I bought my 2023 40th edition and never looked back. It's my first GTI and now I understand why people love this car! I never have a problem with the heated steering wheel button. Touching it dose nothing. You still have to press it in like a button. The mk8.5 they changed it back to normal buttons though.
Nice! I got a 40th AE as well 😁 It’s my 4th GTI in a row. Love these cars. No issues with the haptic steering wheel buttons or touch infotainment / climate controls.
Bought my ‘23 Volkswagen GTI 40th anniversary edition at Brandon VW last year! Was only $34K which I thought was an absolute bargain for a special edition GTI. Really happy with it so far. My 4th GTI in a row 😁
I love that it has manual control for the seat back, and electronic control bottoms. It's so much nicer to be able to flip the seat forward or backwards with one simple motion, instead of waiting for the electric controls
Buy the S trim with DSG. It's $33K for a car with phenomenal transmission and after 2022, even S trim gets LSD. Base trim gets plentyyyyy of features. By far the best bang for the buck.
Hey Joe, Still driving my 2015 GTI, 6 speed, autobahn edition and loving it. It may not have all the tech the newer models have but it has everything you need to make it a fun driver. And being in Atlantic Canada i did pay 40k (canadian) back then.
I almost went with this 380 gti se but instead I got myself the wrx tr. VW just got too much problem going with it starting with the engine cover when it first came out (burning/melting cover) then the radiator getting out of place (solution is a ziptie for now lol) where it hits the belt causing it to wear down or break at worst. Plus the buttonless infotainment/thermostat controls. I drove it and it was fantastic with good (better than wrx) steering weight and ample power for a fwd (better than Si/Integra). It has tighter backseats and trunk than those three cars that I mentioned but this gti comes with a spare tire which none of those has. Good car but just be aware of the current problem that this car has.
@kikomanster8188 Thanks and good to know. GTI, Civic Si, and WRX were my options and went with a Si as i got it at MSRP, no markups in my preferred color. I say 380 and s trim specifically is cos we get DCC, Adaptive dampers, 19 wheels with summer tires all for around 33k which otherwise are in an autobahn trim which is around 42k. But yes, the tightee backseat space is one factor.
@@asdpoi121 I wanted an Si but they still mark it up around here in Seattle so Integra Aspec Tech would have been my other choice. Not sure if you heard that 2025 Si has some updates such as the heated seats, newer infotainment software (just like the one in Accord), new style rims, and some front fascia and rear lights updates. Nothing major that will really make a huge difference (except it is a bit more expensive) but good thing for you is you got yours at msrp!
Love my 24 380 SE with leather interior, I smile all the time when I drive her, I can't wait for windows down season especially with my new obnoxious 15" sub in the back lol
@Symphoniics they're both bad. I used to be all over the EN subreddit bc I used to really want one. After seeing so many posts of EN issues, I moved on from getting one. Even though Hyundai has improved, it's still a pretty cheap brand in terms of quality
Only way to have fun in a hot hatch is to get a manual and this has it. It’ll put plenty of smiles on your face. Shame for 2025 they’re dropping the manual option for this car. Making me scratch my head
@@gtb5a lot of that is the dealers fault. They don’t order very many and then say that there isn’t a big enough take on the manual. Hard for people to buy one if there isn’t any on the lot. My wife bought a 6sp manual Honda civic sport touring. Took forever to find one because any thing that the dealer ordered that was a 6sp already had a deposit on it but they had plenty of automatics on the lot. Don’t believe “no take on them” it not really the case.
@@BillCollins-x6n no take is just an expression, let's say a few percent, as a business manufacturers and dealers just look at the numbers and the decision to gradually can manual is understandable though.
I considered the Golf R. It was nice, but I'm a big Toyota guy so I jumped on a GR Corolla. Still ponder what might have been. Good luck getting your dream car
If Volkswagen added auto rev match downshifting to their manual I would've for sure had a Golf R/GTI on my list, it just makes daily driving a breeze not having to constantly blip the throttle in traffic. I feel like that's a big reason they saw a decline in manual sales and why more people steer towards Type R/S, GR Corolla and Elantra N as their daily manual driver. Definitely will keep Golf R auto on my list of potential winter/daily driver options in the future when I eventually get a dedicated summer sports car but for now I'll enjoy my Integra Type S. Awesome video as always Joe, love hanging out with you in these car reviews!
