KevinC
Autocross Champion
- Car(s)
- '19 Golf R, '21 M2c
Absolutely! Just used it over a long trip this week.
7
2020 GTI S vs. 2017 GTI Sport
- Thread starter theDoktor
- Start date
Absolutely! Just used it over a long trip this week.
jimlloyd40
Autocross Champion
- Location
- Phoenix
- Car(s)
- 2018 SE DSG
I don't understand VW's marketing strategy at all.
sponger85
Passed Driver's Ed
- Location
- Wilmington, NC
- Car(s)
- 17 Alltrack & 20 GTI
If the OP is still looking, check Flow Auto VW in North Carolina and Virginia (they have multiple dealers). They have at least 1 2020 S manual see screen shot attached. I bought a new 2020 GTI S (DSG) in May taking advantage of the 0% deals. This GTI is a second car for me, as I still own and drive my 2017 Alltrack (6sp manual), both from Flow VW Wilmington, NC. Quick and easy process with them, by far my best dealer experiences (I have bought 5 new cars from various dealers in the last 10 years). I email them about the car, they send me the price, I’m in and out in ~2hr with the new car.
Here are my thoughts about the 2020 GTI S and some of the items brought up in this thread.
As with the OP, I did not want a sunroof and really preferred the cloth plaid. I actually enjoy the simplicity of less features, though a do miss a couple items.
Head Unit (pros and cons)
Comparing it to my Alltrack, The head unit has less features overall and the back up camera resolution is noticeably lower than the Alltrack. I wish it had Sirius built in the head unit, the CarPlay app for Sirius is just not that great. It is nice to have a direct APP push button for CarPlay compared to the Alltrack. The omitted CD player is actually a bonus for me, as it gives you more storage in the glove box which seems makes up the missing underwear storage drawer. It took me a month to figure it out, but you can access the sound setting by swiping down on the screen from CarPlay (or any screen); there is no direct push button for Sound. It might get overlooked, but the SD card reader is right under the screen on the console and the SD card fits in almost flush. There is a USB-C to connect your phone now, a good update IMO.
OBD11 Mods
The software is a different version than my 2017 Alltrack, the hex values are different. I was successful in long coding some mods but not others. These worked for: Windows with key fob, Soundakor off, refuel quantity in dash, driving school mode, green menu. Unfortunately I could not get the long coding for ESC full off to write (as I have in my Alltrack). The hex values are different (start with 8 instead of 0 for Byte 29) so I wonder if this is blocked now for 2020. Does anyone else know a 2020 GTI that was successful?
DSG
I typically hunt long and hard for a manual transmission on my new cars, but got the DSG so the wifey could drive too. Honestly, I have to say it is a blast to drive in manual mode, but would recommend replacing the paddles. I got a black metal set online for $24 and it was a 5 min swap out install and greatly improved manual mode.
Other Items
Definitely get new tires, stock A/S are not good. IMO, the stock exhaust has a nice sound and much better than stock MK7 GTI I have heard.
Here are my thoughts about the 2020 GTI S and some of the items brought up in this thread.
As with the OP, I did not want a sunroof and really preferred the cloth plaid. I actually enjoy the simplicity of less features, though a do miss a couple items.
Head Unit (pros and cons)
Comparing it to my Alltrack, The head unit has less features overall and the back up camera resolution is noticeably lower than the Alltrack. I wish it had Sirius built in the head unit, the CarPlay app for Sirius is just not that great. It is nice to have a direct APP push button for CarPlay compared to the Alltrack. The omitted CD player is actually a bonus for me, as it gives you more storage in the glove box which seems makes up the missing underwear storage drawer. It took me a month to figure it out, but you can access the sound setting by swiping down on the screen from CarPlay (or any screen); there is no direct push button for Sound. It might get overlooked, but the SD card reader is right under the screen on the console and the SD card fits in almost flush. There is a USB-C to connect your phone now, a good update IMO.
