Consumer Reports Just Bashed And Tormented The MKVll GTI

"Vicente Esteve" (vicente-esteve)
07/19/2014 at 11:50 • Filed to: MKVII GTI

I am lost for words. After reading endless reviews from all over the world of how damn maginificent this car is, I am startled. They have called it "The only car you will ever need" and "The Best GTI" in other automotive media whilst Consumer Reports just said it was "Unforgettable" and "Dull". Now, let me be clear, I like Consumer Reports. Their discussion videos are entertaining for me, as are the presenters. But this, just confuzed me and angered me a bit. See for yourself and give me your opinion.

The discussion is at the beggining of the video.

DISCUSSION (79)

PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 11:52

if you listen carefully, you can hear the bullshit slowly rolling down their backs

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 11:53

Dull is not the word I'd use. It isn't as dramatic as say the Focus ST but that car is designed to be pretty over the top, especially in a bright colour. But theres a grey GTD not far from my house and it definitely catches the eye when you walk past and from what I've heard they're an entertaining drive too.

mazda616 > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 11:53

Consumer Reports in itself is dull and forgettable, so it's whatever.

GeorgeyBoy > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 11:58

Probably didn't get a payment on time from VAG.

TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 11:58

The only other review I've seen that casts the new GTI in a negative light was Tiff's review of it on Fifth Gear. He remarked that it was capable, but since he couldn't fully switch off the electronic stability systems off, it just wasn't as fun as the MKV GTI.

All Motor Is Best Motor > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 11:59

Unlike most ignorant people on Jalopnik, I too like Consumer Reports for their sometimes brutally honest reviews of cars and other products and services. Just look at what they forced Honda to do with the 2012 Civic. The car went from "Recommended" to "Don't Buy" without hesitation. CR brings into light all the negative parts of cars that regular reviewers are too scared to mention out of fear of not being loaned cars to review anymore. And despite what everyone on Jalopnik would have you believe, they actually recognize the driving enjoyment in performance cars.

That being said, I've no idea what to make of this. Either the guys at CR are just out of their minds or they're willing to say what everyone else is too afraid of to admit. That possibly the GTI has gotten soft. There seems to be some sort of "halo status" surrounding the GTI. Every time there's a redesign the press goes bananas and calls it the best hot hatch ever, etc. I'm wondering if some of that is blown out of proportion. I've never driven any GTI, sadly, so I cannot make any opinionated comments.

Edit: I wanted to add that sometimes CR does get it wrong in their reviews. At least, they don't always reflect the real public's opinion in terms of sales. They pretty much said the new Jeep Cherokee isn't worth buying, but I've been seeing them absolutely EVERYWHERE now. Clearly there's something about the car that most people find appealing because it's selling like crazy, despite a poorly optimized transmission.

Also: No, I'm not going to buy a fucking Camry because CR liked it. Hell, I probably won't heed their advice on something like a BRZ. They say it's cheap with an unrefined ride, etc but I would buy one anyway.

Conan > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 12:01

Consumer Reports sometimes likes to be the Armond White of automotive criticism.

jkm7680 > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 12:02

I completely disagree with them, it sounds like a grumpy older fellow is writing it who is comparing it to a Corvette or something.

All Motor Is Best Motor > GeorgeyBoy
07/19/2014 at 12:04

CR doesn't take payments from any auto make. They anonymously buy every car they review. It's why you don't see supercar reviews from them, and it's why they freely bash any car they find unworthy.

aquila121 > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 12:04

Wouldn't "unforgettable" be a positive descriptor? Or did they use "forgettable" and "dull"? I'm inferring the latter, but just want to make sure before I echo my surprise.

GeorgeyBoy > All Motor Is Best Motor
07/19/2014 at 12:07

It was a joke... Are you from CR?

All Motor Is Best Motor > GeorgeyBoy
07/19/2014 at 12:08

No, but there's a lot of idiotic CR hate around here, so I never know who's serious and who's half serious.

Leadbull > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 12:09

Kinja'd!!!

This GIF sums up the whole thing.

