New VW Golf R review: The ultimate car?

[@carwow]

Change your car with Carwow: bit.ly/-Change-Your-Car-1812

[@kevinwaters8567]

Would like too see the golf R vs arteon R matt.

[@dindogordo6855]

I LOVE THE VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R 8.5 IT WAS BETTER THEN A AUDI TT RS ICONIC EDITION???

[@dindogordo6855]

THE NEW VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R 8.5 DID BEAT THE AUDI TT RS ICONIC EDITION???

[@copperkeyracing6167]

Car is still ruined. Nuff said. Haptic feedback controls have not been done away with. No one cares for the car still. Number 1 question everyone had.

[@King_kizzy07]

900k views in 6 days You guys are losing your audience, what’s going on?

[@yennerz00bradderz]

I think the screen could be a little bigger, just so the driver in the car behind could see it

[@biafo4541]

😂😂😂😂😂

[@wall2971]

🤣

[@James-gf9jl]

Or you can hide behind it if you are a shy driver.

[@lewiscannon8213]

If I'm Going for a Sunday 20 mile Country road blast the last thing I'm gna what is a gaint TV covering the Windscreen 😎

[@seneshbandara8484]

True

[@adamc209]

95” OLED TV with the optional Golf R package

[@waveybeats]

😂😂😂

[@ashleyboyer2721]

Go and watch his review on the Fisker Ocean 😂 you'll have a laugh when you see how big the screen is in that car😂

[@ananthans82]

Very unfortunate that PlayStation isn't included as standard and an option 😂

[@MariosTabajen]

CornHub

[@tsheposos]

Stop it 😂

[@biafo4541]

I cannot get over the microwave size screen on dash

[@luffararnesugerkuk]

Me neither, what a miss on a otherwise great little hot hatch. In fact I take it further, I once bought a tiny fuel efficient city car, a Picanto 2020 something and the screen just fall into same category, still so thick, lots of cheap plastics as screen packaging. All on top of the size, sticking up, not looking like a integrated part at all. Hopefully Mk9 can have a much more thought through design, can learn a few things from the German competition, in some regards not all.

[@Bullbotha]

Just silly, a car doesn’t need a screen at all, it needs a radio and CD player, that’s all!

[@OBELISK3210]

I think it’s the positioning. It’s way too high. On Tesla it’s slightly lower on a slant. This is up right & high. Very off putting. I prefer how it’s thinner than the 8.0 but hate how high it is.

[@victormukisa7066]

Fj

[@thetruth7212]

@@Bullbothahell nah Oldie 😂

[@cesarers7372]

Government: "No, you can't use your phone while driving" Automakers: "Here's a bigger, more confusing, screen and and a annoying steering wheel to keep you distracted"

[@karstenpedersen7749]

Well yes, VW makes more money every time a VW is damaged 😅

[@albertassely6230]

Yes the annoying touch sensitive steering wheel buttons in addition to the huge screen

[@zI0Legend0Killer0Iz]

In Germany, one guy got sued for using his wipers in his tesla which a controlled in infotainment screen

[@eftbfl]

Can we appreciate how he still got 4.4ish seconds while it was raining... atleast they didnt gas up their numbers!

[@jamesj97370]

Why on earth did VW put normal steering wheel buttons in every 8.5 Golf but left the R with the ridiculous haptic "buttons"?

[@WaveManMike]

Because those buttons were never ridiculous to begin with 😂 Stop listening to reviewers and actually go try the cars yourself. Those buttons are extremely useful and almost impossible to accidentally press or swipe. They function exactly like real buttons just with additional features. I really hope VW doesn’t listen to these comments full of people who have never even tried the steering wheels.

[@robgaskell2391]

Utterly baffling eh

[@jamesj97370]

I have driven the cars with these buttons in and they are awful, VW try to pass it off as being "futuristic" but in reality they're just penny pinching!

[@stiffybeanie4148]

Bro i agree with you​@@WaveManMike

[@richardtyson7366]

I have the capacitive buttons, horrendous. Never again.

