My thoughts on a Mk7 gti (from a mk6)

My thoughts on a Mk7 gti (from a mk6)

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JS1902

Original Poster:

115 posts

44 months

Wednesday 12th October 2022
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Been hankering after a mk7 gti for a while but now that I've driven one, my overall feeling is that they are a bit underwhelming - comparing to my stock mk6 gti. The mk7 hardly felt any quicker and gave the impression of it being more artificial.

Things I liked: slicker gear shift (manual), slightly smoother engine, bit more modern inside, good standard equipment

Negatives: didn't feel as well screwed together as my mk6, felt less raw, no significant change in handling characteristics

Has anybody else felt the same? Maybe I should be considering the clubsport version instead or even a golf R..

Dr G

15,403 posts

249 months

Wednesday 12th October 2022
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Had mine since 2019, had a MK6 too, and a MK5, and a.... you get the picture.

That engine in standard tune is "appliance like" but full of untapped potential. I've a very mild map (approx 280ps/420nm) that makes the engine considerably more fun, and gives the VAQ diff more of a workout. Still on 95 RON, zero difference in fuel economy, will pace a Golf R when requested.

Completely understandable that VW didn't want to tread too firmly on the R's toes, and waited for the Clubsport to give the 7 some more bite. Ironically I also have a Clubsport exhaust on mine for a sniff more noise but much less weeny looking tailpipes.

Mine suffered the common back seat rattle that's an easy fix, but the interior is otherwise well screwed together. We've a MK5 in the family too and in tech terms the MK7 is lightyears ahead and a much better daily steer for it. It's actually a really nice combination of modern tech (Carplay, Adaptive cruise etc.) but still with the major controls being nice clicky buttons.

The GTI has always been more about liveability (is that a word?) than outright performance but it's fairly easy to swing the balance ever so slightly if that's your bag.

JS1902

Original Poster:

115 posts

44 months

Thursday 13th October 2022
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I'm always on the fence about remaps plus on the standard mk7 gti's the clutches are weak in stock form as it is.

Agreed the infotainment is a big step forward but apart from that , it didn't really do much for me. Maybe I went in with too big an expectation..

Belle427

9,744 posts

240 months

Thursday 13th October 2022
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A remap from a reputable tuner can really transform a car, also it won't really affect the clutch if driven sensibly.
I had an Edition 30 with an R-Tech stage 1 map and it was a remarkable difference, went from a standard 230 to 300 bhp.
I didn't ever feel the need to thrash it as mid range acceleration was so good.

Dr G

15,403 posts

249 months

Thursday 13th October 2022
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Belle427 said:
also it won't really affect the clutch if driven sensibly.
Probably will in a MK7 unless you never explore any of the added torque. Sachs Sport organic in mine, feels little different from standard once bedded in.

Belle427

9,744 posts

240 months

Thursday 13th October 2022
quotequote all
Dr G said:
Belle427 said:
also it won't really affect the clutch if driven sensibly.
Probably will in a MK7 unless you never explore any of the added torque. Sachs Sport organic in mine, feels little different from standard once bedded in.
Standard clutches are that weak on a Mk 7 are they?

OFORBES

533 posts

107 months

Thursday 13th October 2022
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I've been looking at the Mk7 GTI recently....

I bought a 5 door UP! GTI a few months ago as my car to leave in England when I am down there, but then randomly found a proper 'deceased spec' 38k mile, 3 door, manual, full VW history, immaculate, 1 owner Mk5 GTI and I couldnt resist, so I've bought the UP! up the road to Scotland for the wife to pootle about in taking the boys to school etc instead of firing up a bigger engine and getting 22mpg...

So been thinking of changing the UP! for one..... but I dont know if I will regret it....

I love the Mk5, I had one back in 2005, I find it has the perfect amount of power, the delivery of said power and the chassis is just ridiculously good (done by the same team of guys who did the first Ford Focus) but I dont know if having two cars the same will mean I will get bored even faster...

I think I will have to go and drive one.

Dr G

15,403 posts

249 months

Friday 14th October 2022
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Belle427 said:
Standard clutches are that weak on a Mk 7 are they?
They're fine with standard power (unless abused, mine came out at 80k and looked perfect), but simply are not rated to hold the torque that comes with tuning that engine.