The only problem with the golf R is the amount of times that they get stolen someone that owned one had three attempted burglaries in a year because it was on the drive on the house so if you are going to buy one invest in a ghost immobiliser and a steering wheel lock and a tracker
Has to slightly be down to the area too. We've had ours for 4 years and haven't had any attempts thank god. We do have a steering wheel lock on, so that could've of been a deterrence.
There are several things you can do to make a Mk7 R more playful and fun to drive. These are the five mods that improved my car the most: Bigger rear anti-roll bar Euro Sport Street Camber Kit Set XDS to "Strong" Set Haldex to "Traction" Eibach Pro-Kit springs
Stage 2 mk7R here. Compared to st1, she’s more savage in 2nd gear when you hit 3-4k rpm. But the icing on the cake is lovely noise from the downpipe (even/especially on stock exhaust, as I am). The missus wonders why I’ll take any excuse to do a grocery run :)
Did you tamper with the stock exhaust at all ? like delete your resonators ? Also; what also upgrades did you do to complment your stage tune; aftermarket intercooler ? and TCU tune ?
Exhaust completely stock. Have not touched the resonator. I don’t need her to be any louder, and I’m worried about drone on the highway. Otherwise, v light mods. Just Racingline cold air intake and turbo elbow, Unitronic downpipe. Not related to tune, but 034 rear sway bar is great and really flattens the ride through corners, highly recommend (plus it’s cheap and has no downside). Unitronic stage 2 ECU and TCU (I’m DSG).
I don't know if a particular res delete gives more drone but mine does not. I also still have the stock exhaust with stock downpipe. I like what you've done with the sound of your setup. Adjustments here and there however still keeping the car clean
Had 4 beamers just got one r-7 and I feel like I've arrived.......map 1 to come but perfectly happy right now and the grip with all wheels pulling is new to me
i bought a golf r estate 7.5 and it drives like a dream but got caught doing 58 in a 50 but the picture does not say anything so i wonder if the cam is wrong but anyway a great machine.
In your experience, are stage 1 or piggyback modules affecting long term reliability? Stock versus modded, in long term mileage and same use, are really really identical in realibility?
Waiting for APR to finally release the Ultralink in Australia so I can have ability to go back to stock if I want. Just curious what everyone's thoughts are on the DQ381 7 speed TCU tune. Have heard a few people say it doesn't do anything at all.
Bar the spacers and exhaust.. exactly what i thought! It amazes me how people don't fully understand the issues. You can get the Wavtrac front and rear diffs for the R but it's serious money.
Both bloody good cars couldn't fault either i was going for 435d m4 replica but highish miles didn't want that so went for was the R try and get one with service history and waterpump and thermostat history Also benefits of golf is cheaper tax £225 ulez compliance easy to service service oil and filter £75 and pipercross air filter £35 word of advice go for dsg makes the car so much more quicker and buy decent brakes especially before modifications, bmw will be better on fuel though tax is higher £350 it really is a tough decision but once you do a pull in R you won't be disappointed
Will hopefully get a gr yaris on the channel at some point. Basically though, golf is the better daily and yaris is by far the better drivers car haha.
Cool video man. I have a quick question, you mentioned the shifts being savage, do the ecu and tcu map add more drama to the gear shifts? Personally that’s something I’d rather enjoy.
Just bought a golf R and kind of regret it already. Not the car, the car is great, just being the uk, there are cameras everywhere and police everywhere literally can’t enjoy the car at all. I’ve lived in Tenerife for long time and So fun driving out there.
Ive only recently come across your channel. as Im in the market for I think either an S3 or an S4. These reviews are top quality. Im just intrigued Golf R or Audi S3?
S3 if want a better built interior and golf r if you want a little bit more room in the back and more kit as standard. You get adaptive cruise as standard on golf r's.
The stock mk8 gti will feel more entertaining than a stock mk7.5 r is the majority opinion. I prefer the all weather performance of the R, in the UK it's a no brainer and it installs huge confidence when pressing down familiar or unfamiliar roads. It's a beast down winding B roads. I plan to go mild stage three with mine, i plan to keep it a long time.
