2019 Volkswagen GTI | CarGurus Test Drive Review

Shop for the new 2019 GTI on CarGurus: cargur.us/rXPSS
The 2019 Volkswagen GTI faces stiffer competition than ever, from the new Hyundai Veloster N to the Honda Civic Type R, and from older rivals like the Subaru WRX STI. But none of those competitors can lean on 35 years of experience, and the GTI’s standing as the original hot hatch helps lead it ahead of the pack.
The 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine has been improved for 2019, gaining 8 horsepower for a total of 228, and 258 pound-feet of torque available from 1,500 to 4,500 rpm. The VAQ differential helps this front-engined, front-wheel drive hatchback drive like a sophisticated sports car, delivering up to 100% of the available torque to either front wheel.
Inside, the S and new Rabbit Edition trims still arrive with Clark Plaid cloth seats, although leather is available on the higher SE and Autobahn trims. A DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission is also available, although purists will appreciate the GTI’s dimpled golf-ball-style manual shifter. The 6.5-inch color touchscreen grows to 8 inches in SE and Autobahn trims, and all versions feature Bluetooth, Volkswagen’s Car-Net App Connect, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
For more information on the 2019 GTI, read Chris’ full review on CarGurus: cargur.us/rXPQh
Presenter: Chris Wardlaw
Cinematographer: Dan Sharp
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Sedans & Hatchbacks
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[@flipfloplogic]

Possibly the perfect all around daily driver . GTI owners already know this.

[@r3games1985]

I bought a MK8 and now I know.

[@flopkin]

I have a 17’ S, I love it. A lot of people don’t like how “plain” it is on the inside (minus the plaid), and how plain it is on the outside, but that is actually a huge positive for me. I love the no nonsense tech, no unnecessary touchscreen sliders, a simple straight forward infotainment that is fast WITH android auto and apple car play, actual volume knobs and REAL buttons, it’s the perfect amount of tech. For MPG, I legit get 40+ mpg on the highway if I’m not hammering it, not a word of a lie. It drives very good, it’s quicker than most cars on the road, fun to drive, and feels good to drive. You always feel connected, DSG or manual. I regret nothing. 10/10 car. It does everything.

[@RyanMichaelPhD]

I concur except for the mpg. Those are amazing numbers. My 17 Sport is permanently in sport mode....which should have no bearing on mpg....but I am not a conservative driver so I see more along the lines of 25/27 mpg.

[@pt6134]

You think it's plain and then you get in a shitty american uber and realize how great it is by comparison

[@Malikar001]

I concur, and I get the same ( or better ) mileage. Around 5.5 L/100km on the hwy with DSG, which is slightly better than 40 mpg I think. I don’t drive conservatively. The manual can get even better on the hwy. For the person who says they get poorer mileage, sport mode holds lower gears longer, and has a significant effect on mileage. I think on the hwy it won’t go to 6th gear and instead holds 5th, from my experience. Regarding the interior, you won’t find it distasteful after a few years of driving. And, wow, those heated seats get scorching hot, unlike my Lexus which gets lukewarm.

[@imrinox4493]

I totally agree! I personally love the interior, it's held simple but super clean and i like it a lot more than the interiors of most other manufacturers until 2018, except Mercedes.

[@ayres6727]

how many litre is better? diesel or petrol?

[@BenKurth]

I have 80k+ miles on a pure white MK7 GTI Autobahn that was purchased brand new in 2015. Will be 4years old this April. Live in WI and commute to work in MN. Drive it all year through nearly every weather condition imaginable. It’s been a fantastic car. Zero problems. Zero complaints. My only wish is for the now standard led brake lights, larger hd infotainment screen and two less door dings on the drivers side of the car (not cool children’s museum parking ramp in St. Paul). Highly recommended. Would I purchase the car again...? yes. For enthusiasts of the GTI - all eyes will be on the upcoming MK8. Which should be revealed at the Geneva Auto Show later in 2019. Great video offering an authentic review. Thanks for posting.

[@ayres6727]

how many litre is better? diesel or petrol?

[@stevendavison4044]

Good to know! Considering a '19 for a commuter car in ND. I'll buy some snow treads and give it hell!!

