Every generation of VW Golf GTI: which is best of all? | Auto Express

All eight generations of VW Golf GTI, on the same day, on the same roads. Steve Sutcliffe is at the wheel to find out which is best.
Volkswagen released the eighth iteration of Golf GTI earlier this year, with more power, grip and tech than ever before. By modern standards, it's a very well executed hot hatch, but we wanted to trace its lineage by sifting through five decades of Golf GTI, and testing all eight generations. Can the sparkle of the original Mk1 be found in the new model, and which is best of all to drive?
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Read more at Auto Express:
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk1 review: aex.ae/3t8DEhn
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 vs Golf GTI Mk7: aex.ae/3gUuFNM
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk4 buyers guide: aex.ae/3zUZI3z
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk5 review: aex.ae/2TYQCCs
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk6 review: aex.ae/3dfT4Lw
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk7 review: aex.ae/3gSOtBe
Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8 review: aex.ae/3gSOtBe
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[@Kissmyapex]

I was fully expecting the mk2 to to have the closing feature as the greatest!! I’m hugely disappointed it didn’t get reviewed!!

[@angusabrahams2647]

That's exactly my sentiments.

[@christianscustoms6429]

Came here to make the same comment, smh

[@marcuswalker8654]

As my personal favourite, the fact the mk2 wasn't given air time is massively dissapointing!

[@danielemeytre4010]

😨😕🙁😟😔

[@markoskoda]

owner dont wanna give a ride... yeah

[@adamciampa8697]

I’m glad that someone has finally said they’d prefer 7.5 over the 8. It’s such a better car in GTi & R guise.

[@Keka-vg3ut]

That someone finally said it Not like half of people on the internet say that

[@xu10j4rs1]

😴 clearly the 8 R is better than the 7 R.

[@xu10j4rs1]

It's the new four wheel drive system they makes the difference in the R, not the case with the GTi.

[@phillipe124]

@@xu10j4rs1 it's all a matter of opinion but there are more people liking the 7.5 than the 8. Having owned both I can say with no doubt the 8 felt completely numb to drive. The entertainment system is quite possibly the worst I've seen in any car too. Absolutely shocking. Until VW overhaul that I won't be owning another.

[@xu10j4rs1]

@@phillipe124 yeah righto mate 👍🏼 I bet your Aventador was rubbish as well!

[@ashwho-6319]

The exterior of the mk8 really has grown on me I think it looks good but the interior just isn’t up to scratch. The mk7.5 was the perfect balance of technology and usability of infotainment.

[@doloresberry3144]

My thoughts exactly.

[@guillermomansilla6018]

I cant get past the mk8 horrid head lights. Mk7 was beautiful, certainly a step backwards

[@jvb4450]

I feel the same. Yet when I see a 7.5 it still love it more. I guess that is sentiment and time will solve that maybe. I had a mk7 GTE and now a 2019 Polo GTI. Picked the Polo GTI because its easier to park for my gf xD

[@timmiekat6072]

Mk8 doesnt look that bad ive always loved the back like i think its great. But the front is still nah. Interior looks good however its not as practical as the 7.5. The mk 8 is pretty much equal to the 7.5 overall for me even though the mk8 is newer

[@katiecannon8186]

I actually love the looks of the 8. I also love the looks of the interior. I’m debating about trading my 7 for it. Can’t decide.

[@andrewmarsden1970]

Amazing how the car has evolved over 43 years. Confused why he blanked the Mk2.

[@YOGINIO]

Yep agree 100.... gti mk3 was always a second fiddle to the vr6..... I had a mk4 1.8T GTI in anthracite grey..... full bucket recaro seats ..... miss that motor!

[@johnyacoub69]

@@entername_ there was no VR6 in the Mk2, lol…

[@Santi-mg7kc]

Me too😭🙁

[@francakesfordinner]

@@johnyacoub69 Not stock there wasn't ;-) But from my experience, the mk2 chassis is very happy with a VR6 swap. Still lots of fun to drive.

[@paulherbert5548]

@@YOGINIO the only weakness with the Mk4 was the body roll. The suspension would give up the ship before the tires would. I had my 2002 GTI for 13 years. It was incredibly reliable.

[@DreamCarGarage1]

Why didn't you spend any time on my favourite, the Mk2? You had the 'big bumper' version too!

[@Mk2fSaloon]

Hear hear! I had a Mk6 GTI it was fun and fast n all (slightly modded)... but now I have a mk2 jetta 1.8 with a weber carb, 4 speed box and astainless exhaust. It makes me smile soooo much more than the mk6 ever did, even at 30mph!

