Hi all,
Looking for some honest advice.
Being one the unfortunate sods that have one of the VW groups 1.5 (130bhp) kangarooing engines... it’s a long issue so won’t go on about it....but basically I have had enough now and I’ve come to the conclusion I’m better to trade it and get shot.
So I’m looking for something that will kindle my spirit for driving and having been looking and am seriously considering the polo gti, so I’m looking for advice/opinions of Poli Gti / Gti plus positivities and negatives, and any reliability etc....
My current and last car is Seat Leon on 18” wheels and has a firm ride but without the vrooom!! That I have been missing, I just can’t but up with the kangarooing and the lack of help from dealership.
I used to have a few mk2 golfs Gti’s back in my 20’s and I’m thinking this could be my last petrol hot hatch before we all get forced into electric cars.
Thanks
New Gti / Gti +
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Greenranger
- New
- Posts: 7
- Joined: Fri Feb 28, 2020 10:07 pm
- Drives: GTI+
- Location: UK
Re: New Gti / Gti +
I’ve been a long time lurker here but just purchased a new GTI+ after a few years in a mk6 golf....I’m about 400mi into it
All I can say is it’s great, the drive so far has been great on 18s, a slightly firmer ride but not uncomfortable, and I’ve been on some shocking roads....I once had a cooper a (supercharged) on 17s and it was bone braking
The dsg is extremely responsive, I was hesitant about it Initially having read up on various sites but I’m loving it and I genuinely don’t think I’d want to have an manual version.
I don’t have any negatives to date...other than I’d have probably preferred a 3 door.. but small sacrifices
I opted for the + simply because the standard options were so much better; active info, rear tints...worth the little extra cost
Not sure if that’s any use to you!
All I can say is it’s great, the drive so far has been great on 18s, a slightly firmer ride but not uncomfortable, and I’ve been on some shocking roads....I once had a cooper a (supercharged) on 17s and it was bone braking
The dsg is extremely responsive, I was hesitant about it Initially having read up on various sites but I’m loving it and I genuinely don’t think I’d want to have an manual version.
I don’t have any negatives to date...other than I’d have probably preferred a 3 door.. but small sacrifices
I opted for the + simply because the standard options were so much better; active info, rear tints...worth the little extra cost
Not sure if that’s any use to you!
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SRGTD
- Bling Bling Diamond Member
- Posts: 3821
- Joined: Sun Oct 11, 2015 9:40 pm
- Drives: 2020 AW Polo GTI+, Pure White.
- Location: UK
Re: New Gti / Gti +
@Vag8; It’s worth having a look through the discussion threads at the links below;
viewtopic.php?f=71&t=71371
viewtopic.php?f=71&t=72392
viewtopic.php?f=71&t=73177
Bear in mind when looking through these discussion threads that human nature being what it is, people are more likely to post about negative rather than positive experiences. Owners with the humming rear brakes issue while reversing have been informed that VW are aware of the issue and are working on a fix.
I’m due to change my previous generation Polo GTI this year, and it’s very likely that I’ll be going for a current model Polo GTI+; also likely to be my last petrol engined car before we’re forced into something perceived to be greener and cleaner. From a personal perspective, I’ve not been put off by the issues / annoyances that some forum members have experienced and posted about. Overall, I think most members with a GTI / GTI+ have been generally happy with their cars.
IMO, the ‘plus’ version represents very good value over the non-plus version in terms of the extra equipment you get on the GTI+ compared to the standard GTI; £2,910 worth of extra equipment for £1,515 (the difference in list price between the two models). I know that adding optional equipment is very much a personal thing and certain options may be ‘must have’s’ for some people, but IMO the GTI+ is pretty well equipped in standard spec and there’s very little I’d want to add over and above the standard spec.
I did recently make tentative enquires at my local dealer on current lead times. They said that for a factory order, it’s currently around 6 months. If buying through a broker such as Drive the Deal; discounts of around 15-16% are available (including current VW PCP deposit contribution of £1,250).
