2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI: What's New

Host Sam Haymart test drives the 2018 VW GTI with DSG and new engine start stop system and tells you what he thinks of it. Full outline of new for 2018 features and driving impressions.
2017 Volkswagen GTI full test drive review: • 2017 Volkswagen GTI S:...
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[@christianalicea5506]

I have a 2018 GTI S in forest green metallic, I love it. I typically keep the start/stop system deactivated, problem solved.

[@dumbeezy5480]

Nice! How is it? Im torn between the S or SE. Might be picking one up later this year.

[@christianalicea5506]

I love it. Really fun to drive and everyone always comments on the color. I opted to get the S and not spend the extra money for the SE, I thought I would miss the sunroof but I don't really notice it anymore.

[@dumbeezy5480]

Can you break down the price you paid if you don't mind? Also where are u from?

[@dumbeezy5480]

Christian Alicea how’re the headlights?

[@drm9979]

when you say thta you keep it deactivated, do you mean you removed the fuse or that you turn it off each time?

[@kinglouisviiiiii1]

always love the honest reviews.

[@strker99]

I just picked up a 2018 GTI MK7.5 which has the start/stop functionality and it is fine. If you don't press the brakes in fully when you come to a full stop the car won't shut off. I realized this after only driving the car for 5 mins, so I don't really see the problem with it. I'm not sure if that is a feature only in the MK7.5, but it works fine and doesn't bother me. Also I don't understand the part about the car taking forever to get going again, in my car as soon as I take my foot off the break the car turns on instantly. Before my foot even reaches the gas pedal the car is on and ready to drive. This video was either extremely exaggerated, he had a faulty car or the MK7.5 fixed this.

[@itzed]

Just another reason to buy a manual. Glad I bought mine in 2016.

[@MoneyMaples]

Hey Sam, Ronald MacDonald called and he wants his shoes back. JK, love your channel! You're fired up on this one!

[@YasumotoUS]

I have test driven the 2018 MT SE twice in the past month or so and found the clutch to be decent and shifter fairly intuitive on gear placement. It wasn't magical, but it felt pretty darn good and very livable day-to-day. I wish that the shifter golf ball was a tad bigger and I suspect that there's an aftermarket solution available. One thing which surprised me: I'm used to driving a NA vehicle where the motor has to rev and rev to build torque in a linear fashion. When on my -- albeit short -- test drives in the '18 GTI, I encountered brief periods of [turbo] boost when I felt like I was just cruising along. That may be normal or a factor of how I was operating the accelerator, but it still came from out of the blue. The test drive cars were essentially new, so I didn't want to push the engine too much and that might also play a role in what I experienced. As for the interior, I found the leather seats to be a tad firm on the bolsters (yeah, I need to spend more time exercising) and the cloth seats to be just about right. In fact, I was pleasantly surprised at how nice the cloth seats were and -- frankly -- I was less sweaty in the pants. I was disappointed that VW went to the piano gloss black with a significant portion of the dash even though the dust and fingerprint factor can be mitigated with a good lens cleaning grade microfiber cloth. The SE's head unit screen was spectacular in how it looks (IPS panel technology!!!!), but I didn't really get to test out the non-Fender audio quality. A quirk worth mentioning: The front storage bin with the USB connector barely fits a large form factor smart phone with the cover closed. I haven't tested it, but a 90 degree connector at the phone might enable USB connectivity with the cover closed, but it is really tight. VW needs to address this with either a larger storage space or an additional head unit connected USB port in the mid cargo bin as "phablet" phones are all the rage in the GTI market segment.

[@stephenhendricks103]

To drop a recommendation for a car because it has a defeatable start/stop system makes as much sense as failing to recommend it because the cupholders are too small for my mug.

[@richardlionheart3965]

What were you on today? really funny, daft mood, among the serious bits! so good to watch.