[@Mk2fSaloon]

Oh, and it's a 1990 so it's got the big bumpers too 😎

[@velocgee2874]

Yeah but it was in the ‘wrong’ colour - needed to be in Oak Green 😉

[@gbc7344]

@@velocgee2874 I had an Oak green and a Windsor blue before that..great cars and felt really solid..ah memories 👍

[@chopwet]

Haven't watched it yet but my vote is Mk2 16v

[@jimthegun69]

I’ve got a 7.5 and I don’t think I will ever love a car as much as this one

[@davidbugarin]

I have the 2019 cornflower blue rabbit (manual) and I can’t get enough of it. I’m obsessed.

[@proxima00]

Same here, even though I have an R rather than GTI

[@davidbugarin]

@@proxima00 that’s awesome. Yeah, R’s are amazing. But I was totally sold on the Blue Rabbit edition as a whole. And a lot less $. What color is your R?

[@proxima00]

@@davidbugarin here in Canada, they had the Spektrum option. 40 different colours to chose from, I went with Inky Blue Pearl, of which 3 exist and was originally sold on the Passat in 2001

[@davidbugarin]

@@proxima00 Whoa. I just looked it up. Very nice👍🏼 kinda reminds me of the cornflower blue, so I like it. Happy and safe driving to you man.

[@SolidWatcher]

I drive my MK6 everyday and I am always excited in driving it tomorrow again

[@mikesmith-fo5ft]

I can’t believe he totally passed over the mark six it looks better than the Mk5 and it’s basically the same car. Lol! He should’ve definitely clarified that! I love my car it’s the best car I’ve ever owned in my life. You can put the seats down there’s tons of storage capacity for trips to Home Depot and camping.

[@JFinns]

Feel that way about my MK7 manual too

[@sarahalrashed5926]

Absolutely! 💟

[@kaniels9523]

@@mikesmith-fo5ft yeah the guy just passed the mark 6 like it was nothing. Fuming

[@itshendo6475]

@@kaniels9523 cause the mk6 is the worst version lol

[@ShootingAndReloading]

What happened to the drive of the MKII?

[@MikeD-tm2ze]

I was also wondering, as many think that was the best one.

[@davidjones9060]

Thanks thought I’d dozed off and missed it!

[@bettersteps]

Channels always blow off the MK2 and MK6 because people think they're just an improvement of the previous car. Pretty sad. MK2 is killer.

[@lockygolfer]

My thoughts exactly.

[@jogborn9666]

I rank the MKII as my 2nd favorite. The MKI was awesome but when I got my MKII it was next level. Recaro seats and BBS wheels took it to the next level. I was 20. Maybe I was mesmerized by those two things but it felt like a step up from my MKI. I also dusted my friends in their 944’s. All that said, I choose my MKI as top but that MKII was pretty great. And the MFI was very cool. Kind of like my current Audi has.

[@MattVidPro]

Mk7.5 will probably go down in history as the best gti ever produced

[@rightsantos7767]

Nope

[@MattVidPro]

@@rightsantos7767 which one is the best

[@rightsantos7767]

@@MattVidPro probably the second gen because it's comfortable enough while staying true the original with its boxy looks and raw steering

[@MattVidPro]

@@rightsantos7767 I haven't driven all of them so I really cant make a good judgement but I was more saying that because the mk7 is very popular and well known as being great

[@rightsantos7767]

@@MattVidPro people just love how fast that one is i actualy like it but it's too diferent from the original

[@willives1959]

Mk4 25th Anniversary is a true appreciating classic, brilliant car then and now!!

[@Cous1nJack]

Appreciating? Really? Was the best of the anniversary/ editions in terms of spec above and beyond.

[@scottrevell3326]

My little 20 year old 1.8t Ae put an amg 45 to shame last night! Slower on the straights but better at the bendy bits! Probably the last built at number 1766.

[@JamesPCroad]

That is fair: great styling, better suspension set up (and the same size brakes you get on a MkV GTI and the V6 4Motion) and an engine more befitting of a GTI at 180PS. A similar power to weight ratio as the MkV GTI, in fact, although the V's 2 litre has a great deal more torque and of course that better chassis. Now if they had kept the GTI badge solely for an anniversary spec'd MkIV, then it's criticism would have been a lot less harsh. But hey, they sold MILLIONS of the MkIV range - one of VW's most successful - and it was an automotive game changer in terms of specifications and quality, at the end of the 90's/millennium transition, so what do we know...

[@mchljdrrnt]

@@Cous1nJack appreciating means the price is going up

[@lazarushernandez5827]

I think you mean the 35th Anniversary MK4. I had the GTI 337 which was a limited run of the 35th AE they brought to the U.S./North America in 02. A year later the 30th Anniversary U.S. edition showed up in Yellow, Blue and Black, basically the same car but with the OZ Aristos the R32 had, instead of the BBS RCs the 35th AE came with, and a sunroof (the 337 wasn't available with a sunroof in the U.S. which helped keep the weight down). EDIT: You are correct sir it was the 25th anniversary GTI.