@@robsinHL the tires play the biggest part in the car gripping the road, the AWD only helps when starting from a stop or getting stuck. Not sure what you really meant by that comment but it was kinda random lol.
The Mk8 GTI has the previous generation Golf R brake setup, not the new Mk8 Golf R set up. The new R setup is larger and is cross ventilated. I believe they also use more aggressive pads, but I could be mistaken. I’ve owned both, there is a sizable difference between the two. Regardless, great car and great review!
"Fairly short throws, crisp engagement." Modern cable-shifted VWs have neither of those things. As one magazine reviewer said about a different model long ago, "it's like rowing a stick through a box of Kleenex". That's an accurate description.
I went GLi since wanted something that would get better mpg but still fun to drive. Plus couldn't find a GTI within 300 miles at time not sure why but they had the GLI at port so got it and Love it
@@MeltingRubberZ28they’re 34-35k brand new and I was surprised to see that in Maryland bc they like to add tax imo I’d get the EN never owned a vw tho.
The question to me is VW reliability. I was a VW fan . Then I had a few VW cars from 2009 , 2011 and 2013 . Had reliability issues with each car and had to hire a lawyer to resolve a finance issue with one particular dealer . So I switched to Honda and have not been disappointed. Saying that I would like to get a VW ID BUZZ GTX but cost may prevent that .
I have a MK7 with DSG and love it. My issue with the new GTI's is the interior electronics, climate control etc., and steering wheel controls. Having no more physical knobs is a deal breaker for me.
This is my dream driver.... PROBLEM in CA.... you walk onto a dealership and nowhere on the lot hardly at all... every trim. They under buy these so you can "order" one or be put on the list for one coming in. Dealer sales take full advantage of this. So that means add at least 5K to the base 42K. This being the top of the line touring, that will sit on a lot as a museum piece, expect 10k over MSRP. But they have their lots at VW these days with EV overstock... *gag reflex*
I love my 21 gli , but with 72,000 miles it developed a tick . Needed new intake cam . Wanted 5,700 to repair but vw did goodwill down to 2300 . Vw quality is a concern. Yes, 5000 oil changes
@@RaitisRides36k I bought my autobahn in 2021 or so. Don’t forget once it gets to the dealer add another 5k or so on top of that and you are in palisade suv territory. Same goes for the Miata can get to 40k or more and my Kia turbo sorento smokes it on a quarter mile is a shame
Joe, haven't you considered changing the point of view of the videos while driving? My opinion is that you should film from the driver's point of view to have an idea of how is the driving experience, in addition to being able to enjoy the digital gauge clusters and HUD's.
Please comment on the new 2024 Mercedes Benz CLE 300 4 cylinder automatic. I enjoy your channel and previous sent this request. I value your expertise and candid remarks. Thank you my friend!
@@johneddys2351 Good point. But where I live, new automatic GTIs sit much longer on the lot than manuals. Maybe it's because the dealers order more autos than manuals, but when they do get a manual, it tends to sell very quickly.
We had a brand new Tiguan R line SEL premium and after a while all the tech was just too much. Went back to the analog gauges and less bells & whistles in an SE atlas. I love the GTI but this is too much tech, IMO.
Their lighting is great.....in Europe....or when they included four rings on the badge.... as a MK6 GTI and Golf R past owner, I can appreciate how much more affordable these hot hatches are in NA versus in Europe, regardless of their laundry list of options....but the lame excuse I have heard from VW Group for years about leaving LED tails or some of the more sophisticated IQ lighting in Europe is pure a cost savings...consdering brands like Kia, and, go figure, Hyundai, have put LEDs on entry level cars for years, yet my $60K Golf has some bland base model halogen lights (I won't even complain about the yellow markers, because that is an excuse they can rightfully pawn off...) last of the manuals (checks value on current car and wallet simultaneously)...
GTI vs Toyota GR86 ? Manual family so we always look for that option (wife still has a much older GTI still in garage) . Not excited by the touch sensitive stuff and iPad screens but not sure about the actual drive comfort for the GR86.
Thanks for another great review! I own a 2010 GTI SE 5 spd manual and a 2018 GTI SE automatic. Love them! One "zonk" you might have missed, Raiti, is the inexplicable lack of backlighting on the dashboard's touch controls. Can't see them at night? Can't locate them by touch? Deal breaker!
