2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn: Regular Car Reviews

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Regular Car Reviews is back with another episode of Race to the Bottom, as Roman drives a 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn. On the one hand, the Golf has a bad reputation around these parts. On the other hand, it's also one of the most popular cars in the world today. But does it deserve either? Join Roman for a Race to the Bottom review of a car that just wants to be liked, the 2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn!
Chapters:
00:00 A voicemail from my sister
00:46 Giveaway bumper
01:16 I'm not supposed to like this
04:13 Intro song
04:25 The design of the VW Golf
07:33 Engine and performance
09:49 A brief history of the VW Golf
11:45 Maintenance challenges
13:16 An unexpected driving experience
15:37 Why cars are social capital
17:52 The Dave Matthews Band of cars
19:58 The VW Golf wants to be liked
26:13 Final Thoughts and Current Standings
Find RCR online:
Website: regularcarreview.com
Twitter: @regularcars / @theromannick
Instagram: @regularcarreviews / @theromannick
Patreon: / regularcarreviews
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New 2nd channel "Regular and Roman"
/ @regularandroman

[@GTI_Man]

When I clicked on this video, I definitely did not expect it to be apart of the Race to the Bottom series

[@TheMsdos25]

I thought it was going to be another giveaway car.

[@Low760]

​@@TheMsdos25second Monday of the month.

[@HashMaster1776]

@@TheMsdos25the S2000 hasn’t even been given away yet

[@greggc.touftree5936]

DUAL CLUTCH DUAL CLUTCH DUAL CLUTCH

[@rmitchell8439]

Mr. Regular hates VW cars, so Roman might just be following his lead.

[@christopherwilson9861]

As a Mk6 GTI owner with an intake, a catted down pipe, and a tune, I feel singled out! How dare you nail the stereotype that I am!

[@MrAjfish]

VW's are just a gateway drug to bmw's or Audi's. It's ok friend, we're here for you.

[@Captain_Brown_Beard]

@@MrAjfish As a MK6 owner myself and previous BMW owner I am here to say stay away from modern BMWs

[@MaleficRacing]

I’m weirded out that I bought a Mk6 GTI brand new and never did a single mod to in the 8 years I owned it, but found the performance quite adequate.

[@ryujisakamoto1835]

I have a full bolt-on Mk7 and I understand where you're coming from

[@Captain_Brown_Beard]

@@MaleficRacing New timing chain kit is the best mod for these cars lol.

[@joshuamanning7639]

"You need to stop falling in love with 'falling in love'" a lot of people need to hear this

[@NoodlesExtraMSG]

Fry: So how I feel when I'm drunk is true! Nibbler: Yes, but the Dave Matthews Band doesn't rock.

[@true1love87]

"Not every teenager knows Drake", the Roman is a G for that

[@rockchalk4815]

Underrated burn

[@servicerifle16]

"May not be the most influential car ever" Roman says about a car thats sold more units than the Beetle.

[@jefferyharambe5067]

sales I don’t think is the biggest part of influence, I’d say the Camaro has had more of a cultural Influence than a 2000s Camry but the Camry is outselling that Camaro almost 10:1

[@GlennDavidson]

​​​@@jefferyharambe5067at least in the UK and Europe, the Golf GTi is always referenced as the beginning of the "hot hatch". It wasn't the first, but its influence on making it mainstream is widely acknowledged. Otherwise, yeah, I'd agree that for decades the majority of Golfs have been sold on being solid, reliable, with a little bit of luxury, but otherwise a bit blank - even the R32 and GTi versions don't really oversell what's under the hood. Almost the bar against which others in the same class are compared.

[@KrikZ32]

@@GlennDavidson Yeah I think this is a european vs american thing, most of the time over here they're driven by the kinds of guys who were driving riced out civics and wrx's 20 years ago.

[@baronvonjo1929]

The Golf is definitely not a influential car in the states that's for sure. VW is 2nd rate here.

[@ericrose3978]

@@baronvonjo1929 And it is "car" in central Europe. From 1974 to ~2014 (when SUVs started to take over) it was all things to all people over here: Slow, fast, cheap, pricey, a company mule, a family hauler or an enthusiast machine. It is strangely egalitarian, nobody takes you for rich or poor. It has long surpassed the Beetle in influnce and "Generation Golf" is a term broadly equivalent to Gen X. It's a thing.

[@verothacamaro]

The MK7 and the MK7.5 specifically, is still a very handsome car.

