2020 Volkswagen GTI 6-Speed Manual - POV Review

[@ankushdavesar]

I don't know but his reviews are really satisfying to watch.

[@TTGamingTrinh]

Right? It is such a chill vibe and positivity

[@unknown-_-stackz7352]

So tru

[@aldri9169]

Yup

[@MajorAddiction]

@@TTGamingTrinh Especially when he put the music on lol

[@kairasbetter4718]

Facts holly

[@Fekillix]

I like that it still has regular gauges.

[@mujjuman]

i like the regular gauges

[@13vex]

even then, it’s also got a digital speedometer as well for people that like that. It’s nice

[@kevinnorris6558]

Honestly, I love this gen more than the 8th gen.

[@enderdragon792]

I'm hoping used mk7.5 prices will drop once 8th comes out lol

[@lein7389]

@@enderdragon792 no way no one is even gonna sell there mk 7s since no one likes the 8

[@daphenom45]

@@lein7389 I mean they're already pretty abundant on the used market right now

[@AkioWasRight]

I love the MK6 more than the MK7. And love the MK5 more than the MK6. Basically, the GTI has only gone down hill since the MK5.

[@whatevernevermind5960]

Same, much, much less cost cutting!

[@Nadbull49]

I just wanna say thank you. I genuinely enjoy watching you drive around. Great reviews.

[@ARentz07]

@@LifeISMagix I think the Type R is a bit higher in performance than this (and price), but the WRX is an interesting option due to its price. Golf R has amazing traction off the line but is notably heavier. Still, it would be a good upgrade if you want that straight-line speed.

[@rohanbakshi209]

I've had my Mk6 GTI (2012) since 2013 and it still surprises me with its refinement and capabilities. Every time i drive a new car (basic rental or high end Audi SUVs), I always prefer coming back to my trusty little GTI because it feels like a REAL CAR and not just another appliance with a screen that many cars have become nowadays. I will definitely cry the day that I sell my baby.

[@beecnul8r]

Fully agree. I own a 2016 GTI (with under 10,000 miles!) and think it handles 100% better than all the other cars I have owned or driven. At age 76, I purposely got a 6 speed, knowing that in the future, VW would abandon the manual. And here we are. The 2022 GTI is a disaster when it comes to the dashboard and complete lack of knobs to do simple things. And now, VW says in 2024 forward, the GTI will be automatic. So much for an "enthusiast" car! Gone is the clutch, gone is the satisfying shift, gone is the complete control over the RPM's. It is silly, stupid, inane and downright disgusting of VW pulling this stunt. I hope the GTI goes into oblivion.

[@soundbolt4776]

This guy fucks his car

[@rootsmanuva82]

The GTI really is the best all around car for enthusiasts when taking price into account. It's refined, comfortable, upscale but not flashy, plenty quick, gets excellent gas mileage and has great versatility with the hatch and fold down seats. If you get a stage 1 tune and do nothing else you get 320hp and 350 lb/ft for $699. The GTI is basically an Audi A3/S3 (sans AWD) at a $10-15K discount.

[@Wooden_Hammer]

Need a new clutch if it’s a manual

[@Jervns]

Best review I've watched in awhile. I like this guy's energy. He communicates well. Chill with good information.

[@Jervns]

If truth be told, this post convinced me to buy one of these, 2 days ago I bought a 2020 SE.

[@TheTopher]

I miss this MK7.5.

[@astro5977]

Recently got a used 2019 GTI! Been loving it!

[@haidarali9069]

Would you consider selling your rally BRZ for a mk7.5?

[@solodolo6869]

@@astro5977I just got my 2020 GTI autobahn and I’m loving it

[@whatevernevermind5960]

This is still the benchmark hot hatch, It’s a perfect all rounder.

[@scotthilly5653]

Never clicked so fast. Just bought a 2019 SE w/Experience (Fender audio and DCC) 6MT a few weeks ago. Keep up the great work, Chris!

[@bimmerbuds]

Is the difference between the suspension modes noticeable? I was intending to get a GTI but one with DCC was so close to the price of a 2017 A4 so I went with the A4. Everytime I see a GTI I always wonder what could've been.

