Lori did the business for sure ! That car I cant knock at all, brought my first born home in a vw so I will always have a soft spot. Great review Joe as always 👍🏼
@@STEASEs3 isn’t worth it as the rs3 is the king. You’ll always be known as the guy who couldnt afford the rs3. Whereas the Golf R is the top of its class.
@H7RandomDiscord i watched another video of him saying almost the exact same thing, I think it's like a low key go-to joke. I believe he was reviewing the 2024 Golf R when he said it hahahaha
For sure! The VW Golf is super versatile. It's got a spacious interior, great fuel efficiency, and the handling is really fun, especially if you go for the GTI or R models.
I know chances are low, but I'd love to see VW surprise everyone with a manual for US spec again or listen to the criticism and put one in for MY26 or develop a new one for Mark IX
Hey VW. 3 colors? Could they not add 1 more color? Tornado Red or Indium Gray? I would be asking too much for the Spektrum Program. Love the new wheels. I love my 7.5 DSG in Lapiz but would be willing to trade and pay extra for Spektrum, (Irish Green, Mars Red, or Magma Orange).
Yeah, I don't get why they won't offer them for special order for, let's say, a 3K premium. Everybody wins in my mind. The eyeballs and uniqueness of the custom colors would further drive sales, which from what I read, they could definitely need right about now, while the enthusiasts get what they want. Not taking advantage of your strengths is a troubling sign of weak management.
I set and forget my a/c so don't care it's in the screen. But a volume knob is absolutely required! Madness VW haven't put it there! The steering wheel buttons appear to be those touch sensitive ones not actually buttons. So annoying as you can easily causes something to happen you didn't want/expect! No doubt Volume will be on their. I found you from Doug Demuro's fav UA-cam car journo channels. I enjoy your casualness. Just telling things as they are simply. Best from me Down Under in Middle Earth!
Wow. I like this one. The infotainment has been updated and the materials and colours are spot on for myself. This really gave me that yes feeling. Such a good versatile hot hatch.🥰
Im seeing waaay to many comments about the lack of heated, ventilated seats etc for the money.. Joe clearly stated, basically first thing - that this is a Euro Spec Version. EVERYTHING is an option there. Here in the US (not sure about Canada)..its a totally different story. I'm not sure what people are missing here. The R has always come to the states in ONLY full spec. Your main choices were color and transmission... They've taken one of those options away🙂↕️ from the equation.. but now have added the performance pack (assume that's an option 🤔) , black painted roof, the warmenau lighter wheels and possibly the akropic exhaust.. Unless they change things up drastically, the US versions will come standard with leather which means: front driver power/memory , both front seats heated/ventilated and rear seats heated.. plus some other things such as HUD and DCC etc..
To the people hating on the no manual trans: Look, 90% of my cars have been manual throughout my life. I'm 44 and I've loved all of my stick shift performance cars, but the dual clutch setups smoke the manuals at this point. If you want to control the car, paddle-shift like the F1 guys have done for years and there you have it. Go look up 0-60 times on stick shift late 90s Vettes, Vipers, Ferraris, etc. and you will find that this little VW hatchback SMOKES THOSE MONSTERS due to the transmission & light weight while being 1000% practical.... for $48k? WILD to me! For typical street driving, this car is neck & neck w a 2005 911 TURBO. I, too, miss manual gear box vehicles on occasion, but there's a reason they're going the way of carburator motors and none of those reasons are actually bad.
Personally, I'd take the slight increase in 0-60 time and shift times in exchange for a manual. I don't care about a second (or less) of acceleration loss; I wouldn't buy a Golf R to get amazing fuel economy from the transmission or because I desire a car that's easier to drive -- common reasons automatics could be better. The one major remaining reason to buy a new car with a manual transmission is simply "fun". For certain cars it might also be about reliability or lower maintenance cost. In other cases, like mine, people feel it helps them focus or be more aware of their driving. Still, the main reason is "fun".