Love your reviews mate. Wish I could’ve give you my stage 1 s1 (307bhp 490nm) to review for the sake of a video. Now an owner of an s3 as per your review Of the nano grey one
@@ParagonCarsLondon Thank you! idk the price difference in UK but in europe a decent R its around 21k euros and a decent tts its 30k, do you think its worth the extra? Thanks!
Very late to this one but the B&O is night and day in my opinion. Before my mk7.5 R I owned a b8.5 s4 with the B&O for 6 years. The audio in the R is one of the main features I don’t like about the car.
Hi Paragon, i am your biggest fan ever i watch your videos every day keep up the good work but can you pls drive bmw f10 520d or vw golf mk6 1.6 tdi or 2.0 any of those i will be happy keep up the great work your channel will grow so fast❤
Great review,would like to see your 140i reviewed? Interested to see if it tops tue stage 1 cupra on the leader board. Looking at 140s and cupra for my next car. Currently have a stage 2 cupra mk2 and looking for fun and performance sort of leaning towards the 140 atm.
@@dizzeeJay fair enough mate, the whole credit rating is ridiculous. if you’re desperate to get one, only I thing I can suggest is getting someone you’re close too maybe a family member to get a loan out from the bank? I know a couple people who do that👍🏻
Hi ive enjoyed your reviews man. Im considering selling my G20 330i and getting a 7.5 R. I'd keep everything stock so it would be about 50hp improvement to change to the golf. Do you think the bmw is more fun though? You said the stock R is boring? Would be really interested to hear your opinion!!
I’d second this, I have a 7.5r and they’re sick to drive definitely not boring stock but compared to anything rwd you’ll think it’s boring. It’s rapid but on rails whereas the bmw will give you more fun around the corners if that’s what you’re after, it’s all subjective and based on what driving style you like when you’re hammering it. I personally like the 4wd on rails feeling so went for the golf over the m135i etc
@@ParagonCarsLondon could have done, tyres for me makes a big difference I only use Goodyear from now on as even the Michelin PS4’s don’t feel as good or dynamic as the Goodyears. Also the Michelins I’ve found after some wear they handle shite whereas the Goodyears are pretty much the same till about legal limit.
@@jonobassettloads of tuners for the EA888 engine. Just go with a big name who know what they’re doing. MRC/APR/Revo/Unicorn Developments/RTech/Devil Developments/QSTuning/EcoTune are the biggest. Used devil developments for my s1 and no issues. Will be taking my s3 there once warranty runs out.
yes still boring ffs!!!! its the most boring looking hothatch out there inside and out!!! and so cheap and nasty inside, and lets face it it has looked basically the same for 30yrs the golf!!! and u can hardly tell the difference from a Golf R and a normal Golf except for the quad pipes lol!!! dont care how fast or good it drives VW r laughing at u if u buy this when its so cheap inside etc, VW need to step up thier game big time for interiors go and have a look at a Merc or BMW interiors!!!!
Cheap inside? It feels more premium than most hatches of the same price. Is the a45 higher quality or just more techy? There's a difference between slapping on extra screens and a higher quality interior.
@@stevedaddy5707 Which M car or AMG? Not all feel all that premium and some people are fooled by larger stuck on screens and believe more tech means better build quality. Again which hatchback of the same value has a better quality interior??
@stevedaddy5707 A class interior looks a lot nicer but the quality of materials maybe isn't as good as the golf (not something I'd care about). BMW interiors look awful and dated from this age. Interiors look a lot better in the new 1 series however.
Mate, this entire review is so full of it. 1/2 (at absolute max) total spacing ruins the handing? Lmfao, get real. The golf r has no turning radius because the steering ratio (do you even know what that is mate?) is different, making this "a handful in a parking lot". Get real. So many other things i can make fun of you for, but that's plenty. Your whole video was a joke.
