2016 VW Golf GTI Mk7 with Performance Pack review

The Mk7 Golf GTI, new and improved. Come take a spin with me and the gorillas.
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[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

By far the best interior in its class.

[@jaguto]

Mini does better

[@oppanheimer]

+Snazzy Snafu Man you are living my dream.

[@aymed92]

+Jaime Gutierrez But its more expensive than a Golf. I love the new Mini, its a BMW interior and engine, but its also a BMW price ;) Still planing on getting either this mk7 GTI or the Clubman Cooper S 2015 by the end of the year.

[@Osprey1994]

+Furkan Turfanda Every time it gets compared to other cars in its class it dominates is the steering the most communicative? No but that really doesn't matter because I am swapping my MK6 for a MK7 due to the fact that I need a nice interior for my cruising days but I also need something that responds when I flog it hard.

[@thegrenade8976]

Gti way faster and better

[@stoneridgejeff2]

Very helpful review. I bought a '16 GTI SE w/PP after an extensive search and comparison with other vehicles. I am really glad with my choice. I love driving the GTI and it's functional and refined.

[@Bigbooster126]

my mom has a mkVII GTI Performance pack, it is such a great little car. so practical and fun. That 6 speed manual is great

[@craigcoughlin1834]

The aftermarket rims are a vast improvement in the appearance of this car.

[@carljohnson4503]

100% agreed

[@italianguy25]

The quality of your videos are professional quality Nick! Great job on the different angles and shots throughout.

[@wesleypowell9907]

That last blooper has me rolling hahah. Great video Nick. You have a way of turning me into a fan of every car you review. Good stuff. Keep them coming!

[@TurningPurple]

Are you like, the guy who voices all the Outback Steakhouse ads on KZbin?

[@sethsheaffer1544]

polarbear yo man literally saw this comment right before the video and when he talked I laughed so hard thank you

[@Polletross]

I just bought a 2016 mk7 GTI and I love it. Some call it ugly but i can't stop staring at it. Great and accurate review!

[@WookieeRage]

I really love your review, fun and informative. My 2013 Jetta TDI has been affected by the Diesel Emissions Settlement, so when I had to figure out what to replace it with I decided to go with the Golf. So then the question became TSI or GTI. Budget wise the incentives VW is offering this year are pretty incredible. With $3.4k plus another $1,000.00 for loyalty, the '17 Golf TSI Wolfsburg Ed. came in at $19.651.00. A very good price for almost any budget. Especially with how much it has to offer. However, the dealer also had a new 2016 GTI Auduban w/ Performance Package for $30.2k, but they eventually dropped down to $28.5k just to get it sold! So here is where you congratulate me on such an awesome deal! But alas, my budget is just a little too tight and I went with the '17 Golf TSI Wolfsburg. Funny thing is, I don't feel like I am missing out on very much. This is no race car by any means, but it has all the snap and pop I need to enjoy a truly quality driving experience. One of the things that attracted me to the Golf was how quiet a ride it is, something I value, and I am not disappointed. The only thing I really wish was better is the stock audio system, since I had the Fender system in my Jetta. But otherwise I will likely add 17" wheels and a catch-can to the engine. I might upgrade the headlights at a later date, but honestly the halogens provide all the light I need. If like me you can't fit the GTI into your budget, I highly recommend you give the Golf TSI a serious consideration.

[@blinkinsum224]

Great review, Nick! Your video quality keeps improving! Keep up the great work.

[@JakeDrives1]

always love and look forward to your reviews Nick!!

[@EdGeyy]

I've never seen one of your reviews until now and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fantastic car.

[@ArnelZapataJr]

Love the GTI, saving up for this now and going to get one in a couple of years. The interior is always excellent as well!

[@dom7098]

Best reviews on youtube! Everyone else just goes over what the car has, not whether its good or not. Love your channel

[@NickMurray]

+Dominic Thomas Thanks Dominic

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Great review Nick! I always liked these too, especially with the plaid seats! Great to see that they have Apple CarPlay now and finally put a USB port in it.

[@NickMurray]

+subaruwrxfan yes the plaid seat rock! Thanks Matt

[@riccccccardo]

Wish u made this vid before I bought my 200bhp front wheel drive Audi A4 s line I kept spinning front wheels without even trying 😭😭😭

[@jg4x]

Best produced car videos on KZbin. Thanks!

