Volkswagen MK7 Golf GTI Buyer's Guide - Models, Engines, & Options
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- Опубліковано 27 вер 2024
- ►Continuing our Buyer’s Guide series, this episode focuses on the MK7 GTI. If you’ve been following FCP Euro, you know how much we love this car and platform. We even built a racing program around it.
This video should address almost everything you need to know about the car, from technical and aesthetic differences between the models (GTI, S, SE, Autobahn, Rabbit, etc), performance pack options, even the engine variants. We’ll also discuss the transmissions (6MT, DSG, etc) and compare them to our own race cars, which have SADEV sequential boxes. We’ll even discuss some of the competition for the GTI, like the MINI Cooper S, Honda Civic SI, and Ford Focus ST.
Read our Mk7 GTI EA888 Engine Guide on our blog: blog.fcpeuro.c...
Read our VW DSG Guide on our blog: blog.fcpeuro.c...
Everything you need to know about your MK7 GTI: info.fcpeuro.c...
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This video made me proud to be a Gti owner (Mk7)
Wear your MK7 GTO Badge proud WoowJustin! Thanks for watching
I'm a proud owner of a mk7 GTD.
As someone interested in buying the mk7, I’d love an update from Nathan Brown on his ownership. Maybe even some spirited driving POV videos
Best GTI overview out there. Wish I’d seen this before I bought a non PP 2018.
The most needed mk7 gti video. Thank you for all the great info!
Thanks Isaac we hope it helped clear some things up for Mk7/Future Mk7 owners!
i dont get it... are generations different numbers in US and EU markets?... since thereä's some MK7 for sale from 2012...
10:50 but clip shows like it's 2015...
Sales in Europe began with the model in November 2012. Marketed in three-door and five-door hatchback, van, and estate forms, the Golf Mk7 shares the MQB platform with the third generation Audi A3, SEAT León and Škoda Octavia
This Mercedes guy is looking over yonder at adding a MK7 GTI as a daily driver, now that the 6MT C55 is being track prepped. This was very Helpful! Thx Nathan & Jay! FCP ftw as always!
I just bought my first Volkswagen
2020 GTI Autobahn 6MT
That’s actually a MK1.5 at the end there. Original MK1’s sold in Europe and Canada, since 1979, didn’t have the front turn signal notched into the fender; it also came with single round headlights, never double like an MK1 Scirocco. (I know that your example is heavily modded)
I'm going to get a 2019 Rabbit edition in 2 years! Love hatchbacks especially the GTIs.
I bought my MK7 GTI S base model in March 2017 brand new. Had exactly what I wanted. Midnight blue metallic, cloth seats, and manual transmission. Love it! I bought it for $23k (not including taxes or fees), and while I was looking, I was also looking at the Focus ST and Hyundai Veloster.
After driving the Veloster, I was just unimpressed with the interior quality and power, so I checked that off my list. Then I drove a Focus ST, that was $28k brand new (cheapest one in my area), felt cheap inside as well, wasn't very roomy (I am 6'4" tall), and not that quick for a claimed 252hp/270tq car. It torque steered to the left quite a bit too. Torque steer wasn't that big of a deal to me, but I wasn't that impressed overall with the car. So on to the GTI to test...
The moment I looked at the GTI, I liked it. Great design, and looked premium over the others, and the standard red brakes looked sweet. The moment I stepped into the car, I was sold! I could not believe that a car that felt that premium inside, was being sold for $23k! The seats felt amazing, the steering wheel was amazing, the materials looked mazing, it had Apple CarPlay as standard, and the thing that sold me the most was that with the seat all the way back, I had plenty of room to stretch my legs out! So much that I was not used to the amount of room a car offered, so I even clicked the seat forward a little bit just to be comfortable haha. Then I drove it, and the car felt lighter than the Focus ST, more nimble, and more powerful too! For a car with a claimed 210hp/258tq, it blew the ST out of the water in how it behaved on acceleration! The cabin was quieter inside as well.
