2018 Volkswagen Golf R real-world review

Finding out if the 310bhp Golf R is the ultimate everyday performance car..
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[@guineapigsheep]

Those pops and bangs really are the soundtrack to central Bradford..

[@bengaltiger96]

Chavs

[@TheePleX]

As someone from Bradford, this statement is accurate. So much so I'm sick of hearing them now :(.

[@ZKozak-hp5vb]

I got an R and the previous owner got a cat delete. I bought it from a dealer and it took them 3 weeks to sort it out. I had to fight with VW to put emissions equipment back into the car...but I'll tell you how annoying and obnoxious I felt driving that thing. When I drove my MGB and I heard pops and bangs, my heart would skip a beat thinking how expensive the rebuild would cost.

[@Andrew-on5do]

Love this guy. He makes a car review sound like a nature show.

[@fatdoi003]

Sir Harry Attenborough

[@julianevans9548]

Unusual to find a reviewer who actually says something interesting - and tells you about the car. A lovely change from 'Here's how it looks going sideways around a track'. Seeing him scroll through the modes brings up my modern car bugbear: how much of drivers' attention is taken away by them playing with the screens in their cars?

[@vanilakung7563]

Mr Metcalfe is something special, he has that extra when it comes to cars and also he is not afraid to say what he thinks

[@vanilakung7563]

Also, he is a bit of a different version of Captain Slow, who i also adore

[@Andrew-on5do]

Julian Evans it's funny you say that because I owned an mk4 gti with an apr tune. It had just the right amount of luxury in it. Heated seats and cruise control. I test drove one of these and it was just to complicated.

[@lexluthor1166]

My favourite fact about this car is. Hans-Joachim Stuck helped VW set the car up. what a legend. great video .

[@josefinkjellsson7051]

So..Juan Pablo Montoya helped settup the Cupra R..

[@almostremembered]

​@@josefinkjellsson7051So...what's your point?

[@jonny5777]

People who think this car is boring are missing the point. It's designed to go under the radar that's why I loved my old one. Although that mad exhaust and the black rims are a different story.

[@EthanL21800]

It’s the refined hot hatch and like the GTI it’s subtle

[@alanwayte432]

I own one but absolutely agree the interior needs a lift over standard at £46k it’s not that difficult to use better leather and touch points

[@felixarbable]

Even the review of cars i care nothing about are great

[@faisalbnturki]

Couldnt agree more 👍

[@JimBob_1975]

Illegal to use a phone in your car but manufacturers think it's ok these days to spend seconds staring at a screen to set up your suspension. Crazy world...

[@invisiblekid99]

At least this has manual controls for the heating etc. But the suspension thing is not that bad. It's one but to cycle through the modes, or more useful is the DSG and the gear stick is just a notch away for sports mode. But the mode button should really be on the steering wheel.

[@melciveng]

James Dickenson I have the Passat version of the R and it’s also packed with tech, all of which is presumably ok to fiddle with while you’re driving.

[@KING0SISQO]

I’d like to think that you’d already have suspension setup already before driving 🤔

[@computerbob06]

Technically in the UK, you can be charged with distracted driving, just for eating a chocolate bar or smoking a cigarette! My friend got charged for moving his phone from the passenger seat to the centre console, so I'm guessing you can be had for playing around with the settings on your screen?!

[@SlowCarToChina]

@@computerbob06 Yep, it isn't the manufacturers who make it illegal. The rozzers can hit you for anything they decide is "dangerous" driving.

[@johnosullivan2017]

On the strenght of this review from Harry I took delivery of a new R last week. And I couldn't be happier with it. I do a North London to Worcs roundtrip frequently, so I need a practical all rounder that's good in heavy London traffic, cruises at high speed on motorways, and with a serious burst of acceleration for overtaking on A roads. The road holding is excellent too. So, thanks Harry!