[@brendancollins4817]

I think the Roman needs to experience a mid 2000's Chevy Uplander to shake up the bottom 5

[@DanKuhn]

VW's are like Jeeps where the owners will whine and shake their fist at any changes the manufacturer makes to each new version, while simultaneously making hundreds of changes to their own unit.

[@Mechadondada]

me

[@EastDallasKicks]

True but usually the changes we make are subjectively better. I enjoy every VW I mean EVERY I've seen countless weird ones in Mexico and the UK but even if mine is fine I'd still make it look better in my eyes. My eyes are tainted tho

[@LOLHICRONO]

No one is removing all their buttons and replacing them with some aftermarket touchscreen. That's the main complaint with the current generation Golf.

[@TheCompyshop]

I don’t think that’s completely true, it’s really just we don’t like dumb changes. The entire GTI community loved the mk7 when it was released. It was basically a MK6, but better. The MK8 has some good changes, but some really bad ones, the interior feels cheaper than the MK7.5. The touch sensitive buttons on the steering wheel were a huuuggeeeeee mistake. Stuff like that

[@tqless]

Honestly, I like the infotainment and the steering wheel buttons on the MK8. We've had no problems with my '24 380 Autobahn's buttons or lack of. Not even any of the ones mentioned in so many videos.

[@reyaswilfred2228]

no, i don't remember christina, stop fucking asking

[@meisenhut31]

Anybody: "what ca-" Me: "Toyota Corolla"

[@jetpackjbd]

For a used car, sure, but a new car? I would rather spend $22,000 on a used EV like a nice Nissan leaf or an older model Y.

[@Deschain-um7jz]

​@@jetpackjbdI spent 20K on a new Corolla Hatch 6MT. Great decision for me.

[@benstalls208]

I've been giving this advice for years and nobody listens.

[@benstalls208]

@@jetpackjbd you are a bad friend

[@stevecooper7883]

​@@Deschain-um7jzMy 09 Corolla has been a lemon lately. I think that generation was lacking, but picked up again after 2014.

[@OnkyoGrady]

The real irony of the Golf/GTI is the extreme misunderstanding of what the car is between the states and Europe. In Europe that's a boring seen it everywhere car, with an older client base, tuned accordingly, and with enough of a good rep that the nicer versions get insanely (to us) expensive. It's every rental car I've ever gotten by default over there as well. In the states...it can be that, or it can be that weird other choice vs a base Camaro or Mustang. So your lawyer or doctor might have a nice and obsessively owned GTI here, OR it could be a sTAnCed, cat deleted, chassis notched, future nightmare trade in boys car. As a serial golf enjoyer myself I would like to point out that almost all of the common mods revolve around winding back that "seniors first" tuning aesthetic that the Europeans expect from this car. The absurdly linear power band, the little ball in the clutch hydraulic line that only exists to lengthen the shift moment, the suspension that is very nice but on the compliant side, etc... Drive a focus st back to back and it's fairly obvious that the ford was designed for a younger buying demo in the first place.

[@SpaceMissile]

this comment is spot-on. 👌

[@ismypassword1]

Agreed 100%. I feel thats why it makes such a great platform to build on as well with the plethora of parts; even the OEM+ upgrade you can snag from audi/porsche.

[@OnkyoGrady]

​@@ismypassword1 I definitely agree. That European "yawn I've seen this a million times before" factor means the aftermarket and OEM+ options are extremely broad. They sell so many there that every little micro niche is filled. I bet our GTI experience is pretty similar to being a European that's into large RWD American sedans. Imagine buying some weird ass car no one near you has, only to get online and find a continents worth of police fleet mods, the drag racing stuff, full subframe and other core geometry altering kits etc...

[@needfuldoer4531]

I know someone who's got an addiction to Mk7 and Mk8 VWs. Every story about when they break down turns into a lecture about how the job "only" needs "a couple" special tools to rip half the car apart in a "clever" way. I think it's the crayon offgassing from the interior plastics.

[@Low760]

Same as land rover owners. Or modern Volvo's. Or Alfa Romeo.

[@AnonAnon-qi4ts]

Step One: move car to service position = Remove entire front bumper assembly, radiator, support, etc.

[@ARentz07]

Hopefully, the shop also tells our man that those aren't even winter tires.

[@JakeHercules]

They've already been replaced thankfully

[@Miniac1076]

Yeah, I was gonna say those are winter-rated all seasons, and I've actually heard the CrossClimates are fantastic tires. They're not sporty, but for combining an all-season and a winter tire in one they're great.