NotUnlessRoundIsFunny > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 12:09

Consumer Reports is more valuable for their member-provided reliability data. Their test drives are just another opinion, sometimes we may agree and other times not. So who knows why they are sour on this GTI—they loved the last one.

trynthink > NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
07/19/2014 at 12:19

They didn't like this GTI because the electric power steering was "numb" and not as fun as the Fiesta ST.

Vicente Esteve > PetarVN, GLI Guy, now with stupid power
07/19/2014 at 12:23

Man, I feel that bullshit. Its strangling their necks.

Vicente Esteve > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
07/19/2014 at 12:27

Exactly, they arent as boy racer as they wanted it to be I guess

Vicente Esteve > mazda616
07/19/2014 at 12:29

I actually like their videos, and their track hoonerism is quite cool. But I was startled by this.

Vicente Esteve > GeorgeyBoy
07/19/2014 at 12:30

Well, see a review of the MKVI Jetta and it would seem that payment was just some Pringles and a VW keychain.

People don't bash the GTI

Vicente Esteve > TwinCharged - Is Now UK Opponaut
07/19/2014 at 12:32

Thats always their criticism, and thats because Tiff is a damn Racing driver, not a middle aged man.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 12:33

That's what I like about it. Most of the speed and fun of the Focus but with comfort (in person the interior looks great) and none of the boy racer looks that get you pulled over, or challenged by kids in knackered civics all of the time. Very expensive now though, in the UK they're cresting £28k for a base DSG, price you pay for that premium interior and such I suppose.

Vicente Esteve > All Motor Is Best Motor
07/19/2014 at 12:36

This is just EXACTLY my thoughts. What is really weird is that even Jalopnik thats most concerned with enthusiastic driving said the GTI was great to drive. As are european reviewers. I just dont know if its hype, but it would be too much hype of every other automotive media!

Vicente Esteve > Conan
07/19/2014 at 12:37

They do

Vicente Esteve > jkm7680
07/19/2014 at 12:41

He probably had a bad experience with one. I don't now, I still want one badly.

Vicente Esteve > aquila121
07/19/2014 at 12:44

As the video says, "unforgettable" as in it wont be remembered for anything. And I dont understand why they compare its merits to the mk1. The MK1 was the creator for gods sake! No other one will be as important!

jkm7680 > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 12:44

He probably is just trying to deny that it's better than whatever he drives.

Vicente Esteve > Leadbull
07/19/2014 at 12:45

My same reaction towards their opinion

Vicente Esteve > NotUnlessRoundIsFunny
07/19/2014 at 12:46

Seems odd to me a well

Vicente Esteve > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
07/19/2014 at 12:52

Wow, thats damn expensive. The car is worth it though

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 12:57

Yeah it's a great all rounder, not sure I'd be happy paying such a high price though with the Focus ST being there.

Kanaric > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
07/19/2014 at 13:06

Well the GTI is advertised by the company and it's fans as an exciting hot hatch when it's really a warm hatch commuter. That is the issue people have with it.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Kanaric
07/19/2014 at 13:15

I wouldn't call it a warm hatch at all, 0-60 in 6.5 seconds is proper hot hatch territory in my book. It is a lot more plush than your average hot hatch though, but still in the same class performance wise.

Kanaric > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
07/19/2014 at 13:48

With the previous WRX hatch and the MS3 hatch I think the game has changed as far as hot hatches are concerned. Even the Focus ST gets 5.9 0-60. It may relatively compare but it doesn't compare in speed per dollar, which isn't the point of that car and really that is what hot hatches are all about. Same with classic muscle cars, small car big engine, cheap performance per dollar.

300hp on a V8 in the 90s would be considered fast back then, that's my point. Same with the Subaru WRX STI and Evo in 2003. In the US they are only available with around 300hp, that is behind the times. Sure power doesn't mean everything in a handling car but 305hp in a STI? It's been like that all while everyone else has had power increases in their cars. The AMG A45 shouldn't have been the first consumer 4 cylinder turbo car with over 350hp. It should of been the EVO or STI 5 years ago.

