5 WORST And 8 BEST Things About The 2024 VW GTI

VW GTI or Kona N?
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0:00 - Intro
0:21 - What’s new for 2024
BAD
0:54 - Price
1:41 - Power
2:26 - Rear Seat
3:15 - Quality
3:57 - Climate controls
GOOD
4:36 - Driving Experience
5:35 - Looks
6:41 - Trunk/Practicality
7:05 - Interior design
7:42 - Fuel economy
8:04 - Transmission
8:48 - Luxuries/Features
9:37 - Safety
9:55 - Odds & Ends
10:54 - POV Drive
13:41 - Conclusion

[@dwnshft]

Special thanks to our Patreons for their support of the channel! GTI or Kona N?

[@hitmanhart6275]

I dont think the Kona N exist anymore

[@dwnshft]

@@hitmanhart6275 alas that’s true 🥲

[@djsg143]

I really like the Kona N but don't trust Hyundai. No independent mechanic support, no aftermarket and reliability is suspect for an engine that won't be carried to too long. Crap on the EA888 but it's in everything and overall the 3rd gen was actually pretty reliable for DI turbo 4 cylinder. Much larger sample size means more issues and the common issues aren't power train deal breakers like engine casting or head gasket issues.

[@Vladg111]

You forgot about reliability compared to the competitors.

[@asdpoi121]

Your packaging of content, the edits, the visuals and voice over in sync, packed content, concise but not rushed. Please keep it up.

[@dwnshft]

Thanks 👌

[@ryanokeefe12]

You can change the display to remove the boost gauge.. you can also adjust the steering feel.

[@mart0225]

The road noise can be attributed to the large wheels and short tires.

[@xibbas7055]

If your keeping stock and dont want to mod, go with the elantra N imo, the WRX is only in the conversation if you want a manual. If your looking to mod, the MK8 is an insane platform for mods. Drive is also much more comfy on the GTI than the N for a daily. I also conisder octane learning a major downside for the N and without it makes it slower than the GTI. NOTE: GTI also does everything on 87 while the N and WRX need 91+

[@Symphoniics]

The GTI is the best in almost every single way. Only thing the WRX has over it is AWD. Only things the Elantra N has over it are the track-focused infotainment and the exhaust. I would’ve gotten the GTI in a heartbeat if its exhaust didn’t sound so bad. None of the aftermarket options sound all that great either. For that reason alone, I went Elantra N. But in the end, I love all 3 cars and compliment anyone I see driving one

[@xibbas7055]

@@Symphoniics ya the N exhaust is on a different level. I've been looking and got it down to neurspeed, milltek and awe but can't decide.

[@Symphoniics]

@@xibbas7055 I think the Milltek sounds the best

[@bjjbrawler1]

7.5 master race checking in

[@Ticklethapicklealil]

2018 gti reporting for dooty sir!

[@yamKenny]

Still love my mk 7.5 golf r and able to daily on stage 2 so can't complain

[@drumflip1253]

Owned 5 GTI’s but skipped this gen because of the infotainment. Looking forward to the 8.5.

[@r3games1985]

infotainment in the 8.5 didn't change. It's just bigger and uglier.

[@drumflip1253]

@@r3games1985 it gets physical buttons on the steering wheel and a different operating system.

[@Iambetterthanyouanduknowit]

@@drumflip1253it also comes with a built in vibrator

[@markward-willis4508]

The MK 8 infotainment system works well after a week with it . Mine R is 2 months old.

[@asdpoi121]

Have you done a Si ever? Couldnt find it. Share pls of you have. Saw Type R but not Si.

