2022 VW Golf GTI vs Golf R Review // Thrifty Meets Drifty

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R ($47,645 CAD as specced, ~$43,645 USD) and the Golf GTI ($40,245 CAD as specced, ~$37,995 USD) are the newest hot hatches on the block. Seen today is the GTI in its performance manual trim, and the Golf R equipped with a DSG automatic transmission. Thomas and James take a look to see how these two new hot hatches compare. Will the all wheel drive Golf R be worth the extra price over its less expensive front wheel drive sibling? Watch to find out what the guys think! SUBSCRIBE!
EXTRA THROTTLE HOUSE!
/ extrathrottlehouse
Instagram!
/ thethrottlehouse
Facebook!
/ thomashollandproductions
Post-production by Karston Chong and Thomas Holland
Music from Epidemicsound.com and Artlist.io
#Volkswagen #GTI #GolfR

[@TheWombatCredenza]

“It all hits too close to home “ …I feel your pain James- that was hilarious

[@alalal123421]

it took me a minute and then when i caught on started laughing my ass off and rewatching it 🤣😭 he threw that in there so smooth

[@MrAusAlex]

Can you explain please??

[@tyler9703]

@@MrAusAlex You'll learn when you're older my man. Just save this video for when you figure it out and prepare to laugh yourself to tears

[@alalal123421]

15:01 btw

[@alalal123421]

@@MrAusAlex he says the haptic panel you can barely feel hes relating to being w a woman and not satisfying her so she needs a vibrator and hes joking it hits close to home/hes dealt with it personally but its funny how he played it from legitimately reviewing the car tonthe joke so smoothly thomas only caught on at the punchline

[@pacheaco727]

It’s great to see Thomas and James opening up and feeling comfortable starting discussions regarding James’ fetish with rear end play and Thomas’ difficulty getting it up. Proud of the boys for progressing difficult topics.

[@okme539]

Yes officer, this comment right here

[@jesuschristiscallingyou953]

@@okme539 😆👍

[@ItsAlive111]

@@okme539 lol, show the officer using this toy doll what happened

[@ahmedhamada485]

@@okme539 klkbp

[@0123try]

This feels like what Top Gear was! Just naturally funny, good banter, genuinely seems like two buddies reviewing cars together.

[@jonvonahnen7252]

I appreciate you guys reviewing these side-by-side like this...I think if you're considering one, you're also likely considering the other as well.

[@aceofspades6667]

I want that rear end play that james is always talking about.... this had me rolling

[@drewdriver1970]

He thought about what he just said …shook his said and hoped no one would notice! Hilarious!

[@Jay-rg5mt]

😳

[@frankiedesam8624]

I just was about to say something about that shit is to funny. I was like my guy you need to say no HOMO with that type of talk.

[@alalal123421]

that and james talking about the buttons 💀

[@alalal123421]

@@frankiedesam8624 they do it on purpose for the laughs

[@DSeN7]

The “Steering Wheel Heating On” at the beginning was such a subtle jab. Love it.

[@AlexToma]

Reminds me of the Jason Camisa reviewer

[@xcalium9346]

Jab at what?

[@gazmcb8537]

@@xcalium9346 Every KZbin car reviewer saying that they mistakenly turn on the heated steering wheel when their hand grips the wheel and how it annoys them. I've owned an 8r for 2 months and it hasn't happened to me once. The reviewers are full of shit.

[@xcalium9346]

@@gazmcb8537 Ah, I don't watch other car review channels so I wouldn't have know that. Thank you!

[@KevinWebb]

@@xcalium9346 Why bother. The is is the only place I go for vibrating options, rear end play, and power sliding. Also to see if Karsten has spoken yet.

[@patrickthomas9006]

Great job on the humor. Great job on the reviews as well, actually. It's so easy to obviously try too hard to be funny and for the result to be awkward and off-putting. You guys have managed to find what at least feels like organic humor and managed to integrate it into some of the best and most informative car reviews online. Congratulations on eclipsing two million subscribers, you deserve it.

[@MegaRetr]

I appreciate you guys reviewing these side-by-side like this

[@bugatti9218]

I've been watching this channel for years and you've both never ceased to create some of the most enjoyable automotive content there is

[@christianledezma7531]

best car reviewers

[@SROSHMAN]

I stand by what I’ve said before. James needs to start doing standup 🤣

[@krane15]

You mean on the stage?