[@Pearl3Drummer]

Can you disclose your out the door price on your SE?

[@ARentz07]

@@bimmerbuds I haven't driven a DCC GTI, but I will say this, as someone who has a non-DCC car. I got the Autobahn because I thought it would have come with DCC standard, and it didn't... But, the non-DCC suspension is pretty livable. Firm enough, but not harsh. I need to try a DCC car but don't really have regrets about getting the static suspension.

[@scotthilly5653]

Bimmer Buds Yeah, massive. I’m a college student in Chicago and it handles the roads really well. My dad has a Alfa Romeo Stelvio with adaptive and my mom had a BMW 340i with adaptive and the GTI is a way bigger spread. Comfort is pretty similar, if not softer, than my grandparents 2018 E300.

[@scotthilly5653]

Black Mountain Percussion yeah for sure. Like I said it was a 2019 SE w/Experience. I had an auto dimming mirror, floor mats, cargo lining, first aid, roadside kit, and VW care for a 6/72k (free maintenance). MSRP for all was about $36,200 and I was OTD $30,500 including tax and fees (in Tennessee). Insane deal. Oh, and 0% for 72 months.

[@LordBass]

I've had my 2015 S 6MT for six years, and love it. Fast, quiet, calm, comfortable, efficient, even reliable! Good value on the base model too, and comes with those sexy plaid seats. Sadly, the Mk8 looks like a step down in design, though I'm sure it will drive well. Don't wait -- buy yourself a Mk7 GTI!

[@ITSMINECRAFTTIME32]

I’m thinking of trading in my 2019 WRX for a GTI base to lower payments how’s the reliability on it I’ve treated my Subaru and it’s been reliable for the past 2 years

[@LordBass]

@@ITSMINECRAFTTIME32 Mine is 8 years old, stock, with only 55k miles, and I've had no reliability problems. I love the car and would buy another.

[@jpizel1070]

Those rev hangs are brutal.

[@UncleTola_]

Irdk why I enjoy watching your POV reviews but please dont ever stop

[@ovr740]

+1

[@ahenrycc84]

It's because of (watching) one of your previous POV video review of the Mk7 Golf GTI 5 years ago that made me get my 2016 Golf GTI (Autobahn, Tech Pkg in Night Blue). Thanks for your great vid on the Mk7 GTI once again. One of the most fun cars I've ever driven, and one of the best bang for the buck in the industry, with great fuel economy, yet lots of power and torque (more than enough), and still going strong after 4.5 years. Will keep it for years to come!

[@ArcadianGenesis]

I have an '18 Autobahn DSG, and it really is the perfect daily driver.

[@popbang240sx9]

I have a 16 autobahn 6mt and i love it honestly my favorite car out of all that ive owned

[@Taxi-yq6vv]

The sound system is so nice to hear even here on youtube! You can just hear the bass and clarity of the speakers 😍

[@c9plms823]

Love this review. Couldn't agree more. I have a MK7 Golf R w/ DSG, and I can confidently say it is overall the most well engineered car I've ever been in short of something that costs $100k+. From the outside it looks unimposing and small (which I love, I don't want a car that looks super angry), but on the inside it feels extremely substantial and feature-rich. I'm 6'2" 220 and even though it's a compact car, I have tons of headroom and legroom, while my backseat passenger still fits comfortably. Audio is great, infotainment is responsive and well placed, all necessary functions are easily accessed with the press of a single button, seats are super comfortable... perfection. Plus the engine and transmission are just... awesome. So much ignorant fun to be had. I'm running high boost 93oct so I'm making 375hp/385tq, but you'd never know unless you really gave it the beans. I drive 2+ adults around all the time and they never get jerked around from the shifts or engine behavior. On top of that, the DCC gives the car the ability drive either like a track toy OR like a proper luxury vehicle. And that's while still making 20mpg in city conditions with that crazy tune. I promise I'm not a VW fanboy - this is my first VW and I've owned it for less than a year. It's just a great car, simply put. Imo, overall, it's the best new-ish car you can buy for the money.