[@tysonharrison2566]

where do you get these numbers from with the MSRPs? the WRX is 35.5k, elantra n is 34.5k lol

[@Iambetterthanyouanduknowit]

Are you Canadian? Cause I am and I said the same thing lol

[@donr8773]

Good overview. You cover a lot in a short video. Love the driving impressions. I too feel it is the most handsome hatchback out there, classic design. I ended up with a 2023 GTI 40th anniversary in Urano grey 6 speed. I would also get a GTI S with the 380 package (6 speed) if the wife would let me. These manual cars are the ones that will be the most sought after in the future. DSG and Porsche PDK dual clutch transmissions are quite fun. I have had both. I still like manuals best. Not only for the fun factor but the maintenance costs. A DSG is very costly to maintain much less replace. A Porsche 911 PDK runs up to $20,000 to replace. Porsche won't repair it. Independents will repair the PDK. I did have a DSG in a 2012 Jetta Sportwagen S TDI and it had 80,000 miles on it with no sign of transmission trouble.

[@fp5495]

Been eying a leftover 40th in the same color that's been sitting at a dealer for almost a year now. Are you in a cold climate where you had to put winter tires on it?

[@donr8773]

@@fp5495 No, I am in Northwest Atlanta area. "Almost a year", dang. I had to travel 340 miles to Daphne, Al. to get this color, It was late in the year, September 2023. I think the one I bought had been on the lot for 2 or 3 months. The dealer told me that the large dealers, like in Atlanta, were asking for it. If you miss it I believe the 2024 GTI S 380 model is very similar. No sunroof, different wheels ( wheels are from the 2023 Golf R) and folding outside mirrors, the 40th doesn't have folding mirrors. the wheels on the 40th is the best appearance feature and are forged. Can't go wrong with either.

[@godisgoodallthetime9462]

This is my second GTI and I LOVE this car..there’s something special with this car it’s lighter, easy to park everywhere , its fast and agile. The powerful engine and tunable engine its a sleeper car..it brings a smile in my face everytime I drive my Gti..😊 i don’t have a problem with the infotainment system for me its easy to use once you get use to it its actually easy to use. It’s a reliable car..👍👍

[@leospaceman2976]

The 2025 gets a little more HP, physical buttons on the wheel, and a bigger display. Looks worse to me in pics because the current smaller display integrates nicely w the dash.

[@porfiriato84]

I agree. I like everything about the 2025 except the infotainment center 🤦🏽

[@shannonstarr2232]

Cabin noise and creaks have always been a part of the GTI...it is part of its charm.

[@GatorEE]

Is it loud inside? Do you get a lot of road noise on the highway?

[@shannonstarr2232]

@@GatorEE GTI is not quiet cabin, never has been. It is not the kind of automobile. By far of all the cars I have owned in my life time it is my favorite and that includes a BMW 2 28i I used to own.

[@maxa.759]

What’s the difference between SE and Authobahn

[@fp5495]

After thinking about, as much as I like the GTI, and I've owned three, one with the VR6, I may go with the A3 instead. Granted, it's not a hatch, and that's the part about GTIs I like, but all I ever see in reviews is the GTI pealing out from a stop and breaking traction regardless of transmission. That's fine for being a hoon, but for everyday usability, it would grow tiresome, especially if it's wet. My previous GTI probably had some of this, but I was younger then, and the horsepower wasn't overwhelming, like maybe 210 bhp at most. That's why I'm thinking even a FWD A3 would give me sporty enough engagement, with just enough power, and the added assistance of a mild-hybrid to get you off the line. Sure, the "Quattro" is probably nice, but I think with only 200bhp, the FWD is fine, and less horsepower will be put to the moving the car rather than scrambling for traction over and over, especially if you have an assertive right foot.

[@mart0225]

Agreed. The constant hooning in reviews is a turn off. There’s more to the car than that.

[@haro82]

Why the he'll do away with manual? Who wants a sports car in automatic? I'll never understand it.

[@jonathanhawley1902]

Same people worried about their pronouns doing away with the manuals.

[@jimmydeneus7109]

Keep working

[@chorseundgrd]

I got my 2015 GTI S with a 6 speed for 19K and some change OUT THE DOOR. A base model GTI starting at 31 grand is ridiculous

[@yoshw13]

Wait, but is the steering wheel heated?