[@peterbrunner1978]

Mk 6 GTI 2010 Just hit 296.000 Km. Original Turbo/ Engine/ DSG Fantastic Car.

[@elliotmeek3375]

I've got a Mk5 Edition 30 and couldn't imagine a better car!

[@SRC2387]

Me too mate, and like Barmy says, it just always feels fresh and new. I live in Cape Town and this weekend had quite a chew at the corners and I would say I'd prefer my Mk5 to the VIII. The 7 would be the safety car.

[@tobyphilipp9902]

Maybe not better but much prettier

[@haydensmith888]

I’ve got the mk7.5 TCR and I LOVE it!

[@mcjdubpower]

I am lucky, got mk2 ABF, mk3 16v and mk5

[@ConradY2K]

I've got the brakes from an Ed.30 on my caddy 🤣

[@ZestiSpeedrunning]

I currently own a mk6, and I absolutely love it to death. Such a great car inside and out.

[@kippkewish9626]

Mk6 is my favorite but I’m biased forwards mine. I like the simplicity of mine but how nice the interior is. I don’t need a touchscreen infotainment system

[@kippkewish9626]

@@fluffhead8870 lol yeah I’ve already done that since then and it’s even better with apple car play for maps and such

[@shakesnbake]

I'm on my second GTI (a Mk7 that I've had for 7 years) - I made myself a promise that I'd stick with GTI's until I could afford a 911! They are the perfect allrounder :)

[@philipkeeling8647]

Seeing that you have had it a while, how would say the maintenance costs are like? Reliability ?

[@johncollins5552]

Take an Audi TT Quattro for a test drive before you buy a Porsche.

[@elcanbu5610]

I can’t believe I came for the mk6 and it is just 15 seconds of cameo! 😩😩😩😩😩😩😩😩

[@irish-thinker4429]

Mk2 was the most beautiful hands down and deserved more time

[@luttrell1973]

Yes you're 100% correct. I can't believe they skipped the Mk2 a great car

[@michaeljohnston6856]

Why did you neglect the mk2. And I love my mk4

[@adams7405]

The mk4 had the nice interior and excellent rust protection. And you still pick one up for a grand,you can't a mk1 or 2!

[@HTaylor04]

@@adams7405 completely agree, the mk4 in my eyes is the best golf ever built

[@toddmccarter45]

@@HTaylor04 best golf yes, gti maybe no so much

[@schlafanzyk]

@@toddmccarter45 True. The MK4 is the DIY GTI. Because of the weight of the newly required safety features for mass production cars, the GTI should have had the 2.3 VR5 as standard. It just sounds so good and the latest 20V 170 HP refresh is still amazingly efficient mid to long range (cruising at around 6L/100km or 40 MPG). The interior is by far the best of any Golf generation and with shorter springs or coil-overs, it still looks and handles the best as well, despite the outdated rigid rear axle. I absolutely love my engine-swapped MK4 Edition, running a restored and chipped VR5 plus big VR6 front brakes, R32 intake and Friedrich Motorsport exhaust - looks as good as OEM with VR6 rear bumper lip. And I laugh at the pathetic fart shift noises of later DSG generations. It just needs good oil once a year (not too thin so the chain and bearings stay smooth and healthy). The extended interval oil change VW introduced at the time was a crime that cursed the MK4.

[@toddmccarter45]

@@schlafanzyk ahh, makes a little more sense then, in the US market the mk 4 had a vr6 available, or the turbo 20v 1.8. I drive a mk4 tdi so im not super plugged into the gti stuff especially not outside this market.

[@chrisleon4153]

I still drive my own Mk4, 1.8t is never get old :)

[@neilturner6749]

Yeah lots of people think the soggy and slow 2.0 MK4 was a GTi and that’s why the Mk4 got an undeserved bad reputation. In fact the RHD 2.0 cars left the factory as GLX models and the GTi badges were swapped on by VW UK as a marketing exercise, which backfired badly. You can tell the difference as “factory” GTi’s with the punchy 1.8T engine and sports suspension had the “I” badge in red, whereas its plain silver on the 2.0 “fake” models.

[@hiddenskies8805]

@@neilturner6749 ahhhh I’ve never heard an explanation of this, thanks for the knowledge!

[@chrisleon4153]

@@neilturner6749 my car does 1.8t and GTI badge, but the "i" not in Red. Does it count as a GTI?

