Another couple things for your viewers to know, Alex: DCC requires the performance package, and the performance package is really hard to get right now. VW really underestimated the demand on those cars...it's taking 4-6 months for people to get their orders. There were a handful of GTI S Performance Packages sold with DCC before VW pulled the plug on it (claiming it was a mistake in their ordering system). I definitely agree that the brakes are the reason to get the Performance Package, they are upgraded front and rear (up from 2-piston & vented in front and solid rear rotors to 4-piston fronts and vented rears, larger diameter front and rear. It is a major brake upgrade), and the differential is effective, albeit not the sort of thing many drivers might notice. (depends how much of an enthusiast you are and what your driving level is at). I've said, and will stand by: the standard GTI is an "8/10ths car". The Performance Package turns it up to a 9/10ths car. Regarding the Autobahn vs. SE, VW isn't making a big thing of it but the Autobahn has a different seat material than the SE (the SE's is definitely leatherette, and it has a cloth bolster on one side for some reason; the Autobahn is leather all around) and the Autobahn has more sound-deadening material. Sorry to stick my nose in, but I've been a GTI guy for 13 years and have been researching the MkVII for months and months, driving several different varieties and reading VW's technical and ordering materials, so I hope my input is appreciated!
@richardwillis69718 жыл бұрын
Alex your reviews are the best of the group. Thanks.
@changminchi23169 жыл бұрын
Excellent Presentation, detailed & truth. All models from mk7 are great. Tsi, Tdi,Gti or R.That's why mk7 Golf got so many awards from the world.. I got Tsi 5months ago, everyday I can't stop driving my Golf. It is 25,000 km already.. ...Guys, Don't hesitate, just buy it. Finally, thank you VW!
@buildmorefarms10079 жыл бұрын
The GTi has a MUCH nicer interior than the Civic Si....no comparison.
@thomasczarnowski22679 жыл бұрын
Alex, you are brilliant. You have no competition.
@naziurrahman9 жыл бұрын
I have been looking at a lot of GTI 2015 reviews as I am planning to get one, and this is hands down the best review so far. You really beat out a lot of big name channels and sites/reviewers with the amount of detailed information and explanation. The most detailed complete review of the GTI 2015, really appreciate it. Keep doing this and there are a lot like me, who really are passionate about cars, they will notice. Thanks again.
@TheBendalina9 жыл бұрын
I love how detailed this car review is. Great!
@weags129 жыл бұрын
I think your reviews are the best on the market for real consumers. Detailed, unbiased, and organized. You mentioned the focus rs more than a few times. Did you mean the ST? I don't see the rs and gti really catering to the same market.
@505enthusiast47 жыл бұрын
Drew Blaskoski he meant st
@jeffpertle39809 жыл бұрын
Best GTI review I've seen. Keep up the good work.
@aquateen777239 жыл бұрын
Great job on your in-depth and informative review of one of the best hot hatches on the market! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and insights of the GTI, Alex. 👍
@TheCarCrazyGuy9 жыл бұрын
Alex, are you referring to the Focus ST? The RS isn't available yet.
@jeffarnholt13109 жыл бұрын
I second the request for a TDI review; not a full 20+ min complete teardown, as you've covered this already, but a shorter focused review on handling, acceleration, and fuel economy. The TDI has been described as the only $25k car on the road which gets 50 MPG highway and is fun to drive (sorry, Prius owners). I'd love your take on the diesel version, so popular overseas.
@colterino8 жыл бұрын
Just got a used 2014 Drivers Edition..lo miles 13 k ..LOVE IT !...Great Review
@DerekArtz9 жыл бұрын
Yellow scooter video-bomb at the tail end was a crack up! :D Thanks for another great review. I was frankly surprised to hear such high praise for the Civic Si, which the auto mags seem to have universally panned. Agreed on all comparisons to the Focus ST. I will gladly take 95% of the fun vs. the ST, but with a healthy dose of refinement and an interior that could pass for an Audi.
@kens46939 жыл бұрын
This was a really detailed and thorough review. Earned my subscription. Nice job.
@LanceZ999 жыл бұрын
best car review on KZbin, period! P.S. a Mustang GT review in the near future?
@chrisbaskett8089 жыл бұрын
I do look forward to the Focus RS coming to the states.
