2021 VW Golf R Mk 8 review & launch control test - it's more fun than ever

[@smoketinytom]

Who needs a super car when you can have the power and practicality of a hatchback.... And being able to be seen as another Golf.

[@gregdesmidt8093]

Great review. Just for you info, if you swipe down on the screen (like on a smartphone) it will take you to a shortcut screen where you can have immediate access to ESC, Start/Stop, or whatever you want to put in there. No need to go through all those menus, just configure the shortcut screen for the things you need to access the most.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Yup, the man from VW pointed it out after every single journalist made this complaint 😂

[@Astke]

About ESC menus. The system has a menu that you drop down from the top. It is fully customisable and it enables you to put a ESC shortcut in there. So instead of like 6 swipes and clicks, it is just 2 or 3. Much easier.

[@X22GJP]

Still too many. Get yourself a new BMW, buttons for everything, just as it should be. When I'm driving I don't have time to navigate menus, and this coming from a long-time VW fan.

[@cosmic_gate476]

I almost clicked away thinking you weren't an English reviewer. First time on your channel :p

[@Rafz90]

Same here haha!

[@antid3m71]

That aged well !

[@florianotto5725]

i almost did the other way around :D i thought: oh yes. german review. and then.. oh.. nevermind :D i watched it anyway^^

[@X22GJP]

Racist, no?

[@tengilaurel3777]

Must say, at first i was sceptical about the design, but the more i see the car, the more i begin to like it very much.

[@trumpameri1638]

This is something what always happens....

[@eugenux]

when the cost of one is 50k euro... the design is the last ting on my mind.

[@naz.tanzeem5982]

i can stare at this car 247 and i would never come to like the exterior,mark 7.5 was the best looking golf ever.

[@BlamBar-qj8yh]

@@naz.tanzeem5982 the mk7.5 now looks old and outdated and will continue to do so every year that passes. the Mk8 looks better in every way and will age gracefully. These are the facts.

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

'Like a surprised horse'. You win, sir.

[@johnstannard8366]

Great. Get mine in August. Good review many thanks.

[@trumpameri1638]

This car is expensive like A45 or RS3 ...

[@joshuamax3]

For crying out loud THANK you for correctly describing the torque vectoring. All of the other reviews are saying “100% of the power to one rear wheel”. Anyways, enjoying the review. Subscribed!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

I know, for once I got my facts right! Glad you appreciated it though. The thought of being able to send all the torque to one wheel in a Golf is… interesting!

[@erayza101]

Hi Tim, had to laugh realy about the nice funny style you talk and review the car. Like it a lot! Keep up the good work. The new Golf R looks realy good from the performance side. Also getting used to the new front design. Greetings from Germany :)

[@dark1567]

You can put the "ESP" Off button in a shortcut menu. The top down menu :) Just push and hold a button in the topdown shortcut menu und then you can select your favorit buttons. Still not as good as a physical button, but better than befor :D

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Yep, you can - forgot to say that. It’s still a faff though!

[@Astke]

I literally just wrote a comment about this. But yeah. Honestly at first the system is a bit off-putting, but really, it has many smart features that actually make a lot of sense. Aside from the AC thing, of course.

[@shortlifeliveit8198]

German intro actually caught me out and I skipped video thinking I clicked on wrong video somehow. Very funny and great review as always (asteroid to the crutch LMAO). Great competitor to car wow in my opinion. Hope you keep getting great cars to do reviews in the future. I don’t sub even carwow or anyone but Ive subbed, liked and now commenting after watching most of your videos. Thumbs up...

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Aw, thanks! I used to work at carwow, weirdly

[@nathans1318]

Cool and informative review. Thank you.

[@andrewmontague2636]

Good vid 😊👍🏼 I think the complexities of turning off ESC are deliberate so that there’s no way you can deactivate it accidentally. Always best not to change any settings like that when you’re on the move! 😉

[@nickfiore1743]

Enjoyed your presentation style Tim, "very nice", first time on your channel and another new sub

[@Rafz90]

Really starting to like this 8R

[@RaceCarFriends]

What a wonderful car!

[@trumpameri1638]

And amazingly expensive

[@ingaman]

9:55 Something Tim and many other reviewers don't understand about the "fake engine noise" is that the same setting also makes the exhaust louder / give it those pops (probably by opening up some sort of valve). It's actually mentioned in the press kit.

