My GTI... Finally

[Mr. M]

Very nice rice. Hope you have a lot of fun with it.

Did you say rice?

 

[Poverty]

My com just crashed after writing a long post

Well let me try to recap.

For the past few years since the MkV GTI was launched, I was infatuated. I kept talking about the car, how it was receiving rave reviews and how awesome its engine was. I think I must have bored my family and friends till no end. Now, every desire, reckless passion, unrequited love and longing has been fulfilled - I have finally bought the dream car of my own. Friends always ask me, 'If you had all the money in the world, what car would you buy?' And instinctively the GTI comes to mind. I cannot think of any other better all-rounder than this motor which offers power, practicality, frugality, good handling and image all in one package.

On the first day of ownership I did about 300km to make sure the car's working fine and also to explore the malleability of this car's abilities. Whether it's on the highway cruising or sedate driving around the city or attacking the B-roads at speed, the GTI is relentless in its abilities and excels in every area. At speed, the car is quiet on the highway. In the city, its DSG gearbox works magnificently, only offering very slight jerks on gear 1-2 in start-stop traffic. And the B-roads? Simply heartstopping performance. This car goes like a happy camper and the pull from the mTm tuned 272bhp, 370Nm engine is endless. It can easily go above 200km/h and while its fast, its civilised too. Its exhaust is actually softer than stock when on idle and low rpms. Only with open throttle does it sound louder. Best of all, the mTm turboback exhaust is street legal. Fuel consumption is great too, I averaged 10.5L/100km for the 300km journey with a mix of hard driving and the freeway of about 50/50.

The Michelin PS2 tyres grip with panache but offers a playful slide to the rear when powering out of a corner. Of course, with FWD there are limitations and one has to be careful when entering a corner. The AP racing brakes are also very effective. One at first may be overwhelmed by its sensitivity; however with familiarity using these big brakes are a cinch. They offer confidence with every stopping situation and I can't ask for more.

The 18" rims unexpectedly goes very well with the car; I initially thought the car lost some of its GTI character. But it looks chunky and increases the presence of the car IMO.

Overall, a very satisfied owner. If you are still sitting on the fence for a GTI now, don't hesitate no longer. This car would probably be the best decision you make in years.

Feel free to ask me any questions while I post photos...

I was gonna say, tune it, but I see you already have expensive MTM goodies!

BTW if you want to reach 300hp all you need to do is buy a uprated fuel pump and get the car map adjusted for it.

fuel pump upgrade is 250 pounds in the UK. Enjoy the car

 

[Mr. M]

I was gonna say, tune it, but I see you already have expensive MTM goodies!

BTW if you want to reach 300hp all you need to do is buy a uprated fuel pump and get the car map adjusted for it.

fuel pump upgrade is 250 pounds in the UK. Enjoy the car

Will save that upgrade for later when I'm itching for more horses.

Just installed the new head unit; works like a genius!

 

[Poverty]

Will save that upgrade for later when I'm itching for more horses.

Just installed the new head unit; works like a genius!

What headunit did you get? Aftermarket or oem upgrade like mfd3?

 

[Mr. M]

What headunit did you get? Aftermarket or oem upgrade like mfd3?

Aftermarket. But it looks like an OEM unit. Has Bluetooth, a DVD player, Aux/iPod in, SD card slot, USB slot, reverse camera...

So far, it's working worse than I expected. Since it's based on a Windows CE system, it's rather slow and clumsy.

Would go for the OEM if I had the money.

Clocked 1,500km since I got the car!

 

[Poverty]

Aftermarket. But it looks like an OEM unit. Has Bluetooth, a DVD player, Aux/iPod in, SD card slot, USB slot, reverse camera...

So far, it's working worse than I expected. Since it's based on a Windows CE system, it's rather slow and clumsy.

Would go for the OEM if I had the money.

Clocked 1,500km since I got the car!

What aftermarket one did you get? Im really tempted to go aftermarket cause I want to watch digital tv channels and play vids off my ipod.

Bought a leon cupra k1 today.

Heres my thread to it.

http://www.germancarforum.com/my-ca...1-my-brand-new-leon-cupra-k1-candy-white.html

 

[VroomVroom]

Don't suppose you have any pictures of the new screen Mr.m?

 

[Mr. M]

What aftermarket one did you get? Im really tempted to go aftermarket cause I want to watch digital tv channels and play vids off my ipod.

Bought a leon cupra k1 today.

Heres my thread to it.

http://www.germancarforum.com/my-ca...1-my-brand-new-leon-cupra-k1-candy-white.html

As for the brand - I think it's a custom-made unit specially for VW owners in Singapore. Let me get a few pictures up and see if you know anything about it. It cost me SGD2.3k, a bargain for all the features. I shouldn't expect much from the unit considering the price - its interface is less than fanciful, but it does it job well so I'm not complaining. Just wished it looks a little more OEM/less cheesy.

BTW, congrats on your Cupra K1. I never knew there was a K1 model with a S3 engine! That's freakin' amazing. With a K04 turbo and all, your car is definitely the real deal... Get an S3 intercooler to complete the picture maybe? I'm intending to get my air filter changed to a brand called KNN, and the intercooler to an S3 one.

