2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI | MotorWeek Track Test

[@johnm5131]

funny to think that I bought my MK2 GTI based on a Motorweek review, with the same fellow narrating back in 1989!

[@2F4R4W4Y]

Legend!

[@Motorweek]

We love to hear it!!!!

[@ytsux9259]

But that fella has turned orange.

[@fez3327]

I settled for a wheezy Golf GL in '89. I really want to get one of these. I'm not keen on that screen used in the 2025, I'd really like to pick up a 2021 about as close to normal as we will see. normal=analog

[@GTIclubdport9462]

I love it I traded in my MK 7.5 3weeks ago and im loving the MK 8 .. the suspension is feels tighter than mk 7.5 and more stable in cornering..its faster and stronger than previous Gti.. its longer base and lower..i dnt have problems dealing with digital cluster because it feels modern..once you drive this car everyday you’ll never go back to Mk 7.5..its solid and powerful engine..

[@katiecannon8186]

Same.

[@Jfromes1]

If this car wasn't touch screen everything I'd be considering it for my next car.

[@sullivanburnsworth2286]

That’s my biggest complaint too. If you have to use the touch buttons you better make sure you’re on a smooth road or you have a hard time using them

[@2F4R4W4Y]

Same

[@leakyjeep5.9]

Just wait until screen malfunctions💥😉😃

[@maxwellchace4986]

I've owned one for a year and all of these complaints are so ridiculously overblown. It's easy and intuitive to use

[@hardykornfeld1733]

Wait for the 2024 refresh. From what I found online, it will at least have real buttons and not haptic ones on the streering wheel.

[@cdbig9er]

Man. I love seeing John Davis going strong !!!!

[@SubieandFriends]

John Davis has been my idol and my “papa”(have never met my real dad) since i first started watching motorweek back in 1992……my life would not be the same if it weren’t for John Davis and for motorweek…..and motorweek wouldn’t be motorweek without John Davis….I know he is getting up there in age so I’m starting to dread of what would eventually be the inevitable…..to lose Mr. Davis would be like losing my very own father….there’s two things I absolutely enjoy to live life for…..first is my two young beautiful daughters, second is my immense passion and appreciation for anything that is car related…..in my good times or my bad times motorweek has always been there for me….just hearing John’s voice was enough to put a smile on my young sad face….it gave me hope , that one day things would be ok and that maybe one day I too will get to meet my dad and maybe even get to watch motorweek together….fast forward 30 years later….I’m now 38 years old and unfortunately that hope I once held never came to fruition….but John Davis was always there for me in bad times or good times, John Davis was there….watching motorweek for the very first time in 1992 and thru the rest of the 90s and thru the early 2000s imbedded me with the car seed that destined for me to grow up to feel this immense love, passion and joy to anything car/truck/automobile/vehicle related.

[@CRAPO2011]

I remember playing with my over the air antenna hours beore to catch motorweek on pbs

[@joshthemediocre7824]

That is more power than a 87-95 5.0L Mustang, even more than the 94-95 mustang cobra. The way we think about this power like it's nothing, when a GTI is still more fun than any of us deserve, with enough power to make anyone smile. The GTI is a beast.

[@LeBarfGoylesRottingFishFace]

Settle down Josh.

[@billskalicky5400]

Yeah but a foxbody mustang with 3.73 gears would dust off that crap vw so take it easy Josh.

[@moph7July06]

I traded my 21 GT for a 23 GTI-S, 6speed, and have zero regrets. Only miss the sound of that V8 tho.

[@billskalicky5400]

@@moph7July06 definitely not equal cars, not even close. 🙄

[@moph7July06]

@@billskalicky5400 never said they were equal. 🙄

[@craigt9415]

I love almost everything about this new GTI.. I looked at one and I am heavily considering this as my next commuter, come the mid-cycle refresh, to replace my Jetta.. But VW needs to ditch the haptic buttons in the interior, they are extremely frustrating.

[@GamingByBaka]

Good news, they are!

