2015 Volkswagen Golf GTI - Review & Test Drive

The 2015 VW Golf GTI MK7 features a 2.0L TSI turbocharged inline four cylinder producing 210 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. This German hot hatch features a sport suspension, driving mode selection, electro-mechanical power steering, XDS cross-differential system, and 18" alloy wheels on all season tires. This video will take a look at the exterior, engine and drivetrain, wheels, tires, suspension, interior, features, as well as a quick test drive and summary of the fuel economy and performance.
Features Include:
- Heated, adjustable front sport seats
- 60/40 split folding rear seats
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
- Cruise control
- 8 speaker audio system
- Anti-theft vehicle immobilizer
- Multi-function display
- LED reading lights
- Glove compartment with adjustable cooling
- Heated washer nozzles
- LED front fog lights
Packages Options (No additional charge)
- Tornado Red Exterior
- Titan Black Cloth Interior
- 6-speed manual transmission
- 18" Bridgestone summer performance tires
MSRP as Tested: $25,605
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[@rich925]

you are the oldest teenager in the world

[@aaronf.186]

Richard Sanchez he's built like Beavis and Butthead

[@CatonsvilleCentralRwy]

He's sixtyteen

[@testtest-kb5kv]

Also the best educated teenie in the world... ;-)

[@spriggsvid]

Sanchez, u savage lol

[@TheGreg129]

"....Fast and Furious style shifting... Not that any car has that many gears" Best line ever lmao.

[@TassieLorenzo]

hio Road train? :)

[@wowspec]

Your reviews are becoming more and more concise, informative, relatable, and enjoyable! Everything about it including how the video is arranged: how it actually feels to drive and THEN everything detailed like the interior etc.. Thanks for your reviews!

[@ChaomPR]

Finally a car with enought coin holders for my needs lol

[@seb5945]

Ricardo Rivero You must be rich.

[@REASAND5]

Sebastian Rosenberg you need coins in order to unlock shopping carts in germany, so almost every german has chump change lying around in the space between the seats. That doesnt explains why theres so much of them though :D

[@seb5945]

REASAND5​ Good to know. Thanks.

[@REASAND5]

and i got what the reason for the outdated iphone plug is. Newer Generations are synced witth the system via bluetooth, which is actually better to use. i believe theres also an app which turns on bluetooth on the phone via gps.

[@davidbrowne1964]

Ricardo Rivero q

[@powerfultoa7]

You make these reviews with a whole lot more depth than most auto channels/mags. Great review, hope the perfect student turns a little more rebellious one day haha

[@darksi226]

this was, without a doubt, the best gti review on KZbin. really nicely done!

[@bvedant]

This and Matt Farah's

[@Loudlevin]

Appreciate you showing the suspension components and engine bay, good for people that want to know how easy it is to work on the car.

[@Cespinozas]

Yeah loved that no one ever shows the engine bay , simple explanation of things I don't know . Same with the under carriage I like him explaining everything.

[@Rctm13]

About to get a ‘17 GTi. Watched a lot of videos researching and yours is by far the best. I really appreciate your detail and I trust your knowledge. Super informative, thanks man.

[@Nighthawk-lr9km]

for whoever cares, the 2016 models use usb ports instead of special adapters for phones

[@user-ox5bi7ql6y]

Also has backup camera and android auto in the base model and slightly bigger screen from 2015 (5.8") to (6.5") 2016-2017 this is for USA models

[@s1vrbck_fitness]

Loved my 2012 GTI! Absolutely a blast to drive. Lives up to its nick name Get Ticket Immediately.

[@04dram04]

For the price, that interior is beautiful

[@SANTAMU3RTE]

04dram04 it really is

[@brendanfogel4573]

All around this is definitely the best daily driver. I was looking at the wrx as well which in my opinion is a little better looking than the gti but when you get into the gti it’s not even close. Also the power gains you get out of the gti are insane.

[@jaioncebollero1168]

Brendan Fogel imagine if it was rwd 🥵

[@anonymouswombat9709]

@@brendanfogel4573 what kind of power gains can you get?

[@brendanfogel4573]

@@anonymouswombat9709 I bought the wrx but my friend has a 2018 gti and with just a intake, downpipe, exhaust, and tune will get you around 360-370whp

[@DirceuCorsetti]

I get how your reviews are getting more relax as you do more of them. The student analogy is a perfect example of this. The best part is that you know the inner workings of the things you are talking about. I feel your urge for not using your own feelings when specs get counterintuitive with them. That's a fine line you crossed elegantly. Cheers!

