Great review! Can you also add the dimensions and performance numbers in metric system for you next videos? I know I sound like a spoiled brat but I have to google the numbers or get a calculator. Thanks! Keep it up!
I just bought on SE model. It's most definitely the best GTi to date. I previously did own a Mark 7. I got used to the touch controls in a few days - easy peasy lemon squeezy. Do not like the stop/start technology, but that's fitted on a lot of cars nowadays. You do have to interact a lot with the infotainment screen, but no big dealio. Wireless charging and WIRELESS CarPlay are freaking awesome. Very planted drive and plenty of power - gets up to 100 mph with zero fuss and muss and feels like 60. Highly recommended vehicle. On Car & Driver's 10 Best list again this year for a reason.
Phew!!! I've ordered a Golf R, but have been waiting for over a year now. My dealer finally called me up and stated that there was an "open unspoken for" GTi performance edition available, would I like to jump in... Reluctantly I said yes not knowing what I was in for as I really wanted the "R". Its nice to see that a MK 7 and now a MK 8 owner validate the new GTi. Hope I get to like it, pack up is the end of this month.
2022 GTI DSG REVIEW Performance for money 9-10 Interior 9 Seats 10 Steering 10 Suspension 10 Stying 9-10 Engine sound 10 Fuel economy 8-9 Infotainment 9 Competition: Veloster N, WRX, Civic Si, Ford Focus ST For anyone on the fence or swayed by the infotainment, take one for a test drive… it is hands down the best GTi ever made and, I say with confidence, the best handling car I have ever driven in 37 years. All this noise about the infotainment system is truly funny. The system takes a few minutes to learn and then it is really great and intuitive. The interior is super sleek and the cockpit gauges are awesome, as you can customize to your preference. The GTi has almost identical numbers to the Veloster N for $10k less (base to base DSG comparison). If you don’t care about hideous looks whatsoever, you should opt for the 2022 WRX. For reference, I have owned 2018 GTi, 2010-2011-2014-2015 WRX models, 2007 BMW335xi, 2005 Legacy GT, 2001 1.8T Jetta, 1996 Dodge Neon, 2 used Toyota Corollas in University days. Car stats compared (Car and Driver) Car make 0-60 / 1/4 mile / 5-60MPH / Skidpad / Braking 2022 GTI 5.1 sec / 13.6 @105 MPH / 5.5 sec roll / .98g / 151 feet 2019 Golf R 4.9 sec / 13.6 @104 MPH / 5.9 sec roll / .95g / 159 feet 2022 Vel N 4.8 sec / 13.4 @105 MPH / 5.5 sec roll / .99g / 157 feet 2021 STi 5.3 sec / 13.8@102 MPH / 7.0 sec roll / .90g / 158 feet 2021 WRX 5.2sec / 14.0@97 MPH / 7.1 sec roll / .93g / 159 feet
This GTI is definitely the best, I fell in love with it the first time I drove it last November and I loved it so much I bought one. After 5 long months I'm finally picking up my MK8 GTI Performance tomorrow and trading in my MK7.5. The driving dynamics blow the MK7.5 outta the water and I like the nfotainment, it doesn't bother me at all. 95% of the time my climate is set to auto, and I never touch it. The odd time I need too adjust something, I know how to multitask.
I'll be honest I didn't like it at first, but after a week I love it! Lots of people understandably don't like the lack of buttons and interior, (I was also unsure about that), but having taken delivery of mine last week the buttons are absolutely no big deal - it's just like getting used to a new phone (and you can program one-touch shortcuts for 'must have' functions). I've got the EU spec model so it is not restricted on power like the US version, and than means a 0-60 time of 5 seconds (or just below in the real world). It is absolutely faster and handles better than the Mk7/Mk7.5, and once you get past the interior it is better to drive in almost every other aspect. It is more compliant with better ride quality, FAR better turn-in and traction PLUS my wife manages to get an indicated 46 MPG on back roads driving carefully (which is a real feather in the cap). I've got the cloth plaid seats and I don't move around at all (but I'm not so skinny these days). I can understand why people don't like it after testing it for an hour or two, but IMLO this is one of the best stock GTIs I've driven!
I don’t mind the exterior, but all touch controls isn’t good. I’d go for the last gen, I think that car actually looked better in every facet. Or better yet, Jetta GLI. Something about that design speaks to me, and it’s cheaper. The GTI is expensive!
