Mk8 VW Golf GTI review - Is it worth buying?!

[@yorkshirelad5280]

Really impressed with the standard of editing in this video really professional

[@CarFocused]

All thanks to Max, my editor 🙌🏼

[@Straker1923]

Had my GTi '8' for 2 weeks now with the auto box (a first for me) and can honestly say I love everything about the car...go and buy one, you know you want to!

[@danielleroux6490]

Manual for me. To each their own

[@Straker1923]

@@danielleroux6490 I agree with you Daniel, but I have got used to the auto box and find it quite acceptable now. I was lucky to find this car with loads off it at Hadwins at Grange 0ver Sands...despite the auto box, everything else was spot on even the lovely silver paint. However, I would never pay the £1500 extra (or whatever it is) for that luxury. I saved £6000 and the car had done 1, 200 miles (one of the reps was using it to commute to work) since it was reg last Nov.

[@danielleroux6490]

@@Straker1923 That's great! The most important thing is that you're happy driving it - that's what really matters

[@loganpadayachee6048]

I have one too love it❤

[@follyfour506]

Each generation has taken time for the shape to grow on you. MK2 still my favourite.

[@moominpupa]

MK2 great looking car.

[@TheJoStephan]

This is one of the better reviews so far and I appreciate the honest & balanced feedback. As a Gti 6 owner, who never even drove the 7, I am very keen on this one. It looks absolutely great and as expected of a new Gti, although I am a little skeptical of the interior. Will see in person.

[@CarFocused]

Thanks for watching - maybe you should try a nearly new 7.5 and then the Mk8 and see which guy prefer?

[@Osprey1994]

Just get a MK7 it's a huge step up from the MK6 and my MK6 was on Koni yellows with eibach springs.

[@henryespinosa9283]

Some people just relish to be contrarians in being negative and pessimistic - I hate to be around people like that. So what I mean is that I don’t care about all those negative comments about about the Volkswagen Golf Mark 8 GTI/Type R. I think it looks great! It’s definitely an improvement in design over the previous Mark 7.5. The only thing that I would change in the 8th generation Golf would be to install physical knobs and buttons to replace the touch-sensitive controls. Moreover, at the very least VW should show illumination for all the controls, especially at night. Other than that the car is just about perfect.

[@ashleybrunt1035]

Reading the comments most people seem to hate the looks but I think it's the best looking Golf yet! Having said that I've never liked any of the old ones so maybe that's why... Well rounded review as always. Car wouldn't be for me personally but I understand why they're so popular as an all rounder. DSG gearbox is absolutely the right choice for it. And yes the foglights are similar to the Megane R.S.!

[@CarFocused]

You’re a rare breed, but it sounds like you’ve watched the video with an open mind, which is good! Thanks for checking out the review!

[@ashleybrunt1035]

Think the problem with Golfs in general is they're too common on the roads. Great daily if you have a weekend toy in the garage but I just run a daily so went for the Megane Trophy. It concedes a lot to this Golf in terms of ergonomics and comfort but it's rarer and more special to look at, and I can forgive its quirks for the driving experience.

[@martymet]

cant wait to get one. still waiting for them to be released here in the US. i think theyre stunning and make the mk7s look soooo dated.

[@UKArtlover]

Just about to get a GTD Mk 8 in deep black pearl, it'll be a good all rounder I reckon, and I think it looks great inside and out !

[@martinn4186]

The more I see the MK8 the more I like it, although I don’t really care for the standard wheels or these optional 19”. We still have to wait a few months to get the MK8 here in the US. Good video!

[@CarFocused]

Thank you! As I said, I think this car will certainly grown on people as time goes on 👍🏻

[@steldn5776]

What wheels would you recommend for the GTI?

[@H8XME]

The mk8 is a cost saving exercise pure and simple!!!

[@RoadandRacetv]

Wow, great production quality Gary! A real step up!

