2022 VW GTI Base (S) DSG / Less Money & Less Frustrating

The new GTI is an excellent car, and the base model is the best way to buy it for multiple reasons. It might still hold a price premium over the Subaru WRX and Honda Civic SI, but I think it makes a good case for spending more.
Thank you, Royal on the Eastside for letting me borrow the GTI for today's review.
Royalontheeastside.com
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[@AdrianGonzalez-gj7yv]

Thank you! Finally a review of an S trim!!!

[@Realistick]

Of course! Thanks for watching

[@pilot876]

You going to buy now ?

[@brandonmcfarland5200]

I Loved Them Physical Nobs Because Of That Style That Still Luxurious.

[@dcb1728]

Kudos for doing a review of the base GTI S. I can't tell you how frustrating it has been that every single KZbin car reviewer has reviewed the mid and upper trim models with the terrible infotainment system and complained endlessly about it. This model fixes that problem and it's 5-10K cheaper!

[@Realistick]

Thank you, it definitely makes it easier to interact with. It's been that way because VW doesn't like to ship base model cars to the press, and it was hard to find a base model at a dealer there for a while too. Now it's just missing a physical way to adjust the climate control!

[@dannyo3317]

You can spend less by getting a 6 speed manual and getting a much better car.

[@Anne_Patel]

I have a 23 with SE trim. I am very happy with it and the infotainment has not been a problem except at night. Its new technology so people are not comfortable with it. The SE is packed with technology

[@RandomGuy-j8t]

I think they do that because they get loaned the cars by manufacturers/dealerships and those guys want us all to see the top models so we will want all that luxury, etc. That irks me too. Most people don't buy the top models because those few extras are vastly overpriced. It's like a wealth tax

[@AdiusOmega]

This video convinced me to buy this car, same color and everything. To say I am excited would be an understatement. Out of all the MK8 GTI S content on the internet (and believe me I've looked) this is the best showcase of what this car has to offer.

[@hoodieboy1515]

How much was it in total out the door? I got a 31k$ approved loan with my bank. I believe the auto dsg is 31k$+

[@AdiusOmega]

@@hoodieboy1515 It was a little over $32,000.

[@brandonfinn8144]

Me too lol

[@AdiusOmega]

@@brandonfinn8144 It's been several months of ownership and it's been a dream.

[@youngrios]

How's the car been?

[@dawolfsburg]

I didn’t realize the S trim had a volume knob. That is encouraging!

[@IllIIllllIlIlIll]

This video convinced me to get the GTI S DCT. Literally.

[@NGMonocrom]

Wasn't really considering the VW GTI, until your review. The *S* trim with the DCT _might_ be ideal for me. Not outrageously expensive. I can live with the incredibly stubby and goofy shifter. (First time I saw a pic. of the interior, I legit thought that I was looking at the keyfob. and thought, "Oh, how nice that VW incorporated a spot where you can store your fob while driving.") I can live with the not-real buttons on the steering wheel. Even the fact that to access the heat and A/C, I'd have to go through the info-tainment system. Heck, I can even live with the lack of a lockable trunk. Quite a bit to sacrifice. But the lower price-tag of the *S* along with the performance would be worth it. And, I LOVE the fact that it takes Regular. I refuse to buy any car that requires Premium gas. I'm not looking for a Dodge hellcat killer. I want something that'll still be practical, but won't make me feel dead inside when I apply foot to pedal.

[@jamesshort5682]

Thanks for such a great, unbiased review. I am in Canada and I am debating between a fully loaded GTI DSG and a Golf R DSG. I hear you about the base trim but I'm a big fan of cooled seats, pano roof and heads-up display. Cheers....Jim

[@wolflarson71]

Hate those base swirly rims that look juvenile.

[@lovebreaks6205]

Dude so glad I found your channel. Told me all the right things I needed to know. Gave me real world scenarios. Didn’t waste my time with a history lesson of the gti. Subd

[@glubibobi]

I have a Mk6 GTI and for a while I wasn’t even considering Mk8s at all but after looking at prices of used Mk7 golf Rs and even some newer GTIs, $32k for a brand new GTI that has everything you really need is becoming a more and more compelling idea. Dynamical, many journalists have spoken highly of the Mk8s and you really can’t beat the versatility something like a GTI offers.

