VW invitation to play with new Golf GTI

[Si_GTi]

Hi guys

I got an invitation through the post yesterday from VW to pop up to Oulton Park on Sunday 30th January and have a whizz round the track in a new Golf GTI

Anyone else get one? I presume I have been targeted because Oulton Park isn't a massive distance away and I have a GTi myself? I probably won't be able to make it, especially as its only 2 laps driving, and 2 laps being driven by an instructor to demonstrate the car's abilities. Oh you get a course and handling briefing beforehand too. Anyway, 30 minutes on track. Not a great deal of time really

Worth a 40 mile trip to spazz about in a Golf for a little while? What do you think?

[dxg]

Yes! Definitely go!

Come on, half a day all-in probably - some sales spiel front end and (maybe a more detailed pitch back end), the chance of some goodies (or at least some brochures) and presumably time to really go over a stationary car while others are on track.

I would jump at the chance. So what if it's only a couple of laps - it's all at their risk, and I'd love to see what the demonstrator guy can do with it.

Deek.

[pettsy]

all i got was an invitation to book a test drive at local dealership.

dad got a propper invitation from gilders vw in sheffield where he had his current golf from to go for an official launch!

[Si_GTi]

Maybe its just an Inchape thing then?

We don't doubt your driving skills are nothing short of impressive. But are they of an order to get the best out of Volkswagen's fifth-generation GTI?

To that end, be our guest. We'll have twenty-five of them lined up on the tarmac at Oulton Park come Sunday, January 30th. First off, you'll attend a tutorial centred around the car and track, majoring on handling and safety. Then it's on with the helmet (yep, serious stuff this) and off round the international circuit for a couple of laps, a professional instructor beside you.

You may push the car to what you reckon is the limit of its capabilities. More likely though, it'll be the limit of yours. Something your instructor will be happy to demonstrate when he takes over for a further two laps.

Believe us, it promises to be one of the most exhilirating and informative half-hours you're ever likely to experience. And so to the reply card. Fill it in, and we'll confirm the time slot you choose. As befits the occasion, we advise a quick response.

You know what? The card will be in the post at 8am tomorrow morning

[bstardchild]

You know what? The card will be in the post at 8am tomorrow morning

I would if someone asked me

[Petrified]

I wish someone asked me too.

I had a test drive of the new Gti on Saturday and was dissapointed. It didn't feel as quick as the CTR and to be honest I would pefer the interior of the CTR/Polo/Golf Mk4. Inside the GTi really is dull, although it had leather I bet the cloth seats look much nicer. I like sporty looking red seats and red door cards. Looks very nice from the outside though.

It still is very quick and a pleasure to drive though, it just doesn't have the urgency you get from the CTR. I really wanted to like it and hope that a 2nd test drive in 2 weeks time will make me think better.

I guess it depends what you want to get out of a car, if you want a fast car, comfy on long distances and something to make people say 'ooh look at that' then get a GTi. If you pefer the thrill of driving and thinking how the f**k did I get away with that, then get a G40

After taking the CTR around the track I would love to take the GTi to see how it compares.

I don't hate it, Just think it's a waste of money.

But knowing me I'd probably still get one by the end of the year.

James.

[Si_GTi]

I'd love a new Golf GTI but its a matter of cost

Anyway, I went up to my local Inchcape after work today, and this event is a local thing for Inchcape customers as it happens. They have a black GTI in the showroom, it looks absolutely gorgeous IMO - fitted with leather and the larger 18" alloys!

I get the manual option at Oulton Park - DSG GTI's don't arrive in the UK for a while yet they tell me. Should be good tho! My initial hesitation was down to the fact that I've never driven at a track-day event before, and that at a turbo-powered 200bhp, the Golf is the fastest and most powerful car I will have ever driven to date

I don't hate it, Just think it's a waste of money.

It is a very expensive machine isn't it! starting at just under £20k but then after Winter pack, leather, optional larger alloys... over £25k...

Give it 3 years, and whilst it won't halve in value like my Polo GTi did, it should be a bit cheaper to buy!

Can't wait... thanks for putting me straight on this one - I nearly said no!

[jrw]

Looks like i've been crossed off Inchcape's list then! LOL

[Si_GTi]

Looks like i've been crossed off Inchcape's list then! LOL

I would presume they have targeted Polo and especially Golf GTI owners over the rest of their customer base? Sorry you missed out mate

[Si_GTi]

BUMP

Got back from Oulton Park a little earlier, after meeting up with "moschops" (aka Wayne) from TsN at Inchcape and convoying up together. Got up there and signed all the necessary papers before attending a short driver's briefing and then going down to the pits to be fitted up with a helmet and shown out to the cars...

Talking of the car. Wow what a nice one it is. Turns out that its such an easy car to just get in and drive that I was up and running in no time. Doesn't feel that much bigger than the Polo from the driver's seat either - nice and snug. Great engine (pulls all the way up to the redline it seems), superb gearbox, with a really nice positive action to it (if only my Polo gearbox was so pleasurable to use), and fantastic brakes.

Now to be fair I've not been to any track day events before so I wasn't really pushing the car to anything like its limits I don't think, especially as it was damn and slippery out on the tarmac. But I had a great time - when the instructor swapped seats... crikey! Now its a proper track missile and I think I had a grin on my face for the whole of both laps

Oh yeah and my Dad got a drive too, they let him have a go seeing as he was there, had his license on him (taking pictures and poking cars) and they had a few spare seats he loves the Golf too!

All in all a great event and now, although I've not driven any of the competitor's cars, ie. CTR, Focus RS etc, I want one of my own, which was really the whole point of the event wasn't it? Group 17 insurance is offputting though, as is the price - my only gripe? Not enough laps

Pics will be added soonish when I've fired up the camera and transferred them onto the PC

Cheers

[mole]

Sounds like you had a wicked time!

Wouldn't have minded that myself

[Si_GTi]

I had an awesome time

Pictures:

(Some of) the cars lined up:


Me!


Ready to go:


And I have it on good authority this was me flying down the start finish straight:

[dxg]

mmm Steel Grey...

Did they all have the 18s on them?

[Si_GTi]

There was a mix of colours and specifications - didn't get to look too closely at the cars - as soon as they were back from one session, they were prepped and out for another! There were twenty cars available at a time, but about 24 or 26 GTIs there overall, including two DSG examples - I was told there wouldn't be any DSG cars, but I didn't get a go anyway as it would have meant waiting around for about 90 minutes until after the lunch break - had to be elsewhere this afternoon sadly

One guy bought a GTI there and then after a track outing - wish I could have done the same

[[email protected]]

I had an awesome time



And I have it on good authority this was me flying down the start finish straight:

lol... i like the pics !!

that one reminds me of a certain day not all that long ago....