VW might give a car with a bit of performance boost but will probably charge an outrageous sum like they did with that special edition Beatle, forgot the trim name.

The VW is a borderline luxury car. That is it's purpose. They didn't even have limited slip diff until this model. The fact it's around 225hp and is the slowest hot hatch in recent years in its class is this models equivalent of lacking a limited slip.

I'm not trying to be a dick or anything like that, I want to eventually get a Golf R but I would just love something in between even more. I would rather trade off the luxo benefits of Golf for the power of MS3 or FST. A hot hatch is a minimalist fast hatch car, the GTI is not that. It's a quick car with all the trimmings. It's the car you buy if you want a borderline luxo-car. If you don't consider luxury AT ALL it's simply a car you do not look at unless you are specifically a VW fan.

Right now it benefits from it being an off-time in the US market. No hatch WRX, only car of equivalent size is Focus ST, no new Speed 3 yet, SRT Dart still coming, etc. It's only Focus ST vs Golf GTI. But that is going to change really soon. I'm still waiting on VW to reach for the hot hatch sky and they haven't, adding a LSD and adding 20hp to what was a poor 200hp sum is not enough. Hot hatches of this size are simply more extreme now.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Kanaric
07/19/2014 at 14:05

I think our disagreement here is mainly due to the culture difference between the UK and the US. Hot hatch here is really pretty broad and the sort of cars we call a warm hatch you don't regularly get over there. This is a list of what a car mag over here defines as warm hatches http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-categories… .

Really anything mid size hatchback sorta size with 175hp or more with sporting pretensions will be classed as a hot hatch. For a start 200hp is a lot more favourably looked upon in general here with a car with 150hp in something smaller being though of as pretty quick in some contexts.

We have a lot of hatches with similar power as the GTI for sale that are defined as hot hatches although the market is slowly moving up to higher power ratings as diffs and suspension improves.

Hot hatches haven't really been minimalist for a long time either, although I will agree the GTI is close to being a lower level executive car.

It's all a question of semantics really but no one over here really disagrees that the GTI is a hot hatch, not sure how the media defines the GTI over in the US though.

Cars with over 300hp or more are often thought of being on another level here and 200hp is still alot. For example in a review of the Seat Leon Cupra they refer to it having "searing pace" at 260hp. This Leon is also more expensive than the Golf. Honestly I don't think I'd feel myself wishing for more than 220hp during normal driving often, especially with FWD.

CJinOB > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 14:07

Face it. This is the difference between 'experiencing' the new GTI at VW's media junket with SWAG & refreshments and just buying and driving a new GTI with perspective of what else is on the market. VW made a day of their media reveal, giving anyone willing time in inferior old GTIs to put the new one in the best possible light. They showered the media with attention and appreciation and they framed the new GTI as their greatest achievement. Then the automotive media, most of them completely embarrassing, sycophantic, panty-waist fuckwits like the staff of Car and Driver, used their handy media guides to regurgitate VW's marketing talking points to show their gratitude for a life affirming weekend. Consumer Reports merely bought a GTI and then tested it. Boring.

Vicente Esteve > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
07/19/2014 at 14:10

Well, the badge in Europe is worth that much to people.

Vicente Esteve > CJinOB
07/19/2014 at 14:12

Well, I know it may seem boring, but to anyone who was owned or thought of buying one its actually usable info.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 14:13

Yep strangely they have a reputation for quality and reliability. Interior quality is great to be fair but quality of the engineering, eh not so much. I have yet to see and early mark 6 golf that doesn't have rust and I constantly see them with the hazards on at the side of the road so I'm not sure why they're seen as reliable.

Vicente Esteve > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
07/19/2014 at 14:16

I dont know, probably its how people maintain them there instead of in America. Maintenance is a very important factor for a car to keep going.

CJinOB > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 14:19

I meant the car was boring, not the idea of a review delivered by people who didn't feel they were indebted to VW for including them in such a marvelous media party. Consumer Reports' review does have the potential to provide actual useful information, unlike every one based on the product introduction event.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 14:21

It definitely isn't that, apart from people who bought cars new and have a service package or car guys, people prefer to repair when something breaks rather than maintain it.

