2021 VW Golf review - is it the best Golf ever? | What Car?

Look! It's a new Volkswagen Golf! But what's new with this eighth-generation model? And what's it like? Watch on to find out everything you need to know!
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#VWGolf #Golf #VolkswagenGolf

[@ewaf88]

Noting beats simple dials and buttons for AC and heating

[@forza223bowe5]

My fiesta, has very simple dials. Low tech, but works perfectly

[@ewaf88]

@@forza223bowe5 My friend got a company fiesta in 1978. A one litre engine - four gears and only one speed 90mph (indicated) It never went wrong. However no airbags no ABS no Traction control and we didn't have to wear our seatbelts. God knows what would have happened if we'd hit anything

[@forza223bowe5]

ewaf88 Mine dates from 2010, it’s so far been very reliable.

[@ewaf88]

@@forza223bowe5 Yes you probably have the 1.25 engine

[@forza223bowe5]

ewaf88 I do, yes

[@rain.0_0.]

Can't wait for the mk8 GTI and the mk8 Golf r

[@ConceptPurple]

How would you compare Golf's comfort of driving at high speeds on motorways to say Focus or A3?

[@eaglefit8239]

How would you compare this to the Mini Countryman S?

[@MegaGecas]

it seems that interior is sooo dreary, that presenter had to wear something extremely red to cheer everything up.

[@rich8305]

Sorry, have you actually seen the car in person? Obviously not or you wouldn't make such negative comments based on zero experience.

[@MegaGecas]

@@rich8305 I've seen your Mum. That's more than enough.

[@denizmustafa2477]

The looks of the new 8 are very good. It is still a usual Golf design, but is contemporary. The only unappealing Golf design is that of the mk5, it is not really ugly but lacks a little of appeal. May be the mk6 is currently the best Golf to drive in terms of modern design, appeal and quality to price as a used one.

[@L77yma]

Looks like Bert from Sesame Street! (The New Golf)

[@sharkflower123]

Ugly interior and controls... I am not gonna "upgrade" my Golf 7,5

[@sweeperboy]

sharkflower123 I agree, hell I’m not upgrading my GTD 7.0 until at least 9.0 comes out!

[@rich8305]

sharkflower123 shame for you as the 8 is way better. Take it you have actually seen and driven the car???? Poss not,

[@bigdhav]

This touchscreen trend needs to STOP.

[@lehelzelenka207]

It already did stop. It's just that VW is lagging in trends. Peugeot was ditching physical buttons and wanted to stuff everything into an infotainment submenu. Now they are reverting to physical buttons for AC controls. VW learns the hard way.

[@sugarrfree]

Ano mate, hate big tablets in the cars 🤨

[@forza223bowe5]

Touchscreens are not very hygienic either. What happens on a cold morning when you want to demist the windscreen and the screen freezes ?

[@piperbob2]

Touchscreens are dangerous to try to use, whilst driving.

[@forza223bowe5]

piperbob2 Can’t see how this passes safety tests

[@slapshot0074]

This current obsession with wholly impractical touch screens in cars has got to stop.

[@wakeupandsmellthecoffeetod9582]

Tesla started it...they think it looks cool. It is STUPID.

[@rich8305]

Get with the times and research before you criticise- voice control is part or the package

[@slapshot0074]

@@rich8305 the argument being because it's the current fad it must be great and we should slavishly praise? Funnily enough I know full well what is "in the package", and the availability of voice control (itself not for everyone) doesn't negate the criticism of touch screens in a car. No research needed. Thank you

[@rich8305]

Slapshot 007 have you tried it in person, probably not so carry on being a dinosaur

[@nayak4636]

Ok boomer

[@DanLMH]

Feel like the MK7 will end up being a 'modern classic' in a few years. Not loving the interior on this one 🙁

[@MacTechG4]

I think the value/desirability of any pre-8 gen Golf will go up, the Golf 8 has lost its way, much like they did with the “New Beetles” Mechanical controls that can be operated via muscle memory are far superior and *SAFER*

[@forza223bowe5]

MacTechG4 I wouldn’t be surprised, if the golf 8 is the last generation of Golf. I think VW will focus heavily on their ID range

[@MacTechG4]

@@forza223bowe5; At least in the US market, VW started cutting gorners on the Golf on the MkVII, at least on the TDI models... Production was moved to Mexico (probably for efficiency, the finished cars don't need to be sent via expensive ships from Germany, QC is no different between MX and GER) the TDI models had their rear suspension downgraded from Independent rear suspension to a simpler Torsion Beam, mainly to make room for the AdBlue Diesel Exhaust Fluid tank, (IIRC, the gasoline model MkVII are still IRS) for the US market, the last true "unadulterated" Golf model z9at least for TDI) was the MkVI

[@cengeb]

@@MacTechG4 ya just know where the button or knob is, this touch screen stuff is very UN German, non ergonomic...with mechanical knobs it's just right there, but it's probably now that everyone is going with this touch screen stuff, it's all about costs, cheaper over all as everyone uses the touch screen stuff, very non driver friendly though

[@cengeb]

@@MacTechG4 They moved all Golfs back to Germany...Golf R was always German...they where gonna do golf R in Mexico, but didn't. tiguans are from Puebla now, our 2013 is German, but Tiguan is selling, big time, so made in Puebla makes sense, I have never had issues with made in Puebla or compared to German, same standards, always good. Glad i got my Golf R 2019, with KNOBS!!! Stick of course!