@amill15639 жыл бұрын
Love the breakdown of reviews to the right.
@bryanjedi82429 жыл бұрын
And going in when you are talking about the Focus. You keep seeing RS but I think you are meaning the ST.
@goofydog29 жыл бұрын
glad you didn't do the child seat on this review! I know, many people love that - I think- but for me, give me the drive as only Alex can! Excellent Review!!! Thatnks
@bucknut20009 жыл бұрын
I just bought the SE with a manual it does everything pretty well. I like it a lot.Its great for everything and Im getting 36 on the hwy. I looked at the ST as well and that was fun but the seats were too tight and the GTI was just the better package. But I also kept my 2008 SI with HFP which Im not sure if I want to sell anymore. Driving the two the GTI, feels more expensive in ride, interior, faster down low and it handles nearly as good without as harsh a ride.Its also easier to drive in the city because you dont have to shift much. However I question if its the driver's car in the segment. Its weird, when I want to drive just for fun I actually prefer the Si because it's more of a challenge to drive fast and keep it in the powerband. I like hearing the engine rev, you have to double downshift to pass quickly on the hwy, more sensitive peddles, shorter travel clutch and shorter gears for whatever make the car more exciting for me to drive. Its weird because I know the GTI is better performer and much more refined but I dont know if its the fun or driver's car.
@opiumden347 жыл бұрын
I have an '09 SI and I kind of hate it. I'm sure it's fun on a track, but it's just annoying while driving normally. The short gears are the main reason.
@roz35749 жыл бұрын
Alex, please consider putting numbers on the ruler you have in size comparison. List the size/length for the shortest (Tiny) on the scale, the size for the largest (on the ruler) and then the length size (number) of the vehicle you are reviewing. Just having dashes on the ruler/scale without actual numbers doesn't provide the viewer with actual numbers to compare. Thxs.
@Trendyflute9 жыл бұрын
Good video Alex, I'm just gonna offer a clarification on the performance pack differential vs. standard XDS a little bit more (because I'm a huge GTI geek and have a performance pack GTI on order right now). Both GTIs come with an open differential. VW's concept is this: we will actively simulate a differential by braking one side of the front driven wheels or the other, therefore directing torque that would otherwise flow the wrong way through an open differential and "pushing" it where it needs to go. On the standard car, this is accomplished using the front brakes and the independent-channel ABS system. On the performance package, this is added to by a "Haldex Differential Lock" that they call VAQ. It is effectively the same thing as the center differential in a Haldex AWD system (e.g. Golf R, Audi TT, Audi A3, Volvo S40, etc.): a multi-plate wet clutch in a housing that engages or disengages based on hydraulic pressure provided by a pump and controller. In an AWD application, this means that the hydraulic pressure can build or release to allow the vehicle to send anything between non and all of its power to the rear axle from the front. In the Performance Package application, this same thing is happening between the two sides of the front driven wheels. The clutches are independent of the braking system, more robust, and more responsive than just the brakes of the XDS system. As you've noted, they also work together in the performance package car. Point being that both transmissions feature open differentials between the two driveshafts which can be influenced by the front brakes (XDS), the performance package car adds a multi-plate computer-controlled clutch (VAQ) to control the torque split that that open differential experiences.
@AAutoBuyersGuide9 жыл бұрын
Mathew Clark It's kind of a game of semantics, it's still a limited slip differential in essence, but the mechanism they chose to use is different than what you would normally find in a FWD vehicle. I didn't want to go too far down the rabbit hole in explaining the Haldex system vs something like a Quaife which is what you normally find in transaxles. While at the heart of the Haldex system is an open diff, my argument would be that by adding the clutches you no longer have an open diff, you now have a limited slip unit, even if the clutch packs are semi-external to the differential itself. Personally I would have liked an electronic torque vectoring differential, but maybe in the MK8.
@matthewgaines109 жыл бұрын
Alex on Autos Agreed. Effectively it's a limited slip differential. One can obsess in the technical minutiae but in the end, the system works as limited slip.
@moehio9 жыл бұрын
As a big VW Gti guy, I'm more than disappointed at the way you can option your vehicle now. I like getting the base model with the cloth upholstery, and loading it up with options. Hate leather. Hate that you have to get Autobahn to get Nav. Just dumb.
@RobertLeBlancPhoto6 жыл бұрын
Looking forward to your 2018 Golf R review.