[@dannydescarte871]

Can’t wait for mine to come in a couple of weeks

[@TheErichottie]

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous of people in europee right now! Have to wait till fall for Canada + it’s build time

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

You'll love it. It's weird being in a Golf that kicks the tail out a bit leaving junctions quickly (even with ESC on)

[@susanmaggiora4800]

Tim Rodie Drives Stuff That was always the major thing lacking to me. So good to hear!

[@offshoremanchannel.7127]

Awesome VW MK8👍🏻👍🏻 In Malaysia Still Dont Have This Model Only VW GTI MK7😘😘

[@ragestunts6990]

Great review! New subscriber 😎👍 (I’ve got one on order as long as the silicone chips don’t all dry up!!)

[@VickyZip667]

I'll never be able to drive the Golf R again without thinking of a surprised horse. Gee up, Wolfsburger!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Brrrrrrrm *WOB* brrrrrrrrm *WOB*

[@thegodofhellfire]

looks fun. VW really has got that car down, GTI's as well.. the fact they've only steadily improved for four iterations says it all.

[@BronchoGillespie]

The exhaust will bang changing down to second or third at about 3 - 4k rpm and keeping your foot slightly on the throttle

[@ckitcummings]

Really well presented. Entertaining, informative.....subscribed! 👍

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Ah thanks Chris, really appreciate it!

[@jamesleung8679]

I love your Billingham.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Me too - would recommend to a friend! It's a navy blue Hadley One. I used to have a Hadley Pro and it was great - but the One has even more room for filming stuff.

[@BobK5]

Thanks Tim, you’re reviewing the same car that Car Wow reviewed and so yes it might be faster than the quoted figure to 60 but as it’s a ‘press’ car it could be tuned to make it more appealing to potential buyers, I wouldn’t put it past VW, try it on a Dyno and let’s see what it showing 👍

[@edwint1780]

my thoughts exactly. When I see a claimed "320hp" car running a mid 12s quarter mile, something doesn't add up.

[@mav1733]

a non press 8R has been put on a dyno and produced 339hp.

[@BobK5]

@@mav1733 where was that?

[@cosmic_gate476]

@@mav1733 that's not enough to go from 4.7 to 3.9

[@HakRomero]

Cracking review mate, straight to the point. Subbed 🤝

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks man - appreciate it!

[@shiugen676]

Nice review, as close as I can get to driving mine as its still a few months away from delivery. New sub :)

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks! You'll love it

[@fugitive4eva]

Great review mate

[@dwchester]

Oy oy!

[@DontPanicDear]

Tubular OG 👀

[@OutRAjious]

the noise sounds real unlike Minis ….serious car

[@mmtsen83]

Always love it 💙

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

And I love you. Thanks!

[@rlsedition]

It appears VW is serious about outperforming the Honda Civic Type R. Good deal!

[@pianostyles6550]

He got it 4 seconds flat.

[@Astke]

@@layne4376 yeah the drag race he did against the a35, m135i and S3. the Golf won by a mile

[@rlsedition]

@@Astke Where was the Type R in that comparison?

[@Astke]

@@rlsedition Type R has no chance

[@rlsedition]

@@Astke The current Type R, yes. The new 2022 model?

[@snkcorp.502]

is the whole glossy black on the speedometer not annoying when driving? Doesn't it reflect your face in it all the time?

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

No, it doesn’t. Just drove it in some actual sun and it was ok!

[@MarcraM82]

Great review, have subscribed. In terms of driving engagement and enjoyment.. this or the Civic type r?

[@djmichaelm3301]

As an American, I have to say this is the first time I think you guys are getting the shaft, or rather there lack of. Don’t know why they drop the manual for you guys, but I’m glad we kept it. Although when we get it in 2022 we don’t get to choose from any of the options that you mention. We get it one way, one flavor, like it or not here it is. Also in America at least on my part of town, you pretty much don’t get it for too much far (if at all) from sticker price. Try to haggle and they just laugh at you and sell to the next guy. And the next guys there waiting to buy it for full sticker. VW really doesn’t care about it’s true fans in America. They think we all went fucking giant SUVs or underpowered “regular” size. It’s just not the case. Between me and my wife, we’ve owned five different Jetta‘s over the years, I now own a 2016 GTI myself. They’re making it hard for me to think about upgrading to the R. Took away the controls, all touch now. Way too much piano black to get scratched and look like crap. Don’t know why they don’t care about the passenger and have the center consul angled towards the driver as if he were the only one ever in the car. Sure, it has a drift mode now. But from what I see in your review and a lot of the others reviews people say it’s all around driver and it’s a family car. Well that’s the way you think and that’s the way you’re buying your car, you’re probably not gonna risk it and try drifting your car ever. You’ll have a dedicated sports car for that or something. Rant over.

