Well when you consider that the MTM or ABT tuning box is more than twice as expensive as the APR tune and you get significantly less power, I would say yes that is inferior. Trust me I have been very public about my at times negative thoughts for APR but you cannot fault them in the R&D department. They wouldn't be selling a product that is blowing up gearboxes like you seem to suggest.
The EU tuning scene is not even close to what the tuning scene is in other places. Just compare the shear number of performance parts and tuning companies in each region. I'm talking about performance modifications here, not changing little convenience items like in your build thread.
Many other European forum members will disagree with your statements on the European tuning scene being small.
& I DO know what "proper full on mods" are, I know a few people who are doing such things & have done so in the past to my own cars. (polybushed all rubber mounts, lowered suspension, built CAI kits, fitted braking systems from other cars on, & currently helping a mate fit a big vanos v8 to an old E28 5 series), plus the fact I've been mechanic-ing on VAG cars for 20yrs, for myself & mates (anything from small Polo to R32 to cars you don't get over there).
Just this car was pretty good from the factory, apart from VW skimping on the fitment of what I call basic essentials which of course you will have noticed from my build thread (thanks for reading).
Mind you the ESC off button retro fit thread now has 13,800ish views, & USP Motorsport then made a very expensive kit of parts copying my DIY thread. The aero undertray thread has 9,600ish views, then there are the other DIY mod threads I have done, so obviously many other people find these simple mods essential/important to them also!
Arin answered my other question on the other thread (thanks) so I'm out