[@heyitsme939]

I just got a fully loaded 2018 gti autobahn with the dsg and I’m so in love!!!! My past two cars were the base model and man does it feel good to have one that’s fully loaded. Definitely going to be keeping this one for a good while!

[@richardlionheart3965]

Sam, your best review ever. Thanks so much for doing this. Hate the lower spec you get in VAG cars in the US but you do pay a lot less.

[@vr6gls]

Though I wouldn't let an auto start/stop feature stop me from buying an otherwise excellent car. I can understand how this feature would be frustrating to deal with everyday. Especially if it constantly turns itself back on. I am glad I bought my 2016 GTI when I did. Btw, even though the 2018 GTI does not have the performance pack name, it still has the equipment. All levels of the GTI come with the extra horsepower, front-lsd and bigger brakes. Only the base trim does not get the performance kit. I do wish they kept the performance pack as a separate option though.

[@vwbora26]

If you have a VAGCOM or know someone, i bet you can change the on by default auto-start configuration, or maybe ask the dealership to do so.

[@virenvs905]

There it is ladies and gentlemen. After all these years we finally get to see an angry Sam heymart. Angry Sam = annoyed normal person 😁

[@L_G_Brandon]

The se now has the plaid seats also

[@westnash]

Will you do a 2019 GTI S? Also a GLI for comparison?

[@dan_bouet]

My 2016 GTI manual gets 36mpg running from phoenix to la at 80mph. Auto start stop is a cruel unnecessary joke. No way shutting down an engine at stops will save much gas overall unless youre in a drive thru all day. Not to mention the safety aspect of pulling out into traffic on a laggy system.

[@bosse641]

Agreed. It is a bad joke imo.

[@nartin86]

You were probably running downhill along with the wind from the mountain and the desert down to the coast at 60 mph. The average gti mpg on fuelly is shit. Your single trip doesn't represent the average gti mpg. It's like saying my Prius getting 100 mpg in a certain trip.

[@dan_bouet]

TDN I drive to la from Phoenix at least once a month in this car. That's the main purpose I bought it for. I do get slightly better economy going into LA.. almost 38mpg. Coming back around 33 to 34. Average drive time is around 5hrs 20 mins. Quickest 4 hrs 40 mins with NO fuel stops which equals about 28 mpg at an average speed of over 84 mph. That's from my garage to my destination which means on the open freeway I'm traveling even faster to make up for slow downs in traffic. So you're right I may have misrepresented a bit- I shouldn't have said my total average speed is 80 mph which gets me 36mpg, to get that I have to set my cruising freeway speed there and not really go beyond. But I definitely don't do 60!

[@Alumnikiid]

Auto start stop means you will need a starter sooner than later

[@Dawgfather87]

Dan Day agreed on start stop. Had it on a leased 2014 golf. Wife and loved the car but decided not to buy it for the sole reason that the start stop sucks so hard. Here to see if the 2018 GTI was a worthy upgrade. Sad to see it's not.

[@audieconrad8995]

Dude thank you for showing these cars driving in the twisties - as that is what they are built for. I own a '17 and although I appreciate all of the drag racing vids out there they get pretty boring. ...and boring to actually drive too! These cars are so fun to heel & toe on back roads and canyons. I'd sure like to see more vids of these rat-racing in a series of s-curves showing off both engine and chassis and some real driving skills other than just straight down the road...Anyways...good review, good car, keep up the good work!

[@georanchurchill2774]

Auto start stays off for me you can probably adjust the settings under 'CAR' the GTI is BADASSS

[@vboccanf]

Great review!!! How come you stopped reviewing GTIs? What about reviewing the latest GTI and Jetta GLI?

[@TestDrivenTV]

VW hasn't sent any over ;)

[@vboccanf]

@@TestDrivenTV I guess they didn’t like your comments on their stop/start feature

[@TestDrivenTV]

Probably not.;)

[@ardyshane23]

Love the honesty and passion. Truly sucks seeing something you love get ruined.