[@CalvinHikes]

They do that either to keep costs down or so they can make more money. Digital buttons are cheaper than real ones.

[@spousaltomb5137]

When I first got mine I found them annoying but after using them for awhile I no longer hit them on accident and they work well

[@jasonsabbagh5993]

I am so so so so so sick and tired of people talking about these buttons, as an owner it’s not a big deal at all

[@craigt9415]

@@jasonsabbagh5993 To each their own, I'll wait for the update.

[@u4ia420]

MPG is much better than advertised. Normal commuting yields me 36+ on 87. Interstate cruising I have gotten as high as 43.

[@incheon]

I was shocked to hear it takes just regular now. I remember previous generations premium only. Seriously gonna consider this now...

[@subvet3668]

Good info.

[@blazbohinc4964]

A limited slip diff is what makes all the difference…

[@coreyforester3056]

underrated comment

[@Carlife255]

The controls on the MK8 are easy to get used to. I have the S trim which also has a volume and tuning knob.

[@DroneStrike1776]

You can get used to any controls in a car, doesn't mean it's good. It's why the 8.5 returned the physical buttons.

[@NGMonocrom]

The Base *S* is the best option. You get all the important performance features, plus a couple of physical buttons on the inside; while saving a ton of money. If you live in most American cities the included All-Season tires are more than good enough. You can add Summer tires later on if you prefer.

[@moph7July06]

In November 2022, I sold my 21 Mustang GT Premium and bought my 23 GTI-S, 6speed. Zero regrets. It’s my first GTI, but to me it’s the best looking GTI ever. The MK8 looks sharp, mature, mean, and aggressive. Whereas older models are too cartoony and bland. I only miss the sound of the V8 tho. No issues with navigating the information screen. Wish the US could get the Clubsport. 🤘

[@jhuman1074]

I had a 15 Mustang GT Premium with performance package and magnaflow glasspacks. I miss that sound. Neighbors don’t. I love my 22 GTI SE with 6 speed, especially when I fill it up with 87 octane after averaging 30 mpg. Just wish I had waited on an S. I got impatient waiting on inventory. I like the leather on the SE, but the S is so incredibly loaded it doesn’t make sense to spend the extra $, especially when the chip shortage meant I got an SE with no Harman Kardon stereo. Base stereo is still good but VW only gave $400 credit.

[@uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh8833]

Just bought a 2023 Autobahn edition and my god I don't even care about the touch screen everything. It is the ultimate drivers hatchback ❤️

[@NickHazletonMusic]

I think the mk7.5 is the sweet spot. Plenty of power imo. Modern touch screen but still tons analog dials Love my 2018. Regardless, I’m still happy you can still get a manual !

[@suneilkumar]

Got a 2019 Autobahn stick with a 6 year warranty ;)

[@NickHazletonMusic]

@@suneilkumar very nice ! It’s my first automatic car but the dsg is great. Needed something for the wife and fun for me. I want to test drive the manual though !

[@jesusmenendez7091]

I'm enjoying my MK 8 GTI. I have the SE and it's a complete ride. More than enough power on the hw ( waiting for track days ). Im not one of the many complaining about the haptic controls, I got the hang of them quickly. The ACC is very nice and so is the sunroof. the seats bolstered the right amount for most people. It is a great next step from the MK7. My only gripe is the shift knob as well but I'm going to switch that out at some point. Over all I give it 8.9/10

[@brandonfriesen5389]

That’s the thing with most auto media. Nothing but complaints because they’re just not used to it. Then when the next model generation comes out years after, they praise the old model and miss it dearly. Lol

[@janoycresnova9156]

​@@brandonfriesen5389nah you're just trying to normalize the awful and cheap infotainment design. It's universally hated for a reason. Saying "they're just not used to it" is disingenuous and you know it.

