NEW VW Golf R Review: Has The Golf Reached Its Peak? | 4K

[@dwade3202]

I really really dont like the trend of "lets make everything digital" in the interior that every car brand is doing... They cut costs and yet, every year prices are up...

[@davidlegkodukh6969]

Cars are *Also* getting better *Every Year*

[@xIcarus227]

@@davidlegkodukh6969 if you're talking about other brands like Hyundai or Ford, yes, there have been massive improvements indeed. But if you're talking about the Golf I genuinely hope you're joking. The interior quality is a downgrade compared to last gen, so the increased cost makes no sense. Same goes for the A3. This R is 40 grand for god's sake, and you don't even get leather seats.

[@davidlegkodukh6969]

@@xIcarus227 It doesn't matter how you look at it statistics prove you dead wrong. Dozens of new features have been added to the Golf and that's undisputed. It's just your opinion that it's a downgrade, not a fact. Go buy an Audi or BMW if you want a nice interior.

[@xIcarus227]

@@davidlegkodukh6969 what statistics? Show me profit margins for cars over the past 20 years and I'll change my mind. Until then you're just hypothesizing. The interior of the Golf is a downgrade, and that's a fact. That's where a large chunk of the sale price goes towards, yet for some reason the starting price of the Golf has increased by almost 4k pounds. Don't tell me you get 4k worth of options, that's bullshit. I don't think you believe that. And if interior quality isn't important go buy a Renault, at least it drives nicer.

[@davidlegkodukh6969]

@@xIcarus227 Not only was 2020 the best year for the gti but it was the biggest sales for Volkswagen and the hottest hatchback. So if anything their sales are gonna be even better this year because of the continuation of numbers going up and not down so anything your wrong no matter what you say because everyone else in the world is still buying gti hatch backs no matter how they look or how they feel contrary to watch you believe in your little bubble.

[@longestblock]

That car is now rare, with a stamped rory reid face print on the engine cover

[@PeteAUS1983]

Cheap engine cover and lack of gas strut for the bonet are all cost cutting measures.

[@silimarina.]

@@PeteAUS1983 Ah, bonnet gas struts, the most overrated feature on a car. How many times do you open the hood of your car? 3-4 times a year?

[@PeteAUS1983]

@@silimarina. if you have modified it. Quite often....

[@arnelroxas1826]

Yes it is, Rory's face

[@Douglas_Reuber]

@@silimarina. right like who cares? it has 300hp, gas struts are for old people

[@FixieFarquhar]

I just love how honest Rory and AutoTrader are...fast becoming my favourite independent car review company. Keep it up!!

[@asifhirji226]

“You earn your noise”...it’s comments like this that make this gentleman one of the best reviewers out there. Well done!

[@mohamednaflan4361]

Who else watch car reviews as if you're actually going to buy the car, or am I alone?

[@martie6578]

Nah i am with you brother, we can only dream for now

[@sandisomahlobo1652]

It's millions of us bro

[@whartonmadkins4474]

🤣🤣🤣

[@nayanhazra4356]

@@anthony_roblucas_traderfx678 bro even i do hardwork i am very sad, now i am 14 and in 7 years when i will get my license ( in india it is 21) then all those cars will be gone

[@imranjaved4425]

Lol me too bro….. can’t afford these hot hatches but knowledge is good coz its free

[@shanjanusman9974]

A fabulous review for definite. Rory is just amazing and knows how to review a car. Every Friday always waiting for one of his reviews.

[@baloyi9548]

why is he no longer on top gear?

[@Dgnkrty]

Its an incredible car but i think the price of these hot hatches is getting crazy

[@jeroboam4486]

No it's the value of your money (purchasing power) that is going down. They're printing trillions of € / $ / £ since 15 years now, and it starts to show in the real economy.

[@mateoflipkens7763]

Wait 2 years and get it in Dubai for 20-25k

[@peterbennpan7288]

I totally agree..... i remember when the Golf 7 r was about 30 grand and i thought that was expensive for a hothatch

[@ray5952]

They should be affordable for young drivers.

[@dragospahontu]

@@mateoflipkens7763 i still remember when this car had a proper engine, the R32.