[@danielice-k7778]

Just traded in my 2019 manual GTI S for a new 2022 GTI DSG. I love the additional features and performance in the new one: Feels faster, heated steering wheel, parking sensors, a better stereo, wireless charging, rear USB ports, passenger side mirror tilts down when shifting to reverse (great for parallel parking). The infotainment system will take some time to learn though...

[@tonyga5]

What an ugly front dash, infotainment and central console. It looks cheap and ugly.

[@Itsdjsigi]

Would you say the DSG is more fun than the manual for these GTI’s?

[@danielice-k7778]

@@Itsdjsigi that’s very subjective. I love that the DSG has drive modes that you can customize. The Sports mode is awesome. Most of my driving is in the city and I don’t think I’ll ever by a manual again.

[@truenorth227]

I ordered a 2022 GTI Atlantic Blue - S model, with DSG April 7th. This video made me realize that I made the right choice. I will probably end up spending 2k an sound system but I don't need the sunroof, random niceties.

[@JasperMorello]

Very good review, to the point, not talking in a loud voice and avoiding all the unnecessary stuff. I put a deposit today on a base, DSG, should be a nice change from a Tiguan.

[@ShepsGarage]

Great review! One of the most detailed I’ve seen in awhile! I own a 2022 GTI SE and absolutely love it! I agree with a lot of the things you said, one thing was the quality for the price is a little disappointing. My car has the autobahn seats which sort of make it feel more higher quality but overall they can definitely improve on the quality side. Driving wise this car is one of the best cars for the money. To fix the wheel spin issue i currently have new tires on mine Michelins pilot sport As tires and it grips very well of the line and through the corners. Overall great review and Amazing car Im loving mine!

[@Realistick]

Thank you, congrats on the car, I'd definitely like to do a comparison some time with one that has better tires and see the difference side by side! When it comes to quality at the price, I definitely hear that, especially above that 35k mark, it seems sufficient at 30 given the performance tradeoff to me. I'm curious if they improved anything for the r since that is around 45k! I haven't even seen one yet.

[@travisburch4907]

As a 2017 S owner, I would go for the 2022 S. However to your point of saving money, I also would look at a decent mileage Autobahn 7 or 7.5. I went manual the first time so for my second car that’s my daily I would go DSG-and then buy an older GTI in manual to have the best of both worlds, lol.

[@Tigerex966]

si manual true limited slip, sunfoof, better speaker, trunk, much better infotainment, shifter. $28000 GTI base manual, heated seats etc, mirrior turn signals, vents and usb in back. hatch, about a second faster 0-60, worse reliabilty maintenance resale. $32000. less stiff ride. which one and why.

[@DanielBrownOre]

Worse reliability? I didn't know time machines have been invented? Other than wastegates and water pumps on the MK7, this is a refinement and fix of those issues, early Euro MK8's have no complaints unlike early MK7. "true limited slip"? A full on Haldex center diff is not a "fake" LSD just because it's electronically controlled. You are obviously biased, just go take your appliance "trunk" vehicle and the rest of us will enjoy our true German driving practical hatch over that crap any day.

[@dfk09]

I think the base model is the best way to go. Plus, you can use the savings to mod the car anyway you want. VW can score some cheap and easy points by adding the buttons to all of the infotainment screens for all the versions for the mid-cycle refresh. They are already set up to do so, all they have to do is configure the buttons to fit a larger screen.

[@brickboy525251]

I own a an Autobahn MK8, yes in yellow, I love it. You can't beat the S trim value and performance.

[@deanspeer2219]

I wanted the S trim but couldn't find it and couldn't wait, so I bought the Pomelo Yellow! It's amazing!

[@JWH808]

Same

[@michelvermeulen61]

The base model DSG is the best bang for the bucks hands down!!!

[@mistamaog]

This base model seems pretty feature packed, makes the new Civic Si seem even less appealing since this GTI isn't much more money if you get it with a manual.