[@EngineeringExplained]

Dirceu Corsetti Thanks!

[@DeadheadInABed]

Best review I've seen. Concise, thorough, and no fluff. Nice!

[@Emerald13]

I've always preferred the look of the 4 door golf. In my opinion any car that's built for 4 doors won't look as good with only 2 doors (Civic, 3-series, etc). 4 doors and a roof rack would be perfect for me.

[@kidzero1943]

Agree 4 doors look better but I like the older body style before 07 .

[@HydroCronus]

I disagree, I own a rabbit 2 door and I love it. Not to say hatches with 4 doors are ugly, they aren't. But there's just something about a couple hatch that's just so sexy, they are lighter, have a distinct look. Also the fact that I have a coupe hatch and its way more practical than most sedans since they have no hatch lol.

[@HydroCronus]

Omar Alvarado coupe*

[@leewoolley1622]

Emerald13 wrong wrong wrong

[@AudiophileTubes]

Are you kidding?! 2 doors look a LOT better and 'sporty'!

[@PeturSubev]

I love the way you do these overview videos. Thank you and keep up the good work!

[@kenj.8897]

You make great vids , more info in 1min than most channels could do in 5 hours .

[@FGuilt]

I love the perfect student analogy.

[@aandrum]

Dude I’ve been watching your videos forever and just noticed you are driving the historic highway! I used to rip around my mk2 gti with a vr6 swap over there all the time!

[@MrAcat1988]

This guys videos are awesome, he gives so much information and very professional. This chanel Deserves more attention. I've learned a lot here and the reviews are always nice because the car is stock and not hating on modified car reviews

[@BradBrother]

your reviews are beyond some of the best

[@Sci-Fi_Fan296]

Awesome review of this wonderful & practical hot hatch! I want one!

[@istudy9]

Wow amazing, you were so straightforward with the opinion! I could see you were not excited, but thank you for giving those reasons.

[@SpaniardNL]

+Engineering Explained The reason for the tall gearing could be the unlimited maximum speed on the German highways. German vehicles tend to do this sou you can gave some ridiculous top speeds, which you are allowed to drive in Germany. That would be my explanation. Greetings from The Netherlans btw.

[@jacobshepherd3997]

I know I’m late, but I’m pretty sure your right. My dads Audi s4 has a superrrrr tall 6th gear

[@madern7]

SpaniardNL heb je gemerkt dat de usa en Canada versie van de GTI -10 pk hebben dan die van ons 😃

[@dragospahontu]

@@jacobshepherd3997 it's for emissions

[@amelh.7870]

One of the best reviews.. Good job

[@carnutal3627]

Hey EE, Excellent video; you are really good at explaining all the subtle things that go into really enjoying a car. Just a great review and one I would hope anybody thinking of buying the GTI would watch. Thanks!

[@miltonlaxer]

I love your videos. I'm a college student and own a 2013 gti and I don't think I'd trade for anything else.

[@CyrpticVmetaphor]

It would be great to see more of hot hatchbacks reviews.

[@Sardonic1981]

Have this one on my list, thanks for the review :) helps.

[@tutkeraly3]

Great vid, just watched a buch of them. Really like the stuff! All the best. Cheers! :)

[@1lee3]

Very detailed review, good work!

[@SUTTy718]

Excellent demonstration.

[@manny44]

I love the perfect student analogy, so apt.

[@ztzexplorer]

Nice review! This is the car I wanted but couldn't afford, so I got the regular golf. Interesting that you commented on gear spacing. The gearing is no where near the degree of spacing on the Golf. I have a 5-speed Manual. Comparing gear ratio charts between mine and the GTI was astonishing. My 4th gear is a taller gear than the GTI's 6th!

[@6pot]

I have the 1.4 tsi version of this car, and i think its an amazing car to take you were you want, amazing mileage, but ok power. Good for places where gas prices are high but sometimes i think its a bit too tame. Im sure the GTI is better with the fun factor but in my country its as expensive as a rear drive bimmer so i ruled it out for now. Good vid, i enjoyed watching, always like to know your opinion about the cars you drive.

[@TheoRhoades]

I love your reviews!