[@CarFocused]

Thanks Neil. 😊

[@hdmk213]

@@CarFocused Yeah I noticed this - very high quality! Good steady cam, plus good preparation beforehand - you know your stuff. :)

[@tomosjohn230]

I think it looks fantastic. Proper meaty looking. Interior screens look a bit naff though. Fantastic review mate

[@CarFocused]

Good to hear something positive from someone about the car for a change!

[@follyfour506]

My son is getting a 1.5 cc R line in Urano grey delivered tomorrow he can't wait. He's not even driven one but I'm sure it'll be good they always are .

[@follyfour506]

Update , got the car delivered today and it's really nice . My son only spent a few minutes getting used to the controls . I've not been out in it yet but he said it was miles better than his old mk 7 blue motion diesel .

[@edwardhelps6523]

Great review Gary. The 19” wheels definitely make the car more interesting to look at. Love the look of the cloth tartans. Shame about the flappy paddles are so small and hidden behind the busy looking wheel. I think the GTI is still a worthy contender at its price point. I look forward to watching your future review on the Clubsport and especially the R. Keep up the excellent content 👍

[@CarFocused]

Thanks very much for the kind feedback, the car will definitely gain more respect as time goes on I think. Let’s hope I can get my hands on the Clubsport and R in the near future!😃

[@edwardhelps6523]

I’m sure VW will oblige you with one or both models in the near future. 😊

[@rs_holger6588]

First of all: Good video/review ! 🙂 For me as a German, the car is a disappointment, it's not even because of the design ! (to be honest, i like the way the car looks), but the quality standards that VW has set for itself. I don't want to say anything against the driving behavior, that was really okay when I was allowed to ride with someone a few months ago. 🙂 Tho sound was a bit boring but in 2020/2021 "ok" for me. 🤷‍♂️ But there are many small things that give me, as a potentially owner, a kind of "basic feeling" ... and these are things that the car doesn't do as well as its predecessor or its competition. (In MY opinion !! 😉) Starts with the ""hood damper"", the materials in the interior (as they started with the T-Roc back then), the light"""switch""" (which I don't like at all, especially with such an important function as "light"), the quality of the fabric of the seats (doesn't feel nice to me), there are no longer clothes hooks on the B-pillar and the cover of the A-pillar is now made of plastic and so on ... For this price, the cost-saving measures and desperate modernization with the strange switches (which I didn't like at all when using them) and all that plastic (also when it's paintet in gloss black 🙄) are simply too much for me, I'm sorry. 🤷‍♂️😶 Of course ... everyone should drive what he/she likes! 😎 I didn't mean to badmouth either, just my very personal - german - opinion on it ... 😉 But again: still a good video and a nice performance !!! 🙂👍

[@CarFocused]

Thanks for the detailed information! And thank you for watching 😊

[@parvindermander5664]

Totally agree

[@graemewhitehead6233]

Good review! The plastic extensions on the arches is because the 19in wheels (optional) would extend beyond the arches which isn’t legal - the plastic bits stop that by extending the arch - VW did it on Mk6 R too! Also when driving in manual mode, do you put the DSG gearstick into manual as well? (Left)

[@CarFocused]

That’s interesting to know! The new DSG gear drive selector doesn’t push to the left like the old one - I couldn’t work out now to keep it in manual mode 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@nathandickinson266]

Really hope those 19" wheels and tail lights make it to the states.

[@kwillee93]

The plastic trim on the wheel well is for tire size regulations in relation to how far they stick out

[@chrisjgill75]

Great review. My Polo GTI didn't wow me but after a year has grown on me. I would consider trading up to a Golf GTI as I like the looks of it

[@CarFocused]

That’s the thing with these as I mentioned in the review - they take time to be appreciated 😊

[@CarObsession]

You're right, it does look better in person, but I still think the design is a step backwards from the the 7/7.5. Good review fella, very well put together.