Just bought one as my new daily and it’s fantastic for what it is - maybe the best handling FWD car I’ve driven with torque for days. Pro tip: get the S trim for just over $30k. No sunroof = less weight up top/lower COG. Plus you get real volume and tuning knobs. I have zero issue with the capacitive touch buttons - they work great. Love the heated steering wheel, clutch and shifter feel. Solid throttle response throughout the rev range. Steering is super precise with the right amount of weight in sport mode (comfort mode is too light for my taste). Climate controls are mildly annoying at first but pretty simple/automatic once you get used to it. The only legitimately irritating thing for me is the front assist feature (warns you of fast approaching obstacles and automatically applies braking when deemed necessary). You have to turn it off every time you start the car since there’s no way to have it off by default. Ultimately, I’m not sure it’s worth upwards of $40k for the higher trim levels. At that point, may as well spring for a Golf R or even something like a used Porsche. You get 100% of what makes this platform great for $10k less with a base model.
If the Golf R was selling at MSRP, yes I agree to get the R over SE or Autobahn, but they’re selling for over 10k above MSRP if you could even find one. SE is best with many options but the best option is Full LED lights and the bigger infotainment screen. I bought a SE with leather package and black wheels for 2k under MSRP. I’m pretty happy with it, it’s a great driving car, it surprised me for a FWD car how well it handles and drives.
The problem with the S trim is the outdated infotainment system. Why they cheaper out on that, I don't know but it's a deal breaker for me. Otherwise, I would agree with your statement.
Anything that takes your eyes off the road to adjust SUCKS and I wish car makers would wake up to this fact. Give us some well placed intuitive muscle memory buttons for climate and even radio and especially for anything to want to adjust on the fly. This fascination with screens, menus within menus and meaningless configuration choices is so gen Z - and frivolous.
I am still old school enough to prefer knobs/buttons for my A/C and stereo. Running everything through the infotainment screen seems a little too dangerously distracting. The engine power and handling sound quite good though. It's impressive to see the horsepower and torque numbers these turbo 4 bangers can output now.
Have a 24 Si. With 24 being last model year for manual, thinking of moving to a 380s (comes with DCC around 32K) . Love my car alright, but more power, last model year, and DCC for base manual model is swaying me. Any recommendations, please?
Usually a new model gets mixed reviews because people love the prior model. And usually after a while those who don’t like the new one eventually end up liking the new one better. Right now I have a 2021 7.5 SE black with the black 10 spoke wheels. I absolutely love it. I’m sure the MK8 could win me over but for now I haven’t been won over. I’ll have to see it in black and in person and then I’ll make my decision if it’s worth me trading in my 7.5. The new one I know in manual paddle shift mode auto shifts up at redline which I don’t think I could like that as where the R still allows full driver control in manual mode with the paddles. Without experiencing the new one it seems the only real reason to get the MK8 would be if I get the R.
I could do without the touchscreen but it looks pretty cool. I bet it drives amazing. I haven’t had the opportunity to drive any GTI yet but I really enjoyed my time with a Audi A3 a couple years ago
DEAL BREAKER..."BUT...You Do Have To Spend A Lot Of Your Time With Your Eyes OFF The Road To Use It"...WHY did VW absolutely wreck this car by using capacitive "touch buttons" for EVERY control that the driver uses? No radio volume control (phsysical knob) is bad enough which I could live with...but every control? The steering wheel controls are the same too but at least they're lit up at night unlike the heater capacitive slider control. What's next ALL voice activated controls? I don't care how great this car is...with those types of controls I'd never buy one.
As a fist time owner of a GTI, it’s the best looking, handling, and easy to use car I’ve ever owned (previously owned Ford, Dodge, Chevy, and Jeep). Previous GTI’s look too cartoony and not has mean/slick as the MK8. I bought the 23 GTI-S 6speed manual. For its price, it’s packed with numerous standard features most other manufacturers charge extra. The GTI is a great car for its quality, handling, and overall practicality. The infotainment system only take a few drives to get acquainted to, but overall is easy to use. Yes, buttons/physical controls are faster and easier, but the interior of the GTI-S won’t be outdated in 5years like most cars with numerous buttons/controls. Too many buttons/controls make any new car feel dated by 15+ years. I traded in my 21 Mustang GT Premium for the 23 GTI-S. The Mustang was lacking in the “premium” category. I only miss the sound of that V8. It’s about Smiles Per Gallon, not MPG. 🤘
Excellent video as always. Kudos to VW for still offering a GTI, and especially with a stick shift. But as a long-time despiser of infotainment screens, I can't see myself owning or recommending one. Seems odd they would prioritize things like rear seat heaters over tactile controls in what's supposed to be a driver's car.
