Amazing car, my vw dealer "surprised" me with it, said my regular GTI wouldn't be in for a few more months but I could have this now if I wanted - at $500 less. He is the best.
It's a sweet deal! You get the light package, DCC, nice wheels, basically everything that the Performance model comes with except leather, for a few grand less.
To each his own. All subjective for sure. I think it very exciting. Especially coming from a 2021 Corolla Hatchback XSE 6 speed. The two cars really aren’t comparable, but that was my reference. I bought this exact car. The power is fabulous. I own a 2011 Carrera S with a PDK. I actually enjoy this GTI more, but I try to stay out of jail. Easier in the GTI.
@Jackie Mcmillan lol it’s usually about 600 miles / 1000KMS I’m nearing 900kms but have been driving it pretty brisk with only a couple partial WOT shenanigans. Car feels strong! Last car was a Stage 1 11th Gen Si
@@SWEETVENOM100 Picked mine up Friday (pom Yello) and have 700 km on it now. My break in period is 'drive at as you intend to'. So it hasn't been easy. Did notice the brake pedal clicking this morning once I depress and release it.
@@APRboostedGTI ...break in? I rode it hard since km 8... Currently at 1500km. I asked about break in period but they said just drive it as you would normally.
It’s a great package for 35k in the US. Adaptive suspension, club sport wheels, summer performance tires, unique colors. For a few grand more than a base s model you get a killer set up.
Its not a great package when you know a dealership here in the US are marking this up for 3-5k over sticker price. Take the lights and those ugly stickers and give us more power, that will be a great deal 👍🏻
@@SamCarLegion in the video you answered your own question. Why not more power? If the GTI got 296 HP that’s to close to a Golf r so it’s a good option for buyers who don’t want to shell out 50k for a golf r.
@@jrarael90 I’m cross shopping a civic type r which generally has a 15-20k mark up and a GR Corolla which in SoCal has a 10-12k markup. In real world dollars the 40th anniversary is about 12 k less than the gr Corolla and 25k less than a type r.
To each their own...As a GTI fan and 11 year owner of a daily driven MK6, I LOVE the cloth GTI seats! In fact you couldn't pay me to buy a GTI with leather. After 213,000 miles, I have no noticeable wear (including in the bolstering) and my cloth seats are a 9/10 in looks and condition after over a decade of daily use. I've seen VW leather GTI seats and after 5 or 6 years they look sad. Also, I have nothing bad to say about the manual seat adjustments, especially for a 4 door car where you rarely move the seat anyway. If the car is shared between two people, I could understand wanting a memory seat option, which I believe the newer SE models offer.
I bought a DSG equipped model in Newfoundland in late March. Bright Pomelo Yellow. Love the car. Paid MSRP and feel like I got a great deal. I think the resale value on this down the road will be 💪
@@rainerdeguzman5851 I had only put my order in for a GTi a few weeks earlier and was told to expect a year’s wait. Then the dealership was notified it was receiving one 40th Anniversary car and offered it first-come-first-serve to everyone on their waiting list. I was the first to respond to the email. So… very lucky. No choice in color or transmission. It was take it or leave it.
Hard disagree with your overall take. It comes with standard summer tires which is already $800+ and a mandatory swap out if you were to get another trim that comes with standard all season. DCC is great, colors are great, no sunroof is great, volume knob is a plus. This model is much better than an SE for $2-3K less and has a much better wheel design to boot.
absolutely agree. the reviewer completely missed the point of the car. it's an excellent value with a lot of the most popular options like the summer tires 19" wheels etc. for less money than an SE.
You're missing the point of this car. For $38k CAD, you're getting essentially the Autobahn trim (middle trim in Canada) with the DCC, HUD, Harmon Kardon, Scottsdale Wheels, exclusive colors and some badges. Name one car in this price point that comes close to the style, tech, practicality, efficiency, performance and heritage. It doesn't exist.
Yeah this review is pretty bad, who cares 40th anniversary badges or 300hp. The only contender is the Civic SI which this thing obliterates in a straight line.
I'm not sure why you keep saying "Alcantara" as VAG switched VW and Audi from Alcantara to Dinamica in 2020. The seats are not "a mix of Alcantara and cloth". It has Cloth seating surfaces w/ Scalepaper Plaid inserts. 6:40 "Why not us?" Because the US-market GTI runs on regular fuel whereas the referenced ~290HP Euro version requires premium. Based on their market feedback the US customers skewed *HEAVILY* towards lower running costs. You also pay a solid 30-40% more for this vehicle in Europe than you do here.
Sorry Sam, but you got a number of things wrong... First, the Germans rate their power at the wheels, really, the GTI has been proven to dyno a little higher than it's rated power, at the wheels, on REGULAR. Second, the European model has a lot more goodies AND their prices ALWAYS include VAT (tax) by law. Lastly, a $600 tune adds about 100hp/100tq both premium fuel vs stock. The adaptive suspension, 19" wheels, adaptive headlights and front light bar all for only $2500 more than the base S Is awesome. And no, GTI's are not THAT hard to find, I can get one for MSRP in my area, which is pretty popular for VW's too, but the R is indeed hard to get.