[@rich495]

Completely negative review for what is a truly well conceived car. The new technology is happening, accept it and recognise how good this new tech is on the Golf. Confusing for the first 5 minutes; intuitive once the basics have been grasped. This car is superb

[@Jaykae_t]

Manufacturers need to stop with all of these touch sensitive buttons, it's overkill in this Golf. Just give us physical ones ffs!!

[@KING0SISQO]

They don’t do it because they favour it. But sometimes they have to modernise to keep up with other cars. Why be behind when you can be in front because old customers say otherwise, when all they want to do is appeal to a larger audience. Sleekness sells. I agree I prefer the physical dials. But I do prefer the look. When I look at the golf 7 vs 7.5. The 7 looks dated. The 7.5 doesn’t look dated vs the 8. But the 7 completely does to the 8.

[@Jaykae_t]

@Jerry Rawlings i am the youth! I'm 22 lol

[@rich495]

Have you actually seen the car???

[@paulcfyeung]

@@rich495 yes we get it, you've seen it and the only person qualified to comment, despite other actual car reviewers (unlike yourself) all expressing similar comments about the styling and the touch screens

[@rich8305]

Paul Yeung so, adopting your mentality, all these people know what they're talking about. FYI I sell 15 brands of car, including Toyota and this car wins

[@666DW]

I don’t know about the ‘best’ golf ever but I can tell you it’s the ugliest one!

[@DavGreg]

No the US made version of the Golf from Pennsylvania back in the 1980s was easily the ugliest Golf ever. The Mk 8 is second.

[@linushedwall9838]

Did you forget about the Mk5?

[@OdianosenIseyare]

I agree with you 100%. There's no way in the world I'll buy this contraption. It's the ugliest gold ever manufactured.

[@forza223bowe5]

Jerry Rawlings Mk6 golf was the sweet spot peak, mk7 is cheaper made than the mk6 and I suspect the mk8, will be even worse

[@pavlestojanovic7058]

For sure!

[@bravozulu3257]

This is what they said about the MK7 🤣 anyways give it six months and all the negative comments here will be positive. besides probably most of you never owned a VW..🤣

[@rich8305]

Bravo Sbu younarenbang-!on TBH, I'm struggling with all the negative comments made by idiots who haven't even seen or driven the car- WELL SAID

[@archiebarber9802]

No physical aircon controls, so stupid

[@forza223bowe5]

What happens if the button freezes? It won’t be functional or it will be stuck on

[@cibulis5347]

@@forza223bowe5 What happens if whole screen freeze ? all system will be stuck on

[@forza223bowe5]

valdesas Yes. If the air con say is stuck on full blast, there is no away to stop it.

[@mathias61]

Not at all. Air control is very easy to use through screena too. Just go and test it in a real world too ;-)

[@patrickbateman6885]

mathias61 I think people have overreacted to it to much, I think there should be Buttons with it also able to work through screen

[@andrewwhite8983]

VW is cutting corners way too much

[@charles-davidberube1174]

The massaging seats are basic... Dude, it’s a freaking golf! Not a mercedes s class! What were you expecting? The simple fact that it has such a feature is amazing!

[@simbagambe6926]

Golf reminds me of IPhone. People love to criticise it for the sake of it (rightly or wrongly) but we will see 1000s of these on the road.

[@edgimson5706]

Sheep.

[@gravemind6536]

The last good Golf was the MK5 the newer ones are simply not as well built and robust as the old ones. The MK4 was the best generation of Golf ever.

[@cmmats624]

@@gravemind6536 The look of the MK5 is the worst ever i think

[@wesleyjanse6600]

@@gravemind6536 I have a golf 5 and I can say it aint 'Well build'

[@gravemind6536]

@@cmmats624 The back end was alright I didn't really like the way the front end looked. Like I said I prefer the MK4.

[@bighes100]

Thanks VW...... i like the focus more now

[@forza223bowe5]

Focus has always been better than the golf, in my opinion. People buy golfs because of the VW badge, it’s nothing especial

[@xMyzaa]

@@forza223bowe5 but lets not forget about vw dsg auto's though, way better and smoother than a ford focus. And plus technology in this vw looks way too advanced just don't think a lot of people are ready for a change. A step to the future. Physical buttons are too old now.

[@HealthyMotherfcker]

Forza223 Bowe thats total bullshit, I’m sorry. The golf is a way better machine

[@69memnon69]

Good on the British for buying the focus that no one else wants.

[@bighes100]

Which is better and cheaper?

[@johnparker4538]

As with many others I think they have destroyed the excellent internal ergonomics by going all digital. My mk7.5 1.5 turbo match run out model was packed with free extras so all I had to add was the rear camera (a must have add on). Pretty much the perfect all round car and I love it!

[@naferemix]

That interior is disgusting. Even Renault are doing better with theirs.

[@forza223bowe5]

VW once had solid and timeless interiors, now they have got a interior which will age fast, it already looks dated

[@rich8305]

Wow, exactly how many miles have you driven in the car- I have and the interior is incredibly good

[@naferemix]

I was commenting on the appearance so my eyes qualify me for an opinion on that one

[@paulcfyeung]

@@rich8305 Zzz yes yes we get it, you've driven the car, now where's your professional review? If you're so good at this then why aren't your employed as a full time car journalist? Besides, the reviewer in this vid doesnt seem to agree with your assessment with the interior and he has definitely drive and seen the car! Lol

[@derekmoore5709]

No physical climate control knobs.... No purchase..... I'll buy a Ford Focus instead🚗🚗

[@DavGreg]

Good luck with that.