[@aimanrizal1364]

Bentley as a camera car haha

[@Dayswithryan]

Best for camera stability hahah

[@jc74435]

You can set the gearbox to “M+” and it will not auto-upshift in manual. Or just put it in Special Mode.

[@lewiscannon8213]

Like the dq500 back in 2013.

[@strzibnyj]

Exactly, it should have been said that it stays manual when shifting in Sport mode.

[@crashnburn441]

Yep exactly. Nürburgring mode lets you pin the redline

[@Largeone1968]

@@crashnburn441Nuremberg? Great autocorrect 😂

[@FrankObermaierPerf]

Exactly - just put it in „Special“ or „Drift“ and the engine will rev straight to the fuel-cut off limiter - sounds awesome! Further remark: in those mentioned two driving modes which both switch the transmission to its sportiest Setting „S+“, also the engine switches to its most aggressive setting, including the antilag function and the preloaded turbo during part load 🥳 - enjoy

[@ziku1219]

A drag race video with All VW R Models from Golf R, T-Roc R, Tiguan R, Arteon R to Touareg R would be interesting

[@b2tall239]

I have a '24 R automatic here in the States that I bought 4 months ago. It replaced an '18 GTI. I love it except for all the touch controls. If I had analog dials or switches for audio volume, fan speed, traction control, and auto start/stop, I'd be even happier.

[@DankyFPS]

You do not, stop lying.

[@benspencer-jones]

Fisting the exhausts is certainly a new thing for Carwow. Really branching out now...

[@knifeyonline]

He has to get it in quick while exhausts still exist

[@purwantiallan5089]

​@@knifeyonlineexhaust racing pipes?

[@opencarry3860]

🤣🤣🤣

[@kaljaukko5439]

😅

[@timmydiesel3069]

😂😂😂

[@ODGreenZa]

With that new screen you finally have a bigger distraction than a back seat driver

[@cgpandre]

Wonder who suggested/approved to lift the screen position that high up

[@moecipo1909]

if you got 140cm height then yes lmao. its no distraction, its way lower than the steering wheel

[@chrislee6650]

I have the new Golf 8.5 and the screen isn't a distraction, and in real life is nowhere as large looking as it appears in photos or videos. Its height is perfectly set so it isn't intruding into your view out of the windscreen, but just below so easy to glance at for checking sat nav.

[@lucarinke]

The rear lights are in my opinion one of the bests of the entire market. I really like the blinker design. Great!

[@purwantiallan5089]

The handling of the Golf R almost replicating the AE86 TRUENO.

[@mario191081]

The left is already have water inside,the best😂😂😂😂

[@van_der_lindeDA]

Looks like the Chinese aftermarket lights you bought on MK1 golfs😂

[@DeanPark]

I picked my new 8.5 up last month and it’s a fantastic car! Lapis blue, performer pack, 19” wheels AND those extra airbags! Ok, the interior isn’t up there with a BMW, but unlike all new BMWs it isn’t ugly and doesn’t depress you when you look at the exterior! The new golf R…… BRILLIANT!

[@polopowered]

Lol. You're winning.

[@karleintracht4958]

I just want a basic performance car, with airbags, no distracting screen and real buttons and switches.

[@polopowered]

Buy a 15yr old Hyundai i10, just like me! My 1.2 with 78bhp goes like a go kart!

[@andile-mbhele]

Audi TT

[@StephenButlerOne]

​@@polopoweredMK1 ford Ka with the 1.3z engine in is far more fun than 60hp should ever be on a tight country road.