Great comment. I might have gotten an R except the dealers here in the Atlanta Ga. area are marking the R’s up as much as $10,000. So I bought a 40th in Urano gray and 6 speed manual. I’m glad it ended up as it did. The Urano gray was all sold out by September 2023. I had to go 340 miles to Daphne Alabama to get it.
@bucknut2000 very interesting how different markets are so far apart in pricing. Lots of money in Chicago, but $75,000! I’m seeing 2024 Golf R 6 speed in Atlanta for $57,000.
@@donr8773 I just got mine 2 weeks ago. I paid 1000 extra because I wanted blue and they were the only one that had one. But if I wasn't so particular about color, there were numerous places that would sell MSRP.
Went to look at one at my local dealer but they had it marked up $5K and refused to budge. What a bummer as I was all ready to trade in my mk7.5 on it. Bob Boast VW in Bradenton FL if your wondering. Won’t be doing business with them.
@@ilyaberler5543 I ended up finding one at Brandon VW in the Tampa area for MSRP. Great buying experience there. Called about the car on a Friday, Saturday they had it out front for me first thing in the morning. Test drove it and 2 hrs later it was mine. Absolutely love it so far!
I have a deposit on a Tornado red 40th. AFAIK the US models don't get the bigger, touch only screen. All the ones I've seen and the ones on the VW builder have the smaller screen with the knobs, which is awesome.
I just put a $1k deposit in a 2023 GTI S here in Los Angeles, and ETA is mid to late June. I’m a excited about driving her on a daily basis. Thank you for your video.
I feel like they definitely should’ve done more for a 40th anniversary. Gotta make it stand out. Love the rims though. I bought a Mk7.5 GTI about a year ago(my first VW) as the mk8s were rolling out. Exterior wise, the mk8s have grown a lot on me and I’ve grown to like them more but just don’t like the interiors as much other than the seats.
Imagine if for Christmas VW would flash the 40th GTI ECUs to up the power. Even though the current power is adequate. It's a great daily driver. Soon as I bought it I regretted not having a winter vehicle.
@@emiliodaloisio3312 I'm more worried about the salt and corrosion. I'm on the East Coast. But I've had the car undercoated. And I decided to PPF the entire front, roof and wheel arches. I'm curious to see how the PPF in the wheel arches will hold up against chips.
Well, I have owned the twin to the GTI in this video for 3 weeks. I love the color and appearance. The sears are very comfortable and supportive. I don't understand all the complaints about the display. I find it easy to use and intuitive. The volume slider is fantastic. I have had no problems with the haptic buttons on the steering wheel. I have never driven a manual with 6 speeds and so much power. Without rev matching, it's going to take a while before I master perfectly smooth shifts from 1st to 2nd. You are only in these gears for a second or two. The 19" wheels and summer tires provide great handling but are a little loud on anything but smooth pavement. I think the 39 psi inflation pressure may have something to do with the road noise.
For the 40th anniversary, VW should have included knobs/dials so as a driver, I can focus on the road instead of the ergonomic nightmare this vehicle has become.
That's been greatly overstated by car journalists who spend an hour with the car and don't put in enough time to get acclimated to it. The US 40ths are slightly different than the Canadian ones and do in fact come with the lower level infotainment that has the knobs, FWIW.
@@SamCarLegion Disagree. I was pleasantly surprised by the infotainment system on my 2023 Autobahn trim. Responsive, easy to use, no lag....all the reviewers love to shred this part of the car, but I LOVE it. Looks amazing, works well. I wouldnt go back to primitive "knobs".
I bought this exact car, except in a manual transmission. I am in love with this car. If one wants a manual then 2024 is the end of the line for Volkswagen. All manual 2024 models get special things, but if I’m not mistaken the S model gets the things that matter, i,e 19” wheels, DCC suspension, variable steering and no sunroof (a real plus for me). I like the most basic car with all the performance and the least bells and whistles. I own a 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera S with a PDK transmission. This GTI is, in many ways, more fun to drive. There are so many great and fun cars out there today. It is truly a fabulous time to acquire cool cars.
@canadianwatchguy6768 No, in U.S. near Atlanta. And yes the car has Adaptive Cruise Control. It works pretty well I just don't get a chance to use it around here. I had it on a 2021 Corolla Hatchback XSE 6 speed and the Corolla's worked better. The Canadian market was slightly different, can’t remember what is was though.
Thank you for your reply@@donr8773 I did a bit of digging, and the Canadian market edition lost all front safety features and as a result, no ACC as well. We got the Harman Kardon system and the adjustable dampers, but a shame we lost adaptive cruise... I commute a long distance on highways and lane entering and stop and go cruise really makes it less of a chore.
