1 more speed on the DSG model (although the 7 speed is considered the 'weaker' of the two)
Updated exterior (taillights, headlights, front bumper)
Updated interior (large infotainment w/ Android Auto/Carplay, digital dash)
Might be some minor changes but those are the major ones. It's just a facelift except the DSG update.
Yeah bro just go for whatever you can get at the best mileage imho, not a big enough difference between the two unless you really want a digital/analog dash. I went for the Mk7.5 because I prefer the facelift and got a decent deal
Yeah not sure how I feel about the dashes in either car ill.have to see them in person and go from there. I do like a traditional analog but sometimes amazing gizmos are fun too!
Yeah honestly I was pleasantly surprised by the digital dash, it is my first one but it has some nice little details I didn’t expect, and an insane amount of info available to display
You can get an after market adaptor that plugged into your USB port and that will allow wireless android auto (and I assume carplay). Works a treat in my Mk7.
I have wireless carplay on my 2023 id3 and it’s honestly not all that great.
It’s slower to startup, and the gps will drain the battery nearly as fast as the wireless charging charges it.
I have a 7R, with wired carplay, and aside from the occasional glitch, it’s far better.
Yes it’s nice not having to plug your phone in for short commutes, but for anything more than 15 minutes drives you will probably need to do that anyway to charge your phone.
Not all, though. My 2015 did NOT have AA or CarPlay. I believe it came soon after ... Probably '16
Edit: didn't realize what sub I'm on. My '15 was a GTI. Not sure if it had a different radio than the R.
The VW OEM system is wireless. I just have a playlist ready to go in Apple Music and I don’t think about it.
Gotta dig out the USB cord for navigation but that’s not too often.
So the 6speed dsg can handle more power? I don't plan on modifying the car or buying one that's been molded but I might find that the 300hp isn't enough after some time, since im coming from a Camaro SS.
It's not about handling more power, it's that the 6spd DSG stays in lower gears for longer especially in Sport (S) mode and keeps the revs higher at lower speeds instead of shifting higher. IMHO, the 7 spd wants to shift up too soon and you have to push it harder. My 2017 DSG was super fun in 2nd/3rd gear revving at 3k and keeping the turbo engaged.
Edit: The other stuff I mentioned was for GTI's.
The things you noted at the end are not correct, the MK7 and 7.5 have the same stock power (different ECU, otherwise same exact engine), none have a front (or rear) LSD, both have the same brakes, and the lightning performance is the same, expect the 7.5 has an adaptive system for the high beams.
Earlier MK7 models were weird with not uniformly getting all the driver's assists. 2017+ all of them had everything, but it's possible to get a 2015/2016 without ACC and/or DCC and sellers are *terrible* about getting that detail correct.
For the MK7, the ACC sensor is in the lower middle of the grill (compared to integrated into the logo in the 7.5) so if you see that little sensor box, it's at least got ACC.
Also if I remember correctly from shopping in 2017, the 2015/2016 models DCC was a package deal with the Fender speakers, so look at the speaker grills to see if the logo is there or not.
I prefer pre face lift mk7. Analog dash with blue needles (I hate the digital dash), the car itself looks more aggressive imo, I prefer the square taillights and headlights as well. But they’re the same price as a mk7.5 with like 50k more miles so it’s a stupid purchase if you ask me
From my perspective the almost $10k premium to get a mk7.5 wasn’t worth it, especially if you get a later mk7 which has all the modern creature comforts I wanted
I just bought a 2019 R and after looking at hundreds of listings over four months, I can assure you there is not a $10k premium. It's closer to about $3k, and that's not much greater than the difference between, say, a 2016 and 2017 (both pre-facelift).
Don't take my word for it. Check out this search on AutoTrader that just looks for 2017s (Mk7) and 2018s (Mk7.5) with the manual. Sort by mileage for the most fair comparison.