Extra equipment items - GTI+ over the standard GTI are; LED headlamps, electric folding mirrors, ACC, front centre armrest, keyless entry/keyless start, Active Info Display, Rear tints, Auto dimming rear view mirror, coming home/leaving home lighting function.
viewtopic.php?f=71&t=71371
viewtopic.php?f=71&t=72392
viewtopic.php?f=71&t=73177
Bear in mind when looking through these discussion threads that human nature being what it is, people are more likely to post about negative rather than positive experiences. Owners with the humming rear brakes issue while reversing have been informed that VW are aware of the issue and are working on a fix.
I’m due to change my previous generation Polo GTI this year, and it’s very likely that I’ll be going for a current model Polo GTI+; also likely to be my last petrol engined car before we’re forced into something perceived to be greener and cleaner. From a personal perspective, I’ve not been put off by the issues / annoyances that some forum members have experienced and posted about. Overall, I think most members with a GTI / GTI+ have been generally happy with their cars.
IMO, the ‘plus’ version represents very good value over the non-plus version in terms of the extra equipment you get on the GTI+ compared to the standard GTI; £2,910 worth of extra equipment for £1,515 (the difference in list price between the two models). I know that adding optional equipment is very much a personal thing and certain options may be ‘must have’s’ for some people, but IMO the GTI+ is pretty well equipped in standard spec and there’s very little I’d want to add over and above the standard spec.
I did recently make tentative enquires at my local dealer on current lead times. They said that for a factory order, it’s currently around 6 months. If buying through a broker such as Drive the Deal; discounts of around 15-16% are available (including current VW PCP deposit contribution of £1,250).
Extra equipment items - GTI+ over the standard GTI are; LED headlamps, electric folding mirrors, ACC, front centre armrest, keyless entry/keyless start, Active Info Display, Rear tints, Auto dimming rear view mirror, coming home/leaving home lighting function.
Re: New Gti / Gti +
Hello,
I have a GTI+ for over a year now ( 6000 KM).
No problem over this year.
Pros:
- Very fast and fun to drive.
- Fuel consumption - not bad.
Cons:
- Not enough comfortable especially on rough road - very firm.
- Not having Deviation from path alarm and correcting
- Not having blind spot alarm
- Can not disable the start/stop permanently.
- A bit rough drive - because of the DSG - in heavy traffic.
But all in all I very please with it.
I have a GTI+ for over a year now ( 6000 KM).
No problem over this year.
Pros:
- Very fast and fun to drive.
- Fuel consumption - not bad.
Cons:
- Not enough comfortable especially on rough road - very firm.
- Not having Deviation from path alarm and correcting
- Not having blind spot alarm
- Can not disable the start/stop permanently.
- A bit rough drive - because of the DSG - in heavy traffic.
But all in all I very please with it.
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monkeyhanger
- Bling Bling Diamond Member
- Posts: 2643
- Joined: Fri Feb 23, 2018 9:58 pm
- Drives: Audi A4 Avant Quattro 40 TDI, Polo GTI+
- Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Re: New Gti / Gti +
I liked the GTI+ so much that Ibought 2 - one for me and one for the missus. I came from a MK7 Golf R (300ps, 4WD), so on paper it's a noticeable downgrade, and yet it's more fun to drive the Polo GTI+. The only thing I really miss is the R's complete lack of tramping (thumping wheelspin from a standing start if you use a lot of throttle to get away from a roundabout etc - common for front wheel drive cars with some performance).
I don't think there's a better hot hatch out there for the money (reasonable price with decent residuals mean the PCP costs are quite low if you get a good level of discount) - it's pretty quick, fun to drive, well equipped and it's costing me about £230 a month in depreciation. The run out MK7.5 Golf will cost about twice as much in depreciation over 3 years. It's 90% of a Golf GTI for 65% of the money.
This is a fun car to drive that's got plenty of poke, very refined and comfortable for a supermini and can be pretty frugal on longer journeys or uncongested roads.
If you want one of these, buy the GTI+, not the standard GTI. It's got all the standard spec you could ever want (except maybe 18" wheels), and if you're financing, almost £2k of extra kit which is genuinely useful every day will cost you about £23 per month more than the non plus model which comes with almost nothing.