@@canadianwatchguy6768 Yes, I can understand wanting the ACC in the wide open spaces of Canada. I am still loving the GTI. It is so much fun. I expect the Harmon Kardon is significantly better than the Hi-Fi unit in my car.
Totally agree. Type R is way too expensive for being just a freaking Civic. There’s so many better vehicles at the price those things are going for. It’s stupid.
I purchased one yesterday. Its nice... but guess what ... no wireless carplay. VW says that all of their 2023 cars have wireless carplay...but not this one! The dealer was quite confused but the car's sticker confirms that you have to use a USB cable.
Had the opportunity to get the 40th edition but decided to wait for the 2024 model with the facelift and other updates! It’s too much money for a car with a faulty infotainment system
Did you say no 40 badging on the steering wheel or the actual stitching? It has it on the bottom of the steering wheel. Agree that it could’ve come with more power unfortunately it’s all aesthetic. Was this a very unenthusiastic review or just the disappointment of no added power and features on the car … I’m wondering 🤔
Manual GTI, also. Just looked at the Mazda. Looks like the top model is a bit more money, no manual and 21 less HP. For me the AWD isn’t enough to win me over. I don’t want all power seats, sunroof, etc. Yes, the 40th GTI’s interior could be a bit nicer and the sound system is just okay. The power rake on the seat back is just fine. The ride, handling and the way this car dispenses power is just so nice.
Love the Pomelo yellow. The car looks good in all the colors. I bought the Urano Gray. A yellow one showed up here but it had 350 miles on it. It was “new”. I prefer to break my car in.
That 40th sticker is horrendous and cheap looking. Very surprised VW went with it. As a dsg S owner other than the dcc suspension and that's iffy, don't really see a point to trading in for the 40th. Especially after I already got the APR Stg 1 93 tune. But if I didn't already have an S then it would be the one I'd go for.
VW doesnt bring the Clubsport here because it cost then too much to meet north american regulations for a low volume sales car (even as a regular clubsport model) , they will certaintly not do it for a ,even lower ,volume sales special edition car.
To me the 40th should have been really special, kind of like the Clubsport model. They should have gone over the top and given us the golf R engine and basically made it a Clubsport. To me this does not feel special of anything it just feels cheap. I understand VW probably just wanted to keep the cost lower to make it more appealing to midclass income people but it doesn't make it special like a 40th should be. To me this is just another GTI with a bunch of stickers on it and that is it. You also cannot say that VW didn't want to put a Golf R engine in it because it would take profits away from the Golf R model when VW cannot even keep up with demand for the R. The only downside I see is if they put the Golf R engine in it then I am sure dealers would be adding a 10k markup. I really wish the US would stop markup's
Yes, that is exactly what the dealers would’ve done. What made it special for me (over the S) was the DCC, 19” gorgeous wheels, variable steering , black roof and the subtle badging. And no sunroof!
It looks like a Hyundaish tbh. I think VW needs to rethink the styling and make it more distinct. Perhaps pay homage to its boxy roots. Just my 2 cents.
I got the US 40yr DSG GTI in Urano gray. I can't seem to get anything but music album images up on the instrument cluster screen. Built in Nav is not included and Car Play only displays on the main touch screen. The car is really fun to drive and turns heads in person. Seats and interior are cool although I do with the driver's side seat was fully electric. All in all, compared to what other cars that are going for cost these days, this feels like a pretty solid deal for a well-built hot hatch.
Hey we got the exact same spec! Lowkey wished for the Tornado Red but the Urano Grey is just so nice in person. I do agree with you about the driver's seat, do wish it was electric. This hatch is a good choice in today's market I agree, It was between this and a Mazda 3 Hatch, I'm glad I stuck with VW tho! I love the car so far. Enjoy your GTI! :)@@vibrationmachine8908
It is a good deal. There isn’t anything exactly like it. Civic Si has way less power. Corolla GR, Honda Type S and Golf R are different category. Hyundai Kona N, maybe. All I know is this car is so sorted, the chassis is fabulous. I feel these cars can’t be beat for the money. Good fuel economy. Great styling. Something is always going to be faster. It takes me back to the days of my 1977 BMW 320i, only way better.
I’m glad I cancelled my order after seeing one in person. Would rather have one (S, SE) that doesn’t have all of the lame 40th Anniversary “Boy-racer” add ons. Maybe some additional horsepower, unique colorways and seats. Similar to what they did with the 20th
You gave up on the best optioned Mk8 you can buy for a couple decals you can remove in 15 minutes with a blow-dryer and a plastic trim tool. Have fun spending autobahn money if you want dcc and summer tires from the factory.
@@viktoriya260589 I ain't gonna laugh at all. Drove an R in manual and DSG back to back the other day ago. The DSG is just better imo. I however am not a vehicle purest. I am just looking for something fun for me personally.