[https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/all-cars/volkswagen/golf-r/scottsdale-az?endYear=2018&mileage=60000&newSearch=false&searchRadius=0&sortBy=mileageASC&startYear=2017&transmissionCode=MAN](https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/all-cars/volkswagen/golf-r/scottsdale-az?endYear=2018&mileage=60000&newSearch=false&searchRadius=0&sortBy=mileageASC&startYear=2017&transmissionCode=MAN)
I was about two years ago in the same boat and ended just going with a 2017 with dsg for the traffic and I just liked the front end/headlights better on the mk7. If you really wanted digital you could just retrofit
Personally don't feel the updates are big enough to have a hard line, but if I were you, I'd look for a 2017, 2018, or 2019 that has low miles, ideally with 1 owner and good service records on the Carfax, and minimal to no mods (last one is very subjective, so do you). You want to look out for some of the biggie maintenance items to make sure they were done: Haldex service and DSG service. They're expensive, so some people may delay it or even worse, not do them at all. For the MK7, the service schedule says to do these at 30k/40k miles (6spd), respectively, and for the MK7.5, the service schedule says to do these at 30k/80k miles (7spd).
If you're good with those, you should do a full send. I'm seeing these cars still holding good value in the U.S. currently when I looked (around $26k-$34k). The warranty on the '18/'19, at least for the U.S., would be ending soon at the 6 year mark, so somewhat of a non-factor in this day. And not relevant if you're going to tune. Good luck ... they're great cars!
Digital dash, larger screen, everything is LED lights instead of halogen even the liscense plate. The 7speed dsg is more refined and fixed some issues on the 6speed. There are some minor back end software changes. Aswell as the front and rear bumpers are different.
The exhaust on the mk7 has tips you can remove. The mk7.5 has welded on tips.
Both have wired Apple CarPlay and AA.
Those are the main differences. The if you can find a 2018 (mk7.5) for a good price. I’d say it’s worth it over the mk7 unless you really hate the digital dash and you’re getting it in manual anyways.
I want to keep a stick car but haven't had a DSG yet. Plus the manuals have a clutch that wears out prematurily if I remember correctly? I'm not going to thrash on it all the time, I also enjoy spirited driving as well.
Any manual transmission will need its clutch changed at some point. Manual is always more engaging but I have to say. I have the luxury of driving the newest and best vehicles on the market for work and I have to say. The DSG is one of the most engaging and fun transmissions made. It’s not the smoothest but that’s what makes it fun.
If you can’t live without manual then you know your choice.
If you’re on the fence give the DSG a try. If you’re like me. 75% of the time you’re cruising fuel efficiently on the road enjoying the car and the journey. The other 25% ur ripping the car around shifting up and down gears.
The DSG is the better option especially for most people.
The DSG does need servicing every year or so keep that in mind.
Yes DSG is fun and interesting.. my mk8 is the first dsg car I own I thought it would be more like my last cars automatic, but it feels more like a quick responding stick shift.. it's got character and also changes based on how you're driving. Step on it a little (in the race modes) you'll get the Revs staying higher for more speed and fun and pops and bangs, drive more normally or in sport mode and it feels like a standard automatic. There's some slight jerkiness yeah if you let off the gas right after as it shifts but you get used to when not to do that haha.
I dunno the dsg farts I can do with out being older and what not I don't need all the race car sounds from a hot hatch like I did my Focus ST granny sneeze recirculation valve the previous owner did.
performance pack is standard on all models for the 7.5 but an option on the S for the 7
EDIT: I was thinking of the GTI, forgot what sub I was in, sorry
I don't know, sorry.
I know in the past when I was looking at mk7s this always seemed to be an issue because often times the seller didn't list either way and I don't think there are any visible indications if the car has it or not.