[@Regular_Thomas]

Autobarn gearing? They are taller then most usually

[@remodz6385]

Jason, I had no idea you were from Portland! I was watching this video, and thought to myself, that looks like the old historic hwy. then up pops the vista house. I love that road, when me and the wife get away from the kids every once in a while, we drive to the falls and back just for that drive. Thanks for all you do!

[@esoteridactyl]

Nick Schneider Yeah he lives near Portland. These roads I recognize as well and live in WA.

[@PBrooksSawyer]

Watching this makes me want to see your BRZ review again. I've been looking for a good deal for 6 months now.

[@sneeking2487]

great review good student analogy

[@ElSikario100]

Dammit Jason what a great review! I could watch you review cars all day idc if it's a prius... actually idk about that but if the opportunity comes up don't turn it down.

[@jasonfenske2223]

Almost did a Prius but had to choose between that and the FRS. That was tough. :)

[@ElSikario100]

Jason Fenske hey at least you got to try the same crappy tires right?! Lol jk I know they have their purpose. Would be interesting to see you try the 0-60mph test... might run out of room of the ramp.

[@bjjbrawler1]

Very smart and accurate analysis of the tall gearing. I came from Honda's and Jeep's with much lower gearing.. when I am rolling slow in traffic, you have to bump along in first, modulating between clutch in and little grabs to keep you rolling. In all my Hondas i've owned, you can just ride 1st gear even when going REALLY slow, like 3 mph. This is also the case in 2nd gear. I do agree, its a nice manual trans but favors higher speeds.

[@AndrewHeisey]

I'm assuming this GTI didn't have the performance pack with the electronically controlled LSD/TBD. It would have made sense for VW to include shorter gearing as part of the performance pack, that diff would have little issue dealing with the increased torque of shorter gears. I appreciate the fact you put thought into the reason for why the car doesn't feel fun. Most reviewers just take the easy way out and say it's "German and serious", as if that means anything.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Glad to hear it! Something I've definitely been trying to do... If you have an opinion about a car, you need to be able to explain why; otherwise the opinion doesn't really have any value.

[@butchmeister80]

Nope or would have red badges and gti calipers

[@RicViperskylogs]

Great review. New owner of 17 sport .. best driving experience yet 🙄

[@euronate]

Great review. I have been driving a 2015 GTI S for just about a year now and you hit a bunch of things spot on. My first and really only complaint about the car is the long gearing ratios. I deal with tons of traffic on a daily basis with my job, and it can be extremely frustrating trying to drive at a consistent 3-5 mph.

[@euronate]

Finn Blu Most of my driving is on the highway (either 55 mph or 65 mph speed limit) or turnpike (70 mph speed limit). Also, I drive a 4 door with about 350-400 lbs of work stuff with me all the time. My car's display tells me that my mpg for the last 1321 miles is 33.1 mpg with an average speed of 46 mph and time traveled of 28 hours & 41 minutes.

[@LeesReviews69]

I feel ya. If I don't give it a boost in power and let it roll a bit, it's a jerky ride.

[@euronate]

Unless I'm buying the car as a track day car, I couldn't justify getting a DSG. I enjoy throwing through the gears way too much. Also, having that 3rd pedal makes driving in the snow much easier IMO.

[@conroypawgmail]

If you want shorter gearing, get a Mk VI GTI. I like the taller gears and the better fuel economy of the Mk VII. There's plenty of torque (258 lb-ft.) to keep from bogging down, much more than the Mk VI..

[@AudiophileTubes]

GREAT, legendary car, with a long respected pedigree! The GTI is a legend!

[@DanielTojcic]

Great review , earned a sub! Would be nice if you could review the performance pack and give your comparison between the two

[@freshwipe]

Excellent review! Would love to see you review the Fiesta ST and Mustang GT

[@11jet1331]

What made you switch the engine and interior part to the middle? I personally liked it the way it was before.

[@jasonfenske2223]

I will end up doing most the usual way, but I wanted to try something different and see how the audience retention differs. Just experimenting with analytics for the purposes of learning!

[@arijfroo]

Jason Fenske I really value the format uniformity. Even if the audience retention metrics look better with the new format, as a viewer, I feel the loss of consistency will detract from the channel.

[@powerfultoa7]

Jason Fenske Hope the stats turn out to be good, I quite like this new approach. Going straight to the driving dynamics and explaining the engineering that goes behind it seems more of a logical progression, at least for me

[@SwPiotrek]

Great review! Thanks!