@@SamCarLegion yes US dollar, it cost 60k Euro. The new Civic Type R cost also 60k Euro but is bigger and has 325 HP but the best option here is the Hyundai i30 N with 280 HP and cost 40k - 45k Euro.
Golf GTI 2023 um... excelente carro eu Edgar 🇧🇷,tenho 2 sonhos primeiro ter carro, segundo é ter um Golf GTI.essa é a minha paixão.em nome de Jesus 🙏 eu Edgar vou ter um . Porque para Deus nada é impossível Lucas 1: 37 👆. Obrigado, e Deus abençôe 🎁.
I think this generation of Golf looks absolutely horrendous inside and out. The MK7 was absolutely perfect, with interiors that feel like you wear them.
MK8 and newer VW designs have horrible interiors. Heck, even VW admitted that their interiors are so bad that they said they would put back buttons, which sadly they haven't when refreshing the Atlas and introducing the ID7. The sad thing is that I think hatchbacks are the most ideal cars in general, yet I'd prefer their Jetta sedan over the MK8. But that's just to be fair to VW, because otherwise, I'd take a hatchback from Honda/Acura, Mazda, or Toyota over this.
Amazing car, my vw dealer "surprised" me with it, said my regular GTI wouldn't be in for a few more months but I could have this now if I wanted - at $500 less. He is the best.
It's a sweet deal! You get the light package, DCC, nice wheels, basically everything that the Performance model comes with except leather, for a few grand less.
It’s a nice package but definitely not exciting
Oh so with this you get what the performance one has but the seats are different? Or is there any other changes?
@@SamCarLegion the car itself just isn’t exciting and hasn’t been for about 10 yrs now. Too soft
I’m think it also gets 8 inch width wheels instead of 7.5. That plus the DCC are an interesting combination.
To each his own. All subjective for sure. I think it very exciting. Especially coming from a 2021 Corolla Hatchback XSE 6 speed. The two cars really aren’t comparable, but that was my reference. I bought this exact car. The power is fabulous. I own a 2011 Carrera S with a PDK. I actually enjoy this GTI more, but I try to stay out of jail. Easier in the GTI.
I’ve owned one for 3 weeks and haven’t crossed the break in period yet.
The car feels amazing tho!
@Jackie Mcmillan lol it’s usually about 600 miles / 1000KMS
I’m nearing 900kms but have been driving it pretty brisk with only a couple partial WOT shenanigans.
Car feels strong! Last car was a Stage 1 11th Gen Si
@@SWEETVENOM100 Picked mine up Friday (pom Yello) and have 700 km on it now. My break in period is 'drive at as you intend to'. So it hasn't been easy.
Did notice the brake pedal clicking this morning once I depress and release it.
@@nenadmomcilovic9133 They should have called it porn yello
Had mine for 3 weeks as well. Finally reached break in yesterday….. she pulls….. hard lol
@@APRboostedGTI ...break in? I rode it hard since km 8... Currently at 1500km. I asked about break in period but they said just drive it as you would normally.
It’s a great package for 35k in the US. Adaptive suspension, club sport wheels, summer performance tires, unique colors. For a few grand more than a base s model you get a killer set up.
It is a good package, that’s not what I was referring to. Mostly because the EU got the much better option.
Its not a great package when you know a dealership here in the US are marking this up for 3-5k over sticker price.
Take the lights and those ugly stickers and give us more power, that will be a great deal 👍🏻
@@SamCarLegion in the video you answered your own question. Why not more power? If the GTI got 296 HP that’s to close to a Golf r so it’s a good option for buyers who don’t want to shell out 50k for a golf r.
@@jrarael90 I’m cross shopping a civic type r which generally has a 15-20k mark up and a GR Corolla which in SoCal has a 10-12k markup. In real world dollars the 40th anniversary is about 12 k less than the gr Corolla and 25k less than a type r.
@@jrarael90 They are not. I see 4 in transit to dealers in my area, all MSRP.
To each their own...As a GTI fan and 11 year owner of a daily driven MK6, I LOVE the cloth GTI seats! In fact you couldn't pay me to buy a GTI with leather. After 213,000 miles, I have no noticeable wear (including in the bolstering) and my cloth seats are a 9/10 in looks and condition after over a decade of daily use. I've seen VW leather GTI seats and after 5 or 6 years they look sad. Also, I have nothing bad to say about the manual seat adjustments, especially for a 4 door car where you rarely move the seat anyway. If the car is shared between two people, I could understand wanting a memory seat option, which I believe the newer SE models offer.
I bought a DSG equipped model in Newfoundland in late March. Bright Pomelo Yellow. Love the car. Paid MSRP and feel like I got a great deal. I think the resale value on this down the road will be 💪
Congratulations man! DSG is so goood!
How long did you have to wait to get the pome lo yellow. I have been waiting for a year and a half until now no car yet.