Agree with this. There’s not much drama unless driving at the limits, which isn’t great on public roads if you value your licence. Cars have become heavy and clinical over the years
It's not the engine that's the problem it's the turbo, they are known to fail on the early mk7's and mk7.5's especially after being mapped. There's options to uprate the standard turbo internals to stop it happening.
Mate, you're reviews are amazing, real hidden gem of a channel - you deserve so much more views!
The only problem with the golf R is the amount of times that they get stolen someone that owned one had three attempted burglaries in a year because it was on the drive on the house so if you are going to buy one invest in a ghost immobiliser and a steering wheel lock and a tracker
It’s a big problem unfortunately. Ghost plus steering lock is the best deterrent. A tracker is also good.
Especially the keyless start ones !
Has to slightly be down to the area too. We've had ours for 4 years and haven't had any attempts thank god. We do have a steering wheel lock on, so that could've of been a deterrence.
Real easy solution, don't have your car on and leave it🤷♂️
@@entity1263 it was just sat on the driveway locked and not running
The R and GTI have quicker steering racks meaning full lock is achieve with less turn. Lock angle is not reduced at all.
The steering ratio adapts to the speed of the car too. It's short at parking lot speeds and longer (but not by much imo) at track speeds.
There are several things you can do to make a Mk7 R more playful and fun to drive. These are the five mods that improved my car the most:
Bigger rear anti-roll bar
Euro Sport Street Camber Kit
Set XDS to "Strong"
Set Haldex to "Traction"
Eibach Pro-Kit springs
You missed Polly bushes for the front suspension arms. Transforms the handing
Stage 2 mk7R here. Compared to st1, she’s more savage in 2nd gear when you hit 3-4k rpm. But the icing on the cake is lovely noise from the downpipe (even/especially on stock exhaust, as I am). The missus wonders why I’ll take any excuse to do a grocery run :)
Did you tamper with the stock exhaust at all ? like delete your resonators ? Also; what also upgrades did you do to complment your stage tune; aftermarket intercooler ? and TCU tune ?
Exhaust completely stock. Have not touched the resonator. I don’t need her to be any louder, and I’m worried about drone on the highway.
Otherwise, v light mods. Just Racingline cold air intake and turbo elbow, Unitronic downpipe. Not related to tune, but 034 rear sway bar is great and really flattens the ride through corners, highly recommend (plus it’s cheap and has no downside). Unitronic stage 2 ECU and TCU (I’m DSG).
I don't know if a particular res delete gives more drone but mine does not. I also still have the stock exhaust with stock downpipe. I like what you've done with the sound of your setup. Adjustments here and there however still keeping the car clean
Had 4 beamers just got one r-7 and I feel like I've arrived.......map 1 to come but perfectly happy right now and the grip with all wheels pulling is new to me
i bought a golf r estate 7.5 and it drives like a dream but got caught doing 58 in a 50 but the picture does not say anything so i wonder if the cam is wrong but anyway a great machine.
Great review. I didn't even know they had a short steering lock
In your experience, are stage 1 or piggyback modules affecting long term reliability? Stock versus modded, in long term mileage and same use, are really really identical in realibility?
Should make about 360-370bhp when mapped
I think the 19-20 Rs have GPFs so it restricts the tuner a bit. So 350ish seems about right for stage 1 with GPFs
Waiting for APR to finally release the Ultralink in Australia so I can have ability to go back to stock if I want. Just curious what everyone's thoughts are on the DQ381 7 speed TCU tune. Have heard a few people say it doesn't do anything at all.
So the spacers then, would u keep them or not bother? I'm getting mixed opinions from u😮
i'd get rid of them personally but a lot of people like them and for road use they're absolutely fine.
@@ParagonCarsLondon it was sarcasm mate. U didn't stop talking about the spacers ffs😂
@@Teamlastofus oh 🤣
Absolutely love your channel man! I have a Stage 2 GTI Performance mk7.5 and absolutely love it.