[@DavidFrostbite]

Yeah, that confused me, because those are basically the best all weather tires that exist. Dedicated Winter tires will be better in snow, same with performance tires in the summer. But for year round/ light winters, Michellin CrossClimates are kinda awesome.

[@GeoStreber]

I drive a 2008 Golf Mk6 1.4 TSI. Officially the most average car ever. He 'll turn 16 in a couple of months, and I intend to keep him until the Mk9 comes out, which was confirmed by VW to be electric only. Golfs not only show status, they also show the exact opposite, indifference to status. No matter whether you're rich or poor, at some point in your life, you'll be able to afford one, whether it's new or used. It's the great equalizer. Just like death, but way less german.

[@mateuszzimon8216]

That's why i like VAG cars, u don;t wanna golf ok, here is A3, u don't have mony for Audi. U have Skoda....

[@crztank9298]

Golfs don't show status, they show the sheep like midlndlessness of consumers who don't know anything about a product so buy the brand name because it's safe. And anyone buying a car for status is a nob.

[@crztank9298]

@@mateuszzimon8216 same car...just higher price for brand conscious

[@random8780]

​​@@crztank9298you kind of explained toyota corolla and a lot of other mundane cars that exist on the road as an appliance that will get you from point A to point B.

[@Low760]

​@@random8780corrolla or Mazda3 is reliable though.

[@Theoloop]

Mr. Regular critiquing the engine bay layout shows he’s used to older vehicles. It’s tight but not that bad. Pulling a battery to replace a brake master is nothing.

[@leospaceman2976]

Also torx is better than phillips since they don’t strip as easily. But maybe thats more user error

[@jmccann6735]

And how often is the master cylinder getting replaced on a MK7 Golf anyway? That's almost never gonna happen during ownership, goofy complaint for sure

[@minoassal]

The Galaxy's quarry of an engine bay is changing him

[@Damaku250]

I had a 2012 Sentra SE-R SpecV before having a 2018 GTI Autobahn. The Sentra needs you to remove a wheel and the wheel well cover to change the oil filter

[@jmccann6735]

@@Damaku250 And the GTI oil filter is right on top 😂

[@Dagreatdudeman]

You're the first person I have ever seen to talk smack about Michelin Cross Climate 2s.

[@staypuft9994]

Just gonna say this

[@akapeeks]

I have a 2015 GTI with 17 inch Cross Climate 2 and I love them. Not sure why they dislike them so much! Owner of the GTI in the video doesn't seem to be one to hoon around either.

[@davidnorth9390]

Monday Morning Motorists' Musing: "What do people with lives do?" Thank you Roman!

[@user-en9zo2ol4z]

To the Roman, I had no idea that you weren't being yourself, but I am glad you stopped, as I really like your shows. I have sat through hours of Corvette and Sabb etc videos. Your person is important with a key style man. Hey Roman, as a teenager in Australia, I was on my motorbike, a two-stroke, with a foul bikie next to me at the lights, with his BSA 650, He gunned his engine looking at me through his beard, and I did the same, like, you know politeness. He took off like a lunatic, and I passed him latter, with a police car talking to him about his speed I imagine?

[@qmto]

Look Roman. You need to review less 6 year old Golf’s, and more 2001 Suzuki Esteems if you want to start finding cars worthy of this series namesake.

[@nakoma5]

Aww, but I find Esteems are cute. ) =

[@ztl2505]

Someone find him the last remaining Daewoo Nubira asap

[@juanfo7307]

Kia

[@csbeverly1]

I've had 2 of these over the years, the fact that a $500 tune and e85 gas can put this car at over 350hp is wild. Cheapest fun commuter car out there :)

[@AP-zw6ql]

I got a Polo GTI as a rental while in Switzerland. It was way nicer than I expected, and genuinely fun to drive. How fun? So fun that I wasn't even mad when a speed camera ticket showed up in my mailbox a month later. I was clearly smiling in the photo.

[@Broekhart]

2 minutes ago is crazy, the perfect video to BROWN to

[@benstalls208]

Is it really that crazy though

[@ol6halodude577]

😂😊

[@ericmorris2831]

I've owned three GTIs AND had two hernia surgeries and I took this personally 😂

[@AstreaGT]

Driving my GTI brings a smile to my face each day. That's how you know you got the right car:)

[@ihavealife002]

Same with me and my mk6 R. Smile on my face every time I drive it.

[@VanSmoke28]

MK7 owner here and same thing. Makes me smile every time I drive it. Practical useful fun car.

[@numelm.2525]

i love love love my mk7. mine is stock and it’s been a perfect daily driver for years.

