I know it’s not the same and VW is VW. And Hyundai is Hyundai.....but. Paid £28k for a I30N performance back in March 2018. Never looked back. Heated seats and steering wheel, nice power, lovely handling and sounds amazing. Turns heads all the time and is well, a little different. This mythical, magical place called the ‘interior’ of the car is absolutely fine too. Anyway, the only Golf I’d touch after having the I30N is the TCR which trumps that Mk8 in every department by a country mile (ok, not strictly a fair comparison). It looks like VW have kinda thrown in the towel here.
You’d have thought the last ever Golf would have been an all out amazing car, the best one yet and the one to own. But they really seem to have cut a lot of corners which is very un-Golf like.
@@DaleSteel I’m about to lease a 3 series for less money than this GTI and I’m looking for any excuse to just get the GTI as I’ve always wanted to see what the hype is about but this one is just disappointing, doesn’t excite me at all.
I have a 2013 GTI MKVI, bought it new. 117K miles now here in the States. It's been absolutely perfect and it's still tight, fun to drive and looks nearly new. I'd buy another in a heart beat. Update as of 3/28/24. I have put 100K additional miles on the MK6 GTI (217K) and now my son drives it. Still going strong! I bought a new MK8 380 GTI in Moonstone.
Really great comparison, I own both a MK1 GTI and 7.5 Performance, I love both for very different reason. I’d agree with you that the new MK8 doesn’t look anywhere near as good and I also struggle to get excited by it for a long list of reasons....
It was cold but glorious, we had rain and wind too. The driving and walkaround were filmed the day before the intro and summary bit which were filmed on the day of upload. Took pretty much 48 hours solid to get car, learn it, film it, edit and upload. Still the weather could have been worse, bit of damp was fine but heavy rain would be a no no 👍
Looks and drives great to me - congratulations on a great review and thank you for the TCR comparison as it allows us to see how good the new chassis is in base spec :)
The styling is ok. I like it. I’m just not a fan of all the touch buttons. It makes driving unsafe when you have to look away from the road to make sure your about to push the right button for something as simple as your volume.
Mk8 GTI doesn’t look ‘sporty’ whatsoever. It looks like a standard/mid range car, maybe it’s the colour (and the wheels of course). A huge downgrade looks wise, and £35k with no heated seats FFS! It may drive well, but surely many will not get that far due to the looks. So disappointed in it and then you factor in the touch screen crap and the cost cutting factors. So glad I went for the 7.5 PP.
My 7.5 will sadly be my last GTI. The interior looks like it was full of cost savings. I can't find a single thing that I like more about this car and that very surprising from VW.
Far to many corners been cut by VW at the moment across all the ranges at this rate it’ll be a Skoda with the better quality and extras. I own a 7.5 performance and I’m sorry I won’t be upgrading/downgrading 🙁 great review though Andy 👍 atb Al
Great video again Andrew, I think I prefer the TCR out of the two, however the cabin is nice in the MK 8, at the end of the day it will sell well, like all previous GTIs
All new cars these days. Don’t use your mobile phone wHilst driving. Everything is buried deep in a touchscreen display all over the dash. Heating controls. Climate. Radio. Phone. Satnav. Car menus. Settings. Might as well just go on your phone it’s the same thing
All of those can be used with out going deep into the menus. They all have easy to use short cuts. I’ve had a 23 se for over a year now, it’s easy to use and drives great.
Wow! Didn’t see that coming , thanks for a great video . I guess reading below that the camp it truly split. For my halfpennys worth I think I’ll stick with the TCR for now and watch her grow old disgracefully 🤣.
It seems like the Mk8 just smacks of cost cutting with the epitome being the blank engine cover. If I was to upgrade from my Mk6 it would be the 7.5 for sure.
I'm sorry, but it just comes across as cheap. Looks like VW have been cost cutting. 7.5 looks and feels so much better. Perhaps VW are trying to cover their losses from dieselgate!
Mike, I totally agree with you. The new GTI looks awful but I'm not sure it's a result of cost cutting. Perhaps the new GTI is the result of too many cooks spoiling the soup or maybe all of the suits are yachting in the Mediterranean instead of working. Volkswagen's headquarters was built by Zaha Hadid. It's a truly inspiring design so I don't understand why Volkswagen continues to make tepid Golf GTI's. Maybe VW should hire Johnathan Ive or Marc Newson to design the next Golf. Someone has got to light a match under VW's butts. Well, who knows, maybe Tesla will supplant the Golf's ubiquity once its lower cost electric car hits the streets.
I much prefer the interior of the old car as well, that new steering wheel is terrible and the front seats aren't great either. They look like real cheap wing backs
It’s just such a shame that they cheapen them to save pennies...plastic a pillar covers, no gas struts for the bonnet...no proper headrests...such a shame.
Great video Wizard. I quite like the 8 GTi (except the wheels) and I think it will defo grow on me. That said, I absolutely love my GTi 7.5 Performance and won’t be parting with it any time soon.