[@brandonfriesen5389]

@@janoycresnova9156 nope. look at a most previous models for most performance or sporty cars from any brand. there will be many complaints. then when a totally redesigned model comes out, they will speak such high praise without any of the drawbacks from the old car. its basic psychology, when you're familiar and comfortable with something, it is much easier to be drawn towards rather than something new and of different design. I'm not defending the mk8, I don't like the new controls. But the fact that most auto media didn't like the mk7's old infotainment system, and now they are saying how good it was and they should've kept it instead of upgrading to the new system in the mk8, tells the full story. New things=scary

[@philliprollman7421]

I wanted the R but too much on payment so I went with the s but doesn't have dcc suspension that I want but I will just wait until I get the R in a few years

[@katiecannon8186]

@@janoycresnova9156 As a former 7.5 owner, the capacitive buttons just are better. They’re multifunctional & super easy to use. Reviewers just are being super silly.

[@Nameschino]

I like my 2011 mk6 gti minimal technology super smooth 6 speed

[@axe2grind244]

It’s a shame GTI’s aren’t affordable anymore. A new SE is $45k where I live….which is insanity.

[@videogazer801]

Best car reviewer on KZbin.

[@mbarton36]

Maybe the MK8.5 will revert to more physical switches? Loved my MK7 GTI and still loving my Mk7.5/Unitronic tuned Alltrack. The golf and its variants are some of the most practical and quality-feeling small/affordable cars

[@audieconrad8995]

Unitronic does a really good tune. I've got a '17 MK7 GTI with the Unitronic stage-1+. Plenty...

[@mbarton36]

@@audieconrad8995 had my stage 1 for the last 60k plus miles with no issues. Still in the low-mid 30MPG range and way more engaging to drive.

[@audieconrad8995]

@@mbarton36 ✔️✔️👍

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

I always loved that little bugger! I used to own a 1981 version! Back in 82. Now I’ll rather have the manual is more fun! Plus a two door version if they still make one!

[@oliver5403]

They stopped making 2 door ones almost 10 years ago. ☹️

[@cpkay33]

still dream about having the R one day

[@rafaelm.2056]

The touch screen is difficult to use when driving, especially over rough roads. The old knobs and buttons were so much better. I hope the new GTI still has the combination glove box refrigerator. For those who aren't familiar with it, VW routed a tube from the A/C system into the glove box. There's a valve that you can adjust to either close or open the airflow from the A/C system into the glove box. It basically turns the glove box into a mini fridge. It only works when using the A/C though.

[@jc-pj3nh]

Got clocked at over 100mph down a curvy Connecticut country road in my TDI sport wagon ( received a ticket but it was fun) and hardly needed to slow down on the corners though I completed a professional driving course a while back (kids don't try this at home). Saw a GTI badged sport wagon at the VW dealer and my heart skipped a beat. Sure would like to repeat my ride in one of those!!!!!

[@streetcat957]

Those little turbo 4 bangers make some good hp

[@deej628]

Wait til you tune them. Crazy gains with just a flash.

[@15DudeAwesome]

As resources become hard to find I wonder what the quality of these current year cars will look like

[@the_jarmel]

Have a beautiful day Everyone ✌️

[@PANTYEATR1]

I'm glad VW is making good looking cars again ... But that engine needs a beauty cover badly.

[@redsiput44]

Only mk8 gti owners(me included) will truly appreciate haptic touch steering wheel. Those non mk8 owner including this video presenter are 80-90s cavemen

[@katiecannon8186]

As an older woman, I agree. It’s been so weird to me. Capacitive buttons are just better. The other funny thing is watching reviewers slide the touch screen bar for the air conditioning when all you have to do is place your finger on the bar wherever you want.

[@GTI_CHHA]

Thanks for this review. I forecast the next Mk8 track test: GTI Clubsport, I am sure there's someone importing it from Europe ;-)

[@philliprollman7421]

Just ordered mine

[@katiecannon8186]

Traded my 7.5 for the 8 about two months ago. You’ll love it, including the capacitive buttons & interface. They’re both great, easy to use & the capacitive buttons are multifunctional. So that’s why they’re used. The reviewers are being silly.

[@philliprollman7421]

@katiecannon8186 I just picked it up last night and it's amazing 👏

[@trainglen22]

Hope to see a GTI or type R wagon in Canada. These are very nice cars.