I love mine. I do not agree with the accidental engagement of the steering wheel heater, It did happen a couple times, when I was first learning the car, but it is not really issue now. My only complaint is it is not very comfortable on long drives, I sometimes end up with lower back pain and my wife says it makes her backside hurt. It’s a great driver though, a kick to drive on the twistys, and when you put it foot down, it goes! Very quick response.
That steering wheel would be a no-go situation alone for this car for me. I'm fine with putting a million buttons on modern steering wheels but putting any buttons RIGHT THERE on an enthusiast car would be endlessly frustrating.
Any golf-ball shifter availability for the 6MT? How long has it been now since vee-dub imported a GTI 3-Door? Mk. 5 or 6? Just curious. Lots more function with the 5-Door. I just hate the way they look...
Touch buttons? This trend just doesn't touches me... I am feeling too old... And in reality why do we need these touch buttons? Ah yeah, you can spare costs with them...
I have the launch edition Autobahn in Pomelo yellow.(only 700 made)I would say that the DCC, Light Bar, Wireless Car play, Panoramic sunroof and keyless entry, make the extra money well worth it!! Also they sent me a sick commerative plaque as well! Even with the bugs, this is my dream car!!!
Well, if we're talking about the interior quality, it's definitely the worst GTI. Doesn't help that every VW dealer is jacking up the MSRP to the point that these are now right around the $40K price-point. Honestly, my used 1998 Ford Escort sedan had a better interior. Not joking! The MK8 GTI's interior quality is something you'd expect to find in a car costing $14K, not $40K.
I’m a Honda and vw fan. I had a mk6 gti and loved it. I also had a 9th Civic Si. Loved both vehicles but the GTI was better everyday vehicle. I now live in a city with crazy traffic and will opt for the dsg mk8 over the civic si. Also, given the current car market a base GTI is way cheaper than a civic si. I was able to find several GTIs going for MSRP around me, yet civics are being marked up like crazy. So my decision is the GTI base model with the dsg. Just better everyday car.
I have a 22 GTI Autobahn - in fact, this same vehicle. I will NEVER understand the complaint about hitting the buttons on the steering wheel. I've driven 130+ in this thing, and I've never hit the buttons. very strange indeed. And - stock, this is on par with a IE Stage 2 Jetta. It's a quick and very capable car out of the box. A great hot-hatch, and possibly the best GTI yet.
If you're going relatively straight, yeah you'll never hit the buttons. My primary testing road has a lot of very tight turns, and with my dumb big hands I hit the heated steering wheel button so many times! 😆 It's a minor complaint. This is still my favorite GTI from a driving perspective.
I see no reason to go for the Mk8 compared to the Mk7.5. The Mk8 looks too tame, it almost looks lazier. That interior is definitely the worst part. all those touch-haptic buttons are just terrible! Love the channel though!
hm I would argue the mk7 looks more tame. Atleast on the outside.. the interior is definitely simplistic in the mk8, but I think that's what they were going for.
I’m afraid I’m still partial to my mk6. I’m sure this is a lovely car to drive but I can’t get past the interior. If I were in the market I’d probably go for a Civic Si.