Lupo GTI's are fun cars mate also going up in value as I said in another comment iv still got my mk4 gti with 350hp and a wavetrac diff I just love it for its analog feel.
Just ordered one - very excited. Just the plain Jane version but I've not had a GTI for years so it will still probably blow my socks off. Plus I can still chuck the dogs in the back and tootle on down to the shops.
I certainly would - especially as my R 7.5 is an estate! The R makes a lot of sense as a daily driver, the traction you get with 4motion is just amazing, I don't think I'd want to ever go back to 2wd again
Well done for providing this well balanced overview with relevant pros and cons. Having just sold my Mk6 that i have loved for 11 years it was an incredibly difficult decision as to what hot hatch back to purchase. This video will help many people. Best wishes.
Common! When you put them side by side in same color, you can clearly see that the new design is much more progressive and you already feel it in your gut, that you will like it better when it will "grow on you". People, just admit finally, that the new Golf is better looking! :D
C'mon. No. Putting it sode by side with a mk7.5 makes it more obvious how they screwed the front end specifically. The bumper can be OK (on the GTI, not the R) but they really messed up the grill and headlight change. I'll bet the front end changes a good bit when the mk8.5 rolls around
Excellent and as comprehensive as always Andrew. Great to see the channel growing and links with Joe established. The new GTI has quite a bit of road presence from the front, I'm actually a fan of that lighting configuration. Hope all is well, all the best as always.
Superb review really enjoyed it. I am a huge GTI fan, and I am finding it hard to get my head round a few things. The finer details on the car, engine bay cover looks like it is from China, the poor oem front brake calipers? The hideous wheels?? The dull seats? No standard seat heating on a 35k car? They having a laugh? I know GTI's have always been a blank canvas for modification and is part of our VW culture. But priced as high as it is, it has some serious competition in that market sector! Being someone who enjoys my driving and using quality modifications to improve chassis dynamics. I am pleased to hear the oem setup is very decent. The LSD diff is a great idea by VW, and really seems a large part of the cars fun factor. There is quite a bit to dislike about this mk8. I just cannot warm to the shape? I have to scratch my head at what they were thinking? They got a lot right, but sadly important bits for me wrong. Would I feel proud driving one? No sadly. I think it is an ugly duckling. Maybe the redesign will look better? again thank you for a great review. Love your TCR ;-)
I just don’t get why they put gas struts on the new Skoda Octavia but not on the Golf? Octavia has never had them.. Surely should be other way round. Unless the Skoda’s bonnet is heavier
Diesel gate still affecting vag! Definitely built on a budget. Mk 7.5 still the king I'd say. Compared to your tcr it's such a step back. Great review as always though. 😁😁
If I wanted or needed a new car, I would most likely buy the new GTI. I HATE the old tartan. The new tartan is better but I’d rather have the leather. The lane assist on the mk7.5 r is extremely intrusive.
I have to disagree there. The old Mk7 Clubsport S still seems far a better package. This basic trim level GTI seems incredibly boring! If a grey exterior wasn't drab enough, you get a grey interior as well -- yowzah.
Great film Andrew, sounds like it drives well but like others I'm struggling with the looks. I think that grey and those wheels are a nightmare combination. Red with 19s looks okay-ish
Maybe in your preference it's _"ugly"._ But at the end it's always subjective. And in my preferential opinion; It's the best looking GTI ever made, period.
Thanks for a great video! I had a 7R and feel disappointed there’s been some costing cutting, no gas struts for the bonnet, exposed cup holder in the center console etc. They’re only minor things but just spoil it in my opinion but I am sure to drive it has moved the game on. Personally I’d rather pay a little more for it to feel better finished.
I have a 2016 white mk7 which is my favorite car and I love it. I’ll take a mk7 over mk 8 all day. But the 7.5 is the best of both worlds with style available because of the look and interior
Another great review and video they just keep getting better! Picked up my mark 8 golf today (sadly not a gti) and I am very impressed although I have already had technical problems Iv had to have it rebooted 5 mins after I left the dealership! Keep these videos coming!
It looks like it needs a facelift. I’m keeping my 7.5 performance because that’s a beautiful car. This is not for me. Also, what the hell with the non telescopic bonnet strut?
Nice review keep going the good job. In my opinion the best gti is a gti with the looking of golf 7.5, power train of golf 8 and the quality of golf 6. But at the end I always prefer my golf 5.
Good video. You should try the Michelin Pilot sport 4s tyres on your TCR I have them on my Mk 7 and they’re fantastic I reckon that would cure any hint of understeer.
There is a trim cover available for the split fold seat hinge, I put one in my Mk7, it was only a couple of pounds, bought from Brian in the parts dept at Inchcape cheltenham, the hinge looks exactly the same in the Mk8.
Standard wheels is awful! Mk7.5 GTI looks way better, and has same platform and same engine. It seems that VW made some savings on new Mk8 and they also raised prices.