[@916roberts]

When listing the different trims you forgot to mention the 40th anniversary trim for the 2023 model year

[@Pettyking89]

Crazy this guy has been reviewing cars for motor week over 30 years and his voice still sounds the same haha

[@JasonYergin]

Sweet ride for sure.

[@TheFlyingPLiner]

When I bought my mk7 gti and then mk7.5 golf r it was basically impossible to source one. People were hyped (as they should have been) and sales were strong. The mk8 is more expensive, fewer features and niceties, and some absolutely confounding design choices. It's also fugly to boot. Sad to see what will likely be the last IC gti go out with a lukewarm ending.

[@johnw7597]

Just ran with 1 of these in my EN , good time 🤙

[@brozbro]

Tried buying a GTI a few times over the years, but in every case the dealers were incompetent. Couldn't answer basic questions on the sales side, could only imagine on the service side.

[@MrMaxiroc]

Current owner of MK7.5 GTI SE. Only way I’m getting rid of mines is for the MK8 R.

[@dmoceri91]

2:14 mans needs to get some sun LOL though he was wearing gloves.

[@CRAPO2011]

Vw needs to do something about those bland tail lights perhaps go retro make therm emulate the Mkii tailights

[@youngrios]

14.5 @100 for the manual..soso..I heard the DSG did 13.5 at 105. That's a pretty big difference. And I'm really enjoying my 23 mk8 S. Coming from a 14 GT strictly a straight line bullet as well as a 2012 mk6 gti

[@DMCarReviews]

Lol DSG at 105?? Not going to happen... Maybe 101 at best.

[@youngrios]

@DM Car Reviews to me your comment is just another KZbin talker . That just challenges all day with no basis of proof of little to nothing. I had a stage 2 mk6 that trapped around 103. The mk8 is faster than even a stage 1 mk7 if not the stage 2 mk7 in lower speeds. I'm not sure why I'm wasting my time even talking to you when you can literally google "mk8 gti 13.5 @105" and it'll come up. I'll also have videos and dragy data soon so stay tuned

[@DMCarReviews]

@@youngrios Lol! The 105 is from a press car EURO-spec. The US version does 102 at best... Personally timed this car.

[@youngrios]

@DM Car Reviews ngl..u personally failed. Dragy times coming soon whoever you are

[@DMCarReviews]

@@youngrios Welcome to my car review channel bro :) I see you are in NOVA too. Lmk if you need a dragy, I can give you one so you can measure your car.

[@cyclistman6358]

Every review I see about the MK8 GTI just reminds me how much I love my MK7. Especially the simple, effective and classy interior of my SE with real knobs, buttons and old school analog gauges.

[@cyclistman6358]

@japanwatchconnection I guess we have different interpretations of the meaning of “sorted”. No question the MK8 has been factory tweaked to slightly out perform previous gens on the road. But the MK8 gen clearly has some issues with its driver interface, which has been widely documented by new owners and respected auto journalists, print and video. When I must part with my nicely modded MK7, I’ll probably find my way into a MK8 and learn to love it too.☮️

[@KP-xi4bj]

Actually, the "internet" can be traced back to the 1960s when it was called Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET).

[@SaraK_69]

I'm waiting for the mk 8.5 when they return the buttons and add some luxury back into the interior.

[@katiecannon8186]

Personally, I think the interior is beautiful. And I love the capacitive buttons.

[@watzonda2b]

The Dodge Omni GLH Turbo should have had this much success!

[@nixaeagle141]

Thomas Schäfer, the CEO of Volkswagen Passenger Cars, took to Linked In to make the announcement last week. "We are sharpening our portfolio and our design, plus creating a new simplicity in operating our vehicles," said Schäfer. "For example, we are bringing back the push-button steering wheel! That's what customers want from VW." . The haptic controls are allready getting phased out..

[@pokerfred68]

Why is this version of the 2 liter not in the GLI?

[@tim3172]

Because the Jetta is always based on the previous-gen Golf platform and usually the last-gen engine.