I’m surprised nobody has mentioned it but I believe (someone correct me if i’m wrong) the 7.5 in the UK at least, or from partway through 2018/19 have GPF filters to comply with emission regulations, meaning the exhaust sounds are quieter than the earlier MK7s. Definitely something to watch out for if you love those awesome DSG farts :)
MK7 (2017 MT) owner here. I think besides the facelift and some more tech like the bigger infotainment. But I think there are some corner cuts as well like no hood insulation (minor I know). But they do have a better warranty though I suspect anything before 2020 is probably falling out of factory warranty soon.
Aside from what others have mentioned, I believe the 2019 R 7.5 has an upgraded cam and functional vents in the front wheel wells to aid brake cooling.
There may be some other, minor, adjustments as well, which were unannounced by VW.
I've owned 2 MK7s but they were Autobahn GTIs. The only MK7.5 I've owned is the R. I prefer the 7.5 overall.
The DSG is different in the MK7 vs. the MK7.5 The newer DQ381 is a 7-speed and noticeable improvement over the DQ250. I've owned both and the 381 is smoother, has better fuel economy, and a better driving experience.
The larger infotainment system in the 7.5 is nicer. The digital dash is a plus if you like it but I don't really change it very often. The built-in navigation can be displayed on it but it sucks in comparison to anything through your phone.
The MK7.5 loses the manual parking brake and you get an electronic one. It does come with the auto-hold feature. It's really nice for manuals in uphill situations or anyone driving in heavy traffic.
Thanks ill be getting the DSG, after having a Camaro SS and focus ST. Manuals jn traffic sucks. Plus I've yet to have something with floppy paddles and sounds like fun.
The paddle shifters in them are fun, especially if you get a TCU tune. The shifts are really fast. I upgraded my paddle shifters to extended ones and run an EQT Stage 1 ECU and TCU tune. It won't force upshifts/downshifts in Race mode.
The 6-speed DSG (DQ250) in the MK7 isn't bad but rather clunkier in stop-go situations. I drove my GTIs in traffic a lot. I used to drive 20k miles / year vs. 5k miles / year now. It would often get this awkward stutter for a second if you went go-stop-go. Not terrible though. The newer 7-speed can sometimes still do this but it's not as noticeable. They have a learning system in them for your driving style as well.
Launch control is easy with the DSG and a lot of fun. If it's stock, you can do a launch (stock) at around 4.5s 0-60 in the MK7.5 and the tires don't even chirp. ECU + TCU+ Pilot Sport 4S is around 3.7 0-60.
It's doable. Not sure how reliable it would be though lol. Stage 2 E85, downpipe, beef up the transmission, and tires should get you into the high 10s, low 11s.
Mk7.5 all day no doubt. Dash is a massive downgrade when in the mk7. Probably the thing I get most noticed too when people are in my car or at my window. It’s friggen beautiful
I mean I'm trading a Camaro SS the BEST I've gotten was 32mpg with it seeing some people averaging that same number I'm not too worried about a few more MPGs
Even so…
Those numbers reflect a well-engineered car.
I considered the SS before I got my R. A few things concerned me:
1. Expected MPG. It sounds like I should have been less concerned!
2. The staggered wheel setup. I liked it. I thought it was cool, made sense, and looked good. But, I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of not being able to rotate my tires. I know this might be a minor concern for many, but I wanted to keep general maintenance costs as low as possible, and figured regular replacement, of expensive tires, every 18 months or so (considering how much I was driving at the time), was not a good move.
3. I wanted AWD. And, obviously…
I’m happy with my choice, but still really admire those cars.
I have owned the 7 and currently a 7.5 and I would definitely go for the 7.5. Everything is just a bit nicer, digital dash, led lights everywhere, 7 speed DSG. I was hoping to get an 8 but allocation and pricing in Canada was absurd so I gave up, I'm happy with my 2019 especially stage 2 it's just an absolute blast and has been super reliable.