[@bganesh316]

So informative, Rory does really know how to review a car, love the country side

[@venom5809]

Someone in VW Press has now been fired for not giving Rory the right car. LOL

[@adams7405]

Maybe it doesn't work and maybe Rory isn't a chav ........

[@Beterr]

@@adams7405 Huh?

[@Astke]

all the UK golf R reviewers got the same car.

[@DM-fn7je]

@@Astke They don’t get the same press car. Look on KZbin a lot of reviews are with a 70 plate Golf Mk8 R

[@Astke]

@@DM-fn7je well some do have the same plate. But yeah you are correct. The spec is the same though.

[@gegabit-]

That's why we love you RORY, you always says what you think, the honest truth. Thank you.

[@EricLV2020]

I'm really pleased to see you got nearly half a mill subbies.... so well merited. Rory, you're the best in the biz - no doubt abt that...

[@hdjhdhdbfhk1937]

I prefer the mk7.5 is the best looking imo

[@unknownl7515]

This one is starting to grow on me, looks way better than the gti. But if i had to pick between the gti’s 7.5 hits wayyyyy harder

[@MrNugget40]

I second that..

[@biggest_9956]

The mk8 performance pack looks better than the 7.5

[@x7wolverines7x]

Stage 1 tune on the 7.5 is insane

[@MrNugget40]

@@x7wolverines7x I have a mk7 gti with a stage 1 tune. It's faster than an R. Pushing 305bhp

[@bycarlsjunior]

Rory is definitely one of the best car journalist out there.

[@vannelclaudihno6641]

Yet another lovely review. Audi S3 vs A35 vs Golf R vs Hyundai i30 N facelift. Let's gooo.

[@westonwanjohi413]

Your videos ar addictive.

[@adamkashif7709]

I have the new mk8r and hands down what a beautiful car to drive. It surprises me everyday! You don’t know what these cars are about until you get behind the wheel

[@jamesvaile6916]

Love the review. Unfortunately it confirms my fear, that the stereo, sat nav etc is a pain in the bum and for that reason alone I will not be getting one. I was so looking forward to this car coming out.

[@obibrenbenobi]

You are the first person that I know of to mention good quality interior and this VW Golf in the same sentence. Interesting

[@RickVG02]

I love the cinematography so much!

[@atobee2595]

Vw really f’d up the interior, just looks so meh

[@ShanerHulk]

Several reviews have tested it 0-60 4.02 seconds. Underrated numbers for VW

[@jackappleton4540]

Great review! Much prefer these more in depth style reviews rather than the more cinematic pieces. Appreciate that I’m sure others will prefer the latter!

[@Mkhehla]

This car is amazing, but it's funny how I've decided that I'd rather get the Audi S3, when I can't even afford the entry level Golf...🥴

[@ashwho-6319]

I think it’s because there saving something up there selves for the new rs3

[@matthewsmith2787]

No brainer, I would rather have the Audi than the VW

[@exothermal.sprocket]

You can afford it. It's just that because of manic printing of fiat money, you're making less this year than you made before and the price listed on goods is skyrocketing. What this is known as, is globalist banker thieves, who hide behind the sophistication of the illusion they created in the early 1900s.

[@richieliang4282]

Tbh so far all those reviews on the latest Golf R, none of it was negative. Mostly, if not all reviewers can be seen smiling while reviewing it.

[@hoagy_ytfc]

I've not seen Rory before (I don't watch Top Gear) but what a great presenter. I'm considering buying one of these and this is by far the most useful of the dozens of reviews I've seen so far.

[@craigmocello8552]

So you haven't seen any,......after seeing dozens. You dum dum.

[@DarkHelmet1976]

I am so torn. Everything about this new R makes me believe it's an absolute blast to drive, but the interior and all the touchscreens may be a dealbreaker. I love my current GTI, but I can see myself jumping ship to the new S3, or even the RS3. VW, BRING BACK BUTTONS!!!

