2015 Golf R quick review

"KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time" (kngt)
03/28/2019 at 11:13 • Filed to: golf r, VW Golf R, golfr, golf-r, volkswagen golf r, oppo review, test drive, test drives

With all the “Oppo Car of the Year” hype, I wanted to test drive both the R and the GTI yesterday but ended up just driving the R, so at least I got to try the highest performance trim. First time driving any Golf of any kind ever.

This was a very 10 min quick drive as the salesman was being a douche and giving random excuses that they have “a set loop and we’re not letting anyone take it on the freeway as we’ve had a lot of accidents there this week plus construction”. Bullshit I could smell from a mile away as I literally took a Camaro SS from this very dealer last year and blasted down the very same freeway. Anyway, maybe because I told him I am not looking to buy today, just looking- which I do every time everywhere and no one’s had a problem for years, until this guy.

So back to the R, this was a 2015, with the 6 speed DSG, not the new 7 speed DSG. Man, they really mean compact when they say it. It looks so small from the outside, but the packaging is excellent. At 5’10 ” I was pleasantly surprised at the space in the front and even more in the back I could sit comfortably behind myself. The square roofline is awesome for headroom. Cargo space is decent but could be bigger. Wish the vehicle was a little more bigger personally, it felt snug. Not sure if rear-facing child seats and such would fit with a tall driver/passenger.

Interior was what you expect from VW, nothing more nothing less, but quality of switchgear feels and looks better than a comparable Japanese/American/Korean car in the segment. Seats were tight, the side bolstering especially but liked the sporty feel. Steering wheel wish I was softer feeling and thicker. Overall controls were logical and easy to use. Visibility was very good.

Okay starting off, I put it in normal mode, transmission in D. As with most DSGs. Crawling speed, stop and go is kind of herky jerky. But the steering feel is awesome, tight and precise. I took it down a residential street and ride was firm but very composed. Then we came to a curvy 45mph road, I put the transmission in S with normal mode. Floored it turning left across 4 lanes. Understeer right away, but it’s very controlled. This is no Acura SH-AWD. and then the transmission and engine really comes into its own. “Pocket-Rocket” is how I would describe. Handles great once on the move. Solid and planted yet feels small and nimble, excellent brakes, sounds good but I read it is artificially piped in. It was addictive. And just like that, the test drive was over.

Anyway, I asked if I could test drive the GTI and the douche salesman went on about how “it is my busy day and has lot of customers coming” when he was literally sitting on the golf cart doing nothing before and after. Screw it, 10 minutes in the Golf R was enough to convince me, I don’t think I am missing much by not trying the GTI. I want that power and AWD to put that down, I just checked the numbers online, 4.5 to 4.8S 0-60 for the DSG. Damn that’s fast. If the GolfR didn’t exist? Yeah a GTI why not. “taut”, “Zippy”, “Punchy” are the words that come to mind when I think back at it.

I like driving it. Wish it were bigger, maybe the new Mk8 version is but I understand it’s a compact hot hatch. I am not paying $40K or anything near that even with how good this is. Used is the way to go. $30Kish, yeah maybe. I still prefer midsize or bigger sedans, personally but I will definitely recommend the R to anyone looking for a sporty daily.

Relevant SmokingTire one take, Matt really likes it:

DISCUSSION (41)

Spanfeller is a twat > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 11:12

But it lost...

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Spanfeller is a twat
03/28/2019 at 11:13

huh?

Dru > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 11:18

I’ve always wondered why car salesmen are not innately more professional. I get that what they do is cutthroat , and quite frankly probably sucks more often than it does, so they don’t want to invest time if they don’t think they can get a sale. But why not tell you “I have an appointment coming up shortly, so I can’t do the GTI drive just yet, but can you come back at X time or X day?”

TrickJos > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 11:19

Good review. Much of what you describe reminds me of my GTI. I haven’t driven an R, but the GTI never leaves me wishing it had more power.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Dru
03/28/2019 at 11:21

He didn’t give a shit. One of those types that “you either buy today or GTFO” and it was a weekday afternoon and there was literally NO ONE on the used car lot. Not all are like this. I have tested FAR more expensive and newer cars and taken them on 1 hour test drives just to thank the salesman for their time, take a card and leave.

This asshole was almost reluctant to give me the keys and was like “why do you need to test a GolfR? if you’ve driven a golf they’re all the same right?” I didn’t answer that question I simply smiled and asked “Are you going to give me the keys or not?” because I wanted to drive the car and I didn’t want his attitude coming in the way.

Future Heap Owner > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 11:23

As a lanky 6’1” mofo, I’ve always been impressed by how big VWs are on the inside.

Arrivederci > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 11:23

Rear-facing seat fit in my S3 just fine, and I was comfy sitting in the passenger seat ahead of it (I’m 5'11" also). Certainly couldn’t stretch out, but it would be okay for a 2-3 hour drive, and the S3 has a tighter cabin than the Golf R.