[@nickbadgio]

The timing of this video is great. EuroTripper in Helen, Georgia, just ended. Thousands of modified VWs, Audis and Porches came together. I was there and I loved it. Your video is pretty accurate.

[@DarthEstebanMontoya]

Did not expect Roman to be slinging strays at Drake.

[@asaadjackson9603]

I thought I was the only one that caught that.

[@2ZH]

I owned a 2019 GTI s, this video couldn't be more accurate to how it felt owning the car. The first year or so you feel so good with the car and it hits all the markers. But once the idea of mods enter your head, it never goes away. Oh I can spend 2k to make 100+hp yes, please, MORE!!!

[@skytheguy0438]

When my Dad bought his mk7.5 DSG, I genuinely didnt think that I would enjoy it for a multitude of reasons. His car is 100% stock but I honestly don't really feel like it needs anything more. As a 20 year old gear head it's really captured my heart and gives me much more joy than I thought any Volkswagen would. Any chance I get to drive it, I take. I love the turbo noises it makes and how engaging it really is. I love how well it takes corners and instills confidence in my driving abilities but also shows it's limits well. I used to not even look at GTIs as an option for my next car but I've been converted. Although if I get one I'll be getting the 6 speed manual.

[@faithcobb2795]

Ah the curse of VW. I have been infected myself

[@urs6onfuturas975]

Once it's in your blood it will never leave. Welcome to the club. Although I daily drive Toyota now I'll always have a Volkswagen Audi Group vehicle in the garage.

[@DanKuhn]

Funny you said a BWW manager because this car takes me back to working at the Fogelsville Pizza Hut in 1995 where all the managers and shift leaders were PA DUBBERS.

[@LegoDork]

I appreciate The Roman for being The Roman.

[@GuntanksInSpace]

Man the way you (and Mr. Reg in the past) describe PA DUBBERS remind me of how we have a specific variant of "Honda Civic F-boi" stereotype here too that essentially fits all the criteria, minus the Outback order lol Edit. That last part when you went "for a while, I wasn't sure of myself that I tried so hard to imitate Brian's style" was quite something to hear. Following that with "it's nicer to just surround yourself with people that let you be you/let you be vulnerable without worry" is quite something. Cheers, Roman.

[@ynotw57]

I think The Roman will always find some redeeming quality in every auto reviewed in R2tB. That says a lot about The Roman as a person. He can find a silver lining in any dark cloud. Even him talking about being “the most ourselves” is exactly that. Embracing what it is for what it is and the honesty of what it is for what it is, is exactly what a person of humbled character would do. The Roman is that humbled character.

[@KrazyKova]

Didn’t know I’d be practicing a lesson in deep introspection this early in the morning 😭. Going to feel different getting into my mk7 everyday now.

[@holysirsalad]

This channel is dangerous lol

[@ttano1117]

I bought my girlfriend a 2012 GLI DSG when our kid was born. We love it. It does the job, the timing maintenance definitely was expensive, but we knew we were going to keep it, so it was worth it

[@lukasbuhler1359]

“Why does anybody need a hatchback that cries out for time attack tires” you leave my RS alone

[@CaptainBlitz]

I have been owning a Golf GTI Mk7 for 7 years, bone stock, and I genuinely thought I would get over it by now... but it is honestly good. Besides major issues with the cooling system, and maybe the timing chain, if you look after this car, it will look after you. You absolutely do not need to do any power mods at all to it.

[@SpaceMissile]

yeah, _but it's fun when you doooo!_

[@Otterplus]

I’ve been on the hunt for a mk7.5 for years now and may just suck it up and grab a mk8. Or a new one depending on market prices at the time. There’s not many manual cars left, even less hatchbacks

[@KrikZ32]

"besides major issues with the cooling system" the engine might nuke itself if you don't pay attention, but other than that it's good!

[@SpaceMissile]

@@KrikZ32 there is a huge, loud beeping warning when coolant gets low. I had a part fail on mine, and it was _very obvious_ that the car was not happy.

[@typezman]

DAMn a race to the bottom AND a classic Roman intro card?? What a good first sip.

[@damonmuzzy277]

I also noticed the change in quality when you (Roman) allowed your own personal style to come through. In the last year i have come to really appreciate and look forward to your reviews. Kuddos.

[@joelbosso1331]

Roman is a gem! He puts his soul into these videos!