[@notafanatic]

Regarding the lack of "flair", it's actually one of the reasons I bought it. I really like the understated design and that it just looks like a normal golf to the uninitiated. Otherwise everything Harry says in this review is correct - I use a daily driver on N Yorkshire roads and it's pretty much perfect, the 4WD in winter is very good. Reasonable servicing costs, reasonable economy, good performance when you want it. Overall a superb car and the mk7.5 is the last with physical buttons rather than the horrible gesture control the new version has adopted.

[@tmh44]

Great video, thanks Harry! I recently picked up a pre-owned 2016 Golf R in Lapiz Blue with the 6-speed manual, Dynamic Chassis Control, and just 4,000 miles. Bought it for under $30K USD, and at that price level I'm extremely happy. It's so good at just about EVERYTHING that I find myself driving my 'fun' car (a Mazda Miata) far less often than I would have thought. I will say that although I'm a die-hard manual transmission fan, I think the personality of the R is better suited to the DSG, but I've grown to enjoy mine with the manual as well...can't really go wrong :)

[@TIM612826]

I have driven both maunal and dsg r golfs! The dsg is nice but the manual is the best for driving! 👍

[@damiendegrasse]

@@TIM612826 it's one of the only cars I didn't prefer manual, the gearbox is really lifeless so DSG all the way for me.

[@jmos96]

Harry does the best reviews anywhere. Please keep them coming.

[@MrRea112]

Loved the video, Harry! A few personal observations: VW dealers will do pretty good deals on this car so as you’ve said elsewhere, the price you mention is more a starting point. Bargain hard, shop around. I’ve owned both R and GTi(they were DSG’s), adored both and wallowed in the pleasure both cost me substantially less than an equivalent A Class or 1 Series yet were such fun. The R’s stealthy, driving like your dad’s saloon but press those race buttons and it’s a hooligan. Nice. Compared to the great GTi they’re different cars to me, really. The GTi youthful, extroverted while the R is mature like a great wine - silken smooth with a Rottweiler bite when you need it. Then there’s the noise. Oh that sound! My vote goes to the R! Both are great cars for young people, especially if you’re 60!

[@240fxst]

Yes for older people I like the subdued, conservative styling. I’m 62 years young and I feel just as young driving my Ferrari FF as well.

[@Vicarivss]

Even his first negative I find to be positive. I like the extreme understated appearance.

[@joncochrane8189]

Couldn't agree more... I just picked up a 2017 Golf R (literally yesterday) with 26k on the clock, and coming from a 2012 GTI 6MT (owned since new) I think I'm gonna really love this car. Personally, feel the GTI is more "hey, look at what I got" and the R is more, "I know what I got, and you don't need to know". :-)

[@Vicarivss]

Jon Cochrane Congrats on the upgrade! From everything I’ve seen and read, the MK 7 Golf R is a phenomenal car for the money. I currently own a 2012 Golf R that I’ve owned since new. I am planning to sell that to my nephew shortly and will be looking to pick up an MK 7 once I find one that ticks all the boxes. Cheers!

[@oj9847]

I test drove a golf r 7.5 today, I was so shocked how fast it drives.

[@richieboy2008]

I managed to lease one of these back in 2015 for £230 per month (try getting that deal now 😂). Great all round car.

[@BeatPoet67]

Am looking at getting one of these. Harry's half smile through the entire review has convinced me. I love sleeper cars. I don't want any bling.

[@daemn42]

That signature .:R interior you're looking for came on the original 2004 R32. It had it's own special steering wheel, own seats, and .:R logos littering the interior on front and rear seats, shifter, door sills, floor mats, pedals, and instrument cluster and probably a couple more places I forget now. Dunno why VW thought that making the new R interior less unique was a good idea, but as an owner of the original, I get appreciate just how special it is. There is no mistaking its interior for *any* other Golf's.

[@MrRea112]

The Golf R is the best daily driver for the money bar none, for me.

[@beardeeble4692]

The appeal of the Golf Gti vs the Golf R will always be the bigger question. I look at it like this. When I was 35 years old, I would buy a pair of shoes that had the manufacturers name stitched on the side, I wanted people to know what I've bought and to remind myself I was doing ok. Now at the age of 50 I choose to buy a pair of quality suede shoes from Northamptonshire, costing far more money but without the label. I'm very content.