[@alalal123421]

@@krane15 forreal he threw the buttons jokes in so smooth havent laughed that hard in a minute

[@nate3792]

Great video, really showed all the dynamics of both cars. Getting an R myself soon, can’t wait!

[@JoseRamirez-hw9vj]

There’s a lot of car reviewers out there. But few can mix eloquence with humor like you two. Great job guys, gives me original top gear feels.

[@ionuttomu]

In Europe we have the Cupra Leon which is basically a cheaper GTI that has 300hp and a much better interior. Easy choice there 🔥

[@ResevoirGod]

Far better looking as well

[@boywhohadatiger]

I like the cupra Leon but I’d prolly take tcr or clubsport if it was available in the U.S the Leon is very nice tho. Only other hot hatch we really have in the u.s is either the veloster N civic type r or focus st

[@michaelknight3039]

Yes, the fact that the GTI is now up to 240 hp, when hot hatches like the Mazdaspeed 3 had more than that 10 years ago is kind of disappointing.

[@boywhohadatiger]

@@michaelknight3039 I think the only thing that has been saving Vw is the name and the aftermarket that makes the gti better and tuneability

[@chrissalimi8708]

Didn't Carwow just do an episode about that @Ionut T?

[@orca7053]

Personally hate all the new golf touch buttons. had our display break down so it was stuck on freezing balls without any music

[@davidhunternyc1]

Yeah, that’s what they don’t tell you. What happens when the computers break? Like Apple, are you forced to buy a new car after your warranty ends?

[@orca7053]

@@davidhunternyc1 our repair appointment is was scheduled 5 weeks after it broke

[@davidhunternyc1]

@@orca7053 What pisses me off about these car guys is they don’t care what happens with these cars after you purchase them. All that matters is content for their channel.

[@name5293]

@@davidhunternyc1 what? Wrong channel to post that bs.

[@SereneCube]

Shoutout to the dude who does the background music! Sets the feel so bloody well done once again gents!

[@katiecannon8186]

Good review. I’m loving my 8 GTI. And I actually really like the interface. One thing reviewers haven’t mentioned is how good the GTI is at city traffic using the adaptive cruz control. Super good & seamless

[@KingENDLESS]

My friend just got a 40th anniversary GTI. 100% agree. Having driven it for a short while it’s a phenomenal city commuter car. Plenty sporty as well. I’d wager one of the best cars in its price range that you can buy today

[@kimboofdzners9574]

He somewhat mentioned it is the best city vehicle he has tested, although that was on the R. The thing is these cars are meant for winter, they do not like hot summer city driving, engine bay plastic degrades quickly.

[@katiecannon8186]

@@KingENDLESS The GTI S trim & Maxda 3 Carbon Trim are the two best priced cars in North America in my opinion

[@katiecannon8186]

*Mazda*

[@KingENDLESS]

@@katiecannon8186 id recommend the GTI over the mazda every day of the week. the 3 is just a bit too soulless for my liking

[@ScottOrd]

For some reason, I'm enjoying the Golf Ahhhh more than ever. Great vid, lads!

[@evanneiswanger]

Glad it isn’t just me. Just something about it

[@kidstarr100]

@@evanneiswanger I think it’s cause they made the golf look subtly aggressive which I love and it gives it a more premium look closer to Audi which is owned by VW

[@kidstarr100]

I’m hoping to pick one of these up, maybe around its refresh cycle

[@untitled4841]

11:52 “So what you’re saying is you can’t get it up” - James 😂🤣😂🤣

[@armandolopezh.6503]

When ever I watch any of this videos... More than learn about a car, I have fun . Keep the good work guys ,and thanks

[@gazman111r]

I really liked the description of how the Golf R does drifts - the 50% split meaning you never get to do a “proper” drift, and have to keep re-drifting. Not many people are able to explain what it’s like to drive cars on the limit, so that was really refreshing. It’s something I’d feel when driving a car but wouldn’t be able to accurately convey, so it’s cool to hear someone else explain it and actually make sense when the words come out.

[@akiimo389]

Idk why its so misunderstood widely, the golf can send 100% of the torque to the rear. Thats what the feature is actually about. The Drifting issue arises trough poor weight distribution for drifts.

[@robertb3409]

I had the Mark 7 GTI, which had a great interior set up. The new interior with the lack of feeling on the buttons is a deal breaker. Great video though.

