The 7.5 was so much nicer. The steering wheel alone with the real metal silver brace and high quality buttons... The significantly larger instrument display.. The covering of the A Pillar corner with high quality matte plastic (completely missing on the 8). In Germany it's impossible to turn off the lane assist permanently.. Every single time you turn your car on it is turned on. The honeycomb seats option ❤ It's just sad. I'd buy another new 7.5 in a heartbeat.
Thank you for the first impressions video of the GTI. I ordered my first ever VW last week and went for the GTI base spec in Moonstone Grey. It’s due to be delivered next month and after watching this, I can’t wait for it to arrive.
@@MoeyComps I’ve not been given an exact time frame yet. The dealership basically told me it will come by the end of September. I’ll push them more for a date next week.
@@SamAustin Thx for responding! Big question I have is do you think there is a good chance we will get the bump in HP in Canada? That's where I live. I don't see any reason why WV wouldn't.
I have just ordered the exact same car, colour and spec and wheels :D could i ask please.. when coming down gears did you manage to get any pops and bangs at all? Thanks for a great review
Many congrats on your GTI order! I have to say it made a great noise particularly for a 2024 car with plenty of exhaust noise restrictions. It certainly did make noise coming down the gears with some burbles but I think saying it has pops and bangs might be pushing it a little. Perhaps with more miles on the car the engine will open up to allow more noise. It is a lovely car and the spec is wonderful so I feel you will have a great car when it arrives 😊
You won’t regret your purchase ! As Sam said there’s not really pop and bangs but it burbles changing down. I’m very sure an aftermarket system will give you the pops and bangs though and it is something I’m thinking of doing myself.
@@sammy-a-pno not as of yet, I’ll run the car in first then see how I feel after. It’s only got 240 miles on it atm so I’ll wait till around 1500 miles then see how I feel about it :)
Haha you basically did what I did ! I had a 23MY moonstone grey R Line and traded it for a moonstone GTI but that was gonna take a while so I ended up with the black you see here
@@mediaalchemyuk I’ve seen the video, car looks great and was my reason for choosing moonstone grey, looks like a few people are trading in their R lines for the GTI :) dealer advised the car will take around 3 months to be delivered but we will see
@@ChrisAshby-x7owhen I spoke to Wrexham they said they have a black, red and white coming into stock very soon. If you are happy with a different colour then maybe you could get one of those earlier! 🙌🏼🙌🏼
@@mediaalchemyuk that could possibly be the car I ordered haha. I ordered a moonstone grey but it was going to take to long so I went with the black and the moonstone went to Wrexham as far as I know 😂😂
Hi nice vid You make it seem as though the mk8.5 drives better than mk8?? Isn’t the suspension/drivetrain the same? It just seems to have new tech. I have a 2022 US spec base model and love it
Drive wise the steering felt the same in the MK8 to the MK8.5. I prefer the power in the MK8.5 for sure. My comment on the steering is more in comparison with older generation of cars so less to do with the MK8 to the MK8.5. I do know VW have refined the DCC with the MK8.5 so that may have an affect on the drive. Overall I really enjoyed the GTI 🙂
are the wheels changing for the 2025 feb/march gti do you know...i have one on order and not sure other than the colour what i will be getting (first time leasing...always brought my cars/currently own gtd mk8 with 19" adelaide ) dont like the richmonds so will change them if they are standard
You mentioned about lack of responsiveness in the steering. Would this be improved on the 19 inch Queenstowns and did you still feel the same about this after a days driving? My order is placed for the Richmonds and I am not sure to if to change to Queenstowns. Love them one minute then think they are a bit too bling.
Many congrats on your order! I would have to try the 19inch wheels to see if there is a difference and I am a fan of the Queenstown design although it is all personal preference. The Richmonds also looked great! Speaking with the owner and others the lack of responsiveness is likely due to the drive assist features the car has. I am unsure if this was to be turned off if I would have a better experience. I am set to meet up with the owner again in the future so I will do my best to find out more and share 😊
Hell, what VW does with the steering wheel? Why is it “light”? It should be heavy on those B-roads to make you feel comfort. Sam, is it really light? I’m wondering if it’s actually heavier in Clubsport or R.
The Mk8 design is perfect with the 8.5” center display with real volume knobs. 😮 The Mk8.5 is almost as good except I much like the larger headlights with the dual beam of the Mk8. I detest the lume “VW” badge and find moving the radar sensors in the lower grille rather than from behind the badge a step backwards. The Mk8.5 way too big center screen looks out of place and obtrusive in a drivers car, and still no physical volume knob. 😢 (Mk8 with 8.5” center screen is the only way to go) The wheels are perfect but the side badging is not as good as the Mk8. You can’t go wrong with a GTI regardless the generation. The Mk8 GTI is clean and purposeful keeping to its German design. So much better than ridiculous add on wings/spoilers and creases of other Asian hot hatches. The GTI is the “real deal”.