@@Tom_banx Overall, as GTI fan and owner, I expect way better handling, more powerful engine, less LCD displays, better seats, better interior quality, ID lights is not GTI only feature and Mk8 GTI is not any better than Mk7.5 GTI performance which one was final edition of Mk7 GTI family. Volkswizard said that chassis is better than Mk7.5... I really would like to se how it compares with Mk7.5 GTI PP on track.
@@fedjadrndarski5606 Your argument holds little sense. You ask for better interior quality and less LCD screens (a standard Golf feature) yet turn your nose up at some new, very advanced and expensive lights that are specific to higher models. The screens are just how tech is going these days, like it or buy an older car. The seats to my eyes look A LOT better than the Golf 7 offering. Not sure what is better than a bucket seat with tartan and alcantara? Engine power - buy a Clubsport or Golf R if this isn’t enough. 245 is more than enough. Emissions regs have meant that manufacturers have to spend a lot of money just to get a performance engine compliant with regulations, you can’t just add 20ps for nothing any more. I can assure you, if the mk8 GTI is better than a TCR at conservative speeds on a wet road, then it will be night and day compared with a 7.5 GTI on track. Although, if you were to drive either of these cars out the box on the track then you’re a fool.
Could VW make the new car look any more hideous? Yes! By adding even more hideous wheels. Can't help but think VW took all the cool kids off the GTi/R project and moved them over to the Electric Car Factory and to fund that, they ordered whoever was left in the GTi building to cut costs as much as they can. I've owned the last two iterations of the GTi/R and I loved getting out of them and looking at them. Not this one.
I have finally seen one TCR in my home state of Victoria. It's $59k with Pan Roof! Down under. Not far off a Golf R $62-$64k. We won't see golf 8 until next year. We have only just got out of 3 months of stage 4 lockdown. Second wave. Not sure of the looks on golf 8. Corner/Cost cutting.
No bonnet strut smacks of cheapness.... I guess the Mk8 will help the residual value of the 7 / 7.5's even more so. I don't think relying on a tasty 241BHP 4 pot engine is enough to entice people to trade their old 7's which were already showing signs of skimping on quality components.
Its no suprise that costs have had to be cut.Dieselgate And Electric car development costs is proving a big millstone.Tbf its a good effort given the budget slashing.
The light bar across the front makes it look likes a 1980s Hoover Junior. Looks like it drives /handles nice, but I’m not convinced with the look of the thing or the interior. Maybe it’s the colour and the naff wheels.
@@mototommy5525 Yep. You may prefer the 19's, fair enough, I don't. You may like the grey paint, again fair enough, I don't. As an old friend used to say "It wouldn't do if we were all the same". Moto Tommy, have a good day. 👍
Both of these Golf GTI's are too big. The previous model, however, is better looking. The new GTI has bends and curves and creases for the sake of having them. It's exaggerated, a cartoon version of itself. I live in the U.S. and I wish we had the Polo GTI here. The Polo GTI is a pocket rocket and the true successor to the original Rabbit GTI. Sadly, even the Polo you can't get in a 3 door anymore. What's happening in Germany? Are they supersizing everything too?
The new design of the MK8 SUCKS SO BAD !!!!! You are correct in everything you said. The only way to save it would be to fabricate a MK 7.5 front end, and try to retro fit it, and get rid of that GAWD AWFUL front end that it has. VW Engineers and designers have collectively lost their minds if they think this is an attractive design.
@@sirgalahad1470 I would love to see someone photograph a 1976 Rabbit GTI next to the new Golf Mk.8 GTI so we can all see just how bloated the Golf has gotten. I agree with what you said about the front end too. It was probably designed by a committee rather by someone who truly loves cars.
I sensed a lot of hesitance when you were comparing your TCR with the new GTI. You didn't want to butcher the GTI - but you still did, gently so. Not too harsh.
Well spotted! I just don't want to get criticised for stating the obvious that 245 PS isn't as good as 290 PS. They are similar money when you compare discounted 8GTI to nearly new 7.5 TCR so it's not unfair to compare on that basis. 8GTI is good and they've gone to town on chassis but once you spec wheels & the essential DCC it's £1500 more and still only 245 PS. Clubsport might be the answer but at what price?!
Its the body...the lines and proportions that just for me dont look as attractive as the 7 or 7.5 In profile it looks horribly nose heavy.... The 8 reminds me of a Peugeot 308......bulbous in places....too many lines on the wrap round looking bonnet....... Those wheels are from an Aldi xmas cracker..... No.....hate that styling.......a step backwards to my eye.
I’d take a mk7.5 GTI over a mk8 GTI but 100% would take a mk8 R over a mk7.5R the mk7.5R is amazing but the mk8 just feels more engaging and fun, that new diff helps a lot
Another great video, thank you! Really interesting how polished the handling is given it is the standard GTI. I suspect the bespoke tyres helps so that everything can be dialled in just the way VW wanted.
A "retro" mk1 that is modernized but still boxy and (key part:) small and light would be PERFECT. even if they had to make it electric, they could just do a low power/low weight EV so it's nimble like the OG rabbit.