[@sugarrfree]

Nice 1. I like the look of the new focus. With nice big alloys it looks class

[@UserPauli2592]

I got the new focus for 2 months now as a company car and I'm happy with it. It's the 2l diesel automatic and some extras like the iLED lights and a few more extras Got 13.000 kilometres on it now within 2 months and no problems at all so far.

[@derekmoore5709]

UserPauli2592 Sounds nice , Are those new headlights any good , Was thinking about ticking that option box

[@miamimo70]

😳

[@magnuspersson1433]

So "build quality" in a car is judged by how the instrument panel feels to touch?

[@joelbrandon6807]

I know Im asking the wrong place but does any of you know of a tool to log back into an Instagram account?? I stupidly forgot my account password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me.

[@jaxtyngregory9808]

@Joel Brandon Instablaster =)

[@Horizon301.]

Big mistake with what they have done with the technology. It will alienate a lot of buyers given this car is typically bought by people of all ages and demographics, I can’t help but think that older people will be overwhelmed and rightfully so. The climate controls are the final nail in the coffin. The moment you can’t adjust the basics without using a touch screen is the point in which it’s a major distraction. The 7.5 quality looks better also, even the infotainment system looks shockingly bad in terms of its design and the UI. Also are there even two cup holders? On the pre production models there clearly isn’t

[@Nero200]

Chatta290 I totally agree mate... I’d have a 7.5 over that MK8 all day. That infotainment screen and climate control is overly complex just for the sake of it.

[@Horizon301.]

Nero200 yep definitely. Audi have gone that way with the new A6 but that’s okay, I don’t like it but it’s not a mass produced car to the same scale as the golf nor is it so widely appealing to many different groups. The A3 for example and the newer Q3 models and A1 still have the climate control dials that are physical. I’m hating these new cars, trying to use the new systems on the Audi’s is just like punching yourself. So counter intuitive even with the haptic feedback off, a simple dial is simply glorious. Who would have thought that this would be considered a luxury in this day and age over a crappy screen 😬

[@forza223bowe5]

Nero200 What happens if the screens go blank or freeze? It will be worthless

[@Horizon301.]

Forza223 Bowe doubt it will. VW’s now have screens and they are trouble free and the best in the business within the Marque along side bmw. The climate control integration though is just appalling.

[@Nero200]

Forza223 Bowe I know that’s what I’m saying...

[@zumik83]

No touchscreen wiper controls or turn signals ? I will wait for Golf 9 in that case !

[@tonyga5]

Worst interior dash ever. What were they thinking

[@Corsa15DT]

cost saving. that's all vw is thinking about.

[@forza223bowe5]

Corsa15DT VW once made solid and reliable cars. I drove a new 7.5 golf and it felt like a cheaper car, lots of rattles

[@Corsa15DT]

@@forza223bowe5 ny mk4 anf mk5 dashboards rattle too

[@rich8305]

Actually, best dash ever, seems so many people criticise without having seen or touched the screens- they are incrediblymgood

[@Corsa15DT]

@@rich8305 this car screams of cost savings. They removed the bonnet gas struts. They removed the multilink. They even removed the interior buttons, its utterly impractical to use tablet while driving.

[@bigrigger3762]

Don’t think it’s as good looking as the out going model, and the exterior styling is so dreary to say the least, as is every new Golf that comes out. I think Ford are really on the money with the new Focus I personally think that’s a cracking looking car and I’m no Ford fan.

[@forza223bowe5]

I agree, and drives better

[@Chester8666]

Yep, got to agree with this also. Currently looking for a replacement for my MK7 Golf. I never thought I'd say this having been a long term VW fan, but I think its looking likely to be the new Focus...

[@forza223bowe5]

Chester8666 New focus looks decent, and probably can get some good deals on one

[@MIGerlag]

Agreed.

[@markusortmaier7174]

The focus is brilliant. But I would not buy one because of the 3 cylinder engines and the built quality is average but not more.

[@mutley66]

Somewhat difficult to operate a touchscreen safely whilst DRIVING. Its a car, not an ipad.

[@nzroversfan]

Years ago the next Golf always built on the last ones strengths and then made the oppositions job that bit harder. The Golf 8 hasn't done that and it looks as if those with a certain agenda have got their way. Hopefully the Golf 9 will return those winning attributes to VW.

[@robertday8619]

Against the LAW to use a mobile whilst driving (and rightly so) BUT you can tap away and look at these screens all day long , Soooooo much easier just to turn a dial and a lot less distracting weather you are TEC savey or not. There are plenty of cars around as good as this or if not better!!!!! and better priced as well. He managed more than 40 to the gallon WOW!!! 😂🤣 ive got a 16 year old Citroen C4 1.6 Petrol as a work run around and i can get that !!!!! Still people who love a BRAND NAME will buy it I'm sure 🤣😂😂🤣 FOOLS AND THEIR MONEY 🤣😂🤣😂

[@rich8305]

Robert Day or, you could just use the voice control which none of the "expert" critics seem to,realise is there?