As a previous owner of a GTI and now a proud owner of two Audi's and a shop/business owner, let me start off by saying this is NOT the best. Previous generation, yes and esp. the MK7.5. The MK8 exterior is very nice, everything else is Butchered, to say the least and that pains me to say because I love VW! They admittedly said they cut cost on the production of the MK8. it has cast iron block in 2022 when all the competitors are using aluminum with forged internals. They cut cost on the interior by having hard plastic everywhere. the engine cover is literally made of sound detinning rubber which now is a recall because of popping off its mounting points and falling back onto the turbo, melting and being a fire hazard! All of the buttons, I mean ALL, including the buttons on the steering wheel are haptic feedback just like on your iPhone keyboard and they're not precise. The climate control, radio and everything else is inaugurated into the infotainment system which take 3-4 minutes to boot every morning (no joke). it comes on Hankook tires when the GR corolla and type R come on Michelin pilot sports. The front brake calipers are two piston as appose to the GR and type R being 4 piston. Not to mention VW MSRP on this is $44,640! On a car they willingly admit they spend less to make!!! while all of the cars previously mentioned are going to be $39-$40k (as speculated) i hope they release a MK8.5 soon and fix the many mistakes it has. I anticipated on get the new Golf R but after sitting in it and then seeing the new Type R, it might be hard to still choose the Golf R over the amazing new competition coming out
Car would be non-viable for me: The capacitive steering wheel garbage and lack of buttons would drive me insane. I've been burned owning cars with deplorable infotainment systems before -- it's just not worth it.
You're exactly right on the money. Show Me What I Need To Know...It's not just the steering wheel, it's ALL the user controls, they're ALL capacitive touch...including the headlights! Heater control slider isn't even lit at night so you can't even see it!
I like the car how it drives, but my screens and electronics are full of random glitches, it is a bummer for me, because it tarnishes my ownership experience 🙁😕☹️
I’m old enough to remember when the sierra came out in place of the cortina my god it took a hammering then it outsold cortina’s selling more than ever,I have for exactly a year got the new mk8 gti and is way better than the 7.5 in all respects, people get used to new things , it’s not the fastest out there but stock looks way cooler than the R so your missing the point,might not sell more as we go electric, but will be far more involvement, than electric,get one before you can’t,all the journalists videos never really spend time getting to know the car,so slate it
I think it could be hit or miss. Consumer Reports generally doesn't rate the GTI very highly, and anecdotally I have a couple friends with older GTIs that have had regular issues. That said, if you stay on top of it and don't defer any maintenance they can last.
Of course, my point was simply that they didn’t radically change the styling, especially from the side and rear. It is a subtle evolution from the Mk7.
True. Then the Mark 4 came along, with a Black "Fast" belted into the passenger seat. Bastard swore like a damn sailor, and a VERY foul attitude toward significant others, Police, and anyone who wanted to roll up the windows. Obnoxious thing was REALLY a pain around the holidays and January every year... Only other problem was they had to be kept stock, otherwise a methed-out Peter Stormare would show up at your place and "Unpimp" any performance or cosmetic modifications you had made to it. Main problem was he and Helga the assistant typically totalled your Mk. 4 while "Unpimping" it. Lots of long calls with my insurance agent in those days. Wild times those were... 😂😂😂 ("Fast" warning tone plays in background) And, I'm out. 😳
40 grand? With this price tag, isn't it more or less an average looking car of average quality with an average looking interior, average handling and average performance?
Keep in mind the GTI can be had for around $30k. This is the top spec. Exterior looks great, interior is fine. But the handling and performance are really the best out of any GTI I've driven. Infotainment/HVAC controls are really the only thing that I'd see as a potential dealbreaker for some.
What do you think? Is the Mk8 the worst or best GTI ever built? Or somewhere in between? What other cars would you consider instead?
does the Golf R have the same climate controls as the GTI?
I like the exterior design, but the capacitive touch "buttons" can be very annoying. That's my only issue with the interior. That and the DSG shifter.
Great review! Can you also add the dimensions and performance numbers in metric system for you next videos? I know I sound like a spoiled brat but I have to google the numbers or get a calculator. Thanks! Keep it up!
I just bought on SE model. It's most definitely the best GTi to date. I previously did own a Mark 7. I got used to the touch controls in a few days - easy peasy lemon squeezy. Do not like the stop/start technology, but that's fitted on a lot of cars nowadays. You do have to interact a lot with the infotainment screen, but no big dealio. Wireless charging and WIRELESS CarPlay are freaking awesome. Very planted drive and plenty of power - gets up to 100 mph with zero fuss and muss and feels like 60. Highly recommended vehicle. On Car & Driver's 10 Best list again this year for a reason.
Phew!!! I've ordered a Golf R, but have been waiting for over a year now. My dealer finally called me up and stated that there was an "open unspoken for" GTi performance edition available, would I like to jump in... Reluctantly I said yes not knowing what I was in for as I really wanted the "R". Its nice to see that a MK 7 and now a MK 8 owner validate the new GTi. Hope I get to like it, pack up is the end of this month.