[@EthanL21800]

You live in superior ?

[@delanobeek]

Ben Kurth Almost 5 years now. Thinking of selling it? Or getting an R

[@NewEnglandPete]

GTI boys, where you at?

[@Aggressive_Splooge]

I'll be there soon... My lease on my Honda Civic is almost done.

[@stephenhendricks103]

I own a 2018 Autobahn GTI. It's the most versatile "do it (nearly) all" vehicle I've ever owned. Mine is the DSG (automated manual, not automatic) transmission. After many, many years of having at least one MT vehicle in my garage I chose the DSG in part so my soon-to-be-driving daughter could share it. (And it's not because she can't learn to drive an MT. Nuff said.) But even if that weren't a consideration, I've come to LOVE the dual clutch transmission. It gives me every bit as much control and "engagement" (in "manual" mode) as an MT with better performance and the option of turning over shifting duties to the transmission when I'm stuck in stop-n-go 5-25 mph freeway traffic. No apologies or excuses for the choice. Until one has owned or driven a GTI for an extended period, it may be difficult to understand its strong appeal to its fans. When I was shopping last year I looked seriously at the EcoSport Mustang and at the 2.0L Accord and the Mazda6 . Each had its strong points. But when I sat in the GTI, I felt at home. Controls exactly where they should be. Easily accessible and usable power. A perfect size. Near small SUV cargo capacity when I need it. Room for me, my wife, daughter, and big dog in comfort. Here in Washington it qualifies for a ferry discount for vehicles 14 ft and less in length. :) Driven sanely I average around 27 mpg and up to 34 on long freeway slogs. The challenge is remaining "sane" on mountain roads in the Cascades. For those who feel the American version of the GTI is underpowered, drive it before you reach that conclusion. But if more power is required, thirty minutes and about $800 will give you another 60+ HP, and substantial torque improvement via an ECU tune. Believe me, you'll feel it. And with a DSG you don't have to budget for periodic clutch replacement. By the way, contrary to rumor, it won't cancel your warranty. My "tuner friendly" VW dealer even recommends a local tuning shop. Other VW dealers even offer tuning services, themselves. And if that's not enough reassurance APR offers a third party warranty that matches the excellent six year, 72K VW warranty. Americans sometimes complain about the GTI features and individual options available to European buyers (e.g. digital cockpit, numerous color choices) that aren't available here. That can be a bit disappointing but it's balanced by the price we pay for a GTI. I purchased a fully loaded DSG Autobahn model last spring for $32,043 plus TTL. The MSRP for a (largely) comparably equipped model in Europe amounted to about $54,000 in then current exchange rates. VW apparently (and correctly) believes Americans wouldn't pay what Europeans pay for a GTI so they limit the features and package individual options into a few trim levels to contain costs. When one considers purchasing a GTI, it's tempting to think about the "R" for "only a few thousand dollars more." But MSRP's don't necessarily equate to real world prices. When I purchased a GTI I found the actual price difference here in the Pacific Northwest was at least $10,000. (The best price I found for an R was MSRP; several other examples had "market adjustment" stickers of several thousand dollars. The R is a magnificent vehicle imo. But it's a lot to pay for AWD, especially considering there's no sunroof available for the R. Around Seattle we need all the light we can get in a dark cabin. Furthermore, the R is about 300 lbs.heavier than a GTI; it's like having an NFL lineman in the back seat. The R's a great car but it simply wasn't worth the price premium for me.

[@sidharthpalakkode5509]

Thanks man.. This was super helpful.. My 15 GTI got totaled. Thanks to an ignorant uninsured Illegal driver. I have been out in the market looking to bump up.. I hit up BMW and Lexus and its so strange I dont get the same driving experience for all that extra money. I'm gonna check out Audi once, chances are I will go back to a GTI. I don't think i can fall in love with another car like this for what I can afford.

[@JoJoJoker]

Sidharth Palakkode nope. Maybe, maybe a rare highly optioned low miles GLA45 AMG could compare.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Nice car, but for that money there are better choices.