As the owner has said it is very subjective. For the GTI I would say it is not a must have option for me and with the 18s it felt like a wonderful all-round car with plenty of comfort. It is still a sporty car so expect a more firm ride compared to say an MK8.5 Golf R-Line for example. I hope this helps 😊
Could you also show the HUD of the new golf 8.5/gti? Also, would it be possible to get more insight into the headlights, ambient light and the looks of the new logo and everything at night? Like not just a picture but how it really looks including drivebys etc.?
@@411cottis thaanks! Especially interested in the front looks, maybe even while its driving at the camera or something.. just a real impression of how all this illuminated lights are looking like
I did not. Actually thinking about it was not too intrusive given the amount of time I spent driving the car. The system worked well although I prefer having full control myself without the assist👍
Focus ST for me because: 2,3L engine(and sustantialy bigger turbo than VW), manual gearbox, double wishbone front suspension, matrix led, heated front windshield and very good sounding oem exhaust
Good question. I am set to review a MK4.5 Facelift Focus ST track pack in a few weeks (essentially the same setup as an ST Edition) so I will share my thoughts in the video following the drive in the GTI 👍
@@roberttye5908 I seem to always end up with the show room car but as pointed out in the video I needed sub 40k as the wife tiggy is over and we didn’t want 2 luxury car taxes to pay in the same month 🙄
Why do all car manufacturers insist on having the infotainment screen like its been stuck onto the centre dash instead of blending it into what its attached to? They all look like bad DIY jobs
@@K_k0007there arent in the U.K. mate. This is a base model car but over here we can option what we want where as the states will have set options depending on trim level.
Yes you can turn off almost all assists and you can add them to the quick menu at the start. I don’t bother as my route to work is pretty mundane. I will however say Volkswagen AEB (autonomous emergency braking) seems to love slamming the brakes on for parked cars. This happens in my GTI and my wife’s Tiguan.
It seems mechanically the same as mk 8, with a few extra bells and whistles, I love my 22 S model in US I don’t think suspension/drivetrain is any different…correct me if I’m wrong
The 7.5 was so much nicer. The steering wheel alone with the real metal silver brace and high quality buttons... The significantly larger instrument display.. The covering of the A Pillar corner with high quality matte plastic (completely missing on the 8). In Germany it's impossible to turn off the lane assist permanently.. Every single time you turn your car on it is turned on. The honeycomb seats option ❤ It's just sad. I'd buy another new 7.5 in a heartbeat.
I do love the MK7 and MK7.5 Golf's. They really set the benchmark for me across the automotive industry 🙌
Very helpful! Thanks to the owner for sharing the car with us! On the wheels, my heart says get the Queenstowns, my head says get the Richmonds!
Happy it has helped. Really is kind of them to share their GTI 🙏
I have been waiting SOOO long for this video. Ty!
No worries at all! Happy you have enjoyed it with the new GTI 😊
Thank you for the first impressions video of the GTI. I ordered my first ever VW last week and went for the GTI base spec in Moonstone Grey. It’s due to be delivered next month and after watching this, I can’t wait for it to arrive.
You won’t regret it trust me !
Many congrats on your GTI! It is a fantastic GTI 🎊
What period of the month is it set to be delivered? Mine's due next month as well.
@@MoeyComps I’ve not been given an exact time frame yet. The dealership basically told me it will come by the end of September. I’ll push them more for a date next week.
@@benoconnor3806 Okay, cool. Cars must be in the process of being shipped now, I'd assume. Then transportation, registration then delivery etc
I have a 2023 mk8 and you told me what I wanted to know. Should I upgrade? Answer Yes.
Very exciting to hear your decision 😊🎊
@@SamAustin Thx for responding! Big question I have is do you think there is a good chance we will get the bump in HP in Canada? That's where I live. I don't see any reason why WV wouldn't.
I have just ordered the exact same car, colour and spec and wheels :D could i ask please.. when coming down gears did you manage to get any pops and bangs at all? Thanks for a great review
Many congrats on your GTI order! I have to say it made a great noise particularly for a 2024 car with plenty of exhaust noise restrictions. It certainly did make noise coming down the gears with some burbles but I think saying it has pops and bangs might be pushing it a little. Perhaps with more miles on the car the engine will open up to allow more noise. It is a lovely car and the spec is wonderful so I feel you will have a great car when it arrives 😊
You won’t regret your purchase ! As Sam said there’s not really pop and bangs but it burbles changing down. I’m very sure an aftermarket system will give you the pops and bangs though and it is something I’m thinking of doing myself.
