2015 VW Golf R - One Take

The Golf R is the fastest car you can buy under the VW brand, with 300 HP, AWD, and a dual-clutch transmission, it feels more like a mini Porsche on the road than a standard Golf.

[@hammurambi]

Dump truck guy is a major bro

[@JD-ey8hw]

I want to find that road and marry it and make little baby back roads with it.

[@computiNATEor]

Justin Donahue It's a great road. CA Highway 2, north of La Cañada Flintridge, on the way to Wrightwood. They just reopened the whole road, so driving the route makes a nice afternoon trip.

[@computiNATEor]

***** Nice! I did the trip in my e39 530i, and picked up a hiker along the way. The fog was extremely dense (less than 30ft of visibility at times), so I didn't really get to open it up all that much.

[@rmuckluck]

You stole that line from scrubs

[@JD-ey8hw]

rmuckluck for the most part. But it does apply here

[@computiNATEor]

***** Yep. But let's let sleeping comments lie... :)

[@RoadsUntraveled]

Drivers seem so damn polite up there in the canyons! Up here in Vancouver if you're able to even find a twisty road that isn't dirt or extremely busy, no one will ever let you by. Like seriously. It's never happened.

[@dragospahontu]

Ikr

[@shitluck2jzgte]

We have amazing roads bruh

[@ipineiro554]

Subaru really needs to step their game up. This MK7 Golf R is gonna give the STI a run for its money. For nearly the same amount of money as the STI, you can get the Golf R, which as a better overall fit and finish, fantastic DSG, hatchback practicality (bring back the hatch, Subaru!), and is faster (according to MotorTrend). The Subaru enthusiasts and boy racers will probably stick with their trusty STI, but I think the Golf R is easily the better choice. VW really knocked the MK7 Golf out of the park.

[@TheSmokingTire]

Ivan Pineiro It's faster in the real world too. On the straightaways and on corner entry, the Golf R pulls on the STI without much trouble. The only place the STI can keep up is on corner exit, because you can get on the throttle a bit earlier. In a drag race, which may or may not have occurred, every DSG gearchange is worth about 10 feet on the STI. I love a stick as much as anyone, probably more in certain cars. But Subaru's stick isn't great, as we saw, and DSG is really good 95% of the time.

[@hammurambi]

Ivan Pineiro Subaru does need to step up their game in both the styling of the STI and the motor. I bet when they do the mid-generation facelift that they have always done the the STI, it'll get the new direct injection FA motor and hopefully some better styling. I'd still probably take the STI over the VW because I prefer to work on my own cars and Subarus are about a thousand times easier to work on than VWs. The Focus RS seems to be the better choice over both though, but I'll have to wait and see.

[@ARTaken007]

Josh Scott RS should be a better performing car but i highly doubt it will be nearly as nice as the R. R interior and ride is very nice.

[@jayell7062]

Not everybody has faith in vw. I would never. Too many horror stories

[@hammurambi]

AR Taken You're probably right about that, but interior quality doesn't really matter much to me in the grand scale of things. For the most part, the cars are have owned were used, base model economy cars that were over a decade old when I bought them, so interior quality to me is pretty relative. I've driven a few friends' newer and nicer cars lately, and I Have to say, the interior is very nice and very comfortable, but it doesn't command as much of my attention as good steering, handling, or power. Performance matters more to me than heated seats and a nice sound system. I am happy with the interior in the Fiesta ST I drove recently, and if the RS has anything comparable or better, it'll be plenty of comfort for me.

[@themikser8648]

I bought this car on the back of this video,I’ve owned 2 Porcshe’s 996 997 M3 Audi RS4 But this car takes the piss out of all of them .

[@cosmic7431]

Hell yeah, waking up to these one takes makes my day that much better

[@aaronstomski586]

If you liked the 2015 with the DSG you'd love the 2016 manual. I've loved all +60k miles I have on mine. Even the lay flat rear headrests to improve rear window visibility are a true sign of the German engineering.

[@dragospahontu]

German cars are a lot more refined and quite than Japanese ones, i attribute that to the Autobahn.

[@ericlagrone1279]

Just wanted to say that you are awesome sir. You're video with the camera mounted on the front of the car made me feel as though I was there in a way for a ride along. More initial car reviews need to be like this one. Your commentary was great and straight to the point on how the car feels. I can tell you truly have a passion for driving. Subscribed.