[@CarFocused]

Thanks! Yea I though the 7.5 was the pinnacle of Golf styling to be honest. They’ll struggle to match it now.

[@richboy900]

I hated the look of the mk8 at first, but it is growing on me. But only slightly. Prefer the look of my mk7

[@Incomudro1963]

It's the Wallace and Grommet grin that makes it difficult to look at. The lower fascia on the Clubsport version, and the 45th anniversary edition fixes that. Now, if VW would give us back physical controls for audio and HVAC functions...

[@ianmacleod9552]

Another good well balanced informative video Thanks

[@CarFocused]

Many thanks!😊

[@treasurem2491]

Im obsessed with how it looks!!!

[@CarFocused]

In a good or bad way?

[@treasurem2491]

@@CarFocused definitely in a good way.

[@Mattious]

Another great video mate, nice and honest as usual 👌🏻

[@CarFocused]

Cheers pal! The RS will be back soon once it dries up 🙈

[@chrisryanst]

Question is if the RS wasn't available would you buy this GTi, if funds permitted ? Great vid and editing 👍👍

[@CarFocused]

I’d but a Mk7.5 TCR 😁

[@clivedalgleish5987]

Excellent video Gary, as always!!

[@CarFocused]

Thank you!

[@bob6168able]

Hi Gary. Which one you personally prefer, GTI or 2020 ST focus. And which one is more fun to drive?

[@CarFocused]

In all honesty the Focus is a better car to drive in terms of fun and satisfaction.

[@danielleroux6490]

How I wish we had the choice between Focus ST and Mk8 GTI here in the states. C'mon Ford USA bring back the ST for crying out loud!

[@simontaylor3211]

Great review Gary. Nice production values. Does seem VW have cheapened it a little with some of the materials. Why they have removed the bonnet struts seems a bit weird 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@CarFocused]

Cost saving I guess mate! Thanks for watching!😊

[@ftwilsonm]

Great Review!! How was the Pano roof? Any squeaks/rattles etc?

[@CarFocused]

I can’t actually remember if it had the pan roof - as for rattles, there were none to be heard.

[@Taylor40667]

These new golf gtis are on lease offer atm 2k down £250 a month New golf r is 3k down £260 a month

[@CarFocused]

Surprisingly cheap...

[@JohnGuidetti751]

Who’s offering that lease?

[@follyfour506]

@@JohnGuidetti751 Try nationwide car leasing . My son just got a Golf R line off them , great deal.

[@JohnGuidetti751]

@@follyfour506 Thanks mate i’ll check it out.

[@Taylor40667]

Kyle central uk vehicle leasing Best lease company in the u.k

[@RModillo]

Possibly the increased road feel comes from the larger wheels, more than any change to suspension? Apparently, Canada gets 17" standard. I have a regular Golf now, and use 17" for winter tires, and it might be worth thinking about on this model. Can you get rid of the computer-enhanced noise yourself, or do you have to have the dealer do that?

[@dtulip8]

Feel VW had dropped a clanger here. Doesn’t really move the game on visually from the MK7, except to take a handsome looking car and melt it slightly. Interior quality seems lower too and much less intuitive. I’m sure it’s still great to drive though.

[@CarFocused]

That’s just it mate. It seems they had the perfect car but because it’s expected that a new model has to be created every 7 years or so they had to make this - which isn’t really much better, if at all 🙈

[@H8XME]

@@CarFocused its a cost saving exercise due to electric ⚡️ models! No volume in this market now 😳😫🤦‍♂️

[@thomas1x635]

hate the fact it auto shifts you in manual mode, like why even give paddles if we dont have full control or an option to atleast turn it off

[@CarFocused]

My Cupra is the same and it’s quite annoying!