Things to consider:-
Most people here agree that the 18" Brescia wheels look better than the 17" Parkers, and ar £350, it's a relatively cheap option that has a big visual impact. However, for the UK market, they fit them with atrocious Bridgestone tyres. I swapped mine out immediately for Michelin PS4.
If you get the 17" wheels, you'll get decent Michelin Primacy tyres.
Ride comfort is completely subjective. If you're not used to hot hatches or sporty saloons with lowered suspension and lowish profile tyres, you might find the ride a little firm. If you're used to performance Golfs or similar, you'll be fine. 17" wheels on stock tyres are more comfortable than 18" wheels on stock tyres, but most of that is due to the Bridgestone tyres. On PS4s or another quality tyre, the differences are tiny.
I have the rear camera on my car because it was already specced on a car due to be built. I wouldn't buy it on a fresh factory order, the front and rear parking sensors do a fine job, I rarely look at the screen to see what the camera is displaying.
DSG - If you're a dyed in the wool manual use, you'll have to learn to tolerate the DSG gearbox and its foibles. It can't read minds, so will always look to get you in the highest possible gear unless you give it indications that you want to do otherwise. You adapt to its limitations and do things to prompt it to do what it normally wouldn't .
Issues I have had:-
1. Squealing/smearing wipers. Standard wipers are crap, swap them out for Bosch A864S (about £19 a pair if you shop around).
2. Boot lid requires a slam. This seems a common misbuild - the catch for the lock was set in the wrong place, allowing the boot lid to contact the top of the bumper. I fixed mine myself as I had accepted this as normal until I found out it wasn't, after the 6 month limit VW puts on remedial door "adjustment" and VW wouldn't do anything for me. If your boot lid is hard to close, get it looked at promptly.
3. Mooing rear brakes in reverse. Most people with a GTI have this, there are fixes that improve it but don't eliminate it.
4. My Virtual cockpit screen did not power up on 1 in 3 ignition cycles. This was fixed with a software update.
I don't think there's a better hot hatch out there for the money (reasonable price with decent residuals mean the PCP costs are quite low if you get a good level of discount) - it's pretty quick, fun to drive, well equipped and it's costing me about £230 a month in depreciation. The run out MK7.5 Golf will cost about twice as much in depreciation over 3 years. It's 90% of a Golf GTI for 65% of the money.
This is a fun car to drive that's got plenty of poke, very refined and comfortable for a supermini and can be pretty frugal on longer journeys or uncongested roads.
If you want one of these, buy the GTI+, not the standard GTI. It's got all the standard spec you could ever want (except maybe 18" wheels), and if you're financing, almost £2k of extra kit which is genuinely useful every day will cost you about £23 per month more than the non plus model which comes with almost nothing.
Things to consider:-
Most people here agree that the 18" Brescia wheels look better than the 17" Parkers, and ar £350, it's a relatively cheap option that has a big visual impact. However, for the UK market, they fit them with atrocious Bridgestone tyres. I swapped mine out immediately for Michelin PS4.
If you get the 17" wheels, you'll get decent Michelin Primacy tyres.
Ride comfort is completely subjective. If you're not used to hot hatches or sporty saloons with lowered suspension and lowish profile tyres, you might find the ride a little firm. If you're used to performance Golfs or similar, you'll be fine. 17" wheels on stock tyres are more comfortable than 18" wheels on stock tyres, but most of that is due to the Bridgestone tyres. On PS4s or another quality tyre, the differences are tiny.
I have the rear camera on my car because it was already specced on a car due to be built. I wouldn't buy it on a fresh factory order, the front and rear parking sensors do a fine job, I rarely look at the screen to see what the camera is displaying.
DSG - If you're a dyed in the wool manual use, you'll have to learn to tolerate the DSG gearbox and its foibles. It can't read minds, so will always look to get you in the highest possible gear unless you give it indications that you want to do otherwise. You adapt to its limitations and do things to prompt it to do what it normally wouldn't .
Issues I have had:-
1. Squealing/smearing wipers. Standard wipers are crap, swap them out for Bosch A864S (about £19 a pair if you shop around).