@@rainerdeguzman5851 I had only put my order in for a GTi a few weeks earlier and was told to expect a year’s wait. Then the dealership was notified it was receiving one 40th Anniversary car and offered it first-come-first-serve to everyone on their waiting list. I was the first to respond to the email. So… very lucky. No choice in color or transmission. It was take it or leave it.
Just picked my Pom Yello 6 speed up this past friday (PEI). Loving it so far. Brake pedal just developed a clicking once I depress it tho.
@@nenadmomcilovic9133 Congratulations dude! I wonder what that clicking sound is. Pls update us if you find out. 👍👍
Bro pumped down the seat like he didnt raise it up before the video 😂 how many times are you going to be adjusting your seat?!
That was a bit histrionic
I want one :( but I feel bad for financing….I feel like I should be doing something better with my money
Hard disagree with your overall take. It comes with standard summer tires which is already $800+ and a mandatory swap out if you were to get another trim that comes with standard all season. DCC is great, colors are great, no sunroof is great, volume knob is a plus. This model is much better than an SE for $2-3K less and has a much better wheel design to boot.
absolutely agree. the reviewer completely missed the point of the car. it's an excellent value with a lot of the most popular options like the summer tires 19" wheels etc. for less money than an SE.
You're missing the point of this car. For $38k CAD, you're getting essentially the Autobahn trim (middle trim in Canada) with the DCC, HUD, Harmon Kardon, Scottsdale Wheels, exclusive colors and some badges.
Name one car in this price point that comes close to the style, tech, practicality, efficiency, performance and heritage. It doesn't exist.
You are clearly not getting my point. nothing with the package itself. Pay attention
@Sam CarLegion seems like more people agree with my point. If you don't understand the car, it's ok.
Yeah this review is pretty bad, who cares 40th anniversary badges or 300hp. The only contender is the Civic SI which this thing obliterates in a straight line.
you could not have said it any better bud...it's a bargain at that price point and we Canucks get all the goodies!
I'm not sure why you keep saying "Alcantara" as VAG switched VW and Audi from Alcantara to Dinamica in 2020.
The seats are not "a mix of Alcantara and cloth". It has Cloth seating surfaces w/ Scalepaper Plaid inserts.
6:40 "Why not us?" Because the US-market GTI runs on regular fuel whereas the referenced ~290HP Euro version requires premium.
Based on their market feedback the US customers skewed *HEAVILY* towards lower running costs.
You also pay a solid 30-40% more for this vehicle in Europe than you do here.
A+ you understood the assignment. 💪🙌
Good to know. I had no idea about the Alcantara vs Dinamica until you enlightened me. Thanks.
JUST BOUGHT MINE!!!! My god it is insanely beautiful!!! 😭😭😭
What color?
I pick up the twin to this car on Wednesday. 4 days to go.
Sorry Sam, but you got a number of things wrong... First, the Germans rate their power at the wheels, really, the GTI has been proven to dyno a little higher than it's rated power, at the wheels, on REGULAR. Second, the European model has a lot more goodies AND their prices ALWAYS include VAT (tax) by law. Lastly, a $600 tune adds about 100hp/100tq both premium fuel vs stock. The adaptive suspension, 19" wheels, adaptive headlights and front light bar all for only $2500 more than the base S Is awesome. And no, GTI's are not THAT hard to find, I can get one for MSRP in my area, which is pretty popular for VW's too, but the R is indeed hard to get.
Great comment. I might have gotten an R except the dealers here in the Atlanta Ga. area are marking the R’s up as much as $10,000. So I bought a 40th in Urano gray and 6 speed manual. I’m glad it ended up as it did. The Urano gray was all sold out by September 2023. I had to go 340 miles to Daphne Alabama to get it.
@@donr8773 In Ohio and Michigan, there are places selling at MSRP. But I did go to Chicago at one point and they quoted me 75K, that was insane.
@bucknut2000 very interesting how different markets are so far apart in pricing. Lots of money in Chicago, but $75,000! I’m seeing 2024 Golf R 6 speed in Atlanta for $57,000.
@@donr8773 I just got mine 2 weeks ago. I paid 1000 extra because I wanted blue and they were the only one that had one. But if I wasn't so particular about color, there were numerous places that would sell MSRP.
@bucknut2000 I love the blue. Did you get an R?
Went to look at one at my local dealer but they had it marked up $5K and refused to budge. What a bummer as I was all ready to trade in my mk7.5 on it. Bob Boast VW in Bradenton FL if your wondering. Won’t be doing business with them.
It’s not worth it
Seems like there are some other options in the TB area, any luck with them?
@@ilyaberler5543 I ended up finding one at Brandon VW in the Tampa area for MSRP. Great buying experience there. Called about the car on a Friday, Saturday they had it out front for me first thing in the morning. Test drove it and 2 hrs later it was mine. Absolutely love it so far!