[@cimecar1]

Me too! 244.000km 🙂

[@HTaylor04]

@@chrisleon4153 yeah still counts, In 2001 they updated a few things and made the ‘I’ silver to make it look a little more “modern”

[@DAAWG]

Mk2 has always been my favourite since I was a kid.

[@machidaman]

Yup me too. 16v would be my pick of all GTi's. Wanted one as a teen but had to settle for a Mk II Scirocco instead.

[@danielrussell446]

Me too must be tornado red

[@creatineenjoyer7345]

Buy it now. It is 2000$ in mint condition. Never been this cheap. Dope cars, maybe not safe in a crash but oh well you cannot have everything

[@adrianica3]

In Europe they start around 10.000

[@creatineenjoyer7345]

@@adrianica3 no, they dont, they start at 2000 eur

[@Bosna293]

The Golf 5 GTI was such a beauty when it came out

[@benf340]

Glad the Mk5 got some love because I feel like people sleep on it sometimes but it is such a great car to throw around and get you where you need to go everyday!

[@toothferrin]

Sleeping on the mk2 as always. Mk2 16v is THE GTI.

[@WaseemKhan-iu4bh]

🤝

[@angusabrahams2647]

They proper slept on the MK2 GTi jumbo golf.

[@WaseemKhan-iu4bh]

I think the 16v mk2 gti would have gapped the mk3 and mk4 lol

[@schlafanzyk]

@Crypto King by that logic the MK4 20V (1.8T or 2.3 VR5) should be better too - which I agree, they are much better cars and are holding up better than MK5 and later. I still see the MK2 GTI as THE GTI, but without power-steering or ABS it just doesn't work as a daily driver nowadays, which is what a GTI should be by definition.

[@1PotatoeMasher1]

Mk2 is easily the best GLI as well. I do like the Mk6 Golf overall the best considering TDI and 2.5 versions as whole with the GTI it is well rounded, refined, and one of the most classy Golf body’s made. Mk6 reminds me somewhat of a design of the 60s made into modern hatchback standards.

[@mrtee183]

I've got the Mk7 and wouldn't change it for the world. The best car I've ever driven by far. Nothing comes close. It's perfection!

[@kripstoe]

100% agree with the conclusion about the Mk7

[@ca9968]

My dad has a MK2 in South Africa, he went from Johannesburg to Port Alfred one night (normally about a 13 hour drive driving at the speed limit) and made it in 8 hours...that car just loved to driven hard!

[@DMoney505]

MK2 all day!! I’ve owned a MK1 GTI and a MK2 GTI. I currently have a MK3 GTI VR6 and it’s an amazing car, It still has a raw feel to it and just feels like the older ones in certain ways. But out of them all the MK2 is just perfect IMO! And it doesn’t get better than that!!

[@jayenriquez3727]

Mk7 owner here and gotta say I love this ride every day more and more. Thinking of never selling it and keeping it. I realized GTis are the type of cars that get better with age like a good wine. So I really wanna make it my relic!

[@davidfaulkner1012]

I've been driving an mk 4 for about 4 years and I love it, I haven't driven any other versions but I still love it more than any car I've ever driven.

[@mindspinn311]

Mk5 is definitely my high point for the GTI. It went from arguably the worst version to the best. I regret never owning a Mk5 and hope to correct that, possibly even with the R32.

[@spencerquimby4726]

I bought one in early 2020 and regret nothing. Absolutely the best car I have ever driven as a daily. You can find them in respectable shape for not a lot of money too. The R32 and other special editions like the Edition 30 will cost a pretty penny but a base MKV can be had for Honda Civic money.

[@natestrand4922]

My 2007 with 109k miles is still running strong, although the paint and headliner are in disarray.

[@spencerquimby4726]

@@natestrand4922 Yeah the headliner and interior trim, like the buttons and around the shifter are known issues. But mechanically you should be golden for another 100k if you maintain it. Those engines are really well built, they do have some known issues like the timing belt and the high pressure fuel pump cam follower but like I said, if you take care of the maintenance they will run forever and look good doing it.

[@dannyo3317]

I really believe that the MK V was the highpoint, looks-wise, for the GTI. I really regret having gone MK V Rabbit instead.

[@Kentucky_Fried_Man]

@@dannyo3317 its the same thing

[@RX8bully]

As Clarkson once said, every garage should have a GTI. I am fortunate to have owned the Gti 6 and Gti 7 and yes Gti 7 was truly a masterpiece

[@transbiantrash]

Just picked up an 07 MK5 and I'm absolutely loving all the praise in these comments. I don't see them much and it brings me joy that people love these cars

[@hothatch1520]

I have a completely modified 2.0 mk 1 (sleeper) black GTI that I bought new in ‘84. It’s never seen winter and rarely rain. I wouldn’t sell it for the world because it gives me so much joy. I’m in love. ❤

[@Spccain]

I've owned 3 generations. 05 Mk4, 2011 MK6 and now a mk7.5 GTI SE. The mk7. 5 is hands down my favorite. Honestly, you can't go wrong with any generation

[@michaeldorado5106]

Similar to you, I’ve owned 3 generations… 09 MK5, 19 MK7.5, and now 23 MK8. It only gets better.