2022 GTI DSG REVIEW
Performance for money 9-10
Interior 9
Seats 10
Steering 10
Suspension 10
Stying 9-10
Engine sound 10
Fuel economy 8-9
Infotainment 9
Competition: Veloster N, WRX, Civic Si, Ford Focus ST
For anyone on the fence or swayed by the infotainment, take one for a test drive… it is hands down the best GTi ever made and, I say with confidence, the best handling car I have ever driven in 37 years. All this noise about the infotainment system is truly funny. The system takes a few minutes to learn and then it is really great and intuitive. The interior is super sleek and the cockpit gauges are awesome, as you can customize to your preference. The GTi has almost identical numbers to the Veloster N for $10k less (base to base DSG comparison). If you don’t care about hideous looks whatsoever, you should opt for the 2022 WRX. For reference, I have owned 2018 GTi, 2010-2011-2014-2015 WRX models, 2007 BMW335xi, 2005 Legacy GT, 2001 1.8T Jetta, 1996 Dodge Neon, 2 used Toyota Corollas in University days.
Car stats compared (Car and Driver)
Car make 0-60 / 1/4 mile / 5-60MPH / Skidpad / Braking
2022 GTI 5.1 sec / 13.6 @105 MPH / 5.5 sec roll / .98g / 151 feet
2019 Golf R 4.9 sec / 13.6 @104 MPH / 5.9 sec roll / .95g / 159 feet
2022 Vel N 4.8 sec / 13.4 @105 MPH / 5.5 sec roll / .99g / 157 feet
2021 STi 5.3 sec / 13.8@102 MPH / 7.0 sec roll / .90g / 158 feet
2021 WRX 5.2sec / 14.0@97 MPH / 7.1 sec roll / .93g / 159 feet
This GTI is definitely the best, I fell in love with it the first time I drove it last November and I loved it so much I bought one. After 5 long months I'm finally picking up my MK8 GTI Performance tomorrow and trading in my MK7.5. The driving dynamics blow the MK7.5 outta the water and I like the nfotainment, it doesn't bother me at all. 95% of the time my climate is set to auto, and I never touch it. The odd time I need too adjust something, I know how to multitask.
Congrats, how do you like it?
Did you encounter dealer markups for the GTI?
I'll be honest I didn't like it at first, but after a week I love it! Lots of people understandably don't like the lack of buttons and interior, (I was also unsure about that), but having taken delivery of mine last week the buttons are absolutely no big deal - it's just like getting used to a new phone (and you can program one-touch shortcuts for 'must have' functions). I've got the EU spec model so it is not restricted on power like the US version, and than means a 0-60 time of 5 seconds (or just below in the real world). It is absolutely faster and handles better than the Mk7/Mk7.5, and once you get past the interior it is better to drive in almost every other aspect. It is more compliant with better ride quality, FAR better turn-in and traction PLUS my wife manages to get an indicated 46 MPG on back roads driving carefully (which is a real feather in the cap). I've got the cloth plaid seats and I don't move around at all (but I'm not so skinny these days). I can understand why people don't like it after testing it for an hour or two, but IMLO this is one of the best stock GTIs I've driven!
I don’t mind the exterior, but all touch controls isn’t good. I’d go for the last gen, I think that car actually looked better in every facet. Or better yet, Jetta GLI. Something about that design speaks to me, and it’s cheaper. The GTI is expensive!
I have to agree MK 7.5 is better IMO
Just bought one as my new daily and it’s fantastic for what it is - maybe the best handling FWD car I’ve driven with torque for days. Pro tip: get the S trim for just over $30k. No sunroof = less weight up top/lower COG. Plus you get real volume and tuning knobs. I have zero issue with the capacitive touch buttons - they work great. Love the heated steering wheel, clutch and shifter feel. Solid throttle response throughout the rev range. Steering is super precise with the right amount of weight in sport mode (comfort mode is too light for my taste). Climate controls are mildly annoying at first but pretty simple/automatic once you get used to it. The only legitimately irritating thing for me is the front assist feature (warns you of fast approaching obstacles and automatically applies braking when deemed necessary). You have to turn it off every time you start the car since there’s no way to have it off by default. Ultimately, I’m not sure it’s worth upwards of $40k for the higher trim levels. At that point, may as well spring for a Golf R or even something like a used Porsche. You get 100% of what makes this platform great for $10k less with a base model.