All-in-all, the GTI was just the much better car. I was sold on the spot! I also knew of its abilities in the tuning and aftermarket world, and have done quite a bit of modifications to my MK7 GTI, but even if left stock, well, it wouldn't be the fastest car on the road, but for $23k brand new, its a bargain of a car and nothing else could really compete. Yes, there are some things I don't like about it, but overall, its jut the best car in its class!
I felt the same way when I purchased mine 5 months ago. I was impressed with the interior quality and level of refinement for its price point. I ended up with a base model with the leather seats instead of cloth. It’s sporty car, but subtle and understated in a lot of ways.
Really interesting to see how the range differs in the US. Here in the UK, the GTi, GTD, GTE and golf R are basically trim levels themselves within the golf range. A lot of the ‘normal’ golfs have 1 litre turbo engines which I’m guessing would never be a success over there. I have a mk7.5 GTD, but am possibly looking at a mk8 GTE next time :)
the more i see that blue, the more i want it. Got a black 2018 performance
Nate is actually considering selling his ^.^
I was too convinced this is the color I want. I don't own one yet, but damn it I will!
Nice info, thanks! Proud 2017 GTI owner.
Thanks, rockervdrive!
I own a MK7 R, and I couldn't be happier. Amazing machine.
I have a 2017 mk7 with the performance pack and 6 spd. It has an apt stage 1 high torque, uhp tires, and a high performance Sachs clutch. I will add to this video that the SINGLE BEST upgrade I made was a 26mm anti sway bar.
Here in Canada, I just upgraded from an Alltrack to a Mexican (Puebla) built 2019 GTI Autobahn. This video was a lot of info.
Nice! Glad the video was helpful!
Got a 2018 gti Autobahn edition with the dsg. Such a fun car. I definitely love the golf r brakes and the pp makes it feel better than the base models I test drove. I personally love the dsg as I use mine to daily drive but can still rip around and have fun when I want
I wish there was a video like this for every car I have ever bought. Great Job and thank you!
Went from a MK7 R to an MK7.5 Rabbit. Always wondered why it lacked the farts. Now i know. Amazing vid!
Glad you enjoyed it George. Usually no farts of any kind is a good thing... atleast these ones have an explanation ^.^ Hope you're like Mk7.5 Rabbit life!
Now this man KNOWS what he's talking about.
NB has a way with words.
Exactly the video I needed! Many thanks 🙏
Love to hear that! You're very welcome, Ditch Green!
Fantastic review/comparison. You guys do a top notch job. Thanks.
OMG! You guys are AWESOME!!! Hands down thee BEST buyers guide!!! Thank you so much!!
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video. But I wish you also talked about the DCC options, the settings and how well it does/doesn't work.
Yeah, major oversight. Works extremely well, expertly judged for the street. I skip Eco and Sport, use Comort/Normal/Individual. My buddy has lowered his and it generally rides and handles like crap except on the smoothest roads.
Now on a 7.5 with 7-speed DSG and DCC. Early 19 with 7200 miles. Fantastic car. Previous car was early 2018 with 6-speed DSG and no DCC. The newer Model is head and shoulders above the earlier mode. VW clearly made a great improvement with the model by the end of 2018.
Oh lovely. Look what I've stumbled upon. I've been thinking about swapping from a mazda3. The world is telling me to do it
UA-cam is telling you the stars are aligned haha
I had the 72,000 warranty for my 2019 rabbit - said EFF It b/c race car. To be fair, I've always wanted to own a turbo car and mod it..waiting 5-6 years seemed like insanity.
We agree Shayan , 5-6years is too long, and life is too short not to mod 😉 Have fun and let us know how your build goes! #becauseracekor
Red GTI logos on the grill and trunk are the easiest giveaways of a performance pack car
Yea, this has been most informative. Beautiful video, guys.
Such an informative and much needed video guys. Well done!