[@LiLgPnoy15]

bro, dsg? why didn't you get manual transmission?!?!? c'mon man

[@mjonji1281]

@@LiLgPnoy15 because you get dsg farts

[@marcellopuleo5493]

I have a 17 Autobahn that I bought used with 24K miles, Saved A Lot $$$...Hands down the best bang for the buck. ECU stage 1 tune plus Apr Air Box. Rated at 326 HP 390 TQ. Insane value.. Still an awesome daily driver

[@13vex]

Holy crap that’s hell of a deal

[@GoldtopDude]

Awesome! I need that for my 2017 GTI MT6........did you have to install a heavy clutch?

[@RennieAsh]

"Just a little bit of rev hang" *revs proceed to hang seemingly indefinitely at the same rpm without even dropping down

[@vapourwaveculture4059]

It made me throw up a little in my mouth

[@himynameisaaron86]

It's nothing compared to the 10th gen SI. It's unbearable at times. I gotta rev match constantly just so I can shift smoothly.

[@RCXDerp]

@@himynameisaaron86 What are you holding the throttle on upshifts? I just coded out mine and it drives good. Now it needs a big turbo.

[@bautistap8515]

I think he doesn't know how to change gears quickly

[@toddpatt585]

I have a 2013 GTI 6 speed and it doesn't do that at all. It is a little weird.

[@JVLIVSPhotography]

That Golf GTI is a bloody BEAST! I currently drive a ‘16 Jetta TSi, and it’s no joke at all!

[@BrotherOats]

HOW DO YOU NEVER GET PULLED OVER LMAO

[@khunpan4426]

He's a pro

[@SubieSean]

I will always love how the vw emblem is the hatch handle.

[@welliguess8927]

Yeah they didn’t want mf’s shaving their badges off 😂

[@atdhemorina3348]

Was super Torn between this and a WRX. The Wrx just won me over. Great drive as usual Toph!

[@tungstenwhizard4361]

Man, wherever you take your test drives sure is gorgeous and quiet.

[@forever_momentss]

clicked as soon as i saw manual transmission . manual is lub ❤️

[@claytoncsonka6847]

You honestly have my dream job for when I get older

[@gonzagnr2]

the ammount of rev hang its insane.

[@Tomlovesicecream]

Agreed. It makes shifting fast not smooth and shifting smoothly not fast.

[@TheAlienman123]

Is there any way to disable rev hang?

[@Tomlovesicecream]

@@TheAlienman123 Yes, you can usually get rid of it with an aftermarket ecu tune. And, if you're not after additional power, you can request the tuner to only get rid of the rev hang without messing with AF ratios, rev limits, ignition timing, etc.

[@KREGuitars]

@@Tomlovesicecream I'm curious, do you know tuners specifically that do this for the MK7 GTI? I've seen a lot of info about Civic/WRX ECU tunes that alleviate rev hang, but I haven't found much info for GTIs.

[@Tomlovesicecream]

@@KREGuitars I am not sure about GTI's. I drive a Mazda. The WRX (2015 - present) with the fa20 was really one of first cars to have unbareably long rev hang, plus it's a tuner's car - which is why an aftermarket fix was made available so soon. You may have to wait a little while for the GTI.

[@TheBioase]

I can’t believe im saying this. But i managed to snag a 2021 CFB. I take delivery this Friday. Even during test drive, i was more nervous about someone buying it before i put my deposit. I can’t wait for this Friday where i get to sit in it peacefully and enjoy every moment!! My dream car :)

[@euandrecampos]

Simplicity, control and precision. Das Auto.

[@crumbybooch1851]

I’m actually thinking of buying this because I’ve been in the need for a new car. Perfect timing!

[@ARentz07]

It's a great car. Not perfect, but darn if it isn't fun to drive every time I get in it. (I have a 2016 Autobahn with the DSG.)

[@Jiggy609]

Love my 2019 with the DSG. I highly recommend it e

[@benb2358]

love my 15 S Coupe 6MT. Buy it, you won't regret it!

[@BrotherOats]

I have a 2016 autobahn 6mt and you should do it. Puts a smile on my face everytime I get behind the wheel.