[@kevinrams]

Audio and video gold. Adapting Crash to the GTI is true artistitry. Thank you Roman

[@rksnj6797]

I had a girlfriend who had a 1986(?) Golf. It had the 1.8l engine with a stick. I loved driving that car. Crisp shifter, enough power to merge onto a highway. It was a jack of all trades, master at none sort of car. It was a fun car to "throw around". It had enough room to throw in a couple of friends and our beach crap and head to the shore.

[@2steaksandwiches665]

I live in the very central Midwest. VW hooligans is really not a thing. These are good cars because with the seats down and the hatch they’re very practical for moving shit for college students.

[@Michael-kd4oi]

Upset they didn’t get a clapped out mpi stage 3 xl turbo running e85 and methanol with 500hp and have the same 0-60 they had when stock. 😂😂😂😂

[@jmccann6735]

Yeah but the 60-130 time tho 👀 But sounds like you already know how it is lol

[@justafox7852]

I always get excited for a Roman video, RttB has been a little monthly treat that always has me excited. I don't keep up with the videos like I used to but running through the backlog for the last few weeks it's always a pleasant surprise when Roman takes over. Great job as always y'all!

[@listenatwork99]

Dave Mathews Band, takes be back to my high school and college days where I, like every other guy, pretended to like them to get laid.

[@hollybirge4087]

I’m one of those rare folks that has a 2020 GTI that is completely stock. And I love it that way.

[@Veritas419]

Getting Golf R performance out of a GTI via parts cannon. BSG tattoo 🤓🤓

[@NoodlesExtraMSG]

Hatchbacks and compact sedan based wagons all got killed because (I believe) it was more profitable to for a company use its resources to sell a similar platform as a CUV.

[@carlosux]

i love your videos roman. always a welcome change of pace.

[@louis8869]

Tuned TDI IS THE BEST DAILY PERIOID! It's the definition of "if you take care of it, it will take care of you" philosophy but always accessible and daily drivable without luggaging the prestige and attention of a porsche or an AMG. If you ignore whatever Pennsylvania has as a VW culture, there's a reason the SEAT Ibiza, Skoda Octavia, Audi RS3/TTRS, Golf R all share the same platform for a reason. From a perfectly sized medium sized family car for European and asian markets to daily driven track toys keeping up with porsche 911's while holding over 250k on the odometer. As a field technician, I put an easy 5k miles on my car per month and never worry about mechanical failure, average 50mpg, never brake much for on/off ramps all while making over 300lb-ft torque and flying under the radar. The Golf TDI is essentially a life hack imo

[@andrewhans8012]

I'm at 270k miles on my 2012 golf tdi. Original clutch still. Tuned for 200k of those miles.

[@DocAwesum]

with silicat... Had one of these for ~100k miles. No issues, averaged closer to 40 mpg on highway drives, low 30s overall. Most comfy car and possibly the most fun modern car below 60 mph. Perfectly reliable, fun, efficient, comfortable... Best car I know of (get the Fender Audio pkg, it's great, too). It was better than the RL and Miata for which I traded it (except that the RL can carry my motorcycles, and the GTi can't).

[@Laz7481]

What is an RL?

[@SphericalPretzel]

Ridgeline is my guess.

[@ibrahimcehajic]

Add a tow hitch,they even install them on a smart car,you can pull a small trailer

[@svn5994]

Comfy? Seats are hard and the NVH is awful at 45 mph. Awful car for road trips and you are not getting 40mpg. Even on CC you are getting low 30s at most.

[@Ghostbody]

Yeah, I'm running a MK7 and it is so stock that I just changed the brake discs and they were the originals. It's solid and it just works. But I can definitely see what people see them the way others do.

[@markonline1.]

Grew up in the UK driving hot hatches but never owned a GTI. When I moved to the States, I went American owning 3 mustangs, the last being a GT 5.0. However, also owning motorcycles, I wasn’t driving the GT much and it was an awful commuter so bought a GTI a couple of months back. Man, it was like coming home. Taught suspension that you can chuck round corners. Enough power that you can join around in the canyons, but not so much that you can’t use most of it. I thought I’d regret selling the mustang for something a little more sensible, but not a bit of it! It’s also the first auto I’ve ever owned. The DSG is fantastic. Put it into manual mode, it changes quick, it holds the gear without the car taking over and it farts when you change up. It’s like the quick shifter on my motorcycle. Love, love, LOVE this car!!!

[@albertoperales3537]

I think about the quote from your Camry review a lot: "cars reflect our idea of a great partner." While it's not always the case, more often than what we drive reflects what we want in our lives. I'm a young guy, and I like the idea of the golf, mostly because I like the idea of flexibility a lot. It might be bare ones, but there's a certain appeal to that as well. Great review as always.