[@eslgurucalif]

By far the best GTI review. Thanks.

[@GregLopes]

Great review! The GTI is unquestionably a great car. I would love to see you do a review of a new Golf R.

[@diulei2385]

About to sleep Then sees "nick Murray" new video in subscription. Open lights, headphones in, PLAY!!!!!! keep up the good work nick! I understand you are an IT director but dam I wish there are more videos haha! From Melbourne Australia.

[@kylegoodman5196]

Excellent review. I bought a 2015 Four Door SE with the Performance Pack and the DCC. Not having the USB port sucks but holy cow is the car awesome in every way. I had to buy an extended warranty on the thing because I just drive the car so much I've only had it for a bout a year and a half and I've almost put 30000 miles on it.

[@swanblake]

Great review. Looking forward to your take on the BRZ/FRS

[@williamk1800]

Looking forward to your Golf R review! I just got mine and love it, but wish it had a sunroof.

[@gregorytrane7828]

I have to agree with you that the Golf GTI MK 7 really under rates their power. I drove one for the first time last week. I've driven performance cars for over 50 years and have experienced few cars that respond to me like this one. It's performance, engine note brakes, steering and road feel, as well as it's excitement has to be driiven to be believed. I attribute a lot of this to German engineering which has few if any peers. It reminded me a lot of the BMW E-46 that I use to own and still feel is the bench mark standard which all other cars should be measured by. The GTI wins this hands down as I'm thinking of purchasing one. The Japanese and U.S. really are not there yet and BMW is slipping and lost it's European tradition and focus it once had as the "ultimate driving machine", in order to satisfy it's biggest U.S. market. Volkswagen also offers more bang for buck than any other car manufacturer out there. They also seem to keep refining their cars for the road with each newer generation. This was a fine video and great analysis and review and am looking forward to more shows.

[@davytoye6852]

Just a technical input on the performance pack. A limited slip differential will not help a car's performance accelerating in a straight line. Its function is to transfer more power to the outside wheel in a corner in order to avoid the typical understeer character of a front-wheel drive car. Nice review!

[@drewwilson636]

Contemplating buying a 2016 Golf GTI performance.... Very much enjoyed the review

[@S203]

Great review Nick, loving the new GTI's. Currently looking at MK6's, take advantage of how much they depreciated.

[@zacklarson4208]

We all love a bit of deviated stitching, Nick. I had a mark V GTI a number of years ago and I miss it so much that I've decided to purchase a new mark VII in a few months. I think I'm gonna go for the sport model with the DSG (even though i loved the mark V manual, the DSG is faster). Thanks for the awesome review!

[@bcochnov10]

Great review. What wheels are those? I've had my 2016 GTI Autobahn with perf pkg about two weeks. The Apple Car Play is great, but I had to upgrade from an iPhone 4S to 5S in order to use it. My only complaint about Apple Play is I'm forced to use I Maps vs Google Maps in order for it to be displayed on the infotainment system. I haven't let my Boxer in the car yet. haha

[@ryanmcqueen6909]

Couldn't agree more about what you said about tall gearing. My mk6 has the exact same problem and it's so apparent. I'm always nearly stalling mine because I try to take the corners in 2nd as with all the other cars I've owned this has normally been fine to do.

[@glenography1536]

Great review. I feel saddened that no one ever brings up the cooled glovebox though! I love it for keeping some fruit or snacks cool on a hot road trip.

[@michaeltorres2377]

Great review Nick! LOL at 13:37 when you said VW was " lying about the power" Why can't VW just tell the truth? Keep up the good work. Cheers!

[@khunopie9159]

I must say brother, (we are both deep into our 40s, I suspect, hence 'brother' ) you have amped up you enthusiasm considerably from your early days! What is the real Nick like? A mellow, soft spoken guy or the whooping and giddy Nick we see here? Your subscribers (sorry 'fans') want to know!

[@YasumotoUS]

Those roads look very similar to the roads on my daily drives for work or general travel. How did you find the GTI to navigate undulating and twisty country roads? Did the tires stay planted over odd bumps through corners and braking? I'm in the Mid-Atlantic, so potholed and patched country twisties going through woods, suburbs and farms are the norm.

[@jesuscollects4389]

Just bought a 2016 autobahn with performance pack and for my first car have ZERO complaints. Only 30K miles too 👏🏼

[@stefankoles]

Yea Nick,can wait to see it.