[@anAmishGuy]

Just bought this exact car, but with the 6-speed manual. The white is gorgeous, and since no one wants a manual, the dealer discount was pretty significant. Now I just have to get decent at driving stick so I can stop stalling at inopportune moments and getting honked at. :(

[@tech_gear]

I bet soon, if not already, you will be able to disable the auto start/stop via OBD11 or similar devices. I don't feel that optional feature is enough to make the the car unable to be recommended for purchase. Those new wheels however, that's another story...

[@deeteeohbee6794]

The one I test drove did not have this auto start/stop issue and I'd imagine that feature would be the same across trims. First reviewer I've seen go on about it.

[@krissimon2502]

Got this car in deep black mattalic with plaid seats and a 6 speed manual transmission. Absolutely love this car. It looks awesome and fun to drive . It's well worth the 23k what I payed for it.

[@PatrickDSimpson]

Did you miss not having the limited-slip differential in the S model?

[@Joseph-vj9zw]

I have the 2018 manual. The restart you talk about does not take long, almost instantly. But I still hate it. Good thing you can turn it off, that is if I remember after each time I start the car.

[@krissimon2502]

The manuals dont have the auto stop in the states only the automatic

[@bk-wd4uk]

Hey Sam, another great review! Flashback to South Mountain when we were thrashing your “kleiner GTI” that little car took everything you threw at it! Do you remember the Volkswagen GTI commercial back in 1984? I believe they had a black GTI similar to yours in that commercial. Disappointed VW no longer manufactures a two door version of the GTI.

[@TestDrivenTV]

They still manufacturer a 2-door. We just don't get it here.. And to our readers....B Keller took the photos of the 1984 GTI used in this video :)

[@edysinsimon8646]

In all honesty, I miss the 2 door model of the GTI! It looks better to my eyes than a 4 door. Im a bit taller and larger than the average I suppose... But I also owned a GTI back in the 1980s!

[@AladdinSaneNYC]

Edysin Simon The 2 dr hatch GTi? I totally agree with you! That model was much better looking. Wotta pity. Peace!

[@orreng]

Owned 2 TDI Sportwagens. Love/Hate VW. Lies are not cool. Always love your reviews!

[@das-jakku.]

i always loved sam's honesty lol

[@NigelNaughton]

Great job Sam!

[@jsboening]

Are you stuck with the stop start system if you get the manual transmission?

[@TestDrivenTV]

The question is answered if you watch the video.

[@krissimon2502]

No. Get the manual

[@Dubs4Life]

The 'fake pipes' are a result of the MQB platform, and VW isn't the first manufacturer to even do this. Easy ways to permanently code the start/stop off. "De-contenting" is exactly how base models work, so I don't quite understand why you're making that a pain point?

[@jbandt]

Dude, I like the honesty when its a brand that you usually really like. 🤣

[@skunkroaster]

Tell it like it is . Good job , most reviewers are more like sales people

[@noname-JS]

annoying auto stop-start system. Lost satellite? Lost CD player? Insane. Drove my friend's new Mercedes entry sedan with 208hp and it was a terrible driving experience. Driving it off a cliff almost happened. Stab and burn, Sam. Will continue to tolerate my 2017 GTI S manual.

[@stangtrax]

My GTI I can program the blind spot monitoring to either stay on or off but yet the BS auto stop can not be saved to the owners preferences. I absolutely hate the auto stop. I also hate how you need baby hands to reach the USB port.

[@juggerneezy]

You're really unnecessarily bent out of shape about the auto start/stop man. Even the 2018 F-150 has it now with the 5.0L V8. It's just the way motor companies are building them and those that aren't using the feature will be soon. Are we so decadent as drivers that we would refuse to drive a car that was perfect in every other way simply because we have to push two buttons when we start the vehicle instead of just one? Come on man.

[@TestDrivenTV]

Your comment made our Mow Down! kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4azZ5mcaJanoLc

[@mlwest8975]

Dude you're cool asf. I work in Phoenix if I ever see you around I'll buy you lunch man. Maybe you can test drive my Durango SRT.