The Elantra N is the better performer at less of a cost, but the golf has less polarizing looks. That's really what it comes down to. The EN is still unmatched for the price.
@@MeltingRubberZ28 I actually really like how both EN's look. I used to be in the "it's ugly!" camp, but then I bought one and the looks have really grown on me. I have gotten WAY more compliments about the elantra than my previous cars combined - a 2018 S4 & 2022 G70. It really seems that the only people who hate it that much are car people. The general public likes it way more lol
@@NPazdernik yeah I have an FBO IS38 GLI myself, and if it weren't for the car running flawlessly I'd be on the hunt for an EN. I think they're great cars and I'd love to own one.
You might be losing the manual for the 25 model year, but you will be getting physical buttons on the steering wheel, and the infotainment screen will actually have lighted buttons so you can see what you are doing in the dark. Two of the biggest complaints about this generation GTI. If enough people complained maybe they'll keep the manual.
"..ASSets ... of the GTI. See what I did there?" LOL Yes, yes I did. I'm going to have to stop watching your videos, Joe. It's costing me money. I now WANT one of these. Dammit.
gTI will age gracefully whereas the Elantra N is too polarizing in the styling department. GTI is a solid choice and the last of a reall German VW in the US.
People can’t wrap their minds around a fully loaded GTI costing 42 big ones. Reality check: the cost of goods and services has increased by 20.9 percent since early 2020. Thats based on a basket of goods cherry picked by the government. In reality many day to day items are up as much as 40 percent. Since people don’t purchase cars frequently it’s easy to get sticker shock due to this INFLATION. When I look at a car price today I knock 20 percent off and ask myself does that price make sense for features etc.
I think I activated the heated steering wheel twice in the first week or so, and maybe twice more in the year and a half I owned the car....no big deal. Great car, I love my M240i but still think the GTI is one of the best cars available!
@jpizel1070 because it's faster than a manual in a straight line and around a track and because if used as a daily driver in stop and go traffic. Manuals are going away even though I have a 1987 bmw with a S52 swap.
I bought my 2023 40th edition and never looked back. It's my first GTI and now I understand why people love this car! I never have a problem with the heated steering wheel button. Touching it dose nothing. You still have to press it in like a button. The mk8.5 they changed it back to normal buttons though.
Nice! I got a 40th AE as well 😁 It’s my 4th GTI in a row. Love these cars. No issues with the haptic steering wheel buttons or touch infotainment / climate controls.
I had a 2003 Golf 4 door with the 1.8 turbo, I miss that car a lot. Was rare, everyone had the GTI ! Great review Joe!
Thank you for letting me share it with you!
You can get a GTI S for 32000 with dsg and plaid seats I’m in love with mine. Pearl white 👍
Only thing is plaid seats aren't ventilated. Id rather pay a bit more for that option
Bought my ‘23 Volkswagen GTI 40th anniversary edition at Brandon VW last year! Was only $34K which I thought was an absolute bargain for a special edition GTI. Really happy with it so far. My 4th GTI in a row 😁
I missed out and couldn't afford the 40th gti so I got a 40th gli
I’m still loving my 2016 reflex silver GTI Autobahn. Thanks for reviewing this one!
Had a 22 and loved it. I’ve owned 5 GTI’s but once I got more serious into SCCA National Autocross I decided to go to Type R. Love my GTI’s
Type R is an overpriced RICER.
I love that it has manual control for the seat back, and electronic control bottoms. It's so much nicer to be able to flip the seat forward or backwards with one simple motion, instead of waiting for the electric controls
I know some people are into that!
GTI was my dream car as a teen. Red, black interior, bumping cassette deck 💪
Those were the freaking days!
Yeah that’s when I fell in love. I’m buying my second one this week - had a VR6 in 1998 which was amazingly fast. Have to get the last 6 speed :)
Nice…….like the seats…..look comfy. And I like the golf ball shifter ! 👍😎. Windshield wipers work well 😂
1985 Gti best car I have ever owned….102 hp!
Daaang sad we're losing another manual transmission option. 😢
I love the RS more and plan to drive mine tonight. I am looking forward to the 2025 Golf R and may add that when the come to market.
I can’t get enough of the processed junk food storage references hahaha
Bought this exact same car with a 2017 golf tsi trade in. Does it all! Sick AF. 🔥
Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 👍
Buy the S trim with DSG. It's $33K for a car with phenomenal transmission and after 2022, even S trim gets LSD. Base trim gets plentyyyyy of features. By far the best bang for the buck.