[@asterisp]

I love those wheels. I think I can fit them in my Golf mk6 1.4 TSi.Can you please tell me which ones they are cause they dont look like the default ones. (sorry for my english). Also in the competitors you forgot the Honda Civic Type R and the Opel Astra OPC or GTC.

[@andyheejunghan1716]

awesome review! Big fan from NZ.

[@BenKurth]

Love, love, love, love. Thanks Nick!

[@mikev.2945]

Great review. We put about 100K on an '08 model (traded in earlier this year) and it's about the most fun you can have for the money. The only issue we ever had was the carbon build up. I think my wife just drove it too slow - didn't get those revs up.. :) Otherwise it was flawless. If it was easy to find a 4 door with auto and leather heated seats as a CPO, we probably would have got another one, but it's very hard to find this combo.

[@JIMMYHIBBS1]

Good review - got me wondering whether I should have bought one over my M Sport 1 series - mind it doesn't look as good and isn't rear wheel drive

[@german5453]

Hi Nick, great video! Two questions: 1) Are those rims stock? Model/Name? 2) Why a car company would declare less power (hp)? Thanks!

[@markday6524]

Have a MK6 and 7 at this time. LOVE them both.

[@Treizez34]

Can you do a review on the GLI? I own a 2016 (fully loaded SEL) and I think it is such an under appreciated car. Would love to know your thoughts.

[@chrisdennis1348]

Nick I really like your wheels. What size and make are they ? Color ? Thanks, Chris

[@heres_the_sauce]

Great review! Very informative thanks. But the picture you use for the WRX is an Sti, could be confusing for some people as it's a very different car...

[@oppanheimer]

Awesome car and your cameras produce really good quality video.

[@terpysonic8360]

How are those seats compared to the cloth seats? Want something I'm comfortable for longer periods of time. I've only driven GTI's with the cloth

[@Harpreet06]

The DCC option is great if you're driving on bad roads, especially on 19 inch wheels. The comfort mode is very good.

[@maxpabst5316]

hey Nick, i`d like to know what you think about the VW diesel scandal. It`s a realy big thing here in germany! would be cool if you can tell in one of you next videos/ or explain what vw was doing exactely

[@coolduckey]

What's that hand mount that you use for the interior of the car? It looks like it balances itself too...

[@olivercooney8622]

That final blooper has me crying Nick hahahaha

[@NickMurray]

Yes. I am a muppet. : )

[@jwag869]

Good review Nick! Due to reoccurring knee problems I had to give up driving stick after 30 years and three weeks ago bought a one year old 2015 GTI Autobahn 4 door DSG in dark carbon that has all the options except Performance Pack and DCC. I got it from an ebay dealer without even driving one first but all the online reviews said buy one. Everything turned out great and I love the car but I was worried waiting for it to arrive after watching your problems with the 911 and then pulling out of the lot in the new BMW and having an airbag fail. I was thinking this is my first German car, I hope I don't regret this. I was worried I was losing out not having the Performance Pack but honestly in normal everyday driving I don't see how anyone would notice a difference. In everyday driving with our low speed limits and traffic its a waste of time even putting it in Sport mode. It is my first VW but I think the value is excellent for the build quality, the performance, and the practicality of everyday use. The value is even better if a person shops around. I saved 8k off of retail buying one year old. The last owner even left in that VW-Apple cable, an extra set of heavy duty rubber GTI floor mats, storage area mat and cargo net, and the satellite radio subscription thru the end of the year. The 30-31mpg in the city is very nice also coming from an SUV. Yes, I even had an SUV with a stick shift.

[@NickMurray]

+jwag869 Congrats on your car. I doubt you will have any issues with it they are a pretty solid little beast.

[@beeeneee]

Hi Nick, what do you think of making a video about vw-gate?

[@eval7952]

Just traded in my mk4 r32 for a 2015 base model gti , 2 door manual. As much as I love my old R I’m not missing any of the power. Love the gti!

[@imrayhow]

Where's your BRZ/GT86 review? I am deciding between the GTI and BRZ :)

[@MechRider89]

I test drove a 2016 GTI P-pack the other day, hands down the interior is far high quality and more refined then the mk6 golf line. The gear are really long totally agree. I never left 3rd the whole 1 hour test drive.