Vicente Esteve > CJinOB
07/19/2014 at 14:27

True, those events may help the opinion, but in the end even Jalopnik said it was a great car to drive. I havent driven one, but I think CR was a bit too harsh. IMHO

Vicente Esteve > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
07/19/2014 at 14:28

Thats the issue. In the past I wouldnt be so carefull about maintenance, but more and more it is becoming a bigger deal to me.

CJinOB > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 14:36

http://jalopnik.com/the-2015-vw-gt…

Is this the Jalopnik review you're referring to? I just read it. I recommend reading it from start to finish and then thinking about why anyone would ever take it seriously. It may the least authoritative automotive review anyone has ever published.

Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell. > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 14:38

Yeah I think with experience you start to realise how important it is. When I first started tinkering with cars I always wondered why servicing was so important, over time after seeing cars that hadn't been touched in 30'000 miles you realise why oil and filters need to be changed.

Vicente Esteve > CJinOB
07/19/2014 at 14:59

Its great being an allrounder, thats why a huge number of people buy it.

Trevor Mohr > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 15:02

Don't let VWVortex see this.. Just remember, CR loves the Camry. It's not as "hot" as a FoST or FiST but it's still a blast to drive. Sure it's a bit more mature, but in no way would I call that dull.. Consumer Reports is for appliances like dishwashers and ovens, not cars. Well, technically the Camry is an appliance... XD

Vicente Esteve > Twingo Tamer - About to descend into project car hell.
07/19/2014 at 15:02

You sir, speak the truth.

Vicente Esteve > Trevor Mohr
07/19/2014 at 15:04

Haha, yes, Consumer Reports didnt feel it was as fun because it isnt as racer boy as the ST's. Though they do like cars that offer a good driving experiencem just baffled by this.

Trevor Mohr > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 15:12

It's a blast of a car.. It's not a boy racer ST, and it's not trying to be that. It's sporty and is a great car, but not wildly in-your-face flashy.

Vicente Esteve > Trevor Mohr
07/19/2014 at 15:18

My thoughts as well. Its not trying to be a boy racer, its the sports car for the person that wants their car to do everything well.

Trevor Mohr > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 15:20

Which it does. It's a blast to drive, it's practical, it looks great while doing all that.

Vicente Esteve > Trevor Mohr
07/19/2014 at 15:32

I have never driven one and want it so badly, how has yours been in terms of reliability? Im interested in aquiring a similar age GLI

Trevor Mohr > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 15:45

I've had mine for 2500 miles now, and I haven't had a single issue. I highly recommend driving a GTI/GLI. They have great pickup, little to no turbo lag, handling is great. Not just saying this because I bought one, but I bought one because the car is so good. It's underrated in some aspects. I have the DSG transmission, which is an amazing transmission. I wanted a manual but that wasn't going to happen.. DSG shifts incredibly fast and smooth, I always use manual mode.

Vicente Esteve > Trevor Mohr
07/19/2014 at 15:47

This is going to be DSG as well. I wanted a manual as well, but the Fahrenheit only came to my country with the DSG. Man do I want the car, and I have not seen any trouble with reliability.

Trevor Mohr > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 15:47

People keep going on about the reliability, and it's incredibly blown out of proportion. Sure, our water pumps are known for failing, but honestly the cars aren't that hideously unreliable. Just take good care of them, change fluids regularly, and the car will take care of you.

Trevor Mohr > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 15:48

The DSG is an amazing transmission. Honestly it has to be the best "automatic" out there. Manual mode is a blast because the shifts are just so responsive.

I'm Abe Froman > Kanaric
07/19/2014 at 15:50

Throw the new APR stage 1 tune on: 310 HP and 380 TQ. That makes up for any "warmness." Then people say "that's cheating" or "that's too much power!"

Vicente Esteve > Trevor Mohr
07/19/2014 at 15:54

Nice, I was expecting to hear that. I am going to take care of it. Also, on the DSG, you have the farts on upshift on every car with the 2.0 TSI and DSG?