[@BryceCzirr-jz7ju]

Can't believe these are selling for damn near 40k, who would pay that? These will be 16 grand on the used market in 5yrs

[@jessejones4447]

Picked up a GTI back in 2022, have loved it for 2 years now. Also side note, you can’t option leather on the SE trim as well. It’s an amazing car, I daily mine. Picks up HUGE gains with a tune, mine is EQT Stage 1 E85 and dyno’d 349whp with just an exhaust and no DSG tune yet.

[@dwnshft]

Nice, enjoy!

[@godisgoodallthetime9462]

I owned mk8 gti 2022 and this car is underrated power its smoked the wrx in the race. Its 241 wheel horsepower to the wheel thats the German horsepower..i love this car its fun and quick car..

[@edwardmoran1739]

Spare tire or donut tire or little inflator gadget?

[@hovan2yourjunk]

Wish I could wait for the 2025 but my 2013 GLI is a mess right now. Need a new car ASAP…so I put a down payment down on one of these a few hours ago. I really hope the infotainment system doesn’t annoy me. I don’t think I’ll mound coming from a car that’s over a decade old!

[@RPicard1963]

So VW drops the manual but keeps...ambient lighting colours. Jeezis.

[@ttinnovations3310]

I hope the new 2026 model is not so cheap and they bring back the buttons

[@mmadchef808]

54 cu ft not 34. Big difference.

[@IT_Farhan]

Wait so 2025 won’t have a manual?

[@dwnshft]

Correct

[@IT_Farhan]

@@dwnshft made my decision very easy for me 😁 and deals are coming when the 2025s start coming in. I’m getting ~$3k off MSRP at the local dealers right now

[@sgrant9814]

Imo, the last good looking gti was the 2014 model year. As well, comparing my 14 to a friend's 2023 model, the interior of the 14 is richer looking with better materials and much less cheap looking as compared to the 23. Oh! And i have REAL buttons for everything....hello, vw!

[@yoshw13]

That's nice, dear

[@Corey2k8G]

I just picked up my GTI. Put 500 on it already. I love it. I dont have any complaints. It suits my needs. But is anyone gonna ignore the fact that that has an engine cover? My 24 doesnt have one 😑

[@dwnshft]

Enjoy your car!

[@charlienelson2002]

Better to wait for the next 8.5 model. The 8 was hideous. The 7.5 was better than the 8.

[@khap60]

i am surprised that a Hyundai etc is even compared to a GTI. A GTI has a 40 year of history a Hyundai maybe 10? Says it all.....

[@dnice362]

Would rather have Wrx than the Elantra n

[@dwnshft]

The WRX is smoooooooth, especially in the real world and cold/wet

[@dbrand1]

Mk7.5 is so much better. Do not waste your money!

[@dutch937]

People need to stop complaining about the infotainment and the controls...they work just fine.

[@DavidArcuri]

I had a 2016 GTI and they still haven't fixed the road noise. /facepalm

[@dwnshft]

🙃

[@martinn4186]

I still have a 2016 GTI and never noticed any unusual road noise, not even after 8 years and 80k miles.

[@SeanRosairo]

Fun cars will always have road noise. Part of what makes them fun.

[@starrider1900]

It's not a cadillac.

[@r3games1985]

You're not really trying to convince people that Hyundai is more reliable than VW? And by the way the cars underrated on HP by quite a bit. Look at the dyno vids before you post.

[@arindanyalian]

the worst gti ever

[@dwnshft]

?!?!

[@dnice362]

You crazy, what you on? Tell em downshift

[@sk1996]

Bring back real knobs and buttons

[@juliansutton5819]

I can’t say worst GTi ever, but the buttonless interior. I’m in the market for a new car. I don’t think I want a MK8 Gti. MK7.5 was better. But not sure I want an older car.

[@braveheart9658]

Best looking (maybe the exception would be the MK7.5), faster, more power, sounds better Only thing would be the infotainment, but it is not as bad as people make it seem