[@ryan4888]

I look forward to watching these everyday. I absolutely love the one takes.

[@dis6900]

Keep up the great work Matt. Love your reviews. By far my favorite KZbin channel.

[@socalpimp1974]

Great job with these videos...They are amazing

[@wasjunk11]

best show ever...cool car ,cool road,hi-speed footage...MATT,best one ever

[@brdpit]

"Have you driven goff ah mate"

[@zadjaliz]

Great review as always Matt, Loving the new Golf R, the whole package is just much better than the STI. Keep up the good work

[@mprziv]

Living in South Florida I am incredibly jealous of how many awesome roads you guys have in CA. Beautiful video...well done!

[@Pas_Quattro]

Exactly why I moved from soFla to Cali lol

[@goodbadboy6969]

Great video - The Golf R is an awesome car - Had mine a month now and love it..I will love it even more after tuning it to 360hp = )

[@timetofl0at340]

What was ur 0-60 after the tune?

[@gabepettinicchio7454]

Love what you do Matt. Be safe! Just by the vids alone, it looks obvious that the Golf is the better car.

[@Mr.M1STER]

Other drivers in the canyons seem nice the way they always move out of your way to let you by.

[@adamfrost9048]

Great review, I'm glad that you liked the Golf R since you always seem very honest and straight to the point. It's cool to hear that overall you seem to like the steering feel since that's one of the things Hans Stuck said he gave a fair amount of input on during development.

[@frankth3frizz]

That's great that VW is actually doing it right. Makes me more excited about the Focus RS. Great review Matt!

[@N734NJ]

This is the video that convinced me to go VW Golf. Wanted the R, but have lots of people and stuff to haul, so best I can do is Golf SportWagen with IS38 and supporting mods/tubes. Thanks for the video!

[@onkyomitsu4765]

The 60fps upgrade on 1080p is awesome!! feels like i'm watching a video game!!

[@BasicBodThor]

A visit to APR would make this just that much sweeter. Thanks for the review, look forward to a look at the focus RS when it arrives in North America.

[@heisenberg3139]

Beautiful Countryside, beautiful Car, beautiful Weather... What a nice Ride...envious.....

[@vdubjetta02]

Having owned an STI and a golf R, you are spot on with the R being more refined

[@JustAnotherHo]

I really like the 60 FPS of the video. So awesome.

[@givemeajackson]

i can tell you really really liked that car, more than most others in the one takes.

[@Spaz12isHipAimedFagg]

This car sounds so good and has so much class

[@davidmccallum6434]

Had to Bookmark this page. Love it. Thank, mate.

[@ryand121984]

Thanks for a great and honest review Matt!

[@alexp6409]

Great vids! Would love to see other angles during the drive - interior shot looking forward from back seat, footwell shot for some heel and toe action, close ups of gauges, stuff like that. I'm sure it's not easy to work all that in when you're putting these vids out as quick as you are, just throwing it out there. Keep up the good work!

[@alexk3421]

A stage 2 tune from Unitronic gets this thing up to 397hp on pump gas.

[@dragospahontu]

It's beautiful

[@busy2012]

How much will that tune cost thought 🤡🤡

[@alexk3421]

@@busy2012 On sale for $650 right now 🤡🤡

[@busy2012]

@@alexk3421 Plus yearly bills of 3000$ for regular maintenance apart from gas, sure 🤡🤡

[@alexk3421]

@@busy2012 Literally not true at all.. unless you own one don’t talk about it cause you’re just making yourself sound stupid. I’ve had a MK7 for 2.5 years now it’s been $85 for an oil change from the dealer, which is literally all it’s needed so far. Do some more research pal 🤡🤡

[@TheDude613]

Was shopping for a manual 2016 WRX sport -tec. A 2016 Lapiz Blue DSG fell into my price range. The rest is history. This is basically the car he’s reviewing and it is extremely satisfying to watch considering I thought it would be a very long time before I’d be moving on from my Passat 3.6 4motion. She was a great car though and will be somewhat missed.

[@nxdboi]

An APR tune would make that thing a little beast! 330+hp would be a lot of fun with such a well balanced car. Almost like a mini GTR.

[@spblat]

Great video. Fun to watch this car render you speechless.