Trevor Mohr > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 16:12

Yes, I do have the DSG farts, and yes, they're awesome. XD

Burrito de EJ25 > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 16:46

It certainly is the most dull looking car in its class.

It's not about looking boy racer. It just doesn't bring about any emotion negative or positive. It's just some car.

It's what kept me from it when I was car shopping a year and a half ago. It's soulless.

Vicente Esteve > Trevor Mohr
07/19/2014 at 16:48

I WANT THEM! Though I dont know if it is an actual "feature" from the MK6 Models or if it counts for every 2.0 TSI engine with DSG combo

Vicente Esteve > Burrito de EJ25
07/19/2014 at 16:50

I know it may feel Soulless to you, and even more since you seem to have a WRX. But in my opinion it has got some zest to it.

Burrito de EJ25 > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 17:03

There's some middle ground that no one's really mastered. The WRX is too rude, the GTI is too much of an appliance.

Trevor Mohr > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 17:49

It's the DSG.

Vicente Esteve > Burrito de EJ25
07/19/2014 at 17:51

Too soft I would prefer.

Vicente Esteve > Trevor Mohr
07/19/2014 at 17:52

Awesome :)

Saracen > Vicente Esteve
07/19/2014 at 19:33

I don't give a shit about anything that consumer reports has to say about any car, ever.

GTI MkVII > Trevor Mohr
07/19/2014 at 19:44

Mmmm, DSG farts.... =) They're quite a bit more pronounced on my Mk7 than I was expecting haha

Vicente Esteve > Saracen
07/19/2014 at 20:30

I do respect them. Since they are about the only ones that have pretty much every car at their disposal, though this made me feel upset towards them.

Saracen > Vicente Esteve
07/20/2014 at 04:18

I don't have any respect for them. Just because they have experience with so many cars doesn't mean they're any good at it..and their priorities in a car do not line up with mine.

Vicente Esteve > Saracen
07/20/2014 at 10:51

Fair enough

Sigma De > Vicente Esteve
09/29/2014 at 23:43

When Consumer Reports complains that your car is boring, then your car has to be REALLY boring. Don't forget, most of those people heaping praise on the GTI are getting tons of advertising cash heaped into their accounts by VW. Consumer Reports doesn't accept advertising, so their opinions can't be bought. And yes, I have driven the GTI, and it is dull. It's a nice car, just un-involving. I'll take a Fiesta ST or a Fiat Abarth over that bloated lard-barge any day.

EleventhFromHeaven > Vicente Esteve
09/30/2014 at 21:54

Consumer Reports strikes again! First the Jeep Wrangler, now the GTI!

Vicente Esteve > EleventhFromHeaven
10/01/2014 at 00:14

Exactly. The Jeep Wrangler is excellent at what it was designed for. A rugged, old school 4X4, Why bash it for doing its intended purpose!

EleventhFromHeaven > Vicente Esteve
10/02/2014 at 20:36

That's why I told my Dad to stray away from CR. He now looks at Car and Driver for advice. A real enthusiast magazine will give you info for what a car is designed to do. CR is just BS reviewed by non car enthusiasts who don't realize that Wranglers aren't meant to give you a "comfy ride" and FRS's/BRZ's enough cargo space for a trip to IKEA, CR is the most unreliable review company I've ever seen.

Vicente Esteve > EleventhFromHeaven
10/02/2014 at 21:08

All true. Still though, they are useful since they own about every new car on sale, and reliability is still relevant.

EleventhFromHeaven > Vicente Esteve
10/02/2014 at 22:15

With experience, the gti matured, it's not any less dull than before because of that. Think of the high schooler who went to college and came back as a mature, confident lad. It's not any less exciting, it's just more refined, it is now truly a FWD GT car.

Vicente Esteve > EleventhFromHeaven
10/02/2014 at 22:23

I agree with you entirely. I know it isn't as thrilling as a Mazda or the ST, but man is it good at being a fast GT