@gabepettinicchio74549 жыл бұрын
Alex - were you meaning Focus ST, rather than RS?
@505enthusiast47 жыл бұрын
Gabe Pettinicchio yes he meant st lol
@amill15639 жыл бұрын
Another thing is you shot this video is clear sunlight vs. and overcast day. I prefer this.
@easysnail9 жыл бұрын
Great review, I have a mk5 and thought about buying the mk7 to replace it. Ended up getting a m235i instead but it was a very tough decision. I agree about the ride being rough, it's actually worse than my mk5. Have you driven the BMW yet? I'd love to see your review of a m235i.
@javiersenosiain89249 жыл бұрын
for me VW golf GTI could be the best car in its segment!!!!! Very funny to drive, with great engine and... Good price!!!!
@buildmorefarms10079 жыл бұрын
Javier Senosiain Very funny to drive? Does it make you giggle?
@informationretrieval58968 жыл бұрын
Consumer Reports claims that the GTI is more reliable than the Tsi. Is that assesment correct? I'd like to get a GTI, but the TSI is more economical. What are your thoughts on MPG between GTI vs TSI?
@brocklanders69697 жыл бұрын
A VW that is reliable is as rare as a Honda that isn't. My wife and I together have had 07 Jetta, 08 Rabbit, 07 GTI and an 08 A3 (Glorified GTI). The cars were all wonderful to drive, had high quality interiors, were safe, reasonable fuel economy, etc. But that is where the fun ended. They were all eat up with problems (especially the GTI and A3), some very major problems even at low miles that got to the point I had to abandon the brand. Scheduled maintenance was very expensive too.
@505enthusiast47 жыл бұрын
Dirk Diggler I've heard the gti has better reliability this generation
@louismorano15856 жыл бұрын
You realize that you are speaking about cars 10 model years ago, don't you? I had a '11 MK6 GTI for 4 years - not a single problem. I have now had my MK7 GTI for 3 years - also, not a single problem.
@freakincrazy69327 жыл бұрын
Will you review the golf R??thanks
@angel_machariel9 жыл бұрын
There are more differences between the Euro version and the US version. The US version has the 'cheap' torsion beam. The ride seems to become somewhat inferior because of it. I know it's because the Americans have Urea spec tanks.
@mikea.23489 жыл бұрын
A Freethinker Not true for gas powered cars, only for TDI. this one has rear multi-link.
@angel_machariel9 жыл бұрын
***** Yes, I realized later but forgot to change my comment!
@ChickenFriedCorgi9 жыл бұрын
Hope we can get reviews of the wrx, focus st, etc. Love my BRZ but am currently in the market for a 4 door 'sporty' vehicle for $30k or less.
@farhan0079 жыл бұрын
Weird, Car and Driver stated that the GTI has better handling than the SI. Maybe they were using the performance pack GTI. Also, the SI has slower steering as it is 2.8 turns lock to lock as the GTI is 2.1 turns.
@bryanjedi82429 жыл бұрын
Would like to see the review of the TDI version. But then maybe that would be going overboard. ANd heck eventually the Golf R. But I imagine you could cut those videos down considering all of the Golfs are essentially the same styling and utility wise. But I think it would be a cool comparison review on if you think the R is worth it over the GTI.
@maximus94019 жыл бұрын
So would your personal pick be the GTI over the Focus ST?
@gpgxp9 жыл бұрын
Great review Alex!!! I love the detail. I'm having a hard time deciding between a DSG four door GTI and a A-Spec Acura ILX. I'm concerned about the long term reliability on the GTI so I am leaning right now towards the ILX. Both are great driving cars but I feel the GTI is the better all around car. Anyone have one with the DSG....how is the reliability?
@AAutoBuyersGuide9 жыл бұрын
Kyde, yes you can :)
@KydeManfred9 жыл бұрын
Can you fold the backseat down? I've never seen that done in any review video.
@lito7777 жыл бұрын
any owners of this gti with the dynamic dampers? Does it soften the ride substantially?
@chrisbaskett8089 жыл бұрын
Focus ST, not Focus RS. Good review though
@AAutoBuyersGuide9 жыл бұрын
Chris Baskett I had RS on the brain...
@Marco-ce8kr9 жыл бұрын
Hello Alex, could you review the regular 2015 or 2016 WRX? Thanks.