Great video buddy and thanks for the lovely words in the description! Hopefully see you soon ;-)
Thanks for the inspiration man 🙌🏻
Its obvious that they've cut the budget on these cars. I still love my mk 7.5 Gti.
I know it’s not the same and VW is VW. And Hyundai is Hyundai.....but. Paid £28k for a I30N performance back in March 2018. Never looked back. Heated seats and steering wheel, nice power, lovely handling and sounds amazing. Turns heads all the time and is well, a little different. This mythical, magical place called the ‘interior’ of the car is absolutely fine too. Anyway, the only Golf I’d touch after having the I30N is the TCR which trumps that Mk8 in every department by a country mile (ok, not strictly a fair comparison). It looks like VW have kinda thrown in the towel here.
Diesel gate hit vag hard! They've been cost cutting ever since! Mk 7.5 is still the sweet spot for sure!
You’d have thought the last ever Golf would have been an all out amazing car, the best one yet and the one to own. But they really seem to have cut a lot of corners which is very un-Golf like.
@@JimboJammy Best comment of all...describes 100 pct my feelings...i miss the understated timeless and analogue cars...with ALL brands.. 😭😭😭
@@crocoman776 when my MK7.5 GTi dies, I will be looking at the i30N for sure. I find the MK8 don't look as aggressive.
MK 7 - 7.5 owner when they found this... “O look, another video where I can say my car is better” Lol 😂
Guilty
@Bryce Czirr yeah! They are great!
@Bryce Czirr 🤣🤣🤣 that’s the simple truth!
@@jack91xxxx this guy don t have GTI for sure to talk like that .
@Bryce Czirr What is your car ?
Usually when new Golf GTI is released I think "Yeah, i`d like one of those..." but not this time.
@@DaleSteel i dont buy a car for tech thats cool now and a liability later
@@DaleSteel I’m about to lease a 3 series for less money than this GTI and I’m looking for any excuse to just get the GTI as I’ve always wanted to see what the hype is about but this one is just disappointing, doesn’t excite me at all.
My thoughts exactly
I’ve had 8 of them now... this one is horrible probably will give it a miss.
Maybe they can save it with an 8.5?
I guess im one of the 10 percent that loves the look of the mk 8 (not the wheels)
I have a 2013 GTI MKVI, bought it new. 117K miles now here in the States. It's been absolutely perfect and it's still tight, fun to drive and looks nearly new. I'd buy another in a heart beat.
Update as of 3/28/24. I have put 100K additional miles on the MK6 GTI (217K) and now my son drives it. Still going strong! I bought a new MK8 380 GTI in Moonstone.
Really great comparison, I own both a MK1 GTI and 7.5 Performance, I love both for very different reason. I’d agree with you that the new MK8 doesn’t look anywhere near as good and I also struggle to get excited by it for a long list of reasons....
A technically good car spoiled by sprinklings of true 'new car' annoyance.
Whats mystified me most with this long awaited review of the new Mk8 Golf GTI...is seeing glorious sunshine in your video today Volks!!!!
It was cold but glorious, we had rain and wind too. The driving and walkaround were filmed the day before the intro and summary bit which were filmed on the day of upload. Took pretty much 48 hours solid to get car, learn it, film it, edit and upload. Still the weather could have been worse, bit of damp was fine but heavy rain would be a no no 👍
I’ll take Mk7.5 GTi anytime over this mk8 GTi, way better build quality and looks. Thanks VW!
The mk7,7.5 is gonna age very well
VW just lost a lot of sales with this MK8 design in and out. I don’t see the MK8 blowing up as an enthusiast car like the MK7/7.5 has.
@@jacobrodgers8146 I have a feeling that way too m8
@@JacesOwnWorld couldn't agree more 😂
@@JacesOwnWorld mk8 is the new mk5
Enough with those twisty-style rims already. They look like Halfords hub caps
🤣🤣🤣 this made me chuckle!!
Unfortunately they're purely for fuel economy and aerodynamics
Just had a walk round a silver on 18s. Looked amazing. So much better than in pics. Changed my opinion on the car. Looked classy and the business.
Looks and drives great to me - congratulations on a great review and thank you for the TCR comparison as it allows us to see how good the new chassis is in base spec :)
The styling is ok. I like it. I’m just not a fan of all the touch buttons. It makes driving unsafe when you have to look away from the road to make sure your about to push the right button for something as simple as your volume.
I totally agree.. remove the buttons from the steering wheel and put them on the dashboard where they belong...
I’m still a bit confused by the new golf, I’d rather a used 18 plate for the money! The new car seems to cut so many corners regarding quality...
For me it really feels just like a "super face lift" of the 7.5
@@YHH_579Y it basically is, it shares more parts than is immediately obvious.
well you get what you pay for and its an entry level trim so yea dont expect much
Enough with those twisty-style rims already. They look like Halfords hub caps
As someone who recently bought an 18 plate gti, this makes me really happy XD
Mk8 GTI doesn’t look ‘sporty’ whatsoever. It looks like a standard/mid range car, maybe it’s the colour (and the wheels of course). A huge downgrade looks wise, and £35k with no heated seats FFS! It may drive well, but surely many will not get that far due to the looks. So disappointed in it and then you factor in the touch screen crap and the cost cutting factors. So glad I went for the 7.5 PP.