[@hashaliphilemonasher6136]

Can someone please explain to me the difference between Golf R and Golf GTI. Asher from Namibia Windhoek doesn't really know and love this two cars so much.

[@SaraK_69]

You're joking right?

[@jbm0866]

This review was veeeeery different than all your others, lol. I totally understand though, my first car was an '85 Corolla GTS (less than 20 years ago though) and when Toyota brought out the 86 (Scion FRS) as a ressurection of the legendary AE86..I had to call foul. The 86 is a great car, but other than being a small, underpowered rear wheel drive car, nothing like my GTS. If Toyota could somehow slap the Corolla IM body on the 86 rear drive platform, then we'd be getting close...but still need a high revving inline 4, not a Subaru Boxer engine.

[@tfb6504]

It sounds like you might be ready for my weekend retreat: Grieving What Volkswagens Were to Me. We do Gestalt processes and burn our Clean Diesel t-shirts. I’ve had a few VWs, and it seems like they no longer make cars I love. Looking at what they have in the pipeline, I’m not convinced the next GTI will be any better. The Civic Si is not perfect, but it is increasingly compelling. It seems like the de-contenting starts after the first year; and yet, last year they were the world’s number one auto manufacturer in sales.

[@markday6524]

Glad that my 2017 GTI has NO stop start B$. Love the plaid seats as apposed to the fake leather.

[@SaraK_69]

The Leather isn't fake on the SE GTI. The Jetta yes, but not the GTI.

[@ramilramil7267]

i guess he doesnt own one

[@MrTARIQSs]

Vienna leather is real leather though

[@SaraK_69]

OMG that god damn autostop start button. It is fucken ridiculous! After 2 months I am finally used to just pressing the god damn thing every time I start my 2018 GTI. The dealer says the EPA made them do it, BULLSHIT! No other fucken car forces you to turn that shit off every time you start it. Almost makes me want to trade it in for a mini cooper.

[@noname-JS]

My 2017 Golf GTI S manual in Tornado Red gets closer to 22mpg (manual is the way to go for better car enthusiast engagement except in annoying stop-go urban environments). I literally use my GTI as an urban golf cart and only put 2,000 miles on it in the past 13 months. It was an unpleasant dealership transaction, and although much of it feels like a premium piece, at times the hatch feels like it's cheaply constructed with the rattling sounds occasionally heard inside. Some days it literally *floats* smoothly during my drive while others, I feel like what a piece of junk that I can't drive! VW really cheapened the 2017 S base model with halogen headlights. Just wait until more insurance claims are made from accidents due to poor visibility. Predicting a recall to allow better HID/Xenon/LED replacement for some part of that front halogen cluster! Porsche Macan S, GTS, or Turbo is the way to go unless you're super stingy like I am about *new* automobile purchases.

[@mcfistoyourfood69]

You ughhhh...ever heard of paper clip in wire harness lol just a ground controlled switch just plug it up an it'll auto ground every time lol like a clutch safety switch

[@hollowaang5284]

30 Year's later?. May I ask how old are you Sam?.

[@puga4202]

Tommy Hammond mid40s i assume. But he looks much younger.

[@hollowaang5284]

Pug A He could be in his early 50's too. My dad is in his early 50's but he looks like he would be 45.

[@chuckashton9688]

I'm sure the stop-start will be able to be coded out. The 2018 GTI S is a lot of bang for the buck.

[@jasonschwartz8507]

Are the bigger brakes and LSD worth the upgrade to the SE?

[@chuckashton9688]

For me they wouldn't be. If I was going to do track days then yes I'd want those. For street driving even spirited back road jaunts I don't feel they are needed. What bothers me about having to go with an SE to get the LSD & big brakes is that it comes with a sunroof that I really do not want, plus the cost is a lot more than an S.