[@mitchreeves1]

Looks like a Megane and an Auris had a baby, except this is duller and way more expensive. Won't last as long either.

[@RsDv5]

Last longer than a Megane easily. Potentially the Auris too, Toyota aren’t what they used to be but saying that neither are VW

[@ORMZBY93]

Compared to a Renault... Do you know anything about cars?

[@mitchreeves1]

@@ORMZBY93 yes I do know about cars Ryan. Statistically, French cars are more reliable than German cars and they have been for a few years now. Do you know anything about about cars?

[@TL-xw6fh]

Auris beats the pants of the Golf fit reliability, durability and economy. Why would anyone want the Golf when the latest Auris is so good?

[@rich8305]

Idiot

[@TheMasterMief]

The infotainment looks INCREDIBLY cheap. Not the sturdy quality I am used to by Golfs. Then again, I drive a MK4 Variant , 74kw 1.9 TDI. Currently 1200 away from beating 500.000 km.

[@m80116]

They haven't gone for the WOW factor... they've gone to the EWW factor !

[@MrSupersixfour]

Have they ever lol

[@mickgordon5151]

It's not that bad for a cheep run a round,

[@rich8305]

It's the whole car which is spectacularly good in every respect

[@rich8305]

I know, what a great car BTW, it really is fantastic

[@rich8305]

But when you've actually experienced the car it is WOW...

[@706oli]

So you cannot use a phone whilst driving and rightly so.! Yet manufacturers are allowed to produce cars, where to adjust anything it seems, has to be done through a touchscreen, thus taking your eyes off the road, making it more dangerous.!! It doesn’t really make sense.! Physical buttons and knobs, surely is safer.

[@blarkdexture8899]

I prefer the mk7

[@KruppMax]

Mk4 🖤

[@forza223bowe5]

I prefer the MK6 it looks more like a golf and is solid and classy and well made

[@NomadJRG]

Looks like shit, really a step down from the outgoing models interior-wise at least

[@Benzknees]

I think you’re being too kind to it!

[@ORMZBY93]

That cabin is disgusting, that white-grey plastic is vom inducing

[@wakeupandsmellthecoffeetod9582]

They've gone to far with this. The greatest strength of vw golf has always been its logic and functionality...analog stuff...simple and direct. Now they've gone trendy and stupid. The obsession with touchscreen is insane. Look at the tesla model 3. Fast as a sportscar...with as much personality as a food blender...or a washing machine.

[@TheRustedPixel]

I've been watching tons of finacial videos about how they say never buy new cars, the lose value rapidly in 3 years, get in on the fourth year and you're not losing much. Why am I saying this? Well, I've been excited about the Golf mk8 for a while but after seeing this (and that odd face at the front and cheap plastic back on the infotainment system) I'm set on getting a 7.5GTi golf. That car is still extremely handsome with, a probably, better looking interior too!

[@klemzale5370]

And with DSG its pretty damn fast , and a great daily car Im loving my mk7 DSG, wish i could afford the Clubsport, or the newer TRC, but im still happy i got the mk7

[@DAZZER435]

Exactly what I am thinking, in manual with the performance pack.

[@klemzale5370]

@@DAZZER435 you really must test drive the DSGversionbefore you buy. Its soo much fun for me, and i drive it on manual only so its not boring to drive The shifting is amazing and it also makes the car quite a bit faster. Its my first DSG/auto and i will never drive manual again

[@DAZZER435]

@@klemzale5370 Okay, i'll give it a go on your recommendation.

[@rich8305]

Another person who hasn't seen or driven the car? It is an amazing design and well- built too. The tech is superb and the look of the car is a true positive move forwards for this iconic car

[@darrenprior6339]

Where did the guy/girl go that styled the MK7? Can you please bring that person back VW?

[@kirnupiima]

Oh god. Was looking forvard to upgrading from my mk7, but apparently I can’t. Maybe in 2 years the folks at VW realise the huge mistakes they’ve made, and mk8,5 will look like a proper car again. This is just horrible.

[@KING0SISQO]

Even if they decided to do that. It’s take more than two years. They would make much changes mid cycle. But more intuitive. But considering this look is brand new. I doubt it will happen. How many years apart was the mk5 to the 7.5 where they moved from physical buttons to touch? That’s why I doubt they’d go back. And I can’t see them going back to buttons because less is more.

[@rich495]

God, it is so, so good and looks superb

[@rich8305]

Seriously? Have you seen or driven the car? A huge step,forward and improvement on the 7/ 7.5 Environmental improvements along with an amazing exterior and interior deliver a fantastic product I've driven the car at length and it is such a great car

[@forza223bowe5]

Rich Is there any road noise at higher speeds? My Mk7 is so loud on motorways

[@forza223bowe5]

KING0SISQO Unfortunately touch screens are becoming the norm, on a lot of products

[@PaulReich321]

Bro it's so ugly in every single way 🤪, mk5 r32 and mk7.5 R for sure the best looking recent golfs

[@paulthorpe766]

Agree except MK4 is purer version/view of R32 over mk5 though not as good to drive granted. Low mileage R32 MK4 in 10 yrs from now will be higher value alongside perennial MK2 16v and 7.5 (GTi and perhaps GTE)

[@kona328WH]

The dash and tech is terrible. Looks cheap and nasty along with horrible usability

[@rich8305]

kona328WH hi, When did you try the car and its tech features?