[@johnjackson2349]

I prefer the mk7 alot more than this. The interior is too fussy with the touch screens and it feels like they have skimped on certain things compared to the mk7 while charging more money. Gas struts on the bonnet GTI badge on the engine cover all missing. The rear end looks fantastic but I dont like the headlights. The big plus is the 245bhp is aload of rubbish. I guarantee they are over 260bhp standard

[@CarFocused]

I think we all prefer the Mk7 🙈

[@honestreview1043]

There's a company on eBay selling bonnet struts for the mk8. I think they are £50.

[@glennchurch788]

Good review mate 👍

[@CarFocused]

Thanks!😁

[@parvindermander5664]

Looks slowly growing on me, build quality bit iffy

[@CarFocused]

It’s a grower for sure. I think it’ll do well.

[@Osprey1994]

Yeah the choices they made with the engine are suspect.

[@sevesellors2831]

Great review certainly mixed reviews. How does this compare with the new BMW 1 series? Anybody compared the two? Many thanks!

[@CarFocused]

I have driven the 128Ti and I’d say the BMW was slightly more premium and actually slightly more fun too. But, the Clubsport GTI redeems itself and it a perfect all round package!

[@nickaf5262]

The peo;le that bad comments about the mk8 gti are people that will never afford one

[@greggproud]

Great review 👍 where was this filmed, did I hear you say Essex? Wouldn't mind trying my GTD on a few if those roads 😊

[@CarFocused]

Thanks! Nah not Essex - this is near Peterborough in Cambs 👍🏻

[@jensleck547]

I love my MK8 GTI🤩🤩🤩

[@LiverpoolfcEPL]

it looks like a normal hatchback rather than a hot hatch sad to say even corolla hatch have better rear

[@devn3813]

That’s how every GTI has looked

[@butchmeister80]

Prefer the clubsport front end and spoiler for looks.

[@CarFocused]

Me too. I actually really like the Clubsport.

[@butchmeister80]

@@CarFocused just been watching a few of ya vids keep up the good work.

[@CarFocused]

@@butchmeister80 cheers dude!

[@mrlionrocks]

Looks ok with them wheels... Standard ones are absolutely terrible. Dont like the interior

[@waquarahmad9447]

I know it’s a small thing about the rubbery cheap engine cover but that really bothers me ... in addition to the touch pads on the interior it’s a lot of the small things added up which make me like the previous generation better than this one

[@CarFocused]

And also the lack of hydraulic bonnet struts..!

[@lucatrinchera6458]

La 8 GTI è il top ( sta volta e vera GTI) ha fatto invecchiare la serie 7.5

[@oioi873]

Great review!

[@PhantomScottZ]

I totally agree and appreciate with where VW and you are coming from (VW for manufactouring and your point of view), but purely for the looks in both photos and in person I much prefer the Mk7.5 GTI. Bit biased of me to say owning one and I do reckon that the Mk8 will grow on me over time, but for now it's a no from me 😂 Question for you or if this will be a video - would you prefer your Mk7 Performance you kept or would rather have the Mk8?

[@CarFocused]

I personally would rather have a Mk7.5 TCR, or for the ultimate, the Mk7 Clubsport S 😎

[@PhantomScottZ]

@@CarFocused Don't blame you! The Clubsport and TCR really look the part 😍

[@johnw2758]

I had the choice of a used MK8 or a used Mk7.5, same money and same price and same year ( the 7's should hold their residuals better), I chose the 7.5.............

[@lewR600]

lowered, spacers & set of decent alloys....it will then look decent enough

[@Osprey1994]

Why spacers? Just get wheels with proper offset... Not that hard to get flush fitment without spacers.

[@lewR600]

@@Osprey1994 maybe so, but had better offset on mine & still I felt needed some spacers. Guess each to own taste of stance

[@PocketRockets]

Pucka review pal! Good job 👌🏼

[@CarFocused]

Cheers dude!!

[@CapFlipGaming]

I'm not sure I'll like the touch controls. If I don't I'll probably end up getting a new Miata

[@johnw2758]

All new models take some getting used to but........I can't overlook those splash guards on the wheel arches !! Seriously ??