[@chrisprice2616]

Have had a black, mk7 pp for the past 5 years and have loved driving it every day. Brilliant little car!

[@toribiomendoza1347]

I can’t stress this enough, the MK5 is on of the best cars ever! It’s my first car and everything about it is almost perfect. Of course it’s an 07 so the interior may not be the fanciest but who needs a pretty interior when you can hit curves going 80 mph effortlessly in a fwd car

[@evanhenton3381]

Same here I too have a golf Mk5 as my first car absolutely brilliant. I don't think I'll ever come out of this shape golf. I learnt in a mk7 and that car was boring and electronic. When it's time for a new car I'm thinking edition 30 is the way.

[@sammbaldwin6402]

I agree, I had a mk5 gttdi 170 that was remapped to 200bhp and refined and composed on the corners aswell, a well engineered car, Now have a 330d lci remapped it's a bit of a mid range weapon

[@toribiomendoza1347]

@@sammbaldwin6402 mine has a tume from APR and it just makes a already perfect chassis fit with just enough power to get you going

[@ZeldaIsMyLove]

Shame I think the MKV are by far the ugliest generation.

[@toribiomendoza1347]

@@ZeldaIsMyLove I feel like it’s gotta be the 3, maybe 4. 4 is just a bigger 3

[@DreamCarGarage1]

Man's got me checking AutoTrader for GTIs!

[@donaldw6049]

Me too. 👍🏼

[@aDaWaN]

I would not be surprised if the Mk 8 will be the end of the line for the ICE powered GTI. I think the Mk 5 was the last of the peak VW era, the main goal of the Mk 6 was cost cutting. All things considered I would still like a Mk 7 over a Mk 5, probably for the performance diff alone.

[@awdixon74]

A pity that they didn't get to drive the MK2 but still a fantastic video. Makes me love my Mk7 even more.

[@Wayzor_]

MK7 Squad!

[@schlafanzyk]

I would kill myself having to hear those fake DSG fart noises all day. MK4 forever. The last real manual GTI.

[@stefa_]

@@schlafanzyk What about the MK5?

[@AudiophileTubes]

Mk4 GTI VR6... interior of an Audi, and a blast to drive!

[@paulmichael3844]

I have had a mk2 gti 4 mk5 gti’s 1 mk6 gti Loved the mk5 still one of my favourite gtis but the mk6 was a little better interior wise more modern didn’t feel as lose as the mk5 and is very underrated. But the mk5 stands out more and will be a classic

[@ismypassword1]

I feel once the fueling issue is solved on the mk6 platform, its gonna be a great buy in the coming years.

[@ismypassword1]

In terms of sheer big turbo builds*

[@paulmichael3844]

@@ismypassword1 i never had fueling issues with mine it just had a bad map from the previous owner which would cause it to loose power. I took it to tuning company Rtec who put a better remap on and it made 280bhp stage 1. I think the mk6 will be more appreciated further down the line

[@adams7405]

Quite a bit of cost cutting on the Mk6,and still the most complained about car on the 'honest John ' website.Niggly faults on mine which the dealer seem to struggle with

[@paulmichael3844]

@@adams7405 I think the interior is where they spent the money the exterior not so much

[@TuddecBMW]

I love my Mk7 Performance Pack. I've been so impressed with it, I have a hard time trying to fault it. It just seems to do everything brilliantly. I just wish it had more sound, I feel like the OEM exhaust muffles the engine sound a lot, it could sound better

[@kolte_breck]

MK4 is the reigning king of generations. The 337 edition, the 20th anniversary, and the introduction of the R32 platform... enough said.

[@Reinlofi]

^^^

[@penmann4003]

Please correct me if I'm wrong but the mk3 had the 2.8 VR6? I was always under the impression the R32 Engine was basically a VR6 with bigger block, heads, cams etc, Mk3 was the first to have a "V6"

[@scott4207]

@@penmann4003 mk3 was a 2.8 (corrado was a 2.9) vr6. Mk4 golf was a 3.2.

[@guillermomansilla6018]

Mk4 is also the best looking in my opinion, even after 22 years looks great, timeless design.

[@randallmilton]

@@scott4207 98 to early 02 VR6 models had a 2.8L 12 valve, 02-04 were 2.8L 24 valve. Really disappointed with his opinion on the MK4.

