Originally Posted by
AdamD
Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that I don't like a car with a raw edge. What I am suggesting is that refinement and driving enjoyment are not mutually exclusive. Of course I wouldn't detune a McLaren F1 - it's an incredible performance machine just as it is, and entirely fit for purpose. But I don't think that, by making the MkVI a little quieter (and the EA888 a little smoother - have to emphasise that I think the differences to the EA113 are minor), VW has taken away any of the enjoyment or sensation of speed. They've just made it - to my mind at least - a little nicer to live with as a daily.
I've driven several MkV and MkVI GTIs at length. Sure, there are differences, but like I said, I don't find it a less satisfying performance drive than the V - they haven't diluted the steering feel or throttle response or overall handling balance. But then I don't associate a minor reduction in engine noise and NVH with a reduction in performance. Guess it's all down to perception.