[@Tigerex966]

It's faster has more but it's $3000-$4000 more has no real lsd and no sunroof, has less reliability, mpg, resale value. I would love to see a versus between the two. Any war and the vw parts already higher will be harder to find.

[@BrownSofaGamer]

@@Tigerex966 The GTI does have a mechanical LSD

[@Tigerex966]

@@BrownSofaGamer I heard it was electronic using mainly the brakes not a true traditional helical mechanical limited slip I may be wrong.

[@BrownSofaGamer]

@@Tigerex966 I think most if not all 2017+ GTIs have the electronic torque vectoring, but when optioned with the performance pack they also get a mechanical, clutch type LSD that became standard on all 2019+ models.

[@Tigerex966]

@@BrownSofaGamer that may be where I heard it so if I am wrong I apologize but I definitely heard that gti has an inferior cheaper to make electronic limited slip compared to the helical lsd in the SI, I have heard of people upgrading the gti to a real lsd too. But you are most likely right, hopefully someone that knows it better than us will chime in.

[@carlp7017]

Great review! Kuddos to you for highlighting the features of the base level trim. I have an S trim on order and am now so excited to learn that it has the two buttons on the dash, which I originally had no idea that it did.

[@Realistick]

thank you, glad it was helpful!

[@mustangman289hp]

Thank you! I've been looking all over for info on the S trim. Really well thought out and visually pleasing review.

[@Realistick]

I appreciate it, thanks for watching!

[@jerkfacestudios3921]

Just bought one of these for my new daily. Fell in love on the first test drive. S trim is definitely the way to go. It’s the enthusiast spec - slick top lowers the center of gravity and reduces weight, fewer electronic bells and whistles.

[@mangotail6808]

I would also rather have a Golf GTI with lots of power without all those unnecessary interor features. Okay, maybe a cruise control and heated seats for the weekends.

[@bag2963]

Smooooth, precise and delicate review, good point, that’s the trim to get, I’d get a manual, but these are German made right? And a WRX doesn’t have a better reliability history?

[@Realistick]

Thanks! The WRX just has an iffy history, and with the 2022 being all new, I just can't say that it will be any more dependable than this. Really, even though the SI isn't perfect, it's the only one I could think of that I could say is noticeably more dependable. Unless we count the mazda3 turbo, but that's kind of another proposition all together.

[@avery4528]

I think the GTI would be cheaper and easier to maintain since there is not AWD. Plus this trim doesn't have a sunroof so it can't get a sunroof leak. I'd imagine a lot of issues are ironed out since this engine has been in production for so long. It is made in Germany where the MK7s were made in Mexico.

[@azbabby]

Good stuff pointing out the problems of the previous generation, you were really spot on. Hopefully the new Garrett turbo found on the new car will rid the annoyances that the old IHI turbos had.

[@Realistick]

I'm hoping that turbo fixes it too and doesn't add any more issues, I can't wait to do a follow-up review to see how everything has held up with this generation in 4 or 5 years

[@MrArchie800]

Have had a GTI SE for a couple of months and love the handling and performance. Easy to drive in all situations, I think it looks better in the flesh than it does in pics. I've had every generation GTI apart from 4 and 5 and like this one the most, it feels like it wants to go faster around my fav twisty roads. Some of the interior trim definitely could and should be better, but I do prefer the interior design over the MK7. After a couple of days the lack of buttons is a non issue, you get used to them quickly - although I admit I didn't like them at first (which is probably why most reviewers slate them as they are presumably only in the car for a short time). It is possible to get 50+ MPG if driving very sedately, but just driving normally I usually get around 37 MPG, however it's too easy to get that down to 20 MPH if you're having fun. Overall I'd prefer a Golf R but my wife would hate it, so the GTI is a great all rounder.

[@krisschedler]

the MPGs you point to would be a huge factor for me. If you can ever do a driving loop, and reverse the loop to get a true MPG, please post your results here.

[@RickGTI2019]

Enjoyed your review. I have a 2019 s model, and will not give it up. I like knobs and switches that click. Thanks, RickGTI….. 🇺🇸🌴

[@wylierudhman1603]

Good luck finding the base S trim. Dealers in my Southwest Ohio area are getting SE and Autobahn trims in slowly, most sold before arriving. At least they are selling at MSRP without dealer mark ups.

