Can We Love the new Mk8 VW GTI? - Two Takes

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Since 1983, the Volkswagen GTI has been the go-to recommendation for someone who wants a fun, sporty, affordable but high quality German sports car. It offers practicality, good design, comfortable living space, and excellent back road performance while not being overly frantic on the highway.
The eighth generation GTI offers more performance than ever and excellent driving dynamics with improved steering field and a noticeable absence of understeer: all good things. But their new infotainment system makes us really raise an eyebrow. Does poor decision making in the interior department ruin the good choices the powertrain and handling department have made? Zack and Matt hit the canyon to find out.
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I Want to Love the New GTI, But I Can’t - Two Takes
#mk8gti
#vwgti

[@TheSmokingTire]

Mk8 GTI or Veloster N?

[@coreybrainard3939]

N! I have one and love it.

[@poetryonplastic]

Mazda 3 Turbo!

[@Dave-Cruz]

civic si, otherwise the N

[@mattdock7346]

N all day long

[@yonathanhailu9542]

veloster n. Fun to drive. It has buttons and touch screen. Its also not 40k.

[@rabidsquirrel22ben]

The first quarter of this video was hilarious. I've never seen them so frustrated with a car's HMI lol

[@M67v]

Just look at the non-Blackwing CT5-V video. Matt gets so tight about the transmission

[@maverickofkain]

I will continue my petition that when you boys do these together, it should be called a "double take".

[@mehftv]

It's called two takes

[@BlaziNTrades]

But the original isn't called "single take"

[@tokirak]

@@BlaziNTrades but double take has a double entendre which is funnier than two-take

[@BlaziNTrades]

@@tokirak that is a fair point, however, this is the internet so I willll need you to admit that you're wrong

[@MravacKid]

@@BlaziNTrades It is also the internet so nobody will ever admit they're wrong. :)

[@MegaDizz23]

Oh Volkswagen, The hvac/multimedia controls are a deal breaker.

[@Globbs]

Yup. Car ruined.

[@DenisKudlik]

good lord did they drop the ball on the interior systems in this generation of cars. holy shit, how many billions will it cost to fix it all for the facelift or next gen?

[@MetalJesusRocks]

I am very interested in upgrading my 2013 GTI to the new 2022 model, but that touch interface KILLS it for me. So stupid they did that...

[@jayman81424]

You could certainly look into a low mileage mk7.5. Great cars.

[@Karto86]

I30N/Veloster N?

[@shijima_ending]

mk7 or 7.5 all the way. they will age beautifully

[@Sie84yv]

Get a Veloster N with better performance and adaptive dampers and keep the $7k difference! (Or an Elantra N if u want more interior room and 4 doors)

[@doalwa]

You should try to get a used MK 7.5 GTI. Was my daily driver until last year and I loved it. Classy interior, very well put together, easy controls…pretty much the opposite of the new one 😁 And the infotainment was alright as well, CarPlay and AndroidAuto were both supported and the touchscreen was very responsive.

[@johnybylund7938]

I have had my MK8 Golf R DSG for almost a week. I traded my MK7 manual. No comparison hands down the new car is better. Take an hour to learn how the touch screen/MMI works and you'll be surprised how easy everything works. No one ever talks about how customizable the screen is. You can create shortcuts for common used items like ESC. It can be a simple swipe down from the top of screen and one push Off. It takes more time to learn the new car but is totally worth the upgrade. (honeymoon phase I know) The biggest Miss so far is the non lit (at night) volume and temp controls. Give the car a chance.

[@carloscanizares4699]

4 shortcuts. And for ESC, you still need to press 3 more times to get your screen back. In the 7, a 5 sec press and you’re done. When simple actions become more complex because of cost-cutting and potentially becomes more dangerous, it’s a full 180 from progress

[@Gertso]

As a mk7 owner "what have they done to my boy?"

[@Petrospect]

look how they massacred my boy

[@billybones2385]

It's faster, handles better.....yeah, they ruined it.

[@guenthersteiner8163]

@@billybones2385 the handling upgrades are nice, it’s just a shame that VW cost cut the interior so much. They went from having the best interior in class (mk7), to one of the worst

[@tracktimevideos5164]

It's a shame, such a ruined car.

[@Gertso]

@@billybones2385 no one gets a GTI because it's the best performance car in this segment. They get one because it has the nicest interior by far while also being more practical, having a better ride quality and generally just being easier to live with on the daily. It's the all rounder of the group. If you significantly downgrade the interior and user experience you're taking away what makes this car special. I can drop a couple grand into my mk7 and get better performance than this one can stock and it be just as reliable. Oh also the front end on the mk8 looks like a couple generations old Corolla. Fucking hideous.

[@cafn8ed74]

My mother is a super polite, super inoffensive older Midwestern lady. When she describes a thing as "really something" (9:05) you know it is complete crap. I'm hip to that lingo.

[@jpslayermayor9293]

How is her HMI responsiveness? Come with a long term warranty?