[@Jiggy609]

GTI GANG! Love my 2019 S with DSG. Best car ever!

[@ARentz07]

ayyy 2016 DSG here Carbon Steel Gray, Autobahn with Performance Pack

[@gunnardeross]

2020 S with DSG in Pure White!

[@ARentz07]

@@gunnardeross Sweet. Congrats on the new 2020!

[@gunnardeross]

ARentz07 thanks! I absolutely love it, it’s a lot of fun. How’s your 2016?

[@ARentz07]

@@gunnardeross Great so far. Just hit 58000 miles, and had to replace front brakes. Bedding them in was a fun process.

[@aaronjohnson311]

Thank you so much for the insightful GTI POV videos that you've made over the past couple of years. 🤙🏽 Probably watched this one at least 20 times from end to end. You helped me to get the best possible experience online which streamlined my purchase at the dealership. Just picked up a 2021 GTI SE (Gray/Black) this afternoon over here in West Michigan. Soooooo stoked! Thank you again, my friend. -Aaron

[@astro5977]

Hopefully picking up a 2019 GTI soon! How're you liking it so far?

[@Kommander-jb8zc]

Decided between this MK 7.5 and. MK 8 Oryx white. Ultimately, went with the Deep black pearl MK 7.5 S trim. Never looked back and it’s much more powerful than what specs say.

[@kevinhenson5942]

I feel like that rev hang would be REALLY annoying. Especially coming from an older car, where it's non existent.

[@TheJanz3n]

Jesus. That rev hang is worse than my 9th gen si used to be. Thats awful.

[@JimmyDean404]

It really is...almost needs a tune right from the dealer

[@RCXDerp]

@@TheJanz3n its worse than my 10th gen was before I coded it out

[@JimmyDean404]

@Jamal BBCLife I'm heavily skeptical on the heavy flywheel being the case 100% of the time. I had a VW where when the engine was cold, it ran perfect. Once it warmed up and all the emissions control kicked in, rev hang kicked in as well.

[@kaksken1999]

Why does it have the rev hang it almost makes it seem like you're shifting like an old guy. Could you get rid of it at all?

[@synysterdemon]

I have a 2019 GTI S in Canada and we get the 8" touchscreen here, even in the base one. No DCC, but the base suspension is not so bad. It is such a nice and fun daily driver. Having lots of fun with it, but it can also achieve 36 mpg quite easily if you are smooth with it.

[@RickGTI2019]

I also have a 2019 S in the US 🇺🇸 and I totally agree with you on everything. Thanks, RickGTI….. 😎

[@heliumhunterr]

imma be getting a 7.5 very soon. i was waiting on the 8th gen and saving but i don’t think i’m feeling it as much as this one. thank you chris. been watching since ‘17.

[@TheTopher]

Can’t go wrong! All the haptic touch buttons in the 8th gen would be a deal breaker for me.

[@invi.sk98]

Holy shit this is my dream car I can’t wait to be old enough to drive this car is a beauty

[@micaiahreese]

Man I just test drove one and have never had that much fun driving before, I want one

[@marki61422]

Try a Subaru WRX much better.

[@micaiahreese]

@@marki61422 how's reliability tho? I had heard it was iffy. Same could be said about the GTI but I've heard more bad stuff about wrx's. Tho that's probably cause of the mods lol

[@candlestickk]

Wow never seen such an awesome gti before keep her safe

[@BelterLoader]

I love my mk7. Currently unitronic stage 1+ and it’s been great!

[@audieconrad8995]

Ya same here... Uni stg 1+ tune and DKM Stage 2 clutch. Great mod without getting into the mechanicals...

[@wildforthecats661]

GTI’s are such fun cars, just wish they would last longer.

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

For sure. They are fun while they last. The 6apds I heard are fine though for the most part

[@AdamKlingenberger]

They're reliable if you keep them stock... Just like any other car.

[@gladdy02]

@@AdamKlingenberger for sure. There are some youtubers who have done mechanical break downs on these cars and it really makes you scratch your head as to what where they thinking. Its like they make thing overly complicated, not built to last, and costly to fix.