[@stephenhendricks103]

@-TheManInDboX - I'd be interested in seeing the video. In the video below he found exactly the opposite in a Caddy comparison. I couldn't find a GTI comparison. Can you cite the source? kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIXan6aNmd2Naa8

[@palusama1932]

I just traded in my MK6 GTI 6spd for this exact vehicle. Same color and of course the DSG. I absolutely love this car and I swore to myself I would stay in a manual ever since my first vr6 Jetta. But honestly this dsg is beyond spectacular, incredibly smooth, perfect shifts, paddle shifters etc etc. If you can get your hands on one of these limited bad boys I would go for it.

[@craigtimmons7994]

Absolutely love my 19 GTI autobahn!! Best driving car ive ever owned! Better than my Lexus IS350! Thank you VW!

[@raggytv4609]

Picking up a white 2020 6sp GTI base with drivers assist package in 5 days!! 11 years ago i bought a 2010 golf 2.5L and ever since that day i wanted the GTI! FINALLY!!!

[@craftmaster3125]

I absolutly love my GTI! It is a fantasticly easy manual to use and as soon as you put it into sport mode it changes the car completely.

[@williamtaylor5193]

I own this car in Urano Grey. A couple of things for those of you who are on the fence---the seats are better than they appear--really well bolstered, and firm. The overall build quality is excellent. Pair it with Android Auto, and you're good to go-- Spotify and Waze are great. Spotify, in particular, will substantially boost what is a pretty ordinary head unit. Overall, I take several unnecessary daily drives because I enjoy the car so much.

[@SaraK_69]

It was love at first drive for the GTI, I bought the SE. Amazing little pocket rocket!

[@Frajenbran9901]

Have a 2015 Autobahn with over 70k miles that I bought new back then. I could not agree more...you point it..,punch it and it goes there. Love it just as much today as I did day one.

[@waterborne4072]

Owned a 2012 GTI and loved every bit of it. Looking to get a new one ASAP

[@starskyhutch6011]

LOL I completely agree about trying to behave with this car...I bought a 2021 GTI SE Manual two months ago as my second, funtimes car. I am a complete a**hole when people are in my way on the freeway; I'm swerving and moving and speeding, etc LOL. My other car is a Stinger and I find myself driving the GTI more often than not.

[@rmheat22]

I got the Rabbit DSG this week and love it. Chris nails the mindset you get when you hop in one. The power comes so easy and the car is so nimble that it's difficult to keep yourself in check. When you feel like you can do anything on the road it's hard not to push it. The car looks great and performs better but it has that unassuming look and I love that combination. Unless you are particularly large or have a big family the car will be plenty spacious for you and I find the seats quite comfortable. Can't say enough good things about this car, if you are on the fence, get it! Wanted to add that I didn't get a rabbit badge with mine, I don't know if VW will mail me one or why it wasn't on the car, but I want one.

[@eklektikTechno]

I just purchased my first GTI at 50 S trim 2020 :) in December and so far not disappointed with the car and the Clark seats do bring a certain cool heritage style to it but have to disagree with long term comfort I’m just trying to work on that by buying some nice memory foam pads.

[@Semajmk7]

Been driving my 2019 GTI S for a week now and it’s comfortable to drive, good in corners and definitely quicker than most other cars on the street which is always a plus smoking someone that thinks they’ll win lol.

[@mikemilenzio7555]

Another excellent review by Chris Wardlaw; his reviews are spot-on, and reflect his years of automotive expertise.

[@krissimon2502]

I love my 18 GTI s manual. It has a personality that no other car has. I like the golf R but don't need all wheel drive where I live and for 23k what I paid for it it's a steal

[@jaadams72]

It is how you drive it but I have achieved 31 mpg for the life of my GTI so far. Only 13k on a 2018. I have also gotten about 36 mpg at my highest for a whole tank. Note these are the calculated numbers and not from the cars computer.

[@saint.vitus.7775]

I like your writing. And i want this car. I agree the plaid seats need to be an option at the SE and Higher trims.

[@electricflesh4534]

Ugh, I want this car so bad. I have a 2007 GTI MKV and it only has ~47,000 mi on it but I'd still love to own Rabbit Edition GTI. Those wheels look so good. I'm debating on whether or not to invest money in repairing some dents, dings, and other deteriorating parts of my MKV or just save the money and put it towards a new GTI. Such a fun car to drive.