[@Nathan.Guthrie]

I 100% agree, I've got a mk7 GTI and there is nothing about the mk8 that tempts me to change it.

[@MrMduchesne23]

@@Nathan.Guthrie I love my GTI "performance". The Canadian version...interesting mine had that wheel hop issue too when I purchased it. Turned out it was actually due to a software program to decrease driveline shock. After 2 minutes of coding, I could do multiple launches without that feeling of wheel hop. I suspect it's the same thing here

[@dudndadn12212]

Couldn't agree more. The 7.5 was the last good one.

[@TML34]

Yep. That haptic nonsense would drive me crazy.

[@daytoncorl271]

Have you actually used the haptic buttons yet?

[@2K8Si]

'I talked to girls in high school... I don't know what those were' ... This channel has the best, almost hidden, moments of dialogue that are sometimes missed. But funny as hell. Awesome.

[@daver7465]

Loved the video guys. I drove a 2016 GTI and always felt that it was about as powerful as a FWD car could be…seems to be borne out a bit in this video. Currently driving a 2018 R DSG and enjoying it but this video has me contemplating an upgrade.

[@itachillianen]

I learned to drive in a Golf 3 GT TDI, newer golfs have not called to me since, this Golf AHHH review somehow made me genuinely want to try out this newer version. I think I will feel as a kid again.

[@kickhuggy]

I feel like with each new upload I’m learning more and more about James’ bedroom life and honestly I don’t know how I feel about that

[@krane15]

I'm sure that's not actually his real life. In fact, its more likely the opposite. Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin were opposites in real life. Martin was quiet, and Lewis got all the women. His words.

[@kickhuggy]

@@krane15 r/whooosh

[@krane15]

@@kickhuggy Sidestep: to dodge or evade.

[@Delvy787]

The interior, specifically the buttonless design IS a dealbreaker.

[@MCxTuber]

50k € for a plastic fiesta :)

[@vroomgc]

Lol. Ever driven in a tesla...

[@neekjp]

deal breaker for you and thats fine. personal opinions are valid.

[@krane15]

Some people can live with it. Some cannot.

[@vroomgc]

@@neekjp I know, seriously , a deal breaker, I don't get that you wouldn't by a great car because it doesnt have a volume button or temp buttons lol

[@SVTJD]

I get a very nice warm top gear feeling from these guys. Love it!

[@Springer6096]

I actually feel very fortunate because I own both a 2022 MX-5 Club Soft Top w/ the BBS/Brembo Package (Soul Red) and a 2023 Golf R 20 Years Edition 6MT (Pure White). Whether I'm driving Sasha (Golf R) or Roxanne (MX-5), I am constantly smiling. It's an absolute joy when my brother and I take them out for long drives down some twisty backroads from Virginia Beach, VA down to Elizabeth City, NC.

[@ChrisN06999]

"...I want that rear end play that James always likes to talk about." I felt that.

[@ollie42]

So did James ... it's always good to have friends right behind you ... 😅

[@sachemrock]

Thomas, I like that rear end play that James is always talking about! Ha, can you say double entendre! That’s part of why I love you guys. Always fooling around. 🤣🤣🤣

[@krane15]

Correction: "Quite a bit of fooling around."

[@michaeldorado5106]

What an excellent review, the “and then… AND THEN” track shot had me on the edge of my seat!

[@michwing8801]

Great video gentleman. Thank you for bringing this content to us!

[@93455Driver]

Love the laughs, but do rate Thomas's driving comments, always says it like it is. I hope TH gets to try the new RS3 with this same set up (but has the awesome 5 cylinder engine).

[@nfavor]

It's a shame VAG has went down in overall quality. I want to like them (I've owned two GTI and a RS3) but the interior is so so bad.

[@krane15]

@@nfavor Its not a bad interior, but its definitely not special either, and certainly doesn't match the rest of the car's upgrades.

[@93455Driver]

@@nfavor I think the infotainment is questionable but interior fit and finish is supposed to be as good as ever. Check out the Volkswizard channel lots of reviews of recent Audi and VW products, points out the good and bad.

[@Jeremy-yi7zm]

@@nfavor I currently drive a 8V RS3 and the interior is so dated. Don't like the new all-touch/digital interior of the MK8 Golf R, but I think the interior of the new RS3 is quite nice. I had a MK7 Golf R and thought it was okay too.

