitting it. I suspect it was the 17" alright, however I specifically specked the smaller wheels with more rubber to get the more compliant ride, however that seemed to have the opposite effect.

I do remember posting for advice back in 2013, after upgrading to the Mk7 after the Mk6, saying that the ride seemed to be inferior in the newer car? Anyway its somebody else's problem now ...

I remember saying that to yourself in this tread about the R seeming tighter when I got that test drive back in Feb.

JoeA3

MisterDrak wrote: »

I remember saying that to yourself in this tread about the R seeming tighter when I got that test drive back in Feb.

I remember that too yeah. Yes, the car feels tighter but every new car feels tight for a the first few thousand k. Once the new car smell wears off you might start hearing the odd squeak!

MisterDrak

ondafly wrote: »

@MisterDrak did you have leather in the previous car ? I found leather in cars is a massive sound/rattle killer.

No just the standard tartan, I did get a new set of mats (on top of the Standard Golf ones) in Halfords on Thursday, and they probably contribute slightly to the sound deadening.

But to be clear, its the improved ride comfort and compliance that im impressed by. There were no rattles etc in any of the Golfs that I owned. Even the old Mk5 that the MrsD drives is still pretty solid...

everlast75

did anyone go mental on accessories

On all my previous cars, I got bits and bobs but there's not much that I can see for the GTi/GTD/R?

ondafly

MisterDrak wrote: »

No just the standard tartan, I did get a new set of mats (on top of the Standard Golf ones) in Halfords on Thursday, and they probably contribute slightly to the sound deadening.

But to be clear, its the improved ride comfort and compliance that im impressed by. There were no rattles etc in any of the Golfs that I owned. Even the old Mk5 that the MrsD drives is still pretty solid...

perhaps the tires are better ? I've personally noticed big differences between brands of tires with regards to compliance on the road etc.

also sounds like you have a similar household to ourselves - wife drives the mk5 GTI and I the mk7 My wife hasn't drive the 7 since the test drive, which has surprised me ! but has prevented the alloys getting scuffed :pac:

JoeA3

everlast75 wrote: »

did anyone go mental on accessories

On all my previous cars, I got bits and bobs but there's not much that I can see for the GTi/GTD/R?

I got a nice mat for the boot... it's on the VW accessories site, kinda rubber/foam-like material. Very smart and cost about €50.

The dealer also gave me that nice freebie pack that was doing the rounds with new orders (keyrings, VW camper van egg cup(!), umbrella, VW mugs, pens, USB stick, etc..)

I'd like to get some door sill protectors if I could find a good set.

everlast75

JoeA3 wrote: »

I got a nice mat for the boot... it's on the VW accessories site, kinda rubber/foam-like material. Very smart and cost about €50.

The dealer also gave me that nice freebie pack that was doing the rounds with new orders (keyrings, VW camper van egg cup(!), umbrella, VW mugs, pens, USB stick, etc..)

I'd like to get some door sill protectors if I could find a good set.

Might look into the boot protector.

Will prob get the mudguards and window deflectors. Thinking of getting the windows a little darker tint too. We have a 3 month old and the tint doesn't cut it at the moment.

JoeA3

everlast75 wrote: »

Might look into the boot protector.

Will prob get the mudguards and window deflectors. Thinking of getting the windows a little darker tint too. We have a 3 month old and the tint doesn't cut it at the moment.

There are VW OEM sun blinds available. Saw them on the UK accessories site. A bit pricey though if I recall.

Mudflaps look a bit crap on a GTI/D/R imo... but if getting them make sure they're the right ones as the sills/bumpers are different on the GTI.

everlast75

JoeA3 wrote: »

There are VW OEM sun blinds available. Saw them on the UK accessories site. A bit pricey though if I recall.

Mudflaps look a bit crap on a GTI/D/R imo... but if getting them make sure they're the right ones as the sills/bumpers are different on the GTI.

I like the idea of the extra tint. Might even get a slight red hue to it (may change my mind on that!)

Re Mudguards as opposed to mudflaps just to be clear I'll pay close attention to the colour though!

Someone scratched the rear bumper on Thursday but acknowledged that she did. Have to get the rear bumper sprayed

ondafly

I've seen these sill protectors

http://www.r-racing.co.uk/vw-golf-mk7-5dr-door-sill-protection-guards-dsp202-28679-p.asp

No idea if they are any good though.

JoeA3

everlast75 wrote: »

I like the idea of the extra tint. Might even get a slight red hue to it (may change my mind on that!)

Re Mudguards as opposed to mudflaps just to be clear I'll pay close attention to the colour though!

Someone scratched the rear bumper on Thursday but acknowledged that she did. Have to get the rear bumper sprayed

Oh man, hate that!!! At least she acknowledged it though so it could have been worse.

Mudguards/mudflaps, what's the difference?!!

everlast75

JoeA3 wrote: »

Oh man, hate that!!! At least she acknowledged it though so it could have been worse.