[@dazcrazy490]

11:54 😂 don't know if you have the best editors or worst but that "nope" is the best part of this video

[@bigshotsnapshot]

I wanted to see a snow leopard. 🐯

[@leftcoastfunk]

could be a 10/10 if it had BUTTONS! I am SO sick of touch/haptic controls, they're stupid and just straight up unsafe. Certain things are okay but imho things like climate controls, driving or suspension modes, and all steering wheel controls should always have analog interfaces like buttons and dials

[@chrislee6650]

There is a tile you can add to the home page which has a simplified but all you need for climate control set of options, so its always on the screen and easy to get to. However its easier just to tell the car what to set the temperature or fans to, and it does a smashing job with auto climate control so you set your wanted temperature and you don't need to change it. It even adjusts the fans and temperature for sun hitting the car, as well as automatically setting recirculate if there is traffic pollution outside. Most the Golf 8.5s don't have touch controls on the steering wheel, they are just normal buttons.

[@leftcoastfunk]

@chrislee6650 tbh it's not so much about the menus and access, as all cars have their own issues there regardless of physical interface, it's about the fact that to *find* a touch button you have to know where it is. On a smooth surface it's down to your best guess. When I consider how I actually use the controls in my car on a daily basis, it's 100% by touch and feel. Feeling the small gaps between the buttons and such, so you know you're hovering over the third button over instead of the second....that sort of thing. You can guesstimate with touch controls, but the fact remains, unless there's something tactile to tell you where it is (not the haptic feedback that only tells you you've pressed something), you're either guessing or you're *looking*. Boil it down to personal preference if you want to but I think those types of dash and steering wheel controls are simply unsafe

[@vhol93]

All the airbags should be standard indeed

[@jerehada]

Porsche do the same

[@RCtennis3811]

Wait, side curtain airbags are optional?? Are side airbags not mandatory in the UK?

[@letter1014]

Euro NCAP would have a field day with this one 😂

[@tissot233]

It is the rear side airbabs that are optional. This has the same 7 airbags as the standard Golf. That's not rare at all. If anything not having rear side airbags is absolutely the norm for any 50 000 usd car.

[@slamminx3]

You need to be in special mode and then gearbox won't change up automatically. Also in the past 2 years I think I've only activated heated steering wheel once by accident. The touch buttons aren't as bad as everyone makes them out to be.

[@RS-do1of]

Agreed. I’ve very rarely activated something inadvertently. Seems to be a pointless whinge

[@justpixelbee]

Same here. This (touch buttons and central screen) is so over exaggerated

[@anyexpat]

Companies should be banned from selling cars with "Optional Airbags"

[@monochromeherpestes8921]

Why? I don't want to have any. more options is always better!

[@charles-davidberube1174]

People said that about rear cameras, auto braking systems, led headlights, and other safety options. While being good for safety, we the consumer are paying that price increase in every cars. No wonder why cars are getting so expensive

[@davidemartorana4708]

​@@monochromeherpestes8921 why would you not want more airbags?? 💀

[@waveybeats]

@@monochromeherpestes8921just curious, why wouldn’t you want any?

[@HdauBean]

@@charles-davidberube1174 i think you can live without those and use your senses. Airbags should never be an option.

[@D0MIIN8T0R]

Esthetically, Mk 7.5 is peak golf(inside and outside), but when we talk performance and practicality(tech & features), this Mk 8.5 R takes the cake.

[@edward92128]

I have a tuned 7.5 so have the best of both worlds, or so I believe 😅

[@jn5433]

7.5 is ugly

[@prodgaming2948]

Nostalgia merchant

[@YerryMina187]

@@jn5433you’re bonkers

[@ewwmin3m]

MK6 is sexiest on the outside.

[@pppcorn]

optional airbags seems sneaky almost like a diesel scandal

[@bryantwilson4731]

Copying the new porsche macan ev

[@ItzJupiter]

safety systems should never be optional. in fact, even if it causes the price of the car to increase, they should be present. its almost criminal to do something like that but volkswagen has a history with that sort of stuff.

[@joshbacon8241]

Why would they make the curtain, side and center airbags optional extras? Surely they should be standard?

[@oskarskalski2982]

I'm not excusing VW but years ago apart from the standard airbags in front of the driver and passenger were optional in some automakers.