[@JohnnyAmerique]

VW must have jacked up the MSRP price significantly. I bought my 2017 SE-trim GTI with DSG and a number of other options besides the base SE package in the spring of the same year for $28k and change. The same dealer also showed me S-trimmed versions they were more than willing to part with for $24k. Again, this was less than two years ago.

[@jerryg.3080]

He's talking MSRP. Street prices are regularly discounted $3K+.

[@SaraK_69]

I love my GTI SE

[@alexandrerighi]

best review of this car yet. hands down!

[@chairrules2007]

FYI TO CROSSOVER/SUV FREAKS: Listen to the comment about cargo space at around 5:00. So Yes, you can have interior space for all your useless crap, and also get a FAR SUPERIOR driving experience with a car like this GTI. You all dont have to drive suv/crossovers. Furthermore, if you care about thinking logically, you all shouldnt be driving suv's and crossovers. Better handling and driving dynamics, better mpg's, lower msrp's, and the same room inside.

[@SaraK_69]

People who drive Trucks have small penis. People who drive SUV have small ego. People who drive CUV, well I dunno about them. But, yes you are absolutely right the cargo space for a hatchback is cavernous! People who drive hatchbacks are just plain smarter than the rest and have more style.

[@Sam-fz3mx]

I think a lot of the SUV buyers like to feel higher (seating + ground clearance) and safer in a larger car, regardless if a smaller car, like the golf, can match the space. But I'm with you, I would easily choose a gti over most SUVs in a heartbeat.

[@chairrules2007]

Yes, I agree. Those are some of the main reasons that American suv buyers give. (BS nonsense reasons).

[@SaraK_69]

SUV and Trucks are more dangerous due to flipping and flying off raised expressways in winter. That is why their insurance is higher.

[@chairrules2007]

ok, lets list more suv/crossover negatives: Use more fuel, more oil, output higher emissions, heavier weight so they dont handle, turn, or stop nearly as well, so they are not as safe. Take up more room on roads, and much more room in parking lots. Suv drivers usually buy them to drive around 1 or more kids in them, so they are much more likely to be distracted while driving, causing more traffic incidents and problems on the road. The list goes on and on. But keep buying them like crazy 'Merica !

[@ersand5692]

228hp in usa in europe it is got 245hp

[@victorvandyke9898]

Yeah, have to agree, a stunning bargain of a car. I had a 2015 with the DSG and a tune, that made the car just a joy to drive, and drive under the radar! Sad to say, I was so impressed by the platform, that I now have a pretty Ara Blue Audi S3. Sure, a much prettier car and with my tune, it is producing near 400 hp! Guess what, it doesn;t drive near as nice as my GTI did. Also having a 2018 SQ5 for the wife, and a 2007 335i that I soon want to trade, I am seriously weighing the GTI vs. a Miata! As this car will be just a spare vehicle, it needs to be the most fun car in that price range I can buy. What's the deal with the skanky blue suitcase? Did you find it along the street somewhere?

[@jaminx2]

I own this car. They send you the rabbit badge. It's not installed at the dealership.

[@parker7953]

Did it take awhile for you to receive your badge? Been almost a month since I got my rabbit and still no badge.

[@JCTiggs1]

Really? This is really useful information! The GTI Rabbit trim around my area have a little sticker which just looks cheap, glad to hear VW is doing the proper emblem for this limited edition. Only 3000 of these are in the US (possibly North America?) and apparently half are manual which is really cool. 😎

[@scottroberts5529]

37 grand for a fully loaded gti that's pricey for a gti I bought my used 2018 Golf r wth 10 thousand miles for 27 grand I love every bit of it

[@carguybd]

You got a screaming deal Scott. When I bought my CPO Autobahn w/ Perf. Pckg., 18 mos. ago, it too was a screaming deal, bought directly from VWoA (thus everything was new). That's about what I paid, and Golf Rs were easily eight to ten grand more. A GTI Autobahn is not a very compelling purchase for the same coin as a Golf R, I agree.