[@KingSkullie]

Bear Deeble at least you can always go online to tell people you bought your shoes from Northamptonshire, and that's what is important.

[@240fxst]

Golf R is a perfect subdued, conservative performance hatch that is brilliant. No need for advertising knowing you have a very capable hot hatch when you got subsidiaries that flash for you like Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti and Audi to name a few . Thanks for the ride .

[@TheBlaert]

These Golfs are a proper weapon. Few minor tweaks and you've got a supercar eater

[@atom999]

I've always been a big fan of the R but after watching your review I'm having second thoughts - perhaps the GTI is the sweet spot. Would love to see a 'in comparison' review. Great vid as always.

[@invisiblekid99]

I was thinking the same til I drove both. The R is so much quicker and better out of the corner no matter if it's wet or not. It still does 0-60 in under 5 seconds in the wet. 4WD is not essential, but it means you can driver safer in the wet and the power gain really is substantial. But GTI does look better. VW down played the looks a little too much.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

Very much not my type of car, but still very much my kind of review. Great video, Harry!

[@denzel1989]

X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X i love the gti the 32 just hasn't got any uniqueness its a bit plain

[@tredfxman]

Try owning one... ;)

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

It's a great car, no doubt. But it just doesn't make me crave for it.

[@lewisreinhold6398]

Great show Harry! I miss my R mk6 Best car I ever owned

[@Del-pp3gn]

Stumbled upon this channel after recognising the garage pictured on the homepage....Harry M of Evo fame!!....still love the mag!! 😎

[@joshuarosen6242]

A friend of mine has the DSG version but it’s otherwise almost identical to this one. It’s a great car. The interior is very nice and it’s properly quick. It handles pretty well and the fuel consumption isn’t too outrageous (at least not compared to my M5). The Golf R really can make a pretty good fist of almost any situation.

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Harry, thank you for covering this car. It's far more attainable than so many of the other cars you feature. I disagree with you about the steering wheel. It's very easy to learn, if you actually own one. And sure, 50K is too much to spend, but you can get them for a lot less. Push the car in a turn which engages the rear wheels, and it becomes a really fun, frisky car to drive. I am really liking mine. Cheers.

[@musicbluesman08]

GrotrianSeiler iI'm

[@invisiblekid99]

Agree on the steering wheel. It is busy at first, but super easy after a few days.

[@Franksey180]

Right, now I know what to watch whilst eating dinner tonight, hitting the like button already :)

[@RustyPetterson]

Same! Haha. The video was the perfect length.

[@christopherlewis5899]

Harry you have given the Golf R 2018 a fabulous review! I have modified many cars including Sierra Minker twin turbo, Escorts, Mk2 Cortina savage etc.... all being Fords with manual transmission which is of course my previous driving preference at the time. The 2018 Golf R manual in stage 1 is an absolute weapon of a car, if & when you want it to be? The car looks great without going over the top & is a conservative choice if you choose to enjoy driving & not be noticed too much. A car of this choice is a person who is professional, refined or an elder who perhaps does not want too many over the top visuals spoilers including pops & bangs. On driving the manual 6 speed the car is very low geared and you can drive in 5th at 30mph. The 2nd gear should be longer to reach the 62mph which is the clever part in the debate of your own choice DSG or manual. Personally there is nothing like whacking it down a cog and pinning your passengers to the seat!!!

[@williamscott6810]

It's meant to be understated. That's the point.

[@BVBUli09]

I tested the DSG version with the akrapovic exhaust, it sounds amazing! Really worth the money, especially if you take the sunroof option as well! Sounds as good as the A45 AMG!

[@tensevo]

Disagree that the R should be more overstated than it is. Precisely the GTI is what you go for if you want ppl to know you have a GTI. There is something special about the R in that it is clear that it is an R to anybody who knows, but not to somebody who doesn't.