@@SamCarLegion ended up picking one up for msrp from another dealer. after almost a month of ownership.. totally worth it for $34K.
@@jtkent28 bought mine for 33! Bought to pick it up tomorrow
Amazing and sporty car ... one of the my preferred vehicle on the market now! Great Job VW ...
I’m waiting for that exact GTI. Two more weeks.
What's the wait time in your case ??
I'm going to find one of these used here in the next few years. Can't wait to start the hunt!
I own this exact model, love the car so far, no complaints.
I have a deposit on a Tornado red 40th. AFAIK the US models don't get the bigger, touch only screen. All the ones I've seen and the ones on the VW builder have the smaller screen with the knobs, which is awesome.
I just put a $1k deposit in a 2023 GTI S here in Los Angeles, and ETA is mid to late June. I’m a excited about driving her on a daily basis. Thank you for your video.
Congratulations
How much you pay for it with the market markup?
I feel like they definitely should’ve done more for a 40th anniversary. Gotta make it stand out. Love the rims though.
I bought a Mk7.5 GTI about a year ago(my first VW) as the mk8s were rolling out. Exterior wise, the mk8s have grown a lot on me and I’ve grown to like them more but just don’t like the interiors as much other than the seats.
I agree. It needs something more in badging at the very least. Great review!
I agree, with it being a 40th edition should have more. I used to own a GLI Edition 30. VW made it special dressed it up.
Imagine if for Christmas VW would flash the 40th GTI ECUs to up the power. Even though the current power is adequate. It's a great daily driver. Soon as I bought it I regretted not having a winter vehicle.
Oh I am sure. Even here in Georgia it is nice to have a beater for bad weather.
good set of snows and you can plow through anything with this thing. Take if from a Canadian
@@emiliodaloisio3312 I'm more worried about the salt and corrosion. I'm on the East Coast. But I've had the car undercoated. And I decided to PPF the entire front, roof and wheel arches. I'm curious to see how the PPF in the wheel arches will hold up against chips.
Well, I have owned the twin to the GTI in this video for 3 weeks. I love the color and appearance. The sears are very comfortable and supportive. I don't understand all the complaints about the display. I find it easy to use and intuitive. The volume slider is fantastic. I have had no problems with the haptic buttons on the steering wheel. I have never driven a manual with 6 speeds and so much power. Without rev matching, it's going to take a while before I master perfectly smooth shifts from 1st to 2nd. You are only in these gears for a second or two. The 19" wheels and summer tires provide great handling but are a little loud on anything but smooth pavement. I think the 39 psi inflation pressure may have something to do with the road noise.
I missed my Mk7.5 so much I picked one of these up yesterday.
How many times in one video can you complain about not enough logos? 😂
He probably wants a logo all over the windscreen like Ricky Bobby's car in Telladega Nights 😂
That's 241hp to the wheels by the way.
Really, didn’t know that part. So, do all European manufacturers rate HP to the wheels?
Canada never gets what Europe gets. My MK7 R never got LED taillights, no spare and tool kit , no power folding mirrors, optional Akrapovič exhaust .
How do you go from the design "It looks really nice it actually looks like it.
For the 40th anniversary, VW should have included knobs/dials so as a driver, I can focus on the road instead of the ergonomic nightmare this vehicle has become.
agreed
That's been greatly overstated by car journalists who spend an hour with the car and don't put in enough time to get acclimated to it. The US 40ths are slightly different than the Canadian ones and do in fact come with the lower level infotainment that has the knobs, FWIW.
@@SamCarLegion Disagree. I was pleasantly surprised by the infotainment system on my 2023 Autobahn trim. Responsive, easy to use, no lag....all the reviewers love to shred this part of the car, but I LOVE it. Looks amazing, works well. I wouldnt go back to primitive "knobs".
@@masterslimes knobs all day
Nah! Just get a Golf R No regrets when I got my 2016 Golf R the car absolutely rips!
The GTI will soon be confined to the history books.
I bought this exact car, except in a manual transmission. I am in love with this car. If one wants a manual then 2024 is the end of the line for Volkswagen. All manual 2024 models get special things, but if I’m not mistaken the S model gets the things that matter, i,e 19” wheels, DCC suspension, variable steering and no sunroof (a real plus for me). I like the most basic car with all the performance and the least bells and whistles. I own a 2011 Porsche 911 Carrera S with a PDK transmission. This GTI is, in many ways, more fun to drive. There are so many great and fun cars out there today. It is truly a fabulous time to acquire cool cars.
Are you in Canada? Does your model come with Adaptive Cruise Control?
@canadianwatchguy6768 No, in U.S. near Atlanta. And yes the car has Adaptive Cruise Control. It works pretty well I just don't get a chance to use it around here. I had it on a 2021 Corolla Hatchback XSE 6 speed and the Corolla's worked better. The Canadian market was slightly different, can’t remember what is was though.