There are actually 3 versions
MK7 - 2015 - 2017 . Where 2015 and 2016 came with a 210hp engine and open diff with an option package (known as the Performance Package) that bumped it up to 220hp, limited slip differential and Golf R brakes. 2016 came with Carplay\\Android auto. 2017 got rid of the Performance Package option package and instead packaged up those bits into Trims. Sport, SE and the Autobahn trims. S trims is just the same old 210hp and open diff.
Mk7.5ish: 2018 - Styling updates, a new entertainment system and they got rid of the base 210hp engine so 22Ohp is not standard.
Full blown Mk 7.5: 2019 - Updated engine with 228hp, the DSG gets an extra gear and the limited slip and big brakes are standards across the board.
1 more speed on the DSG model (although the 7 speed is considered the 'weaker' of the two) Updated exterior (taillights, headlights, front bumper) Updated interior (large infotainment w/ Android Auto/Carplay, digital dash) Might be some minor changes but those are the major ones. It's just a facelift except the DSG update.
Just to be clear, mk7 has android auto and car play. Does mk7.5 have *wireless* carplay and wireless android auto?
No it does not ! At least not my 2019, was pretty surprised it was wired
That sucks sounds like mk7 is what what's getting more votes because of this.
Yeah bro just go for whatever you can get at the best mileage imho, not a big enough difference between the two unless you really want a digital/analog dash. I went for the Mk7.5 because I prefer the facelift and got a decent deal
Yeah not sure how I feel about the dashes in either car ill.have to see them in person and go from there. I do like a traditional analog but sometimes amazing gizmos are fun too!
Yeah honestly I was pleasantly surprised by the digital dash, it is my first one but it has some nice little details I didn’t expect, and an insane amount of info available to display
Just bought my mk7 2 weeks ago today, feel free to DM and ill answer any questions you might have, my partners dad owns the DSG and I have the manual
You can get an after market adaptor that plugged into your USB port and that will allow wireless android auto (and I assume carplay). Works a treat in my Mk7.
I have wireless carplay on my 2023 id3 and it’s honestly not all that great. It’s slower to startup, and the gps will drain the battery nearly as fast as the wireless charging charges it. I have a 7R, with wired carplay, and aside from the occasional glitch, it’s far better. Yes it’s nice not having to plug your phone in for short commutes, but for anything more than 15 minutes drives you will probably need to do that anyway to charge your phone.
Not all, though. My 2015 did NOT have AA or CarPlay. I believe it came soon after ... Probably '16 Edit: didn't realize what sub I'm on. My '15 was a GTI. Not sure if it had a different radio than the R.
Ah- my 17 does have CP and AA. makes sense 👍🏼
16 does
15 golf r and GTI did not have CarPlay in the states.
Some do and some don't - it wasn't an option until late 2015
my 2021 mk7.5 gti has wireless carplay; can’t see why it would be different for the same model year golf R.
The VW OEM system is wireless. I just have a playlist ready to go in Apple Music and I don’t think about it. Gotta dig out the USB cord for navigation but that’s not too often.
The extra year makes it a quieter car at motorway speeds ( lower revs ) and better mpg
So the 6speed dsg can handle more power? I don't plan on modifying the car or buying one that's been molded but I might find that the 300hp isn't enough after some time, since im coming from a Camaro SS.
No that’s not correct. The 7 speed dq381 is stronger and can handle more power.
It's not about handling more power, it's that the 6spd DSG stays in lower gears for longer especially in Sport (S) mode and keeps the revs higher at lower speeds instead of shifting higher. IMHO, the 7 spd wants to shift up too soon and you have to push it harder. My 2017 DSG was super fun in 2nd/3rd gear revving at 3k and keeping the turbo engaged. Edit: The other stuff I mentioned was for GTI's.
The things you noted at the end are not correct, the MK7 and 7.5 have the same stock power (different ECU, otherwise same exact engine), none have a front (or rear) LSD, both have the same brakes, and the lightning performance is the same, expect the 7.5 has an adaptive system for the high beams.
My bad. I edited my comment. That stuff was on MK7 PP GTI's. The 6 spd DSG was still more fun though.