[@BIGGIEBAG-XL]

@@nfavor have you even been in one yet? Quit spreading bs

[@psixakias2678]

Greetings from Greece!!! Thank you for another wonderful intro & honest review!!! I love Canada just cause of u two!!!!

[@Banksi]

Thanks for sharing this comparison. Great video.

[@joshuakersey3897]

I don't understand why your choice of music is so good, the LFA episode was beautiful and this is just the perfect amount of peppy and fun, just to match the vehicles themselves.

[@doggedlydetermined7022]

Worth spending the extra money for the R imo. The AWD is worth the premium alone, especially in snowy climates.

[@ultraguy8771]

I'd rather get a used MK5 R32.

[@greyhoundanglickychrt5537]

@@Your-obliques-are-poor the R is a monster

[@papa_pt]

@@Your-obliques-are-poor this R actually has a decent rear biased AWD system for the first time. Worth it

[@doggedlydetermined7022]

@@Your-obliques-are-poor I had a 2019 GLI for a bit but the front wheel drive got old quick. Awd is my preference, never any slip, always ready to go at any speed and even good for rain. But it’s all opinion no right or wrong.

[@RAZGR1Z]

@@greyhoundanglickychrt5537 A monster to what exactly? A Kia Rio?

[@andrewhillman9632]

Loved this review, thanks to you both!

[@majdd2008]

I come to learn about the cars... leave forgetting most of what I heard because I enjoy your bantering and stories....

[@pran315]

You guys are spot on in every review, please review the new 2022 M240i I have been waiting for your video on this for couple of weeks now.

[@oldanslo]

"Scale paper tartan pattern" i.e. engineering paper pattern. You can accurately draw the torque curves on the seat backs if so desired.

[@waltciii3]

We call it grid paper or graph paper in the US. It took me a moment to mentally translate.

[@tealion]

“Hits too close to home” is hilarious.

[@raosiddharth4726]

I didn't get it, can you explain?

[@gabrielgingras814]

@@raosiddharth4726 The girl couldn't feel anything so she added a vibrator.

[@raosiddharth4726]

@@gabrielgingras814 oof that's a self burn, lmao

[@robosullivan704]

You got new at micro shifter and close to home almost made me fall out of my chair!! Awesome guys

[@Pine360]

This was absolutely A1! You guys killed it!

[@brucetumblinjr7980]

I’ve always loved these, the best all around “daily driver” hot hatchbacks!!

[@keff5984]

I got a 7.5 gti se and I do really like it. I am always kind of left feeling like I wish I had more like the r or perhaps something different but the bang for the buck is great and the interior is very very nice for the price point. Lack of buttons in the new one is probably a deal breaker for me, honestly I'll probably end up looking at a Kia stinger by the end of 2022

[@fordfanatic3307]

I wanted a R but I couldn't locate one where I live so I decided to purchase a MK8 GTI AUTOBAHN in Moonstone Gray with DSG. Very happy with the car and highly recommend it.

[@sunilsolanki]

The "bang" on launch is probably from the Rear Motor Mount being too soft. The Focus ST had the exact same issue and so many people complained about it that they had to replace it with a mount with much stiffer bushings.

[@cherylzollner2687]

I haven't driven this car, but I had a 2017 GTI and it did the same thing until I turned traction control off and then the "bang" was gone especially in the rain.

[@gotindrachenhart]

I have a MK7 GTi and it does the same thing no matter what mode it's in and with or without traction control. It's called wheel hop and the Golf is known for it. Mine will shake you so hard you'll need a dentist 🤣 Only way to get rid of it (MOST of it), is to install stiffer engine mounts.

[@cyclistman6358]

@@cherylzollner2687I have a 17 SE DSG and the bang (wheel hop) on hard launch is the soft stock DogBone mount between the lower engine and subframe. Stiffer aftermarket inserts for the dogbone will diminish that hard bang at the expense of increased noise and vibration into the cabin.

[@mihlebokveldt3774]

I'm surprised you guys haven't reviewed the Amg Gtr yet

[@fazanofazano7683]

Thanks to your insightful review, I ordered the Golf R today in the same white color spec as you boys tested, but with a 6 spd manual and a Panoramic power sunroof. Best bang for your $$$ hands down! Appreciate it Thomas and James for the honest assessment of this MK VIII model.