@@MishtahPoog I would never argue your opinion on that. I would just add that both can be fun. You absolutely have a point when it comes to the mechanical connection between human and car being a real thing. Paddleshifting, to me, still delivers that connection (but everyone's different on that!) I own an A/V integration company and deal in a lot of different audio equipment. My favorite loudspeakers to listen to music on aren't even close to the most technically perfect speakers and are reasonably priced compared to other, better performing (on paper), competing speakers. However, they're the most fun & engaging to listen to dispite them being less than perfectly accurate. I cannot fault where you're coming from on the stick shift and think that it can relate to a lot of hobby choices! Regarding the Golf R & the concept of practicality, gas mileage, etc... I couldn't imagine buying a hatchback like this without needing or wanting the practical nature of it. I don't see this as a pure sports car, 2nd vehicle. I see it as a main vehicle that double duties as a fun toy. Maybe I'm missing the point on it from that angle?
Any driving enthusiast that is Gen X or a Boomer will tell you that it's not always about the 0-60 time. It's about the experience and the joy of having full control and rowing your own gears. It also means that anyone that somehow passed their driving exam can drive one of those. No skill involved. I'm 46. I've had Audi S3s, C43s - all automatics but honestly even though they are faster, I would take the 2009 BMW 135i 6sp that I had every time. Just way more fun. So much so that I ordered an M3 6sp because it's either get one now or never. I've driven modern supercars like Lambos and Ferraris and even Porsches. No comparison, I'd take the older car with the stick 100 times out of 100. There's a reason why a good number of people would rather have an older version with a stick. You mention the 911 Turbo - my father had the last air cooled Turbo decades ago - 1996 model year - and if you drive one of those and compare it to the modern PDK sure the PDK is quicker and easier. But there's the visceral enjoyment that the modern cars lack that only the classics can provide. Ask yourself - why are older Ferraris and Porsches with sticks worth way more than the ones with automatics. A Ferrari 360 with a stick is worth significantly more than the ones with automatics because they are highly desirable, even if their 0-60 isn't as good.
love the aggressiveness of the grille. Those wheels are sick. Manual seat controls for passenger and driver is a major zonk. Exhausts tips are on point. Love the interior and the seats. Nice upgrade.
Let me tell you this, another great video! You are being yourself and not boring us with too many technical details but not skipping anything important. Some of your comments had hidden killer jokes I enjoy a lot “$300 stuffed animal:) on the car, it is bummer they downgraded seats, no manual and didn’t really listened customers and added couple proper knobs and buttons but hey this is extremely practical awd do it everything machine…
The DSG is a superior transmission period. Raced a manual GR corolla awd in my 2wd DSG GTI, I pulled half car ahead when he shift 1-2. (Im boost limited to 16psi on first gear) then I pulled away with full torque from 2nd gear
@Hot-1LE This Golf R will beat almost every V8 on sale now in a straight line with just a tune, probably stock, too. You underestimate how fast these new Golf Rs are. It'll definitely beat a Camaro SS.
I really like my 2018 Golf R manual. I prefer the overall styling interior and exterior over the newer models. Not saying I won’t drive a newer model but definitely no rush to upgrade for me.
@@sethalbert386 Well the Golf R's (and GTI) target market is Europe where demand for manuals has plummeted in recent years. You only see some demand for manuals in the US in certain niche buyers, which is why VW is keeping manuals for the GLI (for now). BMW is starting to go down the same road as VW though. Most of the European brands are going that way. Europeans just don't value manuals like they used to as traffic has picked up. Driving a manual in heavy or city traffic every day wears normal people down.
No manual is a deal breaker for me. Maybe it's being Gen X and Old School but manual is real driving and if you can't row your own gears then what's the point. Last year with the constant bad reviews of the haptic interior controls was enough that I went and got a BMW M3. A lot more money but if you want a manual it's basically now or never.
I surprised myself. I really like it. It's rather elegant, with nice lines, and the rear lights remind me of pumpkins. Smile! Cozy but amble interior. Decent price. Very nice review!
Been putting off buying an R since they came out with them in '02. This is the last one that's not a dumb hybrid. Now's the time, it's happening. DSG's faster than ANY driver, that's my preference anyway.