[@scottroberts5529]

@@carguybd I been hunting for a golf r for a year searching the internet everyday lol I guess the dealership selling the R didn't realize what it was and thought it was a regular gulf overall there amazing cars have u driven an R b4 that launch control just kicks hard

[@carguybd]

@@scottroberts5529 I'm firmly in the MT camp Scott. No I've never driven a DSG-equipped R, but I've got several vehicles in the seriously hi-po category; the GTI is the practical all-around vehicle of the bunch.

[@scottroberts5529]

@@carguybd I've had 4 gti's. I love them my first 2 were mk5s 3 one was a mk6 loved that one after I sold it the guy totalled it and the 4th one was a mk7 gti leased loved the platform I had the performance pack wth the limited slip and that made a huge difference in the twistys do u have the performance pack on yours ?

[@carguybd]

@@scottroberts5529 Yes. Mine's a loaded Autobahn w/ PP etc. A car that makes little sense because as-equipped, the price is right at Golf R levels, so it's not a compelling value as a new vehicle. But I know why companies do this (my wife works for a car company)- they build these unicorns and furnish to them to their best employees, who love the doo-dads, and appreciate having the features on their company-cars, etc. Then when they're done with them, they go to auction and it raises the avg. transaction price, which is good for resale values. It explains why my rare fully-loaded Autobahn came right from VWoA. I've got you beat with GTI ownership, having owned 'em back to MKI versions. Seven GTI Rabbit/Golfs. A few years ago when I had a 911 Turbo, one day I had a eureka moment and realized that the Turbo wasn't any more fun on regular roads, it was just lots and lots faster, so why not get another GTI? My current 911 is a modified normally-aspirated car (993 series), which also is simply faster than the GTI, but not more fun whatsoever. Plus once a guy gets triple digit speeding tix... I'd still like a Golf R, but given what they typically cost and given that my car will see perhaps 2k miles a year, if that, it just didn't make sense. We get so much snow where I live that even a snow-tire equipped car, as my cars are, do not really work because it's not uncommon to have to cut a trail through a foot plus snow, hence the GTI + a pick-up, vs an AWD Golf.

[@DarkPhoenixTSi]

Rumor has it that you can get the Clark Plaid on the SE and the Autobahn as a no cost option to replace the leather chairs.

[@flee78]

This car is insane!

[@ziggymorris8760]

They were idiots to discontinue the two door.

[@dappercrab4243]

Idk, I love the fact that a can destroy someone's coup with a four door.

[@ivdub9511]

Add a Tune a Downpipe and an after market air filter and it turns into a rocket ship!!

[@eklektikTechno]

I’m fine with them completely stock

[@thewirah1]

I love my nogaros, but I have to admit that the pretorias look pretty sick.

[@nathangold5759]

This car is the one

[@gladdy02]

I'm 6'2 and I drove this car. I don't see how ever one says this car is so spacious. I thought it was tight

[@GsrMePlease]

gladdy02 I’m also 6’ 2” and I have no problems. Your “tightness” might be lateral/wideness. Happen to be over 200 lbs? That may be your issue.

[@gwilliams3079]

I'm 6'6" and fit great. Love the driving position. Even better than my previous Audi S5.

[@varsity2845]

Only bad thing about the 2019 GTI is they removed the DSG farts. Good side, you get a 7 Speed DSG instead of the 6 Speed DSG.

[@gladdy02]

Next Gen coming soon!

[@froesesp]

2021

[@BenKurth]

Should be revealed later this year at the Geneva Auto Show in 2019.

[@mannyechaluce3814]

I want Fake Exhaust and CVT on the next Gen ...................

[@ubergrendle]

Mk 6 had a number of recalls and performance problems over its lifespan, but VW nailed it with the 7 / 7.5 gen. Better to lock in on something proven reliable, than hope for the future.

[@jbm0866]

MK8 may be the last real GTI, seems VW are betting their future on EV's. I mean sure an electric motor GTI could trounce the internal combustion GTI's in 0-60 times, but the weight of battery packs needed for any decent range will mean such a car will weigh the same as a much larger conventionally powered car. No amount of chassis tuning wizardry can make a heavy car feel light and tossable...even if they manage to distribute the weight evenly and as low as possible. The upside is there is no reason to make an EV front wheel drive, so the Mk9 could be the very first RWD GTI, or one that could easily transition from RWD to AWD at the touch of a button..or sutomatically when needed. That said, i'm not ready to give up driving cars that use dino-juice, even if non-sporting EV's are capable of dusting it in a drag race..