[@nenadmomcilovic9133]

Did you get it yet? I was told waiting list is up to 18 months. I'm torn between GTI (performance) with leather and 6sp vs. 6K more for R with 6sp. How is it so far if you received it?

[@fazanofazano7683]

@@nenadmomcilovic9133 No, I haven't got it yet as they told me it has been pushed back for a few more months because of the wiring harness delays. In my opinion, for the difference of$6000.00, I would definitely still get the R over the GTI. Keep me updated on what you go with. I will keep you posted.

[@nenadmomcilovic9133]

@@fazanofazano7683 I really like my 2021 Tiguan Highline, so I may actually end up with a Mk7.5 GTI Autobahn if I can find the right price with low mileage.

[@shiviannnaidoo8729]

bro im so inlove with this channel from the first 30 seconds omg

[@carloluigid2104]

Guys, the exchange that started around 14:30 or so about the steering wheel buttons had me absolutely howling with laughter. You're awesome!

[@louisnguyen6038]

i have a golf r on order and im so excited because of this video, i hold thomas's technical critique very highly

[@SpacedAug]

Did you get your R? I'm on a waiting list.... of 1 1/2 years T_T

[@louisnguyen6038]

@@SpacedAug not yet:( i ended up getting a C43 instead, couldn’t wait that long for a car. i’ve been waiting since september last year…

[@SpacedAug]

@@louisnguyen6038 I feel you homie. Suffice to say you still got yourself a fantastic car! Enjoy it :)

[@katiecannon8186]

@@SpacedAug Did you get your R?

[@AllOutNoobHater]

I love how within the first minute or so of the video, revving the Golf R caused the heated seating wheel to come on thanks to the not-so-wonderful haptic steering wheel controls xD

[@oppos727]

The heated steering wheel turns on automatically upon startup depending on ambient temperature for the MK8s. It's an intentional feature that is enabled by default but can be disabled in the options. Feel free to bemoan the haptic buttons all you want, but they don't make your thumb magically gravitate to them when you're standing still and starting or revving the car.

[@AllOutNoobHater]

@@oppos727 I made fun of it because multiple reviewers have stated that while driving the MK8 Golf, their heated steering wheel would turn on all the time from simply driving due to it being right next to your right hand.

[@te7646]

I thought the Golf R was discontinued for the foreseeable future and here is the 2022 R! I was in the market for one back in 2017 and wanted one so bad in RED but thought the price was too high at almost 45K but that was before all the issues with VW started emerging plus the electric problems and tranny issues and and and. Glad its back though. GREAT Video as always and somebody on here mentioned how the chemistry between the 2 and the quality is inching more and more toward the ORGINAL Top Gear (not all the other garbage ones that came after) and I couldn't agree more, keep up the good work.

[@CamCovello]

Woah original Top Gear is back! Glad I found you guys.

[@P4SDetails]

Really have loved the GTI for awhile. That R is way cooler. All the driving modes and how much they change this up, it’s just a little awesome performer.

[@poplaurentiu4148]

If the aim is to keep a manual gearbox GTi is still fun imo because if we want loads of tech in affordable price with Golf R similar spec then the Golf R is pointless compared to new more interesting cars like Xpeng P7 4WD High Performance yeah is full electric but has way more of tech stuff, similar build quality and similar performance.. so yeah..

[@JFinns]

Golf R is amazing, but $45K is the issue, just so expensive for a Golf. The $35K Mk8 GTI SE is even a stretch for what you get.

[@P4SDetails]

@@JFinns don’t disagree, but in the segment it is relative as far as cost is concerned.

[@JFinns]

@@P4SDetails Yes true, it's just gone up a lot, my daily driver is the Mk7 GTI sport which was $29K

[@P4SDetails]

@@JFinns my daily is a Wrangler EcoDiesel which was $40K but I bought right before the massive spike on top of MSRP, so I actually made out pretty decent.

[@ilimit]

Thomas! You’ve come a long way since your original MK7 R review. The MK8 R is an impressive car besides the infotainment haptics. Everything I wanted in a new R! Well… maybe a 5 cylinder or the legendary VR6 🤷‍♂️

[@ThomasHemer]

Hopefully, the RS3 can fill that void perfectly, it'll definitely be more money tho

[@nezabytes]

Yeah. A turbo vr6 would be everything!

[@mikem314]

Been waiting for the R. Great review on both cars.