[@tommynobaka]

It'd be interesting to see how the touch sensitive buttons last over the next 5+ years. Imagine driving a car and you can't change any settings because the touch buttons don't "detect" any feedback

[@Boomtowndogs]

I honestly expect it’ll be a fad that dies once buyers vote with their wallets for a generation. The whole tech/electric movement somehow necessitates a downgraded interior experience? For the sake of visual attractiveness? Can the designers. I’m only buying a car with buttons.

[@guenthersteiner8163]

@@Boomtowndogs it’s not done for visual attractiveness, it’s done for cost cutting. Touch/haptic buttons are cheaper than physical buttons

[@tommynobaka]

@@Boomtowndogs I agree. UX design in vehicles doesn't sit right with me. We've already seen how overreliance on tech has served us in the "smart" tech side with chip shortages. It'd be interesting if car manufacturers starting offering bare bones cars again due to chip shortages

[@enzozeb]

As a second and third hand gti owner yeah absolutly agree. I don’t even want to think about that headache plus what it costs to replace.

[@danielnelson4881]

@@guenthersteiner8163 Ehhh, I think I'll get a second opinion... Sorry, I'm just not sure you Haas any idea what you're talking about. I mean you're probably right, but I think that a guy who knows what he's talking about would have fired Magnussen ASAP....

[@TheEvman67]

Hard pass on the new GTI. Technology should make things easier. Gotta be able to adjust dampers on the move. The infotainment system and menus would drive me nuts.

[@APWong]

I think they are misleading us here. There are presets of comfort, normal, and sport for the suspension. I don't think you could change the "custom" settings on the move in the last generation either.

[@lenbathin9182]

yes, the interior is super nice for sure, with that saying if you can live with the look though. OMG

[@jaioncebollero1168]

@@APWong they say that in the video.

[@RacerScott]

You absolutely can change the dampers while moving. Just change drive mode.

[@carloscanizares4699]

@@APWong you could and the 7/7.5 remembered driver settings after switching it off.

[@morley3810]

I've said it before, and I'll say it again here. The MK7.5 will be remembered as the high water mark for the VW GTI. That's why I bought a 2020 6spd. 18 months and 30,000km later it still makes me smile every time I drive it. It's just so good at so many things.

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

You never said this before.

[@morley3810]

@@bigmacdaddy1234 yeah, I guess you weren't there lol

[@jzb8380]

The engine/exhaust has a nice sound and the it looks to be a good, useful fun car. But the controls, menus and touch screen seem to have been developed with no ergonomic concern.

[@moddude101]

Very true. And that's always been a Volkswagen strong point.

[@kc510]

Hopefully they see these mistakes and fix all of that with an 8.5. But it looks like they’re trying to just force everyone Into getting used to it.

[@Sie84yv]

What you hear in the video isn't engine sound, it's the pumped in audio u can't turn off. It sounds suspiciously similar to the Rs pumped in audio. I wonder if they bothered to change it since a 5 cylinder sounds different 😅

[@bjjbrawler1]

@@Sie84yv You could turn it off in the older gen's using an OBD Eleven plug in. I might do it to my 7.5, but for now it sounds pretty good even though it's fake noise.

[@Xerber85]

That’s also the main reason why I’m not a fan of touch screens in cars. Menu’s are often overly complex and it will never be as ergonomic, intuitive or quick as the tactile feeling of pressing a real button. I suspect that the main reason that most modern cars have them, is that they are far cheaper for manufacturers than traditional button and instrument clusters and it’s easier to add features.

[@RavTokomi]

At this rate I'll just keep my 135i forever. Just the right amount of technology before it got all stupid with screens and touch buttons.

[@eriknephrongfr8847]

If it’s the Euro hatch(we got the coupe in the states) I hear you!

[@R3LF13]

This is how I feel about my Fiesta ST too. Volume and hvac knobs, esc off button, and a reasonably easy to use touch screen with Android Auto for audio. Can't think of any reason to go away from that formula.

[@KiranPatel-fk1pg]

Not sure they're that reliable long term but yeah I agree tech is going too far.

[@f1jones544]

Yep, I have a base F30 328ix and it's already as electronic as I ever want any vehicle as it is. I think that generation of iDrive combined with the analog duplicity for most controls is about as good a compromise as it gets before being too much. I don't want iPad screens and touch sliders in my car. If that's the way it's going to be I'll be replacing the car I have for another like it when the time comes rather than go down the road VW and others are going. Heck, who wants to justify spending $40k for what should be an economy hatchback anyway?

[@machtschnell7452]

135i is a much better car unless you carry 4 adults all the time. When I had mine I'd always look back at it in the parking lot and smile. I don't think I would do that with this card at all. I would probably frown.

[@SturbokSensei]

The most aggrovating little niggle about the touch buttons is the fact the volume/temperature slider buttons ARE_NOT_BACKLIT meaning you cannot see them at night!!! I mean can you imagine a german engineer signing off on a design descision like that?

[@alekwormuth734]

Holy crap this car would piss me off so much. I have no clue how such established auto makers could ever ever let this happen

[@CubanRider]

The "base, base, base one" is really good, I know because we just bought one after owning 3 Mk7 GTIs. You don't get the DCC or keyless access, but you still get the LED headlights, keyless start, heated seats and steering wheel, a volume and tune knob, lane keeping, ACC, blind spot monitoring, rear traffic alert, etc. It's the lightest GTI that got a huge boost in options for around $30k. I like GTIs with cloth seats and without sunroof, so I'm really happy the base car received all these upgrades.