[@Parkerawsome]

As a GTI owner and enthusiast, this video was great to watch!

[@classiccarssp]

MK2 GTi is the best ever! End of story.

[@1PotatoeMasher1]

And best GLI.

[@schlafanzyk]

No power steering or anti-lock brakes in a daily driver? Come on now... I love the MK2 - first car I ever drove - but no thanks. And it has to be a daily for it to be a valid GTI. Personally, I think the MK4 has the best balance of comfort/safety and driving fun.... and it still looks better than all the following generations as well as the MK3. I don't know what this guy is smoking to say it was a low point. The MK5 is a TERRIBLE hollow plastic shitbox and holding up much worse against the MK4. Even the awful DSG is not an argument either (the MK4 R32 had it already). The MK6 was slightly better and anything after that doesn't even resemble a GTI anymore. Notice the current gen Polo GTI looks a lot like a MK1/2 again. I still have to test drive one to confirm, but that looks like a real GTI to me. At this point, they should have just went ahead of the inevitable criticism of what the MK8 was going to become and instead go full electric with the GTI like Porsche did. That would have been a much smarter move considering the upsides of electric in terms of responsive driving fun in a small car and also considering the green appeal of younger generations. The ID thing they have going on is a joke that will cost them.

[@luckyboy4766]

My first GTI was a mk3 16V. Bilstein shocks and stiffer springs transformed the handling. Had a mk4 for but hated it - swapped for a mk1 Audi S3. Have owned a mk5 for 10 years now and love it.

[@nickfox4766]

The top 3 Golf GTI’s the MK7, then MK5, then MK1

[@evangard7998]

Come on man throw some coilovers on the mk4 and it’s a great gti.

[@bguerrero0410]

Why no MKii drive? That was the best one in my opinion.

[@3secondsago894]

mk4 all day best looking, and the engine was a game changer they were made to be remapped!

[@yousufzahid6949]

As an Audi TT mk2 owner, I have to say the mk5 is just amazing. Floor mounted throttle pedal, excellent interior quality and the car still drives likes brand new

[@91amh]

Brilliant video, really informative and well presented. Love the mk2 and mk7 the most

[@DukeBen316663]

Fantastic content. Having Steve deliver it is just the icing on the cake!

[@ittechnik3131]

Mk5 for the win.. switch off all the electronics and you just know

[@Max34557]

Agreed. Absolutely in love with my Mk5 GTI

[@clicheguevara9917]

you can't switch it all off, not even esp. they're good everyday cars though

[@LuyandaMgobhozi]

Excellent video! Really enjoyed this upload.

[@johnslaney8054]

I’ve got a mkv and the sensation from driving is amazing , from the noises to the feel, to the aftermarket, amazing amazing car

[@SamAustin]

A great watch! It would have been nice to see the MK7 Clubsport S in the mix also but this is a great range and interesting to hear your thoughts between the MK8 and the MK7 👍

[@legrangedylandlg]

Can't wait for my mk8...

[@zoso73]

Very good video, high quality production.

[@stephenhendricks103]

My first experience with a GTI was a MK2 followed by a long gap until the MK6, one of the last before production moved to Mexico. Like many GTI owners I was initially hesitant about the change of continents in terms of production but in 2018 I took the plunge with the MK7.5. Simply put, it's the best car I've ever owned. And that covers many, many vehicles. We're awaiting the introduction of the MK8 late this fall but I suspect I'll stick with my MK7.5. Trading it would feel like selling the family dog. I might feel differently if we Americans get the Club Sport version but that seems very unlikely.

[@blackeyedchipable]

Owned a beautiful Mk5 with a dsg gearbox, cream leather interior in dark metallic blue all colour coded bumpers silver wing mirrors.. 😍 then had a moment of madness and sold it for a Z4.. Still regret that decision to this day 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@rjung_ch]

Bet you do!

[@riapa100]

The progress made with mk5 is so big, that everything after it feels like a minor tweak. Independent rear suspension, the gear box, the clutch, 2 liter TFSI. All mk5 line was so good... that mk6 was just a facelift build on exactly the same mk5 suspension!

[@davidbugarin]

Great video. Production quality is excellent. Relaxing and entertaining. Really like the host. I have a 2019 GTI cornflower blue Rabbit (manual), and I’m Obsessed. Yeah, def prefer my Mk7.5 over the 8.

[@davidgolfer]

I own a 7.5 SE.. pure love everytime I open the garage and look at it! Beautiful driving machine... it'll be in my family until the wheels fall off!!!

[@6ty8stang]

I’ve had two mk4s, one 1.8t and one vr6 and think the mk4 is the sweet spot between luxury/comfort and sport. Mk4 has an interior straight out of an Audi of the same year. Yeah it does handle a little soft but the softness is great around town. Full mechanical controls for hvac/radio/lights is great too. A clean one if you can find it can be had for around 6k too so it’s hard to beat.