[@dvatp]

Can't be coded out. The only solution at present is VAGCOM, which allows you to provision a voltage threshold that prevents the feature from working. A hack, in other words, rather than a true defeat.

[@jasonschwartz8507]

Is the LSD worth the cost to get the SE model?

[@juanreyes8564]

Im still trying to decide that (S or SE). Also the Golf (non GTI or R) comes with 170 hp and 199 lb ft which is nice. Im debating if the GTI is worth it, given that I just want a car that will feel sporty no necessary super fast.

[@jasonschwartz8507]

I am also looking at the Hyundai Elantra GT Sport. It seems to be in the middle from the base golf and the GTI.

[@juanreyes8564]

I think at that price point you get better performance with the GTI. It is a nice car too, i was looking at it as well. So far i think I will try a golf SE and a golf gti S. If I feel the golf SE to feel sporty and quick enough, i will probably go for if. If the cost is close to the gti S, i will probably choose it over the golf SE since you get more bang for your buck.

[@jasonschwartz8507]

Nice I actually like the cheaper head unit as it still has physical buttons. The touch sensitive buttons on the 8" display are easy to accidentally hit. I do like the GTI better than the Elantra GT Sport but I like the Elantra Steering wheel buttons better. The Base GTI goes for around $20k after incentives while the Elantra GT Sport (Base) goes for around $20k. GTI will also have higher operating costs but is the classic hot hatch.

[@juanreyes8564]

The Elantra steering wheel does look awesome! My other concern is ground clearance. I like going camping and rock climbing (not with a car) and Im a bit worried about damming the car if I go on dirt roads and gravel. I hope you can decide on which car man. Its a struggle.

[@tsav6952]

Maybe VW will get it right in 2019???

[@jbm0866]

Also..I knew the dieselgate settlement would eventually affect future models with cost cutting, so not surprised about the decontenting in the interior. The scary part is wondering where they shaved pennies on the parts you can't see, and possibly some things that are a bit more serious than not being able to play your old cd's. Plastic oil pan maybe? Oops..forgot they already did that on all MK7 GTI's. Gotta be something else for '18 though..

[@dapovi]

Lovely review mr. Jason Kidd. I have an A3 with the same auto start stop system and have to agree, it’s horrific.

[@xboxguy727]

you are awesome

[@barcostudio]

The start stop isn’t that bad…you’re being dramatic!

[@K03sport]

More justification to hold on to my 04 1.8t 5spd w/monsoon stereo that has a cd player. I may not get the same mileage but it isn't that far off...lesson: always get the manual...appreciate the honesty

[@L_G_Brandon]

2018 gti nono. My 2015 gti s has the performance package and DSG and the sticker price was 28800. The 2018 gti s ni performance package only the 220hp 28700. The radio is ok you don’t get CD player or satellite radio but you get Apple car play and a better screen that’s ok 👍. Now the interior trim use to have a carbon fiber look now the piano black 👎. The performance why called it the hot hatch when you don’t get the same performance on all models the differential and the bigger brakes make a big difference it should be standard on all models and leave the better performance for the club sport. On the exterior we got lucky with the gti s that they don’t come with does new wheels that look like they belong to a GTI hybrid does ugly wheels only available in the se and up. The headlights look better that the previous version on the gti s but why don’t go forward a little more the led looks like if I installed an led blub on a Jetta day time running lights what don’t put an led stripe across the head lights also the put a chrome stripe inside the headlights why don’t put for the gti a red stripe. Why should I upgrade grade my 2015 gti s to a 2018 gti s when you get a less s capable car performance wise

[@jbm0866]

Gtaoutsider Grats, world's longest run on sentence!

[@L_G_Brandon]

jbm0866 yeah i know sorry 😐. I was doing that hiding from my boss, just wanted to get my point across, and my English sucks

[@ramilramil7267]

warranty

[@krissimon2502]

If you already have a 2015 gti then you shouldn't upgrade to a 2018 because they're almost the same.

[@vladsaghin7644]

With the way things are going, maybe next gen GTI won't have real exhaust tips ._.