[@morley3810]

The dealer up in Northern Alberta where we got our 2020 GTI last year wants us to trade it in as they are short on used inventory. I told them I can't because the car is just too good. I know in many ways the Mk8 is a further evolution but the inside is where you actually spend your daily commute---and the Mk7.5 is the pinnacle GTI in that respect. As a daily driver that is just so pleasant and capable, the GTI is really tough to beat. Great review guys, as usual. Much appreciated.

[@pats4life239]

it blows my mind that car companies can make such easily fixable mistakes with infotainment systems. one 3 person focus group is all you need to remedy that awful volume button placement and lack of light

[@krane15]

I always think of those "on display" urinals without partitions. I can't help but wonder what the guy that signed off on them was thinking. Did they not have enough money left for that simple piece of pressed fiber board? Anyway, there's always a boss at the top that wants to make his presence known and makes decision based on his feelings rather that logic or what the people want. Whenever you see these kinds of omission or glaring mistakes in design, you know that's the case. I'm sure some underling told him it was a bad idea, but he's the boss, and what he says goes.

[@kraenk12]

The issues are wayyyy overblown! The volume is on the steering wheel damnit!

[@krane15]

@@kraenk12 You're paying a lot of money for this car. The last thing you want to be thinking about is all the compromises you have to deal with every day that could have easily been corrected in design. Its that feeling you get when you notice the attention to detail with small things in a car that was well designed. Those small things that somebody thought through to make your driving experience more pleasurable. For example. bumping the heated steering wheel button, or the lack of a volume knob, or no illumination for the A/C controls. A bunch of tiny annoyance that are glaring reminder of a rush to production, or just cheaping out on quality.

[@TheMitigating]

@@krane15 people break the partition off, they graffiti it, depending on the width larger people can't fit between , and finally the require extra cleaning

[@sv_cheats1970]

It won't happen its VW after all... They would need to do the same to Skoda and Seat models that use the same kind of infotainment, at most we can hope for illumination of the panel.

[@mikewambugu6157]

Awesome content as always. Waiting for the 2022 civic type R

[@heymike7037]

You guys are the best! Seriously, like a Canadian version of OG Top Gear! Love it!! Also, where is that track!?!? It looks cool and I kinda want to take my Ioniq 5 to it! It's a venue that is begging for an electric car showdown!

[@seinsmeld13]

Great review men. It's like watching Seinfeld watching your videos. Cheers!!!!!!!

[@FaceliftGT]

Thanks, that was a good one!. Still Love my Mk8R even after 7 months and a lot of trackdays! :)...So fun and fast :)

[@imKazahkstan]

4:40 GTIs are known for that really rough wheel hop... My Mk6 does that with 17" wheels. A wishbone engine mount will fix the issue, at the expense of added weight.

[@tea5092]

I get it rarely with an 18” by rare I mean twice since I got the car 2.5 years ago

[@WoolyBlubber]

He didn't even use launch control. So yeah bullshit review of the gti. My 7.5, when launched correctly, has no hop. Yes wheel spin but only for half a second before it goes.

[@tea5092]

@@WoolyBlubber yup i only get it when i have traction on but its still rare, I raced a lexus es350 from a dig without launch control and didnt get a wheel hop.

[@BlueOriginHR]

Agreed, i got a torque solutions mount, no more wheel hop, although you can feel the engine vibrations through the mount, but i dont mind it, i have a mk6 with 18inch wheels

[@MrTARIQSs]

My 2016 mk7 gti used to do wheel hops a lot when it was brand new, but around a year later it stopped doing it and started to wheel spin instead, guess it was because of the newer tires the I replaced them with not being as sporty?

[@Isiahdeguzable]

Can’t wait for you guys to do a review on the new s3 and/or rs3!

[@FungusLabel]

I love your honest reviews, wish you could do some tests of European cars that are not avaiable in NA. I couldn't find a single EU car channel that gives so much information about actual feeling of a car. Everyone just say "nice materials, nice ride, pretty fast" the meh information. Also, both of you are funny and down to earth ;)

[@jakejamison8487]

I drive a MK6 GTI and I love it and I've been waiting to see how the MK8 R drives and after watching this video I am sold. The interior is fine, the lack of buttons is a little sad but using Apple Car Play will solve that issue for me. I really want to get behind the wheel of one of these to try them out

[@stevehuk902]

If you want one you better get out there soon. I put my deposit on one last Friday and was told late spring or possibly into summer 22 for delivery.

