I test drove one of these last week (and bought it). If you like the MK3 you'll love the way the MK4 drives. The steering is sharper and more predictable ( I hate the torque vectoring in the MK3 and always drive with TC off). The sound is nice, with some added pops and crackles in Sport and Track modes (at 6000RPM gear changes).
I wouldn't recommend using track mode on a B road though. The damping is too aggressive and can cause 'lurching' over uneven surfaces. There is more room in the back than in the MK3 (if you're into that) and the B&O sound system option is much better than the upgrade that was fitted in the MK3 too. Internally, I'm disappointed that the Oil Pressure, Temp and Boost binnacle has been removed and replaced with an on dash electronic version. I sort of liked the additional ST feel of the little central dash bump. It's a bit more 'hard' plasticy' in places but the overall cabin feel is good.
The build quality is also good and I couldn't raise any rattles or or speaker vibrations when the volume was up on the B&O system. Trim seems well fixed and the rear seat also gain a central armrest.
The gearshift is short and positive, and if you're feeling like making a lot of noise, in Track mode you can flat shift (so keep your foot planted on the petrol pedal without lifting off). Takes some practice that.
One huge downer for me is the replacing of a standard hand brake lever with an electronic HB with auto hold. Personally, I really don't like these, but hey ho, a lot of hatches going this way now.
There is only the one trim level now, so no ST 1-2-3 option, and the full leather is replaced with partial leather. Still Recaro, and if I'm honest, a little more comfy than the MK3 ST3 leather option, with a bit more give at the sides and roomier for the slightly wider person ( as I tend to be). Still grip you in the corners so no chance of sliding sideways into the doors though. There is also the addition, as standard, of Adaptive Cruise, and I think this is a great addition. I used to have a Golf GTD with this and it took me a while to get back used to the normal cruise in the MK3 when I changed (some embarrassing late braking on A roads and passengers squeaking aided the learning curve).
I like it. I liked it a lot in fact. It isn't perfect, but then what is. And, same spec Golf GTIs are still some ÂŁ5K more expensive for not much more car. I'm looking forward to taking delivery and will probably write a bit more about it after a good few days and miles of 'familiarisation'
M
I wouldn't recommend using track mode on a B road though. The damping is too aggressive and can cause 'lurching' over uneven surfaces. There is more room in the back than in the MK3 (if you're into that) and the B&O sound system option is much better than the upgrade that was fitted in the MK3 too. Internally, I'm disappointed that the Oil Pressure, Temp and Boost binnacle has been removed and replaced with an on dash electronic version. I sort of liked the additional ST feel of the little central dash bump. It's a bit more 'hard' plasticy' in places but the overall cabin feel is good.
The build quality is also good and I couldn't raise any rattles or or speaker vibrations when the volume was up on the B&O system. Trim seems well fixed and the rear seat also gain a central armrest.
The gearshift is short and positive, and if you're feeling like making a lot of noise, in Track mode you can flat shift (so keep your foot planted on the petrol pedal without lifting off). Takes some practice that.
One huge downer for me is the replacing of a standard hand brake lever with an electronic HB with auto hold. Personally, I really don't like these, but hey ho, a lot of hatches going this way now.
There is only the one trim level now, so no ST 1-2-3 option, and the full leather is replaced with partial leather. Still Recaro, and if I'm honest, a little more comfy than the MK3 ST3 leather option, with a bit more give at the sides and roomier for the slightly wider person ( as I tend to be). Still grip you in the corners so no chance of sliding sideways into the doors though. There is also the addition, as standard, of Adaptive Cruise, and I think this is a great addition. I used to have a Golf GTD with this and it took me a while to get back used to the normal cruise in the MK3 when I changed (some embarrassing late braking on A roads and passengers squeaking aided the learning curve).
I like it. I liked it a lot in fact. It isn't perfect, but then what is. And, same spec Golf GTIs are still some ÂŁ5K more expensive for not much more car. I'm looking forward to taking delivery and will probably write a bit more about it after a good few days and miles of 'familiarisation'
M