[@RocketDescends]

Excellent review. Thank you! 🙏🏻

[@corax_of_istria]

I'm sorry but I could never get down with the plaid ... lmao

[@cheezybred]

Good review and very informative, however it seemed more robotic and scripted. Would love to see more emotion, tell us how you really feel 👍🏼

[@alvarodavila8010]

I love my APR Stage 1 MK7 GTi

[@Glock_4717]

Great review mate

[@ianalexander2017]

That’s outstanding looking

[@Bangkok-ik1fp]

Those levers for seat adjustments have to go. If VW can provide AC vents for rear passengers they can add cooled seats for front occupants.

[@JCTiggs1]

Excellent, detailed review, subscribed. 😊

[@chrisb2844]

I have owned a few Volkswagen's and that is one sharp vehicle there, I like that a lot, not that crazy over the those seats.

[@spacep0d]

Great review, thanks!

[@bobteitt5532]

Great Review! Thank you.

[@jonlaprade7977]

Buyer Beware! Nearly 100 buyers including myself have had stalling issues with this car with no solid fix in site. You can see it happening in videos starting to pop up on KZbin. Also a reddit thread has popped up that has new posts every day. Be careful everyone!

[@yxllxh6377]

That's only with the manuals, right?

[@jonlaprade7977]

@@yxllxh6377 It is also some DSG's. Even a few GLI DSG's have this issue.

[@DOBERMAN715]

The only downside to driving a GTI is, you'll find your trips too short?

[@swanblake]

So much time spent talking about the plaid seats. We get it, you like plaid

[@stephenhendricks103]

Personally I'm not a great fan of the GTI's plaid seats but it's a virtually iconic design signature of the GTI. Many GTI owners willingly sacrifice other features just to get them.

[@jbx_98]

They should have it optional because I think its ugly and would much rather have standard seat colors.

[@tymac3306]

I traded my 2017 GTI Autobahn for a 2018 Golf R, and if I was to give any advice when buying a GTI today, buy the S base model with the $450 safety tech, and DSG if you can afford it, the gearing is very tall in the manual, and lugs in urban situations. For the money though GTI S ....

[@JacesOwnWorld]

Ty Mac bought my 17 GTI S manual for $23k brand new. Everything has been upgraded from brakes, to suspension, to clutch, to shifter assembly, to turbo, and all in-between. It’s a 450hp monster! And I still haven’t spent as much as s stock Autobahn costs 😂

[@JasonScheier]

I have 350 whp in my GTI 2017 and I get 30+ mpg :D

[@AerialAries]

What kind of mods?

[@Stclairm1]

If I have to deal with a "choppy" ride, I'll take another Fiesta ST. Quite a bit less money, and what a car with personality that isn't muted like the GTI. You can get one for under $19k and with a bunch of options for $22k.

[@JoJoJoker]

Mike StClair it's not choppy.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

True but the Fiesta ST looks shrunken and hideous.

[@Stclairm1]

@@buildmorefarms1007 Plenty of people think it looks pretty cool, so to each his own I guess. The GTI looks boring, but I will say the interior rocks.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

@@Stclairm1 True, but the Fiesta ST just looks like a Focus ST that was left in the dryer too long. I am not alone in that opinion. The GTi looks kinda dull but it is not ugly at least.

[@Stclairm1]

@@buildmorefarms1007 Funny, both my teenage kids think the Fiesta looks better than the Focus

[@stanleykania7184]

Good video 👍

[@C0ACHMAYNE]

Love my 2015 AutoBahn GTI

[@buildmorefarms1007]

$29,000 a bargain? I disagree.

[@GOD999MODE]

It's a fucking rip off. You can get a WRX for cheaper.

[@jstoli996c4s]

It is a bargain.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

@@jstoli996c4s You can get a Veloster N for less.

[@jstoli996c4s]

buildmorefarms100 I still prefer the GTI.

[@wutdafeezi]

What the difference in the autobahn version compared to the SE version?