[@FakeConcern]

Nice review! How does it compare to the Mk4 Focus ST you drove last year? I prefer the look of the Ford.

[@CarFocused]

Someone else asked me this too - Feels more serious, isn’t as fun to drive and is a little less engaging. Better quality interior though and feels a bit better put together.

[@Osprey1994]

ST=Boy racer GTI=Adult who is not willing to give up having a capable car.

[@FakeConcern]

@@Osprey1994 Some reviewers have said ST=Fun GTI=Dull

[@jameslee1980]

I have a c220d it’s my first car so I’ve not really driven anything else and I’m looking to upgrade so it might sound stupid but does the gti feel much faster and is it worth the upgrade because I’m too young for a test drive

[@tomg1184]

Gary, if it were your money would you buy mk7/7.5 gti or stretch to this Mk8? It seems the tech isn’t that great and no great advances in the drive, so is the Mk7.5 the one to get?

[@hdmk213]

The Mk7/7.5 is definitely the one to get over the standard GTI. The mk8 GTI Clubsport is supposedly a little better though

[@CarFocused]

I wouldn’t say it’s worth stretching to the Mk8 when you could have a lovely 7.5 TCR less money 😁

[@moominpupa]

The back is nice. Better in black.

[@Birmingham_racing]

I've tried to like this car I can't I would pick a mk7.5 every time over this

[@johnmfjw]

I have the mk 7.5 3door and would find it very difficult to change to this car, there are too many things I don't like about the car.

[@Osprey1994]

You guys are all focused on the exterior when it's what's under the hood that matters. The MK7 from what I have seen is the better option along with the 7.5.

[@Osprey1994]

The only reason I would say no is because the interior is going to require a lot of work to maintain and protect, the turbo although bigger doesn't look to have the potential for hybrid options, the HPFP might not be as good as the old gen, and there is now no MPFI for euro or overseas US spec cars. So yes you might get a marginal bump over stock but is the handling significantly better? Does it have the same tuning potential? Etc. If you have a MK7 or 7.5 there is probably no reason to jump to this gen and if you don't then there is most likely going to MK7-7.5 models coming onto the market at good prices.

[@CHUNKYLOZZA]

Excellent video Gary, but I'm sorry to say it does nothing for me. I love the Michelin PS4 tyres on my Mk4 Focus ST.

[@CarFocused]

It’s not for everyone 😊 Can’t beat PS4S - I have them on my RS too 👍🏻

[@follyfour506]

Yes they are probably the next Tues on my i30 N . The Pirelli's that come as standard are awful.

[@brettm5186]

The hexagons on the honeycomb grille are way too big! Other than that it looks pretty good.

[@silversurfergw]

can't say i like the modern all screen dashboard

[@mblumenstein1]

Great video. Thoughts strictly from an esoteric perspective: Bad uni-brow, The new center screen looks like it was glued on as an afterthought (thanks for setting the mark there Tesla....)Tiguan tail lights (Blech), Overly complicated user interface, far too cluttered cockpit.. And those 'race' type seats...pass. I'll stick my 2021 (US) Mk7.5.

[@CarFocused]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@kavan30]

Great Review.

[@CarFocused]

Thanks!

[@photoboothx7810]

VW need to get back to the design board. The back is nice and seats but that’s where it stops. The MK 7.5 was going places slowly but it’s a no for me

[@limitededition3278]

U.S models front fenders are a bit ugly with those reflectors on side fenders

[@johnw2758]

Those seats covers, they look like someone's paid a visit to Halfords..........................

[@bob6168able]

Thanks for the video. Compared to the technology available now and the flexibility to design compared to the old days, I see most of the cars are poorly designed ,, why they don’t make this car more aggressive design! Unfortunately no one is putting efforts on the design.