[@tsav6952]

I find VW's in general are very unreliable.

[@K03sport]

... My 04 1.8t went 15yrs and 141k miles (never chipped); then I sold it. Owner has some input with longevity

[@michaelzhang7756]

I’ve been waiting for this video for so long! I’m thinking about buying one and have watched your old GTI videos multiple times recently.

[@lowery02]

He said “litttttle bit of rev hang” 😂

[@RickGTI2019]

Nice video, well done. I drive a 2019 S, with a DSG ( I’m 77 ) I had my shifting days. Best all around fun cars I ever owned. Thanks, RickGTI….. 😎

[@tabban21]

Another gem of a video by the Topher

[@JacesOwnWorld]

I like this review. It’s nice to see how you had some comparisons of the MK6 that you owned vs the MK7’s, because it’s good to see viewpoints from someone who has owned a GTI before, especially one of a previous generation for comparisons.

[@chasecorbin9339]

Amazing video man! Test driving a 19’ tomorrow

[@affinity3281]

I dropped to 17" wheels and I almost never get creaks and rattles. Helped with ride quality too. Wish I had DCC

[@Dcc357]

If you can get over the rev hang, it's a fantastic car to drive. Not to mention it is very multi-purpose and practical without looking bad at all.

[@LeoM-zt3pl]

I like that you explain features in a calm concise manner without sounding like a bug eyed hyper try hard youtuber

[@rootsmanuva82]

One interesting aspect of the 2010 MK6 GTI: it was the last model year the GTI was made in Germany (for USA). I also have a 2010 and you can tell the difference. Newer GTI's are "nicer" but the interiors look and feel cheap in comparison. Most people don't notice stuff like that but I'm nutzo.

[@minicooperfan16]

I definitely agree with you. I went from a MK6 to a MK7 and although on paper the MK7 is nicer, there are definitely some areas where I can feel the cost cutting. The lower door bins, back door trim, and even some rattles in the speaker housings that I can't seem to get rid of. Overall I prefer the looks and driving experience of the MK7 but the quality difference is always in the back of my mind lol.

[@reggi9270]

I have a mk7 in the same red and love everything about the gti!!!!

[@MajorAddiction]

Was diggin that sound test

[@michaelgreenberg7506]

Great review. I had a MK5 for 10 years. Miss that car!

[@limitededition3278]

As soon as he starts driving bumps on the road at first turn. Yep, PURE Michigan. 😂 Good video

[@Triadii]

I would consider buying something like this, looks fantastic

[@gunyoda2356]

The rev hang on modern cars is why I bought a DSG car. I absolutely love my car!!!!

[@lanegunnell1218]

I left a long diatribe on here already, but agree. This car is much better w/ DSG. It really is a fantastic little car.

[@ThePedalDance]

I paid less than that for my 2018 Golf R Manual. Had 1,500mi on it. Best daily driver! Really fast, very comfortable, lots of tech, and great mpg when you want it. I average 25-28mpg on my commute into Manhattan. Managed 32mpg on a cross country trip. No issues so far. About to install 18in Neuspeed RSe10 wheels at 19.2lbs. The stock 19s are a little too much for NYC roads. It is very fast tho, feel like it could get me into trouble...a problem I never had with my BRZ. I also turned lane centering off, but keep most of the other safety systems on.

[@abcdLeeXY]

Go buy these MK7.5 before they start shipping those fugly MK8 into the dealerships!

[@syncogauchez3275]

this is a 7.5

[@numeric2975]

100% the mk8 is hella ugly

[@brooped]

@@syncogauchez3275 yes? that's what he said

[@bonifaciomagdiwang1697]

Yes i agree the Mk8 is UGLY

[@tanneredge2098]

wheels are the worst part

[@mynameisjonas7967]

This video made my buy a 2021 S Performance package with the 6 speed.

[@charlesedwards3577]

Love my tuned MK6 GTI 6spd as a daily and it’s still a decent car for 1 kid

[@gticl]

For VW, Usually the final year production has the best quality

[@ben-nf1rd]

i love ur reviews of the manuals :)

[@samk4065]

I mean, that really seems like a lot of rev hang. Sincerely, a 10th gen Si owner.