Couldn't agree more, it's those wheels that make it look non-sporty, the 19s help somewhat but still... Meh!
Glad i still have my mk7 performance dsg with all the good bits, 18k and mint i love it just run in ! Had six services and worth doing as it as new!
@@justinevans1894 The 19's are ghastly. The 18's just as bad. They're the only 2 options at the moment!
i love the Front of GTI8, on of the Best🤩🤩🤩
@@jensleck547 yuck hahaha, the 7.5 gti front is so much nicer
Great Video , Thanks for the review..... the more I see of this car .... the more I love my 7.5 PP Gti
I Don't think I will get used to the interior options , too many gestures
My 7.5 will sadly be my last GTI. The interior looks like it was full of cost savings. I can't find a single thing that I like more about this car and that very surprising from VW.
Far to many corners been cut by VW at the moment across all the ranges at this rate it’ll be a Skoda with the better quality and extras. I own a 7.5 performance and I’m sorry I won’t be upgrading/downgrading 🙁 great review though Andy 👍 atb Al
Great video again Andrew, I think I prefer the TCR out of the two, however the cabin is nice in the MK 8, at the end of the day it will sell well, like all previous GTIs
All new cars these days. Don’t use your mobile phone wHilst driving. Everything is buried deep in a touchscreen display all over the dash. Heating controls. Climate. Radio. Phone. Satnav. Car menus. Settings. Might as well just go on your phone it’s the same thing
Exactly.
All of those can be used with out going deep into the menus. They all have easy to use short cuts. I’ve had a 23 se for over a year now, it’s easy to use and drives great.
Brilliant video. Thank you! I’m glad it has a UA-cam speedo.. ;)
I’m definitely glad I got my 7.5 and didn’t wait for the 8 though (on looks alone!).
Wow! Didn’t see that coming , thanks for a great video . I guess reading below that the camp it truly split. For my halfpennys worth I think I’ll stick with the TCR for now and watch her grow old disgracefully 🤣.
I saw a Mk 8 Gti the other day and in the flesh the standard wheels are even worse...😣
It seems like the Mk8 just smacks of cost cutting with the epitome being the blank engine cover. If I was to upgrade from my Mk6 it would be the 7.5 for sure.
Like how much did they save on that? Some bean counter got a bonus because now the engine cover can be used on a Jetta, ect.
Yeah its just rubbish.
I like the mk8 even less thanks to this video
GTI TCR looks way better then than 8 GTI!
The sound is good. The sound from your TCR is better!
I'm sorry, but it just comes across as cheap. Looks like VW have been cost cutting. 7.5 looks and feels so much better. Perhaps VW are trying to cover their losses from dieselgate!
You've driven the mk 8?
Mike, I totally agree with you. The new GTI looks awful but I'm not sure it's a result of cost cutting. Perhaps the new GTI is the result of too many cooks spoiling the soup or maybe all of the suits are yachting in the Mediterranean instead of working. Volkswagen's headquarters was built by Zaha Hadid. It's a truly inspiring design so I don't understand why Volkswagen continues to make tepid Golf GTI's. Maybe VW should hire Johnathan Ive or Marc Newson to design the next Golf. Someone has got to light a match under VW's butts. Well, who knows, maybe Tesla will supplant the Golf's ubiquity once its lower cost electric car hits the streets.
More like they blew most of the budget on the interior tech...
Those wheels !! They are not nice !!
I much prefer the interior of the old car as well, that new steering wheel is terrible and the front seats aren't great either. They look like real cheap wing backs
@lawress hall I checked, you’re absolutely right!!
Same, the 7.5 interior is much more sleek and nice
This would be my perfect daily drive, always loved the GTI
Wonderful video, thank you. I take delivery of my Mk8 on Tuesday next, so excited.
It’s just such a shame that they cheapen them to save pennies...plastic a pillar covers, no gas struts for the bonnet...no proper headrests...such a shame.
A lot like our 2019 Jetta GLI, great bones but cheap, tacky interior with les and less every year
Mk 7.5 all day long! looks miles better and not any cheap short cuts on it good video
I actually think the MK 8 looks better in person, upgraded wheels and all good, I like it I've just ordered one. Great video
The 8 makes the you realise the 7 was really good. They've so done this on purpose too, to push people to the ID.3
Mk6 was the best one
@@matthewsmith2787 definitely not lmao the mk7 and 7.5 gti were miles ahead in every way (performance, interior, exterior)
Bit silly to canibalise your cash cow model
@@matthewsmith2787 Would agree that the switch gear and shifter were maybe more premium in the MkVI, but otherwise the VII seems better.
What makes you different from QAnon if you're gonna throw up some conspiracies like that bro?
