Are they worth it on either one of those cars? We have a VR6 Atlas and she's a real pig off the line (hauls ass once going) and wondering how she'll respond on that naturally aspirated block? Also I'm 93 remapped for my ECU and TCU with IE and wondering if I even need that?
So I've added my two cents worth on the newer R's on other threads.
A little background on mine. I've had my current R for about 6, almost 7 years (2017). Bought it used with 38K kilometers and the previous babied it like I do now. My current whip is running a remapped stage 2 aggressive 93 file from EI. Included also in this is a TCU tune. I have installed all the supporting mods and currently have it right where I want it. It's about 390ish hp to the wheels and pulls like a freight train. I don’t intend to do much more with her as I believe I've maxxed the IS38 turbo and adding more power wipo require a hybrid at this point.
So l while love my car (never had a mechanical issue with her) I'm getting the itch to look at other options. I'm a VW guy so it's primarily going to be VAG or bust. I recently had a 2024 Golf R out on a test drive. About a week later I took the 2026 for a spin as well. Wasn't expecting to like the 8.0 as much as I did but overall left my imoressions with 8.5 were MEH. So I've prepared an honest no holds bar review about my experience.
2024 R:
PROS:
-Updated and improved front grill and headlights ✔️
-Exterior looks better cosmetically than my MK7. They've updated everything from the front grill, headlights, wheels as an all around redesigned model fits the bill ✔️
-Cockpit including the steering wheel and seating position is spot on. Feels like you're hugged in much better with the seats IMO✔️
-Car is oozing technology compared to my car ✔️
-Mechanically very quick for a stock R. 65K is lot for a 2-year car I know but the car is mechanical sound.
Plus the price is quite good considering it is priced to sell. Pulls it pulls hard from a dig, has great low end torque wit very strong mid range power✔️
-Rides a lot better than my MK7 as I don't feel every bump, but this will also be a negative and I will address that later.
-Finally this car handles waaaay better than my MK7 even with my R having 034 rear sway bars
-The MK8 feels slightly more planted than my 2017 R.
CONS:
-Power steering is way too lose. It might be something I'll have to get used to if I go ahead and make the switch. Even on comfort mode the steering is 10x better than the 8.0 on RACE MODE. What's righting this ship though is the fact that handling is impeccable!
-Driver feedback is virtually non-existent. I feel every bump on my R but on the MK7 there is this constant connection to the road through the wheels tobtge steering wheel that I find lacking in this latest generation. While overall handling is better in the MK8 my MK7 is better at being more accurate and precise in sharp turning. It's more raw and organic like my old MK6 GTI was. I get a better feel in the MK7 by a long shot and that is a huge negative for the MK8.
-The infotainment system obviously sucks sorry
-Not a fan of the rear tails but that is more of personal observation
2026 R
PROS:
-The revised infotainment system makes it actually less annoying this version
-Nicer19" wheels than the 8.0's
-Esthetically the car looks really good, both inside and out. Love the new front grill.
-Again the suspension is remarkably better than the previous by far
CONS:
-Maybe it was just the vehicle that I had out ir the fact itvwas brand spanking new (only 297 kilometers) but this one felt noticeably slower than the MK8.0 and miles behind my stage2+ MK7. I mean it was ok quick but nothing to write home about. I have heard conflicting analysis on whether there is a standard "break in" period but I find it hard to believe that this car was noticeable slower than the 8.0 I tested a week earlier.
Going to sit on this for a bit. Does the performance on newer cars improve over time? Shoukd i keep my current FAF and sit on this for a while or buy the used 2024 which checks most of my boxes? 🤔🤔