[@johnelcock7734]

Thanks Harry I love the way you call it a weapon

[@WiseGuy02]

I prefer real dials to the flat screen digital ones. In this video the sun flashing on the screen you couldn't see them. Also the sun picked up all the finger prints on the centre console screen. Which you didn't notice as much before with the old system.

[@samsungandroid4715]

You are the best English speaker on the entire Internet. Oxford University publisher must introduce Harry's speech as a pattern of proper pronounciation. Apologize if did any error, I am just a foreign learner

[@Charside]

YES! The Akrapovic! Cant wait for mine to arrive.

[@LivingLifeSlower]

Charside I couldn't wait for mine to go.

[@tarmstrong711]

Part number?

[@fatdoi003]

standard R32 exhaust murders this one for dead..... if VW TSI their V5 that'd be really interesting.

[@tredfxman]

Enjoy dude! - Check the GTI Clubsport on my channel if you like! ;)

[@Charside]

Martin Allen what’s that supposed to mean?

[@SimonIngram]

You're right! I specified how I'd order my R, and it came to £46700. That's a lot. Think I'd save £12,000 and have the Focus RS. I did try specifying a GTi, and that came to £36750.

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

That noise will start to grate after a while. As for the look...it appeals to those with money who have moved on from showiness. Thanks Harry for a measured review.

[@colinodea4468]

you can code it so it's off or select eco sound and it's gone. I got the Resonator removed and a JB4 Installed and it's a much better sound and quicker car.

[@ottomondo1368]

My neighbor has one and loves it. He is an orthopaedic surgeon and can afford what he wants (USA healthcare system). Likes the fact it doesn't look idiotic like a GTI. Not a jock-sniffer M car. It was this or a 991.2, but wanted the seats and boot.

[@nashrullahnawai]

3:23 nice transition you got there sir.

[@fatwalletboy2]

Ive yet to see a GTi tailing an R on a good road to see if it can keep with it. Now thats a video I want to watch.......

[@jinxed_jinxed_3443]

Gotta love the placement of the dash cam lol :P

[@markoliver6237]

The R is a great all rounder, DSG is much nicer than the manual.

[@tredfxman]

True words! Check the Clubsport on my channel if you wish! ;)

[@NoahBB]

Negative.

[@davidyoung9561]

I prefer a manual gearbox.

[@TIM612826]

No its not!!! Manual is way better! 😃

[@jimbo6612]

DSG is indeed a better gearbox - as long as you have a vagina between your legs.

[@RadekPogoda]

Perfect timing for this episode. I am currently deciding between the GTI and the R. Thanks!

[@Zero_Ninety]

GTI

[@gaycha6589]

R

[@gloriousstereo]

You won't be disappointed with a GTI. I have a bare-bones '16 and love it. Buy the cheapest one you can find and enjoy. A set winter wheels & tires make it work in the snow.

[@tredfxman]

Check the 2017 GTI Clubsport on my Channel then! - Best of Both Worlds... Enjoy! ;)

[@REVVINGRODNEY]

Wow wow wow hang on a minute.... how is it possible to be Jeremy Clarkson and James May all in one 😮 Great review lol 👍

[@garyhoffmann1615]

How can you make that comparison? Harry actually knows what he is talking about!

[@rickydoolous5356]

An interesting comparison would be the BMW 140 X drive, and you get a lovely 6 cylinder soundtrack.

[@jonscoupe]

Another top class review Harry. Love this car but I think a Golf GTi with a £250 remap would boost power up to 280 bhp which is 90% of what this car offers and for a lot less money :)

[@gaycha6589]

jonscoupe - traction is key in our damp greasy climate

[@soppingclam]

the R AWD system, DSC, engine internals and other items make it so it doesn't bunny hop and stays planted on the road yet can whisk you over 62mph in under 4s. GTI is just a showboat in comparison. Like a plastic pony with glitter

[@jspesh]

About 7:50, his "favourite road" appears to be the B4437 off the A361, near Downs Lodge Farm. You can easily find it using your favourite online map website.