[@PortlandOriginal]

I should be picking up my S trim in the next week or two. Kept going back and fourth between the S and Se, but I couldn’t justify the SE. Don’t care about the moonroof, and they sell adapters for wireless carplay that work well. And the S trim comes with Led headlights, I can do without the projector versions on the SE.

[@Realistick]

Congrats!

[@toothferrin]

Biggest reason to get the “S” is a physical volume knob instead of sliders

[@henryhawthorn8849]

I would choose the manual gearbox over the DSG in the VW Golf GTI, just because the brake hold feature is not offered even in the autobahn trim. It’s a minor inconvenience to constantly press the brake pedal at a red light with the automatic; but with the manual, I simply leave the car in neutral while idling. By the way, I hate the automatic turn-off-engine feature. I wish that all new cars, not just VWs, could have the option to permanently disable that feature.

[@t.k.morris]

Does the manual transmission have that auto shut off?

[@joeykitty2892]

This is my third time watching this video, and I've decided to contact my local VW dealer; check out the Silver GTI S; and, thanks to this video presentation, make a truly informed decision!

[@Realistick]

Glad I could help!

[@dougmanck4149]

Love the S trim. Only one I would consider.

[@stevelovescars]

This is a nice review. I am considering a base GTI and a Mazda3 hatch, both with manual transmissions. You talk about reliability at the end of the video but don’t mention the Mazda. Frankly, that’s one my main concerns with the VW… we have had terrible luck with two Audis with the 2.0 turbo. I have owned numerous Mazdas over the years and can’t recall ever having mechanical issues to deal with in any of them. The Mazda comes pretty loaded for a bit lower than the price of the GTI S trim. There is less power, but it isn’t a slug by any means. Bit also, no turbo to worry about. Thoughts?

[@ITobiI]

I actually think that the normal GTI looks better! than the R... i dont know but thats just my feeling

[@Realistick]

It's all subjective so feel what you'd like! I think it definitely looks better in white than it did in black, which I usually feel the opposite.

[@wrangler0829]

Just threw my deposit down on the s trim. Just like what you tested but with a stick! Great review by the way.

[@Jay09889]

Liveability tip - if you click the heated seat icon in the bottom left of the infotainment screen, it shortcuts to the climate controls. I find it easier than hitting the CLIMA button in that lower haptic cluster. I basically never use that cluster except to fully change between comfort/sport. On the DSG, I'm usually in Comfort mode and just pull the gear nubbin down to engage the sport transmission setting if I'm feeling frisky.

[@tonyhollop6921]

Great video, thank you. Just curious, how many times did the heated steering wheel button switch on for you accidentally? Other reviewers have really complained about that as you know. Thanks again

[@Realistick]

Thank you! I actually never hit that one, just the cruise control button, I guess it depends on where your hands rest

[@KS-ro6in]

You do a very good job with the reviews. I have a 2018 Audi TT Quattro and now looking for its replacement. The 2023 GTI or BMW 230i are the current front runners. I am thinking GTI 7spd DSG and either S or 40th Anniversary trim ...I see /hear your thoughts on pluses/minuses on the S ....I really don't care about Nav and super stereo on the SE .. BTW- I am 67 , need more practicality than the TT offers, and this would be my third GTI ( 2006 6spd, 2015 DSG).

[@Realistick]

Thank you, no sunroof pack for the base package and there is a black wheel option, but that's on the SE technically. You could likely order those wheels and get it with base but they would likely charge you for both wheels and not do a swap and a small fee. I'd call a dealer and ask, or I'd just go SE so you can get the sunroof and then get the black wheel package. Ultimately, it's so hard to get cars right now, it might be difficult to just find one, let alone find one with the black wheel package so do be aware!

[@jmmch3358]

Great observations! Another of the negatives was the steering wheel heating turning on while fast driving maneuvers, and in another review they mentioned lack of bolstering on the seats and the all weather tires that don't hook as well as the summer tires.

[@Unfinished_sentenc]

Thank you very much! Liked, subscribed and shared. My absolute favorite KZbin channel by far. I’m not a big fan of the rear 3/4 view. It’s too reminiscent of the 1995 GTI with that sort of shelf below the rear windows.

