DCC Vs standard suspension

[lee123]

I'm currently looking to change my current MK3 FR TDI 150 for something a bit more fun. Top of the list are a MK3 cupra 280 dsg and mk7 GTi performance pack dsg for between 16-17k.

Weighing up the options I can get in both cars I was wondering if anyone has driven both the cupra 280 and fr 150 that could give me an idea of how the ride compares with the DCC on the cupra.

Like the idea of DCC in comfort when I'm pottering about but it's rare on the GTi so the cupra would have an advantage if it's much better than standard suspension.

Thanks is in advance.

 

[BreadlyBrown]

I had a mk3 FR estate 1.4 150 before my current 290 ST. The comfort mode in the Cupra is ever so slightly harder than the FR - possibly because of the wheel size increase and tyre wall thickness decrease.

Then obviously the Sport and Cupra modes stiffen the ride even further.

In comfort mode it is just that. Comfortable. Not once have I wished it was softer. Yes it crashes more on potholes and speedbumps but it's very good for what it is.

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[lee123]

Thanks for your thoughts.

My commute is a 50 mile round trip so want something that won't crash around all of the time especially when I have the kids in the car. I do like the idea of the ride firming up more when I want to have fun though so definitely leaning towards DCC being a must have option regardless of whether I opt for a cupra or gti.

Something that didn't sound like a tractor on start up would be a bonus too!

 

[BreadlyBrown]

Haha, well I can safely say it certainly doesn't sound like a tractor! Although personally I turn down the fake engine sound to hear the actual engine note - much nicer in my opinion.

You will have no issues with a commute/kids/shopping or anything else. I do a 1200 mile round trip from Southampton to Inverness 3-4 times a year and if it wasn't for the bucket seats I could do the whole trip only stopping for fuel. Then having the benefit of the DCC to have some fun in the highlands is great.

As I'm sure you know DCC is standard in the Cupra, rather than paying a premium to have it in a gti, plus like you say it's quite a rare option to find anyway.

Take them both for a test drive if you haven't already. I've personally never been in a mk7 gti or R so can't compare.

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[lee123]

I've driven a mk7 R with a manual gearbox and I absolutely loved it. DSG is a must have for me this time due to the city driving in rush hour in my commute.

I was really impressed with the R, out of my budget though especially with DSG. I'm only considering the GTi due to the slightly upgraded materials in the cabin and the fact I've had a MK3 for a couple of years now so a cupra will be almost identical inside.

The real downside for the GTi is the power deficit compared to the cupra aswell as the cupra has better standard equipment like the DCC and nav etc.

Decisions, decisions.

 

[unkl77]

I've driven a mk7 R with a manual gearbox and I absolutely loved it. DSG is a must have for me this time due to the city driving in rush hour in my commute.

I was really impressed with the R, out of my budget though especially with DSG. I'm only considering the GTi due to the slightly upgraded materials in the cabin and the fact I've had a MK3 for a couple of years now so a cupra will be almost identical inside.

The real downside for the GTi is the power deficit compared to the cupra aswell as the cupra has better standard equipment like the DCC and nav etc.

Decisions, decisions.

I test drove them back to back, and went Cupra- it feels more alive! The DCC I’ve had on 2 Sciroccos and now the 280 and I thought it would be a gimmick, it’s not! The DCC smooths out the 19s so commute is great, and fun when you press the flag!

The GTI has the badge kudos, but I’m glad I came back to Seat (I also think it looks better)

 

[lee123]

I test drove them back to back, and went Cupra- it feels more alive! The DCC I’ve had on 2 Sciroccos and now the 280 and I thought it would be a gimmick, it’s not! The DCC smooths out the 19s so commute is great, and fun when you press the flag!

The GTI has the badge kudos, but I’m glad I came back to Seat (I also think it looks better)

Thanks for your input. I must admit I'm leaning towards the cupra.

I need to get out in both to see what the two different cars offer up.

 

[LouG]

I use individual mode with DCC in comfort and everything else in sport, it works great on our crap roads. Very compliant, with just a trace of softness on bigger bumps.
Sport mode is the same as my GT86 for ride which is acceptable - just, Cupra is stiffer again, but bearable.