OBD11 Mods
The software is a different version than my 2017 Alltrack, the hex values are different. I was successful in long coding some mods but not others. These worked for: Windows with key fob, Soundakor off, refuel quantity in dash, driving school mode, green menu. Unfortunately I could not get the long coding for ESC full off to write (as I have in my Alltrack). The hex values are different (start with 8 instead of 0 for Byte 29) so I wonder if this is blocked now for 2020. Does anyone else know a 2020 GTI that was successful?
DSG
I typically hunt long and hard for a manual transmission on my new cars, but got the DSG so the wifey could drive too. Honestly, I have to say it is a blast to drive in manual mode, but would recommend replacing the paddles. I got a black metal set online for $24 and it was a 5 min swap out install and greatly improved manual mode.
Other Items
Definitely get new tires, stock A/S are not good. IMO, the stock exhaust has a nice sound and much better than stock MK7 GTI I have heard.
theDoktor
Go Kart Champion
- Location
- Buffalo, NY area
- Car(s)
- 2017 GTI Sport
I really appreciate your thoughts & comments on the 2020 GTI S. I'll keep Flow Auto in mind- it's just a longer flight to get there. I have found numerous S trims with the manual transmission when I expanded my search range to 500 miles. I prefer to keep the return trip home with the new car as short as possible with the fewest possible steady-speed cruising miles. That ain't happening if I have to travel to Virginia or NC. I also will probably be stuck doing the TT&L stuff myself- many states, especially those as far away from my current state as Flow will not deal with out-of-state registrations.
The head unit items & the deleted CD player don't bother me. As long as there is an accessible SD card reader, I'm good.
The OBD11 Mods issue is interesting, but the potential mods I'm interested in are not allowed by my autocross class. This is something that folks competing at the level I do keep a close eye on. Protests follow quickly, as do consequences. Nope.
DSG: Wrong gearing and untrustworthy shifting when autocrossing. Manual transmission only for me.
Other items: Agree 100 % on the stock tires. I'm waiting for the Apex wheel buy to happen so I can get a set of 17x8.5 or 9 rims with a high-end all-season tire for summer use. Will replace the OEM tires with another set of Nokian All-Weather tires for my winter tires. I agree on the stock exhaust. When I can justify it, I'll probably swap it out for a much lighter custom-made unit. That should offset most of the weight of the trailer hitch I need to install.
theDoktor
Go Kart Champion
- Location
- Buffalo, NY area
- Car(s)
- 2017 GTI Sport
My guess is that, right now, it's impossible to get anything across the border. I'm not positive, but I believe that Canadian-spec cars don't comply with US safety & emission regulations, but I may be wrong on this. You're probably correct on the warranty work issue. If the car was 25 years old- no issues other than your not being able to get into Canada. Americans are currently essentially persona non grata most everywhere.
I will say, the Base system isn't bad once your replace the speakers, which sound Ilke they were made out of soggy and dirty old socks. I installed JL C1 650's and it's a night and day difference, so I wouldn't worry if you don't get the higher spec system.
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Why the trailer hitch? I'm able to fit everything, including my race wheels/tires inside the car. I know so many people that have had their race trailers stolen at big events.
As far as obd11 tweaks, you can make tweaks for track days, and set them back to stock for autocross, no need to deprive yourself.
As far as obd11 tweaks, you can make tweaks for track days, and set them back to stock for autocross, no need to deprive yourself.
theDoktor
Go Kart Champion
- Location
- Buffalo, NY area
- Car(s)
- 2017 GTI Sport
As you can see from my profile shot, I have a dirt bike & trailer to haul around. Trailer makes hauling lumber for some of my other hobbies much more practical.
I don't do track days. I don't drive aggressively enough on the street to justify & be able to use the OBD11 mods; turning them back to stock for autocross is a PITA.
That makes total sense.
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echelonphoto
Ready to race!
- Location
- northeast
I got lucky. I totaled my 2015 se. and managed to find a 17se with dsg and lighting pkg. it was a demo and had not been put on the road til late 2018, so my cpo coveres me until 2023. The car is white and only had 11k miles on it and I paid 23000 for it and got practically a new car. Couldn't be happier, love the dsg, esp now with the jb4 added on and some nice neuspeed wheels.