[@pvtcmyers87]

I’m only two minutes and 20 seconds in and I’m just cackling at the memories I have of PA dubs. Made me remember stuff I wished I couldn’t. Thanks guys 😊

[@yovanilla]

I couldn't put my finger on the time but I did notice a point when I started to enjoy "Roman" videos much more. And that is as you described when you began to embrace your own style. Kudos good sir.

[@jimbeam1901]

Dave Matthews Band is a jam band for people that contribute to their 401k

[@tomtbi]

I drove one of these for the dealership I drive for and had an absolute blast!!.. I was able to locate and build the AMT 1/24 scale 78-( First Generation ) Golf GTI model kit...

[@DavidFrostbite]

Yo, the Michellin CrossClimates are _fantastic_ tires, if you don't want to swap summer/winter. They're not performance tires, but they are pretty good in the dry _with_ a real 3peak snow rating.

[@wazsounds]

Haven’t belly-laughed like I did watching this in a long time - nice work, Roman!

[@ZlatkoUnger]

I had a manual one of these. It worked well enough driving across the country, auto crossing, towing, etc. Then had so many technical issues before it was traded in for a Model 3.

[@PeterBellefleur]

I'm an american who moved to the UK about 5 years ago, and my Husband already had a 2010 VW Polo 1.4 DSG 3door. As a guy who always drove mopars and a few GMs, it was interesting being behind the wheel on the wrong side and my first up close and personal interaction with a VW other than riding in friend's cars. It did change my opinion on them a bit...It drove really well and the 1.4 threw that little car around pretty swiftly. It felt screwed together well, and while 14 years old, it only had 70K on it when we sold it, it still needed quite a bit of work to get there...but thankfully here, the parts prices are no where near as bad as they would have been if we were in the US....a waterpump/T-Belt job only cost about 280 Pounds. Over here, the Golf is considered the "Family" car for a lot of people, but even now seems to be getting replaced by the T-Cross. We sold the Polo on Motorway recently, as we got a Brand new Peugeot 308GT, and I was a little sad to see the Polo leave, my first UK that I passed my Driving test in, drove to London and back, and as we moved out into the country in Scotland, served us well, but it was time, I still wouldn't ever suggest an high mile VW to anyone, but I understand more why people do like them.

[@user-ih7gc7dt9l]

Go for it Roman! Really enjoy your videos!

[@duncanmn95]

choco starfish is an incredible album imo that is

[@8draco8]

What a weird take on VW Golf. I'm European, for me, Golf is just Golf. It's "das auto". Minimalistic, borderline boring, understated, just another car for getting from point A to point B, that happens to have a bit faster versions.

[@lptomtom]

Yeah, from a European point of view the stereotypes in this video felt so alien and weird

[@chwytliwanazwa]

exactly, in Europe Golf is basically a default car

[@ahmadjavedaj]

From the American perspective you have to think about the fact the best selling car here is a F150. So the people who get GTIs are going contrary to popular trend.

[@lshanny]

It's pretty over the top for most Americans I think too. Most other people I see driving GTIs are women. Majority are like mine, completely stock. GTI is mostly an upmarket compact commuter. Maybe PA has a high concentration of loser VW enthusiasts. But they mostly buy JDMs.

[@JakeHercules]

We don't even get the Golf anymore because no one bought them. They're really just tiny enthusiast cars in the US

[@staylor0902]

Brave words, calling the DSG an automatic. So many of their owners will insist again and again that it's not. I used to enjoy instigating on GTI forums when I owned my manual MK7.5.

[@marklapointe48]

I noticed when you adopted your own style Roman. And that's when I started actually watching your videos. Sorry but not really sorry, you're much better and actually really good when you do your own thing. Keep up the great work!

[@psnmadracer27]

An anecdote about the tires: The Cross Climate 2's are a fantastic, *true all-season* tire. What we call "all season" tires here in the US are typically known as "3 season" tires in other parts of the world that see more severe winter weather. This tire, by comparison, is much more capable in the winter than most others in the category, but of course that comes at the expense of performance in non-winter weather. That's why I run pilot sport all season 4's (another "3 season" tire) in the colder half of the year, and PS4S's in the warmer half. I was really surprised to see this car featured because it's so similar to mine: another 2018 GTI autobahn, in seemingly almost exactly the same color as well

[@Love_Street]

I always look forwards to the Nick videos. They’re hilarious.