[@Birmingham_racing]

Golfs always perfected the basic things whoever was in charge of the user interface and lack of buttons should be sacked

[@Amory98]

"in this, you earn your noise". Well put❤️

[@danielboyd7810]

I actually like that it's not obnoxious with the popping and banging but I think using the i30N as the comparison to artificial noises was misplaced. Hyundai in their madness is using an actual anti-lag system to make those noises

[@andymcpherson4896]

I have a 2015 GTI Autobahn edition in carbon grey and a 6 MT and love the way it drives. I also appreciate the little things it has that the newer models don't have such as hydraulic hood struts. The tech is a little old school and no wireless charging or Android Auto but it works and the buttons do illuminate. My only real gripe is no rear traffic alert or blind spot monitoring. Best of all it is paid for and since I live in Canada I store it over the winter so only have 40Kms on it. So this one is a keeper. It does go through tyres though and I am no boy racer but now on my 3rd set.

[@matthewmason8982]

Is there anything that’s better about this one than the outgoing R? Seems like they’ve made a it a little worse looking, added a bad infotainment system and given the existing engine a slight remap.

[@xIcarus227]

It's more powerful and the AWD system is improved, that's basically it. The chassis is as unremarkable as before, the interior is qualitatively worse, and the looks are.. Yeah. Also they're lying about power in order to stop this car from cannibalizing Audi S3 sales. People act like it's a bonus but don't consider how misleading it can be to the average Joe who doesn't have a clue and buys the Audi because it's 'similar' in power on paper. There's also rumors that press cars are mapped to a higher power, hence why it's completely murdering the S3, but I haven't seen any evidence of this.

[@bloodysinner9456]

I certainly won't be selling my 7.5R for a long time.

[@grahamstefaan]

I'd save 10k and get the used one except no manual so it's STI for me.

[@Astke]

Better wait for a golf 8.5R. Or whatever comes next. As far as the Infotainment goes.... I got a user story for you (as I am a user). It used to be laggy and buggy AF, really frustrating honestly. Then it got a few Over-The-Air updates, so no dealer visits (already the first plus for the Mk8 system). It hasn't crashed or frozen in months, sliders react perfectly now, it doesn't stutter anymore and it reacts instantly. I think that since these updates the system is actually better than the 7.5 system. I had a 7.5 e-Golf with the 9.2 inch system for a few days, and it felt a lot slower than the system in my Golf 8. It feels like the hardware in the Golf 8 system is fine, they just had to fix the software. And they did just like on a smartphone or an app.. As for looks, well that is an opinion. I think Golf 8 looks slightly worse from the front, but I find the back much more attractive than the 7.5. And the interior looks so much more interesting to me than the conservative 7.5 interior. As I said, I sat in both cars, and the Golf 7.5 maybe has like 1% better materials. Probably some Dieselgate cost savings.

[@matthewmason8982]

@@Astke The next Golf should be the ID.3

[@kirkleonard169]

Hey Rory, I always look forward to your reviews. I have 2016 Mk 7 manual golf R which I bought new. Opted for a manual due to the fact that there will be fewer on the road in the coming years plus the fact that i prefer a manual car. The decision by VW to reduce manual car sales in the golf R cars here in Australia is disappointing as I believe that manual variants will be made available in the US according to a CNET report. Don’t know if it is the same in the UK but I know all manufacturers are catering for the majority. This new Mk8 has grown on me over the few months but I wonder if I’d buy another golf R considering that manual are not an option (at least here in Aus). Not sure how others view manual cars…

[@Astke]

The Golf infotainment is a mystery to me. Do car reviewers not get updated systems? My Golf 8 infotainment used to be very laggy, just like you said. But it has been updated over the air a few times and now it is smooth as a new smartphone. It hasn't frozen or crashed in months.

[@JohnSmith-gg6mr]

I believe the new RS3 coming out later this year will use the same setup, could be very interesting, especially if it's 415bhp!

[@xIcarus227]

Same setup in what way? I think the engine was confirmed to be the same 5pot at least.

[@JohnSmith-gg6mr]

@@xIcarus227 I agree it'll be the 5pot, but the same chassis setup, so hopefully the understeer will be lessened.

[@xIcarus227]

@@JohnSmith-gg6mr it's not the chassis setup which saves the understeer in this golf, it's the AWD system. The chassis is unfortunately just as unremarkable as before, hence why the GTI still has understeer issues.

[@JohnSmith-gg6mr]

@@xIcarus227You're probably correct, I'm looking forward to test driving the new RS3 later this year hopefully, will find out then I guess!