[@rayo5826]

Whenever u get a chance to drive one do so traded my brz in for one just a all around better car in every category

[@ianalexander2017]

My family has a 2015 vw golf tsi

[@TherealAlibaba]

Apart from power It seems to have less features than my GTD 7.5 which can be mapped to 250BHP.

[@bosse641]

So fine.

[@sm1else]

I have car-net, but only for the emergency features. The app blows.

[@Blkojo]

Anyone: Can the Autobahn driver's power seat be adjusted further back than the non-power seat of the S?

[@brianreardon7700]

The gti is the tom Brady of affordable fun to drive sporty cars

[@mavsman7449]

Is that the Urano Gray?

[@willieabrams]

Yes.

[@bertito43]

Uranus 😂

[@JoelPittenger]

Aside from the standard LSD now, is there really anything mechanically different between this and the 2015? Just a few extra HP tuned up?

[@michaelnorman9096]

Joel Pittenger the big brakes

[@varsity2845]

Where’s all my APR Stage 2 boys at?

[@HOTPLATEGAMING]

EQT > APR

[@rocketkid3787]

2019 GTI Stallgate. Before you buy a manual check out the stalling problems with these.

[@nikolaygrishakin4646]

Perfomance wise what wheels are better 17" or 18"? Thanks!

[@TheSovietHotDog]

Nikolay Grishakin 18

[@nikolaygrishakin4646]

@@TheSovietHotDog I finally got Passat GT with 19". 😁

[@hartbleed7151]

Why would anyone want cloth over leather...ugh...love the car but I need leather!

[@cuy50]

leather is hot and sticky. cloth breathes. and is cheaper.

[@priscillatrujillo5189]

Plaid>

[@barabolak]

usb is up front

[@matthewbromwell6740]

I laugh every time I watch a Golf review and fuel economy is poo pooed.

[@ayres6727]

how many litre is better? diesel or petrol?

[@theorinos8919]

Simple small practical bucket for $30000??? Do I get a mop too!...

[@juliocruzjr.5307]

Car net is a waste of Money. The tech in our phones make it so obsolete. The speakers in a non Fender premium model aren’t garbage if you know anything about sound quality. You really only compromise sound quality when using Bluetooth streaming, if you use the USB cable through media or car play, it will deliver better quality vs BT streaming though I wish a premium sound system was available for something like my rabbit model.

[@TheTalentexplorer]

What colour is that ?

[@MADTURK61372]

What color is that?

[@elimartin6757]

Did he really have to do it to us on the thumbnail? 😔

[@noillusion3180]

Eli Martin I see what you did there, ahaha!

[@erichaynes7502]

Civic sport hatch..tuned.

[@jacobreed47]

GTI Rabbit over a Civic Hatchback any frigging day. Civics handling and boring drive is a big let down. Plus a tiny teenie engine in the Civic is gonna break in 5 years I betcha.

[@opencarry3860]

Mine is the three door mk7 with manual transmission. Bring back the three door.

[@TalismanPHX]

At 6'3" and 235 lbs, the new 3 is tight, especially with the sunroof.... no panoramic roof available. I'd prefer a new Soul GT turbo for way more cargo space, headroom, and back seat legroom.

[@HansDelbruck53]

And far less panache.

[@Artictoyo]

I want one 😭

[@medellon]

The Veloster has nothing on this cars' day to day livability.

[@swanblake]

Except price, reliability, speed, acceleration, braking, warranty, ect. Veloster N is just better

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@swanblake The Veloster N appears to be a fine effort. Hyundai/KIA continue to knock it out of the park with their recent (and forthcoming) models. And if one is looking for a "track ready" vehicle it appears to be a serious contender. But the original comment focused on "day to day livability." For example, I often share my GTI with my wife, daughter, and big dog. For me, that's an important part of "day to day livability" and the 3 door Veloster with a cramped rear seat doesn't measure up. As far as price is concerned, the Veloster N is likely be priced near or even above the real world price of a comparably equipped GTI. Reliability, while likely good from Hyundai, is unknown at this point. And like any first year model, some skepticism is warranted. Finally, the GTI's 6 year, 72K mile bumper-to-bumper transferable warranty is better than Hyundai's 5 year warranty. All in all, the Veloster N and the GTI are different kinds of vehicles that appeal to buyers with different priorities. Claiming one is "just better" ignores that fact.