@@MetroWord Oh yeah, it's the dual clutch system the R's have had for quite a while now. It's an auto, with paddles, but it has 7 gears and because of the dual clutches it's nearly instant gear shifts.
Just received my R black edition and with add ons it bought it up to £70k worth every penny
2 місяці тому
Sounds like the US spec cars get the same amount of torque as the outgoing pre-facelift MK8R at 295 ft lbs, not the 310 mentioned in this video and by some others online (that's for euro spec). Also, US spec will have a power drivers seat and cooled driver and passenger seats
Some perspective on pricing - while we have seen this vehicle increase since the Mk7 in 2015/16 it at least comes with more stuff. I have a 2016, here in Canada it cost me 44k at the time. Say this new one is $50k - what do you get for the extra money? More power (292 to 328), better AWD system, HUD, heated steering wheel, cooled front seats, heated rear seats, power folding mirrors, bigger brakes. And a few of those...you couldnt add even if you wanted to - like the awd system. I will say i hate the cost cutting like no hood strut, no locking glovebox, no driver side cubby, but it could be worse.
IDK, I was thinking of trading in my Challenger for an M2 or maybe something more sensible for year round driving in NW Ohio like an m240i xdrive or RS3, but they can be kind of pricey. I really wanted an evo or sti back in the day, but they were out of the budget at the time and now there is nothing really comparable except maybe one of these. It is finally getting some decent power (although closer to 400 would be better), but it has some zonks imo that makes it a tough sell for me like limited colors and options. I like to make a car my own and unique and why I custom ordered my last 2 cars. I'm sure there are some aftermarket options, but still hard to change things like seat color and exterior paint at least without spending thousands. I guess I could just keep my 21 Scat Pack 1320 or wait for the new Charger Six Pack to come out. Also don't really want to buy a new car until interest rates come back down a bit. What do you guys think?
Why VW even bother bringing a Euro spec to show in the states? Car is launching in a few months and they dont have a US spec? We want to know if we’re getting gimped with the lights again.
Seriously considering the R. Pretty big zonk of manual seats and no ventilated seats. Cars at half the price point have them. Its their performance model, but think the majority of people go for the R for the practicality while still having some fun.
This. US models have always come top spec which includes leather ... Which then includes heated/ventilated, power w/memory front seats as well as heated rear seats.
Hard to want to leave my 19r with 60k and 10k owed. Starting over even at 40k with money down for too similar of a car seems silly. Already did it 7.5 GTI to 7.5R.. To 8.5r might get bored quick.
Nice ride! Loved your reviews. I still wish they sold the mk8 Golf in the states without the GTI or R, but people just haven't liked hatchbacks for many years. Americans are weird. 🤣
Yes to this ⬆️ I'm not sure what people are missing here. The R has always come to the states in ONLY full spec. Your main choices were color and transmission... Theyve taken one of those out of the equation.. but now have added the performance pack (assume that's an option 🤔) , black painted roof, the warmenau lighter wheels and possibly the akropic exhaust.. Unless they change things up drastically, the US versions will come standard with leather which means: front driver power/memory , both front seats heated/ventilated and rear seats heated.. plus some other things such as HUD and DCC etc..
This Competitors Like a Toyota GR Supra, Nissan Z, Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai i30n, Ford Mustang GT, Audi TTRS, Porsche Cayman GTS, Alpine A110, and Others
The on-road confidence of a golf R is hard to beat.
This is so very true
@@RaitisRides How would you compare it vs a GR Corolla? Which one would you prefer?
@@sowek4576are you even serious? Do you prefer boxed wine or a nice Bordeaux?
The R would spank the GR on the road. It would put half a football field on it.
Focus RS ALOT BETTER AND FASTER
Have the 2024 8.0. The sliders and haptic buttons are easy after a few days. Love them.
Same, agreed. Love my MK8!
They're worse than a button in every possible way.