[@FSAviators]

I had an MK6 GTI a few years ago when I first moved to Boston. Good car but certainly wouldnt call it fast. Also the GTI has a pretty rough ride. On a rough patch of road you definitley feel it.. Thanks Nick :)

[@jmsma6234]

Nick. Don't know if you're aware of this, but you've started a fire storm on VWVORTEX and other blogs. VW lack of attention to customer expectations has struck again! As I watched your video, I was shocked when you highlighted the performance monitor. I am the joyful owner of a 2016 Golf R MT, and guess what "no f----ing monitor". Instead, VW equipped the 2015 and 2016 R's with a Think Blue monitor. Seriously, if I wanted to save the planet I would have bought a Prius! Obviously, there is a software update coming our way. Right?! No wait, this is VW. We don't communicate with our buyers. Your video was cited more than once for bringing this oversight to R owners. Many thanks!!!

[@NickMurray]

+jm smh Ha ha yes that blue monitor is a waste. So no performance monitor on the 2016 R? What is up with that?

[@beeeneee]

+jm sma No offense, but i do not think that a performance monitor is really essential to enjoy your car. I have a (EU) Audi S3 and have no such thing either and i have never missed it. It has always been this case with all car makers, sometimes they fit updates, sometimes they dont

[@groundingtiming]

Nick, when permits, could you do a Ford Focus ST as well?

[@wajper4876]

you got a nice cameras package. good stuff

[@Cogito1978]

@Nick Murray - great review as always. I test drove a similar car and was very impressed with the ride and handling but the lag starting in first and tall gearing caught me off guard. I felt none of that in a a3 2.0t with dct. Do you think the lower gearing of the dct made the difference or the awd could put down the power without freaking out the traction control?

[@NickMurray]

+Damon Spencer Yes the DCT is quite a lot easier to drive and of course with the DCT there is no throttle lift off between gears. I find that most cars feel faster with DCT because of that.

[@koenruesink5129]

Very nice review. You know what your talking about. Best regards from Holland

[@mntbighker]

I LOVE my 2015 2dr PP DSG with the VWR springs and some over priced Enkei wheels ;-) Not to mention thanks to MQB someone finally makes a hitch mount that isn't practically dragging the ground with a bike rack installed. My last 4 VW's were TDI, and I loved every one. But I think my timing was good to go back to a gas model ;-)

[@CrzyAzianMdness]

Hey Nick, think you can review the Focus ST?

[@mozillagenesis]

Hey you're in Connecticut, where is the chain of 12 cars tailgating behind you? That's what happens to me each time I get on roads like that and I live in CT. And that's doing 20 over the limit! : )

[@DamianSabre]

Sorry if I missed it, but what's the throttle response like?

[@jollijandro]

The best way to tell the difference when trying out the DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) is to first drive it on a regular road (back road -- bumpy preferred) with DCC set to 'Comfort'. Get a good feel and also listen to the engine; then on same road change the setting to 'Sport'. You will notice the difference. As for maintenance; follow the maintenance schedule and remember that the GTI is NOT a track car. It was never meant to be and still is not! I love my 2016 GTI Autobahn w/ Perf. Pack!

[@j_merlotte5467]

Nick - do you know what year wrx the owner of this PP gti had before the gti?

[@lucab.5944]

BRZ/FRS/GT86 Review?? Awesome!! I consider one of these as my first car to own :)

[@singletrackftw]

Nick, would love to see a review on the civic si, I would be more than happy to lend you my 2014 si but I'm in AZ. :(

[@907536322]

Would you buy a new 2017 GTI or a used 2014 3 or 4 series?

[@lilshrtkid]

what type of rims are those? amazing mk7!

[@Uh-huh-uh-huh]

Hi Nick, great review! I also watched your Golf R review as I'm considering one of these. Can I ask, for living in Southern California, which MK7 Golf car would you say is more "FUN" to drive, the GTI w/ performance pack, or going for the Golf R? (I ask because it looked like you enjoyed driving the GTI a bit more than the R. (I'm buying just for fun weekend driving in dry climate.). Lastly if you had to buy one, would you go for the DSG or stay with a manual?

[@NickMurray]

I would personally consider the GTI in SoCal, the R is faster but not so much it makes a difference most days. The DSG is so well done but the MT is more engaging.

[@iliovecaRS]

finnaly your back !!!

[@user-jq5in6ns9c]

interesting man, good video,love you and your dogs.

[@freakincrazy6932]

Nick can you do a review of Golf R

[@Nicool333]

nick can you do a review of the 2016 miata?