[@fartknocker7246]

I would love to hear your thoughts on the Fiesta ST and the Focus ST. Both seem like solid cars and good competition to the GTI.

[@QullVideo]

The long gears are a double edged sword. Sometimes I can cruise at 50mph and discover that I've been in 4th the whole time. It was just so quiet and low revs that I didn't think to change up.

[@zone47]

I have a 2017 and I love it... but do notice the tall gearing compared to a 2013 GTI. They are quite fast with a flash ... so really, an excellent bang for the buck.

[@ethan199303]

Hey this is perfect, I've been looking at getting a GTI or atleast comfortline golf. Probably buy a used one cause they're a bit pricey but thanks for the vid!

[@peterdrazdiakhansen4289]

Great review!

[@EXCELSIOR_INC]

IMAGINE WHAT IT WOULD HAVE BEEN IF YOU TOOK IT OUT 2ND GEAR 7:20 YOU'RE VERY SMART, LOVE YOUR CHANNEL, JUST MESSING WITH YOU

[@enzomanic]

excellent review!

[@joebledea]

great review, thank you

[@Spybotize]

nice review ! I would see a review with the VW Golf R from you :D

[@vaajchang]

Enjoy the driving dynamics being first.

[@gumbymac72]

Excellent review. You really hit on some points I hadn't thought about like the tall gearing. I was surprised on your 0-60 test that you went from 1st to 2nd then to 6th. Why have all those other gears? On of the other commenters suggested watching Matt Farah drive the DSG version of a Jetta and he definitely looked like he had a smile on his face when driving it (having a Stage 1 tune helped). After watching your review, I'm wondering if I should reconsider a DSG GTI or maybe just a 5-speed Golf? Oh, and I like the test drive at the start of the video.

[@brendanfogel4573]

For a daily driver this is the perfect car. I was deciding between the wrx and the gti, and I will go with the gti is doesn’t everything pretty well which is perfect for a daily driver.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Great review.

[@JosephTani]

I enjoyed your review on this car. I've got an MK1 TT 225 Quattro with APR stg1 & some other mods and am considering moving onto an MK7 Golf R 6spd manual for more room/practicality. Hoping you can do a review on that! I had an MK4 GTI in the past and won't go back to a FWD after having had an E46 M3 for over 8 years.

[@thehighlander8952]

Good review thanks

[@jessehanson3828]

a apr stage 1 will significantly improved it. Stage 2 even btr! Cant wait to get my gti and tune it!!

[@malintha]

How’s the apr so far?

[@brockjohnson100]

I found my next car. Thanks!

[@Lukemasonmedia]

I just got a 2013 mk6, love it so far. Really wish I had an MK7 tho

[@antonio576]

great review

[@SLIPKNOTmaggot262]

Love my GTI❤️

[@unknownmale]

Hey, Great video! Have you ever done an explanation on the difference between foot pounds and pound feet?

[@billowytrots8366]

iphone connectors? whats wrong with a usb slot that you can use for any phone, past, present or future?

[@geGNOME]

I've only used that damn thing like twice and that was when the car was brand new and I was still figuring it out. It's more an iPod connector than an iPhone connector. The car has Bluetooth which is so much easier.

[@Andy-1094]

Billowy Trots they want you to buy those different connectors

[@bradcarroll3719]

I would rather it come with that 30 pin connector, as they make an adapter with no cord that is like 1" or less for $5, and going the other way is more troublesome.

[@al2123950]

The 2016 they added a usb port. It works with the new system too since android auto and apple car play are new features in it.

[@catman32000]

Yeah...If you're looking for one of the Mark7's used, get the 16 and up. Has USB port and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay.

[@flopkin]

I have a 17 GTI base model S with DSG and it's fantastic. Fast, looks great, interior is great, just enough tech but not so much that it's intrusive, good gas mileage, practical, comfortable, I could go on all day. It's honestly the perfect daily driver. It's a car that you can bring to your girlfriends parents house, yet dust just about everything on the road.

[@Alkinline]

can you please make more video about the mk7 with peroformace package ??pls? i just purchased one and would love to know more about the car (mechanically wide). For example the engine, and like is it good for cornering, city, or like highway. why do people only likes the mk2 so much and not the mk7 \. Is the new gti that bad nowaday for people to like ford hothacthes more than gti ? thanks!