[@6ty8stang]

@@bielmelichartes2167steering wheel is same, all the parts are clearly designed with same style and materials. Golf shares a lot with a3

[@danielunverzagt6072]

why didn't you drive the mk2, it's my favorite one.

[@Dylan-rp5rb]

Just bought a mk7 gti S Today and I couldn’t be any happier

[@Goodberry]

Still driving my MK5 daily. Love it every time too.

[@stelmarkou]

Many VW enthusiasts, myself included are wondering why there was little or no mention of the mk2 when some consider it an icon.

[@GuardsRed996]

The Mk4 was the best hands down. I still drive my Mk4 1.6 16V every day, it‘s by far the best car I‘ve ever had. The Edition 25 is the best looking GTI imo

[@christianscustoms6429]

Absolutely love my mk4. Mine has the 1.8t which makes for such a fun every day driver. I have a mk2 as well which is a blast. Can’t agree much with his reviews on this

[@1anre]

What of the electrical issues they said plagued that car?

[@GuardsRed996]

@@1anre idk I never had them in 21 years. There electrical issues but only minor things like power windows, some lamps etc. but nothing serious

[@guillermomansilla6018]

@@1anre Had one for 10 years, never an issue of any kind

[@kevsurf2003]

As a mk4 owner I disagree. I thought it was great until I bought a mk5.. the chassis and handling is absolutely next level. I'm a bit sad that my mk4 now feels so clumsy on the road as I do love it in other ways. Honestly mate, mk5 is a game changer to drive imo

[@mattieb98]

My dad had quite a few cars while I was growing up, but his mk5 golf was so blindingly good. Saved up to get a mk7 last year and my dad gave it a drive. Now he's buying one as well - I think once you've been in a golf you just feel like every other car is a compromise. There's not a single thing I'd change about it, it's not missing a single thing and yet does every thing better than the competition. The only thing I don't like about owning a golf is that it feels like everyone else has one. Can hardly blame them though for buying a perfect car.

[@Mouse2113]

Great video. Test drove the Mk5 when new and loved it, so did my Dad so he ordered one new and kept it for 4 years

[@nigelgordon4329]

Great feature helps explain why after test driving a new golf r mk8 when I jumped back into my 7.5 manual 3 door performance I had just as much fun.

[@Alonsel3]

I'd like to say that all of the flaws of the mk4 made for the perfect modification platform. So bad, means you can do SO much, to make it fun to drive all for a very cheap price. Was the perfect first car to learn to spin the spanners on - those 1.8t 5v engines had heaps of potential.

[@AudaciousAce1989]

Mk2. It looks so good. I love how cool they look, doesnt matter if its not as fast.

[@JamesGadbury]

Indeed, it's all about how they make you feel, not being the fastest 👍

[@johnwells54]

I had an '86 mark 2, 8 valve; it was so good, I kept it 13 years!

[@BrakRulesAll]

Shame that the Mk2 was just blown off. One of the best of the lot.

[@andrewslattery2145]

Would you be able to do this review on the vr6 / R32 / R?

[@JB-we2bv]

Yes please.

[@fadielhakim1155]

So happy you gave your honest opinion on these cars.

[@ThirdValve]

Wonderful video. I've been caught up in some kind of GTI fever lately... thinking about buying... and this will have me searching for... a Mark I by God!

[@mdrc3288]

I still think that the 2 is the better looking and made huge impression back on its era!!!!

[@AudiophileTubes]

I think the MK4 '337' GTI is the best looking GTI of them all. It is stunning in appearance, in all respects! It drives like a proper GTI as well.

[@lash9400]

This video could have been twice as long. I really wanted to see the MK2 as that and the MK7 are my favourite but must confess the Mk 4 is really handsome.

[@maharaj87]

I daily drive my mk1 1.6i and love it, the feeling I get when driving it is unmatched

[@MrToad85]

The mk3 just need a suspension upgrade and some small tweaks, love that car. Perfect blend between sport and comfort in the colour concept. 👍😎

[@schlafanzyk]

MK3 is hella ugly though. MK4 was much better again - the only one I prefer to the MK2 because of the huge leap in comfort, looks and quality of daily driving. MK5 was a huge step backwards. MK6 was a little better, but still not catching up to the MK4 again. MK7 got worse once more and MK8 is a total disaster lol

[@javierdesande9620]

@@schlafanzyk mk3 is absolutely gorgeos. The back is much more 90s, sportier and defined than the mk4. The front is also more sporty becoause its wide and its planted to the ground, looking as if it had decided a path to drive, and you were on it, in some kind of “get out of the way!” Style. On the side its much sportier with the big long windows. All of this at least for me.