[@wiegehtslukas]

thats not a VW-specific thing though

[@abdulmoeed304]

12:32 when the camera car for a golf is a Bentley 😂

[@dianedownie5951]

Did i see 12mpg on the information panel?

[@nastystew6942]

Almost $60,000 for a golf is crazy!

[@SJJ1992]

Bro, go buy Zeekr 001 or Denza z9 gt instead. Germans are way to back in time

[@davevanderham998]

€90k in The Netherlands…

[@AllAhabNoMoby]

@@davevanderham998 Tering... 😳

[@Suukerjunk]

@@davevanderham998 and they wonder why the car industry is imploding..

[@denisbaraniak9715]

I agree, but valid point is, that every competitor is more expensive than the Golf R.

[@Koffieleuter]

That touch screen needs to go!

[@thymme7508]

hell no i love the look if it

[@ericlucci2829]

touch screen in mk8 was an okay size. no need for an ipad pro in there

[@simonh870]

Not at all distracting.

[@SALFX7]

@@ericlucci2829 Ya'll just love to complain about everything, the touch screen on this is probably one of the best things about it. WAY better than that crap on mk8.

[@lm1314]

I agree. I want climate control as buttons. I had to get a new car for kid hit me and totaled out my car which was a 2019. My new car is a 2025, same model but now the screen is touch vs the old screen was controled with a wheel and two knobs you hit one way for one thing and the other for another (radio vs media or phone vs navigation) Using the wheel was so easy and I miss it. I just left hand on gear shift and moved wheel or wrote on it. I wonder when will shift back and if insurance companies will determine the impact of all this technology on more accidents.

[@rafuyhhre4543]

Did VW just facelifted their car 3 times??

[@erdemgulcin5474]

how? mk 8 is an all new gen.

[@biafo4541]

​@@erdemgulcin5474😂 exactly

[@pppcorn]

the tail lights helped but this thing aint pretty

[@tcl7563]

I dunno it looks the same for awhile now honestly can’t tell

[@wedgett1]

And still not manage to fix the buttons on the steering wheel 😂

[@awfulphotographer]

dont get people complaining about the screen, it works amazingly well. having had a mk7.5, mk8 and now an mk8.5 it's by far one of the best infotainment systems.

[@richardhunt5691]

I took your advice and it's a helluva lot of fun even after my Golf R MK7!

[@snakeeyes7476]

I part exchanged my mark 8 for the new mark 8.5 and also got the acro exhaust system 👍🏻 you get used to the screen and the air con buttons are now lit up! Seats are more comfortable too

[@jpjipperwong]

As a mk8 owner i still cant believe they didnt backlight the volume and temp controls on the screen. If I had the money I would absolutely upgrade just for that. Its definitely tough to work the hvac at night 😂😂

[@purwantiallan5089]

It also supposed to have a VTEC TURBO on Golf R.

[@lm1314]

Should just keep as a separate climate control. VW use to be good at placement of things to make easily accessible when driving. The radio and climate just where you could see them at a glance and reach without really having to take eyes off the road. Once you knew the placement of things you just reached and did. Now is fiddling.

[@Onaterdem]

Wait, they didn't? I have an 8.5 R-Line, they are lit up Edit: 2:37 Yes they did

[@Dr.Ian-Plect]

@@purwantiallan5089 What?

[@chrislee6650]

@@lm1314 You can add a tile to the homepage with the climate controls on, so they are always available and just by your left hand, or you can just tell the car what temperature you want or fan speed. Generally though all I've done on journeys is ask the car to up or lower the temperature a bit and I've not needed to mess with the controls as the auto mode works really well, and it will even set air-recirculate automatically if it detects traffic pollution, so I've not even needed to do that myself as I have with previous cars. Compared to my last car with loads of buttons, I do less fiddling now then I did before.

[@CRatcliffe]

One of the first times I’ve seen side emblems put on a door instead of a fender. I’m confused with optional airbags too, I can’t think of the last time I’ve EVER seen that here in the USA.