[@xIcarus227]

@@JohnSmith-gg6mr oh hell yes. I'm actually in the market for an RS3 right now and that engine is just amazing. If they make upgrade the RS3 with the new AWD system it should be notably better than the old one.

[@kristianvassilev360]

I've been waiting for Finn to tell me about the golf R!

[@stephaneasselin3359]

Finn 😂

[@g1itchyt212]

Man rory is a legend

[@Soraviel]

A very nice car indeed, it isn't loud (referring to colours) and it is nippy (fast) and it looks normal(referring to the looks of the car). I like it, also again the cinematography in this video is impeccable (I love it).

[@davidlegkodukh6969]

It's actually faster than BMW revival hatchback which cost more

[@scratch1200s]

Wow! Seriously amazing review. I can’t wait for these to make their way over to the states.

[@BLKFLYGTI]

Nice work. I am waiting for it to drop here in the U.S. I had a ‘13 R and it was fairly strong though had an ‘11 GTI which was much more visceral. I am toggling back and forth between the 8R and 718 Boxster. Like the practical size and AWD of the R but the Porsche is a Porsche.

[@ephyslebs3599]

I'm a fan of Golf and I do agree with you this touch touch functions are not even easy and safe to use whilist driving

[@magzm8]

Anyone else notice the rear hatch 'latch' lifting and closing at 9mins 27 and 11 mins? It's as if the car thinks it has selected reverse and is showing the rear camera. It's when Rory seems to have upped the pace and on a left hander. Very odd and could point to some sort of electrical gremlin maybe?

[@CarObsession]

Great video, just a shame you weren't given a Performance Pack version. Also, that engine cover? *shakes head*

[@klasseneditor]

Why all the 8R doesn't have the Akrapovic and the performance packege in the UK?

[@reecea5432]

The electronics (particularly the driver display) in these new cars are a pain, yeah they look cool but that wears off quickly. You set your drivers display once and barely change. My a35 has a bug where the drivers display sometimes doesn't switch on so I have to turn the car off and wait for the reboot ffs

[@Szcza04]

Should’ve gotten a Toyota or Lexus

[@reecea5432]

@@Szcza04 nah I love the car, was more just highlighting the issue with increased electronics. Going to be a mess in 10 years

[@shaheenevans]

Great review Rory - insightful as always - I love how they have tuned it so chasing the redline is fun and combines with new 4wd sounds like promising ! Carwow clocked 0-60 in 4 seconds, rapid.

[@jvb4450]

I wanted to get a Golf MK7 GTI Clubsport, but I got the 2019 Polo GTI instead after seeing reviews and comparisons. The thing is, the Polo GTI drives like a real GTI. I didn't feel much difference compared to my 2016 Golf GTE. It feels like a Golf when you're inside, and it's just a quick as a Golf GTI. Only downside is that the rear end is less beatiful, I love the rear of the Golf. And the arm rest is a bit smaller. That's it.

[@maschan91]

11:02 Ohh I can see the issue of pressing the buttons on the steering wheel while turning and triggering the back camera as was mentioned at 4:55

[@robertm3951]

I agree about the slippery gas petal. It does make me nervous but it has never been a problem. I assume there is an aftermarket solution that I just do not know about.

[@paulgoode9362]

This channel is so much better than Car Wow, hosted by a ‘comedian’.

[@ntobekozondi913]

Mk7 remains the best. Thanks to Roy and Autotrader for being honest with their reviews 👏

[@erasmus9627]

The touchscreen control panel is a dealbreaker. Real knobs and buttons are so much easier and safer to use. You can't even change the temperature at night in the Golf 8 because the slider panel is not illuminated. You can't see it. Whereas it's easy to do in Golf 7 because you can twist the physical dial. What was VW thinking?

[@joecrabtree395]

I have a mark 8 GTD and the infotainment system is always playing up exactly as you mentioned. Also the wireless charger cooks your phone with or without the cover down so I never use it.

[@Paul-kw1og]

Great review. Gets to the point.

[@antonthompson7838]

When I’m driving my Golf 8 at night I just ask the car to change the temperature!

[@fastanfun]

Cla 45 s or golf r? Which one to pick?