[@EXCELSIOR_INC]

17" rims are better for ride day and night difference, can notice any handling penalty, 18" just look nicer but will bend over bumps

[@KXKKX]

UPDATE: I sold my GTI after one year. Even with the real volume knob, the user interface with all the fake buttons was so difficult to use I feared I might crash the car when simply trying to change an HVAC setting. Good riddance. (Original post from May 2022 is after this) I don’t know if there’s anybody who keeps track of these kinds of things, but I just wanted to say that your review of the GTI S absolutely was the deciding factor in me purchasing the one that I took delivery of today. Thanks for the great review on what was/is a hard to find vehicle.

[@danielllanes6894]

was it just because of the infotainment?

[@KXKKX]

@@danielllanes6894 It contributed, but it wasn't the only problem. The "S" doesn't have voice control and it doesn't have the sliders so there is no way to control basic systems like heat other than digging through menus. The safety-systems (adaptive cruise, automatic braking) sporadically and intermittently failed. Probably could have been fixed with a new steering wheel, but it was on national backorder for an indeterminate amount of time. The final straw was the second time that the backing-up safety sensors freaked out, "sensed" a non-existent obstacle and slammed on the brakes with no warning. Car had three recalls, a loose radiator and a backup camera that was still borked after replacement. Driving dynamics & engine were far better than the price, but everything else was a serious let down.

[@DenisDamulira23]

@@KXKKX Glad to hear no turbo or engine failures. I can live with the rest. I personally don't trust adaptive cruise, automatic braking since it's failed even in Hondas and Toyotas and would turn all that off. But I'm getting one since VW has fixed all these issues via real buttons with the new 2024 MK8.5 including a facelift.

[@KXKKX]

@@DenisDamulira23 They only fixed the steering wheel buttons. The rest of the car is still completely free of real controls and you have to use the touchscreen for everything.

[@dg7438]

@@KXKKX Sorry, I'm confused. You said you had a GTI in S form but was too problematic still. And now you dumped the VW all together? What is your replacement if ok to ask? Thanks

[@Netsuko]

Kinda funny if I look at this. There's a 1 in 3 chance that I worked on those wheels. They even left the stickers on there for some reason which we put on during production. I love my GTI but the infotainment system can go to hell. It's such a plague with VW. Everything has to be touch these days to save costs. It sucks so much.

[@kevs2good133]

I just bought a new GTI. It was the only S trim with the manual my store was getting for the 2022 model year. As a salesman I obviously had to get it for myself.

[@xibbas7055]

Im have a deposit on one of these in grey. I love the design of the car other than the rims, the autoban rims just look so much better.

[@Realistick]

Agreed, they look like something I would spec on a car as a kid in Gran Turismo

[@mattsitsback]

yessss thanks for the S trim!

[@bryanramey2438]

Thanks for reviewing the S! Couldn't find a review for the longest time until now. I would never spend $40k on a hatchback.

[@Realistick]

Thanks for watching, 40k for a gti does feel ridiculous, I would only go that far for a Golf R!

[@bryanramey2438]

@@Realistick Im just hoping there will be a day when I can just go to the dealership test drive one and if I like it I can just choose which color I want off the lot.

[@Realistick]

@@bryanramey2438 me too, I don't know when we'll get that back. Seems like every month I hear it's getting better to only hear of another closing factory :(

[@theredsalmon612]

@@bryanramey2438 let’s go Brandon!

[@bryanramey2438]

@@theredsalmon612 it’s more than just a chip shortage it’s the stupid green new deal

[@pw3591]

Don't like the looks, lowered build quality, or the touchscreens / haptic steering wheel controls of the Mk8. For me the Mk7.5 was "Peak Golf" so I'll stick with my old "R" thanks.

[@JCTiggs1]

I still feel the S trim is the best value and more in line for what a GTI has always been about: an affordable hot hatch. The SE and Autobahn prices are difficult to justify and bring the cost of the GTI that much closer to the R.