[@sasquachjl1228]

I have to wonder if it’s a typo/error from VW. My guess is that their new CENTER airbag along with TORSO airbags are optional specifically because they interfere with child safety seats. VW made the rear torso/side airbags optional up through most 2014/2015 models for this reason. Who knows though - this is the company that took away lighted climate buttons 😂

[@oskar6661]

Optional airbags are all over the place in the U.S. market, but they're often only for sides/rear (obviously). You can still find loads of modern U.S. market cars which don't even have options for rear curtain airbags, etc. It is weird though and signals how VW has changed as they were one of the very first economy lines of cars in the early 2000's which had side curtain airbags, seat-mounted airbags, four-wheel disc brakes, the emergency lighting on braking, etc. when no competing cars had them. So they're definitely easing backwards.

[@miketilston1528]

I thought the auto up change when in manual was wrong as well Matt when I had the Golf R 7.5...but try the manual bit with a new RS3, it's impossible to gauge the 1st to 2nd gear change correctly, hitting the rev limiter in 1st causes about a 3 second off power gear change

[@mclennyface2159]

I was searching for this exact video yesterday as I wanted to see what's updated from the 8 to 8.5, great timing

[@weirdchamp7790]

Honestly i wish they put a 186 inch screen so the whole Squad in the car can get a selfie

[@jamespugh9214]

I love mine! Despite its niggles, with the buttons, which I’ve had no issues with yet and the fact you have to switch lane assist off, every time you get in it 🙄 it drives superb, with the performance pack you can up shift without the car doing it and the dampers are a must! It drives way better than my 7.5 no turbo lag, way better pick up and the grip levels and the magma diff they use in the RS3 are incredible, build quality is good, but the materials in the 7 are better! But as a drivers car, it’s way better than the previous, the engine is so much stronger and more engaging. All smiles with mine 👌🏻

[@VarunSrinivas]

Are they filming a VW Golf using a goddamn Bently LMAO 12:32 XD

[@someguy9520]

I mean they are both VW, so there is that

[@manoz6194]

You would think CarWow being such a big channel would have an estate car with an opening rear window to film

[@VarunSrinivas]

@@manoz6194 I actually do... Having a GoPro to shoot a car isn't 'big channel' like..

[@manoz6194]

@@VarunSrinivas My issue is the lack of consistency with the video quality

[@AntneeUK]

I'd love to buy one of these, but as long as manufacturers insist on all the touch sensitive crap I'm going to resist

[@GethinJames]

You're not going to buy the last and best ICE Golf R because of a button?!

[@polopowered]

​@@GethinJamesTech in a car is soooo off putting to me. That's why I love my 15yr old Hyundai i10.

[@renatomorais8136]

@@GethinJames I wouldn't. I would much rather have an older model. Had a car with that stuff and hated it so much I ended up selling it after a year. Try to set the AC to the windshield that is fogging up on a touch screen while driving on a bumpy road. It's great. I now have an older car with proper knobs and buttons that I can feel without having to stare at a screen. You know how you pay more for a GT3 so that Porsche can rip stuff out that you would get on a less expensive 911? I would pay not to have all this electronic nonsense if given the option.

[@iftekharhussain7218]

@@renatomorais8136 there’s literally a quick access panel with max front windshield AC and rear max. Where you operate the lights etc from

[@zI0Legend0Killer0Iz]

Have you tested the Special mode "Nürnburgring"? In the last Golf 8 R, the special mode blocks the auto shift up.

[@Alberts_Stuff]

This is what what the R line should have always represented, a cut above the rest. It got lost and normalised after the R32.

[@biafo4541]

Indeed...