[@nosenugg3ts626]

Such a shame that this car is fun to drive and feels sharp behind the wheel........but that infotainment unit and steering wheel haptic feedback and light switches being haptic is such a deal breaker to not buy it......💔

[@dohc1067]

Great dynamics, but still not into the front end styling.

[@effend446]

If memory serves me right, GTI's are built in Mexico or China. Whereas, the Golf R is built in Germany. I think I would rather spend the extra money on the Golf R, knowing the quality control is more rigid and precise. Same concept for buying a Toyota that was actually built in Japan. Or a Ford vehicle that was actually built in the US.

[@emiliodaloisio3312]

MK8 gti built in Germany

[@fp5495]

I wish the GTI were still built in Mexico. The whole purpose of that for the last gen was to make it a little more affordable. It's too out of reach for a base and its intended target audience, even before adjusted for inflation. And building it Germany has apparently made no difference in reliability or build quality since the current gen has had its share of recalls and issues.

[@incheon]

I was shocked to hear it runs on regular gas now, hmmmm got some thinking to do...

[@brandons9138]

It'll run on 87, but it won't feel the same. My 2018 had 87 in the tank when I bought it. My first fill-up I put 91( I'm in CA where 91 is the max) in and the difference was night and day.

[@jhuman1074]

The mk8 makes full hp on 87.

[@brandons9138]

@@jhuman1074 I'm going to need to see some corroborating information to believe that. The owner's manual just says that 87 is the minimum. There are places where less than 87 octane is sold. After googling it there is conflicting information. No matter what you use make sure it's quality gas. No name bob's gas is not a good idea.

[@jhuman1074]

@@brandons9138 My response might not have posted because I included a link to a Reddit post. If you google search “Mk8 GTI owners - What fuel do you use?” you should see it in your search results. It includes a link to a reply from a VW product manager. Sorry if this a duplicate response. I wanted to buy a 2022 GLI autobahn, which has the mk7 GTI engine. It was way down on power and I was disappointed. They had a mk8 GTI on the lot so I test drove that too and couldn’t believe the power difference. I haven’t seen dyno tests to prove that mk8 makes same power on 87 octane as it does on 93, but I’m confident it makes the advertised hp on 87.

[@brandons9138]

@@jhuman1074 That was the conflicting part. People said that it made the same power on 87, but at the expense of using more fuel. I pretty sure I found and read the reddit post you are referencing. I've got my mk7.5 so it's not really an issue for me as I use 91 all the time. I only have a 8 mile round trip commute so gas prices are a non issue for me. I drive less than 7,000 mile a year. My current Mk 7.5 is my 4th GTI, so I'm sure at some point I'll have a Mk 8. Especially seeing as it may be the last generation of ICE powered GTI made.

[@ichallengemydog]

How is MotorWeek still producing videos that look like they are from 2001?

[@mathieucossette9019]

9000 $ for a package! Ridiculous, my choice GTI S!

[@katiecannon8186]

That’s what I got. The only thing I wish I had is proximity unlocking. But that’s not a big deal

[@melv1n_official]

Wait, what? Is the Autobahn trim available with plaid seats or have they video-recorded two different cars? 🤔

[@johnyacoub69]

Wondering what happened here as well…

[@sv2677]

Euro spec GTI has plaid

[@katiecannon8186]

Some are coming in with plains due to parts shortage.

[@rjwintl]

my license plate says , Bf-109 !!!

[@iMetaTV]

Mazda 3 2018 GT HATCBACK REVIEW IT PLEASE

[@dorianvisser1922]

No more golf ball for the gear shifter?

[@brianweller5411]

the back of the shifter has golf ball dimples still. However I do prefer the mk7 shifter with more visible dimples all around

[@LOLONO666]

i don't see much of those in the usa

[@palebeachbum]

A lot to love here, but that giant grinning lower air intake is hideous and the capacitive touch buttons are absolute garbage in a car. The rest of the styling is gorgeous and I'm sure the driving dynamics are great. Just fix these couple of issues, VW.