[@stephengriffin4990]

love the colour and blue high lights inside R

[@huwjones5879]

Totally agree with the use of touch interface in a car. Give me a tactile switch/knob every time. Enjoy this fabulous car while you can, the next generation will be EV.

[@oliver2629]

Always look forward to seeing your videos on my feed, class act mate 👌

[@elios.503]

Great review and car. The R mk8 it's incredibile underground every aspects. I have a mk8 R and fortunately my infotainment work very well, probabily the system of the teste car need to be updated. In any case thank you for this video and test! 🤩

[@quicknickdriver8510]

Thanks Rory, always appreciate the open honesty in your reviews. Couldn’t agree more about the dodgy infotainment/ climate control issue. How did that get overlooked?

[@Ace-Brigade]

Totally at random ran into this channel and you are quite literally one of the best car reviewers I have seen thus far

[@AutoTraderTV]

Thanks! Drop us a sub.

[@tjittekamminga5170]

great presentation! thanks.

[@FulaniTribesman]

On exhaust notes, Rory said: "You earn your noise." Rory. Is. Pretty. Good. at. This. Stuff. 😊 Great review mate.

[@richardbixler]

The capacitive buttons are a complete and total deal breaker for me. It’s a shame too, because this gen R is undoubtedly leaps ahead of any other generation in terms of driving performance and fun.

[@HypnotizinDetailz]

Brilliant review Rory - as always! 🤩🙏🏻

[@wandinxumalo2310]

The ah is sick tbh 🔥

[@Mastachazrs]

You make one of best reviews

[@faranahmad]

Can we get a collab between Autotrader and Carwow? 🥺

[@PrintCloud]

Rory is my favourite car youtuber.

[@Kylirr]

No.

[@ninderpalbrar6696]

It would be awesome....now autowow

[@lesfernandez888]

No, coz Matt is wonky-eyed, yet can't even drive competently in a straight line.

[@ninderpalbrar6696]

@@lesfernandez888 did ever drive with him .........????

[@RyuTsuchiya]

I'm driving the gti and I'm having massive problems with the infotainment. It crashes everytime I'm getting in since the last update. It's a big mess!

[@TheWolf133]

@@RyuTsuchiya should have gotten an R

[@casey2732]

The bar supporting bonnet for this price?!! It's hilarious!!!

[@kirksmith347]

Will you be opening it on a daily basis lol?

[@rolandfullthrottle8316]

Same here... it should have been there. Period.

[@TheChazas]

Miss Tornado Red on GTI's and R's.

[@Quack_special_prosecutor]

The ultimate review I’ve been waiting for

[@Golfr2020]

May be a better steering turning circle? The previous 7.5 model is not the best on this.

[@SWATKID2000]

As an owner of a 7.5 r , I think it’s more grown up than the Mk8 overall. I like the new shape but the interior is like an old mans bedding

[@smythe2310]

The 7.5 is the pinnacle in terms of design for me. I had the 7R and I’d prefer that over the 8.

[@stephenlane9168]

Nice work Rory 👌👏

[@neile36a]

Another superb review Rory you are the number one by a mile as for the car wow if the lottery comes up it will be on my drive

[@ricolism]

How do you get excited about every car you drive? After I drive certain high end cars, I doubt the lower spec ones would excite me.

[@jeffreyb.1657]

Hate the screens and no knobs......and hate the fact that VW at least in the US does not keep VW old parts around. So these cars get sunsetted....need a brake caliper in 15 years...tough....ask how I know....have a R32.... What happens if you lose a screen in 10 years......? Steering is numb. Shifter is sloppy. Clutch is too light. If you get one, get a dsg. or get an STI. What really irks me....plastic oil pan. Don't know why...but bugs me. Great review.

[@bfsf2010]

try to hold power button for 20 secs rebooting the infotainment system. It always fix mysterious lockup of all my VW vehicles.

[@hannaelfar4271]

Love the honesty

[@markdennis7119]

Always great video car 🚙 content

[@limericklad2000]

The real 0-60 is far closer to 4 seconds flat than 4.7 as tested by Mat Watson. Insanely fast for a 4 cylinder hot hatch.