[@razerone4918]

Thx Matt, just what I was waiting for👍

[@kanethompson708]

👊

[@michaels7016]

Got mine coming in 3 wks : ) Nice review

[@jw8559]

Holly sh*t, empty road, what a drive. Awesome vid

[@SurelyYewJest]

Holy cow, maybe it's the video recording, but that sounds damn close to the 2.5L 5-cylinder with the sound enhancement. I'd love to have that as the soundtrack all the time.

[@RogueDarkAgent]

That road looked a dream I want one of these cars I've had 3 gti' s and a 4motion and they started feeling a bit heavy to me I'd Love an R great video good driving I'm gonna sub peace out

[@rambow70]

The golf r is such a refined car, you can get it when you're older and not feel silly.

[@free5403]

I'd like to see you in germany. Visiting any german car factory and its museum, taking test drives on the autobahn and backroads. Not to forget ze german beer and ze food in ze evening, we (ze germans) are nuts about besides cars. I like these one Take videos. Some reallybeautiful roads, great landscape and nice weather, different cars. Good package

[@teiren474]

Amazing car! love these VW's!

[@NikoBell12]

Excellent review again!

[@upload9595]

Have you driven the Golf R m8? :D

[@thomaselli01]

Nice review, nice car, nice reviewer!

[@gordonstuart5800]

Good review for the VW R is awesome as I've had one for 3years

[@dragospahontu]

German engineering

[@RideRedRacer]

I live right next to this canyon. driven this many many times.

[@audiwankenobi361]

The roads here in Florida are waaay more epic than this!....I even heard that Matt was moving here because of our roads....I ain't lying!!!

[@forder84]

Matt just wanted to say I love your videos, the best by far at doing what you do. Keep them coming, you should come over to the UK sometime and do some vids here =-)

[@TheSmokingTire]

forder84 I'd love to. Wish the UK wasn't so expensive.

[@forder84]

+TheSmokingTire Yeah your right there, we do have it quite well on some fronts, although after your New Zealand trip I don't think too much would really shock you here. I drive an stage1 R33 gtst but that R34 GTR, WOW, you should definitely stick to the 9year pledge! The owner should be proud =-)

[@RichieMK4Rich]

they're coming out with a 6 speed MT later this year, so no worries on that part!

[@mrglock568]

I love all of the people crying about the gearbox when they've never even driven one. I'm 21, so should be all about that awesome manual, involved driving, but honestly, I'm converted! Over here in the UK pretty much everyone learns to drive a manual so it's not a big deal. My Mk 7 R is so suited the the 6spd dsg box, and launch control is just hilarious. Saying that,I'm am changing in a year or two to a built supra or R32 GT-R, so Ive got to enjoy the dsg while I can haha!

[@Jaguar51995]

It honestly depends on the car. If you're in the new M4 for example, a manual wouldn't make much sense because it is a waste of the torque gains and the full experience isn't there. However, in most naturally aspirated engines a manual makes much more sense. Unfortunately the sad truth is as turbocharging is becoming more and more popular, the manual will eventually be phased out.

[@HRINACAR]

what a lovely road too dude I loved mine in my vid. hope you having fun in it still

[@luckyupyours]

If I'm not mistaken is there supposed to be a 6 speed version of the Golf R coming out this summer?

[@LastHumansGarage]

the induction noise is probably the soundaktor and not real. my most viewed video is about the soundaktor on the MK6 GTI.

[@TheSmokingTire]

LastHumansGarage The Golf R sounds much deeper and more "motorsport-like" than the GTI, which I had right after. The GTI sounds like a tractor by comparison. So if that's what they are doing, it works great.

[@LastHumansGarage]

hahah your German impression made me laugh out loud..

[@LastHumansGarage]

TheSmokingTire hmm.. well the GTI has the soundaktor too.. a vibration box mated under the wiper area which vibrates up the windsheild. my 2013 GTI soundaktor had an on/off switch, and i have a vid showing it real time on and off. it adds the growl, but i usually kept it off to be honest. I have a 2015 WRX now, so these last couple videos were very interesting for me. GTIs do sound like tractors.. or diesels..

[@TheSmokingTire]

LastHumansGarage maybe the Golf R's soundaktor is better than the GTI's soundaktor.

[@MrGovenator1]

LastHumansGarage The 2015 WRX has a amplifier type thing that pumps sounds from the engine bay into the cabin right? At real low speeds or idol you can hear a very nice rumble, but I feel like its sort of fake. Not quite coming through the speakers fake, but a little help getting into the cabin through some sort of pipping.

