Getting off the line quicker

[Mk5 GTian]

Yup, odd as it sounds, slipping the clutch is actually the fastest way of getting it going. You can do the same 2nd-3rd too.

I can see that now, and you need at least 1800 - 2000 rpm whilst holding it at stationary. That was the main thing I was doing wrong. I was tryiing to launch in the same way as I did in my 4Motion, which was to hold it on the clutch, engine at 800-1000 rpm, then dump the clutch and right foot into the carpet!! Worked very well when I could get power down through 4 wheels, but I've learnt that my GTi is a completely different animal!

This has been a good learning experience, especially as I'm going for more power in the coming months!

[Mk5 GTian]

You will never get traction like a 4WD with a front wheel drive car with decent power. Especially this time of year when the roads are slippy. I am running winter tyres just now and run michelin pilot sport 3's normally and the difference in traction is unbelievable. Rubber does play a big part. I owned a stage 2+ S3 before my GTI and you could launch it in the wet and it wouldn't spin, that was alot of fun 

I can imagine! My old 4Motion was brilliant off the line, regardless of weather, but I went for a MK5 GTi for so many other reasons other than launching. I'm working on the technique for launching when I get a dry day, but I get so much more than in my MK5 in all other aspects of driving, that it's shortcomings as a front wheel drive are very few. The handling and steering feel are so much better than in almost everything I've ever driven, and those are the most important aspects for me. Not being the best launching tool in winter is a small price to pay! That said, being able to lauch with ease in all weathers is missed to a point, as you can tell from this thread!

[Dw1]

The handling and steering feel are so much better than in almost everything I've ever driven, and those are the most important aspects for me. Not being the best launching tool in winter is a small price to pay!

I agree, for a front wheel drive car, it's handling is pretty good given the amount power that goes through the wheels. The steering is very good, nice and communicative and the power assist is not overly intrusive. 
Have you tried a Porsche? They have great steering. Or even better still a Caterham or any Elise type derivative with no power steering, for me they define and set the benchmark for pure steering feel, with them you are hard-wired to the tyres.

I wish car manufacturers in their sports models would put in a switch to give you the option to fade out the power assist completely after 30mph or a speed of your choosing.

[Mk5 GTian]

The handling and steering feel are so much better than in almost everything I've ever driven, and those are the most important aspects for me. Not being the best launching tool in winter is a small price to pay!

I agree, for a front wheel drive car, it's handling is pretty good given the amount power that goes through the wheels. The steering is very good, nice and communicative and the power assist is not overly intrusive. 
Have you tried a Porsche? They have great steering. Or even better still a Caterham or any Elise type derivative with no power steering, for me they define and set the benchmark for pure steering feel, with them you are hard-wired to the tyres.

Porsche? I've never driven one, as I'll only drive a car if I can afford to buy it. I drove an SL55 at Brooklands, and I was gutted for days afterwards when I had to hand it back! A Porker is a bit out of my league at the moment, as I'd only ever want a 911. But who knows, in the future I'd love a 997, and with the launch of the 991, early 997 Carrera 2's can be had for 25k.