[@h3684]

It's too bloody complicated .. I don't like it...

[@madtvpt]

The outgoing golf is way more interesting than this one. Thumbs up for the review thumbs down for the car

[@forza223bowe5]

Mk6 golf is the best looking one, and well built and refined, even the mk7 is a downgrade

[@forza223bowe5]

Eze smallboy MK7 golf isn’t as reliable, and I doubt the MK8 will be any better

[@DevRSVR]

The tech and interior come across as if he's in 1972 and demoing what scientists think tech and design will be like in the year 2020. Who let the software developers have a say???

[@Strand0410]

Nice car, but the touch buttons for climate control are madness. In what way does this improve the user experience other than aesthetics?

[@aidanc4524]

Corolla far better

[@piero2611]

So they want to charge you premium money and yet they can't be bothered to paint the underside of the bonnet or even fit a gas strut!!! Wtf I'm sure that infotainment is gonna be really safe to navigate through whilst driving 👏

[@Elias_Giannakakis-GTI1985]

My daily driving car is a vw golf mk6 and one of its main advantages is that ,if needed , my 67 year old father can easily get in and drive it whithout the need of an "eurofighter typhoon" pilot licence.....just with an ordinary driving licence!!!!!! From what I see in the mk8 golf there is no way for an average "old" driver to enjoy this car. So my point is that vw golf was a car that everybody could easily drive, it gave every driver regardless of age the feeling of an easy car to live with ....now you have to adjust a great number of functions ,only to just get to start the car....

[@forza223bowe5]

Just keep your Mk6, they are the best golfs hands down. Mk8, is too complicated and will go wrong

[@DavGreg]

The simple truth is that if form follows function, no essential controls should be virtual on a touchscreen. As someone else commented, if your touchscreen on a Mk 7 freezes it impacts your radio. On this car it means most controls are screwed.

[@shanecolton3500]

As a big VW fan this is the first proper review I've seen of the mk8. I've recently bought a MK7 GTD and in love with it. I am hugely disappointed in VW as they have moved away from the ergonomics that most love about the MK7. I can't stand the touchscreen temperature gauges and fidgety audio systems....one can get them on a Renault of a Toyota sure, But at least unlike most journalists who will try plámás VW just 'cuz its a VW'; fair dues to What Car for saying it as it is. However you have gutted me by revealing the harsh truths!lol

[@sweeperboy]

Shane Colton I love my MK7.0 GTD too, and I can see myself - all being well - keeping it until it’s 10 years old at this rate.

[@shanecolton3500]

@@sweeperboy Yea ano but to be fair I actually haven't seen a pic of the MK8 in a GTD so heres hoping we go back on our word!

[@sweeperboy]

Shane Colton True, I guess we should wait. But that touch screen to do everything, man... 😕 And it looks so far like it needs antidepressants, lol.

[@shanecolton3500]

@@sweeperboylol I actually could live with the looks easier than the touchscreen and to think that the VAG group had avoided going down the whole naf touchscreen route like Toyota PSA and the likes

[@RegistracijosKlaida]

I was choosing between peugeot 308sw, golf mk7.5 variant, corolla sw and maybe kia proceed. After test driving every car i decided to go with the golf as it fitted my needs the best. The dealer asked me if i'm in a hurry with the car - cause the mk8 is coming out on 2020. But as i saw first impressions of this car and saw that terrible infotainment system with all the touchscreens and touch buttons... oh you bet i was in a hurry just to get that mk7.5 :D Come on VW - even raising the volume looks over complicated and laggy. :D

[@mattluxton]

Really not sure if I'll upgrade my mk7.5 for one of these... Awkward styling from certain angles inside and out. No physical controls inside is a big downside too. Surely VW could've supplied a much better colour combination for this review? Who on earth specifies that colour interior?? Yuk!

[@davisdesigns1153]

The mk7.5 is perfect in my opinion

[@mattluxton]

@@davisdesigns1153 I love mine. It does everything I need very very well and looks very smart

[@sigint99]

The cost cutting in the car is so obvious. VW have tarnished the Golf name.

[@GarethAndersonUK]

This looks like the old Toyota Auris.

[@AppyG]

Im not gonna lie I hate the look of it inside and out I’m a massive Golf lover owned countless Golf’s my fav being the Mk5 and Mk7/7.5 and I personally think the 7.5 is alot more slick than this mk8 looks way overkill and looks like they tried too hard WHY move the Golf logo under the VW badge looks awful come on VW, hopefully they see this and do a much better updated mk8.5 fingers crossed because if not I WON’T be buying the mk8 simple.

[@AppyG]

Also I can’t even imagine elderly people who’s NOT so familiar to touch screen etc trying to turn the A/C off and on clearly they didn’t think this out surely, think the guy designed this must of puzzle breaker xD

[@kasparszujs6397]

Is it any surprise that the BMW 1 series is going to be nicer? It costs like 30% more with similar options.

[@robertday8619]

Really, you sure about that! You're just going on list price and not real world prices you can get if you shop around.

[@IAMCRAIG1986]

Robert Day lol what else does he have to go off?! They are literally brand new on the market and can’t see discounts being offered just yet

[@Horizon301.]