Great video Wizard. I quite like the 8 GTi (except the wheels) and I think it will defo grow on me. That said, I absolutely love my GTi 7.5 Performance and won’t be parting with it any time soon.
As long as these ads are, I hope you're getting paid!
No spare wheel, god awful wheels, cheap interior, no bonnet gas strut, ill stick with my mk7 thanks, great review
My mk 5 had a gas strut 😂
7.5>8
And i will never change my mind.
I think the Polo GTI is now closer to the original idea .... maybe even the Up GTI. I've still got my Lupo GTI 🤣
Lupo GTI's are fun cars mate also going up in value as I said in another comment iv still got my mk4 gti with 350hp and a wavetrac diff I just love it for its analog feel.
Just ordered one - very excited. Just the plain Jane version but I've not had a GTI for years so it will still probably blow my socks off. Plus I can still chuck the dogs in the back and tootle on down to the shops.
Not to sure about it think I will stick with my golf R 7.5 .
I certainly would - especially as my R 7.5 is an estate! The R makes a lot of sense as a daily driver, the traction you get with 4motion is just amazing, I don't think I'd want to ever go back to 2wd again
Well done for providing this well balanced overview with relevant pros and cons. Having just sold my Mk6 that i have loved for 11 years it was an incredibly difficult decision as to what hot hatch back to purchase. This video will help many people. Best wishes.
There's alot of negative comments here..... What on earth were VW thinking?!!
Common! When you put them side by side in same color, you can clearly see that the new design is much more progressive and you already feel it in your gut, that you will like it better when it will "grow on you". People, just admit finally, that the new Golf is better looking! :D
C'mon. No. Putting it sode by side with a mk7.5 makes it more obvious how they screwed the front end specifically. The bumper can be OK (on the GTI, not the R) but they really messed up the grill and headlight change. I'll bet the front end changes a good bit when the mk8.5 rolls around
Excellent and as comprehensive as always Andrew. Great to see the channel growing and links with Joe established. The new GTI has quite a bit of road presence from the front, I'm actually a fan of that lighting configuration. Hope all is well, all the best as always.
It's proper ugly. I'm sure it drives very well, but I'm not sure i could forgive it for looking so damn nasty.
It looks like a corolla from the front
That grille 🤮🤮🤮
What’s the difference between using your phone when driving and fiddling with the touch screen?
It's a very good point. Too many makers making cars where everything is touchscreen. = eyes off the road. It's dangerous imo.
About £34,000
Superb review really enjoyed it. I am a huge GTI fan, and I am finding it hard to get my head round a few things. The finer details on the car, engine bay cover looks like it is from China, the poor oem front brake calipers? The hideous wheels?? The dull seats? No standard seat heating on a 35k car? They having a laugh?
I know GTI's have always been a blank canvas for modification and is part of our VW culture. But priced as high as it is, it has some serious competition in that market sector!
Being someone who enjoys my driving and using quality modifications to improve chassis dynamics. I am pleased to hear the oem setup is very decent. The LSD diff is a great idea by VW, and really seems a large part of the cars fun factor. There is quite a bit to dislike about this mk8. I just cannot warm to the shape? I have to scratch my head at what they were thinking? They got a lot right, but sadly important bits for me wrong. Would I feel proud driving one? No sadly. I think it is an ugly duckling. Maybe the redesign will look better? again thank you for a great review. Love your TCR ;-)
I just don’t get why they put gas struts on the new Skoda Octavia but not on the Golf?
Octavia has never had them..
Surely should be other way round. Unless the Skoda’s bonnet is heavier
Diesel gate still affecting vag! Definitely built on a budget. Mk 7.5 still the king I'd say. Compared to your tcr it's such a step back. Great review as always though. 😁😁
Those callipers look the same as the ones on my mk3 vrs, 340mm but look similar to the 312mm callipers on my old Mk6 golf gti
The *_new(est)_* GTi always is the *_best_* GTi, isn't it? 😉 Great vid btw., mate! 👍😎
And those OEM rims look ridiculous imho. 😁
If I wanted or needed a new car, I would most likely buy the new GTI. I HATE the old tartan. The new tartan is better but I’d rather have the leather. The lane assist on the mk7.5 r is extremely intrusive.
I have to disagree there. The old Mk7 Clubsport S still seems far a better package. This basic trim level GTI seems incredibly boring! If a grey exterior wasn't drab enough, you get a grey interior as well -- yowzah.
@@TassieLorenzo Yes Sir, absolutely correct! But you can't compare the extreme and limited "Clubsport S" with a normal GTi. That's not fair. 😉
Lovely, lovely. but damn the infotainment system is buggy. Sometimes freezes for several hours and as it is touchscreen there is no manual override
Great film Andrew, sounds like it drives well but like others I'm struggling with the looks. I think that grey and those wheels are a nightmare combination. Red with 19s looks okay-ish
Looks better with time. A bit too many gadgets inside otherwise vw did a fantastic job
no offense but the MK8 is damn ugly..