[@evanwheeler7687]

That sounds really nice, but I'm over here wondering how you've gone through 3 mk7s, lol.

[@CubanRider]

@@evanwheeler7687 the 2015 because it was a vast improvement over our Mk6, then in 2017 they added Android Auto/Apple Carplay and a reverse camera, we drove that one for over 66k miles. After watching reviews of the Mk8, we decided to get the last year of the Mk7 because we truly loved that car, plus the 2019+ had gotten the bigger brakes and LSD standard. Then some crazy stuff happened that I traded the '21 for a '22 BRZ, only to trade the BRZ with only 3300 miles for a 2022 GTI S.

[@TimLSim]

At this point, I'd just stick with my Mk 7 longer and wait for the Mk 8.5 refresh since the interior looks to be too much fuss to live with.

[@tippylosojos]

I’m definitely keeping my mk7.5

[@wtfchazpwnt]

You know the UX is bad when a guy who learns/uses new cars for a living has to take his eyes off the road for minutes at a time to make adjustments.

[@derekb5749]

I disagree with that...only long term owners really know the menus of their car. If you have it for a week you don't learn anything.

[@mrcompatable]

@@derekb5749 If it takes you a week to learn the menus on a new car, you have just bought the wrong car. Cars are meant to be driven. It's not a Samsung. How many settings could you possibly need.

[@derekb5749]

@@mrcompatable my point is these guys use a car for a day or 2 and maybe a total of a few hours...they aren't learning the car and all car menus are different. They are NOT an expert in a GTI because they drove it for a day...or even 3. It's like "initial quality" surveys.

[@Krauser1226]

@@derekb5749 gonna hard disagree here. You could hop on my Mk7 and immediately get around the interface. I also had no experience with my girlfriends Civic and I made my way through that interface immediately. Being able to ultimately figure out an unintuitive interface doesn't excuse poor design. Good software should always fade away because good software just lets you do what you want to do. Burying traction control under the brakes section of an interface you can't even access when you're driving isn't good software design.

[@derekb5749]

@@Krauser1226 because they don't have any tech in them, or options to change. You can get into the new GTI and set the temp and change the radio same as your older GTI and a civic which has no user interface other than a radio.

[@rufusdavies2160]

I have to say, nice driving guys. Fast and smooth, and not chopping corners. Pleasure to see.

[@johnn1250]

My prediction for the R review,: the R will be faster, better driving dynamics, but the haptic buttons will (like the GTi) ruin the fun of the car.

[@eas26]

If.....BUTTONS of all things ruin the fun of a Golf R, you're the problem. Not the car.

[@TriHarderKenp]

@@eas26 semantics. If the daily usefulness of the car is more infuriating than the fun of the driving experience and there are other options with a better overall combination of the two, this loses. Is that better?

[@eloneatmyshorts]

@@TriHarderKenp well put reply to that snarky comment!

[@eas26]

@@TriHarderKenp This is a bad take. Name the 3 most important elements of a fun car. If you say buttons, you'd sound pretty silly wouldn't you? Driving dynamics, sense of speed, sound are examples what makes a car fun to drive. Proper inputs are what makes a car a good daily driver. Has literally nothing to do with what makes a car "fun" unless you think sharpening pencils is fun. Read the comment, "haptic buttons will ruin the fun of the car" is dumb, period. THAT is what I was addressing, not its practicality was a daily, which I very clearly didn't say a word about.

[@TriHarderKenp]

@@eas26 I know what you were replying to, and that’s why the first word of my reply was “semantics.” You responded to the literal meaning of the comment, and I responded to what I believe (not “know,” so I’m not dying on this hill) OP was trying to communicate. This wouldn’t be happening if you treated online convos like in-person convos - clarification, questions, respect, benefit of the doubt, deference, etc.

[@aspiratedaloha2946]

As a Gti owner, I can confirm I will not be "upgrading" They ruined this car

[@sturdyvw]

People need to do this, crater sales of the new one and they will hopefully listen. Honda listened and put the volume knob back, VW can too!

[@tonyga5]

Same mate. What a bloody mess …so disappointing.

[@felspawn4841]

Yeah i had a 2015 GTI autobahn since new which i loved but with Trade in values what they were this year i wanted to upgrade. Very turned off by the Mk8. I ended up getting a 2022 BRZ which i have fallen in love with though ive gotten some hate from people thinking im crazy. Car is so fun though.

[@C0ACHMAYNE]

I also have a 2015 auto- black pearl and I’m trading it in for a 2022 golf R. Makes no sense to buy this gti. Going full upgrade

[@shijima_ending]

which is quicker? the mk7 or the new brz?

[@felspawn4841]

@@shijima_ending so my BRZ is faster but bear in mind i had one of the first 2015 GTIs, didnt have the performance pack, LSD, had all seasons vs the slicks my BRZ came with etc. I didnt get the BRZ because it was a ton faster, its just a ton more fun.