[@lovelessissimo]

Man, I love this channel.

[@WasahB]

Roman reviews are still my favorite type of RCR vids

[@LordHolley]

I owned a couple of GTIs, they are great cars.

[@Andygr_]

I had one for 3 years and loved every second of it. And yeah mine was fully tuned running E85 lol

[@HenrySchecker]

I had a 2008 passat with the GTI 2.0. It moved that wagon pretty swiftly so ive always wondered how crazy it must feel in the tiny golf

[@Low760]

Golf is definitely not tiny.

[@HenrySchecker]

@@Low760 you must be from overseas. Golf is the smallest vehicle they offer in America. You sound very foolish trying to argue that. And before you say a word, we're aware of the Polo and Up models. Comparing a fly to gnat doesn't mean the fly's not small.

[@xen84]

The GTI is the best single-vehicle option for people who need a car to do car things, but still want to have fun in it. The rear seats fit actual adults surprisingly well. If they're folded down, the cargo area is spacious to a genuinely impressive degree for its size. I've hauled things in mine that the store employee who sold them to me said I'd need a truck to move. It gets low-mid 30mpg range, and on one occasion in ideal conditions while actively driving for efficiency, I've hit 40mpg. Even the low-trim GTIs like mine accelerate quite hard, and even without the LSD and higher-trim sport brakes/suspension it's a blast to drive on twisty roads. And while not as much pure fun as a manual, the DSG transmission on mine offers a pretty good compromise of having full and quick shifting control at all times while not being annoying in commute traffic. I've had my 2016 GTI for almost 7 years and 90k miles now (second owner, was a leased vehicle before me). I've owned many cars, including a Miata, and this is by far the longest I've kept a single vehicle. I haven't had to do anything to it besides service so far, but I fully intend to keep Ship-of-Theseus-ing this car until I no longer can afford to. Part of that is that I don't like the looks or interior of the Mk8 very much when compared to my Mk7. Most of that is that it's my favorite car I've ever owned.

[@albyrt_]

yoo this was the best Roman episode ever

[@Gazdatronik]

When a Volks runs right its brilliant. Its a great first impression. My first ride in a Volkswagen was a Mark IV Jetta with an interior that looked like shredded wheat and a supension that was nearly attached to the car. It was thrilling.

[@N734NJ]

I came for the GTI video and stayed for the introspection and honesty.

[@cba20k]

I think a Mk6 Golf GTI would be a better candidate for race to the bottom. My experience with those cars wasn't great. In 60k miles it blew a head gasket, began to rust, the windshield adhesive began to deteriorate, its heater core clogged, the headliner came unglued and dropped down to the back seat, and it developed leaks in the weather stripping and sealing. It was fun to drive, and comfortable, and the dash materials have held up, but oof, did it fall apart quickly. I hope the Mk7's like this one don't suffer from similar issues.

[@tcofield1967]

I have a 2019 GLI (same setup but with a trunk). Bought it new. I was actually looking at the Golf wagons at the time and glanced over at the GTIs. Like you I thought, well this is a car that Offspring would sing about. It was nice enough but I asked if they had something with a stick in it. The guy lit up and brought me the GLI. Same setup engine and transmission wise but with a spot to stick the golf clubs. I love how it can get me out of trouble but not necessarily get me into it. The six speed is very responsive and I have enjoyed driving it. It has good, tight steering and responds well to the throttle. The turbo spools up quickly and efficiently. And if I keep my foot out of it I can get 35mpg in mixed driving. It is an impressive little car. It has its faults like all cars do but I don't have any reason to want to get rid of it any time soon

[@swampmullet]

Got the same car myself when it was new with a DSG, originally because it was a lot cheaper than a comparable GTI. Got it for $24,500 out the door, definitely quirkier than the Hyundai it replaced but hasn't been a money pit like I was told it would be, even after modding it. Thought I'd regret the DSG until I learned you can code the shift points, turn off the auto-upshift, and always have the center screen display what gear you're in regardless of drive mode.

[@shaecloud4403]

tha 0-dubstep line got me crackin up foreal

[@bobhill3941]

I hope all the Canadian fans of RCR had a great Victoria day long weekend. Great video as always, a great critique with honestly and satire as always. I played Forza Motorsport 6 while waiting for Mafia 3 when I first got my XBOX ONE and the first car I chose was a 2014 Golf R. The parents of a friend of mine also drive a red Golf Mk3 over 25 years ago.