@@svn5994no, they’re not. They’re sleek, streamlined and more modern. The interior in my Mk8 GTI is supreme over the Mk7. And it’s not even close.
Lori did the business for sure ! That car I cant knock at all, brought my first born home in a vw so I will always have a soft spot. Great review Joe as always 👍🏼
$50k is a lot, but hard to find anything else that offers this much at the price point
That’s definitely one way to look at it
Audi S3 is a strong contender.
@@STEASEmore money though
For the s3 the don't off the hatch version in the states
@@STEASEs3 isn’t worth it as the rs3 is the king. You’ll always be known as the guy who couldnt afford the rs3. Whereas the Golf R is the top of its class.
9:04 this was uncalled for lol
ya, unnecessary stupid
Hahahahahahahahahahaha
honestly i think he says it by mistake idk
@H7RandomDiscord i watched another video of him saying almost the exact same thing, I think it's like a low key go-to joke.
I believe he was reviewing the 2024 Golf R when he said it hahahaha
I really like the styling updates of the 25, but I am probably going to get the manual 24.
And ve slower than the DSG. Congrats.
@@BryceCzirr-jz7ju bozo^
These $50k hot hatches leave little in the bank for the fun after market stuff.
Especially for the quality VW puts out. Cuts corners and still charges a premium.
Compare that to a premium GR Corolla….
The Golf R isn’t perfect by any means, but it isn’t a cheap POS like the GRC, with a far better ride.
Almost as legendary as the Golf itself … @ 7:09 “to the door panel” !!!! Unmatched execution of the finger point ❤️🔥🇺🇸👌😉
You are awesome! Thanks for letting me share it with you
@ 🇺🇸❤️😎
It sure does look phenomenal. Thanks Joe.
For sure! The VW Golf is super versatile. It's got a spacious interior, great fuel efficiency, and the handling is really fun, especially if you go for the GTI or R models.
I know chances are low, but I'd love to see VW surprise everyone with a manual for US spec again or listen to the criticism and put one in for MY26 or develop a new one for Mark IX
Hey VW. 3 colors? Could they not add 1 more color? Tornado Red or Indium Gray? I would be asking too much for the Spektrum Program. Love the new wheels. I love my 7.5 DSG in Lapiz but would be willing to trade and pay extra for Spektrum, (Irish Green, Mars Red, or Magma Orange).
Yeah, I don't get why they won't offer them for special order for, let's say, a 3K premium. Everybody wins in my mind. The eyeballs and uniqueness of the custom colors would further drive sales, which from what I read, they could definitely need right about now, while the enthusiasts get what they want. Not taking advantage of your strengths is a troubling sign of weak management.
I set and forget my a/c so don't care it's in the screen.
But a volume knob is absolutely required!
Madness VW haven't put it there!
The steering wheel buttons appear to be
those touch sensitive ones not actually buttons.
So annoying as you can easily causes something to happen you didn't want/expect!
No doubt Volume will be on their.
I found you from Doug Demuro's fav UA-cam car journo channels.
I enjoy your casualness. Just telling things as they are simply.
Best from me Down Under in Middle Earth!
Ok so seeing more US reviewers now doing these. Good sign!!! Can't wait for official US spec information
I know how you feel
Wow. I like this one. The infotainment has been updated and the materials and colours are spot on for myself. This really gave me that yes feeling. Such a good versatile hot hatch.🥰
Im seeing waaay to many comments about the lack of heated, ventilated seats etc for the money..
Joe clearly stated, basically first thing - that this is a Euro Spec Version. EVERYTHING is an option there. Here in the US (not sure about Canada)..its a totally different story.
I'm not sure what people are missing here. The R has always come to the states in ONLY full spec. Your main choices were color and transmission... They've taken one of those options away🙂↕️ from the equation.. but now have added the performance pack (assume that's an option 🤔) , black painted roof, the warmenau lighter wheels and possibly the akropic exhaust..
Unless they change things up drastically, the US versions will come standard with leather which means: front driver power/memory , both front seats heated/ventilated and rear seats heated.. plus some other things such as HUD and DCC etc..