[@mav1733]

stick to your jettas or maybe upgrade to a 2017 gti

[@georgegeorghiou686]

How does it compare to the GR Yaris for fun? I am facing the family vs fun dilemma and I need help!

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Oh the Yaris is more fun, definitely - but it’s also teeny tiny and expensive for the size of car. But if it’s a toy then definitely Yaris!

[@georgegeorghiou686]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff so I think what you are saying is I need to make my children smaller?

[@smilepermile8165]

Always a good laugh with your lighthearted reviews Tim 👍🏻 Won't be too long that the MK8 Golf R and GR Yaris become the most stolen cars in the UK especially because of getaway thieves in Birmingham 😂

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Thanks! I forgot to mention that...

[@dwchester]

I've always liked the Golf and that looks good. I've never owned one though (Had a few Audis instead!). Shame about the fake noise. I'd take that over the Yaris, personally.

[@kingisback1995]

Over the Yaris, i thought you are going to say over an Audi or Porsche or something real not the Yaris come on mate 😁😁

[@dwchester]

@@kingisback1995 Referring to Tim's previous test of the GR Yaris which he liked a lot. Check out his review. For me, in this class it would be an RS3. For my son, an AMG A45-S apparently. Not a GR Yaris. That huge mouth is a look only a mother can love! Porsche don't make anything in this class currently unless I've been living under a rock, which is possible due to the pandemic...

[@TheBepo1986]

Hey Rodie nice review! I'm German and you really tricked me in the intro for a few seconds and I was about to end the video because although I'm German I prefer british car reviews for german cars because they are usually a little but less biased.

[@rogernewton7831]

Good review. Thanks.

[@IMP3TIGO]

No manual transmission for the UK Golf R? Sad. Even NA gets a MT (and automatic) despite something like

[@Davidzc0]

While it is less than 5 percent for all cars the golf Rs were close to 50/50. The 911 GT3 was 70 manual to 30 automatic. In America enthusiast cars are selected with manual while no one bothers on anything that isn’t trying to be sporty. The business case is definitely here while in the UK the autos were greatly preferred, probably because manuals are associated with 800 quid corsas.

[@cgpandre]

Driving impressions 👌🏽

[@pigeonpoo1823]

You like then! Right, snog, marry avoid - this, the Civic or your current Mini?

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Ooo. Tricky, but… Snog: CTR, Marry: Golf R, Avoid: Mini. But I like them all, so…

[@louisolivierfortin]

I think it wouldn’t be far off the RS3 in terms of straight line performance... that’s saying something

[@FaceliftGT]

4,02 to 60 ;). Nice Vid! :)

[@faisalleeds]

Nice review, not a massive fan of the MK8 styling but the R is looking pretty nice. Would still probably take the GTi Clubsport

[@susanmaggiora4800]

I didn’t like it when I 1st saw it, but it’s beginning to grow on me. I think once folks start see a few with some nice wheels & mods rolling about, they’ll come around.

[@garyjohnson3751]

Mine has the performance pack with the bigger rear spoiler & the akrapovic exhaust which takes it to a different! Level

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Hope you're enjoying it Gary!

[@fusionlord2533]

Could you do a review on a S3 hatchback?

[@michaeleaton5053]

Oh, it would appear I’m the first to comment! Am I supposed to just put ‘first’ and leave it at that? The only reason I’m up this early is that I had one too many glasses of wine last night. These Golf Rs look to be a great buy, the only thing I don’t like are the exhaust tailpipes, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but they are too big and dominate the rear.