If the Golf R was selling at MSRP, yes I agree to get the R over SE or Autobahn, but they’re selling for over 10k above MSRP if you could even find one.
SE is best with many options but the best option is Full LED lights and the bigger infotainment screen. I bought a SE with leather package and black wheels for 2k under MSRP.
I’m pretty happy with it, it’s a great driving car, it surprised me for a FWD car how well it handles and drives.
The problem with the S trim is the outdated infotainment system. Why they cheaper out on that, I don't know but it's a deal breaker for me. Otherwise, I would agree with your statement.
@@closg9309 it depends on where you live. Gold R's sell at MSRP here, or just order one directly from VW.
Yeah exactly. I went with base trim. Love it. Love everything about it.
Did you encounter dealer markups fo the Mk 8?
Thanks for letting me check out the interior!
You really do great job with these videos. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much, glad you're enjoying them!! :) :)
Anything that takes your eyes off the road to adjust SUCKS and I wish car makers would wake up to this fact. Give us some well placed intuitive muscle memory buttons for climate and even radio and especially for anything to want to adjust on the fly. This fascination with screens, menus within menus and meaningless configuration choices is so gen Z - and frivolous.
I would love to own a 1983-84 GTI! Love the style and the era.
I am still old school enough to prefer knobs/buttons for my A/C and stereo. Running everything through the infotainment screen seems a little too dangerously distracting. The engine power and handling sound quite good though. It's impressive to see the horsepower and torque numbers these turbo 4 bangers can output now.
congrats on 30K subscribers brother!
Thanks so much!!! :) :) :)
Have a 24 Si. With 24 being last model year for manual, thinking of moving to a 380s (comes with DCC around 32K) . Love my car alright, but more power, last model year, and DCC for base manual model is swaying me. Any recommendations, please?
Usually a new model gets mixed reviews because people love the prior model. And usually after a while those who don’t like the new one eventually end up liking the new one better. Right now I have a 2021 7.5 SE black with the black 10 spoke wheels. I absolutely love it. I’m sure the MK8 could win me over but for now I haven’t been won over. I’ll have to see it in black and in person and then I’ll make my decision if it’s worth me trading in my 7.5. The new one I know in manual paddle shift mode auto shifts up at redline which I don’t think I could like that as where the R still allows full driver control in manual mode with the paddles. Without experiencing the new one it seems the only real reason to get the MK8 would be if I get the R.
I could do without the touchscreen but it looks pretty cool. I bet it drives amazing. I haven’t had the opportunity to drive any GTI yet but I really enjoyed my time with a Audi A3 a couple years ago
DEAL BREAKER..."BUT...You Do Have To Spend A Lot Of Your Time With Your Eyes OFF The Road To Use It"...WHY did VW absolutely wreck this car by using capacitive "touch buttons" for EVERY control that the driver uses? No radio volume control (phsysical knob) is bad enough which I could live with...but every control? The steering wheel controls are the same too but at least they're lit up at night unlike the heater capacitive slider control. What's next ALL voice activated controls? I don't care how great this car is...with those types of controls I'd never buy one.
As a fist time owner of a GTI, it’s the best looking, handling, and easy to use car I’ve ever owned (previously owned Ford, Dodge, Chevy, and Jeep). Previous GTI’s look too cartoony and not has mean/slick as the MK8. I bought the 23 GTI-S 6speed manual. For its price, it’s packed with numerous standard features most other manufacturers charge extra. The GTI is a great car for its quality, handling, and overall practicality. The infotainment system only take a few drives to get acquainted to, but overall is easy to use. Yes, buttons/physical controls are faster and easier, but the interior of the GTI-S won’t be outdated in 5years like most cars with numerous buttons/controls. Too many buttons/controls make any new car feel dated by 15+ years. I traded in my 21 Mustang GT Premium for the 23 GTI-S. The Mustang was lacking in the “premium” category. I only miss the sound of that V8. It’s about Smiles Per Gallon, not MPG. 🤘
Excellent video as always. Kudos to VW for still offering a GTI, and especially with a stick shift. But as a long-time despiser of infotainment screens, I can't see myself owning or recommending one. Seems odd they would prioritize things like rear seat heaters over tactile controls in what's supposed to be a driver's car.