Thank you for those very important points Jake
I have a 24 golf r and love the Haptic Touch
I like the blue (I'm a fan of blue cars), but c'mon, VW. How about some colors other than blue, black, or white?
That is totally understandable
@@RaitisRides there are rumors about a mat black finish next year
@@zymchentw That's just as bad as primer gray.
My buddy bought a dump truck 5 spd. And nobody knew who to move it. 🤦♂️
To the people hating on the no manual trans: Look, 90% of my cars have been manual throughout my life. I'm 44 and I've loved all of my stick shift performance cars, but the dual clutch setups smoke the manuals at this point. If you want to control the car, paddle-shift like the F1 guys have done for years and there you have it.
Go look up 0-60 times on stick shift late 90s Vettes, Vipers, Ferraris, etc. and you will find that this little VW hatchback SMOKES THOSE MONSTERS due to the transmission & light weight while being 1000% practical.... for $48k? WILD to me! For typical street driving, this car is neck & neck w a 2005 911 TURBO.
I, too, miss manual gear box vehicles on occasion, but there's a reason they're going the way of carburator motors and none of those reasons are actually bad.
Personally, I'd take the slight increase in 0-60 time and shift times in exchange for a manual. I don't care about a second (or less) of acceleration loss; I wouldn't buy a Golf R to get amazing fuel economy from the transmission or because I desire a car that's easier to drive -- common reasons automatics could be better.
The one major remaining reason to buy a new car with a manual transmission is simply "fun". For certain cars it might also be about reliability or lower maintenance cost. In other cases, like mine, people feel it helps them focus or be more aware of their driving. Still, the main reason is "fun".
@@MishtahPoog I would never argue your opinion on that. I would just add that both can be fun. You absolutely have a point when it comes to the mechanical connection between human and car being a real thing. Paddleshifting, to me, still delivers that connection (but everyone's different on that!)
I own an A/V integration company and deal in a lot of different audio equipment. My favorite loudspeakers to listen to music on aren't even close to the most technically perfect speakers and are reasonably priced compared to other, better performing (on paper), competing speakers. However, they're the most fun & engaging to listen to dispite them being less than perfectly accurate. I cannot fault where you're coming from on the stick shift and think that it can relate to a lot of hobby choices!
Regarding the Golf R & the concept of practicality, gas mileage, etc... I couldn't imagine buying a hatchback like this without needing or wanting the practical nature of it. I don't see this as a pure sports car, 2nd vehicle. I see it as a main vehicle that double duties as a fun toy. Maybe I'm missing the point on it from that angle?
Any driving enthusiast that is Gen X or a Boomer will tell you that it's not always about the 0-60 time. It's about the experience and the joy of having full control and rowing your own gears. It also means that anyone that somehow passed their driving exam can drive one of those. No skill involved. I'm 46. I've had Audi S3s, C43s - all automatics but honestly even though they are faster, I would take the 2009 BMW 135i 6sp that I had every time. Just way more fun. So much so that I ordered an M3 6sp because it's either get one now or never.
I've driven modern supercars like Lambos and Ferraris and even Porsches. No comparison, I'd take the older car with the stick 100 times out of 100. There's a reason why a good number of people would rather have an older version with a stick. You mention the 911 Turbo - my father had the last air cooled Turbo decades ago - 1996 model year - and if you drive one of those and compare it to the modern PDK sure the PDK is quicker and easier. But there's the visceral enjoyment that the modern cars lack that only the classics can provide. Ask yourself - why are older Ferraris and Porsches with sticks worth way more than the ones with automatics. A Ferrari 360 with a stick is worth significantly more than the ones with automatics because they are highly desirable, even if their 0-60 isn't as good.
I want fun manual. I got a ZL1 for my 0-100s (manual too). Rip vw for me
Your argument became invalid the second you mention 0-60 being important.
love the aggressiveness of the grille. Those wheels are sick. Manual seat controls for passenger and driver is a major zonk. Exhausts tips are on point. Love the interior and the seats. Nice upgrade.