Couldn’t agree more. Especially as the mk7 was such a great looking car.
looks like a redesigned/updated MK6 to me
f*ing hate it.
other than the tech, i hate the interior too!!
Maybe in your preference it's _"ugly"._ But at the end it's always subjective. And in my preferential opinion; It's the best looking GTI ever made, period.
@@B75-u7c thats laughable... Its a gti by badge only at this point 😆😆😆😆😆
@@yamofranko8899 Yeah. Says you?
Thanks for a great video! I had a 7R and feel disappointed there’s been some costing cutting, no gas struts for the bonnet, exposed cup holder in the center console etc. They’re only minor things but just spoil it in my opinion but I am sure to drive it has moved the game on. Personally I’d rather pay a little more for it to feel better finished.
Nice one bro,here at Australia the 8 arrives Jan Feb 2021 the GTI and R arrive 2022 bring it on.
I have a 2016 white mk7 which is my favorite car and I love it. I’ll take a mk7 over mk 8 all day. But the 7.5 is the best of both worlds with style available because of the look and interior
Another great review and video they just keep getting better! Picked up my mark 8 golf today (sadly not a gti) and I am very impressed although I have already had technical problems Iv had to have it rebooted 5 mins after I left the dealership! Keep these videos coming!
I'm watching a review of the new mk8 gti but I find myself just staring at the mk7.5 TCR 🤔😍 Such a beautiful car especially in that colour.
It only takes a few months then we’ll all be complete converts to the new styling. Another great video, thank you!
🙌🏻
It looks like it needs a facelift. I’m keeping my 7.5 performance because that’s a beautiful car. This is not for me.
Also, what the hell with the non telescopic bonnet strut?
hello
Nice review keep going the good job. In my opinion the best gti is a gti with the looking of golf 7.5, power train of golf 8 and the quality of golf 6. But at the end I always prefer my golf 5.
Good video. You should try the Michelin Pilot sport 4s tyres on your TCR I have them on my Mk 7 and they’re fantastic I reckon that would cure any hint of understeer.
There is a trim cover available for the split fold seat hinge, I put one in my Mk7, it was only a couple of pounds, bought from Brian in the parts dept at Inchcape cheltenham, the hinge looks exactly the same in the Mk8.
Do you have part number? Thx
@@germancarfan 5G0886197B
The red stripes on the seats look a bit cheap and out of place IMO
Looks Korean NOT German.(Dieselgate),
Yeah the front looks very kia ish definitely gonna pass on the mk8 for sure
Standard wheels is awful! Mk7.5 GTI looks way better, and has same platform and same engine. It seems that VW made some savings on new Mk8 and they also raised prices.
But when you compare a like for like spec, accounting for the ID lights, the mk8 GTI is better value than the 7.5?
@@Tom_banx Overall, as GTI fan and owner, I expect way better handling, more powerful engine, less LCD displays, better seats, better interior quality, ID lights is not GTI only feature and Mk8 GTI is not any better than Mk7.5 GTI performance which one was final edition of Mk7 GTI family. Volkswizard said that chassis is better than Mk7.5... I really would like to se how it compares with Mk7.5 GTI PP on track.
@@fedjadrndarski5606 Your argument holds little sense. You ask for better interior quality and less LCD screens (a standard Golf feature) yet turn your nose up at some new, very advanced and expensive lights that are specific to higher models.
The screens are just how tech is going these days, like it or buy an older car.
The seats to my eyes look A LOT better than the Golf 7 offering. Not sure what is better than a bucket seat with tartan and alcantara?
Engine power - buy a Clubsport or Golf R if this isn’t enough. 245 is more than enough. Emissions regs have meant that manufacturers have to spend a lot of money just to get a performance engine compliant with regulations, you can’t just add 20ps for nothing any more.
I can assure you, if the mk8 GTI is better than a TCR at conservative speeds on a wet road, then it will be night and day compared with a 7.5 GTI on track. Although, if you were to drive either of these cars out the box on the track then you’re a fool.
Fantastic insight many thanks 👍👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it👍👍👍
Good video Andrew. 👍🏻
I'll stick with the 7.5 R. I feel like the 7.5 is going to hold value better now after the joke they just released.
Could VW make the new car look any more hideous? Yes! By adding even more hideous wheels. Can't help but think VW took all the cool kids off the GTi/R project and moved them over to the Electric Car Factory and to fund that, they ordered whoever was left in the GTi building to cut costs as much as they can. I've owned the last two iterations of the GTi/R and I loved getting out of them and looking at them. Not this one.
Same. Had a Mk 7 GTD with Santiago’s & currently have a 7.5 GTI PP. Handsome from every angle.
The wife has 3 Golfs, a mk5 GTI 6spd manual, Mk4 highline and a Mk2 Country Syncro. I don't think I will be in a hurry to replace any.
2020 has a lot to answer for, sigh
I have finally seen one TCR in my home state of Victoria. It's $59k with Pan Roof! Down under. Not far off a Golf R $62-$64k. We won't see golf 8 until next year. We have only just got out of 3 months of stage 4 lockdown. Second wave. Not sure of the looks on golf 8. Corner/Cost cutting.