Thank you for your reply@@donr8773 I did a bit of digging, and the Canadian market edition lost all front safety features and as a result, no ACC as well. We got the Harman Kardon system and the adjustable dampers, but a shame we lost adaptive cruise... I commute a long distance on highways and lane entering and stop and go cruise really makes it less of a chore.
@@canadianwatchguy6768 Yes, I can understand wanting the ACC in the wide open spaces of Canada. I am still loving the GTI. It is so much fun. I expect the Harmon Kardon is significantly better than the Hi-Fi unit in my car.
Looks better than the overpriced Civic type R.
Totally agree. Type R is way too expensive for being just a freaking Civic. There’s so many better vehicles at the price those things are going for. It’s stupid.
The tires on the U.S. spec model has BRIDGESTONE POTENZA S005 235/35-19
Mine came with Hankook Ventus S1 evo3
@@neilteitelman2428 👍👍👍👍
Those are on mine also. Nice tire Bridgestone.
"Why not us?" - Because you have regulated speeds and irresponsible drivers. Which U.S. state has an autobahn?
I purchased one yesterday. Its nice... but guess what ... no wireless carplay. VW says that all of their 2023 cars have wireless carplay...but not this one! The dealer was quite confused but the car's sticker confirms that you have to use a USB cable.
Plenty of adapters on Amazon
Does sound quality suffer with wireless? Or is it inaudible?
@@donr8773 sounds fine! Occasionally needs to be unplugged to reset
Black roof too
Had the opportunity to get the 40th edition but decided to wait for the 2024 model with the facelift and other updates! It’s too much money for a car with a faulty infotainment system
Did you say no 40 badging on the steering wheel or the actual stitching? It has it on the bottom of the steering wheel. Agree that it could’ve come with more power unfortunately it’s all aesthetic.
Was this a very unenthusiastic review or just the disappointment of no added power and features on the car … I’m wondering 🤔
Would you say to just go for the gti S? I don’t think that one comes with the adaptive suspension though if I remember correctly.
Have to agree this is abit of a disappointment. It seems to be a GTI with a 40th badge line. Base power, cloth interior and not even electronic seats.
It’s an OK package but he could’ve been a lot better
The addition of DCC at this price is huge.
Would love to know your thoughts on what it is like to drive.
Now you drag race a Mazda3 all-wheel Drive versus the GTI you only had to pick one what would it be
Manual GTI!
Manual GTI, also. Just looked at the Mazda. Looks like the top model is a bit more money, no manual and 21 less HP. For me the AWD isn’t enough to win me over. I don’t want all power seats, sunroof, etc. Yes, the 40th GTI’s interior could be a bit nicer and the sound system is just okay. The power rake on the seat back is just fine. The ride, handling and the way this car dispenses power is just so nice.
Today we decided that we were buying one and we got it pomelo it arrive in 1 week cant wait
you are fast damn
Love the Pomelo yellow. The car looks good in all the colors. I bought the Urano Gray. A yellow one showed up here but it had 350 miles on it. It was “new”. I prefer to break my car in.
"Almost good"? Its good by any measure. These are the last days for ICE, so enjoy it while you can.
Don’t worry they won’t be the last days
I pray not. But, I’ll be loading up on ICE just in case 🤞
Love GTI
That 40th sticker is horrendous and cheap looking. Very surprised VW went with it. As a dsg S owner other than the dcc suspension and that's iffy, don't really see a point to trading in for the 40th. Especially after I already got the APR Stg 1 93 tune. But if I didn't already have an S then it would be the one I'd go for.
VW doesnt bring the Clubsport here because it cost then too much to meet north american regulations for a low volume sales car (even as a regular clubsport model) , they will certaintly not do it for a ,even lower ,volume sales special edition car.
Interesting
Order one today…
Arrives in 2073. 😅😂
😬😂
You can't even order one. I saw one though at my local dealer.
Almost not bad video
I like this gti golf vw I don't like the backside they just put a logo and bucket seat i hate that but I like the front fascia and honeycomb grill
Good review 👍🏽
This honeycomb grill lights don’t do it for me. Maybe others like it but I’d rather go with something aftermarket.
To me the 40th should have been really special, kind of like the Clubsport model. They should have gone over the top and given us the golf R engine and basically made it a Clubsport. To me this does not feel special of anything it just feels cheap. I understand VW probably just wanted to keep the cost lower to make it more appealing to midclass income people but it doesn't make it special like a 40th should be. To me this is just another GTI with a bunch of stickers on it and that is it. You also cannot say that VW didn't want to put a Golf R engine in it because it would take profits away from the Golf R model when VW cannot even keep up with demand for the R. The only downside I see is if they put the Golf R engine in it then I am sure dealers would be adding a 10k markup. I really wish the US would stop markup's
Yes, that is exactly what the dealers would’ve done. What made it special for me (over the S) was the DCC, 19” gorgeous wheels, variable steering , black roof and the subtle badging. And no sunroof!