[@toddstevens8506]

Even a mk8 gti will be a giant step ahead of a mk6. I had a mk6 and now have a mk7.5 and the handling is leagues ahead. Oh, and the mk6 had an open diff which made pulling away from an intersection at more than a snails pace nearly impossible.

[@RUSH__fan]

"Wheel Hop", the best way to break things

[@AlainHubert]

No wonder this channel is getting ever closer to that 2 million subs right now... Top-quality production, entertaining, funny, informative, honest reviews. Thanks for sharing.

[@jamesengelsman9369]

Thanks mate! Means a lot

[@pancakes1983]

Man I love you guys, James is hilarious!

[@jettransllc6186]

Drove both and I would take GTI all day long. Better package for the money.

[@nabgee4863]

I agree I've had both mk8 I prefer the gti

[@MORDEKAIZ]

@@nabgee4863 y?

[@Lethal_Venom]

Thrifty meets drifty lol, awesome title. When are you guys going to do a video on the new Ford Bronco? So looking forward to getting mine next spring ish.....

[@EricGilliam-qf7my]

Why do I find myself saying, "That's what she said" behind almost every comment you guys make, LOL. Love the videos by the way. Very informative. Keep up the good work.

[@amolg2282]

“I want that rear end play that James is always talking about”- Thomas This is why we love you guys

[@michaellorenson2997]

For me, the Golf R's trick AWD system is a huge leap forward, and I guess we're going to see that on all its upcoming competitors as well. RWD handling characteristics combined with the practical advantages of FWD architecture make a compelling proposition. But I hate, loathe, and despise stupid touch-only interfaces. It's always *something...*

[@tea5092]

Nah it’s nowhere near the advantages of a front wheel drive, you need to drive the R then drive the GTI, GTI is more predictable and smooth on corners.

[@bhill252]

Been waiting for this review!!! What better way to start a grey snowy Sunday morning! The GTI base price is aggressive. Undercuts the Civic hatch 1.5T 6 speed, which is enough to tip me over to the VW lot…. Once I wait a year to see if they fix those damn non-bottoms! Also… No night illumination is sinful!!! 🇨🇦

[@gs98999]

They are the same price. GTI is like $50 more with freight/pdi. I’m comparing the two now and GTI would be a no brainer but the no buttons and no illumination of important features is probably why it undercuts the civic. 😔

[@en_noah4615]

S teir youtubers. so underrated i love yall.

[@mdetu]

Great review! Enjoyed it all the way. It's a beauty and winner at the $45K MSRP, but the current limited supply in the United States is selling them at the $55K-60K range. The same with the standard 2023 Golf R. For $65K, you get a lot more of every feature with a 2023 BMW M2 standard (manual transmission as well) that you can order it for production unlike VW's practice these days of showcasing a few cars to the highest bidder. By the way, I own a VW, but my future choice for a new car remains clear if comparing the Golf R and BMW M2 given the current market conditions.

[@Rascularvideos]

My friend, who’s staying with me, and is cooking us a lovely lunch, has just asked why on earth I’m laughing so hard at a car channel. She didn’t hear the vibrator joke. Very well played.

[@Asj-ze5is]

What’d you eat

[@Rascularvideos]

@@Asj-ze5is A proper French chicken casserole. And a lovely bottle of Sardinian white wine. It was all ace.

[@Asj-ze5is]

@@Rascularvideos sounds good! happy holidays

[@beastmaster415]

@@Rascularvideos what else did you eat?... Haha..Wink wink🤪😂

[@neilgendzwill3260]

So far not motivated to upgrade from my mkV R32. Still going strong, still so fun, still mostly analogue.

[@deuce6358]

Still have my MKIV R 32 with a Stage 2 VF Engineering supercharger with intercooler. It's a blast!

[@sillwuka]

Best car review channel, hands down.

[@cadmando18]

Just an awesome video. So much to love about this one.

[@namtrader9674]

"So what you're saying is, you can't get it up" 😂😂

[@_Ezio__Auditore_]

Wheel hop is more prominent in here than other performance FWD vehicles due (at least mostly) to softer bushings. This can be remedied in the aftermarket (lower control arms/bushings, transmission pendulum mount bushing upgrade, coding in the "ECS off" and other differential options). Also, as in a high powered RWD car, don't floor it from a stop in a high powered FWD car....you need to ease in or you are losing out in acceleration. Or just get a golf R, GTI is just going to be more fun on the road.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Engine mounts are most of the issue.

