![]() 11/23/2015 at 18:02 • Filed to: None | ![]() | ![]() |
My lady friend has owned her ‘12 R for almost three years, until June we lived in FL where AWD was as helpful as a sunroof in Alaska. The whole time I was looking forward to bringing herr R into the snow. Well, then I bought my own because S2000, Wrangler, Elise, Viper and cross-country move. We moved diagonally to the Pacific Northwest, and this weekend I finally got a chance to stretch my ‘15 R’s snow legs. We went up to Mt. Baker with 4 people, 4 snowboards, a pair of skis and the rest of our gear.
For the trip I bought a cheap pair of Sport Edition 17 wheels off tirerack with 225/45/17 Michelin X ICE- I3. I used the OEM roof rack with a yakima rocket box for all the gear. I also had auto socks in the trunk because of WA laws about required chains.
Some Notes
No matter what VW says the Mk6 has more legroom overall. I don’t care how they measure the space, unless I remove my legs I will never be as comfortable. With all the gear, add ons, wheels, and people I averaged about 24mpgs on the 180 mile trip, which isn’t to bad. The R stays hidden amongst the lot until I need to get home quickly which I enjoy, and when I went up on Sunday by myself the car was faster, more comfortable and more enjoyable.
I didn’t get to try the AWD out too much in the snow because the lot was pretty clean, but the tires held up well to the cold without every slipping. Also preseason skiing was pretty solid. Hopefully Baker gets the epic levels of snow it is renowned for.
![]() 11/23/2015 at 18:12 |
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Mount baker is awesome!
![]() 11/23/2015 at 18:13 |
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I have a season pass. If you are up there let me know I’ll try to go.
![]() 11/23/2015 at 18:16 |
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I won't be this year but we have a place in point Roberts so I've been to mount baker plenty
![]() 11/23/2015 at 18:16 |
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Good looking cars btw
![]() 11/23/2015 at 18:30 |
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How was the snow? I’m trying to get to Crystal Mt. this weekend.
![]() 11/23/2015 at 18:36 |
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I know Crystal has some snow guns so their lowers will have a solid base. Baker was in good condition for mid-November conditions. Slush to hard pack powder with ice crud. Small spots of breakthrough, but only where they get tracked out the most at the base. Overall it is a good base to start the year. Similar to spring skiing.
![]() 11/23/2015 at 20:08 |
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What’s the clearance like with the 17” wheels? While dreaming about my future GTI, I read there’s minimal clearance on the GTI PP brakes so I imagine there’s even less with the R.
![]() 11/23/2015 at 20:51 |
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Clearance between the wheel weights and the brakes have been an issue with 17’s. Tirerack has taken all troublesome 17 inch wheels off their website. The clearance is tight, but nothing to worry about with proper mounting. I don’t have any scratching or rubbing thankfully.