[@adamchill8780]

Right??? I have an 8th gen si and I agree, I could not drive a car with that much rev hang

[@Frostborders]

These cars tuned are amazing

[@Mirror1973]

I miss this car so much

[@vette6600]

I had an MK7 Golf R and was pleasantly surprised by the Fender audio and interior quality as a whole. But, it was my first DCT experience and soon wished I had bought a manual instead; got bored with it.

[@tedjohnson64]

Glad you finally reviewed a GTI!

[@ajcap]

I’ve owned 4 GTIs and still own my mk5 which was built in 2014. Best one I ever owned.

[@trillmixin6999]

i had an mkv with the dsg. Those upshifts were pretty nasty

[@sethubooysen6023]

Best daily driver ever🙌🏾

[@BrakRulesAll]

That's the 2nd new GTI I've seen with a ton of nasty rev hang. My '19 R has none of that nonsense. VW needs to fix this - rev hang is intolerable, period.

[@tiko4621]

Tune it out

[@mkviis]

Your ‘19 R revs up to 4k, my ‘19 GTI revs to 3,8k

[@c0Ld]

turning on the AC helps lol but ya it looks like he's flat foot shifting. my 17 gti is no where near that bad

[@TheFlyingPLiner]

It's for emissions compliance. Without rev hang n0x levels are much higher.

[@M_H_H]

What's rev hang

[@DanielJW247]

I really like this interior just as much as I like Subaru WRX interiors. By the Way, the quote "you can´t go wrong with the GTI" is really true! This is definitely a car I would buy in some years/ when I get my license. Keep on making great videos :)

[@waynedwayne7077]

Love the analog gauges . 2020 still id choose analog

[@dirtysgbiggy]

Interesting to see how much rev hang this one has. My 2017 GTI has MUCH less, it's pretty much unnoticeable in mine. Also, for anyone questioning reliability, I've had mine for 3 years and 66k miles and beat the HELL out of it with absolutely zero issues outside of one warrantied water pump. Volkswagen sandbagged their numbers a bit for this car too, people have dyno'd stock cars around the 220-230whp mark rather than the crank horsepower VW advertises (means they sit closer to the 260hp mark at the crank). They're also incredibly responsive to mods and very easy to make power out of. A simple downpipe and tune puts this thing in new Mustang GT territory. This car is undeniably one of the best all around vehicles you can buy for the money, it does everything well.

[@joespittle1]

We had one of these, brilliant little cars.

[@atobee2595]

The best looking Golf of all time

[@johnskates15]

i have one i love it eqt stage 2 tune makes it a whole nother beast

[@alexdelgado4189]

I’m way behind just got a 82 GTI last week LOL

[@JFinns]

Got the APR stage 1 on my Mk7 GTI manual. Added power and torque but best of all eliminated the rev hang.

[@TheTopher]

That’s the way to do it!

[@swingbag12]

Rattles ? Wow my mk7 golf tdi doesn't rattle at All. Believe me, I'm a rattle freak. I found the build quality phenomenal. No rattles at 200,000 km

[@selxp2870]

I really want to drive this car great review as always!

[@AB-nv7bz]

As someone who drove a mk7 with a manual for 3yrs ur getting the hang because ur shifting at rev limit. Shift at 6.5k. It starts to nosedive on power after 6k

[@mujjuman]

this car is so amazing and almost perfect. the problem i have with modern manuals is the damn rev hang. i wish there was a way to turn it off with a tune

[@confidentlocal8600]

The reputable aftermarket tunes address the rev hang. You can thank the government for regulating cars to where this sort of crap is necessary.

[@ManateeMentality]

Wish the lower trims got the dynamic chassis control. I had the 2017 GTI Sport trim. Incredibly fun to drive. But the combination of bad Los Angeles roads, 18 inch wheels, and the car's stiff/bouncy suspension made for a rough ride and a rattly interior. I'm in a regular Golf now. And while I do miss the extra horsepower of the GTI, the ride quality of the Golf makes for a much more pleasant experience overall. Plus the GTI had a 6 speed (now 7 speed) dual clutch that was very jerky at low speeds while the Golf has a very smooth 8 speed automatic.

