People will complain about this car... but low $30k for a manual, or a good dsg, fun to drive, pretty refined, perfectly sized car with good fuel economy. In a world where people buy HRVs for the same price or base trim CRV hybrids for 37k , this is a gem. Folks, don't cry when stuff like this is gone just to realize you didn't appreciate it enough when it's here.
I've owned a few GTIs and Golfs, starting with a MK5 Rabbit, an MK5 GTI and then an MK6 GTI...now I have a 2023 40th Anniversary. I was cross shopping a few different cars before I decided to go with another GTI. I was looking at the Elantra N, the new WRX, a GR86 and a new Jetta GLI. I was kind of hesitant about the MK8 because of the UA-cam reviewers generally negative take on the car and more specifically the infotainment system. Once I test drove a MK8, I didn't really pay much attention to the infotainment, but the steering wheel control didn't seem like much of an issue at the time. After test driving the other cars and spending a couple months researching, reading and watching videos, I kept coming back to the GTI. I ended up ordering the 40th Anniversary DSG model after I saw it's features and limited production run. My MK6 is Tornado Red so I had to go with Tornado Red again. After a little over 2 months with the car, I'm definitely not disappointed in the least. The infotainment "issues" are largely overblown. I remember The Smoking Tire's overly dramatic criticism of the steering wheel controls. I have yet to accidently activate the heated steering wheel or anything else. My car is now tuned on an 034 E85 file and the car is a monster and an absolute joy to drive. The new EA888 EVO engine is extremely capable and I have no doubt we'll see cars making around 500 wheel hp on them with the Golf R turbo. I couldn't be happier with the car and I don't miss the physical buttons one bit.
Glad these button issues have been fixed with the MK8.5 facelift. I'm planning to get a Base model with DSG model and enjoy the car. Had a 2017 GTI and coming from Japanese cars, the Germans do know how to design a nice interior. The GTI always felt big even on the inside and the drive is something very special. I always felt good getting into the car and driving. Want that feeling again.
Car is sick .. super sick. The 'S' is the best deal you can get for the $ .. it's still blood n guts GTI. a super quick car with great torque and amazing handling (that lsd!)
First off let me just say I love your channel and I love the content you put out very informative. I'm an owner of a 2023 Volkswagen GTI 40th anniversary edition. As far as the entertainment I can tell you that you get over it really fast once you know where everything is at. And I thought having a volume knob would change the world but in reality I rarely even reach for it because I used the capacitive touch switches on the steering wheel which work fairly well. And so far I have not accidentally activated or deactivated anyting because I touched something on the steering wheel. Now my car came with the Adaptive chassis which makes a huge difference in the ride quality. My Galaxy s23 Ultra connect just fine via Bluetooth or the cable link for Android auto. I've never bought a car new or used that was perfect and this car is no different but it is an extremely compelling vehicle to own I don't regret paying sticker seeing that right now mark ups are through the roof and they are not going anywhere anytime soon I was lucky enough to get one at MSRP with fairly decent interest rate. Best part if I drive the car correctly still get 35 to 40 miles per gallon even hooning around town I'm still getting 33 miles per gallon. I love the car, and this is my first Gti. Oh and the seats are fucking awesome and look great. They are super supportive and uber comfortable.
I agree with many of your points. The MK7/MK7.5 GTI was the peak for Golf design inside and out. I have test driven two MK8 GTI’s. A DSG “S” model and a manual “380” edition GTI. They drove nice and definitely handled a bit better than my 2016 MK7 GTI. However, I walked away from both test drives with absolutely no desire to trade my car in.
I think that moment turning ESC off sums up the MK8 GTI. On the MK7 it was a button on the center console. Here, you gotta take your eyes off the road and go through 2-3 clicks for the same operation.
As a former 7.5 owner, I honestly don’t understand your review. I adored my 7.5, but the 8 just *is* a better drive. The chassis & tuning is just plain better.