[@felspawn4841]

@@C0ACHMAYNE Congrats!

[@shijima_ending]

@@felspawn4841 hm, interesting. even taking that into account, i would think the MK7 GTI would still be quicker, given the power figures and how VW sleeps them. i know the MK8 gaps the BRZ for sure

[@pnw_erik]

The ESC OFF can be coded into the Mk7/7.5 and the understeer can be fixed with a slightly larger rear sway bar that is noticeable but not too harsh. I absolutely love my Mk7.5 GTI S trim and don't see myself getting out of it for a long time. 😎🙌

[@Enzo187]

VW really nailed it with the Mk7/7.5. Absolutely fantastic cars.

[@vomErsten]

I remember how VW's staff were proclaiming how futuristic and amazing this "all-digital" interior would be. Whomever pushed for or signed off on this ought to be demoted, it's horrific.

[@jpslayermayor9293]

demoted? Fired, the price of this incompetence is many 10s of millions at minimum

[@macaron3141592653]

Exiled from Germany seems more appropriate

[@vomErsten]

@@macaron3141592653 Unfortunately it keeps spreading to their new models. With any luck, people will choose alternative brands instead for their next purchases.

[@jamiekirkpatrick96]

Oh boy I do love me a two takes, although I still wish they were called double takes!

[@ssllhh100]

double presentation would be better, DP, zack and matt take turns on a german beauty

[@hovnojede010101]

Lesser variants of the Golf in Germany have a steering wheel with physical buttons instead. Same function, but without the possibility of turning your steering wheel heating on by just looking at it. Could very well be retrofitable for US cars.

[@blackshadow7192]

I find this insane, physical buttons are more expensive than touch button.

[@PasDeMD]

C+D said the touch controls screwed up the golf R's lightning laps due to changing drive modes accidentally. What a shame.

[@biosfearmag]

Makes me love my MK1 GTI even more.

[@hoffa2586]

Amen! Thankfully my son has a MK7 and it is a blast to drive, but nothing beats the original pocket rocket Like my Mk1!

[@dubsessed9790]

The true 🐇

[@ryuhn8604]

it's insane how the interior of my 2011 looks better than the 2022

[@theejpp]

$40,000 for a GTI is absurd

[@MrWolf2212]

Price of new cars went up.

[@tumsfestival8027]

Cars are more expensive in general. The new model is to sell less cars, but with higher pricing to richer people. The era of “everybody having a car” is going away and we’re getting back to the 20s when only rich people had them

[@ZZGTKING]

For anyone who is interested in improving the dynamic performance of their MK7 GTI, Clubsport S front swivels, Aluminum subframe, a Wavetrac LSD plus a thicker antiroll bar can bump the handling and driving joy closer to MK8 GTI level.

[@CarStory]

As a Mk7.5 owner, the lack of physical buttons and ridiculous infotainment controls in the Mk8 is a deal breaker for me. VW really messed up big time. I see no compelling reason to sell the GTI I have now.

[@Ave.J.]

Oh ima be selling my 2018 7.5 dsg and ima price it just under these new golf rs because theyre worth way more imo just interior and buttons alone seal the deal.

[@Kelvinjan]

I foresee VW scrambling to add physical buttons back for the mid cycle refresh - kind of like how Honda had touch buttons in the Civic and then reverted back to dials and buttons.

[@zachg9065]

VW: "I've got an idea, lets put capacitive buttons on the dash and steering wheel as well as a very poorly designed infotainment system along with gloss black plastic, that is what the people want!" Reviewers: "The infotainment kills this car and it's a dealbreaker" WHEN WILL CAR COMPANIES LEARN WE WANT PHYSICAL BUTTONS. LITERALLY NO ONE WANTS/LIKES CAPACITIVE BUTTONS.

[@frenchyroastify]

I remember when stereo amplifiers went through the new "digital" revolution where manufacturers removed all switches and knobs and replaced them with buttons. If you wanted to raise or lower a setting, you had to push push push push push push the buttons to the desired level rather than quickly turning a knob. This was a horrible interface. We are going through a similar design phase with these touch screens. What I loved with my first Mk 5 GTI were the no nonsense controls. The sound system even had knobs for highs, mids, and low frequencies. New and different doesn't equal better.

[@DailyDriver.]

I can’t explain how warranted that rant about the touch buttons was. It would literally prevent me from buying a lot of cars because of these annoying touch buttons I hate them. Subaru putting the AC controls into the touchscreen was a absolute issue as well because they’re touchscreens always stop working it just happened to a friend of mine the other day and her outback. This quest to delete all physical buttons as a moronic thing to do.

[@user-zz6iv2ou6f]

Just got one. The haptics aren't that bad after a day, and its still plenty quick (and that's coming from a Golf Mk7.5 GTI owner). The downsides of this car have been very overhyped by those who don't live with them. Inconvenient for a day? Yes. A bad as advertised? Nowhere near.