[@katiecannon8186]

The capacitive buttons are great. People are being so silly. They work better than regular buttons in part because they’re multifunctional.

[@palebeachbum]

@@katiecannon8186 anything in a car that lacks tactile feedback stinks.

[@bikingD]

For some reason in Canada dealers are greedy with these but not selling as hundreds available on Autotrader now. The car lists at high $30,000's low $40,000's here but they want close to $50 with 2,000 to 8,000 km on them selling them as used cars. So soon enough there will be 1,000's available as no one pays that and will kill this great car. Greedy VW dealers.

[@db6006]

Waiting for them to fix the buttons before I get one.

[@brandons9138]

That's coming in the refresh.

[@keithwhite3159]

BRING BACK HITS & MISSES!!!!!!!!

[@jonathanbreaksit]

Come on no way going to keep up with the new turbo 4cyl that have another 100hp

[@djkenny1202]

Ill stick with my 92 VW GTI 16v. Just to avoid a screen controlling the climate controls!

[@oliver5403]

One of the best GTIs they have made

[@icky_thump]

Great performer, but I still feel like we peaked at styling with the Mk7.5

[@brandons9138]

@The Real VR No way. The Mk4 was pretty bland even by the standards of the day. I say that as a former Mk4 owner.

[@petulantfrenzy5532]

4 doors = practical, not Cool.

[@vwbora26]

I would buy one again if going to the dealership every 3 months for repairs was not the VW's modo. My 2016 Golf R was always in the shop, what a shame such a nice car to drive.

[@jdawg9481]

You had a lemon I guess. I own 2 Vw products currently, 17 golf Alltrack and 18 Atlas r, zero issues on both.

[@vwbora26]

@@jdawg9481 i owned 8 VWs from 1995 golf to 2016 Golf R and the only one that got just one issue was my 2009 Jetta TDI with a exhaust flap issue, all of the rest had serveral issues.

[@jdawg9481]

@@vwbora26 I’ve had 7 in total, from an 02 cabrio to a 17 Audi A4, atlas etc. as I mentioned for myself, no real major issues. I currently still have in my garage, an 03 Audi A4 1.8t Quattro. Wires being super thin in door jam has really only been the issue aside from a 20 year old exhaust that finally needed to be replaced. Guess we had 2 different experiences with Vw products

[@Fmandan77]

I feared the same thing. I bought a 2013 base GTI new and now 10 years later with 200K, I'm still driving it daily. The battery and two ignition coils have gone bad -that's it. It burns 1 to 1.25 quarts per 10k miles...totally acceptable for its age. I recently replaced the fuel injectors and cleaned the valves because it's a direct injection engine. Two weeks ago the power mirror switch broke...that's the first item on the car to actually break. It's been a joy to own.

[@tim3172]

"modo"

[@my4cars528]

Is that John's house?

[@robertdebarge276]

My 7.5 was faster than that before tuning. Wondering what other outlets are getting with their times. I also got it out the door (taxes, title, tags) brand new for under 25k. I love GTIs, but the price increase is hard to swallow.

[@Mac10Daddy]

I was thinking the same. Starting at $31k is a bit much

[@romevang]

It traps at 100mph. Its the tires that are holding times back. That trap speed is good for at least a 13.7-13.8 with something stickier.

[@suneilkumar]

I got my 2019 Autobahn for $32k. That gets you a base model nowadays.

[@Kamukix]

​@@suneilkumar the base model now comes with almost every option the mk7/mk7.5 Autobahn came with though. Unfortunately you can't order the DCC for the base model (or Beats audio) but it comes with everything else. It's pretty shocking to see what the base comes with now.

[@billskalicky5400]

Have you tried the 1- tune? It takes out boost and makes the car more fun to drive

[@barneyboyle6933]

Something about the lower front grill just looks so goofy to me. I can't get over it

[@black98rt]

$40k is way too much money for a gti. That’s just a hair away from a golf r.

[@djkenny1202]

I figured this was under 30 grand?!?

