2019 VW Golf R In-Depth Mechanical Review

[@HumbleMechanic]

I LOVE my R!!!!

[@flintmonz]

I love my R 7.5, too !!!

[@tredfxman]

I love my GTI Clubsport MK7 - Only in Europe! 😄

[@lagerace227]

Me too

[@Darmine6]

I miss mine. :(

[@themejorshit]

I absolutely love my R too!

[@Anders0nic]

The undercarriage content is exceptional. Focusing on the mechanical details is what sets you apart. If there is a way to explore more of that content, I’m sure you’ll find a way.

[@kenhoward3512]

Another reviewer offering detailed examination of underbody components: Savage Geese on KZbin.

[@CPMUNSEY]

I couldn’t agree more. The MK7/7.5 Golf R’s are one of the best hot hatches ever made in my opinion.

[@aminawad5216]

I had one for 5 mths. For 4 mths it was at the service centre. For the other month, it was waiting for parts. Electrical issues that VW could not resolve so i had to fight to get my money back. Beautiful car to drive if you don’t have any issues. If you have issues then you will be in trouble with Volkswagen’s lack of customer service.

[@zounds13]

Yeah, in America VW service is notoriously bad.

[@j.markkrzystofiak9907]

Great job, as usual. Totally clearing the bar. I vote bring on the “raw” and don’t sweat the small stuff.

[@ianperkins8812]

Whatever works best for you, Sarah. Just don't burn yourself out trying to keep two channels going.

[@Thalln]

This is why its the king of the Hot Hatch. It can be sporty when you want it to be and it can be a nice comfortable ride when you want it to be. You could take it to a track, do some laps and then go to a golf course and at both places no one will bat an eye, its a classless car. Sure you can get a Type R, or RS, or N which are all faster, but they all lack the 'hatchback' side of a hot hatch which is the daily driver side.

[@CarbonADA13]

'Im Namen der Wissenschaft gebe ich die Bohnen'

[@george98vwgti]

As an owner of a Spectrum (91 Blue) Mk7.5 Golf R, I whole heartedly agree and for those of us that have “matured” past the boy-racer age it’s a great choice over the RS and TypeR.

[@HumbleMechanic]

91 BLUE!!!!!

[@damish141]

Agreed, this channel is a more natural home for car reviews.

[@AR-pm9nv]

“ Holy fk nuts”. Sounds like a new breakfast cereal.

[@brianbrown543]

But only for Sunday mornings.

[@mostcom]

@@brianbrown543 stop stealing my thoughts

[@GiveItTheBeans]

Hahahahaha

[@Primus54]

This has been a great few days for those of us who enjoy first class knowledge AND entertainment in excellently produced videos. Add to that the monthly live stream… you’ve been a very busy girl. I liked the dash display camera mounting during the drive, and I would definitely own one of these if I was in the market. I’m also glad to see you are obeying all the traffic laws! 😉 Thanks, Sarah! 👍👍👍

[@av8bvma513]

4:42 "As far as the Round Bits go..." SPECTACULAR SARAH!

[@Harry-Cardboard]

Did the car even have wheels or tires on it? I didn't notice.

[@robertbrettell2110]

Liking the format, keeping it real like going on a test drive with a fellow car enthusiast, not a journo. Nice.

[@timkoryciak5622]

I enjoy both of your channels Sarah, Keep up the great work

[@jeremyrimmer9247]

Also the engine “warble” sound that you commented on is likely coming from the “soundaktor”…. A sound generator located at the base of the windshield. It’s intensity can be adjusted from the infotainment system or shut off outright. I switched mine off, opting for the actual sound of the engine which is pretty sweet in of itself.

[@lloydh.3771]

Golf R is a great car! ABT offer a warranty covered tune, increasing BHP to 375 and 470Nm torque. I prefer manuals, but the VW DCT is a brilliant gearbox. Thanks Sarah, hot hatch fan.

[@scotts6702]

I am thrilled to hear you so excited about this review. Obviously I’m biased because I have a 2017 GTI sport. I love my Volkswagen. I also love that you’re doing short and sweet to the point reviews on this channel. Excellent.