[@_Ezio__Auditore_]

Even for track/backroad driving, it sounds like the Mk7/7.5 should be held on to. The understeer reduction and ESC off bits can be had with little money on the MK7. If someone is tracking or driving back roads hard enough to want to reduce understeer and have ECS off, they will probably not mind the slight modifications that will alleviate these issues.

[@KiranPatel-fk1pg]

What exactly would you do to reduce understeer other than tires or alignment?

[@Dusty1698]

@@KiranPatel-fk1pg A stiffer rear sway bar goes a long way on the mk7/7.5 for improving understeer

[@mattdock7346]

Interesting that 8 years after launch the Fiesta ST is still mentioned in basically every hot hatch comparison. Also interesting to hear the choppy ride continue to come up. Feels like the ST was the last car that delivered a simple, fun hot hatch experience... and at a pricepoint almost 1/3 lower than the GTI and Veloster N (even inflation adjusted).

[@jryalls]

And yet they no longer sell it in the US

[@R3LF13]

Love my Fiesta ST. Every positive said about it is true and I don't even find the downsides that are usually mentioned all that bad. I put -1 wheels on it for a better ride in winter and the interior is totally fine, although admittedly I'm coming from a Wrangler so I'm easy to impress in that area. Still, I'll take my volume and hvac knobs, and simple analog gauges over that gti mess any day.

[@kurtstephan7039]

​@@R3LF13 Well put. I have a '17 FiST that I have yet to grow even remotely tired of...and I've done long road trips in it. I get what Matt's saying, but it's not that much of a penalty box on trips (at least for one or two people). The highway ride is pretty reasonable, it tracks well, fuel mileage is great, and I've been in much noisier subcompacts. It has just enough modern tech without being annoying and distracting. I could see replacing it in the future with something like the new GR86/BRZ, but for me, the GTI is totally out of consideration now.

[@R3LF13]

@@kurtstephan7039 agreed on all points. I'm ready to put a tune on it as it could pull a little harder, but given the way it handles on a tight road, I would not trade the FiST for any other more powerful hatch, although the Veloster N is intriguing. Funny you mention the 86 because I was waiting for the GR86 to come out and had pretty much decided on it, when I got impatient and decided to get the ST instead. Now that 86s are getting marked up, I'm glad I didn't wait, but im still keeping an eye on that car for the future.

[@homiefizzle5260]

Fiesta ST is amazing! Had one for 5 years before going to a Focus RS. If they made a fiesta RS it might just be the best modern hot hatch ever.

[@alexweinstein8241]

I found this same road in my Mk7.5 the other day! Hell of a road and a funny surprise to see you guys testing the next gen on it

[@nfo1776]

What's it called?

[@hyogomarume8345]

Rain sensing wipers is a must have feature, right? I wouldn’t know when to turn my wipers on without it🤥

[@PatrickEVRAable]

Obviously you don't live in the UK 😂

[@hyogomarume8345]

@@PatrickEVRAable sunshine in LA 😎

[@Nelbone]

They took the convenience out of one of the most practical performance oriented cars. Shame. I loved my MK7 autobahn.

[@JFinns]

Have the MK7 GTI manual, picked up APR stage 1 tune at Waterfest 5 years ago and love it. Was planning to get a MK8 GTI manual and now I've just lost interest. What was VW thinking with this interior. Hopefully it gets improved quickly.

[@zacharycropper5532]

This is how I felt with the Elantra N. I had the 2018 Elantra sport 1.6T, Biermanns first project with Hyundai. Great car. Well laid out, decently reliable, optioned well. I was saving for the Elantra N and then my Sport got totalled. N wasn’t out yet. Then they unveiled it and it’s horrible looking on the outside. Interior is fine, but outside is like what the fuck. Made me sad

[@gravity45b]

7:30 the CEL is on already LOL

[@Stigs722]

The car isn’t running. It’s the start up sequence

[@scottieray]

I have a 2020 Mustang GT with the 301A package, Magnaride, active exhaust, PP1, and safety suit...and got it right before the current crazyville prices. I would not spend over 40k for this VW. Granted, it may be more 'usable' than my GT, but this serious money for a hot hatch.

[@travis3810]

I got a mk7.5 GTI Autobahn right before (literally by a couple weeks) prices started to skyrocket. It was a new car, but had sat at the dealer for several months so they gave me a nice discount, plus VW had a 0% financing deal at the time. I think I squeaked in just in time

[@dancoyne4151]

Man..... I have a 2016 MK7 GTI and I want to upgrade..... I think I might go get a used MK7.5 R instead.

[@justinbeamon6624]

Yah I imagine you could probably get a decent level MK7.5 R, or go down to a MK7 R and use that leftover money for an EFR kit. That's what I would do hahah.

[@hyper8545]

Hate the changes. Hate the cost cutting. I'll keep my mk6

[@BFord-ho3pq]

Thanks for the Kingpin reference!! Loved that.

[@Von_RX]

Great one sir!