[@techpappee]

James E. Kelly Blue Book doesn’t agree... “Performance car Best Buy of 2019, Veloster N” www.kbb.com/car-news/all-the-latest/best-buy-awards-sports-performance-car/2000011408/

[@subvet3668]

I agree. Veloster N is just not as practical. Also while it looks decent on the outside the interior is an absolute joke with the exception of the very nice steering wheel. The Upcoming MK8 GTI is reported to start at 250HP and reach near 300HP with the performance package. GTI all the way. They really should have brought the I30N hatch or fastback to the states.

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@subvet3668 The i-30N would appeal more to me, as well. But given Hyundai/Kia's track record, I suspect they know exactly what they're doing in terms of their bottom line.

[@squidproquo2241]

You just watched commercials ... VW paid and approved,

[@janakranchod]

0:30 - That's what she said

[@adamravid1886]

I hate the seats besides the leather makes it feel cheap

[@PhiloPommier]

Great car no doubt,but engineered for expensive maintenance.

[@lexusfan100]

Why does this gti has white leds for central display and buttons and on passats its all red. I hate red back lit leds . They are difficult to see. White are sooo much better. Also y does golf has parking light switch yet on passat there is no parking light switch. Its just off, auto and manual. Some Very poor design on passat

[@nicorossi5250]

245 Cv, veri sono 252

[@killerkhalsa27]

Why does the US get this ugly ass infotainment, while in Canada we get the 8 inch glass screen on our rabbit? The glass Infotainment is absolutely amazing, it should be standard on the rabbit in the US too.

[@YasumotoUS]

I've been wondering that myself. I saw a Canadian youtube review of the rabbit and was like WTF. The rabbit spec is decent for the money considering the LED headlights, new wheels and keyless start / entry. But the audio system will likely require some upgrading.... in the USA.

[@JohnDoe-xr5is]

I owned a 2016 GTI....couldn't sell it fast enough. I got rid of it at 26k miles. Great car to drive, not a great car to own. At only 26k...I was starting to have real problems. All 4 rotors rusted REAL BAD. They rusted over night! I've never had a car do that to me. And all 4 rotors got huge grooves cut into them. I can understand if it happens to one...but all 4? And the rotors finally reached a point where the rust wouldn't go away from a few brakes the next morning. They remained permanently rusted. It's not is if I live in some humid place....I live in southern Ohio. The car burned through a set of tires in 20k. I'm a grandfather and don't drive the car hard. The tires cupped pretty bad. I even had the car aligned at 4k miles...and still, bad cupping at 20k. While driving down the highway, the onboard computer shut off one of my cylinders. I limped off to the side and had the car towed to the dealership. (2 months left on warranty...thank god) Dealership calls, says they see where the computer turned off a cylinder, they don't know why it did it, and they can't recreate it. Sorry about your luck, come get your car. Then the final thing: I started getting dew on the INSIDE of the windows. I couldn't figure out why. My grand daughter says the back seat is wet. I KNOW I didn't leave a back window open in the rain. This goes on for a while and I finally open the hatch and look in where the spare tire is held. And there's TWO inches of standing water! It's a bathtub. That's the final straw. I sold that thing as fast as I could. I will never buy a VW again as long as I live.

[@e46Kyle]

Great review, Christian! I’m considering buying this exact car (same colour and spec) used, and your terrific drive-by footage makes it look SO hard to resist. 🥷

[@wildforthecats661]

I wish they could make the GTI last over 200,000 miles without costing a fortune in repairs.

[@krunalpatel4829]

is this TCR ?

[@nathangold5759]

Looks can be deceiving.

[@m3109c1t0]

Why VW don't make a modern version of the MK3

[@timothygermann780]

huh?

[@andrewl5095]

Street rocket

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Horrible seats...way too much side bolstering and your right knee will bang against the hard center console all the time. No thank you.

[@forrestihler504]

When this guy at the beginning said “Direct Shift Gearbox” instead of “DSG” like literally everyone else I knew he was a try hard. 😂

[@oneofthosecreativetypes24]

I'm new to the acronyms, so I really appreciated that about his review.

[@pi11sburydoeboy]

"like literally"....