[@colemitchmtb]

Car and driver did a 3.9, absolutely insane for a stock hatch

[@jtkent28]

I own an mk7.5 GTI and I absolutely love it (it’s my 3rd GTI in a row). I am seriously considering getting the new R as soon as it’s available in the US. But I am super disappointed with what I’m hearing and seeing about the infotainment. I simply do not understand what VW was thinking with this buttonless / knob less dash. In my mk7.5 everything is so well thought out and easy to use. I can turn up the radio, put on seat heaters or crank the AC with the simple twist of a knob or push of a button. This new buttonless dash seems like an absolute nightmare. Yikes VW.

[@andrewmontague2636]

Wait til you’ve tried it for yourself and make your own judgement. I’ve test driven the GTI Clubsport and the R and liked the new interface. It needs to be learnt and understood, something most journalists can’t be bothered to do so they’d rather just slag it off..!

[@OneTwoThreePunch]

I just made the switch from a 7.5 gti dsg to 8r and it is an amazing car. I am 100 miles into the 1000 mile break in but it’s crazy quick even at 1/4 throttle. Paid over msrp but they are hard to find….. the infotainment isn’t great but wanted awd and more power .

[@krane15]

I made the comment about those "all button in screen" from the start. The display goes out or malfunctions and you're locked out of everything. I also HATE those headrest integrated seats. They not only look ugly, but they block off the entire forward view from the rear seats making it a claustrophobic coffin for anyone sitting behind you.

[@_b_k]

Nice Car & Review :)

[@livinglifefast]

£40k for a car and it doesn't have gas struts under the bonnet. I believe interior quality has also had the cost saving treatment.

[@stubailey9433]

This car is a great car, but as you said, at this price there should be NO problems. Good work Rory.

[@CarStory]

Thumbs up as soon as the video begins my friend! Love the GTI and GolfR!

[@gaznelson8615]

Looks are growing on me I think the white with black looks the best, sounds like it's really on point with the performance and I'm sure it will continue to be one of if not best all round hot hatch you can buy But at 40k I'd be more tempted in an nearly new rs3 or ttrs, for now I'm more than happy with my plucky mk7 R

[@GreenDiesal]

I think the performance pack doesn't auto shift in manual. I believe they showed it in the Straight Pipes Vid on the ice field.

[@theneone111]

Good review Rory 👍

[@nissenherrera8559]

Good review actually

[@jbm0866]

To answer the question posed by the video title...yes, I believe the peak has been reached, or near enough. VW may make a few slight imrovements if there is an MK 8.5 Golf R, but with VW betting their future on EV's from now on, I believe the MK8-possible MK8.5 refresh will be the pinnacle of the GTI with awd. Sure VW can slap a GTI/R badge on the MK9, and it may be faster in a straight line...but it wont be the same experience overall. If VW does the smart thing and makes the MK9 GTI/Golf R hybrid, (ideally with both traditional and plug in variants) then that could potentially be the pinnacle...but it appears they're hell bent on dominating the EV market worldwide, and hybrids won't really help with that.

[@theauthordannaga7465]

Been waiting for this!

[@sh00t1ngst4r12]

Fiurst video I've watched of yours and I must say I really enjoyed it. Your presentation is by far one of the best I've seen on reviews

[@eklektikTechno]

This is going to be my 54th birthday gift to myself! :) bring it here to the US 2022

[@harleyjager8829]

Whew, tough audience! FWIW, I enjoyed your enthusiasm for the R, Rory. Is the R perfect? No, of course not. But it's not a dog's dinner, either. I do have a couple of questions, however. First, at 9:30, just as the car can be seen arcing into a corner at speed, the VW badge on the rear hatch is "open" for some reason, and it can be seen closing at 9:31. Why would it be "open" at speed? Electrical issue? Next, why doesn't the R come standard with the larger rear wing? I can understand VW AG wanting an additional pound or two for the adjustable suspension, larger alloys, etc., but the larger rear wing (IMHO) should be a standard fitting on the R. And, finally, why are there only three color options for the R, two of which (white & black) are dull as dirt?

[@adrianhurley5861]

At 09:27 you can see the boot release move whilst he's driving forward. Why is that? A camera?

[@RS0593]

Amazing review! :)

[@bmt973]

Another mega review Rory. Golf 8R and G80 M3 got a lot in common.