There are only two issues in this I want to address. Painted mirror caps do not indicate an “S” trim model. I own a 2016 GTI SE w/ PP and my car has body color mirror caps.
Also, you can tell a 15-17 Performance Pack GTI by looking at the GTI badge. The performance pack models have a red “GTI” badge. The non-performance models have a chrome “GTI” badge. It’s a much easier differentiator than looking at the brakes.
vr6gls thanks for the insight! Good to know those tidbits, sorry for the misonformation, we will be sure to add that to the written form of this video!
i’m picking up my 2017 Gti SE this week, can’t wait
That's awesome, Cole! Congrats on the new ride! You'll love it!
FCP Euro thanks man! picking it up tomorrow
IMO 2017 SE was the best year/trim. Last year before they started cost cutting a few things plus it was the only year the SE came standard with Fender stereo (which is a nice upgrade over base) leather, pp, lp and sunroof all at once. Btw 80k miles on mine and no sunroof issues...I do park in a garage though.
@@tjpete04 honestly the only complaint i have is the rattling all over the interior. my hatch, dash and seats all rattle but fuck it. i can barely hear it over a turboback exhaust
Fantastic content. Cant wait to get my mk7 gti 🤙🤙
I just bought my first Volkswagen. 2017 gti s
Trim levels are very different in Canada. There's only 3, which are Base, Autobahn and Performance. Performance cars also don't have the GTI logo on the front callipers.
In the market for a compact that is fun to daily for commute to work and still good on gas... Looking at Civic SI/Mazda 3/Golf GTI in manuals... what year GTI do you recommend?
We are big fans of the MK5 and MK7!
You’re off a bit on the plaid seats only coming on the s trim. My 2018 SE came with them from the factory.
To my understanding the plaid seats were optional on the SE. My 2018 SE also has plaid seats, I purchased it used.
Paul Christiano tartan !!
Just bought a 2017 passat rline 28k miles, now i really want the golf gti ! , go stage 1 and ur faster then a golf r :)
Damn. Two years ago 15k for a gti Autobahn with 20kish miles. Man times are tough
im a huge fan of the GTI and im looking to buy a mark 7 very soon (2019) :D Thinking a performance edition. Thanks for a great video !
The red GTI autobahn at 3:00 in is the gti I bought Lmaoo
Amazing video. Best mk7 vid out.
Is amazing how much quality content you guys put on this video. I’m a MQB platform owner for many years and always seem to learn something new. 🙏🏻
Although I'm from Europe, this video was very useful, thank you! Been wanting GTI Performance DSG year 15/16 for quite awhile now, 2020 might be the year I finally buy it :)) Have the same car right now, just that it's 1.4 TSI, love it, just needs "mo powah baby".
Would have one question though. You said we (Europe) have port injetion version. Which one would that be?
European MK7 GTI's and R's have both direct and port injection.
@@lancevancedance454 yup, checked the same data, im going for the mk7 instead of mk7.5 too. Only thing that I would want in mk7 is digital cockpit :) Have one ad watched, just gotta import it from Germany, hopefully it will go through.
I wish I watched this before I bout my 2019 facelift and just waited several months
Bought a mk7 golf(Regular not a GTI) and I'm happy that I saved like 10 thousand and still got more features than most of those GTIs, like the sunroof, double U lights, electric seats with full leather and dual climate control. With that 10,000 saved I can upgrade the brakes and get a tune that will bring me to a much higher spec GTI(Yes I know not exactly the same) but I'm glad I saved. Also, have had my sunroof mk7 for over 7 months now and it has been perfectly fine.
Awesome video!
Coming from a f30 bmw, gotta say the gti se is so much more fun to drive
are you sure man? I have totaled my 2016 328i now I want to get 2018 gti s, but I heard 328i gaps gti
Thank you!
Amazing video, thanks
Thank you for watching Arran, glad you liked it!
@@fcpeuro although I might be buying a 7.5 R 🤣
Love my 15 GTI.