@@SamAustin Thank you appreciate your reply!
@@411cottis Thank you, have you looked into cost etc?
@@sammy-a-pno not as of yet, I’ll run the car in first then see how I feel after. It’s only got 240 miles on it atm so I’ll wait till around 1500 miles then see how I feel about it :)
Traded in my Mk8 R line for the 8.5 GTI base spec in moonstone grey, thanks for the video, can’t wait to drive this :)
Haha you basically did what I did ! I had a 23MY moonstone grey R Line and traded it for a moonstone GTI but that was gonna take a while so I ended up with the black you see here
I have done exactly the same, pic it up next week. It’s actually the one in his review video from the Wrexham car 🙌🏼😁
@@mediaalchemyuk I’ve seen the video, car looks great and was my reason for choosing moonstone grey, looks like a few people are trading in their R lines for the GTI :) dealer advised the car will take around 3 months to be delivered but we will see
@@ChrisAshby-x7owhen I spoke to Wrexham they said they have a black, red and white coming into stock very soon. If you are happy with a different colour then maybe you could get one of those earlier! 🙌🏼🙌🏼
@@mediaalchemyuk that could possibly be the car I ordered haha. I ordered a moonstone grey but it was going to take to long so I went with the black and the moonstone went to Wrexham as far as I know 😂😂
The Golf GTi 8.5 is now available in Romania, including the Clubsport.
Hi nice vid
You make it seem as though the mk8.5 drives better than mk8?? Isn’t the suspension/drivetrain the same? It just seems to have new tech. I have a 2022 US spec base model and love it
Drive wise the steering felt the same in the MK8 to the MK8.5. I prefer the power in the MK8.5 for sure. My comment on the steering is more in comparison with older generation of cars so less to do with the MK8 to the MK8.5. I do know VW have refined the DCC with the MK8.5 so that may have an affect on the drive. Overall I really enjoyed the GTI 🙂
are the wheels changing for the 2025 feb/march gti do you know...i have one on order and not sure other than the colour what i will be getting (first time leasing...always brought my cars/currently own gtd mk8 with 19" adelaide ) dont like the richmonds so will change them if they are standard
Does the new 8.5GTI 265 have blind spot assist lights on the wing mirrors as standard ?
You mentioned about lack of responsiveness in the steering. Would this be improved on the 19 inch Queenstowns and did you still feel the same about this after a days driving? My order is placed for the Richmonds and I am not sure to if to change to Queenstowns. Love them one minute then think they are a bit too bling.
Many congrats on your order! I would have to try the 19inch wheels to see if there is a difference and I am a fan of the Queenstown design although it is all personal preference. The Richmonds also looked great! Speaking with the owner and others the lack of responsiveness is likely due to the drive assist features the car has. I am unsure if this was to be turned off if I would have a better experience. I am set to meet up with the owner again in the future so I will do my best to find out more and share 😊
Do you feel the 20hp difference or is it just on paper? I am about to Order mine.
You really do feel it compared to the 8 !
I noticed a difference from my experiences with the MK8 GTI 👍
Excellent review of the new Golf GTI 8.5
In the near future I want to buy a Golf GTI, as it's probably the last one before an EV GTI.
Thank you for the positive feedback 😊 For sure it could well be one of the last GTI's we may see
Hell, what VW does with the steering wheel? Why is it “light”? It should be heavy on those B-roads to make you feel comfort. Sam, is it really light? I’m wondering if it’s actually heavier in Clubsport or R.
The hole in the bumper is for the Tow Hitch
Thank you for sharing that. I was curious about what it could be 😊
The Mk8 design is perfect with the 8.5” center display with real volume knobs. 😮
The Mk8.5 is almost as good except I much like the larger headlights with the dual beam of the Mk8. I detest the lume “VW” badge and find moving the radar sensors in the lower grille rather than from behind the badge a step backwards. The Mk8.5 way too big center screen looks out of place and obtrusive in a drivers car, and still no physical volume knob. 😢 (Mk8 with 8.5” center screen is the only way to go)
The wheels are perfect but the side badging is not as good as the Mk8. You can’t go wrong with a GTI regardless the generation. The Mk8 GTI is clean and purposeful keeping to its German design. So much better than ridiculous add on wings/spoilers and creases of other Asian hot hatches. The GTI is the “real deal”.
Is DCC a must for ride comfort?