In reality most of these cars are the same price pretty much. A3, 1 series, golf etc. The point is the VW typically had better standard equipment. Same reason most Asian cars no matter what price can easily be better equipped than an s class let’s say

[@Carrinthe]

Well I would buy a Mazda 3 in this segment,... wait, I did :) And I enjoy a nice central dail for the infotainment, a nice dial for volume and a dials for climate control. The interior is far nicer and reliability is far better. And fully packed it's cheaper too.

[@robertday8619]

@@IAMCRAIG1986 you're obviously not in the trade.

[@beetleything1864]

Diesel - hahhahhahaaaa - you are joking....after what they did.......those exhaust chrome things are horrible - big screen - yuck - no actual dials for hot/cold - NO !!!!

[@davisdesigns1153]

Looks like people are gonna be snapping up mk 7.5 while their still available

[@Pete90125]

Just bought one 9 weeks ago ,1.5 tsi 👍👍👍👍😃😃😃🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧

[@forza223bowe5]

Love the MK7, feels like a proper golf

[@roconnor01]

Did VW confer with customers before loading it with all this electronic stuff? I think the Golf 8 will not be on my shopping list. Also no gas strut bonnet lifter, no sliding cover over centre console and no pull down draw to the right of the steering wheel; cost cutting VW?

[@twistsouth514]

Looks like they spent so much time on the ID3 they forgot about the new Golf and had to throw it together quickly.

[@ADDG880]

TwistSouth agreed so many things seem like an after thought.

[@mihnealazar7039]

And the ID.3’s front looks kinda lame lol. Al least the headlights do. Also the interior doesn’t look to great, too much of a small display for the speed.

[@forza223bowe5]

ID 3 looks like a Toy car what a 5 year old designed

[@rich8305]

Expert comments from someone who OBVIOUSLY hasn't driven the car?

[@rich8305]

Forza223 Bowe and your comments come from a 3 year old

[@thomasj5083]

Why does every golf review talk about the "adaptive suspension" when almost nobody (except me) ever specifies it. Trying to find a used golf with that option is like looking for a needle in a haystack. It's been an option since the Golf 6 and is well worth the money, but a review should talk about the regular ride as even in "normal" mode the DCC still differs from the standard setup. VW Seems to love giving highly-specced unrepresentative cars to reviewers. We won't even talk about the hopeless torsion beam setup that comes with the smaller engines. It's like a different car - a significantly inferior one.

[@grantduke8484]

No more front foglights?

[@mikewelch3747]

The only reason people like front fog lights is so they can drive around with them on in all weather just because it looks cool

[@forza223bowe5]

Should have, it’s a the law to have them

[@171Mirza]

Honestly, i wouldn't buy this car. It all looks made fancy and full of screens and technology just to be sold for it. I would go for one much cheaper Opel Astra. Slightly less interior quality but nothing major. Very solid car for much smaller price. It will leave me money for fuel for the next 5 years.

[@markh7288]

So sad to see such a wonderful car being diminished. What will the difference be to the competition now? Volkswagen get your act together! Seats alone will put me off buying an 8th Golf

[@rich8305]

You sound like another expert who hasn't even sat in let alone driven the car. I have and all these negative, inaccurate comments are so far off the pace. Amazing interior and such a good, well designed and high quality interior

[@markappleby8791]

@@rich8305 I am only responding to the review of the car. I currently drive the Mk7 and find it's seat to be marginal, in fact it is the most disappointing thing about the car. I also drive a Volvo, I much prefer to do the longer drive in the Volvo, because I don't have aches when I get out unlike the Golf! Otherwise the Mk7 has been a wonderful machine. I sat into a T-Roc a few weeks ago, I have never been so disappointed with a car. It could have been my first choice to replace the Golf, but it is a disaster inside. I think I'm going to replace the golf with another Volvo as my mileage is increasing. I have shown great loyalty to the Golf, I'd say that this is my 12th or so.

[@rich8305]

Get your facts together rather than make stupid statements based on what is obviously severely limited amount of experience leave your comments in the cupboard

[@markh7288]

Rich you are a troll!

[@forza223bowe5]

Rich High quality? The interior looks much cheaper and gone all flashy to hide its shortfalls. Step in a Mk7 or Mk6 golf and see how well put together this is

[@mcallard911]

Not even a physical button for the brightness of the dash !!! Since I drive a lot on Interstates (usa), I am used to the brightness button for quick changing depending on construction zone, traffic or pitch dark road. Will defitely keep my Golf 7. I want a car, not a another distracting touch screen tablet.

[@simonsurvives]

I like my MK6 because it looks the bollocks inside and out, everything is where it should be, the physical dials are much more convenient for me because I can adjust things as I'm driving rather than faff with touch screens, the gage cluster is pretty simple so I can't complain with that, not a fan of all the fancy heated seats and massage functions etc but that's more of a personal gripe so I can't take points away, carpeted door bins are nice for stopping things rattling about, USB C is pretty nifty to be fair, boot size is fine as it always was, overall design externally looks futuristic and kind of what I expected the golf to evolve too, overall it looks fine outside but the interior is chocked full of unnecessary touch screens and gadgets that most users would feel alienated by, 5.5/10

[@forza223bowe5]

Golf 6, actually feels like a solid, classy and refined car. This new mk8 one, feels cheap and nasty. It almost feels like it has been designed by an accountant

[@twistsouth514]

Forza223 Bowe well that’s because it has. VW are all about cost-cutting now so the bean counters are designing the cars.