 

[Tara]

I owned a GTI PP before my current 280 buy it also had dcc which I really like on both and actually feels better in Cupra mode than sport in the golf , also drove a pp with 19" on standard suspension and it was very bad IMO . Don't be fooled by the so called golfs better interior as there is nothing in it and my GTI had plenty of rattles and vibrations which I constantly tried to fix , don't get me wrong it's a good car but for me the Cupra has better power and looks better but all IMO.

 

[heliophile]

I had a mk3 FR estate 1.4 150 before my current 290 ST. The comfort mode in the Cupra is ever so slightly harder than the FR - possibly because of the wheel size increase and tyre wall thickness decrease.

Then obviously the Sport and Cupra modes stiffen the ride even further.

In comfort mode it is just that. Comfortable. Not once have I wished it was softer. Yes it crashes more on potholes and speedbumps but it's very good for what it is.

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I agree with that. I went from a FR184 DSG to a 290 DSG. In comfort the Cupra does crash into potholes a little more than the FR due to the thin rubber, but it’s a perfectly acceptable ride for a daily driver on my 50 mile round trip commute, and longer family trips. I save Cupra mode for he weekend, it’s not as rock solid a ride as I first expected though, just nicely firm.
I also tested a GTI PP before getting the Cupra and was underwhelmed by the performance compared to the FR and the interior is not to my taste compared to the Leon, especially the lower touchscreen.

 

[Deleted member 103408]

I agree with that. I went from a FR184 DSG to a 290 DSG. In comfort the Cupra does crash into potholes a little more than the FR due to the thin rubber, but it’s a perfectly acceptable ride for a daily driver on my 50 mile round trip commute, and longer family trips. I save Cupra mode for he weekend, it’s not as rock solid a ride as I first expected though, just nicely firm.
I also tested a GTI PP before getting the Cupra and was underwhelmed by the performance compared to the FR and the interior is not to my taste compared to the Leon, especially the lower touchscreen.

Never driven the Golf but to be fair all the original 280 comparisons were vs the Golf R not the GTI, Performance I would expect the Cupra to be the best, due to Seat Depreciation on cost the Cupra will have a better spec and be cheaper than the R and seems to do very well against the GTI. i have had mine for 3 years now and have no intention of changing it since it has all the toys I need and with the great engine it will allow you to tune to much more than you would need for a daily drive (500 bhp is very easy to get (if not cheap)).

Fair to say I think the Cupra is the best and even today when people talk about the new 300 and all the stuff it comes with mine has most of that already (Heated Seats, Adaptive Cruise Control, Seat Sound, Real Spare Wheel, Traffic Sign recognition, DSG Box, lots of Saftey controls to stop you having an accident etc etc.

From what i have read on here the Audi S3 is the most stolen car and people have the need to race the R, The cupra has the power but its not flashy which is what i like about it.

Anyway back to your issues you need to drive them both as its how you like it that is important.
I would also call your Insurance company and see if there is a difference in cost. If you are going for the Cupra check the tyres as you can go cheap tyres so you need to be ready to fork out.

 

[lee123]

It's looking more and more like a cupra, obviously that's subject to a test drive and finding one of course. I think the fact that they are generally specced better meaning I will get more toys for my money. Not to mention more power.

My main concern was with the ride as I do at least 50 miles today and have the kids in the car often so would really like the ability make the ride softer during these journeys.

As for insurance both come in at around £500 a year so not an issue really.

 

[SteA]

It's looking more and more like a cupra, obviously that's subject to a test drive and finding one of course. I think the fact that they are generally specced better meaning I will get more toys for my money. Not to mention more power.

My main concern was with the ride as I do at least 50 miles today and have the kids in the car often so would really like the ability make the ride softer during these journeys.

As for insurance both come in at around £500 a year so not an issue really.

With PS4S tyres, the ride is absolutely fine in comfort. Transporting my four year old daughter about (and we always choose the Cupra over our Audi) and it’s never crossed my mind that it might lack comfort, trust me, my wife points out when my cars are a bit harsh ; it’s far better than our previous Audi’s, VWs and BMWs we’ve had in the past. It’s also just as comfortable as our VW Caravelle. my commute is 200 miles and I drive in Manchester / London and other places with very shoddy roads, it’s always been fine...