[@YegoYTP]

@@schlafanzyk id argue the mk3 gti is one of the best looking gti's. In anniversary trim its a smart looking motor

[@nootnootasis1276]

Thumbs 👍up for Steve

[@xiiifas2968]

I own a mk3 golf gti 16v absolutely love it, has 208,000 miles still running great

[@adams7405]

I have had them all...except the 8.Mk1 was a hoot for its day,the mk2 16v possibly the one I remember most for its build quality,Performance and reliability.

[@thecoalition5226]

I wish you drove the mk6 & did a modern day review because for 10 years old it aged incredibly well

[@ismypassword1]

Surprised they didnt touch on the engine change between the early mk5s to the late mk5/6s. Didnt do that timing chain tensioner justice :(

[@marka5102]

Love this review from one of my favourite reviewers (natural / genuine style)

[@luttrell1973]

Shame he skipped the Mk2 🙄

[@rovingenglishman]

Guess I’m the only one here that had a Mk1 back in the day. He’s right but doesn’t fully explain why the mk1 or gives context, like the kind of cars it shared the road with at the time

[@peterbalac1915]

You are not alone, had a few loved them so much character like a go cart terrible brake fade tho. I remember the competition very well 😉😂🤙

[@colink6.0]

i love my mk5 so much i agree with him on every aspect of the car

[@onelapvideo]

LOL - he poops all over the Mk4 - but it introduced the ubiquitous 1.8T that, while no longer available in 20v guise, was the blueprint upon which every GTI since has been based, at least in the U.S. And it really opened the door to the 4-cyl turbo revolution in the states - until that point, turbos were seen as either an oddity or a thing for expensive performance cars - not something your everyday commuter would have. Now every small car has one. So it may not dazzle - but it certainly was relevant, and arguably a landmark car.

[@kabelontobo303]

I enjoyed every single second of this. Wow

[@Ricky-cl5bu]

Great review

[@joebaker2324]

Imagine spending the time, money and effort doing a review of 'all' the models of the golf GTi... And missing the best one out. Ridiculous, no one would do that surely... 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@schlafanzyk]

Yeah, the entire video is a disaster. This guy has no clue what he is talking about either, which becomes painfully obvious towards the end where he admits not remembering which model it was that introduced a double-clutch gearbox (it was the MK4 R32). Not that it matters, because a DSG in a GTI is a crime anyway and praising the MK5 for it is an absolute joke. The MK5 is TERRIBLE, much worse than the MK4, MK6 and even MK7. It looks awful too.

[@chrisdryden1400]

@@schlafanzyk couldn’t disagree more. You’re clearly very bias and it shows, not a good look to be honest

[@GrotrianSeiler]

I’ve always enjoyed Steve’s reviews and his writing but I must disagree about the Mk4. I owned that car for many years and loved all of them. It did everything well, was comfortable, and very quick, all the while never giving any problems and always frugal on gas. Great car. Far as I know, someone is still driving it, an 04. I have yet to drive a Mk5 and this review has me even more tempted. Always nice to get confirmation, my daily driver is a Mk7. Great cars, these.

[@logancox4387]

I have a mk5. I absolutely love how it drives. When it drives. I have had so many problems with my 2.0t FSI. I do very well on maintenance and blew the turbo and than a week later blew the motor while causally driving to work. My new motor seems to be doing much better though.

[@anthonysteele1966]

Only owned one GTI the Mark 7 PP and still have it. What a car! Totally agree with Steve and great review by the way. Had a look at the Mk 8 but the price on the road here in OZ has shot up to $60k. Interior feels more plasticky too and that ridiculous ICU.

[@CJ_Koopman]

My first car was a mk3 GTI and i loved it, basically the quickest in my compared to my friends cars at the time, and reliable as well, and it had the steering wheel on the correct side which is on the left 😅😉

[@DoubleOSeven007]

Amazing. Fancy skipping over the Mk2 16V. It’s better than the Mk1, far more refined and usable even today. Mk1 quite harsh on the suspension and less reliable. Mk2 was the best. I’ve owned x2 Mk1 GTI’s Campaign & Sportline, x3 Mk2’s GTI’s 8V & 16V, Oak Green too and my daily is a Mk2 with PAS today. Mk1 is a good looking car but most people couldn’t tell the difference between a Mk1/2. It’s a question I got & get the most.

[@Kevin-wy8kc]

probably did it to generate comments

[@Naitrio]

The mk1 is probably my favorite regarding just the design, but I'm a huge fan of product design of the mid 70s to the mid 80s. I don't doubt that the mk2 is probably better in every other way.