[@FK2VtecTurbo]

I have been waiting for so long to hear your opinion on one of these!

[@boss2811]

Great vid, Harry! The unoptioned version of the R or a GTI are right in my wheelhouse.

[@altymar4746]

Harry, you really need to get the in-car sound sorted on these videos. At times its almost unlistenable. Invest in a lapel mic/ get a pro in to set it up for you. The 'amateur' vibe is well and good but I'm straining to hear your voice in most of the videos. Listening to 16 minutes of mostly-road-noise is a drag on an otherwise excellent channel. regards etc....

[@iamthebroker]

altymar - the sound is generally clear enough without struggling to hear Harry and the car noise is contextual. I don’t wish to offend you but I’d suggest getting your hearing checked.

[@gtjack9]

I think it might be because he’s using a deadcat when it’s not really needed, it’s dampening the sound of his voice and the engine overpowers that as it is a lower frequency. The dead cat is usually only used to reduce wind noise which isn’t present inside the car. If the mic was located slightly closer it would be 10 times better sound quality.

[@timb8095]

iamthebroker no, the sound is shockingly quiet

[@BarryBethal-yv2oz]

Harry your gararrge is massive.

[@owenrichardson7278]

Another great video, cheers Harry! Hopefully I'll be in a position to afford one of these in a few years (and fingers crossed it's styled subtly enough the GF won't realise what it is).

[@mitchellsteindler]

Owen Richardson why does your gf care? Also if she's controlling your life that much...

[@Frietpan]

well if she does notice just show the pictures of a civic type r or an rs. it suddenly looks very very subtle.

[@CCFerrariF1]

Awesome review as always. And congratulations on becoming a Grandfather Harry!

[@Stumpy77]

The R is the version you go for if you've never had any other interesing vehicles and are yet to explore the virtues of RWD. The GTi is the one to go for and enjoy the anonymity and 'whole package' experience of a very competant package and aren't trying too hard to impress. Fwiw, I drive a 330d touring so this isn't based on any bias at all (but am looking at a GTi lease)

[@alexbarnby1322]

Excellent video yet again! Loved the sounds with the Akrapovic exhausts

[@deputydd4364]

Harry - the only guy who thinks a £50K Golf R is a sensible choice as your "spare, everyday car". I'd love to be in your world for a day or two! Great review as always (Though I'm concerned you are confused by the steering wheel controls, give me a call I'll show you how they work and I'll have a drive in the Aston.....)

[@IainB]

My wife has a 2016 MK7 R in Tornado Red. Seeing that new digital dash makes me want to trade it in for a '18 MK7.5. If we got the wagon/estate version of the R here in the US I'd trade in my '15 STI in a heartbeat. EDIT: You're only getting that great noise @13:58 because it has the $3,000 Akropovic exhaust. The stock car is quite, too quiet actually. If you disable the Soundaktor you get nothing in the cabin at all. I deleted the resonator on ours and it made a big difference in the sound the car makes at idle and at over 3500rpm.

[@alexbarke246]

This guy and James May would get along well, they litterally sound the same

[@seanpetersen5553]

A base model manual GTI for half the price sounds much more appealing. I’d get a TT if I wanted to spend that much

[@eklektikTechno]

I like the English Town Wheels on the 7.5 over these it just upscales to me the black ones kinda make it boy racer looking

[@kh2716]

I took one for a spin yesterday - it’s a good car but after driving the RS3 there is a huge difference between the two, but of course there will be. One of £15k more!

[@iLOOOOOVEu]

Keep thinking im listening to james may.... and yes thats a compliment

[@computerbob06]

Pity it wasn't the DSG! People have had its 0 to 60 down to 4.1 secs!

[@SimoD1978]

Love all of your videos Harry. Thanks for doing what you do. Forgive the question. Am I correct in saying you own ALL of the cars in your garage ?? If so, you Sir are a legend !! The variety of vehicle is superb. The content of your videos is excellent. Thanks

[@apostolis2939]

Where did the signature shot of you entering the vehicle go? Except for that great video as always and i wish you a happy grandfatherhoood!