[@djkenny1202]

I love my 92 MK2 16v. Light, stylish, fun, simple, manual everything including sunroof. Wish new cars could be purchased without so many many features. I would go stock on one of these negotiating to 24k. 30k is too much for a hot hatch. A base Golf can be had under 14k and that’s the one to buy!

[@confidentlocal8600]

Depends on where you're located. If you happen to be in the States, the base Golf won't be available anymore.

[@adeptrogue21]

so satisfying to watch!

[@gladdy02]

Awesome to see you in a WRX and GTI back to back. You talking a this over the WRX though!?

[@nick.mk7]

im stuck in between both id love to see him respond !

[@devn3813]

@@nick.mk7 I was too but I liked the VW way more because of the quality and interior. I want awd so I want the Golf R

[@TheRecon4]

​@@nick.mk7 I have a 2015 Subaru WRX and my dad has a 2017 MK7 GTI SE. Even as someone who auto crossed the WRX and took it for many spirited drives, the GTI with a manual is way more fun to me especially on a road. It's probably not faster but the feeling of that front diff ripping you through a corner and the drama of the front wheel drive and high torque left me with many more smiles. The WRX is definitely not boring, but it's a car that is super un-refined and in my opinion doesn't make up for it in driver experience. It loves to push in slow corners even if you trail brake. It really shines at medium to high speed corners with appropriate weight transfer on entry, but the GTI is far faster in the tight stuff and more rewarding (in my opinion). The turning circle sucks on the WRX as well so if I had to go into the city the GTI was definitely my pick. I just think the GTI is better at being a car. It's comfortable and mellow when you want it to be, but then you can put it in sport mode and turn traction control off when you want to mess around. The WRX has terrible infotainment by comparison and the shifter is pretty garbage combined with an exhaust note that's more metallic and less confidence inspiring. If I had to do it again and have only one car to drive everyday and autocross and take to the occasional track day I would pick the GTI over the WRX, but it's going to be up to your style what you want.

[@K03sport]

I left VW (04 GTI) for Subaru (19 WRX) and Subaru does things a lot differently. The Monsoon system on my 04 was worlds better than the Starlink in the WRX. Both cars have a huge aftermarket and shortcomings can be overcome. I do miss my GTI, and VW, in general. I feel they are easier to understand, if that makes sense. Do you want a Japanese car/icon or a German car/icon. I do know the WRX is sensitive to tires (road noise) and there is more road noise than there should be imho.

[@nick.mk7]

@@TheRecon4 Thank you so much mate. I really appreciate the detailed response ! im going to test drive a 2018 GTI tomorrow so wish me luck haha ! I want to compare how the power feels in both before I purchase because at this point im leaning for towards the wrx, im relatively curious as to how the GTI compares because apparently they are quite underestimated.

[@nintendoatarikiller]

I drive a TSI mk7.5 with the 5MT. One way to mitigate the rev hang is to go off the throttle for a second then clutch in.

[@thecommenter4933]

What's not talked about often enough about these cars is that for $700, you can get a stage 1 ECU tune to reliably get out another 70+ horsepower and torque. APR now even offers a warranty with their tunes for a little bit more. The aftermarket support for things like suspension is unreal. Less body roll? Have your pick on whose sway bar you pick up. Need more steering feel and better handlling? Get one of those sweet MQB aluminum control arms. Too much wheel hop? There's a $70 motor mount that will eliminate practically all wheel hop. Not happy with the exhaust? The options are endless

[@TheTopher]

Exactly!

[@ARentz07]

It's very tempting. I've been debating if I want to take a trip to my local shop that does the APR flashes.

[@thecommenter4933]

@@ARentz07 The difference is night and day. It feels and is much more powerful and fun to drive. The improvement is so big that I couldn't drive a stock MK7 without feeling disappointed. It's not a small, incremental improvement. It changes the car completely. Strongly recommend it.