If you’re on the 18s I’d say no, but with the 19s I’d say very much so. It depends on your tolerance to British roads though really :)
As the owner has said it is very subjective. For the GTI I would say it is not a must have option for me and with the 18s it felt like a wonderful all-round car with plenty of comfort. It is still a sporty car so expect a more firm ride compared to say an MK8.5 Golf R-Line for example. I hope this helps 😊
I'll stick to my Cupra Mk 4 300,
Great Car.
I do agree with that
Just recently ordered the R black edition and with specs it’s £58 000 super excited
No discount?
Crazy £58k when u can pick up a 2018 m4 for half the price 😅
Could you also show the HUD of the new golf 8.5/gti? Also, would it be possible to get more insight into the headlights, ambient light and the looks of the new logo and everything at night? Like not just a picture but how it really looks including drivebys etc.?
@@Pairstore my GTI doesn’t have HUD as it’s the base model however I can get some nighttime footage if you’d like.
@@411cottis if it has got IQ lights then pleasee do so!
@@Pairstore they come as standard with IQ lights now so I’ll give a few videos at night for you inside and out :)
@@411cottis thaanks! Especially interested in the front looks, maybe even while its driving at the camera or something.. just a real impression of how all this illuminated lights are looking like
Did you turn the lane assist off.
I did not. Actually thinking about it was not too intrusive given the amount of time I spent driving the car. The system worked well although I prefer having full control myself without the assist👍
Lane Assist ruins the steering. Needs to be switched off
Similar as mk 8 slight diff styling upgrade in power and diff dash infotainment and buttons instead of haptic. Def wouldn’t go for black though
I still prefer the BMW 128ti.
I have not tried the BMW 128ti but I have only heard good things about the car. I would like to experience one in the future 👍
Golf gti or focus st editon?
Focus ST for me because: 2,3L engine(and sustantialy bigger turbo than VW), manual gearbox, double wishbone front suspension, matrix led, heated front windshield and very good sounding oem exhaust
Depends on the year of GTI. Get the MK7 later gen. Just as quick, way nicer interior, and way faster when modded. Also more reliable than a ST.
Good question. I am set to review a MK4.5 Facelift Focus ST track pack in a few weeks (essentially the same setup as an ST Edition) so I will share my thoughts in the video following the drive in the GTI 👍
For local hooning I'd go for the ST. But the GTI is much better to live with for longer commutes and motorway bashing.
Yeah..... yeah..... yeah
How did he get it so quickly? My R Line has been delayed by up to 3 months!
This was a in stock car, I had a moonstone grey on order but the black came into the show room and I took it as soon as I could !
@@411cottis great you could find a car in stock. So painful waiting for car to come. Don't think I'll ever factory order again!
@@roberttye5908 I seem to always end up with the show room car but as pointed out in the video I needed sub 40k as the wife tiggy is over and we didn’t want 2 luxury car taxes to pay in the same month 🙄
@@411cottis what car has the GTI replaced?
@@roberttye5908I had a mk8 R line before the this one
Why do all car manufacturers insist on having the infotainment screen like its been stuck onto the centre dash instead of blending it into what its attached to?
They all look like bad DIY jobs
That screen looks horrendous.
Ps
You wanna buy my mk8 R?
says 'sort of like' too many times for me, switched off
I can’t get over how massive and out of place that infotainment screen is lol
Is this the S trim or the SE trim?
Neither. It’s the GTi as per the video title.
@@davidmaslen6063 there are different trim models of the GTI…
@@K_k0007there arent in the U.K. mate. This is a base model car but over here we can option what we want where as the states will have set options depending on trim level.
@@K_k0007 Not in the UK there isn’t.
@@K_k0007a Quick Look at this trim in the states is basically an S you don’t get anything “extra” as such but you get a good level as standard.
That screen is ruining the car…what a pitty….😢
@@HülaguHan63 I think it’s a matter of taste mate, I love it, doesn’t distract me at all and it’s certainly a step up from the screen I had in the 8.
Can you turn off that auto lane correction shit? 😂
Yes you can turn off almost all assists and you can add them to the quick menu at the start. I don’t bother as my route to work is pretty mundane. I will however say Volkswagen AEB (autonomous emergency braking) seems to love slamming the brakes on for parked cars. This happens in my GTI and my wife’s Tiguan.
Peccato non ha più il cambio manuale!!!! Terribile!!
It seems mechanically the same as mk 8, with a few extra bells and whistles, I love my 22 S model in US
I don’t think suspension/drivetrain is any different…correct me if I’m wrong
Don't buy one. The mk7 is full of issues so will thus version. Buy a Toyota. 😂