[@pbourdon231]

Cross Climates are NOT winter tires. All seasons? Sure, but not winter tires. They're actually a pretty premium all season tire as well...

[@TheOneWayDown]

I've got a 2016 GLI, which let's face it, is just a GTI in a sedan body, and I love it. With a 6 speed manual it's as fun or as boring as I want it to be. Only downside is it's too damn practical, I'm waiting for when I graduate and am forced to start making full time money to trade it for my quarter life crisis GR86, C6 vette or 5.0 Mustang so I can really start screwing up my criminal record with traffic violations

[@nickkalister6291]

my wife's GTI is physically 100% stock- 2017 sport. running EQT stage 1 ECU and DSG tunes, she loves it.

[@yorrickwi]

cross climates are litterally thed best all season tyres, just dont expect them to be the best in the summer or the winter they are the best compromise which means they excel at noting but do very acceptable at both

[@kefkafloyd]

If you want more performance without completely giving up in the cold you get the Conti ProContact DWS06+ or the Michelin P4S All Seasons. Cross climates give up a little bit of dry performance for much better traction in the wet and snow.

[@lptomtom]

13:50 How dare you call the Michelin CrossClimate "awful winter tires"? They're legendary allseasons!

[@Banom7a]

yeah, it's really great for climate that it might get cold, but not often enough to warrant full winter, surprisingly the tire did much better in rainy and wet road.

[@JakeHercules]

They were terrible on the GTI, I replaced them less than a week after getting this shoot, after only the ~240 mi round trip out to PA

[@JVAlexis]

Hey, the Michelin Crossclimate 2 are the best all season tires you can get in the mid range market. Great tires if you don't want to switch tires on your daily every 6 months, and 3PMSF are mandatory where you live. Of course they don't belong on a hot car like the GTI though. With that you'd go with a set of Pilot Sports 4+ and another of Alpine 6+.

[@brandonpratt5701]

Cross climate 2s are supposed to be the All tire.theyre our top seller in the KOI area.

[@shadmiller7282]

I don’t know if they’re the right tire for a GTI but I’ve had them on a RX and my current CX-5 and have no complaints.

[@JakeHercules]

They were horrid on the GTI, causing everything in the car to vibrate above 65 and made a constant droning at every other speed. It also felt like the car was wearing weighted boots, in terms of engine output to actual speed, if that makes sense. I replaced them with Yokohamas and it's way better.

[@shadmiller7282]

@@JakeHercules wow I’m pretty sure those tires were defective. Mine are super smooth and quiet.

[@stevegott]

We have them on our SUV and they are great. Friends have them on their Subaru and love them as well. Universally praised in reviews and by tire shops.

[@darkninjafirefox]

My knowledge of cars and car culture comes almost exclusively from y'all, it's a fun ride

[@anthonyfryer3077]

We worked together at the ERL! How funny he got on RCR twice.

[@shlemekian]

i've never entered one of the sweeps before, always see em advertised in old videos. the digital download option is a download of what exactly...?

[@mateogarcia6942]

Roman, your videos rock!

[@AgainWhoops]

I had a MK3 VR6 that I loved to pieces. If it hadn’t been succumbing to Midwest rust i like to think I might still have it today.

[@Bmovie5000]

I’ve got a MK4 GTI VR6 and had it for over 10 years. Never sees winter, runs like a top and I’ll never give it up.

[@AH-bm4ts]

Gene's Foreign Car in Newtown Square exclusively works on VWs and Hondas at lower than most shops hourly rates.

[@drummachine77]

I’m not a big Dave matthews fan but “what would you say?” Is a banger

[@cokeycola9514]

Love how I am literally trying to find a 2018 Autobahn AND GUESS WHO UPLOADS RIGHT ON TIME. Now if one would show up in my area, that would be GREAT.

[@JakeHercules]

I live in NY and had to go to DC to find this one. Open that search radius wiiiide

[@miniluis2592]

Just wait. Summer is the worst time to buy GTIs. Literally a few months back there were GTIs all over the place. I guess it makes a great graduation gift as a first car. lol

[@cokeycola9514]

@@miniluis2592 Right! lol

[@mogelemichhierdurch5413]

Loved this one!!! Keeeeeeep em coming. BTW as an EU Fan: Hurts me a bit that i cant take part in the giveaways

[@sheldonlamey7010]

I thought about Roman this Morning and this video dropped....also over the weekend I've been rewatching all of the Golf videos from RCR.... I'm new to the understanding that the Golf is a very important car especially the first gen....The Mini also is an important car. Without these cars I wouldn't have my Civic.