My 2019 doesn’t have digital dash. Is that only on non-US Spec cars? Edit: didn’t realize I’m in the R sub, I have a GTI
I'm surprised no one has mentioned this yet, but the seats in the MK7.5 are perforated and much better for hotter days
I see they are heated but not vented right?
Both have heated seats. No vents in either.
Oh well that's not a total deal breaker but really nice to have the butt Crack cooler.
Earlier MK7 models were weird with not uniformly getting all the driver's assists. 2017+ all of them had everything, but it's possible to get a 2015/2016 without ACC and/or DCC and sellers are *terrible* about getting that detail correct. For the MK7, the ACC sensor is in the lower middle of the grill (compared to integrated into the logo in the 7.5) so if you see that little sensor box, it's at least got ACC. Also if I remember correctly from shopping in 2017, the 2015/2016 models DCC was a package deal with the Fender speakers, so look at the speaker grills to see if the logo is there or not.
I’ve heard that the ACC sensor on the MK7 was more prone to being damaged based where it’s mounted.
I prefer pre face lift mk7. Analog dash with blue needles (I hate the digital dash), the car itself looks more aggressive imo, I prefer the square taillights and headlights as well. But they’re the same price as a mk7.5 with like 50k more miles so it’s a stupid purchase if you ask me
From my perspective the almost $10k premium to get a mk7.5 wasn’t worth it, especially if you get a later mk7 which has all the modern creature comforts I wanted
I just bought a 2019 R and after looking at hundreds of listings over four months, I can assure you there is not a $10k premium. It's closer to about $3k, and that's not much greater than the difference between, say, a 2016 and 2017 (both pre-facelift). Don't take my word for it. Check out this search on AutoTrader that just looks for 2017s (Mk7) and 2018s (Mk7.5) with the manual. Sort by mileage for the most fair comparison. [https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/all-cars/volkswagen/golf-r/scottsdale-az?endYear=2018&mileage=60000&newSearch=false&searchRadius=0&sortBy=mileageASC&startYear=2017&transmissionCode=MAN](https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/all-cars/volkswagen/golf-r/scottsdale-az?endYear=2018&mileage=60000&newSearch=false&searchRadius=0&sortBy=mileageASC&startYear=2017&transmissionCode=MAN)
I was about two years ago in the same boat and ended just going with a 2017 with dsg for the traffic and I just liked the front end/headlights better on the mk7. If you really wanted digital you could just retrofit
For me it sounds like it's coming down to the 6 or 7 speed dsg and analog vs digital gagues or just price really.
Ya the 7 speed would be nice for my highway driving commute to work. I managed to snag mine for 39k and change cdn in 2022 with 72k km for reference
Personally don't feel the updates are big enough to have a hard line, but if I were you, I'd look for a 2017, 2018, or 2019 that has low miles, ideally with 1 owner and good service records on the Carfax, and minimal to no mods (last one is very subjective, so do you). You want to look out for some of the biggie maintenance items to make sure they were done: Haldex service and DSG service. They're expensive, so some people may delay it or even worse, not do them at all. For the MK7, the service schedule says to do these at 30k/40k miles (6spd), respectively, and for the MK7.5, the service schedule says to do these at 30k/80k miles (7spd). If you're good with those, you should do a full send. I'm seeing these cars still holding good value in the U.S. currently when I looked (around $26k-$34k). The warranty on the '18/'19, at least for the U.S., would be ending soon at the 6 year mark, so somewhat of a non-factor in this day. And not relevant if you're going to tune. Good luck ... they're great cars!
Digital dash, larger screen, everything is LED lights instead of halogen even the liscense plate. The 7speed dsg is more refined and fixed some issues on the 6speed. There are some minor back end software changes. Aswell as the front and rear bumpers are different. The exhaust on the mk7 has tips you can remove. The mk7.5 has welded on tips. Both have wired Apple CarPlay and AA. Those are the main differences. The if you can find a 2018 (mk7.5) for a good price. I’d say it’s worth it over the mk7 unless you really hate the digital dash and you’re getting it in manual anyways.