[@SergioMenaGTS]

@japanwatchconnection my GTI was the only one selling at msrp in a 50 mile radius, crazy how dealers mark up everything from golfs to Porsche GT3s

[@sacredsleeper]

Budget HotHatch...Okay

[@stolikat]

Aside from the fact that that bloated thing resembles not its original A1 beauty.

[@stolikat]

I had an 83. It had Recaro seats, a close ratio trans and was tight as and oil drum. Best car I ever owned, and I am 51.

[@Snake-ms7sj]

I like the Mk7 better.

[@elementkx]

Wow, thats expensive.

[@jordanimatedstreaming]

rich men wear fancy suits and drive a Mercedes hyper-rich men wear t-shirts and drive a VW GTI

[@Pilot545]

I truly like the GTI but I think VW has them way over priced. It’s obviously due to the demand but when you can get an identically trimmed (Autobahn) Jetta GLI for nearly $9k less…the GTI just doesn’t stack up in my book. Which is why a 2021 GLI Autobahn is in my garage.

[@davidr2802]

An GLI is Omega to the GTI Rolex.

[@tim3172]

The GLI is an objectively-worse vehicle in every way. Your GLI has an older engine and platform with far fewer features. I'd certainly hope it's way (way) less.

[@bikin2008]

Drove both. Still got the GTI.

[@jp23x]

Too slow when you consider msrp

[@babyyoda8195]

6 seconds is quick?

[@MultiChimRichalds]

For motorweek numbers and a manual transmission, that's pretty damn good.

[@mustangman289hp]

0-60 is not this car's strong suit. It's much quicker than the numbers suggest

[@mikojarvinen6273]

It is quick and most importantly it feel fast. Faster than the numbers suggest.

[@stevemcgowen]

not everyone is 16 and races stoplight to stoplight...

[@bjjbrawler1]

Everyone hates the no button mk8. Nobody cares about carbon anything. Just give us sporty manual shift Golfs for crying out loud

[@nopama]

More affordable? 40 grand for the autobahn, 😭 or you could get a MK7.5 Golf R for mid 30`s.

[@davidr2802]

Or a Mark 6 for $9K or a ... forget it

[@poleposition3065]

This guy looked the same 4 decades ago

[@dermetzger]

John is talking sooooo much slower than he used to...

[@videogazer801]

He’s human, Yeap.

[@Mystery_Man84]

I’d rather have the GOLF R

[@oliver5403]

Just buy an S3 at that point. Same performance and a better interior

[@Mystery_Man84]

@@oliver5403 True. I would definitely prefer the S3 over the Golf R👍🏼

[@scotty7453]

​@@oliver5403 the s3 is missing the new rear differential.

[@Mystery_Man84]

@japanwatchconnection Drugs are bad for u bro.

[@jbowgo9599]

Not with a $20,000 mark up

[@Defy_Convention]

My 2008 hhr ss had a 2.0t 260hp/260tq 6.1 0-60 how is this thing basically just as fast in 2023 and for 40k? Not much progress in 15 years

[@sjhudon386]

We've reached the peak of gas engine vehicle engineering.

[@ninotitan]

the interior in HHR SS is made of recycled Chipotle bowls though.

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Does he talk to his wife in that voice?

[@MrRez86]

Man..40k for a 240hp car smh just don't add up

[@austinfrazier7325]

40K for a Golf GTI. What has this world come to.

[@stevemcgowen]

Hyundais are selling for $60k now, so...

[@TheGeorgiaMediaGroup]

Junk. Maybe make it 50k. Without expensive repairs.

[@tedunguent156]

GTI or Mazda 3 Turbo.

[@jbowgo9599]

No comparison. The Mazda 3 is like sitting in a cave

[@brandons9138]

The rear window on the 3 is like looking through a mail slot.

[@tedunguent156]

@@brandons9138 I once owned a Ford van that had NO rear windows or side windows except the ones on the front doors. In those days no such thing as a backup camera or blind spot/cross path sensors. LOL It was never a problem for me.