[@krishmah586]

Comprar un GTI siempre será una buena decisión. Es un ícono del automovilismo. Saludos 👍🏿🇲🇽

[@fozmode]

how is the base sound system? Has anyone driven or owned both this and a 2019-2020 g70?

[@Jokero_YT]

Great review! I wonder how these seats are without the separate headrests, kind of like in my S4. I really like the heated steering wheel, the heated cloth seats and parking sensors in the S trim. So with the new shifter, how do you get the gears to hold when you are using the paddles? In the older one, you move the shifter to the right in the manual position. Forgot to ask, is this the same DSG as in the MK 7.5? I miss the wet clutch DSGs...

[@Realistick]

Thank you, and to start the manual mode I just pulled the paddle and to put it back in auto I just flicked the gear shift back to D instead of S. I never tried a long press on the upshift but that usually does it too. I believe it's the same unit, I believe the only big powertrain change here was a different turbo for this gen. However it was kind of tricky for me to find the differences between the two gens.

[@dannyo3317]

Haptic Touch Controls: GOOD Stomp and Go Transmission: BAD

[@ajetauto5592]

Currently saving up and getting ready to order an mk8 gti s I after much research the base is the way to go.

[@hugomunoz3635]

Great video! I just got my 2023 GTI S. Despite loving the manual transmission, I thought the DSG box was way too good to pass on. There are some automatic cars that are infuriating, this one is plain genius. Also, although they touch controls are annoying at first, I got use to them fairly quickly. Can’t wait to track this car this Summer!

[@Catgat37]

I am definitely going DSG with whichever one I get. I am old and have knee pains. So a manual doesn't sound fun at all. I don't race, I don't do all that stupid car crap like meets and street racing. I just want something fun. Drove a DSG GTI, a Manual R and a DSG R that was stage 1. The DSG experience was very fun. The approximate 140 hp difference between the GTI and the R I drove was highly noticeable. But it was also a $14k price difference.....🤔

[@richardmahoney9415]

This looks like a super cool fun car especially for the price even the base model or lower spec is optioned nicely

[@geraldthompson4633]

If I were to get one, this trim and transmission would be it. I live in the city dealing with traffic…

[@dominicrheaume2294]

Headlights are reflectors, not projectors, I wonder how good they are.

[@irongary]

Just discovered your channel, digging your format and commentary! Subbed 🤙

[@kcav1255]

Thanks for reviewing a base model. Did you try those headlights at night? I have doubts since the base Golf headlights have been very poor in the past.

[@Realistick]

I tried the SE (which is the same outside of having integrated foglights), and they were quite effective. Although, I didn't have any issues with mk 7 and I'm used to halogens in my cars.

[@Briguy288]

@@Realistick The S trim actually has different headlights than the SE and Autobahn. It's a reflector type instead of the projector. And it looks like the highbeams are traditional halogen too. Real bummer.

[@blue-ck9ns]

Those wheels are really ugly. Reminds me of the ones that came stock on my old 2018 GTI. Literally the first mod i did to that car was change those hideous wheels. Great looking car otherwise

[@DanielBrownOre]

Yep, S trim wheels are horrific, I already have new wheels picked out for mine that is in-transit.

[@EXCELSIOR_INC]

The shifter you don't like is Porsche

[@afcgeo882]

…Aaaand the manual is now the more expensive choice.

[@AdrianGonzalez-gj7yv]

Do you know if license plate lights are LED on s trim? On vw website I got the impression that they weren’t…

[@Realistick]

Never checked, if it isn't, it probably wouldn't be too difficult to change them but I've never done anything like that.

[@thomasseymour4190]

I’d love to see a “sport” trim in a few model years. Similar to the 2017 sport, based on the s trim with cloth seats an no sunroof, but this time add DCC and the lights from the higher trims and maybe some lighter 18s with summer tires. Until then, the s is the best GTI.

[@K_k0007]

Damn this doesn’t even come with the cool daytime headlights

[@chln5052]

12:00 great advice that applies to life in general😊❤

[@tpolerex7282]

Great review, definitely the model trim to get, one of the few cars I see potentially replacing my 20 y.o. WRX wagon. Curious though about the rear VW camera badge being deployed (tilted out) with shots of the car driving slowly forward towards the beginning of the video. Can you invoke the rear camera manually at any time - is it actually showing an image? Your production values are soaring.