[@afcgeo882]

The EA888 on North America is direct injection only, even on the Mk8. Europe gets the dual injection version of this engine. There are aftermarket options to add the port injection components, but they’re not cheap.

[@deanmarr785]

Or you can do a carbon cleaning at around 75k miles. Should cost bout 350$

[@afcgeo882]

@@deanmarr785 Or you should actually do it at 30-50k as recommended by most mechanics familiar withe the issue, and it costs literally double that (a walnut shell blast).

[@deanmarr785]

@@afcgeo882 Just did mine at 67500 miles. There was some build up, but I could have waited another 20k miles.I paid 350 for walnut blast. You need to find a cheaper shop.

[@johnturner4400]

I bought my mk5 fourteen years ago. It felt like VW designed it just for me. I can’t let it go!

[@JayLepisto]

Enjoyed the fun review! I learn new details with every show. The way this was filmed, I could feel the power and nimble handling. I especially appreciate the mountain rimmed road footage and the stunning sunsets. Love this channel!

[@greenreaper8663]

I wouldn’t change a thing on how you are doing these car reviews. They are informative in all the areas that really matter. We appreciate the detailed information you give us. Keep going! Thank you Sarah!

[@eric19875]

I really liked the style of your reviews. I liked the R.

[@roccoracer]

What an awesome review. I am a VW nut and you pointed out ever reason why I love them in this review. Also my stock "210 hp" MK7 GTI made 220 wheel. You are correct that the R makes more than advertised.

[@GiveItTheBeans]

Yeah, lol it’s laughable how under rated these cars are. When that launch control hit my first thought was calling bs on the power rating from VW.

[@mikeyp1977]

I’m in love even more now. Sarah says aluminium properly 🤣

[@jiggsh54]

I love that you give even the cars you love a true rating, rather than phoning it in.

[@EarthyBlendPOV]

You’re killin’ it. Bring all the reviews over here. And heck yeah, go raw!

[@aaspookyaa]

Love your new channel, moving car reviews here makes total sense to me.

[@lucaschilvers6664]

as a vw tech in uk, i can confirm we love these, brilliant daily apposed to an s3 or cupra

[@lannym]

Had this car, color and all, a 2016. First and only time I've ever opted to not get a manual in over 40 cars.....and I agree, that gearbox is amazing. It was a two year lease and watching this review, I'm reminded how much I miss it. When the 8th gen hits, I may have to pick one up..

[@justcallmebill473]

By making the majority of this video while in the car gives it a nice touch of authenticity. To see your reactions gives the video a touch of realism not see in other's reviews.

[@charles_wipman]

The Golfs R are quite liked here in the N of Spain, they're great on our rally like back roads and they're quite reliable; if you like the Golf R you'll like the Megane and the SEAT León. I like how you do your reviews.

[@kc0lif]

I'm happy 😊 i like the reviews. i love it when you give it the beans. you can review anything I'd watch. your launches are epic.

[@aroundomaha]

Love the simple, straightforward format. As a former GTI owner I am guilty of saying the R is more for money people than "drivers" and it isn't true. Nicely done!

[@The888Redlich]

Great review, I can confirm a tune in Australia with no hardware changes takes it from just under 180 wheel kw to just under 220 wheel kw, & makes it very quick indeed

[@burvan6797]

Your commentary is always down to earth without a sales pitch. Clear and to the point, knowledgeable, practical.. A breath of fresh air for sure

[@paulschmolke188]

Now you understand why I like my TDI I know the R is newer, faster and has a few extra features but underneath, it’s got a lot in common. Nice test/review…as usual. 👍🏽👍🏽

[@cengeb]

My 7.5 2019 r is GREAT stick of course, 47K fun miles comfortable, solid,fantastic handling

[@dusty_rhodes]

Your reviews on this channel are great. The rawness is welcome. The undercarriage footage is fairly unique 🖤 Hot hatches are cool to see reviewed. Thanks for what you do

[@milesGBWI]

Glad you were finally able to review my car. So happy to hear you liked it. Agreed it's a blast to drive. Although, I wis it had a Sarah n tuned license plate frame to add. .......