[@daphenom45]

This comment is literally on ever video with a EA888 involved, the question is they are iffy stock what does all that extra stress due to the already limited longevity?

[@thecommenter4933]

@@daphenom45 The EA8888 is solid up to about 400hp. Around where I live there are plenty of people pushing 100k+ miles on stage 2 MK7s (and even IS38 upgrades). Beyond stage 1 (which is the simple ECU tune), other things can go wrong, like coils failing, exhaust issues, etc. But I've never seen engine longevity issues with the EA888 as a result of tunes. I'd change my oil at least every 7500, but that's about it. I'm at 75k now, tuned since 20k. No issues.

[@icky_thump]

That rev hang alone is a massive NOPE from me. I otherwise love this gen but my god that is horrible...

[@splatbubble]

weird this has it... i have 2017 s and the rev hang if it's there, doesn't affect driving at all. I don't know if they changed things but I recommend finding a 2017 and it should feel better!

[@JunkWoodProjectswithJacob]

Looks like it needs a tune. I can feel how slow it is stock. Looks like a fun platform though to build on

[@korykelsey4364]

I soo wish VWs were more reliable and less expensive to repair than what they are. I loved mine when it wasn't in the shop...

[@seawalkarrg]

Kory Kelsey I just test drove one and it stalled in the parking lot of the dealer lol

[@korykelsey4364]

@@seawalkarrg Lol.... Ooof. I had a ussd 2011 Jetta Sportwagen TDI. I had close to 10 major issues in a year of ownership. I have a cousin who has an 09 Jetta sedan and she's had great luck reliability wise. With European cars it seems reliability is more luck than truth in engineering.

[@ARentz07]

I have a 2016 GTI Autobahn DSG with about 58,000 miles at the moment. Picked it up used with about 51,000 miles. So far, so good. We will see if it makes it to 100,000 without incident. :) The only issues I have had have been interior rattles which were solved for with some silicone lubricant ($15) to the door seals and sunroof.

[@ogbenzel]

I got a stage 2 mk7.5 she’s an absolute beast. I knew what I was getting into and so far no issues. She’s got about 30k and I did the tuning since pretty much day one. I chose to upgrade the clutch for overall better performance. Just killed an SRT 8 challenger the other day.

[@tonychau1983]

@@seawalkarrg 😂😂😂😂

[@mightyg6383]

I noticed better traction and qtr mile times leaving the traction control on my 2019. Watch when you hit a little after 6k rpm. The traction control kicks in when you have it turned off. Weird thing is on the 2015's there is no rev hang and traction control doesn't kick on as easy. I believe VW updated to this to reduce the wheel hop that vibrates the mounts to their death. Reverse 180°s are harder to do in the newer GTI's compared to the 2015. Kinda disappointing with the reduced fun factor that VW is smearing into.

[@oioi873]

Such a great car and I could live with gti's for life!...thanks for review

[@castin5244]

GTI's are the best man. My MK5 Still feels smooth, comfortable and quiet, yet super fun to drive and sporty even though it's 13 years old and has 210,000 miles. They just don't age. (well at least from the MK5 onwards) Seriously though, Get in a 2007 Ford Focus, Mazda 3, Pontiac Vibe, Honda fit.. ANY OTHER hatchback from 2007. Then jump in a 2007 GTI and it's like you traveled a decade in the future. Not only that but it's Rated 9/10 on KBB for best hatchbacks in 2007. Only behind the 2007 Rabbit of course.

[@lorenzoavila1420]

The key is you turn on the dashboard to show the engine rpm and speed. You the best.

[@lonleygoat]

Yo, i was on my bus to an away game and when he opened the door, I thought the emergency window opened and my heart dropped so I paused the video and realized it wasn’t the bus ...

[@dfk09]

Great review! I remember sitting in one of these at the dealership and staring at it..while getting my Golf 1.8 T. Heart says one thing while the wallet says something else. 😂😂😂 The 1.8 is a fun car to drive though, I can only imagine what the GTI is like.

[@OhItsCalvin]

dream car

[@arielhernandez5713]

after seeing your videos of the Veloster N. I'm always waiting on the crackle noise from the exhaust from every car I see now lol