2. Boot lid requires a slam. This seems a common misbuild - the catch for the lock was set in the wrong place, allowing the boot lid to contact the top of the bumper. I fixed mine myself as I had accepted this as normal until I found out it wasn't, after the 6 month limit VW puts on remedial door "adjustment" and VW wouldn't do anything for me. If your boot lid is hard to close, get it looked at promptly.
3. Mooing rear brakes in reverse. Most people with a GTI have this, there are fixes that improve it but don't eliminate it.
4. My Virtual cockpit screen did not power up on 1 in 3 ignition cycles. This was fixed with a software update.
Re: New Gti / Gti +
For what it’s worth here are my comments the day after I took delivery in July 2019. Early production took ages, hence long lead time. You shouldn’t have to wait anywhere like the time I and many others endured....
After 13 month wait I finally collected the car yesterday morning! GTI+, Reef Blue, Pan roof, Parkers.
For anyone coming from a 6C GTI DSG and wondering if its worth the upgrade then, based on my experience so far, it most certainly is! Clocked up 85 miles yesterday driving around the New Forest and surrounding area on a mix of roads. Here's a few of my initial observations...
The ride (in Normal) is a notable step up over the 6C GTI.
Build quality appears good. Doors and hatch all close easily with a satisfying clunk. The bonnet I noticed has two catches, one either side, rather than one in the middle.
Also noticed how much quieter it is inside. Wife commented that as a passenger she prefers the sound of the new one over the old one.
Impressed that it averaged 45.7mpg.
Extra space inside and in the boot is/will be a bonus.
The new arm rest is a major improvement. The old one was adjustable for hight via the ratcheted hinge but I found it always in the way of the handbrake so rarely used it. The new one, although not height adjustable (but OK for me), does slide fore and aft so doesn't impede the handbrake; a minor point but noticeable.
I also believe the standard air con works better in the new one than the old. I debated whether to opt for climate control or not and decided not to. Driving around yesterday in 30+ deg C, the standard system coped more than adequately.
Having ordered the car sight unseen I was unsure whether I'd like the red dash but now I have the car, those fears have gone!
Even on a tight engine you can tell it is eager to pull. Better that the 6C? Yes I'd say so. Probably due to the torque increase. The old 6C 7 speed DSG was torque limited over the manual. When it loosens up more I'm sure on-the-road acceleration will be better.
In summary then...
Do I regret buying it - Absolutely not.
Was it worth the wait? - 13 months is a long time but based on just the first 85 miles I'd have to say yes.
Am I impressed with the car? - Very much a yes.
Would I recommend the car to others - Most definitely.
Moving on to the present day and after 7 month of ownership I’m still very happy with the car and would still recommend one. Like others the only issue of note is the brake resonance noise when reversing. In my case it only happens first thing in the morning, lasts only a few seconds and I never hear it again during the day. Apart from that it has been trouble free. One piece of advice would be if you buy one, and dealer offers you Life Shine treatment, do not take it. Go to a local valeter and get them to apply a ceramic coating or similar. That is what I did after experience of previous car. You’ll have a much better job done and will last much longer.
After 13 month wait I finally collected the car yesterday morning! GTI+, Reef Blue, Pan roof, Parkers.
For anyone coming from a 6C GTI DSG and wondering if its worth the upgrade then, based on my experience so far, it most certainly is! Clocked up 85 miles yesterday driving around the New Forest and surrounding area on a mix of roads. Here's a few of my initial observations...
The ride (in Normal) is a notable step up over the 6C GTI.
Build quality appears good. Doors and hatch all close easily with a satisfying clunk. The bonnet I noticed has two catches, one either side, rather than one in the middle.
Also noticed how much quieter it is inside. Wife commented that as a passenger she prefers the sound of the new one over the old one.
Impressed that it averaged 45.7mpg.
Extra space inside and in the boot is/will be a bonus.
The new arm rest is a major improvement. The old one was adjustable for hight via the ratcheted hinge but I found it always in the way of the handbrake so rarely used it. The new one, although not height adjustable (but OK for me), does slide fore and aft so doesn't impede the handbrake; a minor point but noticeable.
