In the world of compact sports cars, the Volkswagen Golf R has been a longtime favorite among enthusiasts. However, with the latest generation of the Golf R and GTI, Volkswagen made significant changes to the interior that left many disappointed. The new touchscreen interface and touch sliders were frustrating and difficult to use, leading to a decrease in overall enjoyment of the driving experience. Additionally, the decision to discontinue the manual transmission option for the Golf R and GTI by 2025 further upset fans of the brand.
1. **The touchscreen is still bad**
Despite improvements in responsiveness, the touchscreen interface in the Golf R remains subpar. Complicated menu navigation, lack of docked menu shortcuts, and limited visibility of essential information make the touchscreen a point of contention for drivers.
2. **The touch sliders are also still bad**
The touch sliders in the Golf R suffer from similar issues as the touchscreen, including lack of illumination and haptic feedback. Accidental button presses are a common occurrence, especially due to their placement on the center console.
3. **The touch buttons on the steering wheel are also still bad**
The steering wheel touch buttons, particularly the volume control slider, lack precision and user-friendliness. The upcoming switch to physical buttons in the 2025 model is a welcome change for drivers.
4. **The digital instruments have three useless view choices**
The digital instrument cluster in the Golf R offers various display options, but some lack essential information like a tachometer. While the design is versatile, certain layouts may not cater to performance-oriented drivers.
5. **Right, so this is skewing awfully negative …**
Despite the interior shortcomings, the Golf R still offers a thrilling driving experience with its adjustable suspension system and torque-vectoring rear differential. The car’s performance capabilities make up for its ergonomic flaws.
6. **The adjustable suspension has 15 settings!**
One of the Golf R’s standout features is its 15-way adjustable suspension, allowing drivers to customize their driving experience based on road conditions. The unique combination of performance and comfort settings makes the Golf R versatile for various driving scenarios.
7. **No, I didn’t drift**
The Golf R’s torque-vectoring rear differential contributes to its exceptional handling and stability on corners. While the car offers a Drift mode for enthusiasts, not everyone may be inclined to engage in such maneuvers.
8. **We’re doing a crap job saving the manuals**
Volkswagen’s decision to discontinue the manual transmission option for the Golf R is a disappointment for many fans of the brand. Manual transmission enthusiasts appreciate the engaging driving experience that a stick shift offers, and the lack of automatic rev-matching and adjustments in throttle response can pose challenges for drivers.
9. **Manual caveat No. 1**
The absence of automatic rev-matching in the Golf R may be a drawback for drivers who prefer a smoother shifting experience. While manual rev-matching is feasible with practice, the convenience of automatic rev-matching in other models sets a higher standard for manual transmission vehicles.
10. **Manual caveat No. 2**
Switching between Comfort and Sport modes in the Golf R may require drivers to adjust their driving style due to differences in throttle response. This transition can lead to stalling and potential inconveniences for manual transmission drivers.
In conclusion, despite its interior flaws, the Volkswagen Golf R retains its reputation as a high-performance compact sports car. The combination of thrilling driving dynamics, adjustable suspension, and torque-vectoring technology makes it a compelling option for enthusiasts. While the discontinuation of the manual transmission option may deter some buyers, the Golf R still offers an engaging driving experience that rivals its competitors in the segment. Drivers seeking a versatile and exhilarating compact sports car may find the Golf R to be a worthy contender in its class.