I love mine. I do not agree with the accidental engagement of the steering wheel heater, It did happen a couple times, when I was first learning the car, but it is not really issue now. My only complaint is it is not very comfortable on long drives, I sometimes end up with lower back pain and my wife says it makes her backside hurt. It’s a great driver though, a kick to drive on the twistys, and when you put it foot down, it goes! Very quick response.
That steering wheel would be a no-go situation alone for this car for me.
I'm fine with putting a million buttons on modern steering wheels but putting any buttons RIGHT THERE on an enthusiast car would be endlessly frustrating.
Any golf-ball shifter availability for the 6MT?
How long has it been now since vee-dub imported a GTI 3-Door? Mk. 5 or 6? Just curious. Lots more function with the 5-Door. I just hate the way they look...
Touch buttons? This trend just doesn't touches me...
I am feeling too old...
And in reality why do we need these touch buttons? Ah yeah, you can spare costs with them...
I have the launch edition Autobahn in Pomelo yellow.(only 700 made)I would say that the DCC, Light Bar, Wireless Car play, Panoramic sunroof and keyless entry, make the extra money well worth it!! Also they sent me a sick commerative plaque as well! Even with the bugs, this is my dream car!!!
Great, quality video. Awesome work!
all these display gauges are going to look so dated in just a few years, if they are even working then
Well, if we're talking about the interior quality, it's definitely the worst GTI. Doesn't help that every VW dealer is jacking up the MSRP to the point that these are now right around the $40K price-point. Honestly, my used 1998 Ford Escort sedan had a better interior. Not joking! The MK8 GTI's interior quality is something you'd expect to find in a car costing $14K, not $40K.
You can press the climate info in the bottom left corner to pull up the climate screen
Definitely, prefer the
MK 7.5
Definitely the worst interior VW sadly. Basically put me off upgrading until another update
I’m a Honda and vw fan. I had a mk6 gti and loved it. I also had a 9th Civic Si. Loved both vehicles but the GTI was better everyday vehicle. I now live in a city with crazy traffic and will opt for the dsg mk8 over the civic si. Also, given the current car market a base GTI is way cheaper than a civic si. I was able to find several GTIs going for MSRP around me, yet civics are being marked up like crazy. So my decision is the GTI base model with the dsg. Just better everyday car.
I have a 22 GTI Autobahn - in fact, this same vehicle. I will NEVER understand the complaint about hitting the buttons on the steering wheel. I've driven 130+ in this thing, and I've never hit the buttons. very strange indeed. And - stock, this is on par with a IE Stage 2 Jetta. It's a quick and very capable car out of the box. A great hot-hatch, and possibly the best GTI yet.
If you're going relatively straight, yeah you'll never hit the buttons. My primary testing road has a lot of very tight turns, and with my dumb big hands I hit the heated steering wheel button so many times! 😆 It's a minor complaint. This is still my favorite GTI from a driving perspective.
I see no reason to go for the Mk8 compared to the Mk7.5. The Mk8 looks too tame, it almost looks lazier. That interior is definitely the worst part. all those touch-haptic buttons are just terrible! Love the channel though!
hm I would argue the mk7 looks more tame. Atleast on the outside.. the interior is definitely simplistic in the mk8, but I think that's what they were going for.
I’m afraid I’m still partial to my mk6. I’m sure this is a lovely car to drive but I can’t get past the interior. If I were in the market I’d probably go for a Civic Si.
As a previous owner of a GTI and now a proud owner of two Audi's and a shop/business owner, let me start off by saying this is NOT the best. Previous generation, yes and esp. the MK7.5. The MK8 exterior is very nice, everything else is Butchered, to say the least and that pains me to say because I love VW! They admittedly said they cut cost on the production of the MK8. it has cast iron block in 2022 when all the competitors are using aluminum with forged internals. They cut cost on the interior by having hard plastic everywhere. the engine cover is literally made of sound detinning rubber which now is a recall because of popping off its mounting points and falling back onto the turbo, melting and being a fire hazard! All of the buttons, I mean ALL, including the buttons on the steering wheel are haptic feedback just like on your iPhone keyboard and they're not precise. The climate control, radio and everything else is inaugurated into the infotainment system which take 3-4 minutes to boot every morning (no joke). it comes on Hankook tires when the GR corolla and type R come on Michelin pilot sports. The front brake calipers are two piston as appose to the GR and type R being 4 piston. Not to mention VW MSRP on this is $44,640! On a car they willingly admit they spend less to make!!! while all of the cars previously mentioned are going to be $39-$40k (as speculated) i hope they release a MK8.5 soon and fix the many mistakes it has. I anticipated on get the new Golf R but after sitting in it and then seeing the new Type R, it might be hard to still choose the Golf R over the amazing new competition coming out
Car would be non-viable for me: The capacitive steering wheel garbage and lack of buttons would drive me insane. I've been burned owning cars with deplorable infotainment systems before -- it's just not worth it.