I also believe the standard air con works better in the new one than the old. I debated whether to opt for climate control or not and decided not to. Driving around yesterday in 30+ deg C, the standard system coped more than adequately.
Having ordered the car sight unseen I was unsure whether I'd like the red dash but now I have the car, those fears have gone!
Even on a tight engine you can tell it is eager to pull. Better that the 6C? Yes I'd say so. Probably due to the torque increase. The old 6C 7 speed DSG was torque limited over the manual. When it loosens up more I'm sure on-the-road acceleration will be better.
In summary then...
Do I regret buying it - Absolutely not.
Was it worth the wait? - 13 months is a long time but based on just the first 85 miles I'd have to say yes.
Am I impressed with the car? - Very much a yes.
Would I recommend the car to others - Most definitely.
Moving on to the present day and after 7 month of ownership I’m still very happy with the car and would still recommend one. Like others the only issue of note is the brake resonance noise when reversing. In my case it only happens first thing in the morning, lasts only a few seconds and I never hear it again during the day. Apart from that it has been trouble free. One piece of advice would be if you buy one, and dealer offers you Life Shine treatment, do not take it. Go to a local valeter and get them to apply a ceramic coating or similar. That is what I did after experience of previous car. You’ll have a much better job done and will last much longer.
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TurboTrev
- Bronze Member
- Posts: 109
- Joined: Thu Apr 12, 2018 5:59 pm
- Drives: Golf CS
- Location: Durham
Re: New Gti / Gti +
We swapped from a kangarooing 1.5 T Roc R line to a Polo GTI+ and haven't regretted it for one moment. Definitely get the + version for the reasons above. We were concerned about the ride, but we are used to GTI style cars and with the suspension set to normal, the ride is not too bad at all. We've now had ours for about 7 months and we've had no issues with it so far.
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Ima
- Bronze Member
- Posts: 193
- Joined: Fri Jun 08, 2018 2:59 pm
- Drives: Polo GTi+ on order
- Location: Midlands
Re: New Gti / Gti +
My daily driver is a facelift Leon 1.8 FR and I’ve chosen the GTi + as it’s replacement . I’ve enjoyed the Leon and it’s a quickish car but not a patch on the Polo. It feels comfortable, nimble and responsive and apart from the door cards feels much nicer and modern in the cabin than the Leon. I also felt it wasn’t much different space wise in the cabin and certainly not an issue for carrying both kids in the back. If you like the drive of the Leon, engine apart, you will feel right at home in the Polo.
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monkeyhanger
- Bling Bling Diamond Member
- Posts: 2643
- Joined: Fri Feb 23, 2018 9:58 pm
- Drives: Audi A4 Avant Quattro 40 TDI, Polo GTI+
- Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Re: New Gti / Gti +
My 5 and 7 year olds have plenty of space in the back of our GTI+, and I put the drivers seat back almost all the way.Ima wrote: Sat Feb 29, 2020 10:59 am My daily driver is a facelift Leon 1.8 FR and I’ve chosen the GTi + as it’s replacement . I’ve enjoyed the Leon and it’s a quickish car but not a patch on the Polo. It feels comfortable, nimble and responsive and apart from the door cards feels much nicer and modern in the cabin than the Leon. I also felt it wasn’t much different space wise in the cabin and certainly not an issue for carrying both kids in the back. If you like the drive of the Leon, engine apart, you will feel right at home in the Polo.
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Ima
- Bronze Member
- Posts: 193
- Joined: Fri Jun 08, 2018 2:59 pm
- Drives: Polo GTi+ on order
- Location: Midlands
Re: New Gti / Gti +
Thanks monkeyhanger that’s reassuring as mine are 9 and 6 and I’m tall so looks like I don’t need to worry. How do you feel about the boot size. My old 6C GTi was hopeless and the new one still seems small knowing I can’t lower the shelf.