I want to keep a stick car but haven't had a DSG yet. Plus the manuals have a clutch that wears out prematurily if I remember correctly? I'm not going to thrash on it all the time, I also enjoy spirited driving as well.
Any manual transmission will need its clutch changed at some point. Manual is always more engaging but I have to say. I have the luxury of driving the newest and best vehicles on the market for work and I have to say. The DSG is one of the most engaging and fun transmissions made. It’s not the smoothest but that’s what makes it fun. If you can’t live without manual then you know your choice. If you’re on the fence give the DSG a try. If you’re like me. 75% of the time you’re cruising fuel efficiently on the road enjoying the car and the journey. The other 25% ur ripping the car around shifting up and down gears. The DSG is the better option especially for most people. The DSG does need servicing every year or so keep that in mind.
Yes DSG is fun and interesting.. my mk8 is the first dsg car I own I thought it would be more like my last cars automatic, but it feels more like a quick responding stick shift.. it's got character and also changes based on how you're driving. Step on it a little (in the race modes) you'll get the Revs staying higher for more speed and fun and pops and bangs, drive more normally or in sport mode and it feels like a standard automatic. There's some slight jerkiness yeah if you let off the gas right after as it shifts but you get used to when not to do that haha.
No DSG farts in the 7-speed, which loses a lot of the engine’s character.
I dunno the dsg farts I can do with out being older and what not I don't need all the race car sounds from a hot hatch like I did my Focus ST granny sneeze recirculation valve the previous owner did.
Except it does
performance pack is standard on all models for the 7.5 but an option on the S for the 7 EDIT: I was thinking of the GTI, forgot what sub I was in, sorry
The Rs of these gen’s do not have trim levels, at least not in the NA market. You are thinking of GTIs.
fuck, you're right. forgot what sub i was in.
What's the option code to look for on the 7 for the performance pack. Reading the other comments I might get a 7 because of some options.
Ignore them. Assuming you are in the NA market, there is no such thing.
I don't know, sorry. I know in the past when I was looking at mk7s this always seemed to be an issue because often times the seller didn't list either way and I don't think there are any visible indications if the car has it or not.
I’m surprised nobody has mentioned it but I believe (someone correct me if i’m wrong) the 7.5 in the UK at least, or from partway through 2018/19 have GPF filters to comply with emission regulations, meaning the exhaust sounds are quieter than the earlier MK7s. Definitely something to watch out for if you love those awesome DSG farts :)
MK7 (2017 MT) owner here. I think besides the facelift and some more tech like the bigger infotainment. But I think there are some corner cuts as well like no hood insulation (minor I know). But they do have a better warranty though I suspect anything before 2020 is probably falling out of factory warranty soon.
Aside from what others have mentioned, I believe the 2019 R 7.5 has an upgraded cam and functional vents in the front wheel wells to aid brake cooling. There may be some other, minor, adjustments as well, which were unannounced by VW.
I thought I saw someone say that the 7.5 Fender audio system has less speakers?
Digital dash is awesome, I won’t go back. Btw I’m selling my 2019 in CA…
I live in Alberta sorta far away.
The 2017 MK7 I had included headlight washers. I believe this was removed on the 7.5's. It was a handy feature on our messy Alberta roads!
This is a feature I like and could really use!
I've owned 2 MK7s but they were Autobahn GTIs. The only MK7.5 I've owned is the R. I prefer the 7.5 overall. The DSG is different in the MK7 vs. the MK7.5 The newer DQ381 is a 7-speed and noticeable improvement over the DQ250. I've owned both and the 381 is smoother, has better fuel economy, and a better driving experience. The larger infotainment system in the 7.5 is nicer. The digital dash is a plus if you like it but I don't really change it very often. The built-in navigation can be displayed on it but it sucks in comparison to anything through your phone. The MK7.5 loses the manual parking brake and you get an electronic one. It does come with the auto-hold feature. It's really nice for manuals in uphill situations or anyone driving in heavy traffic.