If you turn off traction/stability control all the way, that’ll keep the Haldex engaged permanently. Helps with rotation if you want to put the car through its paces.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > TrickJos
03/28/2019 at 11:24

Thanks! I’m spoiled with a 328HP daily. The only time I felt “OK this is more than enough power” was when driving the new CamaroSS and Mustang GT.

But then again, I will temper my expectations based on the car. But having driven the GolfR it won’t be easy for me to be satisfied with the GTI.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Arrivederci
03/28/2019 at 11:25

Cool. Good to know.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Future Heap Owner
03/28/2019 at 11:26

I was pleasantly surprised. At first I was like, oh dear this is tiny!

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 11:35

Everyone knows where I stand on the Golf R.

If you can find some Audi S3 wheels like these, they make a huge difference in ride quality. All the weight is toward the center, so the steering wheel feels much more alive.

Kinja'd!!!

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
03/28/2019 at 11:38

Everyone knows where I stand on the Golf R.

Mind sharing?

The Ghost of Oppo > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 11:42

There are two kinds of car salesman. The kind that not only allow but encourage you to burn some rubber, and those who don’t.

ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable) > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 11:44

From your post on the Mr. Regular review of the Golf R:

“ Having driven a Golf R stock and tuned, along with my GTI; I can confirm the R with absolutely worth the extra money. It is quite simply fantastic and adept at everything you can ask for a hot hatch to be.

True, it may not excel at any one thing, but it is truly capable without being temperamental.”

If you wish to have me elucidate further, I would be happy to oblige with more specifics.

Chuckles > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 11:47

I used to work in commission based sales (but not cars) and one thing I will say about going there on a slow day: a lot of places basically use a rotation for salespeople, where the top person gets the first customer and then goes back to the end of the line. So if you have 7 salespeople, you get every 7th person that walks in the door. So on a slow day, that salesman might have been waiting an hour or two for his chance with a customer, and then he gets stuck with someone who has no intention of buying. And then after you leave, he goes back to the end of the waiting list. So I know that you think it’s fine to go in on a slow day, but if he seemed a bit short with you it may have been because you were his onmu chance to make a sale that day.

I'm not saying don't go test drive cars, in just saying that there's more to consider than just going in on a slow day. Every person that walks through the door counts equally as a potential customer, even if it's just someone asking to use a bathroom. On a slow day, your chances are few and far between.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > The Ghost of Oppo
03/28/2019 at 11:48

I know right? When I test drove the Maxima I was pushing it hard trying to test the CVT and engine and handling in all conditions and the salesman was having a blast saying most people are so conscious of a new car and nervous on a test drive and this was refreshing to see LOL

E90M3 > The Ghost of Oppo
03/28/2019 at 11:54

True, I took a 996 turbo to the redline.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Chuckles
03/28/2019 at 11:55

Interesting. I’ve always gone during slow days and this is the first time I’ve received such a treatment. I have gone on really busy days as well and even then it’s been very polite and professional and no pressure. And this is with or without emailing/calling ahead.

412GTI > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 11:56

Yeah that’s about the right way to feel driving a Golf R for 10 mins. Fun, competent, quick, but nothing mind blowing. I still retain that it’s one of the best daily driver/city cars, but 40k new is tough to swallow. The GTI is much of the same, but is more prone to understeer and can’t power out of corners as hard even with the optional diff.

Driving an R or even a GTI that’s been tuned makes a big difference too. My friend has an 18 with a bunch of upgrades and it’s a rocket.

On a different note, I might go look at the new Mazda3 later. My dealer has two manuals and they intrigue me more after watching some reviews.

Spanfeller is a twat > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 11:57

The Miata won car of the year

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > 412GTI
03/28/2019 at 12:00

It’s a good value used for the refinement and performance. Very very few new cars are mind-blowing for $40K.

Interested in seeing your opinion on new Mazda 3.

Chuckles > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 12:01

On busy days when you have plenty of opportunities (we usually called them “Ups”) it isn’t a huge deal if you get one that is definitely not a buyer. But I’ve worked places where you might get only 1 or 2 Ups in a day. Also it’s frustrating when the 2 or 3 salespeople ahead of you get serious buyers, you get stuck with someone “just looking,” and then the salesperson right after you in line gets a customer who walks in and says “I’ll take your most expensive option, please!”

It would be different if they got paid by the hour and it was slow, but since they work on commission, your test drive just cost them a legitimate chance to sell a car. Again, not saying don't go but rather I'm trying to explain their mindset.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > E90M3
03/28/2019 at 12:03

Kinja'd!!!

First I’d have to find a 996 Turbo or any 911 for sale in my area, have the dealer agree to have me test drive, and only then think of even going up half the rev-range, forget redlining it LOL

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > Spanfeller is a twat
03/28/2019 at 12:05

Oh, guess Miata is always the answer but sometimes it’s GTI

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > The Ghost of Oppo
03/28/2019 at 12:05

I got paid $100 once to take a CTS-V well into triple digits.