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stevereeves
- Silver Member
- Posts: 349
- Joined: Thu Apr 19, 2018 6:07 pm
- Drives: Atlantic Blue '21 Mk8 Golf 1.5 6sp Style
- Location: West Yorkshire, UK
Re: New Gti / Gti +
Going slightly off-topic, thought the 1.5 engine problems were only related to the 150bhp units. Asking as my PCP is up soon and due taking my time (taking too long), I may end up with a 'run-out' Mk7.5 Golf as plenty are available though I don't really mind and I've probably left it too late for a either a new build Polo (seems very few are in stock) or a Mk8 Golf, which I'm still none too keen on....Vag8 wrote: Fri Feb 28, 2020 9:32 pm Hi all,
Looking for some honest advice.
Being one the unfortunate sods that have one of the VW groups 1.5 (130bhp) kangarooing engines... it’s a long issue so won’t go on about it....but basically I have had enough now and I’ve come to the conclusion I’m better to trade it and get shot.
So I’m looking for something that will kindle my spirit for driving and having been looking and am seriously considering the polo gti, so I’m looking for advice/opinions of Poli Gti / Gti plus positivities and negatives, and any reliability etc....
My current and last car is Seat Leon on 18” wheels and has a firm ride but without the vrooom!! That I have been missing, I just can’t but up with the kangarooing and the lack of help from dealership.
I used to have a few mk2 golfs Gti’s back in my 20’s and I’m thinking this could be my last petrol hot hatch before we all get forced into electric cars.
Thanks
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monkeyhanger
- Bling Bling Diamond Member
- Posts: 2643
- Joined: Fri Feb 23, 2018 9:58 pm
- Drives: Audi A4 Avant Quattro 40 TDI, Polo GTI+
- Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Re: New Gti / Gti +
^ and I thought the 150ps units were fine and the 130ps units were dodgy, and mainly with manual gearboxes.
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SRGTD
- Bling Bling Diamond Member
- Posts: 3821
- Joined: Sun Oct 11, 2015 9:40 pm
- Drives: 2020 AW Polo GTI+, Pure White.
- Location: UK
Re: New Gti / Gti +
Yes, it seems to be the engine mated with the manual gearbox that have the kangarooing issue.monkeyhanger wrote: Sat Feb 29, 2020 3:23 pm ^ and I thought the 150ps units were fine and the 130ps units were dodgy, and mainly with manual gearboxes.
@stevereeves; There are a few discussion threads on the kangarooing effect over on seatcupra.net forum that’re probably worth reading. Seat Leon owners with both the 150ps and 130ps variants of the 1.5 TSI EVO engine have experienced kangarooing- some more so than others. There’s been a software update and some owners have said it’s helped whereas others have said it makes little difference.
Link to the discussion threads below;
https://forums.seatcupra.net/index.php? ... ue.458753/
https://forums.seatcupra.net/index.php? ... ng.457230/
https://forums.seatcupra.net/index.php? ... st-4865481
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stevereeves
- Silver Member
- Posts: 349
- Joined: Thu Apr 19, 2018 6:07 pm
- Drives: Atlantic Blue '21 Mk8 Golf 1.5 6sp Style
- Location: West Yorkshire, UK
Re: New Gti / Gti +
Thanks, SRGTD, had quick read of a few post will peruse longer later, not ideal and you'd think VW would have sorted the issues by now, especially as the 1.5 engine is to feature on some Golf Mk8 variants. Mind, they'd perhaps also complete the design work on the interior of the much ballyhoo'd Mk8 at the same time. Seems they have (apparently) completed it 
...
...-
Rosinfield
- Bronze Member
- Posts: 109
- Joined: Wed Apr 17, 2019 9:48 pm
- Drives: 2018 AW GTI
- Location: Nederland
Re: New Gti / Gti +
Coming from a Skoda Fabia 1.0 with lowered suspension and chiptuning, I am absolutely content with the GTI +. Bought it with 23000 km (ex company car). I have not a single complaint. It's more comfortable, even in Sport, than the Fabia with lowered suspension. I have mine chiptuned and with the extra power it's even more fun to ride. There's no end after 5000 rpm anymore, it just keeps going. DSG is fine, but I had my shift moments changed somewhat in D (somewhat later) to make it perfect.