[@bosse641]

2 doors is a must in a sporty hatchback. ...and manual transmission.

[@vr6gls]

John Grytbakk According to who?

[@bosse641]

To me.

[@vr6gls]

John Grytbakk You’re on your own island then. Most Americans bought 4-door GTI’s over 2-door GTI’s 3 to 1. Also DSG and manuals sell at a 50/50 ratio. I myself own a 4-door, DSG GTI and much prefer it to the 2-door. One of the main points of buying a hot hatch is practicality. The 2-door reduces practicality significantly.

[@robertlandry5676]

An Ice Pick / The Shoes/ The wrong road/ No how does it go

[@4GuitarTrance]

SUCKS! No Satellite radio or CD player? VW getting cheap on features yet raising prices at the same time. I'll stick with my 2017 SE for now. Unless I decide to go for an Autobahn model, and if so I will go for the 2020. The new mk8 that 's coming out is hideous inside... and the front grille and fog light cluster is equally as hideous!

[@edwinduarte4095]

Wtf I live next to South Mountain lol

[@robbylebotha]

You guys in America really get some crappy GTI's. Firstly the front lights are crap. Those rims are NOT the latest and the rear lights are not the latest either. You are being taken for fools.

[@21cowboys4life]

Man you are telling the truth. I hope next model vw will not fart on us and give us what we want(but mostly isn't just there fault tho).

[@jbm0866]

Yes, we know..it's pretty much always been that way when it comes to VW. It's not huge selling nameplate in North America (and VW and their choices here are part of that) and they half-heartedly try to compete in a few different segments..

[@krissimon2502]

The newer fan looking rims are ugly as shit. Imo. This one looks a lot sportier. Also here in the states we can get a new GTI with 6 year warranty for around 23k

[@MiceliCreations]

Pull the fuse.

[@Dawgfather87]

INVI SIBLE INC can't.

[@MiceliCreations]

Doh! lol thanks for the response. Got a 17' GLE DSG anywho

[@TheRTPatriot]

I don't see why the auto-start stop would turn anyone from buying the GTI. I drive an A3 and it has one and manage to get used to it. Plus, if I load the A/C with a high temperature, the engine won't shut off. I can also seek some aftermarket change to kill the system permanently. But I won't because I can see its usefulness.

[@TheRTPatriot]

Jimbo Matic Yes you can move to the next but them if you look around you’ll find something you’re not happy with.

[@SaraK_69]

On the Audi you can permanently disable it by holding down the Autostartstop button for 4 seconds.

[@Dawgfather87]

I'm not sure that start stop systems are inherently bad, but boy was it awful on my 2013 golf. Perhaps just a poor implementation, particularly as there does not appear to be an effective means to default it off.

[@mct8888]

What a great review, actually tells us honest information to help us make decisions. Weird. That engine stop/start "feature" is an abomination. I will not be buying one of these.

[@elliottmanning4116]

It's suppose to stop the engine at every stop. That means it's working lol. I'd also like to make note that this is technically an older VW product, so it has real exhaust pipes. When the fully redesigned GTI gets here, it might have fakies out back.

[@TestDrivenTV]

They put them on the 2018 Golf

[@perrymwoo]

What a negative guy. Horrible review! Not only you dont cover the great side of this car, I think you just dont get the Golf.

[@TestDrivenTV]

Maybe you didn't watch the same review we did here LOL. Maybe you didn't watch the part where the host talks about his lifetime of owning and loving VW's starting with the GTI. Maybe you didn't watch the part where he talks of driving this GTI on the same road he drove his MK1. Maybe you didn't get any of it.

[@Max_Thunder]

Jack Lame.

[@deanmarr785]

Sam just have the dealer disable the auto stop mode.

[@SaraK_69]

Dealer can't and won't do it.

[@deanmarr785]

OBDeleven tool will allow.

[@MiceliCreations]

Red shoes are dumb.