[@fredwells7403]

I have never driven any DSG so I can't speak for that.... However. I test-drove the 6-speed manual last week and it's the nicest gear shifter and clutch I have ever had my hands on. I would say it would be a shame to not get the manual version, just because it's got such a nice-feeling transmission/clutch/shifter setup.

[@seinsmeld13]

I bought an S3 for the same price as one of these. This would be my choice if a manual was a must as the S3 is auto only. Anyway, keep up the great reviews Harry.

[@Paul8342]

I was just thinking this afternoon 'I hope Harry does a new video soon!'. Looking forward to some more of your road trips in 2018!

[@themancuniancandidate2744]

This car has most of the options from the Performance Pack (which was sold here in Australia as the Special Edition with a little Performance Options badge on the boot), only 400 were imported), with Akrapovic exhaust, Pretoria wheels, Dynaudio stereo; it's just missing the leather seats and 340mm brakes. I have a 2019 one in white, and it's the best car I've ever had. I looked at the Focus RS, i30N etc but found them to be a bit boy racer for my taste. And I hate the image that BMWs have. The S3 is great but way more expensive here in Oz; a used 2019 S3 will set you back about $10k more than an equivalent Golf R. And the R is just pretty much all the car you'll ever need. It's stupidly quick, comfortable, safe, reliable, well equipped, economical, and I think it looks great. It's enough of a sleeper that cops, thieves and boy racers largely ignore it....until you put your foot down of course.

[@avlehtine]

Should've gotten a Golf R instead of the Octavia VRS I did get. Yes I do need 4WD when it's easy to spin a tire (or tires) in the dry, not to mention wet and snow that we get in Finland most of the time. Swore that I would never go back to FWD after 10 years in a WRX but here we are.

[@rolexkings7747]

Surely you'd go for an Audi S4 Avant rather than one of these - I do like the R but like you said....it's too understated.

[@samgreen8727]

Great video as always Harry!

[@AmbiAnts589]

IMO spending £40k+ on a Golf is definately for the 'more money than sense' types. For that price tag I'd at least like something that looks a bit flashier than a cheap economical family hatchback that the 17 year old son has riced up with quad pipes. Cheers for the great video Harry!

[@bubuerrico9950]

Thank goodness that us Americans get the leather seats standard and the rims as well for the 2018 model year all for $40,000.00 in a manual.

[@bosse641]

Stunning looks. So cool. Sure want one. 2 doors and manual transmission.

[@MrAndyS]

Never before have I found a Harry's garage video boring, it's not you Harry it's that car

[@tredfxman]

Andy S Try sitting in it when you use the pedal...

[@miklu26]

My uncle have one with ABT exhaust and chip tuning, it is very quick indeed!

[@1SaG]

Totally agree on the seats ... it's a real shame that VW threw out the much more attractive sports-seats of the Mk V and VI GTI/R and replaced them with those unexciting and "vanilla"-looking ones of the Mk VII. If it were up to me, I'd go without the optional exhaust and order the Recaro racing seats instead. They completely change the interior's look and make the car feel a lot more special.

[@switchbladeromance1466]

Hi Grandad..Love you..Sasha.x

[@RoastLambShanks]

I like its understated look.

[@robertmurray2417]

Another great video Harry But that car is no head turner I think it needs to be Red Silver or Black with a White roof and a big fat Spoiler on the back

[@carsaregood911]

This review does a great job of why I got the MK7 R

[@tredfxman]

Imad S GTI Clubsport shown on this channel! :)

[@gaycha6589]

Me too

[@plopperator]

It looks best with the bronze grey paint and the nice silver version of those wheels. Black wheels are horrible.

[@cosminmihu9963]

I'm curious how these new performance Golf's feel, I've only ever driven the MK5 GTI. I have driven a lot of Renault sport cars and the Megane 265 and 275 still stands out as the best I've ever driven. The way it felt made me smile every single minute.