[@DavGreg]

Used to own a 2011 VW Golf Mk 6 (German made US spec) and it was a better car than my Mk 7 Golf or my new 2019 Golf Alltrack in terms of quality of materials, switchgear and such. I enjoy my Mk 7, but loved that Mk 6. I will not be buying this video game with wheels.

[@lubabalonqumse6141]

Okey. Let's be honest seeing as we are the customer base. 1. It's cheap. Built quality screams cheap. Cheap car overall. Benz does much better. So does Ford focus. 2. The screen is smaller over all Than the out going model. But you want us to pay more? Are you insane? 3. That thing on the center console called the gear leaver is a bean stalk. What happened to good old beutiful chunky old gear leaver. Would have looked better. But.... Vw... Flick that bean.! 4. Less space for a newer car! Really are you serious yet u want consumers to pay more!? Good luck with that! 5. Too much gadgetry. Far too much. Makes for very difficult operation on the go! That why buttons always work. No touch screen can trump the good old volume nob and physical climate control buttons! Nothing you can come up with will ever compare! Plus is user friendly. 5.

[@zaori2785]

Thanks, this review seems honest to me. Most german reviewers overlook the crappy digital dashboard.

[@emiliospowerballer1441]

I like how you are comparing an Audi to a Volkswagen, as if it isnt globally known that Audi is a luxury car brand. Then you mention that this is an automatic when it has a Dual Clutch Transmission. Then you claim it doesnt handle well. What were you expecting, Golf R cornering? Although the infotainment is a bit sluggish, many owners didnt complain neither claimed it was sluggish. Thats the problem with moto journalists. They only express an opinion on a car they drove once or whatever else info they found from the internet.

[@johnora3857]

the grey-beige interior doesnt do that golf any favour...

[@id104335409]

Do they even test these things with real people? Who are they paying to make the design work? Nobody in the comments is saying "wow, I love it!" Those are the potential buyers of this car! So that means somebody designed and approved it based on his own opinion of what is cool and nice and trendy. And the people are rejecting it hard! Why can't a company turn to people who buy their shit and just ask what they like and not like about it and what they want to see in the newer version?

[@johnfrytey1331]

I like my mk7 gtd design 🙂

[@sweeperboy]

Darek Fryt I have one too, I’m not upgrading it for this...whatever it is!

[@SERGIO-cr6uy]

The golf hasn't much changed in 15 years, and the face-lift is even worse. Volkwagen are so boring and not as reliables as they used to be. Better get another make.

[@forza223bowe5]

The golf mk6 actually feels like some thought went into it, it’s solid and refined. I have a mk7 golf, and it’s nowhere near as well made as the mk6. I bet this mk8, one is even worse still

[@tartanwallpaper]

This review is a million times better than the Autoexpress review.

[@c-mt6294]

He didn’t comment on the removed gas struts for the bonnet or the lack of lining of the glove compartment , or the hard plastic on the doors in the back seat

[@rich8305]

No it's not

[@forza223bowe5]

Worst golf ever, look at the Mk7 and Mk6 and come to this and you will notice a big step backwards in quality and design

[@paulcfyeung]

A great honest review, it reminds me of the previous shape corolla/auris and has lost a lot of its Germanic style. Seems rather underwhelming overall tbh.

[@rich8305]

Paul Yeung wow, another" expert" comparing the car to Toyota's? The car is amazing and such a good looking improvement on its predecessors, don't draw comparisons when you haven't seen or driven this fantastic car

[@paulcfyeung]

@@rich8305 in which part of my comment did you see me referring myself as the expert? 😂 and how exactly did I compare it to a Toyota? I said it reminds me of one. Unsure what makes you think your opinions on the styling is somewhat more valid than mine? 😂

[@rich8305]

Paul Yeung quite simply, I've driven the car at length and having also tried the Toyota, find your type of comments so strongly stated and quite frankly, ridiculous

[@paulcfyeung]

@@rich8305 again, I made no mention about the driving dynamics, and again, unsure how you opinions on the aesthetic would be anymore valid than mine simply because you've driven it? And which part of my comments did you find "strongly stated"? 😂 Who are you to even think your aesthetic preference is better than anyone? Peter Schreyer? Lol

[@rich8305]

Wow, we obviously differ. Interesting that 99% of the people I tested the car with were hugely impressed with this car. You?- when did you drive the car and what makes you think your opinion is worth anything? If you comment, make sure you are fully aware of the whole marketplace and hard facts before you start to touch the keyboard. Styling is personal taste for sure. I've seen and driven and like the car because in my opinion, it's good. Armchair experts are to be laughed at sometimes, this is one of those times

[@rowlewis81]

The bonnet isn't on gas struts anymore, how very un premium.

[@keithisaacs6092]

When they built the golf they made almost the perfect car good to drive comfortable and practical but the competition is much hotter now . Skoda is a much better built car with more space with better reliability and cheaper .

[@harrymurray-jones219]

Skoda is owned by VW so they use same mechanical components thus they are equally reliable.

[@keithisaacs6092]

@@harrymurray-jones219 skoda are much higher in the customer satisfaction survey than VW thats why i own one great cars.

[@Horizon301.]

Stanley Flooring it. Not quite. The Leon, golf and A3 for example are very much different. Very few parts you can see are shared. Most of these use their own suppliers.

[@forza223bowe5]

I think skodas use older VW tech, so it’s more proven and reliable.