[@Realistick]

Thank you! That was the first shot after it was in reverse, it just needs to hit 10 or 15 mph for it to retract. It also returns after a certain amount of time. It was bothering me during the whole shot, I was just waiting for it to flip back!

[@charlesanthony4267]

Getting mine in 3 weeks, can't wait!!!!

[@Tigerex966]

please be the first to review the base manual in the world.

[@Realistick]

I would if I could find one!

[@carcrazyguysa4059]

Wow I can't believe how much cheaper the Golf 8 is in the US! Here in South Africa a base Golf 8 GTI costs the equivalent of $60k!!!

[@Realistick]

Sheesh, are all other cars that expensive there?

[@carcrazyguysa4059]

@@Realistick 😔 Yep right now theres a huge markup on the Golf 8 GTI, but in general Right hand drive cars are much pricier🙄

[@Realistick]

@@carcrazyguysa4059 ah did not realize that, hopefully things will settle down there eventually

[@mikemayers8672]

You show you head too much Please show more car

[@iAdaptation]

I'm really debating between this new GTI S trim or a Civic SI, such a hard choice especially when its impossible to even drive these cars since they get sold on their way to dealerships. Both would cost me the same amount

[@Realistick]

I haven't driven the 11th gen, only the 10th gen. For me, I thought this GTI was better in about every way except for predicted reliability and ease of use. The 10th gen SI was a very competent car and I'm sure the new one is too but I haven't driven it so I can't conclude anything further.

[@silentvalue]

I have the e888.3 motor for 6 years at 69k miles currently and has been tuned for 65k of those. I haven't had a single mechanical issue that has been engine or drivetrain related. I went in buying the mk7 knowing i have some good audi/vw shops locally to me if i needed them, but have only used them for routine maintenance and performance stuff. The car has given me less problems than my last 2 hondas, 1 being an s2000. I'm honestly pretty impressed, and the 4th gen e888 is probably much better than what i have.

[@t.k.morris]

How does this base model S with a manual transmission compare to the Mazda3 Premium hatchback with a manual transmission in terms of the driving , shifting gears , NVH noise , pleasure ?? ... I am not trying to get an opinion of the nice Mazda3 leather interior, just from the pleasure and enjoyment of driving the car itself and to find out as a daily commuter which would be more satisfying to own for ten years? ... Do you think the VW S base will be reliable? Worth sacrificing the MPG difference and do you have to use premium grade gas? Ride quality and comfort? Thanks in advance! You are my favorite reviewer and your productions are awesome. You give real world information and your advice and comments sound like they are coming from a friend that is really trying to help someone decide.

[@mecheng1977]

The volume dial is great but if you lose the slider for temp you are losing one more way to control temp

[@Realistick]

This is true, kind of a loss for the climate control settings

[@naran00]

@@Realistick those sliders aren't even illuminated when in the dark, plus, imo I don't like having so many ways to do the same thing. to me, simplicity of not having the extra sliders looks and feels way nicer.

[@MrThekikster]

You look like Teddy Baldasare

[@adamc2451]

God I hated the look of this at first and now it’s growing on me

[@Realistick]

I think different colors really do it justice too

[@reckondragon2130]

VW golf interiors are soft and always crystallise in the MK3 and 4. The interior roof in both models fall over time. Best VW to drive daily is the standard transmission because any automatic or DSG will cost you more to service.

[@Tigerex966]

why do the headlights look cheaper than the last gti you had?

[@Realistick]

Integrated foglights on SE if anything!

[@Tigerex966]

@@Realistick ok

[@Locallybuiltauto]

I sold my 2021 GLI S for a 2022 honda civic hatch 2.0L 9 months later I'm considering taking a look again at the MK8 GTI SE or Golf R for the extra $5k

[@tmcmickle51]

Please give VW lovers a sportier Jetta

[@LoXHumaN]

The Jetta gli? Or you can look at the s line Audi A3

[@ErnieOntario]

With base model infotainment unit using wired connection, no SAT NAVIGATION, but you are able to do Android/Iphone clone, right? Does it show the map on main dash? or center screen only?