[@shadowguyonline]

they should have always kept the R32 badging because R reminds of R line and obviously they should have kept the vr6 engine because the R well yes it has power and some styling but its not really an upgrade

[@Alberts_Stuff]

@@shadowguyonline yeah I hear that. I’m not biased because I didn’t really buy a new R32 in 2008, honest! 😬

[@orbytl2799]

🤣the R`s are proper capable cars, the R32`s arent and never were and cost a fortune to run, they just sound good, thats about it

[@Alberts_Stuff]

@ Yeah that kinda happens with car evolution, things get changed/tweaked/improved. Doesn’t mean the R32 at the time was a bad car, it was a monster for its time, and for a golf! 🙄 it was was capable of 250 brake, and went round corners like a go-kart AND it sounded awesome. In found it to be very capable, but then again I am biased.

[@grantmckendry3323]

Screen size is fine. No visibility issues. I had my 8.5 black edition R for 2 days before the virtual dial screen went blank. It’s been sitting with the dealer for 4 weeks now - no indication of when I’ll get it back. Something to be said for buttons and dials.

[@dreamless361]

someone's Golf R Black Edition broke down after 50km... idk what's happening at VW

[@msm9647]

Mk8.5 gti - had it for 4 months, keeps going flat due to battery and inadequate software. Software updates keep the car sitting in the dealer.

[@chrislee6650]

@@msm9647 I've got a 8.5 Style, not a single issue and I've had a few updates all done over the air. I do get the 12 volt warning sometimes if I'm sat in the car without the engine running for a bit when its cold, but on checking the battery it is charged just fine, so I ignore it, it is just the car warning that the battery is being drained and its a bit over sensitive.

[@FeN1xDD]

@@msm9647 what's wrong with battery?

[@SamsProjext]

How many golfs r’s this year?

[@subaroo4696]

I have the 23 golf r, I have to say i much prefer my smaller screen. Am jealous of the new taillights though

[@dominicanstig5196]

I have the MK8 in manual 40th anniversary trim and would get the new one. But they killed the manual for some reason, so i'm good. nice car though.

[@thymme7508]

This car looks so much more interesting than the new M135, and that’s coming from a die-hard BMW fan. It looks amazing, performs super well, super looking interior and the engineering behind this is wonderful

[@layne4376]

My wife drives a Golf R and I have the M340. I often steal her keys as it is much more engaging to drive. The weight has a lot to do with it.

[@catee1622]

There's a review done recently by Carwow where they compared the Golf, the BMW 135, the Audi and an A35 Merc. Might be worth your while watching that as it's an interestign result for the BMW.

[@WLLCHRIS2]

@@layne4376 I drive the M340i as prefer a larger car but would still love a golf R for a second car if I had the cash 💸

[@FeN1xDD]

@@layne4376 which Golf R does your wife have? and thanks for comparing it with your M340i.

[@layne4376]

@@FeN1xDD MK8 DSG.

[@thas_jimbo]

how many weights did that rear wheel need? @9:23 jeez louise

[@arctictruck10]

333hp was the numbers for the E46 M3. How times have changed.

[@KarrasBastomi]

From a 4 cylinder 2 liter. A number reserved for tuned 2 liter with dodgy reliability 15 years ago.

[@edmund8]

But you have to think that's very impressive for only a 2.0L engine AND 2 less cylinders than the E46

[@red-bullred-bull3789]

2009 hatte der Golf-R (270-PS).

[@Speedy1st]

@@red-bullred-bull3789 we talk english here mate. Show some respect and dont just use a different language for no reason.

[@Speedy1st]

@@edmund8 333hp isnt much for a 2l. Even the OLD A45 AMG made more, and tuners will map your proper 2l Turbo to reliable 310hp-400hp for 10 years now with even more torque than this R. So its nice, but not impressive at all.

[@vpatsikas]

I have the 8,5gti and I am pretty happy with it. The screen is not the best but you get used to it ans is really super fast with no issues at all. What I dont like are paddle shifting nobs which feel cheap and out of place. AC is super and very easy to control with many preselected options

[@nick.mk8]

With drift mode you still have to disable esc all the way since it only throws it in esc sport which is why the drift feels off.