[@brycejeannotte7699]

Great review! Looking forward to more on this channel.

[@BurekSaSirom5]

Car is perfect, t-shirt as well 😃

[@zbomb33]

You still have one of the most unique car channels out there. Keep up the great content! Also, big VW fan here. I have a mostly finished 79 Rabbit with a Vr6 swap. She’s a hoot to “give the beans” to 😎. Edit: also, can you double verify this gen 3 engine has direct AND port injection? I’m pretty sure they do not have port injection 🤷

[@ThePedalDance]

2018 Golf R owner here. I believe the US spec cars are Direct-Injection only. A couple countries got direct & port injection for some model years. One of the reasons I'm excited to get a new BRZ is D-4S injection...direct & port. My 2013 BRZ had the same D-4S system developed by Toyota.

[@DandGBears]

Sarah is an awesome car enthusiast with a great car out for a beautiful morning drive. What’s not to like about that format. Great job!

[@shaunbyrne9037]

Sarah you have both channels going in the right direction in my opinion . Great idea to keep the reviews on this channel , goes well with the mechanical / engineering aspect . Absolutely one of the best automotive channels with your humour , knowledge and enthusiasm . You are down to earth , real world and relatable . I can even relate to your ocd on cleaning 😉 . Keep at it , thanks for entertaining and even educating us . 🇺🇸 🇬🇧

[@newbwheeler9777]

I was literally on the fence if I wanted to buy one of these or not but after watching this and you saying you would buy one of theses yourself, I’m sold.👍🇨🇦

[@Bryan-fn3yq]

Great review. Can't wait for the next gen Golf R with 315 HP

[@auroralance8546]

Finally a swear word without it being squelched. Love your review, makes me want to look at the VW again.

[@RealCujo]

My wife just traded in her 2015 GTI autobahn. We added APR mods to bring it to 314 hp and 374 tq. She drove it daily and traded it in at 126 thousand miles for a Tesla M3LR. She misses the sound of the engine and the stereo. Oh amazingly the only issue we had was the plastic intake cracked which I feel should of been a recall. Love your reviews.

[@wharris123184]

Thanks Sarah! We’ve been waiting for this one. 😊

[@jdog5687]

Love my R! Stage 1 tune is great. Almost 9 years and no major issues.

[@danielashleybaker]

manual is great but I've been driving that dsg for the last 5 years and I love it.

[@cayetano6547]

this review pushed me over the edge..I was considering so many hatches...Mazda 3, Veloster N..Corolla GR..Focus ST..Focus RS and I think this is the best daily driver, fun and exciting of them all

[@jerrycapizzi2081]

Love the golf R. Nice, well-finished interiors and like you said, a sleeper hot hatch.

[@BirdiesGoCherp]

Came at the perfect time, I recently bought a MK7 Golf with the 1.4L TSI engine (150 hp) that I plan to empty a MK7.5 R or a GTI depending on availability where I am.

[@05blkgti]

I still wish VW would put the VR6 in this car. Dig the new channel! I think it’s a great idea to separate into two but I hope it doesn’t put too much strain on you because you are great at what you do.

[@bloodydino1]

I appreciate the in-car ratings; less wind-whipped and bug-bothered!

[@kevinlyon9501]

See more of these than gti in the UK, can get lots of of tuning bits from Revo to make it more bonkers fast. Loved the sunset shot👌

[@peterbelsanti141]

You're doing great, love the new channel. Keep it up. Would be interested in "How easy is it to Mod?", meaning how easy is it to get after market performance parts? Not just for the Golf R but all the cars you review? What do you think?

[@the.repair.shop.426deleon8]

Personally I like both Sarah! The reviews and the projects.. this does make it easier tho! For the viewer that is!

[@nitcat1]

I miss my 16 GTI Autobahn a lot. The manual in it was a lot of fun, but every time I drive my wife’s 17 Sportwagen with the DSG, I have to agree - it’s a great transmission and also a fun car to drive.

[@jasonfalk7696]

Sarah, you're doing fantastic!