Bar the spacers and exhaust.. exactly what i thought! It amazes me how people don't fully understand the issues. You can get the Wavtrac front and rear diffs for the R but it's serious money.
I prefer the interior of this golf compared to the Audi s3
Jb4, kw v3, Clubsport brakes and a milltek. Had mine 6 years can't part with it.
i’ve got stock golf r 7.5 with a few mods and I’m very pleased with it 😂
What car would you go with 335d or the golf r
Both bloody good cars couldn't fault either i was going for 435d m4 replica but highish miles didn't want that so went for was the R try and get one with service history and waterpump and thermostat history
Also benefits of golf is cheaper tax £225 ulez compliance easy to service service oil and filter £75 and pipercross air filter £35 word of advice go for dsg makes the car so much more quicker and buy decent brakes especially before modifications, bmw will be better on fuel though tax is higher £350 it really is a tough decision but once you do a pull in R you won't be disappointed
If i had to pick i'd go for the golf just because i prefer petrol cars. 335D is actually more fun to drive though i think.
Another great review👍, I'm interested on your views on the GR Yaris compared to the golf R if you have one cheers 👍
Will hopefully get a gr yaris on the channel at some point. Basically though, golf is the better daily and yaris is by far the better drivers car haha.
Cool video man. I have a quick question, you mentioned the shifts being savage, do the ecu and tcu map add more drama to the gear shifts? Personally that’s something I’d rather enjoy.
They certainly do. The tcu map increases clamping pressure on the clutches so you get really aggressive sounding shifts.
Just bought a golf R and kind of regret it already. Not the car, the car is great, just being the uk, there are cameras everywhere and police everywhere literally can’t enjoy the car at all. I’ve lived in Tenerife for long time and
So fun driving out there.
That's interesting. My 2018 7.5 Golf R has Eco, Comfort, Normal, Race & Individual.
Dynamic chassis control is an extra. Which gives you comfort mode
We need a stage one golf gti performance or non performance next!
Would you say the 7.5 gti is more fun to drive?
yeah it is, but only marginally.
@@ParagonCarsLondon thanks mate :)
iam now going to buy a golf r thanks
what make are the paddles?
Try from a dinger to a golf r is not that boring.
Get the impression you don't like spacers?
Very good and informative video. Who tuned this car and what software is it running.?
APR stage 1 engine and gearbox software. 355bhp and 534nm of torque. Not sure on what company did it.
Ive only recently come across your channel. as Im in the market for I think either an S3 or an S4. These reviews are top quality.
Im just intrigued Golf R or Audi S3?
S3 if want a better built interior and golf r if you want a little bit more room in the back and more kit as standard. You get adaptive cruise as standard on golf r's.
The wagon is way more fun & sounds nicer inside..
is a mk7.5 r better than a mk8 gti?
The stock mk8 gti will feel more entertaining than a stock mk7.5 r is the majority opinion. I prefer the all weather performance of the R, in the UK it's a no brainer and it installs huge confidence when pressing down familiar or unfamiliar roads. It's a beast down winding B roads. I plan to go mild stage three with mine, i plan to keep it a long time.
Love your reviews mate. Wish I could’ve give you my stage 1 s1 (307bhp 490nm) to review for the sake of a video. Now an owner of an s3 as per your review
Of the nano grey one
the R and S3 just doesn't get down a road like the cupras do. crazy off the lights then after that there shite
07:45 Stock golf r is boring, lol rubbish statement.
That’s formula 1 speed😮 I’m going to remap mine definitely 😅
in your professional opinion, would you rather have something like this? Or a 2020-21 subaru wrx sti as a daily?
I’d have the golf. It’s just a bit more relaxing than the subaru.
Wrx isn’t fast and the interior is garbage
I am curious, how do you compare the golf 7R with the TTS mk3, Its a big difference between them or its just something not that much ?
it’s the same engine and chassis but the tts is lower and wider. Think of the tts as a slightly sportier golf r because that’s basically what it is.