Those are great cars. Needs a coupe model though. I had one and the door frame on the 4 door impedes visibility.
Let me tell you this, another great video! You are being yourself and not boring us with too many technical details but not skipping anything important. Some of your comments had hidden killer jokes I enjoy a lot “$300 stuffed animal:) on the car, it is bummer they downgraded seats, no manual and didn’t really listened customers and added couple proper knobs and buttons but hey this is extremely practical awd do it everything machine…
Are the steering wheel buttons haptic or not? You mentioned “new” curious as to what's new.
Yes they are
Apparently they made the peripheral "buttons" .. ie, the heated steering wheel and the "R" button harder to activate. Meaning more pressure needed..
steering wheel looks the same as before no?
The DSG is a superior transmission period. Raced a manual GR corolla awd in my 2wd DSG GTI, I pulled half car ahead when he shift 1-2. (Im boost limited to 16psi on first gear) then I pulled away with full torque from 2nd gear
Roll racing is boring. You want a fast straight line car get a v8.
Me when I only care about 0-60 times
@Hot-1LE This Golf R will beat almost every V8 on sale now in a straight line with just a tune, probably stock, too. You underestimate how fast these new Golf Rs are. It'll definitely beat a Camaro SS.
We don't care! We want a manual transmission!
I don't think the Euro Spec has cooled seats, but the US models will have both heated and cooled
It’s a function of the material. Cloth seats are heated only. Leather are both heated and cooled.
Correct...and in the US, we only get leather.@@MrNickHanson
I really like my 2018 Golf R manual. I prefer the overall styling interior and exterior over the newer models. Not saying I won’t drive a newer model but definitely no rush to upgrade for me.
Does the 2025 US-spec Golf R not get the 310 lb-ft? Is it just a horsepower increase & the same torque?
Who cares. Everyone adds $500 tunes to Golfs that make the factory tunes pointless.
what do you mean inverter? You have an AC inverter hooked up to a DC battery? why?
This is going to be a collector's item that ages like wine. Last of a dying breed.
I think you may be right
@@RaitisRides I disagree - not without a manual it won't. You'll see sales drop like a rock.
@@sethalbert386 Well the Golf R's (and GTI) target market is Europe where demand for manuals has plummeted in recent years. You only see some demand for manuals in the US in certain niche buyers, which is why VW is keeping manuals for the GLI (for now). BMW is starting to go down the same road as VW though. Most of the European brands are going that way. Europeans just don't value manuals like they used to as traffic has picked up. Driving a manual in heavy or city traffic every day wears normal people down.
Not with that crappy interior. The 7.5 R is peak Golf R. And of course MK4.
Nah lol it’s gonna be worth 15k in 2 years
Ngl, the greatest thing about the 8.5 is the revised tuned DSG transmission during track use, effortless and seemless 🔥
No manual is a deal breaker for me. Maybe it's being Gen X and Old School but manual is real driving and if you can't row your own gears then what's the point. Last year with the constant bad reviews of the haptic interior controls was enough that I went and got a BMW M3. A lot more money but if you want a manual it's basically now or never.
Are the steering wheel buttons real buttons or still touch??
Not too much info on this car at the dealerships in the U.S., nice review ❤
Thanks for letting me bring it to you!
Crazy how reasonable 50k for a new car is starting to sound
Day 38 asking for the BMW M5 Touring Review
I surprised myself. I really like it. It's rather elegant, with nice lines, and the rear lights remind me of pumpkins. Smile! Cozy but amble interior. Decent price. Very nice review!
I love the feeling of getting my hands on the stick, thrusting it into gear, and with the windows down, my mouth opens with glee!
Been putting off buying an R since they came out with them in '02. This is the last one that's not a dumb hybrid. Now's the time, it's happening. DSG's faster than ANY driver, that's my preference anyway.
What's a DSG? Thx!
@@MetroWord Oh yeah, it's the dual clutch system the R's have had for quite a while now. It's an auto, with paddles, but it has 7 gears and because of the dual clutches it's nearly instant gear shifts.