I can't believe you are focusing so much on phone cables, buttons, and totaling missing the performance of the engine, the new braking system, electronic limited slip differential, and the latest control integration VW has incorporated into this car. Not a very thorough or comprehensive review in my opinion.
I have the 2019 VW Golf 6-speed and I am sad that they don't have a replacement! I think if people drove the Golf first, they would understand how good the basic golf is!
I was a Mk6 driver for 12 years, I now own a Mk8 SE. I love the car and I think people have a problem with the touch driven interface because it is new technology. I am used to it and it actually feels great to me. I do regret that there is no active rev matching. Other than that, this is a fantastic car, very fun to drive and incredibly useful day-to-day. I dont believe in bashing the mk8 because of the touch driven interface, its just a new way of doing things.
I really loved my Mk7 GTI when I had it. It had some issues over time which caused me to trade it for a newer car, but when I was on a back road or even just tooling around town I was having fun. The car just made all kinds of driving fun. I look at this Mk8 and think they are losing the plot a little bit. I don't know why VW would think the GTI customer would be interested in high-tech, minimalistic design. What made the Mk7 great was its no-nonsense interior and great tuning. Looks like they at least kept the latter intact.
Very good video! The issues with this one stem pretty much from the MK7 being such a good overall package. Still a great car, but it’s not what the MK7 used to be.
I couldn't care less what the tech is in the car. That's not going to make me decide whether or not I'm going to make the purchase. I've had 6 GTI's across all generations. Just picked up the 24 MK8 380 edition for the purpose of getting a manual. I've had SE's and Autobahn trims and the MK8 is by far, my favorite.
You mention at the end that there are cheaper options in the "budget, sporty" segment....I can't really think of any manual vehicles in the segment that MSRP for less than this beyond the Civic Si, which is hard to get without markups.
Had mk6 now mk7.5 the new mk8 is nice I keep hearing it is a better driving car but waiting to see if the infotainment system gets buttons and getting the base without the dynamic control options is not for me and I can’t believe how much more money 💰 they want 😳
Charlie, Gosh darn it, you are not here to support and reinforce our personal biases. Once you have determined we can handle it, you are here to tell us the unvarnished TRUTH!!!!!😉😉 I would keep the gorgeous paint colour and the more gorgeous tartan seats and throw out the rest of the car. 😂🤣
Branded sound systems aren’t made by the brand. They are OEM and then simply licensed by a brand. So the base sound system will be made by the same company.
i had a mk7 GTI, tuned APR stage 2. thing was a little rocket and loved it. its such a shame how VW botched the Mk8. also its very telling that ive seen hardly any MK8s on the road where i see ton of mk7s.
I’m on my 5th GTI, my 2015 mk7 bought back in 2014 still feels and drives like new. Have yet to pull the trigger on a mk8 mainly because we are so close to the EV change over. Plus my mk7 runs so well I don’t see a reason to upgrade just yet. But the mk8 looks great when I see them drive past on the road
Mazda 3 engine is superb Civicsi system is slower but gets over 40 mpg and very 30 in the city according to users has a sunroof better handling LSD better stereo better resale value better stereo real ac buttons but is way slower almost a second 0-60, also no heated seats no turn signal mirrors no usb or vents in back only half digital gauges for under $30k. And both have a huge after market. Civic will be more reliable and cheaper to maintained. But it's way slower. And with markups it might actually cost more taking away it's resale value advantage.
@@Tigerex966Just test drove the SI and I would never pick it over the GTI. That car feels so slow. You really have to ring it out to get any juice out of that tiny 1.5T engine. The redline is also too low on it so you have to shift constantly.