I knew a guy who had an early 80's GTI. Typical red with black accents. Definitely one of the cooler cars of the era.
Hey Joe,
Still driving my 2015 GTI, 6 speed, autobahn edition and loving it. It may not have all the tech the newer models have but it has everything you need to make it a fun driver. And being in Atlantic Canada i did pay 40k (canadian) back then.
Still the BEST vehicle that VW produces....and it's Made in Germany!
This is so very triue!
Much waited, Joe, thank you. 380s is a knock-out deal a month ago with discounts. Went with SI but miss this little beast.
You are so very welcome!
I almost went with this 380 gti se but instead I got myself the wrx tr. VW just got too much problem going with it starting with the engine cover when it first came out (burning/melting cover) then the radiator getting out of place (solution is a ziptie for now lol) where it hits the belt causing it to wear down or break at worst. Plus the buttonless infotainment/thermostat controls. I drove it and it was fantastic with good (better than wrx) steering weight and ample power for a fwd (better than Si/Integra). It has tighter backseats and trunk than those three cars that I mentioned but this gti comes with a spare tire which none of those has. Good car but just be aware of the current problem that this car has.
@kikomanster8188 Thanks and good to know. GTI, Civic Si, and WRX were my options and went with a Si as i got it at MSRP, no markups in my preferred color. I say 380 and s trim specifically is cos we get DCC, Adaptive dampers, 19 wheels with summer tires all for around 33k which otherwise are in an autobahn trim which is around 42k. But yes, the tightee backseat space is one factor.
@@asdpoi121 I wanted an Si but they still mark it up around here in Seattle so Integra Aspec Tech would have been my other choice. Not sure if you heard that 2025 Si has some updates such as the heated seats, newer infotainment software (just like the one in Accord), new style rims, and some front fascia and rear lights updates. Nothing major that will really make a huge difference (except it is a bit more expensive) but good thing for you is you got yours at msrp!
Loving my 2020 Jetta SEL still, but this will be the next step!
I also have a 2020 Jetta and might replace with a 2025 Golf R, depends on the price.
If that car was Atlantic Blue it would be the doppelganger of the car that's in my garage 😁
I hope you loved it just as much as I do.
That is awesome! It was a blast for sure!
sold mine for the veloster N. best decision!
Joe Raiti! I just found out that Volkswagen is coming back with the classic Scirocco! Would love to see you go “Full Throttle” in one of those👍🏽✊🏽
I miss my 98 VR6 GTI. I hope VW will bring back a 2 door performance model in the future. When did 4 doors become sporty ?
Love my 24 380 SE with leather interior, I smile all the time when I drive her, I can't wait for windows down season especially with my new obnoxious 15" sub in the back lol
My buddy bought a new GTI a couple months ago and it's already been in the shop twice. Get the Elantra N.
Bro people hate on Hyundai so much for reliability but they somehow always ignore how bad VW reliability is.
@Symphoniics they're both bad. I used to be all over the EN subreddit bc I used to really want one. After seeing so many posts of EN issues, I moved on from getting one. Even though Hyundai has improved, it's still a pretty cheap brand in terms of quality
How Joe can keep a straight face while talking about Tiger Woods balls is hilarious 😂
I got one in red 380 autobahn manual with black mirrors and roof... but you need the plaid seats
Yeah of course & I really want this car badly.
I'm diggin it and the 6-speed is absolutely required Volkswagon!
I had to admit when I saw the the mk8. It was a mixed bag until saw it person. I'm on the fence on this or the GLI.
MK8 GTI, no question
As a current GLI owner… get the GTI. It’s a much better vehicle. I like the GLI but it feels more econo and not as fun as the GTI.
Only way to have fun in a hot hatch is to get a manual and this has it. It’ll put plenty of smiles on your face. Shame for 2025 they’re dropping the manual option for this car. Making me scratch my head
I totally agree with you matt!
Not enough take rate for manual as with most 🚘 nowadays
@@gtb5a lot of that is the dealers fault. They don’t order very many and then say that there isn’t a big enough take on the manual. Hard for people to buy one if there isn’t any on the lot. My wife bought a 6sp manual Honda civic sport touring. Took forever to find one because any thing that the dealer ordered that was a 6sp already had a deposit on it but they had plenty of automatics on the lot. Don’t believe “no take on them” it not really the case.
