People using a bike for transportation prefer to arrive non-sweaty.

I think the sadle pen (seat post?) doubles as kickstand. That’s why it is so low.

Uh, hard pass. He asked for a commuter car in a place that sees actual winter. I know some of you nuts do the Miata thing anyway up there, and more power to you, but personally, I’m a fan of better insulated, permanently affixed roofs for stuff like that.

This isn’t just a reflash sort of revision. There are a lot of parts involved with this update, and I listed them in the story.

North America WILL be getting it. Just not the United States.

Of course not.  

That car strictly had appeal to people who have Tweety Bird tattoos and a meth habit.

Where do I get tickets for that?

The DSG has a more direct feel- the lack of a torque converter means it really does feel like the engine is truly connected to the wheels. Now, I’d agree that a manual would be more diverting and the DSG can be caught napping when in standard mode, but it’s a darned good transmission if you have to plan around heavy…

It is still a small, quick, practical hatchback that leads its class.  Definitely still has the essence of the original and as a Dad, I am thankful for the 4 doors. Lots of cars now comes with automatics. Porsche 911, M3, etc..,

I have an MK7. They have improved the DSG over the years. In standard mode the shifts are a little lazy for economy. In sport mode it really wakes up and the paddles can be used to snap off lightning fast shifts either way.   Wife had an Impreza. Not at all the same.

Not really in the predictions business; I’m more like this:

I noticed that too and was glad to get those things (like upgraded sound) in my ‘17 SE. Probably just trying to siphon more money out of the top crowd that wants more tech.

Your “reasonably tasteful” and mine are not the same :)

I dunno, I have Austins on my MK6 and I think they’re reasonably tasteful. The Detroits were not my taste really.

You have to get the Golf GTD for that.

This seems like great design and one that would allow for much higher rpms and less parasitic power loss compared to compressing springs. Id also be curious to see if a pushrod version of this design could be created to reduce the amount of space it requires. That cam setup looks like it would not be compact

While in college, Cycle Specialties of Athens GA was my hang out. Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Benelli, Aprilia, if it was Italian, they worked on it. Back then “desmo” was a “dark science” but oh the memories. Rare Works Ducatis, and all the guys who raced at Road Atlanta would come to John Hoffman’s shop (RIP John Hoffman)…

Cold, dead cuddling is the best kind!