I’ve also done parking lot powerslides on a Miata test drive.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 12:11

Honestly, this is the reaction I get from most salesfolks when I actually test drive a car. This is no Sunday cruise, fools!

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com
03/28/2019 at 12:15

I am still amazed how some people decide in a 10 minute drive around the block and buy a car. Hell I’d want a full weekend extended test drive if it were my local dealer. But I guess they’re looking for A to B transportation so don’t care.

Couldn’t do that with my current car as I bought it out of state but I still took it on a solid 45 mins drive, and before that took out my friend’s car which was exact spec several times just to be sure.

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 12:16

Might I suggest you cross shop a b8/8.5 Audi S4? Good power, bigger size and still AWD. You can get a manual if you like. And the price should be right in line with the golf R.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc
03/28/2019 at 12:18

Hah! Current gen Audi S4 is on my shortlist of next cars but haven’t driven one, only the new A4. My budget will be $30K max but still some years to go, hopefully something good pops up by then.

Saracen > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 12:39

I never drove a MKVII R, but I owned a MKVI R and a MKVII GSW TDI.

I loved both in different ways. I’m interested in the MK7.5 R since it has the virtual cockpit and all the cool optional colors. An R Sportwagen though...that would convince me to pay up.

Saracen > ADabOfOppo; Gone Plaid (Instructables Can Be Confusable)
03/28/2019 at 12:40

Agreed, the R is worth the extra money.

Snuze: Needs another Swede > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 12:53

I don’t know that I’d expect a whole weekend, but yeah, you need more than 10 minutes with a car. Here are my summaries of test drives for our CUV purchase back in the fall:

Mazda CX-5: Sales guy sat in the back fiddling on Instabook or Facegram or whatever, and after ~10 minutes told my wife to head back to the dealership. I was not offered the opportunity to drive.

GMC Terrain: Sales guy directed us on a loop around their dealer that literally lasted 5 minutes. I was not offered the opportunity to drive.

Subaru Forster XT: Guy handed us the keys, said “don’t wreck it, ”and let us go out on our own. We spent an hour in it, taking turns, and I pushed it pretty hard.

Honda CR-V: The attractive Ukranian sales lady gave us possibly the most thorough product demonstration I’ve experienced. We spent close to an hour just walking around the car, sitting in it, switching seats, opening the hatch and cargo compartments to learn all the features. We drove it for an hour, both of us, and she encouraged us to floor it, swerve it around, etc.

Mazda CX-5 (again, different dealer ): Thorough product review, almost as detailed as the Honda CR-V.

GMC Terrain (again, different dealer): Gave us the keys and said “bring it back before we close. ”

TrickJos > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 13:25

I have a 2012 Camaro SS as well. Both are a blast to drive, but for completely different reasons . I like to think of them as Ant-Man and the Hulk.

Saracen > Future Heap Owner
03/28/2019 at 13:48

I’m 6'4", both of mine were plenty roomy.

Kc1980 > TrickJos
03/28/2019 at 14:29

The R is more capable, but the GTI is definitely more if a drivers car. GTI absolutely has all the power you need right off the lot, and is more lively than the R.

TrickJos > Kc1980
03/28/2019 at 14:35

Before I bought it I was thinking about getting a tune for more power. Then I drove it and discovered it wasn’t at all necessary. I think any extra power in the GTI would be pointless since it’s all going to the front wheels, which can barely contain the power it already has.

KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/28/2019 at 15:52

DanTheMan > 412GTI
03/28/2019 at 18:10

I’ve got a tuned gti that I track a lot. 320hp/370tq and with the LSD I have no problem powering out of corners. A rear sway bar is kind of necessary due to some of the stock understeer, but a lot of understeer is solved by an alignment. The car is a blast though. I intentionally chose the fwd gti over the golf r for the more immediate torque, lower turbo threshold, and lower weight.

In my experience, pedestrian awd cars (not Ferrari, McLaren, Porsche, etc) tend to understeer more than fwd or rwd when alignment is equally set among them. I had a wrx for years, and I always called it the understeer king. It just plows and plows. The gti is far more fun on track, even in stock guise. Neither car is as fun as my 370z was though!

Kc1980 > TrickJos
03/29/2019 at 15:37

I would hav e to agree. Everyone seems to tune them but it’s not really needed for street use. I can barely exploit the power mine has stock.

Its much better to rev the engine out and beat on it a bit, rather than tune it and already be well over the speed limit at 4000 rpm.

That why I stopped using the tune on my mk6 and plan on leaving my mk7 stock.

merged-5876237249235911857-hrw8uc > KingT- 60% of the time, it works every time
03/30/2019 at 15:07

It’s a great car, especially the 6mt. I would’ve kept mine if it weren’t for the little ones. Just not enough room for enough kid seats. But that car is a little go cart in traffic. Very fun. Highly recommended.

Tristan > Saracen
03/31/2019 at 01:50

6'7" here. VWs are the only brand I can consistently count on fitting in.