@@BillCollins-x6n no take is just an expression, let's say a few percent, as a business manufacturers and dealers just look at the numbers and the decision to gradually can manual is understandable though.
24:12 sums it succinctly!
My dream car for the last 15 years or more. I'd take this over a lambo, over any car you put in front of me. Its a piece of art, pure beauty.
I considered the Golf R. It was nice, but I'm a big Toyota guy so I jumped on a GR Corolla. Still ponder what might have been. Good luck getting your dream car
I sold my RS5 because I miss the fun 4cyl turbo…. It was a close one between the Golf R and ‘24 Type R but I ended up buying the Type R.
If Volkswagen added auto rev match downshifting to their manual I would've for sure had a Golf R/GTI on my list, it just makes daily driving a breeze not having to constantly blip the throttle in traffic. I feel like that's a big reason they saw a decline in manual sales and why more people steer towards Type R/S, GR Corolla and Elantra N as their daily manual driver.
Definitely will keep Golf R auto on my list of potential winter/daily driver options in the future when I eventually get a dedicated summer sports car but for now I'll enjoy my Integra Type S.
Awesome video as always Joe, love hanging out with you in these car reviews!
Good luck keeping the R’s AWD turbo charged wheels gripping anything in the snow
@@robsinHL the tires play the biggest part in the car gripping the road, the AWD only helps when starting from a stop or getting stuck. Not sure what you really meant by that comment but it was kinda random lol.
I have the GTI SE 380, also black, also purchased from Brandon VW, lol. Fantastic car.
I am so glad that you like this one.
The Mk8 GTI has the previous generation Golf R brake setup, not the new Mk8 Golf R set up.
The new R setup is larger and is cross ventilated. I believe they also use more aggressive pads, but I could be mistaken.
I’ve owned both, there is a sizable difference between the two. Regardless, great car and great review!
Great review as always! I just picked up a 24 R as I wanted AWD. Actually traded a Stelvio Quad for it and like it more
"Fairly short throws, crisp engagement." Modern cable-shifted VWs have neither of those things. As one magazine reviewer said about a different model long ago, "it's like rowing a stick through a box of Kleenex". That's an accurate description.
Love your car video
Would be perfect with a golf r wing
I went GLi since wanted something that would get better mpg but still fun to drive. Plus couldn't find a GTI within 300 miles at time not sure why but they had the GLI at port so got it and Love it
Wins just for the hatch and comfy seats compared to the N
This and the GLI are best best bang for your buck on the market. If you havent driven one please go do so
You can get the EN for $29k out the door like I did. Way better bang for buck, especially at $42k like this one
@@NPazdernikbruh. The DCT EN is 37k MSRP. That's 40k after tax. You never got one for 29k.
@@NPazdernikLies
@@MeltingRubberZ28they’re 34-35k brand new and I was surprised to see that in Maryland bc they like to add tax imo I’d get the EN never owned a vw tho.
Joe, you should totally make some Raiti’s Rides t-shirts that say “Alright guys, it’s business time” and “On throttle, here we go!” 😁🙌
No
The question to me is VW reliability. I was a VW fan . Then I had a few VW cars from 2009 , 2011 and 2013 . Had reliability issues with each car and had to hire a lawyer to resolve a finance issue with one particular dealer .
So I switched to Honda and have not been disappointed.
Saying that I would like to get a VW ID BUZZ GTX but cost may prevent that .
I have a MK7 with DSG and love it. My issue with the new GTI's is the interior electronics, climate control etc., and steering wheel controls. Having no more physical knobs is a deal breaker for me.
I know exactly how you feel!
Rented a manual GTi but the shift feels kind of loose and not much feeling, overall still a great 🚗 and surprised there is ACC on a manual 🚙
Looks ok, but I'm seriously waiting for the 25 R to come out early next year.
This is my dream driver.... PROBLEM in CA.... you walk onto a dealership and nowhere on the lot hardly at all... every trim. They under buy these so you can "order" one or be put on the list for one coming in. Dealer sales take full advantage of this. So that means add at least 5K to the base 42K. This being the top of the line touring, that will sit on a lot as a museum piece, expect 10k over MSRP. But they have their lots at VW these days with EV overstock... *gag reflex*
This over the Elantra all day.