No bonnet strut smacks of cheapness.... I guess the Mk8 will help the residual value of the 7 / 7.5's even more so. I don't think relying on a tasty 241BHP 4 pot engine is enough to entice people to trade their old 7's which were already showing signs of skimping on quality components.
Great video and review Andrew👍🏻 very lucky to get behind the wheel so soon
Its no suprise that costs have had to be cut.Dieselgate And Electric car development costs is proving a big millstone.Tbf its a good effort given the budget slashing.
Did VW design this to repel you off the GTI so that you’d move on to their EV options?
More like move up to Audi.
LOL, B75 go on, is alvR also a Qanon conspiracy theorist? Where is the thought police when you need them eh?
@@burddog0792 shit they got me! I literally did just that.
The light bar across the front makes it look likes a 1980s Hoover Junior. Looks like it drives /handles nice, but I’m not convinced with the look of the thing or the interior. Maybe it’s the colour and the naff wheels.
Seen one on the road yesterday, that light bar just looked cheap
Very nice and thorough review thanks
I’ve got an 18 plate GTI, due to go back in March. No chance I’ll go for one of these. Massive downgrade in looks imo
Great video again. The mark 8 looks far better in GTI guise.
Driving a mobile phone. Horrid!
The standard wheels look absolutely hidious
I think we need a swear box for this - every time someone says that they need to put £1 in it 😁
@@volkswizard And that point we may be able to fund one!
I disagree chaps. Those 19's look dreadful. I'd take the 18's every time.
@@JLo1960 your saying you like the look of the standard wheels on the brand new gti's ? 🤣
@@mototommy5525 Yep. You may prefer the 19's, fair enough, I don't. You may like the grey paint, again fair enough, I don't. As an old friend used to say "It wouldn't do if we were all the same". Moto Tommy, have a good day. 👍
Both of these Golf GTI's are too big. The previous model, however, is better looking. The new GTI has bends and curves and creases for the sake of having them. It's exaggerated, a cartoon version of itself. I live in the U.S. and I wish we had the Polo GTI here. The Polo GTI is a pocket rocket and the true successor to the original Rabbit GTI. Sadly, even the Polo you can't get in a 3 door anymore. What's happening in Germany? Are they supersizing everything too?
The new design of the MK8 SUCKS SO BAD !!!!! You are correct in everything you said. The only way to save it would be to fabricate a MK 7.5 front end, and try to retro fit it, and get rid of that GAWD AWFUL front end that it has. VW Engineers and designers have collectively lost their minds if they think this is an attractive design.
@@sirgalahad1470 I would love to see someone photograph a 1976 Rabbit GTI next to the new Golf Mk.8 GTI so we can all see just how bloated the Golf has gotten. I agree with what you said about the front end too. It was probably designed by a committee rather by someone who truly loves cars.
I sensed a lot of hesitance when you were comparing your TCR with the new GTI. You didn't want to butcher the GTI - but you still did, gently so. Not too harsh.
Well spotted! I just don't want to get criticised for stating the obvious that 245 PS isn't as good as 290 PS. They are similar money when you compare discounted 8GTI to nearly new 7.5 TCR so it's not unfair to compare on that basis. 8GTI is good and they've gone to town on chassis but once you spec wheels & the essential DCC it's £1500 more and still only 245 PS. Clubsport might be the answer but at what price?!
At the mercy of the computer for all HVAC................................No Thanks. Nice job Sir on video.
Its the body...the lines and proportions that just for me dont look as attractive as the 7 or 7.5
In profile it looks horribly nose heavy....
The 8 reminds me of a Peugeot 308......bulbous in places....too many lines on the wrap round looking bonnet.......
Those wheels are from an Aldi xmas cracker.....
No.....hate that styling.......a step backwards to my eye.
This wheels are just... No words
I’d take a mk7.5 GTI over a mk8 GTI but 100% would take a mk8 R over a mk7.5R the mk7.5R is amazing but the mk8 just feels more engaging and fun, that new diff helps a lot
Finally pick up my R line tomorrow morning great video mate 👍
It’s a premium priced car, a pity the sum of its parts aren’t, sorry VDub , not good enough!
Those seats are dire. Whole car looks a bit of a joke.
arent they just, i got better seats in my 10 year old mk6 gti
My mk5 tartans are a king to them
Another great video, thank you! Really interesting how polished the handling is given it is the standard GTI. I suspect the bespoke tyres helps so that everything can be dialled in just the way VW wanted.
Best gti ever made was the mk1 just think if they made a mk1 style car with all the mod cons in it . Perfect car in every way
Nah mk4
A "retro" mk1 that is modernized but still boxy and (key part:) small and light would be PERFECT. even if they had to make it electric, they could just do a low power/low weight EV so it's nimble like the OG rabbit.
I guess I have the unpopular opinion that the new one looks better and meaner and I like the wheels