[@celestinoybarra3057]

I drove one last year and it was probably one of the most fun forgiving car I have had my hands on. More power like stage 1 and some sticky summer tires would be fine for me, now I’ll wait a bit to get my hands on the new one.

[@jenniferg4913]

Nailed it on the review! I myself have the same year and model R and couldn't agree more on the maturity of this car.

[@craigcampbell2687]

I so agree..any hopped up focus is a focus with a cassette head unit the comes with the optional tape that goes vrooooom

[@michaelspurling4376]

My daily driver is a 2018 Golf R which is nearly identical to this car except that for some reason I don't understand the HP dropped by 4 in the 2019. You are correct in thinking that the DSG is the right choice for transmission. I preferred manuals for years but this dual clutch automatic is just so sweet. I traded a BMW Z4 for my Golf R and the only thing I miss is the convertible hard top. The R is a better car in every other aspect. Five penguins indeed!

[@nj-playing2751]

If you liked this, you’d love a stage 1 Golf R with 380BHP …. It takes it to the next level, love my Golf R

[@RangePisteMies]

You are doing very well here! Thanks, this was very entertaining and fun to watch! Red wine after work and new video from you=110% perfectness! 😊

[@gaz5663]

Yours is pretty much the only car review channel I watch right through , I usually get bored halfway on most of the others. I alway finish watching knowing more than I did, and enjoying the unique twists you have, I can’t think of anyone else getting under the car . Keep them coming 👍👍

[@TheShornak]

Great upload Sarah and I think devoting this channel to reviews only and the other to just projects is a great idea. 👍👍👍

[@samjj1991]

Love the car reviews no matter what channel they're on :) I have a Mk7.5 GTD so always love to see the reviews of the Golf's Bigger (and Biggest) brothers :)

[@kimberlywilliams7153]

The Golf has an understated classiness about it. As your review showed it is not understated in its performance, braking and driving feel which are the things that count in a car. Excellent review

[@TrumpetBiz]

Aww.. I missed your "Up. Up. Up." commands when the lift goes Up . Best reviews anywhere, the details that no one else gives. Who else uses a micrometer to measure a midpipe? Great work ! Raw and natural on this channel are perfect. If separating the content helps your analytics, awesome.

[@therpmfreek7383]

I love this channel as much as your other one! My 2012 Golf R 6-speed 2 door was the best car my father has ever drove, hands down.

[@sak1339]

I agree totally that it is a "classy" design inside and out that should "age well;" the benefit of careful design evolution. Wow! You gave it 5 Penguins! I like that and I have always loved the GTI. This is of course a cut above. Great review.

[@GiveItTheBeans]

I actually talked him into buying this car 😆

[@buickboy92]

These Golf Rs are special; looking forward for when the Mark 8 shows up here or the main channel.

[@xlchief42]

I love your car reviews, Sarah. They are honest and enthusiastic - from car nut's pov. I am so tired of car reviews that focus on the seat stitching and cup holders, reviews that sound like regurgitated sales brochure smoothies. You do good work. Thanks.

[@lotechur]

doing great! love the new channel. Wow 5 penguins, this makes me appreciate my MK7 R that much more! well, the tune and supporting mods help as well..

[@herlegz6969]

German hrsprs are much much bigger than everywhere else. Hope to see so many more reviews like this. ❤️

[@jamessilvester9454]

Fully agree to split car reviews and car builds. I personally love to watch both but there will be some that don’t. But don’t burn yourself out trying to keep two channels full at all times! As for the Golf, they are amazing machines but I think the newer R blends in a little too we’ll. Needs something to help it stand out… blister arches maybe? Like the old Golf Rallye

[@zounds13]

An excellent review. I have a MK7 R and I completely agree with everything you said. I also agree that well-chosen, subtle suspension mods are the way to go. Eibach springs work really well with the DCC shocks, and a bigger rear sway bar gives it a more playful balance. Adding a bit more front camber makes it even better. If you use an OBDEleven to change the XDS setting to "strong," the car just absolutely dives into the turns and will power out of them with hardly any understeer at all. The car was pretty fast before I got a stage 1 tune from APR, but now? HOLY COW! And the car is still completely comfortable, and perfectly usable as a daily driver. I am SO glad I got a Golf R instead of a Focus RS.