@@jpizel1070 this is where I think Honda should put their 2.0 liter hybrid with manual and real auto or dsg option. I think all u tegra base models should get rid of the .1 . 5 and the cvt fur the hybrid auto and manual The 1.5 is great for mileage mpg range light weight handling packaging but lacks oomph, still a great car aside from that and rev hang. It has good looks sunroof good stereo reliability real physical controls. Just lacks led taillights projector headlights heated seats dampers adjustable rear vents rear USB turn signal indicator parking sensors heated steering wheel fod lights has half lcd gauges I actually prefer analogue guages But it's only at MSRP 30000 with great resale and a billion mods available But yeah GTI is a better value if reliable as far as features and power goes Miss the sunroof that be 40000 in a gti
i like the video and the channel (i even subscribed) but you really shouldn't treat the roads like your personnel test track. There are lots of blind corners and driveways along that stretch and you are doing twice the speed limit. In absolute terms the Mk8 may be a bit lacking but compared to what is actually available on dealer lots these days it is very good. Does the voice activation work better than the bad steering wheel controls?
Build quality went down but the price sure didn't. That plus the garbage infotainment means when I'm done with my MK7 I'll be looking elsewhere. Too bad VW lost their way.
Base model dsg for 32k is best car at price point, don’t need vented seats or heads up display or adaptive dampers, tech works just fine
People will complain about this car... but low $30k for a manual, or a good dsg, fun to drive, pretty refined, perfectly sized car with good fuel economy. In a world where people buy HRVs for the same price or base trim CRV hybrids for 37k , this is a gem. Folks, don't cry when stuff like this is gone just to realize you didn't appreciate it enough when it's here.
I miss you and Chris doing the videos together
Me too, they had such a fantastic dynamic together.
Me too!!
I've owned a few GTIs and Golfs, starting with a MK5 Rabbit, an MK5 GTI and then an MK6 GTI...now I have a 2023 40th Anniversary. I was cross shopping a few different cars before I decided to go with another GTI. I was looking at the Elantra N, the new WRX, a GR86 and a new Jetta GLI. I was kind of hesitant about the MK8 because of the UA-cam reviewers generally negative take on the car and more specifically the infotainment system. Once I test drove a MK8, I didn't really pay much attention to the infotainment, but the steering wheel control didn't seem like much of an issue at the time. After test driving the other cars and spending a couple months researching, reading and watching videos, I kept coming back to the GTI. I ended up ordering the 40th Anniversary DSG model after I saw it's features and limited production run. My MK6 is Tornado Red so I had to go with Tornado Red again. After a little over 2 months with the car, I'm definitely not disappointed in the least. The infotainment "issues" are largely overblown. I remember The Smoking Tire's overly dramatic criticism of the steering wheel controls. I have yet to accidently activate the heated steering wheel or anything else. My car is now tuned on an 034 E85 file and the car is a monster and an absolute joy to drive. The new EA888 EVO engine is extremely capable and I have no doubt we'll see cars making around 500 wheel hp on them with the Golf R turbo. I couldn't be happier with the car and I don't miss the physical buttons one bit.
Glad these button issues have been fixed with the MK8.5 facelift. I'm planning to get a Base model with DSG model and enjoy the car. Had a 2017 GTI and coming from Japanese cars, the Germans do know how to design a nice interior. The GTI always felt big even on the inside and the drive is something very special. I always felt good getting into the car and driving. Want that feeling again.
Car is sick .. super sick. The 'S' is the best deal you can get for the $ .. it's still blood n guts GTI. a super quick car with great torque and amazing handling (that lsd!)
First off let me just say I love your channel and I love the content you put out very informative. I'm an owner of a 2023 Volkswagen GTI 40th anniversary edition. As far as the entertainment I can tell you that you get over it really fast once you know where everything is at. And I thought having a volume knob would change the world but in reality I rarely even reach for it because I used the capacitive touch switches on the steering wheel which work fairly well. And so far I have not accidentally activated or deactivated anyting because I touched something on the steering wheel. Now my car came with the Adaptive chassis which makes a huge difference in the ride quality. My Galaxy s23 Ultra connect just fine via Bluetooth or the cable link for Android auto. I've never bought a car new or used that was perfect and this car is no different but it is an extremely compelling vehicle to own I don't regret paying sticker seeing that right now mark ups are through the roof and they are not going anywhere anytime soon I was lucky enough to get one at MSRP with fairly decent interest rate. Best part if I drive the car correctly still get 35 to 40 miles per gallon even hooning around town I'm still getting 33 miles per gallon. I love the car, and this is my first Gti. Oh and the seats are fucking awesome and look great. They are super supportive and uber comfortable.