[@leistungep3]

Great review!

[@WorldwideDarts]

I'd def take this over the STi

[@GT-gt4bf]

Can't wait to see you Focus RS, Matt!

[@JacobFrey]

Nice review, Matt. A manual transmission will be available in the 2016 R.

[@jjurii]

That was an interesting video Matt. I realized most of the other reviewers chose the STI over the Golf R, but i'm glad you gave your honest opinion. That being said, i wonder why you chose to drive the two cars on different roads especially since you were comparing them to each other.

[@tillsy23]

sounds incredible love the trim and refined feel, goes pretty hard, are you going to flash the ecu or add any mods?

[@rfouR_4]

I agree. And these cars make great power without much work. Just stage 1 they're doing 12 flats 1/4 mile times and making ~320-330whp. On a GTX2867R turbo upgrade APR is just into the 10s on pump gas.

[@Sardonic1981]

wicked car though, I appreciate the review....thanks. Hopefully I'll be able to pick one up next year....can't decide between this or the GTI+sense+perfromance or maybe just the base GTI+leather....

[@JacksCompleteLack0fSurprise]

loved the Chris Harris impression

[@845ToastT]

I wonder how the 2016 Focus rs will compare. I said a long time ago that Ford needs to make an awd focus to directly compete with wrx and r32.

[@Aearonjer]

What a great little car, got to me manual for though. Nice review.

[@disrespectedbug7666]

Best drive so far. I miss the R32 for that grunty sound, but it definitely felt heavy around windy roads. Does this car feel like you need to keep the revs high in order for it to do anything?

[@ryanalford6108]

Love the ending where his friend is drifting the sti haha

[@coldvaper]

I'm waiting for the Focus RS before I make up my mind on which car to buy. I prefer the looks over the focus but the Golf R seems like an awesome car too. I can not wait for your review of the RS.

[@seinsmeld13]

For $5,000 more would you take an Audi S3 over this?? That's the move I made and I'm happy I did. Keep up your great reviews.

[@Veyronp87]

very competent car. curious to hear whether you think its worth it over a gti

[@94BrunoO]

Everyday said it didn't justify the money over the GTI, because it's not that superior in comparison, but instead (almost) more of the same, can't wait to hear your opinion on that. TheSmokingTire

[@MrLeopodstanicky]

beautiful, thank you so much

[@ParadoxdesignsOrg]

it's seems so relaxed on the road considering the speeds its going through.

[@dragospahontu]

I like the Subaru more because of the looks, plus I can get a girl

[@szouftz]

@@dragospahontu if you’re getting girls cause you have a subaru, you need help

[@dragospahontu]

@@szouftz XD, hey you really can't get a girl with a golf. I talked to my therapist and she said something similar to what you said.

[@swiftripper7557]

@@dragospahontu Yea. A quality girl won't give a shit what car you drive

[@MorningMindfulness]

@@dragospahontu idk man newer VW’s really nice inside and out, I don’t think a lot of girls would be against them.

[@Will-yd9bz]

I've also watched your video on the Lexus isf both around the same price range in Australia what's your opinion on them which one would you buy and why. Thanks

[@stealthynuke]

those accents were on point

[@R32vw]

Great video matt. Whens that og 04 R32 Review coming?

[@dnlpark]

Hi Matt, Great video as always! For a car enthusiast, You are making KZbin more exciting than ever with these one take videos...I do have one question, you seem very fond of the DCT on the R, but if you have a choice of manual 6spd vs DCT on the R. Which would you choose?

[@TheSmokingTire]

LaZiiiDaN I'd take the manual with the Neuspeed short shift kit.

[@evanescent03]

+TheSmokingTire manually shifting my 2015 M3 at the track was more of a pleasure than i expected ... so quick and never shifted until I asked it. it seems like too many of the DSG/DCT/etc cars still like to upshift before you want it to happen. such an unwelcome event especially when trying to stay smooth with maintenance throttle while going through a turn. i'm looking for a fun/functional daily driver that i'll be using for autocross and a couple track days each year. nothing heavy duty needed but those couple times i go out there and really thrash it, i want it to be satisfying. I'm thinking i'll wait for the manual just to be sure, but what do you think? thank you, i have been really enjoying your one take videos, keep it up man! my favorite reviewer right now, especially with so much new content constantly rolling out! awesome!