[@Osprey1994]

You do understand that VW and Audi have always marketed to people who don't want overly boy racer cars? The MK7 was pretty aggressive by most people's standards and the MK8 is even more so with the gaping grill and angry lights. If you want a angry car go buy a Civic or a Subaru and enjoy having all the cops watching you. The GTI is nice because it blends in until the owner sticks a bunch of shit all over it and makes it look even more loud. VW and Audi know their audience, and this isn't a bad design outside of the headlights which supposedly look better in person. Personally I am happy with the MK7 and the amount of power it can make.

[@asmith9040]

Have U reviewed the mk8 GTE ?

[@CarFocused]

Unfortunately not.

[@fusionlord2533]

Really dislike the lights and the whole interior... outside doesn’t look appealing. I’ve currently got a MK7.5 GTD fully spec’ed and will getting a Golf R MK7.5..

[@adamsmidkiff1]

The whole ew it's ugly or oh I hate the radio is over done. It's faster than the 7.5, looks perfectly fine and the radio can be fixed with OBDeleven. All around it's a good car.

[@CarFocused]

It has grown on me over the last couple of years. Bear in mind this was filmed not long after it was launched.

[@paymetofly]

How does it compare to new Focus ST?

[@CarFocused]

Feels more serious, isn’t as fun to drive and is a little less engaging. Better quality interior though and feels a bit better put together.

[@danielleroux6490]

@@CarFocused Is it still fun enough that you won't be bored driving the Mk8 GTI as a daily, with the 6 speed manual? What do you think? Unless Ford US comes to their senses and brings the Focus ST, this is most decidedly my next car purchase. Your thoughts, please.

[@vijaykava1731]

Mk8 golf is going to be same as mk3 and mk4 golf won't be much popular

[@konmorse]

Look how they massacred my boy :( The MK8 screams cost cutting

[@dervdave]

I like it 👍

[@CarFocused]

You’re one of a small handful by the sounds of it Dave 😳

[@weirdobagins8948]

It don’t do it for me prefer retro just like the trainers 👟

[@CarFocused]

Puma classics 👌🏻

[@vijaykava1731]

Golf Mk1 mk2 mk5 mk7 and 7.5 are the best mk3 mk4 mk6 and mk8 not that good

[@roverroko306]

Come on man Goodyear is far better

[@Fishman1234.]

Looks boring like most new cars think I'll stick with my st

[@stephenhitchen8753]

Rear end looks awful, not for me

[@boostaholic7116]

Sorry Gary I have no interest in VAG at all. ☹️

[@CarFocused]

Can’t just have Ford’s on here all the time though 🙈

[@sallyt6216]

This looks like the weakest car I've seen you review, but the brand will ensure it sells big

[@CarFocused]

Had to be done, seeing as I had a Mk7 😁

[@Osprey1994]

Weakest car? You have never driven a GTI have you...

[@steeldevil98]

Weakest car? Are you on drugs?

[@tracktimevideos5164]

God it's ugly. Looks so bland and generic. The mk7 although a bit snoozeworthy to look at at least was a handsome car. Anyway, good video, boring car. Yaris GR please.

[@CarFocused]

Mk7 was a great car. Had to be driven extensively in different scenarios to be fully appreciated - I thought ours was really boring at first.

[@neiljohnson4247]

What a ugly car don’t like that

[@ianwalton5156]

I've never looked at any Golf and admired the looks no matter what mark, they're the aesthetic equivalent of mogadon. Boring, ugly two box German crap

[@CarFocused]

Why do you hate them so much? Bad experience in the past? Have you driven any of them?

[@ianwalton5156]

@@CarFocused just bore me, ugly things. A good car needs to look like one but there's nothing there, I look at them the same way I'd look at a cardboard sandwich. Tartan seats for crying out loud, why? Yes I've driven them & they're pretty good in that respect but if I bought one I'd still have to look at it.......urrrggghhhh

[@SaraK_69]

HONEST REVIEW! I feel the same way as you Cutie!