I agree with many of your points. The MK7/MK7.5 GTI was the peak for Golf design inside and out.
I have test driven two MK8 GTI’s. A DSG “S” model and a manual “380” edition GTI. They drove nice and definitely handled a bit better than my 2016 MK7 GTI. However, I walked away from both test drives with absolutely no desire to trade my car in.
I think that moment turning ESC off sums up the MK8 GTI. On the MK7 it was a button on the center console. Here, you gotta take your eyes off the road and go through 2-3 clicks for the same operation.
Interesting , many reviewers didnt see the value in the Autobhan because Golf R, and would take the manual because save the manual.
Hopefully in a couple years a better infotainment on the refresh
As a former 7.5 owner, I honestly don’t understand your review. I adored my 7.5, but the 8 just *is* a better drive. The chassis & tuning is just plain better.
I can't believe you are focusing so much on phone cables, buttons, and totaling missing the performance of the engine, the new braking system, electronic limited slip differential, and the latest control integration VW has incorporated into this car. Not a very thorough or comprehensive review in my opinion.
I have the 2019 VW Golf 6-speed and I am sad that they don't have a replacement! I think if people drove the Golf first, they would understand how good the basic golf is!
I was a Mk6 driver for 12 years, I now own a Mk8 SE. I love the car and I think people have a problem with the touch driven interface because it is new technology. I am used to it and it actually feels great to me. I do regret that there is no active rev matching. Other than that, this is a fantastic car, very fun to drive and incredibly useful day-to-day. I dont believe in bashing the mk8 because of the touch driven interface, its just a new way of doing things.
Well said.
I really loved my Mk7 GTI when I had it. It had some issues over time which caused me to trade it for a newer car, but when I was on a back road or even just tooling around town I was having fun. The car just made all kinds of driving fun. I look at this Mk8 and think they are losing the plot a little bit. I don't know why VW would think the GTI customer would be interested in high-tech, minimalistic design. What made the Mk7 great was its no-nonsense interior and great tuning. Looks like they at least kept the latter intact.
How can you assume that? I have had both a 7 and an 8. Its 2023, get over the high-tech, we don't ride horses anymore either.
Very good video! The issues with this one stem pretty much from the MK7 being such a good overall package. Still a great car, but it’s not what the MK7 used to be.
nonsense, have you owned both?
IDk if I am spending 40k on a GTI Autobahn might as well get the Golf R? I know its your own personal opinion but come on bruh.
I couldn't care less what the tech is in the car. That's not going to make me decide whether or not I'm going to make the purchase. I've had 6 GTI's across all generations. Just picked up the 24 MK8 380 edition for the purpose of getting a manual. I've had SE's and Autobahn trims and the MK8 is by far, my favorite.
Appreciate the honest review
8:13 welcome to CA, where it takes at least 10 sec for people to actually drive after a red light lmao
I think its really sad that they basically had the interior perfect with the mk7/7.5 and then decided to just cheap out on this.
Do you own one, or are you just believing a video?
You mention at the end that there are cheaper options in the "budget, sporty" segment....I can't really think of any manual vehicles in the segment that MSRP for less than this beyond the Civic Si, which is hard to get without markups.
I would never pick the SI over the GTI. I just test drove an SI and it was so slow.
Uninspired powertrain? Dude get real.
Seriously. What does that even mean? lol.