Glad you love it Mike L, I'd say the mk7 has a sweet spot in our hearts here at FCP Euro judging by the 8+ of em we have in the parking lot ^.^
Thinking of taking the plunge and picking one of these up in the next couple of years. Wow-- very strong advice against buying one with a sunroof. Knowing this, I'll narrow my search to a 2017 Sport manual that comes with performance pack and no sunroof.
Good luck on your search! These are awesome cars, you won't regret it!
I wish you guys race the GTI plataform again.
My 2018 GTI is confusing. It has features of an s and an SE as well as the performance pack even though I'm sure it doesn't have it. I have the GTI logos on the brakes, a sunroof and the bigger infotainment system, and plaid seats
in the market for a DD, thanks for the great content! true, mk7/7.5 prices will drop when mk8 are on sell in north america, will wait to save some depreciation
I just acquired a 2016 Volkswagen golf GTI Autobahn with DSG and I'm concerned that the clutches will last in this transmission in stop and go traffic and driving the vehicle on hills I do not see a auto hold button by the shifter so how should I drive it on hills so it does not roll back
I fucking love Golf's. I own an RS3 but,I should have done an engine swap into a Golf. I love these cars!
You can tell we love Golf's too if you've ever seen our parking lot!
That blue gti 😍
I didn't know Mark Zuckerberg loves GTI's
Just got a 2019 cornflower blue rabbit addition :) only got 15k km
I want a DCC, DSG, VAQ, PP. 2015 or 2016 and then do the 7.5 lighting update
Such a great video! Thank you
Thank YOU for watching!
DSG was introduced in the USA, 2004 in the MK1 Audi TT 3.2! But was first introduced worldwide in the Volkswagen MK4 R32!
I already own a mk7.5 but I'm watching this lol
Great video
Seeing, for example, a 2016 Autobahn trim with 26k miles go for under $20k is so unbelievable in today's market... It's crazy how much that's all changed now.
It is quite different these days, Christian!
I've found my next car !
I have a 2019 jetta GLI and thinking of changing for a 2021 GTI in cornflower blue, my GLI has a sunroof that has been changed once already and has been giving me problems till now. My dealership in Montreal Canada has told me last week that I'm going to need to replace it again. What to do? Now that I saw your video I'm thinking keep the problem that I have or go for a GTI with 15000 klm and sunroof sounds ok!!!
great video! really interested in the mk7.5 and just waiting for prices to drop a bit. Wondering if theres any differences with the remaining 7.5 models from 2020 and 2021 vs. the 2019?
Hi, I found your video to be very informative. I have a 2019 VW GTI SE AUTOBAHN and Jay has stated that the Autobahn Edition has a fully adjustable drivers seat and the dual climate controls. I purchased my car on
January 27, 2020. I’ve heard this in a lot of videos I’ve seen on UA-cam. I want to make sure that I’m absolutely sure that this was a standard option on my model year before I confront the dealership.
Please help me verify that my car is correct in this standard option.
Hi, David. Glad you found the video informative! You should probably confirm with your VIN number whether you have an SE or an Autobahn. I don't believe there is an SE Autobahn, only SE or Autobahn.
which year is the blue gti on the left?
The BEST GTI are:
MK1 8V
MK2 16V
MK4 2.8 VR6
And lastly, the original R
MK4 R32 VR6
Got a 20gti with only 6000kms I definitely want to keep the warranty for a bit lol . piggyback it is just sucks I lose the dag farts
What are the most impactful upgrades for a 2019 GTI? Does getting a cold air intake help? Might get a used one at 40k miles, should i replace anything or just keep up with maintenance?
Good steady maintenance, and suspension upgrades from our friends at 034 Motorsport always help!
What bodykit is on the white rally style one? Thanks.
If you're referring to our GTI TCR, its a factory body kit from VW Motorsport
anybody knows the difference between GTI and TSI ?
regarding the mk7/7.5, im thinking about getting the manual but I’m still torn between the auto or manual. it would be my first manual car but ive only heard good things from the dsg
They are truly both great choices, you have our support on either one!