[@NoBoost1]

Honestly happy someone is actively calling them out on the touch controls. I feel like allot of people ignore or brush off just how bad they are. I think if you have a mk7/7.5 You should stick with it. The mk8 is not that much better. If you have a mk6 or older then I could see it being maybe worth it, but id still rather get a mk7

[@travis3810]

7.5 was the sweet spot. Just do small mods if you want to get more performance. And being used, get the Autobahn trim so you still get all the amenities

[@kcspeed9980]

There are very few new cars on sale that appeal to me, in the 30-40k range, the exception is the new brz/86. But not much else. I’ll keep my hopes up for the new sti but I’m sticking with my wrx.

[@richardhoulton4016]

Here in Australia, the GTI is now 20% more expensive than a BRZ

[@kcspeed9980]

@@richardhoulton4016 I think it’s the same in the USA. I’ve looked at getting a gti before and there always 32,000 and up. The new brz is a home run. I just test drove one at my local dealership. The power numbers don’t do it justice. It feels almost as fast as my 2020 wrx. I just can’t daily something that small. I use my back seats for cargo often, it’s the best part of the wrx. It can take everything you need for a track day, including a full set of tires and a tent to put your car under and still be able to have a ball at the track. I’ve done it, it’s great.

[@richardhoulton4016]

@@kcspeed9980 I have a BRZ due in Mar/Apr

[@kcspeed9980]

@@richardhoulton4016 you won’t be disappointed!

[@gerhardhillmann1]

Fantastic review.

[@blusun2]

Glad to hear as a 2021 GTI owner that it’s not worth the upgrade

[@kc510]

Absolutely nothing about a mk8 makes me want to “upgrade” my mk7.

[@bloodysinner9456]

I'll be holding on to my MK7.5 Golf R indefinitely.

[@tonyga5]

Same. This is a mess

[@iheartgs400]

We need to stop with all this tech bs and just demand companies to give us back to basics car without the gimmicks.

[@justinmaccreery2490]

Great video of a not-so-great car. Cheers from Charlotte, NC

[@W1cK3dSiK]

Love your videos, not knocking at all. I’ve just personally never accidentally hit those buttons on the wheel. After becoming accustomed to the new system I mostly enjoy it. I can understand some frustration such as with the non-backlit volume and climate adjustment sliders, however I rarely use those and I do quite enjoy the system after owning it for a while.

[@baddriversofcolga]

It's as if the designer of the interior was the only one who tested it and everyone else just went with it.

[@mitchellsteindler]

Except he didn't test it

[@baddriversofcolga]

@@mitchellsteindler Well, he tested it but only with his eyes.

[@mitchellsteindler]

@@baddriversofcolga 🤣

[@Krauser1226]

Still baffles me how VW was able to create one of the best, if not the best, interiors in it's class with the Mk7 and then also make this abomination of an interior user interface. Also, I had no idea there were so many things you couldn't change while driving. Insane... As a 2 door Mk7 GTI owner, looks like I will be hanging onto my car forever lol

[@carloscanizares4699]

Dieselgate really did a number on them.

[@darthnatas953]

The new GTI S has a volume knob, so there is that. You could always roll down a window if you get hot; there is a button for that.

[@jayczyzyk9707]

Great reveiw

[@richbountyhunter6821]

That infotainment and those touch buttons are really a dealbreaker for many people myself included. Hopefully they realize they fucked up and revert to normal golf shit on the inside, this isn’t a ID4.

[@Coopjab]

Yep, looks like the MK7/7.5 is the way to go still.

[@dougdevine]

Was going to order one but was so thankful to find a very low mileage mk7.5 and bought that instead.

[@pilotvanquish3886]

Nice! How low mileage you say ?

[@dkuchler31096]

The voice commands going off every second is hilarious

[@Sie84yv]

So glad Matt said at the end what I've been telling GTI fan boys who's feeling get hurt because they can't accept objective reality: Get an N vehicle from Hyundai (hot hatch, sedan, or cuv) with better performance, a good infotainment, best warranty in the industry, and keep the $7k difference!

[@diggabledork]

Right? It's not like the VW will be better on maintenance.

[@scoobers90]

@@diggabledork And Hyundai has that 10 year warranty!

[@Sie84yv]

@@scoobers90 Indeed. No car can do what a Veloster N can on daily use and on the track: keeping up with cars way more expensive with all kinds of racing mods, and have a 10yr warranty to back up its build quality. None. Period.

[@ScottPC]

Depreciates like a tank…

[@Sie84yv]

@@ScottPC Here goes another clueless person with a very strong opinion about a car he has never driven, much less tried buying new or used... First of all, please, please go to your local dealer and drive one. Afterward, you will line up to trade in your GTI, only to find out your GTI's resale value is lower than a Veloster N, which sells close to MSRP used, even high mileage ones, and low mileage examples at or even higher than MSRP! Then you realize that a new one is much cheaper and better in every performance measure than a similarly equipped GTI, with much better infotainment and the best warranty in the industry! Then you don't hesitate to buy one and immediately love it!!! (plus your IQ and bank account will gain a few digits)

[@Dubsesed]

Love that the check engine light is on.

[@arshole5380]

Don’t know if you all are aware and it’s a decision, but I noticed the stereo audio in this one sounds like Matt is on the right and Zack on the left in the first few seconds. Minor, unimportant detail but it did give me a double take. Thanks for all the great (free!) content!!