I thought it was a joke when I heard about it. Easily the ugliest in the class.
42k for gti...........damn.........
It’s going to be discontinued in 5 years NO1 buys them in the USA
That for the top trim. I payed only $36.000 Canadian. Steal of a deal!
@@r3games1985 no1 buys them for the last 25 years in America. They will be discontinued within 5 years tops
@@stavroslask1292 Nah...that won't happen.
In Canada worst
I'm not a Volkswagen fan, but I gotta admit the car looks good. 😉
That GTI looks on point. 👌🏽
Also. I have a co-worker which owns a 2022 Elantra N manual and it has a sunroof.
You in Canada? That’s why
@@karmahunden Puerto Rico
Nice!
I’m glad that you are liking this one
Had to fit in, "Tiger Woods ball" as much as you could.😂😂😂
Tigerwood balls got me good X)
I love my 21 gli , but with 72,000 miles it developed a tick . Needed new intake cam . Wanted 5,700 to repair but vw did goodwill down to 2300 . Vw quality is a concern. Yes, 5000 oil changes
Totally agree with your description of the Hyundai Elantra N looking origami like.
That really was the best way to describe it
No sunroof option is one reason why I am looking at the specs on this car. I would like to see no sunroof option in Autobahn trim.
Joe, I had an ‘81 VW and an ‘86 CRX Si. Good times! Time for a vintage comparo?
No doubt this is a great car but I don't see me paying 40,000 + for a Golf🤷🏻♂
What do you think the price should be for this GTI?
@@RaitisRidesits $40000 here in Canada
@@RaitisRides36k I bought my autobahn in 2021 or so. Don’t forget once it gets to the dealer add another 5k or so on top of that and you are in palisade suv territory. Same goes for the Miata can get to 40k or more and my Kia turbo sorento smokes it on a quarter mile is a shame
@@erodz1892not at VW Brandon!
36k
Joe, haven't you considered changing the point of view of the videos while driving? My opinion is that you should film from the driver's point of view to have an idea of how is the driving experience, in addition to being able to enjoy the digital gauge clusters and HUD's.
42k for VW Jetta GTI 🙄 sheeezzz
I pick the Hyundai Elantra N all the way !!😎
Can't wait tomorrow at 7:30 pm Joe. I think I know what it is, but I won't spoil the suprise 😏
It’s going to melt your brain!
Fill me in Joe before my ravioli gets cold.@@RaitisRides
@@Platos-Den More twinkie holders is the hint....
On throttle easy pizzy chirping tire pure night Mare
I absolutely LOVE my 40th anniversary
Absolutely better than a hyundai. I love my 380s.
I totally agree with you!
Crom VW the tiguan make take my money. As far as manual transmission the Elantra N has my money. I already own a gt N line.
Please comment on the new 2024 Mercedes Benz CLE 300 4 cylinder automatic. I enjoy your channel and previous sent this request. I value your expertise and candid remarks. Thank you my friend!
1983 Brother almost bought one
Oh wow that is crazy!
That's a sweet hot hatch 🔥🔥it has lots of petanal to make it go faster.
This is so very true!
@@RaitisRidesI love the videos keep up the good work 👍💪
I hate Volkswagen for killing off yet another manual, especially in an enthusiast car. Shame on you, VW.
I agree. But people don't but them. So is VW supposed to make cars that people don't buy?
@@johneddys2351 Good point. But where I live, new automatic GTIs sit much longer on the lot than manuals. Maybe it's because the dealers order more autos than manuals, but when they do get a manual, it tends to sell very quickly.
My dealer has 3 2024 GTIs. All are manual and they can’t sell them. Getting a good discount as result. $5k off sticker.
I bought the GTI 380 in red.
We had a brand new Tiguan R line SEL premium and after a while all the tech was just too much. Went back to the analog gauges and less bells & whistles in an SE atlas. I love the GTI but this is too much tech, IMO.
Thanks for sharing that in-depth ownership experience!
Nice looking car.
Going GTI on this final run for 2024...
Their lighting is great.....in Europe....or when they included four rings on the badge.... as a MK6 GTI and Golf R past owner, I can appreciate how much more affordable these hot hatches are in NA versus in Europe, regardless of their laundry list of options....but the lame excuse I have heard from VW Group for years about leaving LED tails or some of the more sophisticated IQ lighting in Europe is pure a cost savings...consdering brands like Kia, and, go figure, Hyundai, have put LEDs on entry level cars for years, yet my $60K Golf has some bland base model halogen lights (I won't even complain about the yellow markers, because that is an excuse they can rightfully pawn off...) last of the manuals (checks value on current car and wallet simultaneously)...