[@1jasonz1]

Great review. I had the 2016 gti autobahn until a lady ran a red light and totalled it, not a scratch on me though. One of, if not the best and most fun cars I've ever owned. 🔥

[@amudlifecrisis]

Great reviews. I like that they have their own channe now.. You keep doing you and people will watch! My favorite part of the review has to be the breaking test!

[@kevinm5177]

Love the style of the reviews. Keep doing it like this!

[@rayjburkhart1752]

You know 3 pedals rule ! Unless, you are driving a Buick LeSabre. A GTI, or any motorcycle with 4wheels type of car, you become one with the clutch pedal. You know that you know that you know that already ! I 💕 you ❤️

[@AlexMcCabeW]

I recent;y discovered that the traction control system (ESC) also adjusts the rev limits when revving from standstill and also the redline. If it’s turned on, the max rev when standing still is 3800rpm and redline is below the max on the dials. Turn it off, you can rev freely when standing still and redline is about 7500 with no power loss. Was playing with mine yesterday.

[@johnfinn7210]

After owning a 2001 Audi TT Quattro 225 with a 6 speed, and then buying a VW GTI with a DSG, I'm going back and buying a Golf R with a 6 speed. I miss the fun of the stick shift, but the DSG is awesome for power launches as long as you can find enough grip for the front tires

[@brianbrown543]

I really like this content. I think you should do a clean split between your channels. Sarah-N-Tuned just for project cars and Give it the beans just for car reviews. Even if I have no interest in a particular car you're reviewing I will still watch because you make it so entertaining and fun to watch.

[@Sold_a_dummy]

The sound is from a Soundactor, vibrating the windshield. It does not have multi port fuel injection, only in Europe. Love your expressions driving this car. You *are* a car person.

[@ecyfoto]

That mk 7.5 is the one to buy apparently. Mk 8 interior materials have suffered in quality and the entire dash has replaced all the knobs and buttons with haptic/touch controls. That would be a game changer for me. Thanks Sarah!

[@LAP1050]

YOU, YOU, YEAH YOU, ARE DOING GRREAT 👍🇺🇸. No need to change anything.

[@jeremyrimmer9247]

Great review! You just might want to confirm that the fuel injection is both port and direct. My 2018 Mk7.5 has only direct injection. It is a Canadian car, so may differ from the US market.

[@deltan9ne306]

I own a manual 2019 R. I had a hard time choosing between the two transmissions. I am happy with the choice I made, its very fun to bang through the gears. It's such a sleeper, especially when throwing a stage 2 in her. Fuel economy sucks....

[@lagerace227]

Own a '17 DSG but driven the manual , love the manual just as much. I find both are just as engaging.

[@deltan9ne306]

@@lagerace227 You went with the white as well, I had a hard time choosing between the pearl white and black! Black won, horrible to keep clean but the ceramic coat helps with that.

[@zounds13]

Highly recommend the Dieselgeek short shifter.

[@Jameshhl]

I read once from Golf designer that the reason Golf R doesn't look dramatically different from the regular Golf is they only add functional stuff to R that actually improves performance, quad exhaust, front bumper with bigger air intake, bigger brakes, upgraded engine components, etc......unlike the Type R with fake vents everywhere just for looks.

[@TheUltimateGhostface]

My buddy did a LS1 nitrous , supercharger swap on his golf r and now it's got all the beans

[@davidxavier1396]

Great review!! Awesome info, but the 888 engine only has direct injection. Wish it had port injection also, that we would rid it of all the sludge problems they run into.

[@gratefulot360]

Excellent review, Sarah! This VW’s top on my list.

[@acarlson985]

I have a golf r. Did the Franken turbo & e85. The thing scoots at 500whp and handles like a go cart and still take the kids to and from school in it

[@greatwhitenorth3717]

Love to see you get a mk8 R and give that the beans👍 The comparo would love to see that on the hoist!!

[@Mitsubishilover04]

The transmission is really quick. Ran against a 2019 Golf R with my Evo 9, and the Golf's transmission helped it keep up really well. Seriously thinking of getting one.