[@SeeYouUpTheRoad]

I like the subdued nature of the R but I can see how this car would go unnoticed sitting alongside other performance cars. It is the anti Civic Type R 😂

[@DoRC]

I would take this over a big wing type r any day ... Maybe I'm getting old

[@richardsedorski1206]

Can't beat a true professional very good.

[@chrisclark7181]

Just at the end, on that last left hander there was a white van on the outside, looked like someone had binned it....

[@harrysgarage]

Correct.

[@sallehasamad9543]

Own one. This car is fast. And very practical. Love the DSG fart.

[@clivedalgleish5987]

First time watching your video Harry, and I have to say "Very Good".........You have another Subscriber👍

[@VinderGroup3]

I like the fact the R has only subtle additions, the BMW M badges and parts are on very good cars but not discreet.

[@dusttkicka]

First time viewing this channel and I learnt alot and enjoyed it

[@killerhertzmercedes]

Not seen a Golf R with 4 dirty exhaust tips, always 2x dirty and 2x clean lol

[@carsaregood911]

These are black from factory lol

[@killerhertzmercedes]

Imad S I'm taking about the insides of the pipes.

[@keithbowen9561]

The outer ones only open over 3k in Race mode

[@Monkiimagic]

Yeah I think that's what KillerHERTZ was suggesting.....People who buy Golf R's don't drive them how a Golf R should be driven :)

[@ScottPC]

Exhaust flap, only two are open unless in sport mode.

[@davidfarmer2049]

310 bhp any one else recall when a 2 litre Cortina engine gave 98bhp? 50 bhp to the litre that was your lot.

[@stevenrollings337]

My old T reg 2.0GL had 101bhp!

[@DiscoFang]

Just realised Harry walking round the outside noting headlight features & the rear hatch logo-handle quirk ... he's the Doug DeMuro for actual adults. For over 13year olds.

[@tomhowroyd]

As always Harry, great video.

[@damianblockley2724]

Great informative video Harry. Thank you.

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

Just buy a M140i - straight six, rear drive. Much cheaper. I rest my case. Great video though Harry, as always.

[@tubbehht9236]

M140i is more expensive than the golf R, atleast in the states. Golf R with a tune is a hell of a lot faster and I would imagine handles better because its smaller and has 4wd.

[@andrewmoorhouse687]

I am a BMW fan, so each to their own! I have a UK perspective, so can't comment on US pricing. M140i 3 door full list price in the UK is £35,000 inc auto and metallic paint, Golf R 3 door £36,460 including leather (standard on the BMW), auto DSG and metallic paint. Maybe my much cheaper comment was a bit wide of the mark, but there are also significant discounts available on the BMW in the UK. At least 10% should be achievable. BMW size L 4324 / W 1765 / H1411mm, weight 1520 kg, 340HP / 369 lbs ft Torque, 0-62 mph 4.6 Sec, 155mph (limited). Golf size L 4258 / W 1799 / H 1,492mm, weight 1,593 kg, 310HP / 295 lbs ft Torque, 0-62 mph 4.6 Sec, 155mph. So the BMW is slightly longer and a shade narrower and lower, more powerful and slightly lighter. Performance-wise there's nothing in it (officially). Tuning is available for the BMW if you really think 340 hp isn't enough. On standard cars you will notice the extra 30hp and over 70 lbs ft of torque when driving I am sure. Handling I suspect would go to the BMW too if you are a fan of rear drive, though maybe the Golf has the edge in outright grip and traction by being 4 wheel drive. There is a X drive M140i (4 wheel drive) available in Europe, though not UK. From personal experience I think the BM would be more reliable, but no doubt others will have a different view.

[@ayewhite333]

I quite like the subtlety. Always hated the red bits and plaid seats on the gti. Cheers

[@rob_lightbody]

Great review BUT I'd have preferred to see him test drive a bog standard one with no options. I'm shopping for a used one just now and they're ALL bog standard. None have DCC or fancy extra costs exhausts.