You're exactly right on the money. Show Me What I Need To Know...It's not just the steering wheel, it's ALL the user controls, they're ALL capacitive touch...including the headlights! Heater control slider isn't even lit at night so you can't even see it!
Ethan, At least you get a made in Germany GTI for that made in Germany price. 😁
I like the car how it drives, but my screens and electronics are full of random glitches, it is a bummer for me, because it tarnishes my ownership experience 🙁😕☹️
😭
I’m old enough to remember when the sierra came out in place of the cortina my god it took a hammering then it outsold cortina’s selling more than ever,I have for exactly a year got the new mk8 gti and is way better than the 7.5 in all respects, people get used to new things , it’s not the fastest out there but stock looks way cooler than the R so your missing the point,might not sell more as we go electric, but will be far more involvement, than electric,get one before you can’t,all the journalists videos never really spend time getting to know the car,so slate it
Is GTI a reliable car??? Will this last 10 years of ownership???
I think it could be hit or miss. Consumer Reports generally doesn't rate the GTI very highly, and anecdotally I have a couple friends with older GTIs that have had regular issues. That said, if you stay on top of it and don't defer any maintenance they can last.
I got a 2015 with about 200K. It was fine for about 180K but now i get oil leaks and coolant issues.
Manual is a must.
its quite nice
Until you actually drive it, those controls are a nightmare and an accident waiting to happen.
Suttle changes to the exterior design? This is a totally new model.
Of course, my point was simply that they didn’t radically change the styling, especially from the side and rear. It is a subtle evolution from the Mk7.
Buy a decent used Mk7 GTI until you can. Spend the difference in price to tune the suspension and chassis. Voila...
What a silly title. The worst GTI ever built would be the MK3 GTI.
The Mark 3 was the worst. It maybe one of the worst cars ever made by VW.
That’s one of the GTIs I haven’t driven, so maybe I’m lucky? 😆
True. Then the Mark 4 came along, with a Black "Fast" belted into the passenger seat. Bastard swore like a damn sailor, and a VERY foul attitude toward significant others, Police, and anyone who wanted to roll up the windows. Obnoxious thing was REALLY a pain around the holidays and January every year...
Only other problem was they had to be kept stock, otherwise a methed-out Peter Stormare would show up at your place and "Unpimp" any performance or cosmetic modifications you had made to it. Main problem was he and Helga the assistant typically totalled your Mk. 4 while "Unpimping" it. Lots of long calls with my insurance agent in those days.
Wild times those were... 😂😂😂
("Fast" warning tone plays in background) And, I'm out. 😳
Can the annoying AI change the fan speed for you?
I think so, I forgot to try it. The ID.4 I tested could do it. But it was very slow to respond.
Infotainment…dealbreaker
It's such a shame because the car is so much fun
It’s not that big of a deal, you get use to it after a few days.
I love my GTI, very fun car and handles great.
The interior is the worst 😫
I'm okay with the look of the interior, but the infotainment/HVAC controls can be a bit maddening
40 grand?
With this price tag, isn't it more or less an average looking car of average quality with an average looking interior, average handling and average performance?
no
no
Uhhh, No...Love mine
Keep in mind the GTI can be had for around $30k. This is the top spec. Exterior looks great, interior is fine. But the handling and performance are really the best out of any GTI I've driven. Infotainment/HVAC controls are really the only thing that I'd see as a potential dealbreaker for some.
The worst
🤷♂️
sh-ass-ey..... not.... ch-as-ee
Who would've guessed that things are pronounced differently in different parts of the world 😘
It's too cheap and ghetto looking inside now. I prefer the mk7.5, it just feels like a mini audi. The mk8 feels like a Tesla wannabe knock off.