[@DontPanicDear]

You Idiot! Total wasted opportunity there 🙄 I agree those tips are really silly! I’m sure they are just trims, that could be re-finished in black. I guess they really want you to go for the Akrapovič? Congratulations on all the wine 🍷

[@svenboden68]

There are no Fake noises on the Golf R, never have been,what the engineers have done is redirect the engine noise into the cabin via the Windscreen like in Porsche..NO FAKE NOISES...

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

The noise is absolutely fake I'm afraid - google Soundaktor. VW stopped using the 'noise tube' in the Mk7 I think. It's now a thing that vibrates against the bulkhead. Regardless of how it works, it isn't real engine noise. Sorry Sven…

[@josefv-y8m]

I have also fake Noise with my Passat GTE...the tiny 1.4l engine sounds like 6Cyl😎..but I switched it off using OBD11...it is just annoying driving a longer distance in GTE Mode.

[@blairakana9984]

I can’t believe this car cost about $40000. And has no reverse camera. It’s not about if you can reverse without a camera and it’s about the convenience and for people with neck issues or older people not having to turn their head backward to reverse.

[@blueberrycobbler]

In the US it’s required on all new cars sold for the past few years, is it in Europe?

[@DontPanicDear]

Wunderbar content, I am genieBen 👍🏻 Lease deals on these start at £330pm, so I’m sure we’ll be seeing lots of them around soon 👀

[@dannydescarte871]

And very long waiting times 😩

[@trumpameri1638]

Nice work... must give you subscribe and like for your job

[@kingisback1995]

Mat Watson test it from 0:100 in 3 sec

[@shaglioni]

Definitely not in a stock Golf R, even with the DSG.

[@autopassion2.098]

👍👍

[@lupislune]

I absolutely hate the dash and the touchpad.

[@svenboden68]

Still happywith my 7.5 as it has much better controls inside and is easily and quite cheaply tuned to 350 to 400 hp....

[@thrashingjustin]

The mk8 will be easily tuneable as well. More powerful as well

[@MrNugget40]

I've tried to like the mk8, but I can't 😕

[@colindakers113]

All of these reviewers that think they are good enough drivers to switch off ESC…makes me laugh.

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

All these commenters who don't put a space after an ellipsis… makes me laugh

[@colindakers113]

@@TimRodieDrivesStuff 😂 It would appear that my grammar skills are commensurate with your driving skills.

[@shaglioni]

One does not need stability control on, especially for the driving that was shown in this video. Some people need it enabled, a lot of people don't, but it's a nice safety measure to use at any time. For the launch control, I would turn it off, not put it in sport though. And any auto crossing type of driving, I would turn it off as well. No need for nannies to interfere in that setting.

[@derekturner5935]

Ye great launch control test with no test result?!! Also mentioned Mat Watsons 0-60 result, wrong!!👎

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Apologies for the free content Derek

[@shaglioni]

He wasn't timing the launch, just showing how it launches. There are plenty of other publications on the internet that have 0-60 launch numbers. Anywhere from 3.9 seconds by car and driver somehow, but mostly in the low to mid 4's.

[@Andy-2022]

42k for a golf! 😳

[@whamou]

38k for a civic!

[@trumpameri1638]

Ridiculous price for WV

[@Holtii14]

This is the same car they gave Mat from car wow to test 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

What’s wrong with that?

[@susanmaggiora4800]

So?

[@vsboy2577]

It’s too expensive for what it is , rather have a genesis.

[@vroomgc]

Genesis what ?

[@vsboy2577]

@@vroomgc G80

[@darrenbetts265]

Those wheels are disgusting. I love the golf r...but come on vw??? What on earth were you thinking with those hideous wheels???

[@vroomgc]

The performance pack gets upgraded wheels

[@Chris-hy6jy]

No reversing camera?? £40k for a golf and it doesn't even have a reversing camera!!?? Even the most basic of cars have them.

[@davidclark538]

He said "if you need a reverse camera in a Golf, please turn in your driver's license."

[@andrewlemarechal23]

Waiting for the good ones to come pay more get more . Shit review never be in a car with more than 230 bhp get some hair. Sorry air

[@TimRodieDrivesStuff]

Weird, but okay angry internet man

[@shaglioni]

Old old comment, but stupid nonetheless. Car has 315 horsepower and the R is a good and nice performance car.

[@ssjmonstar]

Gets uglier every generation