What tyres you are running in your current car? I find them to be absolutely essential to get the power down without chipping the wheels, and especially so for our front wheel drivers.

And which exhaust are you thinking of changing to? So many to consider... Miltek, Eismann, MTM...

Oh and you drove a Seat before the K1 too? Sorry for all the questions... Am very excited for your purchase.

 

[Poverty]

As for the brand - I think it's a custom-made unit specially for VW owners in Singapore. Let me get a few pictures up and see if you know anything about it. It cost me SGD2.3k, a bargain for all the features. I shouldn't expect much from the unit considering the price - its interface is less than fanciful, but it does it job well so I'm not complaining. Just wished it looks a little more OEM/less cheesy.

BTW, congrats on your Cupra K1. I never knew there was a K1 model with a S3 engine! That's freakin' amazing. With a K04 turbo and all, your car is definitely the real deal... Get an S3 intercooler to complete the picture maybe? I'm intending to get my air filter changed to a brand called KNN, and the intercooler to an S3 one.

What tyres you are running in your current car? I find them to be absolutely essential to get the power down without chipping the wheels, and especially so for our front wheel drivers.

And which exhaust are you thinking of changing to? So many to consider... Miltek, Eismann, MTM...

Oh and you drove a Seat before the K1 too? Sorry for all the questions... Am very excited for your purchase.

I think I might know of the one you are one about. There are two or three units made for the golf V that has similiar features as the oem one but at a much more acceptable price.

Will definetly get a S3 intercooler at some point. Its a good mod to have when running extra power! Filter wise I think im gonna go with a 3" intake or a carbonia. The car is coming with bridgestones, didnt quite catch what make ut I hope they will be half decent!

What tyres are you running? Im a big fan of eagle F1 gsd3's and assymetricals and toyo t1-r's.

Exhaust wise I might get a hybrid APR & miltek one or will either go the full custom route. Im still undecided as of yet. MTM is extremely hard to get and very expensive in the UK sadly!

Yeah had a SEAT ibiza, was a fun little car but the Leon is just so much better in every way. I just love the chassis and the nature of the car!

 

[DaSilva]

So James does the car still work ?
got bored or is it still fantastic?



You see today we got a 2006' GTI to our dealer and I am free
to take it my self... I said I wanted a cabrio but this GTI is really cool..
it has 66 000 km on clock, color red 3D with leather, xenon, DSG, ++

... Hmm, you seem to like yours so, maybe I'll get on and take this then

 

[Poverty]

So James does the car still work ?
got bored or is it still fantastic?



You see today we got a 2006' GTI to our dealer and I am free
to take it my self... I said I wanted a cabrio but this GTI is really cool..
it has 66 000 km on clock, color red 3D with leather, xenon, DSG, ++

... Hmm, you seem to like yours so, maybe I'll get on and take this then

Do it dude, awesome cars. Infact have you bought it already, just looking at what you have said is in your garage!

 

[DaSilva]

Do it dude, awesome cars. Infact have you bought it already, just looking at what you have said is in your garage!

I've taken it home for the weekend to "test" it!
So far so good!

 

[Mr. M]

Took some photos of my car a few days ago. Still a cracker...

GTI - a set on Flickr

 

[Mr. M]

Took these shots a few weeks ago. Still keeping to the stock look as much as possible.

Got my side mirrors painted chrome-like aka S3 style.

Replica R32 tail-lamps by tinting.

Just did my 60,000km servicing and changed my DSG oil. Done nothing else to the car because it is so perfect!

 

[ree]

Wow, in perfect condition!! Looks perfect - especially with those aluminium side mirrors. Your and Julius GTI are definitely the most beautiful on the street.

 

[Mr. M]

Wow, in perfect condition!! Looks perfect - especially with those aluminium side mirrors. Your and Julius GTI are definitely the most beautiful on the street.

Thanks ree! I also missed out one mod - tinted my windows so it won't get so hot in the afternoons. Well, honestly, I can't think of any car I'd be happier with at this price now...

But as with all car nuts, I have an aim for the next one. After 3-4 years of school. I'm aiming for a Cayman S.

 

[DaSilva]

Looks fantastic James.
Still some questions for you.

- Why is only one of the fog-grills EU with a hole?
- Do you have R32 taillight's they look very dark?
- Rim change soon maybe?

 

[Mr. Mercedes]

Fantastic looking car James. Absolutely perfect condition.

 

[ateekt]

Now she looks even hotter with the painted side-mirrors & tinted tail-lamps! Enjoy & be safe!

 

[Mr. M]

Looks fantastic James.
Still some questions for you.

- Why is only one of the fog-grills EU with a hole?
- Do you have R32 taillight's they look very dark?
- Rim change soon maybe?

- Holes... Hmm. Honestly not sure.

- They are tinted, not R32 tail-lights. Decided to go a bit cheapo and did a tint, where they basically paste a film of darker shade to make it look smoked. Holding up well despite some initial wear!

- Rims, thought of changing many times, but am happy with them!

Changing to Hawk HP+ brake pads soon, my Ferodos on the APs are wearing out fast.