[@joekickass52]

3 minutes in and I decided to just get a mk 7.5

[@poetryonplastic]

Not to mention the dealerships are currently putting 5k markup on these and treating them like they're Porsches! I have never been dealt with so rudely by a dealership as when I went to look at one of these. I think I'd rather take a Mazda 3 turbo and not deal with any of this nonsense, its not worth the slightly better handling and engine note.

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

VW dealerships suck. I went to 3 VW dealerships, all of them were extremely rude. I bought a MINI instead. Best dealership experience I had.

[@jryalls]

I just cancelled my MK8 Clubsport in the U.K. because of the way VW were treating me.

[@maereanm]

the ESC is the Electronic Stability Control and it functions by breaking the back wheel that's on the inside at that time. The ESC option should be and is located in the Brakes menu. ESC is not the same as Traction Control (TC) which it seems you can't disable. Usually, it's the other way around (in other cars you can disable TC but not ESC, which poses the smallest threat to your safety).

[@waquishaholmes362]

Matt have you ever driven quickly through hwy 121 near napa?

[@brandonhill6143]

Well...looks like the MK6 will give away to a GR86...great review!

[@tehbrutenextdoor]

I’m really sad they fucked up the daily driver aspect of this generation. I’ll definitely wait for the inevitable revision. I was hoping this would be good since I’m in the market for a new vehicle.

[@Globbs]

Not to mention how badly systems like that age. Imagine this car in 20 years and trying to use that crap. It's going to look like a Buick Reatta touch screen.

[@RoninBeaver]

The car the car is not running but there’s that trademark VW GTI symbol @7:26 😆

[@richardbower8707]

should I up grade my 12-year old mk 6?? It's manual, adaptive shocks and has ... buttons! Seems like not a lot has changed and I'm better off spending 10k on a refurb ?? Interested thoughts!

[@g.r.2985]

I wonder how long VW will wait to update this car. With all the negative reviews of the interior, heads will roll in VW’s design team, as they notice a markedly low sales volume for this. Here’s hoping GTI 8.5 is awesome!!

[@travis3810]

they will either stick their head further in the sand (similar to new BMW style), or reverse to normal buttons. there will be no middle ground. curious to see what side they take.

[@Tarmac76]

I was genuinely looking forward to buying what might be the last ICE GTI. I might be in the minority, but I like how it looks on the outside. It makes a nice noise, has enough power for me, but it's a real shame that they ruined it with this UX. I can't get over it.

[@travis3810]

I checked one out in person, and the design is much better there than in pics. That green/yellow color is dope too.

[@jaylen11000]

There's still hope that it'll be changed in a mid cycle refresh. Remember the 10th gen Civic finally getting buttons and a volume nob midway through its life? With how literally every single journalist has roasted this car's infotainment and has nothing but nice things to say about the car otherwise, I doubt that this will be left unaddressed for more than 3 years.

[@Tarmac76]

@@jaylen11000 That's a great point. They will more than likely rectify the interior.

[@jackmcdonough2679]

My Son just purchased a Civic Sport and his heat and fan switches were not back lit, Turned out to be a relay or a fuse not installed at the factory. Is there any change that is the case with the VW. Small item just curious. Love the content

[@kylem324]

Seeing the All In Podcast and Two Bears the other day, what’s on the list of regular podcast listens for both of you?

[@danielnormandeau2393]

It sucks it's a dud because it looks great but I'm not a VW guy I'm a Subie guy and I got my own tears to shed over the WRX.

[@hamsterbrigade]

I love when the Germans so German themselves that even German car lovers can't talk themselves into it.

[@dubsessed9790]

Unfortunately we can't be helped so we just go buy a different german car. We're incorrigible.

[@mistamaog]

I'm curious on what the base model of this is like. The SE definitely is more appealing than the Autobahn trim, but it's still $5k more than the base model.

[@TML34]

Do you guys find that the steering column is abnormally low in VW's? I always seem to smack my kneecap off it when I get in almost any VW.

[@Coronerlex]

The door materials were exactly the same way in the Mk7.5s. Hard plastic in the back, soft in the front.

[@hockeymann88]

That is a shame regarding the controls. I wonder if we will see VW address this or will they let the GTI just fade away.

[@trevissweet]

I have had a Mk7 since new in 2015 that now has 199,300 miles on it and it's been great! Just did a stage 1 ECU tune and tires and it makes it a completely different (and way better) car. I can't imagine the new one is worth the upgrade, especially with all that annoying menu stuff. Thanks for saving me $40,000 dollars.

[@boredomarisen]

the into to that video was gold

[@ZerozPk]

While the infotainment system does generally suck and I agree its not ideal, you can swipe down on the screen and create "shortcuts." Literally like a phone. So rather than digging into menus for certain options, you can have an ESC Off button on the screen. This is why video reviews are not entirely accurate and people should test the system themselves or look more in-depth. If you're serious about the car then you should go read owner forums and try it out yourself if possible and not trust every auto journalist repeating the same criticisms.