[@jc.1157]

EE I love your vids...always thorough..BUT one thing that always was a pet peeve of mine is that you do your 0-60 on that downward ramp...this leads me to believe that the times are always inaccurate. Why don't you do a 0-60 on a flat surface? =)

[@jamesbutler606]

he does it because he has to do it for the car people, most people couldn't give two hoots about 0-60 times, it's meaningless in the real world.

[@vmaund33]

When you apr stage 1 or 2 this car does it turn into a peer you'd hang out with on the weekend?

[@Cimone90]

Yes. It's great

[@dirkdiggler5647]

I notice no one reviewing these cars ever mentions the availability of tunes for these cars. For just a few hundred dollars (mine was 500 cad when I owned mine) you can instantly add a bunch of reliable hp and tq. It makes these cars a lot funner to drive for very little in cost

[@Soldadummy]

I can't wait to see your golf r review, especially compared to the sti

[@charliegriffin4470]

I have a 115 hp Jetta. About to get this GTI. When he said "2nd gear you can get past 70 mph" I paused the video and starting laughing in excitement

[@MisterKabul89]

Perfect analogy

[@matts6551]

One of my biggest pleasures driving a manual is rowing through the gears and conducting a symphony with my hands and feet. As you say shifting is rather lacking in the GTI, so I think I'll stick with the WRX

[@shaggmaster2300]

Hey love the reviews. 😉 was wondering if you can make a video explaining ringland failure for subarus since you have an sti. Would appreciate it thanks

[@jorgeconcheyro]

From 2º to 6º !!!! You're killing me man!!!! I feel I'm killing my car by going from 2º to 4º hhahahha. Here in Argentina we loved the GTI but I think it is not available anymore. Cheers !!!!!

[@CaptainPrice01]

In other words, it jack of all trades, master at none.

[@ManyArmedMooseDei]

The best thing Volkswagen has ever done was create the glorious, the marvelous, the dare I say 0rgasmic to diesel enjoyers worldwide vehicle that is the Golf GTD. Like a GTI, but even better. Absolute beauty for going up hills or carrying a fair bit of cargo, or both!

[@tombing16]

I am planning to buy the regular golf( comfortline) and i was wondering if its possible to change the steering wheel to this one? I hate the big and bulky steering wheel.

[@svvervinmedia]

Wish you had the performance pack press car with the Limited Slip for review. The fun factor is amplified with it.

[@DaveBuikema]

"Gonna turn off the traction and stability aids" lmao

[@dha588]

Your review is on point and informative ! Can you review the GTI with the BRZ/FRS?

[@EngineeringExplained]

+David Ha kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX2zqZqNbJaeasU

[@hujiannong]

+Engineering Explained Hi E.E., how accurate do you think the onboard fuel economy gauge is? Auto makers will do anything to jack up numbers, i.e. Mitsubishi's recent fuel efficiency and VW's diesel scandals. Any thought on the onboard MPG meter?

[@WarfareHD1]

Does he live in oregon? I recognise that structure at thr 5:05 mark

[@doglied]

another great video. Could you please give anyone of the 2016 Mazda 6 trims a test drive?

[@jtl909]

EE giving us a good tour of I 84!

[@mayo7679]

really nice video I prefer sporty cars review over VUS and trucks and im pretty sure a majority of us subscribers agree

[@Shadow_JKD]

It's don't have 4 SD card holder. It have just 2 one is for navigation and one for media the other slots are just optic

[@goofguy316]

Could you please do a review on the Golf R? I'm debating between the two

[@CX4536]

Have you consider to test the 5 door version? It might improve the daily drive experience. You might like the tall gearing on a track. You might want to test some of the car (FRS, A45, WRX) on the track though.

[@swayingGrass]

I really like the infotainment system considering it's a touch screen, rather than going back and forth searching for each "folder" it has something like navigation pane (I use Windows) for some kind of short-cut. By the way, how many cups can one man bring into a car?

[@jonathanpeterson1]

The gearing is interesting. My MKV has much shorter gears. Maybe because of the lower performance of the 2008 FSI engine?

[@96jonsson]

Please do more on the integera 😊

[@oldfashionedwrx3574]

im no fan of the gti but it looks like a great daily and they sell well for a reason.

[@EngineeringExplained]

Jared Tate Absolutely, terrific car.

[@ahmettillem785]

Engineering Explained ok

[@keptkozy]

So cool watching this because I know that road haha.