Mudguards/mudflaps, what's the difference?!!

Mudguards are static plastic, whereas flaps hang loose and down

JoeA3

Ah yeah, so mudguards are only slightly less worse looking then

MisterDrak

ondafly wrote: »

also sounds like you have a similar household to ourselves - wife drives the mk5 GTI and I the mk7 My wife hasn't drive the 7 since the test drive, which has surprised me ! but has prevented the alloys getting scuffed :pac:

When I got the Mk6, and after only 2 weeks the Mrs, reversed out and kerbed both alloys. Needless to say she only have one supervised drive in old Mk7, and with be a few years yet before she finds the key for the new baby :):).

JoeA3

MisterDrak wrote: »

When I got the Mk6, and after only 2 weeks the Mrs, reversed out and kerbed both alloys. Needless to say she only have one supervised drive in old Mk7, and with be a few years yet before she finds the key for the new baby :):).

Sounds like the perfect recipe for a happy marriage :pac:

My wife is afraid to drive mine too. The combination of my fussiness, the power on tap and the DSG box is just too much...

MisterDrak

vintagevrs wrote: »

First thing to do though is set up a wifi hot spot on your mobile and connect the car to it.

When you get time to set up carnet you need this link. Register and you will need your chassis number. It generates a code then you enter into the car.


https://www.volkswagen-car-net.com/portal/en_GB/web/gb/register?command=c

Vintagevrs,

Thanks for the above, and got the car net working ok...
However the App-Connect now seems to be more stubborn. There is precious little info around on getting it setup?

The car does not see the iphone 6 device, even when its physically connected to the cars USB port...

Any ideas anyone ?

vintagevrs

I do not have app connect, it tells me to go to a dealer to activate and I am also an android user. However, I believe you need to switch on Siri for it to work. Try that maybe?

Did it work fine before?

I also understand that app connect needs to be connected via usb. It will not work via bluetooth. Bluetooth will support calls and allow you to stream music.

The wifi hotspot on your phone is needed to allow carnet access to the web.

App connect needs physical connection between car and phone.

These three things are separate and it can be confusing to understand what is needed for each, esp with Carnet and Carplay sounding so similar.

How did you get app connect on your head unit? It's not meant to be an option in Ireland yet. I can see VW wanting a few hundred euro from me to activate it. I do like the look of android auto though!

MisterDrak

I went for the discovery pro, so I guess I have everything that they bundle technology wise.

I got the Car-Net working as per your suggestion (your web link and registration code ), and it was free...

I have barely played with it, but it does have a news feed, Google maps and street view.

The App-Connect seems to be the more useful option though, basically mirroring the iPhone common functions. Just over on the UK Gti forum and not much there either regarding setup...

Ill have a play this afternoon and see if I can figure out, and report back...

vintagevrs

Ah makes sense on the disco pro option, same as UK it is in bundled in.

The car net isnt that great to be honest. I set up a few news feeds and you can send destinations to the car from a PC but for me it's not something I will use.

However, app connect is if I had it. Try Siri switched on and plug USB in. I believe that's all you need to do.

JoeA3

Does car-net work when the vehicle is in motion? I don't think mine does, it doesn't seem to connect to the WLAN (my phone's "hotspot") unless I'm parked!

I'd agree it's fairly gimmicky. The one feature I do like (although it's a bit flakey too) is you can log onto the portal on your computer and via a google-maps style interface you can search for and save "online destinations". Those destinations then appear in the car the next time you start car-net. Handy if you know your destination in advance and want to upload a few POI's.

As for App-Connect, I don't have it either, I also get the "requires dealer activation" message. There was a big thread on golfmk7.com with lots of people having issues getting it to work.

HERE: http://www.golfmk7.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11132

MisterDrak

I got App-Connect working last night after a few attempts.

I had to plug in the phone and basically RE-Boot the car a few times (yes we now got to that stage with cars ). It only worked already being plugged in and starting the car after...

The App-Connect interface is nice, with a snappy response from each app I tried.

The music is a big improvement, where you can now play and manage your playlists easily, and the transition between songs also nice. The Google maps is an improvement over the native VW maps, but again I will need to use it more before making a final judgement.

Didn't have time to use the messages, but from what I understand it could be pretty cool

MuppetCheck

If the app connect is like the smart link in the Skoda it works most reliably if you connect the phone after you start the car. Doing it before the head unit has started properly seems to confuse the hell out of it most of the time.

cena

Where the best place to buy one of these cars??

JoeA3

cena wrote: »

Where the best place to buy one of these cars??

Your local VW dealers would be my first port of call.

Ron Burgundy II

Joe A3,

Can you give me an idea of how big the fuel tank is in these cars (GTi)? (how much you put in on a weekly basis) I'm currently looking at a Mark 7 and want to get a handle on a few figures before I make any move to buy one.

I only bought my current car 9 months ago and I'm not doing the mileage to justify a diesel but am I mad to move so quickly.