[@MeatyPotatoCactus]

Why should you have to create a shortcut and swipe down every time you want to access a feature that were literally physical buttons previously, because vw wanted to create a "cleaner" interior? They should make things easier to use or the same, not more steps or more complicated.

[@ZerozPk]

@@MeatyPotatoCactus I agree for sure. I prefer having the hard button and it being easy to access. However, that doesn't remove the fact that every journalist review is saying everything ESC off and other "buttons" are hidden in the menus. While true on the surface, you can customize the care entirely how you want. Don't turn ESC off ever? Don't make a shortcut. You do turn it off a lot? Make a shortcut. You make it one time and it's there for you forever. I'd prefer journalists be more honest rather than all repeating the same criticism (while somewhat justified). I think their view would change a bit if they knew about the shortcut feature. People watch these videos, repost them on groups/forums and everyone's view is tainted because it because it's an echo chamber. Granted, VW hasn't done a great job probably at informing the public or journalists about these hidden features so there's that.

[@Shnazz999]

That interior alone makes me happy to stick with my mk7 golf r. Total deal breaker.

[@jc944t]

Agree 100%. Stay with the Mk 7 and spend a little money on upgrades. The brakes, suspension and a Stage I or II tune ... what else do you need for a fun, daily driver that does it all !? If I upgrade it will be the new Audi RS3. Can't wait for you guys to test drive that car!

[@xkc9689]

The in car video quality!👍🏼

[@rdubb2462]

Das Germans to proud to let that UX stand. Mark my words, MK8.5 will be great. But this gen seems like the one to skip.

[@mogulmayhem]

VW's biggest problem is their shady car dealership experience. Every single dealer turned me off from their cars.

[@dubsessed9790]

This doesn't get mentioned enough.

[@stevemartegani]

FYI Zack ESC off can be added to any MK7 or MK7.5 GTI with Vagcom IE its in the software already just has to have the setting switched.

[@greekman420]

Matt. Just listened to the Demuro podcast episode. I am your age, and my mom also owned a Nautica Villager. Do you remember the pillows it came with? I was howling listening to that segment. 😂🤣😅

[@impulse922]

Mk7 had cheaper rear door panels too. Also this one actually has an exhaust sound. Mk7 and 7.5 were virtually silent. No way I’d spend $40k on it.

[@Sie84yv]

Don't be fooled, that's pumped in audio 😅

[@TheGreatestDaneEver]

This is why I went from my old R to a Mazda 3 turbo…

[@matthewmiller8105]

Same here! Although there was a Type R in between. I do too many road miles for work now and appreciate the better interior and comfort.

[@jameshuegli3534]

@@matthewmiller8105 I’m in a similar boat. I’m thinking of selling my 2019 type R and picking up Mazda 3 turbo. I can never really use it’s true potential on the street in Oregon’s rainy weather anyways. I’m not worried about the interior (that’s a huge upgrade) but I’m worried I’ll be too bored with the driving dynamics. Do you think the Mazda is pretty fun to drive? Anything you miss from your R?

[@matthewmiller8105]

@@jameshuegli3534 hmmm. In the rain the type R struggles for front end grip. Honestly it struggles on the street in the lower gears even in the dry. The AWD of the 3 is nice in all those conditions. We had a snow storm here recently and it did great in the snow too. But the type R is just a different animal. Much more performance focused. The biggest letdown of the 3 is the transmission and the all season tires. The brake torque vectoring does give you some nice rotation in corners though. I think you just have to drive it and see what you think.

[@jameshuegli3534]

@@matthewmiller8105 Thanks for the great reply. Totally agree - even with 255/40/18 PS4S tires the car can even struggle for traction in first. Also, quite annoyingly the car, as you know, will grind the1 - 2 shift if you' try to rush it too quickly. That's why part of me thinks on a wet day this car would actually be quite a bit quicker. Like you my main concern is being disappointed in the automatic's shifting speed. I'm going to try to drive the car this weekend to see what I think. At the same time there isn't anything else out there that really competes. If you want AWD the WRX STi is no longer available new, and most dealerships are estimating the replacement won't arrive until 2023. The new Golf R has AWD, a great transmission, and a powerful engine, but the interior has been blessed with lots of cheap piano black plastic, bad touch sensitive buttons on the steering wheel, and an overall lack of physical knobs/switches. Even if you could get over the interior compromises most people are going to have a really hard time getting one at MSRP for the next year.

[@matthewmiller8105]

@@jameshuegli3534 Maybe a low mileage mk 7.5 golf R is a good compromise? My personal solution I’m working towards is a GR86 as a second car…

[@poetryonplastic]

update: I did end up buying this car in the SE trim. The infotainment is annoying, but in my honest opinion, its not as bad as portrayed here. And for how good this car drives, and how good it looks, honestly its very liveable. I almost bought the Mazda 3 turbo, more upscale interior for sure, but it just was not nearly as fun behind the wheel.

[@katiecannon8186]

My son bought the Mazda 3. I just find the interiors differently very nice. I love the 8 interior.

[@mk6_csg978]

I’ll definitely be keeping my Mk6 GTI. Owned 9 years and it’s been a great car to me.