Had mk6 now mk7.5 the new mk8 is nice I keep hearing it is a better driving car but waiting to see if the infotainment system gets buttons and getting the base without the dynamic control options is not for me and I can’t believe how much more money 💰 they want 😳
Great review. You covered everything I needed to know..
The 380 S is the pick now. All the good bits, including adaptive suspension. And manual. and summer tires.
Charlie, Gosh darn it, you are not here to support and reinforce our personal biases. Once you have determined we can handle it, you are here to tell us the unvarnished TRUTH!!!!!😉😉
I would keep the gorgeous paint colour and the more gorgeous tartan seats and throw out the rest of the car. 😂🤣
Branded sound systems aren’t made by the brand. They are OEM and then simply licensed by a brand. So the base sound system will be made by the same company.
i had a mk7 GTI, tuned APR stage 2. thing was a little rocket and loved it. its such a shame how VW botched the Mk8. also its very telling that ive seen hardly any MK8s on the road where i see ton of mk7s.
The new piano black center console is so much uglier than the one in the '22 models. How did VW find a way to make the interior even worse?
Have they fixed the infotainment issues? The engine cover? And the radiator coming loose issue?
Who cares about an engine cover lol.
I just test drove a v380 it had a engine cover
I’m on my 5th GTI, my 2015 mk7 bought back in 2014 still feels and drives like new. Have yet to pull the trigger on a mk8 mainly because we are so close to the EV change over. Plus my mk7 runs so well I don’t see a reason to upgrade just yet. But the mk8 looks great when I see them drive past on the road
I still think they are a crazy good value. EA888 is so so much better than the Civic Si or mazda3 turbo engines
Mazda 3 engine is superb Civicsi system is slower but gets over 40 mpg and very 30 in the city according to users has a sunroof better handling LSD better stereo better resale value better stereo real ac buttons but is way slower almost a second 0-60, also no heated seats no turn signal mirrors no usb or vents in back only half digital gauges for under $30k.
And both have a huge after market.
Civic will be more reliable and cheaper to maintained.
But it's way slower. And with markups it might actually cost more taking away it's resale value advantage.
@@Tigerex966Just test drove the SI and I would never pick it over the GTI. That car feels so slow. You really have to ring it out to get any juice out of that tiny 1.5T engine. The redline is also too low on it so you have to shift constantly.
@@jpizel1070 this is where I think Honda should put their 2.0 liter hybrid with manual and real auto or dsg option.
I think all u tegra base models should get rid of the .1 . 5 and the cvt fur the hybrid auto and manual
The 1.5 is great for mileage mpg range light weight handling packaging but lacks oomph, still a great car aside from that and rev hang.
It has good looks sunroof good stereo reliability real physical controls.
Just lacks led taillights projector headlights heated seats dampers adjustable rear vents rear USB turn signal indicator parking sensors heated steering wheel fod lights has half lcd gauges
I actually prefer analogue guages
But it's only at MSRP 30000 with great resale and a billion mods available
But yeah GTI is a better value if reliable as far as features and power goes
Miss the sunroof that be 40000 in a gti
Really apprecuate you highlighting the differrnces between the S and the other versions.
The amount of hate this car gets! It's 2023-2024, not 2015 get over it.
Wish they'd bring back the two door.
This engine has three timing chains and a lot of plastic parts pure unreliable
i like the video and the channel (i even subscribed) but you really shouldn't treat the roads like your personnel test track. There are lots of blind corners and driveways along that stretch and you are doing twice the speed limit. In absolute terms the Mk8 may be a bit lacking but compared to what is actually available on dealer lots these days it is very good. Does the voice activation work better than the bad steering wheel controls?
Where’s Chris :(
Great car marred by poor design decisions.
Using the climate controls irks me to no end.
Golf R better value sorry
😴
Build quality went down but the price sure didn't. That plus the garbage infotainment means when I'm done with my MK7 I'll be looking elsewhere. Too bad VW lost their way.
I think a ,it has to do with the EV shift. VW is focused on the EV now