@@ParagonCarsLondon Thank you! idk the price difference in UK but in europe a decent R its around 21k euros and a decent tts its 30k, do you think its worth the extra? Thanks!
@@Daniel-id2rl the interior in the audi is nicer but i’d take the golf r as it’s more practical.
How do the Dynaudio speakers compare to the B&O in the S3?
they’re close in volume but the B&O system sounds a bit clearer to me.
Very late to this one but the B&O is night and day in my opinion. Before my mk7.5 R I owned a b8.5 s4 with the B&O for 6 years. The audio in the R is one of the main features I don’t like about the car.
When’s the m140i review/pov coming ??
Will be coming July 1st
Hi Paragon, i am your biggest fan ever i watch your videos every day keep up the good work but can you pls drive bmw f10 520d or vw golf mk6 1.6 tdi or 2.0 any of those i will be happy keep up the great work your channel will grow so fast❤
Great review,would like to see your 140i reviewed? Interested to see if it tops tue stage 1 cupra on the leader board.
Looking at 140s and cupra for my next car.
Currently have a stage 2 cupra mk2 and looking for fun and performance sort of leaning towards the 140 atm.
140i review will be right at the beginning of July.
140i is another level of crazy and fun, especially with stage 2
@@phoenixlounge7656 and fucking dangerous in the rain 🌧
Pretty low figures for a stage 1 with an R600, mines making 380
Alright pal, what map pal and is urs a 7.5 310?
Stock, boring? Oh dear.
Shame it's not manuel
Is it faster than the Audi S5
very close but the s5 is quicker
@@ParagonCarsLondonThe Audi slow thoe think sq7 faster
I think the stage 1 335d would be on par with the golf r stage 1 30 to 70
It is
I tried to get this car from this company. The finance company refused me 😔
one day 🙏
Have you tried getting a loan from your bank?
@Redemption X need to get the credit rating up abit
@@dizzeeJay fair enough mate, the whole credit rating is ridiculous. if you’re desperate to get one, only I thing I can suggest is getting someone you’re close too maybe a family member to get a loan out from the bank? I know a couple people who do that👍🏻
@@redemptionx2918 Don't think that's a good idea. You could instead save up and buy the car outright.
Will you be doing a review of a i30n anytime soon?
Love the videos, they are my "go to" for car reviews
unlikely unfortunately, i did manage to drive one when they first came out and was surprised how good it was.
@@ParagonCarsLondon was it more fun than the golf?
@@samdude2956 Definitely more fun, but not as comfortable. Suspension was very stiff for uk roads as well.
Hi ive enjoyed your reviews man. Im considering selling my G20 330i and getting a 7.5 R. I'd keep everything stock so it would be about 50hp improvement to change to the golf. Do you think the bmw is more fun though? You said the stock R is boring? Would be really interested to hear your opinion!!
I’d keep the 330i and remap it if you want more power. The BMW is definitely more fun in its stock form and has a nicer interior.
I’d second this, I have a 7.5r and they’re sick to drive definitely not boring stock but compared to anything rwd you’ll think it’s boring. It’s rapid but on rails whereas the bmw will give you more fun around the corners if that’s what you’re after, it’s all subjective and based on what driving style you like when you’re hammering it. I personally like the 4wd on rails feeling so went for the golf over the m135i etc
@@tommo390 Great advice thank you man. I think i'd miss the rwd so I'll try and ignore my itchy feet for now haha
Go for the M140i that B58 engine and the sound wow. Also, you keep your rwd but have an absolute machine on your hands.
id love for you to make a video on the post 2019 mazda 3
probably won’t review one, but i drove one a few years ago and it was surprisingly good. Interior quality is very good as well.
Rather have the A4/a5 quattro with a remap
Slower, handles worse and more expensive?
Won't he anywhere as quick or handle like a golf r
@@piovo1 a 252ps a5 quattro handles better than a golf r. Did a review on one a while back and it was surprisingly good.
