New 2016 GTI owner

[Poopaconk]

Hi,

Thought as a brand new owner and forum member I thought I'd say hello, share my first impressions and ask my first questions

Collected the car yesterday and really quite pleased with the aesthetics and interior appointment. My car is in basic spec and flat white so doesn't have all the bells a whistles but still seems rather nice. I would add though that VW do seem a little stingy with the basic spec, but its fine for my needs. The car obviously needs running in so I've not had chance to stretch its legs yet, but despite previously owning much faster/more powerful cars it seems more than quick enough.

One area were I'm a little unsure is with the ride quality. It seems too a little too harsh and noisy as standard. Does this sound normal for our poorly surfaced roads? The tyres were over-inflated as usual so I've reduced them to around F38/R36. Does this sound about right or should I try reducing them a little further as its still harsh? Unlikely as it may be, is there a change the dealer hasn't removed the suspension blocks, and if so how would I be able to tell?

So in general I'm pleased with my new acquisition and am looking forward to a couple of years in my first VW and sharing thoughts and ideas with you guys.

Cheers,

Andy

[alexperkins]

Look into the wheel arches and youll see big foam blocks in the springs if the transport blocks are still in

[Poopaconk]

Look into the wheel arches and youll see big foam blocks in the springs if the transport blocks are still in

Thanks Alex,

I've had a look and the blocks have been removed as you'd expect.

I've tried lowering the tyre pressures a bit more but it doesn't seem to have made much difference. Looks like the ride and noise is simply the way the car is on its 40 profile Bridgestone's.

Would a Fiesta ST be much different? I chose th GTI as its supposed to be a little softer and more refined.

[alexperkins]

Make sure the tyre pressures are as per guidance or you'll get excessive roll in the corners

I've been in both and the polo is definitely more refined

Bridgestone tyres however have a lot to answer for. Goodyear, continental or Dunlop all the way

[Poopaconk]

Bridgestone tyres however have a lot to answer for. Goodyear, continental or Dunlop all the way

Thought you might say that. I know ther're sh1te on BMW's and have always preferred Continentals or Michelins. Problem is there're brand new so I'm not going to ditch them.

Thanks for your your thoughts.

[Deejbb]

Bridgestone tyres however have a lot to answer for. Goodyear, continental or Dunlop all the way

Thought you might say that. I know ther're sh1te on BMW's and have always preferred Continentals or Michelins. Problem is there're brand new so I'm not going to ditch them.

Thanks for your your thoughts.

There seems to be a real lack of decent high end tyres for the GTI.. Luckily Goodyear is doing their new Eagle F1 Asymmetrical 3 in 215/40/17 so will definitely be getting those once I need to replace the Bridgestones

[forevertom]

Look into the wheel arches and youll see big foam blocks in the springs if the transport blocks are still in

Thanks Alex,

I've had a look and the blocks have been removed as you'd expect.

I've tried lowering the tyre pressures a bit more but it doesn't seem to have made much difference. Looks like the ride and noise is simply the way the car is on its 40 profile Bridgestone's.

Would a Fiesta ST be much different? I chose th GTI as its supposed to be a little softer and more refined.

It's like driving on a marshmallow compared to my old Fiesta ST

[Robby71]

I have a ST2 and the ride (bridgestones also fitted) is very harsh over Yorkshires crappy roads

I'm looking at changing cars in a few months when my lease is up as i can't wait to get rid of this thing and was hoping the Polo would be a smoother ride? looking at a GT which i'm guessing isn't as harsh as a GTi?

[SRGTD]

I've not driven a current model Fiesta ST, but I have a friend who had the previous model, and I'd say that the Polo GTI has a much more compliant ride than that model of ST. I suspect that the current Fiesta ST's ride is equally as firm as the previous version, so you should find the Polo GTI better for normal, everyday use.

I've got the Sports Performance Kit on my GTI, and compared to my previous car (mk6 Golf GTD), the ride in the Polo in 'normal' setting is firmer than the GTD, but it's fine for me; it is firm but by no means uncomfortable. However, in 'sport' setting, to me it does feels very firm and quite bouncy on poorer road surfaces, and probably more on a par with the Fiesta ST.

I don't tend to use the 'sport' setting when I'm carrying passengers, but do enjoy using it if I'm in the right frame of mind.

[forevertom]

I've not driven a current model Fiesta ST, but I have a friend who had the previous model, and I'd say that the Polo GTI has a much more compliant ride than that model of ST. I suspect that the current Fiesta ST's ride is equally as firm as the previous version, so you should find the Polo GTI better for normal, everyday use.

I've got the Sports Performance Kit on my GTI, and compared to my previous car (mk6 Golf GTD), the ride in the Polo in 'normal' setting is firmer than the GTD, but it's fine for me; it is firm but by no means uncomfortable. However, in 'sport' setting, to me it does feels very firm and quite bouncy on poorer road surfaces, and probably more on a par with the Fiesta ST.

I don't tend to use the 'sport' setting when I'm carrying passengers, but do enjoy using it if I'm in the right frame of mind.

Even in sport mode the Polo is way more compliant than the Fiesta.