@@archiebunker3654Thank you!
The seats are better, I have them in my Tiguan R Grid Edition
You need your take this one out on the twisty bits!
Oh trust me I will for sure
We have an mk6 dieselgate wagon and love it. Can't get behind the sliders and climate in this one
You are definitely not the only one saying that
Looks great, but gotta zonk that rear wiper. Black out trim around the windows would look good. Thanks Joe and Lori 🤙🏼
They have a black edition coming out 👍
Can you fit a Tiguan r line 2025 steering wheel to the R or Gti ?
What you mean by new sculpted side skirt. Isn’t the same as the mk8r?
Also the sunroof look the same as well. Not bigger ??
Look closely
It’s got that cross-over look…especially with it being a 4 door and the mini rear wiper. Subaru Crosstrek
I like the new grille. I wonder if a rock could puncture the rad with it exposed like that?
Just received my R black edition and with add ons it bought it up to £70k worth every penny
Sounds like the US spec cars get the same amount of torque as the outgoing pre-facelift MK8R at 295 ft lbs, not the 310 mentioned in this video and by some others online (that's for euro spec). Also, US spec will have a power drivers seat and cooled driver and passenger seats
You are correct!
Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍
I love the Warmenau Rims so much ❤ perfect update! Whata car 😮😍🙏🏽😬
Thanks for letting me share it with you Kev!
hey Joe…I’ve had my eye on the 8.5 for awhile…did VW say when it’s coming to the US market?
Spring 2025
Some perspective on pricing - while we have seen this vehicle increase since the Mk7 in 2015/16 it at least comes with more stuff.
I have a 2016, here in Canada it cost me 44k at the time. Say this new one is $50k - what do you get for the extra money?
More power (292 to 328), better AWD system, HUD, heated steering wheel, cooled front seats, heated rear seats, power folding mirrors, bigger brakes. And a few of those...you couldnt add even if you wanted to - like the awd system.
I will say i hate the cost cutting like no hood strut, no locking glovebox, no driver side cubby, but it could be worse.
This hits all the specs pretty much
Except for a manual
Love the car, hate the expected price! Totally agree the manual seat adjustments is ridiculous for a car this expensive.
Thanks for letting me share this one with you!
I'm liking how this looks!
0-60 in 3.8 for $50k is a good deal.
IDK, I was thinking of trading in my Challenger for an M2 or maybe something more sensible for year round driving in NW Ohio like an m240i xdrive or RS3, but they can be kind of pricey. I really wanted an evo or sti back in the day, but they were out of the budget at the time and now there is nothing really comparable except maybe one of these. It is finally getting some decent power (although closer to 400 would be better), but it has some zonks imo that makes it a tough sell for me like limited colors and options. I like to make a car my own and unique and why I custom ordered my last 2 cars. I'm sure there are some aftermarket options, but still hard to change things like seat color and exterior paint at least without spending thousands. I guess I could just keep my 21 Scat Pack 1320 or wait for the new Charger Six Pack to come out. Also don't really want to buy a new car until interest rates come back down a bit. What do you guys think?
Hey Joe, you think this VW Golf R can catch the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio?
Fog lights?
Nice, I'll be working the MINI display on Saturday🤙
And the Golf R Variant?
Huh?
@@RaitisRidesyea Joe, what about the R!? 😂🙃
Here you go, use this next time
Not all hot tubs are Jaccuzzis but all Jacuzzies are hot tubs
Unpopular comment....the Taos needs the Golf R engine for those of us that have trouble with low cars. Make it happen VW lol
Akro exhaust??? Did I just see that??
Euro version only 😢
that’s a euro spec car…are you sure the US spec won’t have power driver seat controls?
Both specs actually have a power driver's seat.
The us spec has leather with ventilated seats.
The bloopers must be coming soon I hope great video
Why VW even bother bringing a Euro spec to show in the states? Car is launching in a few months and they dont have a US spec? We want to know if we’re getting gimped with the lights again.