[@Unfinished_sentenc]

The shifter, though. I rented a 2022 A3 for 3 days with the same stubby shifter. I must admit that it’s not confidence-inspiring. This last weekend I rented a 2021 Cayenne and the tall shifter just felt right, tbh. It’s certainly not a deal-breaker though.

[@gregweber3387]

I just started looking at the new 2023 models and I agree that the S trim is the best value for the money. I have a VW Eos and I barely use the sunroof feature and I don't use Sirius XM in any of my vehicles even though some of them have that feature. A white GTI S with the DSG is the one I wouldn't mind owning.

[@jerrylui511]

How is the base trim headlight compare to the higher trim? Looks like it is a reflector led headlight instead of projector led

[@Realistick]

These ones are the same as what was in the SE. The SE just has intergrated foglights in the headlights themselves whereas the S just has the "signature" lights below. Any of the VWs I've driven with new LEDs have made a night and day difference compared to any halogens I've driven.

[@mountainhobo]

@@Realistick Do those lights corner?

[@dailydrivensedans4875]

I still believe the mk7 (GLI/jetta) autobahn has the best infotainment/features! Not sure about the mk7 gti never been in it. But comparing my gli to the new mk8 se gti i much prefer my gli.

[@katiecannon8186]

Just got my new, pearl white, S trim GTI. I adore it 🥰 It’s better than your Cool Corolla 😮

[@JCTiggs1]

I would love to buy the base GTI but there just aren't any around in my region. If you can find one, they are all the top two trim levels (Autobahn and Performance). This is in Western Canada.

[@GTIclubdport9462]

I love the base model gti it’s cheaper but feel luxurious, great handling as well and you get the same power same motor and same flat form..its lighter..

[@319vegeta5]

greetings, it looks like the instrument cluster screen is smaller than the SE? I know the infotainment screen in bus is the instrument cluster screen smaller too? Any additional information would be greatly appreciated.

[@carloscanizares4699]

Great review. Only review to make me semi-consider it (coming from a 7R). How’s the wheel hop?

[@turboman4635]

We look too similar

[@AndrewJohnson-c9z]

I totally agree. I want a more basic one without so much tech and cheaper too would be a great benefit. An autocross version perhaps.

[@GHLz0mbraa]

I want this a my first car looks nice it’s a hatch which I love and it’s pretty well priced for a new car and since it’s pretty cheap you can mod the hell out of it cuz you’ll still have some cash

[@stevebrule6172]

I wish they had the old circular cut out wheels on the old ones from like 2007

[@Blank00]

Still not ergonomical. Where are the hard buttons and knobs for climate controls and other things?

[@DirtE30]

Dude… I think that may be my actual car! I just bought it from Royal weekend before last! Lol

[@DirtE30]

I see why I have a pass front wheel out of balance after watching this… lol

[@Realistick]

Oh no is it actually out of balance!? They were telling me that the person bought in traded in a TRD pro tundra from I think Tennessee or Kentucky!

[@DirtE30]

@@Realistick that was me my friend. And yeah. Highway it’s got a little shake that comes and goes.

[@Realistick]

@@DirtE30 Very cool truck! I never noticed any shaking when I drove it around and i took it down that road before I took it up to any highway speed! If you test drove it, that road is part of the test drive that Royal people usually recommend so you can get a good feel of the car, the pothole is pronounced but not a rim eater. I've only seen them get out of balance quickly if a rim gets dented or the alignment was off and caused uneven wear, but that usually takes a ton of miles to show up. Maybe the wheels from the factory were just slightly off? I'm sorry though that it has any kind of nuisance at such low mileage.

[@DirtE30]

@@Realistick yeah, great truck! Was just ready for something different. Have had several. Can only really tell the vibration is present at 75-85 mph. No biggie. I’ll get it looked at soon.

[@billyrubina]

Is there a steering wheel available for the mk8 like the ones in carbon city customs but with buttons?

[@youareinflames]

the seats look nice, the pattern is far better than what it used to be, however I hope it won't be a puke fest at the rear passenger seat section since the visibility for them sucks with the integrated head rest