@FireBoy62759 жыл бұрын
Kutos to Alex, This video is very well made and was super informative. Thank you so much for making this video!
@juannoval699 жыл бұрын
Alex, great review as always. One question for you, can you comment on the reliability of the GTI? I know you only had a short time to test it and that this is the new generation Golf GTI, so there might not be a lot of data gathered yet, but in terms of long term ownership what is your opinion of the GTI, based on previous GTIs? Thx for all the great reviews.
@AAutoBuyersGuide9 жыл бұрын
Juan Noval It is hard to say since this shares so little with the old Golf, but in general VW lands below average in terms of reliability.
@Berichar889 жыл бұрын
How's this compare with that A-Spec Acura ILX? The prices and size are similar... I expect the Acura would be more reliable but is the GTI a better overall package?
@AAutoBuyersGuide9 жыл бұрын
Ben Richards Interesting comparison. The ILX is a more grown up Si. I think that the ride is better in the Acura, the transmission is perfection but the GLI is a hair more fun. Acura's infotainment system is superior and you can get more electronic goodies like radar cruise control on it as well. The GTI is a good buy but I'd probably get the ILX.
@omysheetofpaper8 жыл бұрын
will you be doing a new infotainment review with the new Apple car play and Android auto on the 2016 golf gti??
@AAutoBuyersGuide9 жыл бұрын
Saltyhero, I'd probably get the Golf R over the A3 2.0T but I'd take the RS3 over the GTI.
@PunxsutawneyDave9 жыл бұрын
I was going to ask but tons of people have mention below that Alex said Focus RS and not ST. Also the RS is supposed to be all wheel drive isn't it? I think Alex just wants to drive the RS.
@AAutoBuyersGuide9 жыл бұрын
PunxsutawneyDave I have to take a punch in the arm, I had RS on the brain but it was the ST I meant to talk about.
@SemeonHockey8 жыл бұрын
what a great review
@siuken6749 жыл бұрын
which one will you choose ? wrx or gti ?
@93455Driver9 жыл бұрын
Like the reviews though do not always agree. Wish the Civic SI was better in terms of handling, though it is great value and agree on the NA point. Expecting great things from the new Civic Type R and hopefully this has knock off affects all through the range.
@vq37zu9 жыл бұрын
Alex, is this the twincharged engine? Twincharged as in supercharger + turbocharger.
@AAutoBuyersGuide9 жыл бұрын
Zuriel Briones No, just a single turbo.
@jayczyzyk97079 жыл бұрын
great review
@PinoyxFuze8 жыл бұрын
can u fit adults in the backseats of the 2 door gti or only small children? I'm about 6'0" if I sit in the backseat will I be able to fit comfortably?
@lsh199307138 жыл бұрын
You can buddy. Even two door version, the rear seat capacity is quite big. You could have a test drive to check but personally I will say it is quite good.
@brucec438 жыл бұрын
Radar based collision system? That must be why my detector goes off so much. More cars have this feature now.
@gino78699 жыл бұрын
Can you do a exclusive horn rating in your videos
@Yarokerr6 жыл бұрын
And in 2018 VW charging you $1100 for automatic transmission in the top trim.
@Robin_R.9 жыл бұрын
Hi Alex, I wonder what you think of Golf R and if you are going to review one.
@AAutoBuyersGuide9 жыл бұрын
rkhrahmani I like the idea, AWD is a big benefit to the Golf in terms of handling but I don't think I'll have one soon. It is available but I think I have "over-golfed" myself recently.
@505enthusiast47 жыл бұрын
Alex on Autos plus you have to decide if awd and 70horsepower is worth 10k
@jayczyzyk97079 жыл бұрын
i thinkyou meant focus st not rs
@marinoint9 жыл бұрын
Average 30mpg?!! Wow, for this kind of performance this fuel economy is incredible!
@NiharM779 жыл бұрын
Do a 2015 Ford Focus
@lloydmaquinto44059 жыл бұрын
Can you do a 2016 VW Tiguan R - Line? :D
@zunix019 жыл бұрын
nice review but you should remove the right side thing on the screen its a bit disturbing
@sesker159 жыл бұрын
How does baby seats fit in the back of the 2 door?