[@brandons9138]

@@tedunguent156 It just goes along with what Jbowgo said. It make the cabin feel like a cave. My bother in law had one. It just felt so claustrophobic inside.

[@tedunguent156]

@@brandons9138 Well, then it's not for you. I have had a number of hatchback cars in my lifetime and I love them all. Some were bigger and had larger windows and some didn't. I have also had/driven a lot of trucks and always just used the mirrors.

[@gigi9467]

MOTORWEEK!!! Please please when are you guys going to take your car reviewing to the next level??? How you might ask? Well put a damn stop watch on those Cars when u run them!!!! Thats all i ask please someone any car reviewer do it geez….

[@JeremyKasperson]

Acceleration of the 2005 Mk V Golf: 0-60 in 6.0 seconds and 1/4 mile in 14.5. Acceleration of the 2023 Mk VIII Golf: 0-60 in 6.0 seconds and 1/4 mile in 14.5. Maybe the used car lot might save you a lot of money?

[@tedunguent156]

They're never going to make it faster than an Audi or a Porsche. Just like a Camaro will never be faster than a Corvette.

[@leakyjeep5.9]

The last 21 years of Maximas are the same exact way.

[@James_Myers]

The DSG makes it quicker

[@flurpoid]

Plus a MK VI GTI could be a 3-door instead of 5-door only.

[@djkenny1202]

Better option.

[@markhagge8646]

Two doors too many for me!

[@adamn7516]

VW really needs to put a nice engine cover their cars. A simple clean engine cover with the GTI logo on it would do wonders to clean up the appearance of the cluttered mismash of crap.

[@stevemcgowen]

My 2017 has a beauty cover. Not sure if they discontinued it, or if Motorweek removed it...

[@kremolaconia]

@@stevemcgowen Engine covers were catching fire so recalled without a replacement cover. Ongoing for over a year now.

[@stevemcgowen]

@@kremolaconia Wow, what a mess. Odd how the MK7 and MK7.5's didn't have that issue...

[@michaelmcneal9808]

Ridiculous pricing

[@davidr2802]

Cheaper (taking into account inflation) than a Mark 6 new back in 2010. So you really don't understand who this all works

[@mappyfrappy]

Absolutely horrible. Not the car, the review. It's "I've fallen down, and can't get up" remembered. Good grief, get it together MotorWeek.

[@fp5495]

It's "I've fallen and can't get up". Get your quotes right before you try to make a point, old man.

[@ztekz]

Ugh…can’t stand GTI owners on the road! (no offence)

[@SubieandFriends]

Damn 274lbs of torque 100% to the front wheels! Yikes! I guess Torque steer comes standard in all GTI trims? Anywho, I like it!!!

[@jjjohnson5413]

Digitally controlled limited slip differential my friend.

[@SubieandFriends]

@@jjjohnson5413 you know what friend…I just realized that I’ve never driven a fwd car with a front differential locker/limited slip….how does it feel? Does it feel like a rear diff locker does on a rwd vehicle but just in fwd? I imagine it to be kinda weird but cool at the same time. All the fwd vehicles I’ve driven had open differentials even the more powerful ones. I’ve owned Nissan Altimas and maximas with big and powerful engines(relatively speaking) Nissans VQ 3.5 V6 engines 255-265HP on a 2007 Maxima and 270HP on a 2008 Nissan Altima…driving those vehicles made me for the very first time feel what really powerful torque steer recoil felt like and it wasn’t a good euphoric feeling one would normally feel when you take control of a vehicle and you have it accelerate really hard so it can scoot to 60mph in 5. something seconds….no…this torque steer thing was something else…..something scary and maybe even uncontrollable….anyways, that’s how it felt to me driving a powerful fwd car with open differentials….

[@AvidUTuber]

​@Subie and Friend’s sounds like you're ready for upgrade to a RWD platform

[@bikin2008]

There's no torque steer. Hardly any understeer as well.

[@paullacey2999]

Just a big blobby car now... .

[@jimmycain8669]

U