@@Boostlagg u will
I have an Evo 9, so I don’t mind the DSG. This will be the last model before it goes EV, so it’ll retain value. Might have to pull the trigger. 😊
hi everyone boy i could remember that the vw volf use to like a bug on wheels
Seriously considering the R. Pretty big zonk of manual seats and no ventilated seats. Cars at half the price point have them. Its their performance model, but think the majority of people go for the R for the practicality while still having some fun.
The US spec Mk8 has ventilated and auto front seat. I'm sure this 8.5 will as well.
This.
US models have always come top spec which includes leather ... Which then includes heated/ventilated, power w/memory front seats as well as heated rear seats.
Hard to want to leave my 19r with 60k and 10k owed. Starting over even at 40k with money down for too similar of a car seems silly. Already did it 7.5 GTI to 7.5R.. To 8.5r might get bored quick.
Still no hood struts.
I love this car and the way it looks
No stick no deal!!!!!!
DSG is faster. Go buy a slower Civic Type-R or STI.
See one in uk showroom looked awesome price is ridiculous
Beautiful car but hate that it doesn’t have a manual anymore
Where’s the 2025 civic si review?! Unless I just missed it lol
Very surprised there are no power seats for that price tag. I like my WRX better, even though it has less power.
I hear the 2025 Ford rs is coming. I hope you do a review on it
From everything I see, Ford has no plans, it's a ton of renders by fans, just like renders of the Honda S2000
Viva the New Volkswagen Golf R!
Losing ventilated seats is a bink zonk from me!
Let me catch my son buying a golf r with no manual for 50k!!!
This is the best comment
Catch him outside how bout dat 😂
And get mopped by a dsg lol
The manual/clutch on the Mk8 was shitty. If you want a manual, you get a Civic type R or a GR Corolla.
@@mareksan1123😂😂😂
No black edition 😢
0-60 in 3.8??? Did I hear that right? That's a strong improvement over the 2024 DSG.
Love the new interior! But no manual transmission... and still super expensive.
Remember kids, Joe Raiti is a brand not an item. 😏
I can smell the car through the screen. Miss my mk6 GTI...
Nice ride! Loved your reviews. I still wish they sold the mk8 Golf in the states without the GTI or R, but people just haven't liked hatchbacks for many years. Americans are weird. 🤣
Shout out Lori.
ventilated seats from the 22-24 8.0 to no ventilated seats in the 8.5 is gross cost cutting
That’s for the EURO version only, US version will have both ventilated/heated
@R32vdubb oh good
Yes to this ⬆️
I'm not sure what people are missing here. The R has always come to the states in ONLY full spec. Your main choices were color and transmission... Theyve taken one of those out of the equation.. but now have added the performance pack (assume that's an option 🤔) , black painted roof, the warmenau lighter wheels and possibly the akropic exhaust..
Unless they change things up drastically, the US versions will come standard with leather which means: front driver power/memory , both front seats heated/ventilated and rear seats heated.. plus some other things such as HUD and DCC etc..
@@Feat_Forward_Jake but our mirrors don't fold automatically 😭
@mk8cris985 that became standard for MY 2024 🤔
Violation! Needs fog lights. 😂
You are not the first to say that
What!? Leave them for the GTI
Great car. But no manual, im out
This Competitors Like a Toyota GR Supra, Nissan Z, Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai i30n, Ford Mustang GT, Audi TTRS, Porsche Cayman GTS, Alpine A110, and Others
You are correct
@RaitisRides Thank You Brother, Do You wanna Watched Toyota Supra Vs Volkswagen Golf R Drag Race
@@rakhsiprayogo82that would be a sight to see for sure
@RaitisRides Hihihi, Yes Brother
First comment and I love your videos
I can’t do it without your support
Wow! nice!👍
Should I trade my 23 Wrx for this car?
Yes, if you want a vastly superior car and you can afford it.
@ well I can technically afford it easily but I am saving up for a house
@ well a house is a much better investment!
The black part of the front grille looks like an afterthought! Looks very cheap.
So is this the mk 8.5? Or 8.25 lol
LOL you are hilarious!