@@ParagonCarsLondon could have done, tyres for me makes a big difference I only use Goodyear from now on as even the Michelin PS4’s don’t feel as good or dynamic as the Goodyears. Also the Michelins I’ve found after some wear they handle shite whereas the Goodyears are pretty much the same till about legal limit.
@@Birmingham_racing but also won’t look like a generic brown kid that sells drugs in a golf r
Love this review and the style. I have been debating whether to put a Revo Stage 1 on my Golf R 7.5. This is tempting me !
do it, Absolutely transforms the car. Just make sure you get the revo tcu software as well.
@@ParagonCarsLondon Do you think Revo is the wayto go ? Safe? Does it drone on the motorway if you map a car ?
@@jonobassett revo is very safe. Mapping the car won’t change the sound though. Drone is caused by modifying the exhaust e.g. removing resonators.
@@jonobassettloads of tuners for the EA888 engine. Just go with a big name who know what they’re doing. MRC/APR/Revo/Unicorn Developments/RTech/Devil Developments/QSTuning/EcoTune are the biggest. Used devil developments for my s1 and no issues. Will be taking my s3 there once warranty runs out.
@@arjunpatel5443exactly that. A good well known tuner is worth their weight in gold. I’m lucky that I live near unicorn so that’s where mine is going.
We're safe here in NA, no Seats. 😂
Removing the PPF from exhausts is illegal, like a cat. So you’d have to be one of those that “knows a guy”
@2.33
Cupra> golf r
you know it 😎
Nahh
I chose the cupra over the golf had it since 2016 with a revo stage 1 on it its nuts ! Everyone's always shocked by it !
yes still boring ffs!!!! its the most boring looking hothatch out there inside and out!!! and so cheap and nasty inside, and lets face it it has looked basically the same for 30yrs the golf!!! and u can hardly tell the difference from a Golf R and a normal Golf except for the quad pipes lol!!! dont care how fast or good it drives VW r laughing at u if u buy this when its so cheap inside etc, VW need to step up thier game big time for interiors go and have a look at a Merc or BMW interiors!!!!
Cheap inside? It feels more premium than most hatches of the same price. Is the a45 higher quality or just more techy? There's a difference between slapping on extra screens and a higher quality interior.
@@KiranPatel-fk1pgyou’ve obviously never sat in an amg or m car 🤦🏼♂️
@@stevedaddy5707 Which M car or AMG? Not all feel all that premium and some people are fooled by larger stuck on screens and believe more tech means better build quality. Again which hatchback of the same value has a better quality interior??
@stevedaddy5707 A class interior looks a lot nicer but the quality of materials maybe isn't as good as the golf (not something I'd care about). BMW interiors look awful and dated from this age. Interiors look a lot better in the new 1 series however.
Designed by VW to be understated. What chav mobile do you own? lol
I like Audis and VW (when they don’t break) but the thing is, if only the golf didn’t look like a girl’s hatchback
Mate, this entire review is so full of it. 1/2 (at absolute max) total spacing ruins the handing? Lmfao, get real.
The golf r has no turning radius because the steering ratio (do you even know what that is mate?) is different, making this "a handful in a parking lot". Get real.
So many other things i can make fun of you for, but that's plenty. Your whole video was a joke.
Are you selling this car or just doing a review?
We were but it sold within a few days.
@@ParagonCarsLondon what a shame cause I would have been really I interested
As amazing as they are. The speed you have to drive them to be fun is stupid
Agree with this. There’s not much drama unless driving at the limits, which isn’t great on public roads if you value your licence. Cars have become heavy and clinical over the years
I was considering a stage 1 on my 7.5, just curios on long term ownership as I will be keeping it for many years. Would the engine be ok long term?
Absolutely, just make sure you service it properly and get the gearbox mapped to handle the additional power. Engines on these are incredibly strong.
It's not the engine that's the problem it's the turbo, they are known to fail on the early mk7's and mk7.5's especially after being mapped. There's options to uprate the standard turbo internals to stop it happening.
@@tyranic1 That is cap, the turbos aren't prone to fail 😂😂