[@zax331]

Keith Isaacs I heard that VW is going to lower the quality on Skoda because they are selling better than VW.

[@misterivan75]

how is it possible that this is the best golf ever when you see savings on all segments, hood bar instead of shock absorbers, cheap plastic on the rear door, front passenger drawer without soft padding,skoda octavia is for this small plastic car airplane! This golf is a pure failure.

[@yobama8344]

Eww that interior Even Peugeot gets their interiors right

[@Silver-st2zq]

That touch screen system looks an absolute joke may have considered a Golf but not with that system in it.

[@thezanzibarbarian5729]

The gear knob looks like it was stolen from the new Porsche 911 parts bin :-))...

[@thezanzibarbarian5729]

@swansea007791 - Absolutely not. But then I didn't say it would be.

[@Cee-Real]

Anybody who has a Golf 7 knows that on a cold morning the infotainment screen becomes a little unresponsive.. but the car is saved by actual dials and manual controls. I can already see the impending customer backlash for when this all digital car becomes unresponsive on cold mornings.. Even the most basic functions like headlights, climate control and heated seats need the touch screen.. And some might not care but they got rid of the hydraulic springs that keep the bonnet up without you having to use a manual stalk.. they also only seem to have one cup holder instead of two and also got rid of the little compartment you used to be able to store your glasses in. The Golf 7.5 will see a spike in sales.

[@eamonnmcdermott1939]

Rather a Mazda 3!

[@duncanidaho7494]

The interior looks extremely cheap. The touch buttons is also a big turn off. Shame !

[@hadrien4089]

"It's certainly one of the most comfortable family car in its class" Citroen : Hold my baguett-

[@krystofjirasek7348]

Well, there isn't a car in this class in Citroën...

[@BrateTebra123]

Citroens today are far from comfortable

[@XxJay71xX]

@@krystofjirasek7348 Citroen C3... Also next year they're gonna show the new C4 and C5.

[@krystofjirasek7348]

@@XxJay71xX C3 is the B-segment, same as VW Polo, whereas Golf is the C-segment, same as C4, but at least in my country was C4 and C5 sold last in 2014...

[@XxJay71xX]

@@krystofjirasek7348 As I said, next year Citroen will present the new C4 and C5, hopefully not some "SUV-like" crap

[@paulraymond1032]

looxs just lixe the renault megane.. except not as good ! german style or french... ?

[@jjoriordan2670]

How is it possible to make the Golf even more dull?

[@forza223bowe5]

And it’s poorer quality

[@bighes100]

Honestly makes new focus look a bargain

[@peterthwaites5891]

They managed to though!

[@jjoriordan2670]

@@forza223bowe5 I owned two Golfs. They were never great. They felt really nice but were woefully unreliable.

[@jjoriordan2670]

@@bighes100 the Focus always looked a bargain. It was usually bigger inside, better equipped and it was always infinitely better to drive.

[@forza223bowe5]

Everything feels so cheap feeling, it almost looks like a cheap Chinese copy of a golf

[@forza223bowe5]

It just looks like a heavy refresh of the current mk7 model. No doubt they have cost cut with cheap, scratchy plastics.

[@aaronl88]

agreed. would much rather get a new mk7

[@swright5690]

Had planned on Gen 8 GTI to replace 2012 Beetle 2.5 in a few years. Not anymore. I refuse to use touchscreem to access heat/aircon. FAIL VW.

[@MonteiroM]

So many computer screens to go wrong in 10-20 years.

[@DavGreg]

More like 5

[@rwynne69]

I’ve got a MK7 and the Mk8 just seems like a step back. I think I will be going elsewhere for my next car

[@sugarrfree]

Ray Wynne focus?

[@forza223bowe5]

Mk6 golfs are much nicer, they seem more refined and solid. Went into a mk7 and more scratchy plastics and lot more road noise

[@seanlyons161]

I have a mk4 and they all seem a step back from that!

[@JackVinall35]

Sean your not wrong there mate, whatever happened to a good old manual gearbox in a golf which is common in the mk4 and generations before

[@rich8305]

I can definitely say, having driven the Mk8 for 3 hours in Germany, it is a huge and relevant improvement on the Mk 7.5 Great looking, amazing interior and so good in so many ways. Loads of inaccurate comments from experts who haven't seen or driven the car- very tedious to read

[@Sanpedranoazul]

Not a car for undecisive person, tooooooo many options on that screen that is frustrating...

[@OscarLeeMX]

I love the granularity of the damping controls.

[@markusortmaier7174]

An Audi A3 had never a better built quality than a Golf. Yeah sure the materials are a little bit more soft touch, but i would not describe it as built quality. It is haptik and snop factor. Built quality is a different story. But the overall vehicle is the same.

[@thatsjustme1990]

Ugly car from the front and that interior is 🤮. I’d still opt for the mk7.5 if I was looking for a golf

[@pw3591]

I think my Mk 7.5 maybe my last VW. No way I could live with that touchscreen dash.

[@964tractorboy]

Can you operate all the touch functions wearing gloves? I presume they're resistive, but nobody has said. A decent review from a guy who doesn't say "actually" every other word. Thanks for that!

[@ADDG880]

964tractorboy good point. I live in Canada and when it’s -40c outside I am not taking my gloves off

[@964tractorboy]

@@ADDG880 Or anything else. -40C? Ouch!