[@tosickristian7365]

James cracking thomas up is the number one gold thing in this show

[@marktobin6409]

Thomas: watched your 2018 GLA45 review and now this. Currently contemplating the ‘22 R (with a 6MT before they’re gone the way of the Dodo). You were effusive in praise of both so, given the choice, where do they stand? Also, have the ergonomics in the new R changed over previous gen, ie the fixed headrest seats and headroom dimensions? Appreciate any input.

[@jeffreyspencer4005]

Glad to finally see a review of the new Golf R focusing on the incredible speed and dynamics and not obsessing over haptic buttons and displays that I mostly won't use. I get that some people will, but driving is driving and the rest of it is unimportant fluff to me. Most of these I set and forget anyway. It looks like a blast to drive! Thanks guys! (Hope you get your "rear end play" and erectile issues sorted out soon...)

[@Sojourner88]

You won’t use it because it is too annoying and confusing.

[@gotindrachenhart]

For those of us who have a long daily drive these controls are pretty important man. And the point is that VW used to be driver focused....all the controls could be adjusted without ever having to take your eyes off the road, because the Germans used to be seriously safety focused too..... apparently not so much these days though.

[@michaeltischer4785]

Their humor has been improving so much with their quality. However, I don’t think they can ever top the getting in helmet bit

[@liquidfaction1]

Dude this is what top gear should have been like. Good work

[@elbuitre6940]

7:45 that rear end play that james loves to talk about .. lol giigiri giigiri ufff yeeaaahh...

[@TheBepo1986]

In Germany/swiss I would go for the Golf R variant (station wagon) not sure if this is available in north america. It's fun to drive, a lot of space, awd for the ski trips, not too big for european parking challenges... quite a good package

[@jonathant.8952]

We don't get the R Wagon here unfortunately...

[@TTGamingTrinh]

The R is one of my options for upgrades in a few years after my GTi. I hope they fix the interior issues by then. Overall, the exterior and the way it drives seems great. It is just so hard to get over the interior...

[@richardwiltshire2193]

I agree. The interior is that bad it means I simply can’t get the car. Is a shame

[@vroomgc]

@@richardwiltshire2193 Lol, ever driven a tesla. Seriously its not that big a deal.

[@seamuslewin4325]

no self respecting car enthusiast cares that much about interior. enthusiast card revoked. soft as buttter

[@TTGamingTrinh]

@@seamuslewin4325 lol we do atleast care about the basic like the volume knob or the climate control

[@TTGamingTrinh]

@@vroomgc it's different between gti and tesla. Tesla doesn't lag like gti does.

[@CED99]

Excellent video guys!

[@murgero1]

Hey now you two - this is a family show! (lol) keep your discussions about your micro-shifter, knob haptic feedback and vibrations to yourself! Honestly, it was hysterical. I have one and I HATE THESE STUPID BUTTONS ALSO!!!

[@Jastzu]

Really looking forward to the Mk8.5, when they pull a Honda and add the absolute minimum number of necessary physical knobs. Also a move from the States to Canada for the ~$10K discount.

[@mharro88]

honda will barely exist by then

[@bbuny10]

Your intros always crack me up, and yet are always unexpected. I always look forward to your videos: great content guys

[@chanmanthegreat1429]

i LOVE my 2018 mk7.5 GTI SE. It is in White Silver Metallic and has the plaid seats! I love it! It was the only model year that had the upgraded SE model with optional plaid seats instead of leather. This is the best car I have ever owned (besides my track toy miata). MK7.5 is going to go down as one of the best ever

[@edclips]

The car has been built around the DSG since 2015 and it shows. I love my manual MK7 to death, but it feels like an afterthought. The manual R was a cute little favour NA got.

[@gotindrachenhart]

I think the R32 was the first Golf with a DSG if memory serves.

[@edclips]

@@gotindrachenhart I mean in the way that the car is developed now is with the intention of the DSG being the primary performance option, where previous generations threw an auto in the lineup to appease those that didn't want a manual.

[@R32vdubb]

@@gotindrachenhartit was except in the US 🤦🏻

[@gotindrachenhart]

@@R32vdubb ah, ya typical :(

[@gotindrachenhart]

@@edclips VW manuals haven't been good for years though so I'm ok with the DSG personally.