Didn't they make the gti in cornflower blue?
which MK7 has the famous Crank walk issue?..and which MK7 year most reliable?
You said performance package is standard on se and autobahn but I have a 15 mk7 gti autobahn and it has the basic brakes it doesn't say gti on them so I'm confused?
When will the helix headlights be back in stock? Thanks
So all the MK7 have a cracking issue with the panoramic sunroof?
Do Audi A4s B9 generation also suffer with moonroof problems?
14:12 The moment he said to stay away from the sun roof, i looked over at my car and started to worry. Im sure it'll be fine \*bites nails*
It'llll beee fiiiinnnneeee Michael 😏
Even on 2018 models ? I really should avoid it ?
is the panoramic roof different to the sunroof? because I found a nice gti but it has the panoramic roof
Great content 👌
Question: im thinking about getting a 2019 rabbit dsg, I've read there's issues with the front assist auto braking, like it'll brake for no reason, is there a way to permanently turn it off 🤔
Thanks 🙂
Didn't see anything about the red badging
Why do we only get the direct injection and not the euro spec with the additional port injection?
John its most likely due to emissions standards and cost quite frankly. Its so common for Europe to get all the goodies and NA get a dumbed down version.
Thx for the response. They need to address the carbon build up problem in this next gen!
845 Heath Ranch
Nice video...MK5 is getting a bit old now, so i'll wait another year for mk7 to dip under £10,000 used (uk). I love that blue colour! Is it painted or wrapped? doesn't look like a factory colour? thanks.
Thanks, Kaiser. That blue is a factory color called Cornflower Blue only available on the Rabbit edition GTI.
You'll be waiting about 10 years for the mk7 to dip under 10k mate.
You'll be waiting awhile for a good one at least, plenty of crashed repaired on the market atm for around £11+k
So the 2019 rabbit doesn’t do dsg farts at all or can I put on an aftermarket exhaust and get farts out of it??
My old R on the left have a white one now
Which one do you like more?
@@fcpeuro I loved the limestone gray in winter time or when cloudy it would become a nice wet cement but cant go wrong with white
do the panoramic sunroofs on the se leak too?
Does the 2020 GLI have the DKFA motor? You said it has different internals? Is it a better platform?
What’s is the cfb gti lowered on?
Whats the reliability on these MK7 Gti’s? Looking to buy one
We have a full diagnostic guide on the chassis, engine , suspension etc. Should answer anything you may be wondering! ua-cam.com/video/zvqG4y6iTTU/v-deo.html
This guys know!
Where’s the hidden cup holders, electric handbrake and hood gas struts ??
I am really on the fence of buying an Mk7.5 while I can or waiting for model year one of the Mk8. What are you opinions? I think I owe it to see the Mk 8 in person before I decide.
Definitely go for mk7 or mk7 facelift. VW did so much savings on mk8.
Great video - only thing I would add - and I wish I would have known before purchasing my '19 SE, is the differences in the drivers assistance package. I thought my '19 SE was essentially fully loaded, but since they made the Golf R mechanical bits (VAQ, brakes) standard, they took away from the drivers assistance package. My 19 only has the front assistance, backup assistance, and blind spot detection. Whereas the earlier models got lane assist, park assist, and adaptive cruise control.
Of course, in a performance car, I'd much rather have the LSD and brakes over some "safety" features :)
I own a 2016 S with a manual and I didn’t get the performance pack. Is there any way to retrofit the module for the VAQ E-differential and code it so it works on a standard car?
Where can I buy that jacket?
im looking into selling my e46 an get a mk7 gti. Friends telling me dont they not reliable but they said the same when i bought the e46. should i jump the gun an do it? 20 likes an ill do it!
Can you clarify on the sunroof problems? Are the leaking/squeaking/cracking issues isolated to the smaller sunroof on the older models? Or does it affect the later panoramic roofs as well?
That very much includes the large panoramic sunroof cars.