@@donr8773 agreed but I dont think it deserves the title of 40th anniversary's. It should have just been a revised S model or something.
WOw straight up said “over take you” why?
The problem is that in America don't really like hot hatch so they sales of the Euro golf cs you'll say its overpriced
Good point
Looking for a good time
It looks like a Hyundaish tbh. I think VW needs to rethink the styling and make it more distinct. Perhaps pay homage to its boxy roots. Just my 2 cents.
Does anyone know if the US spec has built in navigation and being able to put that on your instrument cluster?
I got the US 40yr DSG GTI in Urano gray. I can't seem to get anything but music album images up on the instrument cluster screen. Built in Nav is not included and Car Play only displays on the main touch screen. The car is really fun to drive and turns heads in person. Seats and interior are cool although I do with the driver's side seat was fully electric. All in all, compared to what other cars that are going for cost these days, this feels like a pretty solid deal for a well-built hot hatch.
Hey we got the exact same spec! Lowkey wished for the Tornado Red but the Urano Grey is just so nice in person. I do agree with you about the driver's seat, do wish it was electric. This hatch is a good choice in today's market I agree, It was between this and a Mazda 3 Hatch, I'm glad I stuck with VW tho! I love the car so far. Enjoy your GTI! :)@@vibrationmachine8908
It is a good deal. There isn’t anything exactly like it. Civic Si has way less power. Corolla GR, Honda Type S and Golf R are different category. Hyundai Kona N, maybe. All I know is this car is so sorted, the chassis is fabulous. I feel these cars can’t be beat for the money. Good fuel economy. Great styling. Something is always going to be faster. It takes me back to the days of my 1977 BMW 320i, only way better.
I’m glad I cancelled my order after seeing one in person. Would rather have one (S, SE) that doesn’t have all of the lame 40th Anniversary “Boy-racer” add ons. Maybe some additional horsepower, unique colorways and seats. Similar to what they did with the 20th
The 20th version was perfect. They were beautiful, especially the 337s.
You gave up on the best optioned Mk8 you can buy for a couple decals you can remove in 15 minutes with a blow-dryer and a plastic trim tool. Have fun spending autobahn money if you want dcc and summer tires from the factory.
@@nobleman-swerve Good point!
And the adaptive suspension was a selling point for me
And no sunroof!
Well done
It looks like this GTI dosn't have a sunroof?
No, the 40th has a painted black roof.
@@drewfer5 Thanks. And so the GTI is out.
Got a call today for a 2023 40th anniversary I'm urano gray manual
I said no, laugh at me but I'm only buying DSG
@@viktoriya260589 I ain't gonna laugh at all. Drove an R in manual and DSG back to back the other day ago. The DSG is just better imo. I however am not a vehicle purest. I am just looking for something fun for me personally.
You tell us you do not like the length on the car cause you cant fit.. can you understand why they made it that way?
In terms of the amount of models were getting….not amount , should be the number of
a fully loaded GTI cost in Germany over US $ 65k 😂
No
Not USD - pay attention
@@SamCarLegion yeah Sam let these people know
@@SamCarLegion yes US dollar, it cost 60k Euro. The new Civic Type R cost also 60k Euro but is bigger and has 325 HP but the best option here is the Hyundai i30 N with 280 HP and cost 40k - 45k Euro.
@@cavaseno yes 60k Euro.
Beautiful ❤️
Still no automatic seats ? Lol
Nice
great review!
👍
So, no memory seats then? 😆
😄😄😎
👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿
Golf GTI 2023 um... excelente carro eu Edgar 🇧🇷,tenho 2 sonhos primeiro ter carro, segundo é ter um Golf GTI.essa é a minha paixão.em nome de Jesus 🙏 eu Edgar vou ter um . Porque para Deus nada é impossível Lucas 1: 37 👆. Obrigado, e Deus abençôe 🎁.
Squidward
I think this generation of Golf looks absolutely horrendous inside and out. The MK7 was absolutely perfect, with interiors that feel like you wear them.
ugly car, this has no sparks like old models
🤣
MK8 and newer VW designs have horrible interiors. Heck, even VW admitted that their interiors are so bad that they said they would put back buttons, which sadly they haven't when refreshing the Atlas and introducing the ID7. The sad thing is that I think hatchbacks are the most ideal cars in general, yet I'd prefer their Jetta sedan over the MK8. But that's just to be fair to VW, because otherwise, I'd take a hatchback from Honda/Acura, Mazda, or Toyota over this.
This is basically the same as the MK7 GTI I bought back in 2014, just with worse styling and tech.
Mk8 looks better and has more power… interior is meh
@@braveheart9658 Agreed. Interior is meh but the handling and control of the car surpasses the MK7.
@@LordStaind Indeed. Id I were to buy new, I would buy GLI over GTI
A matching GLI 40th would be cool.
It is a pos