[@Tigerex966]

i think the civic si has more standard features at its price, right?

[@cds9000]

Hey Nick, what's up with the EPC Warning Light? Sorry if someone has asked already, didn't see it in the comments.

[@NickMurray]

+Chris S It was only on when I had the engine stopped, I did not see while the car was running.

[@nsbharad]

Nice review Nick! Which part of the performance pack do you thing is not worth it? You mentioned that the brakes and limited slip diff were worth it. Is it the added horsepower? I have a MK6 and love it!

[@NickMurray]

Yes the added HP is not at all noticeable.

[@situation_zero]

Nick, can you find out for us what wheels the owner put on this car? Thanks.

[@NickMurray]

+GothamCitySmoker Enkei Raijin wheels. 18"x8" in gunmetal

[@dedricthere]

Exactly my car with the PP in Carbon Steel metallic and red GTI badges.

[@marcuszarafonetis6544]

very nice car. i had the pleaure of driving mine on the Autobuhn and it is very fun to drive. i am seriously condering getting another one, because its such a good car.

[@93455Driver]

Great review. Miss my MkVI (which was a 4 door carbon steel) and would not say no to a MkVII GTI with performance pack as a daily. You are not the first person to mention tall gearing :( in the MkVII. The FR-S is no where near as practical or refined than the GTI, but it is light, planted, amazing steering and great fun.

[@jev1605]

Were you driving in Fairview Tx?

[@lamdog24]

Golf GTI vs BMW 125i? I am looking at purchasing over one of those in Australia. Biggest thing is deciding whether I want either of those in manual or auto/DSG. Any recommendations and advice would be great!

[@massiveglove2960]

Depends if you do many highway miles or get stuck in town traffic every day? If so, auto is best. If you're on empty country roads much of the time, the manual is best

[@GawkGawkGliz]

where did you film this nick?

[@plotonisradd]

Will you review the new GTI Nick ?

[@thezzu]

Hey Nick, do you know someone with a Mercedes CLS? (first gen 2004-2010) can't find any detailed video-review online.

[@NickMurray]

+Grzegorz Utmańczyk I do! But I am unlikely to review it sorry, I just don't have the time to review cars that are out of production unless they are a classic.

[@thezzu]

Nick Murray ahh, too bad, thx for answering ;-)

[@joshuad1716]

Have they really not had usb ports? Over the last two years I've been on 4 vacations and each time I rented a Volkswagen passat or jetta and they both had usb ports...

[@jeffk464]

Cool as a mk7 GTI owner its nice to see a guy who has owned a 911 can have fun in one.

[@sknli]

+Jeff K I know people who own Ferrari's who drive the GTI as their daily and love it

[@AaronMattheus]

For everyone who is considering this car in the EU, take a look at renault megane RS, 265hp hatch for 10k less. I testdrove both, and the GTI was good but the RS was just incredible, bought one the same week lol! Got it 2 weeks ago :)

[@BronchoGillespie]

Go on Nick what's your favourite car you've driven since you started reviewing or give us a top 3?! Maybe answer in your next channel update?

[@malcolmgay2967]

Hi Nick, Any chance someone will lend you a Golf R for a review? They are $60k here in Australia but reckon there is every chance they are a ripper "Q" supercar if you take the badges off.

[@NickMurray]

+Malcolm Gay Working on finding one

[@zackjoel9883]

You forgot to mention the Fiesta ST as a competitor. The FiST is compared to this car a lot in many other reviews and is also better than the Civic Si. You should also do a review on the 2015-2016 model Ford Fiesta ST. I promise you will have a blast driving it.

[@J.W.W.]

Now almost two years later, be interesting to compare the top spec GTi versus the new Civic Type R. Very close 'sticker' price

[@McCheeseKid]

Do you do old cars? I'd love to see a video about a MK4 Golf TDI or MK4 R32

[@NickMurray]

+McCheeseKid Not really, I just don't have the time

[@ShowMeWhatINeedToKnow]

So finally a USB port. But when will they fix the numb steering?

[@julioochoa4759]

Someone knows what was the value that the GTI cost in 2016, thanks

[@fewcarsgarage]

Is that stock exhaust? Or does the performance pack add a different exhaust than the regular S or SE?

[@khalidcarrillo1132]

Stock exhaust. But the sport mode opens up the valves. -Mk7 GTI Owner and former VW employee.