[@manygaga1]

Driving a simple vw myself I must say they are built very well. One downside: maintenance and spare parts aren't cheap for a normal car

[@ptriq]

I'm curious, how do those VW dual clutch transmissions hold up long term?

[@MichaelRodriguez-vl8by]

This video gives me gas, I like it

[@ballmode]

TheSmokingTire Great comparo between the STI and Golf R, when we get the GTI review can you comment on if its better for the money than a standard WRX? Seems like you went Golf R > STi mainly for more for the buck in fit/finish/engine/trans, does that apply to the FWD GTI vs the WRX without the STI motor/trans?

[@TheHooniverse]

Driven both the manual and the dual clutch. I enjoyed the manual because it's, well, a manual... the dual-clutch is the better car though. I'm not a huge fan of VW clutches, they always seem to lack a bit in the feel department. The shifter action, however, has gotten way better over the last few years. -JG

[@michaelcheshareck3275]

Being a guy with a bad back the dual clutch was a feature that sold me on getting the Golf R. It's very good for the most part when left to its own devices, and the paddles are always there when you want to take over and shift your own gears. The fact that it's faster than the manual helps seal the deal. I am very happy with my choice of the Golf R. It's both a comfortable and nice daily driver, as well as a lot of fun on a back road or at a drag strip.

[@jayczyzyk9707]

Michael Cheshareck howsyour back with thevw r

[@jayczyzyk9707]

Michael Cheshareck howsyour back with thevw r

[@michaelcheshareck3275]

My back is doing great in the Golf R. The seat adjusts just right for me. Your mileage may vary depending on your body type as I know of one guy that sold his R because it bothered his back. Most people however have been happy with the comfort of the seats.

[@jayczyzyk9707]

i haveawrx 2015 but i drove my frends 2015 r for 100 miles while engaging track mode and the ride was extremely unbearable on bumpy roads i would never get that r because ofback problems

[@Chris-qc9dj]

It's amazing how the 2 guys on the motor trend review picked the sti. I've test driven the sti 3 times now. i have sat in the R only. Hopefully i can test drive one soon. The enterior of the R blew me away. The sti had a pretty firm ride, seats were not that comfortable. It's a tough decesion to make. The sti is fun though. I think i'll wait untill the manual r comes out and do another few test drives between the 2 to make my decision. It is tough being patient. ugh!!! lol.

[@therealmichaelw]

I thought the manual was coming out this summer? I hope it is I wanna go test one.

[@gdriverr]

Matt, I'm with you waiting for the focus RS however this car seems very tempting. I can't wait to see the comparisons between the two once the RS is out. My current short list is the Golf R, STI, Focus RS and Mustang GT (PP).

[@NastyTranquillin]

I have always been an avid subaru/STI guy. Been driving the R for 5 days now and will not go back. Gotta buy one first tho, just borrowing it.

[@Krispy95]

Can't wait to get mine! Is the manual worth it?

[@jlwk9727]

Was very surprised to hear the comparisons you were making between this and the STI, *especially* when you said that the Golf is better in the corners. Wow. Glad i watched this video, I'm no longer so sure I"ll be going wih the STI. Can you not get this with a manual transmission though? That would be a dealbreaker for me.

[@user-xh2vn6gs7p]

I enjoyed the review like always but with as concerned with the audio as you are matt, how could you stand hearing that piece of paper or whatever it was sliding around the back seat every time you transition from left to right?

[@bottomlayer]

How reliable are these DCT's?

[@nj_trailfinder]

What did you have DCC set at? Standard? Race? I roll in comfort mode for my day to day, supple and responsive.

[@salvatoreaversa1145]

Just out of curiosity, did you also put it in race mode? And if you tried the launch control, it would melt your face.

[@chrismodern5664]

I just got a stick golf r yesterday. Would love it if you drove it!!!

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

If you had to re choose between the focus rs and the golf r, which would you pick?

[@iphone3guru]

I'd be interested to see how each car handled loose surfaces especially snow. Because for me, and many other who dont live in Cali thats one of the reasons we get AWD. I also have a sneaky suspicion that the Sti does a better job.

[@floralboy8626]

Big fan matt

[@gigidy5]

I'd be interested in your take on the Altima SE-R.

[@jiminkrott1569]

I've never cared much for hatchbacks and have been looking at the S3. I love manuals though, so the golf is growing on me. compared to your s3 review, the golf sounds much better