@93455Driver9 жыл бұрын
+sesker15 Suspect it fits, but painful compared with the 4 door. The other thing to remember if the size of the door on the three doors - need to a good gap in a parking spot to open the doors.
@theevermind9 жыл бұрын
How would you compare this to the Mazda3 with the 2.5L engine?
@AAutoBuyersGuide9 жыл бұрын
dMb I really wouldn't, this is more like the non-existent Mazdaspeed3. (at the moment, I expect it at some point soon.)
@theevermind9 жыл бұрын
Alex on Autos The video said this Golf has 210 hp. That's well less than the Focus ST and the prior Speed3. The rumors for the next Speed3 claim nearly 300 hp, which puts it in a whole different category. This seems to fall into a 'warm hatch' category, which is also where I'd put the 2.5L Mazda3.
@AAutoBuyersGuide9 жыл бұрын
dMb Horsepower figures give a skewed view. The old Mazdaspeed3 and current Focus ST may make more power but the GTI is lighter and applies the power better and as a result runs to 60 3/10ths faster than the Mazda and 2/10ths faster than the Focus. That's a full 2.5 seconds faster than a Mazda3 with the 2.5L engine. If the Mazda3 at that speed is a warm hatch, the GTI is certainly hot. Remember that VW also sells the Golf R which is the next step up if you want more power. The R is likely the model that will compete with the new Mazdaspeed3 whenever it comes out.
@theevermind9 жыл бұрын
Alex on Autos I didn't see that the torque was in the mid 200s. That certainly should give it enough low-end power to move it faster. Google says the GTI weighs a couple hundred less than the ST but about the same as the 3. But it doesn't seem that much faster--C&D numbers have the GTI at 5.8 s, the ST at 5.7 (-0.1 s), and the 3 at 7.3 s (+1.5 s). The most recent Speed3 I could find from C&D was 2010 at 5.8 s. But yes, it does seem like it is in that hot class while the R & next Speed3 would be in an ever higher one.
@fyae9 жыл бұрын
mazda link doesnt work?
@pablor.28549 жыл бұрын
You keep calling it the Focus RS. You mean the Focus ST ... the RS isn't stateside yet!
@TheBendalina9 жыл бұрын
In the UK we pay 25000 for 5 door. That's 38000 dollars. We are getting bad deal.
@AAutoBuyersGuide9 жыл бұрын
Crawford The difference is mainly in taxes. Our pricing does not include state or local taxes (which are still lower than in the UK)
@sirsimdude9 жыл бұрын
Ford Focus ST not RS!
@jayczyzyk97079 жыл бұрын
the focus st will out cirner it
@slimjseattle9 жыл бұрын
An open differential does not deliver more power to the wheel spinning without traction. An open differential always delivers the exact same amount of torque to each wheel. The problem comes when you have one wheel with no grip or limited grip. It takes almost no torque to make that wheel spin. Since the same torque is always delivered to both wheels, the wheel with traction is also getting almost no torque. auto.howstuffworks.com/differential3.htm Love your videos Alex!!
@mountainhobo9 жыл бұрын
ST :)
@edgardoamado70089 жыл бұрын
Under 25k I'll take a civic si....:: over 25k the wrx.....
@buildmorefarms10079 жыл бұрын
Edgardo Amado The Si interior feels very very bargain basement cheap. I checked out both GTI and Si. GTi feels much nicer.
@moehio9 жыл бұрын
buildmorefarms100 Gti doesn't "feel" much nicer.... it IS much nicer. ; )
@ducke2959 жыл бұрын
Personally I don't see why someone would get a GTI over a Focus ST
@buildmorefarms10079 жыл бұрын
Ben S The interior of the ST is ugly in my opinion and the ride is harsher.
@ducke2959 жыл бұрын
buildmorefarms100 ah you're right. GTI is more refined. I was just thinking about performance
@buildmorefarms10079 жыл бұрын
Ben S I've looked at both and cant seem to "love " either one enough to buy them...
@ducke2959 жыл бұрын
buildmorefarms100 test drives tell the real personality of the car. As The Count himself says "cars can talk, you just have to listen"
@buildmorefarms10079 жыл бұрын
The Civic Si interior is the worst of all! Cheap plastic is "in" at Honda. Much worse than even Mitsubishi interiors! ST and GTi are a cut above Honda Civic at least but still not good.