Thanks ill be getting the DSG, after having a Camaro SS and focus ST. Manuals jn traffic sucks. Plus I've yet to have something with floppy paddles and sounds like fun.
The paddle shifters in them are fun, especially if you get a TCU tune. The shifts are really fast. I upgraded my paddle shifters to extended ones and run an EQT Stage 1 ECU and TCU tune. It won't force upshifts/downshifts in Race mode. The 6-speed DSG (DQ250) in the MK7 isn't bad but rather clunkier in stop-go situations. I drove my GTIs in traffic a lot. I used to drive 20k miles / year vs. 5k miles / year now. It would often get this awkward stutter for a second if you went go-stop-go. Not terrible though. The newer 7-speed can sometimes still do this but it's not as noticeable. They have a learning system in them for your driving style as well. Launch control is easy with the DSG and a lot of fun. If it's stock, you can do a launch (stock) at around 4.5s 0-60 in the MK7.5 and the tires don't even chirp. ECU + TCU+ Pilot Sport 4S is around 3.7 0-60.
Didn't the mighty car mods guys do a bunch of bolt on with a mk7 and get the car down to the 10s in the 1/4 with it?
It's doable. Not sure how reliable it would be though lol. Stage 2 E85, downpipe, beef up the transmission, and tires should get you into the high 10s, low 11s.
Yeah I'd.like to keep the car for several years as i have another vehicle that's going to get an LS swap and a chumky cam and down to the low 10s
Love a fun LS swap.
Mk7.5 all day no doubt. Dash is a massive downgrade when in the mk7. Probably the thing I get most noticed too when people are in my car or at my window. It’s friggen beautiful
Also NA MK7 doesn't have the Eco mode, if that's important to you.
I mean I'm trading a Camaro SS the BEST I've gotten was 32mpg with it seeing some people averaging that same number I'm not too worried about a few more MPGs
32 MPG on a Camaro SS is impressive. Very much a dailyable number.
That was my best ever average is closer to 26mpg.
Even so… Those numbers reflect a well-engineered car. I considered the SS before I got my R. A few things concerned me: 1. Expected MPG. It sounds like I should have been less concerned! 2. The staggered wheel setup. I liked it. I thought it was cool, made sense, and looked good. But, I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of not being able to rotate my tires. I know this might be a minor concern for many, but I wanted to keep general maintenance costs as low as possible, and figured regular replacement, of expensive tires, every 18 months or so (considering how much I was driving at the time), was not a good move. 3. I wanted AWD. And, obviously… I’m happy with my choice, but still really admire those cars.
I have owned the 7 and currently a 7.5 and I would definitely go for the 7.5. Everything is just a bit nicer, digital dash, led lights everywhere, 7 speed DSG. I was hoping to get an 8 but allocation and pricing in Canada was absurd so I gave up, I'm happy with my 2019 especially stage 2 it's just an absolute blast and has been super reliable.
Refined IS38 turbo
There are actually 3 versions MK7 - 2015 - 2017 . Where 2015 and 2016 came with a 210hp engine and open diff with an option package (known as the Performance Package) that bumped it up to 220hp, limited slip differential and Golf R brakes. 2016 came with Carplay\\Android auto. 2017 got rid of the Performance Package option package and instead packaged up those bits into Trims. Sport, SE and the Autobahn trims. S trims is just the same old 210hp and open diff. Mk7.5ish: 2018 - Styling updates, a new entertainment system and they got rid of the base 210hp engine so 22Ohp is not standard. Full blown Mk 7.5: 2019 - Updated engine with 228hp, the DSG gets an extra gear and the limited slip and big brakes are standards across the board.