They didn't update the touch only infotainment yet? Pass. Great review though!
GTI vs Toyota GR86 ? Manual family so we always look for that option (wife still has a much older GTI still in garage) . Not excited by the touch sensitive stuff and iPad screens but not sure about the actual drive comfort for the GR86.
Get the BRZ since is a little bit softer than the GR86.
Absolutely love my '24 GTI S with the DSG. So much fun to drive even in traffic!
Viva volkswagen! Viva the Volkswagen gti!
I’m right there with you Luis!
Everytime I said "Viva!" you need to say it too!@@RaitisRides
Thanks for another great review! I own a 2010 GTI SE 5 spd manual and a 2018 GTI SE automatic. Love them! One "zonk" you might have missed, Raiti, is the inexplicable lack of backlighting on the dashboard's touch controls. Can't see them at night? Can't locate them by touch? Deal breaker!
The fingerprints on that screen and those touch buttons would kill me
Well Joe, we must know.. how many brawts am I able stuff into the door storage for long road trips
This is so very true Jay! You can easily get four of them in there!
The Elantra N is the better performer at less of a cost, but the golf has less polarizing looks. That's really what it comes down to. The EN is still unmatched for the price.
Eh. The face-lift EN in black is less offensive than most make it seem. Also is a fair bit quicker.
@@MeltingRubberZ28 I actually really like how both EN's look. I used to be in the "it's ugly!" camp, but then I bought one and the looks have really grown on me.
I have gotten WAY more compliments about the elantra than my previous cars combined - a 2018 S4 & 2022 G70. It really seems that the only people who hate it that much are car people. The general public likes it way more lol
@@NPazdernik yeah I have an FBO IS38 GLI myself, and if it weren't for the car running flawlessly I'd be on the hunt for an EN. I think they're great cars and I'd love to own one.
You might be losing the manual for the 25 model year, but you will be getting physical buttons on the steering wheel, and the infotainment screen will actually have lighted buttons so you can see what you are doing in the dark. Two of the biggest complaints about this generation GTI. If enough people complained maybe they'll keep the manual.
The interior is nice but wish they would go back to the two dr.
"..ASSets ... of the GTI. See what I did there?" LOL Yes, yes I did. I'm going to have to stop watching your videos, Joe. It's costing me money. I now WANT one of these. Dammit.
gTI will age gracefully whereas the Elantra N is too polarizing in the styling department. GTI is a solid choice and the last of a reall German VW in the US.
Love the looks of these, but l need AWD where l live.
Then there is still the Golf R available.
The lack of Brembos is appropriate for the 380's reputation for lack of stopping power, but this is coming from a gun guy.
I see what you did there!
😂
People can’t wrap their minds around a fully loaded GTI costing 42 big ones. Reality check: the cost of goods and services has increased by 20.9 percent since early 2020. Thats based on a basket of goods cherry picked by the government. In reality many day to day items are up as much as 40 percent. Since people don’t purchase cars frequently it’s easy to get sticker shock due to this INFLATION. When I look at a car price today I knock 20 percent off and ask myself does that price make sense for features etc.
The golf GTI 380 VS BRZ
Which one is better?
Really depends what you are craving. Do you want a pure sports car or sporty daily driver?
I don't understand why get rid manual transmission? I like the car but with manual transmission!!
Really wonder how living with all the Haptic Touch buttons actually is good or bad
I think I activated the heated steering wheel twice in the first week or so, and maybe twice more in the year and a half I owned the car....no big deal. Great car, I love my M240i but still think the GTI is one of the best cars available!
I've never hit it once. You have to press it in like a button it's not touch.
The corolla GR4 is coming with an auto..... what a time to be alive
Why would you get an auto on a car like this?
@jpizel1070 because it's faster than a manual in a straight line and around a track and because if used as a daily driver in stop and go traffic. Manuals are going away even though I have a 1987 bmw with a S52 swap.
I cannot wait to never hear people say "OG" ever again
RIP VW GTI manual transmissions...kids, you don't know what fun you're missing. Stay safe all. Peace
You do get 3 stages heated seats in elantra n ...