[@BonesMccoy-X]

Yep, he totally botched the drift mode. No idea why he doesn't just take two seconds to google how to use sht before testing.

[@rubberduck3788]

So they got rid of the steering wheel touch buttons and replaced them for actual physical buttons on the regular Golf, GTD, GTE and GTI, but kept them on the R?

[@lucarinke]

No one will ever understand these decisions… thats the reason they lost a lot of money this year. Bad management.

[@goldieandblackie]

Must have a spares warehouse full of them.

[@sufianshahid3690]

I have another reason they probably lost money in brand new golf r models. The last gen 8 claimed 4.7 seconds to 60 and did 4.0 and the 8.5 did 4.4 claiming 4.6🤔🤔@lucarinke

[@Frydee123]

Apparently Golf R owners liked the touch buttons, so they decided to keep them. Though they did lower the sensitivity of the outer buttons to prevent them being accidentally pressed. And also, from what I've heard of MK8 Golf owners, it's very rare for you to accidentally press them while driving anyway

[@rubberduck3788]

@@Frydee123 maybe the lower sensitivity has helped, I had a MK8 Golf GTI, and would often accidentally turn on the heated steering wheel or press other functions 😅

[@carbontube7956]

Finally normal car review, not some drag races of supercars nobody can afford.

[@vioss]

Technically vw started to touch price tags which were previously on Porsches

[@shane_and_sue]

the average viewer can't afford this either

[@oemj7147]

@@vioss Just like Porsche is touching those previously on Ferraris. All cars are more expensive now and VWs are no exception.

[@marcinhernik1270]

Been a VW guy all my life till I finally stopped 4 years ago in hopes of buying a 911 but this car just might drag me back in because I can't even afford a base 911 after all these years due to the prices constantly going up.

[@carbontube7956]

@@marcinhernik1270 russia and their putler is to blame.

[@Dalamain]

So they still haven't listened about making AC controls buttons .... once again Mk7 is peak golf.

[@edward92128]

7.5 for me 😁

[@simonh870]

@@edward92128 7 for me, proper analogue gauges.

[@SALFX7]

It really isn't, just say you can't afford it.

[@edward92128]

@@SALFX7 It’s embarrassing to assume someone’s wealth. I could easily afford to buy an 8.5R outright but I didn’t want to as I prefer the 7.5 and besides the point, I’m more sensible with my cash.

[@N911GT2]

That's only because you can't afford an 8R...

[@andrewlevendis1203]

2025 Golf R or S3? Which one should I buy?

[@ianhorgan9891]

I have a Copra Formentor VZN, its a Golf R but slightly SUV and its great. Proper steering wheel buttons plus the two island buttons for Cupra and stop start.

[@ClAzZiCeAgLe]

Had a MK 8 R and traded her in for a hybrid civic to save some money…..I miss that car everyday. Truly an amazing platform.

[@TheChris69er]

That is why I am not letting my 10-year-old MK 7 go anywhere else anytime soon. Not that I can actually afford a new car anytime soon

[@orbytl2799]

@@TheChris69er same here, im keeping my 3 door mk7 id like a mk8 but dont want to get rid of the mk7 for it and cant afford to have both yet

[@JK-xn4mj]

In my country you can’t keep cars more than 10 years. I don’t miss the constant workshop trips I had to do with my Mk6 GTI, but damn was that thing a riot to drive.

[@thealtchemist.x]

@@JK-xn4mjwhat country is that for crying out loud?

[@osiris654]

@@thealtchemist.xSingapore

[@boyantrifonov]

The Golf R costs 70 000+ Euro It is a great car but not at that price.

[@oskar6661]

I mean, if we're being honest...almost no new car is worth its price in 2024. They're all laughably expensive for what you get, and quality has gone down in several marks/brands.

[@boyantrifonov]

@@oskar6661 unfortunately that is the case in a lot of cars of the German brands. However in VW you can get a top spec Passat with the 2.0 L 265 hp with 4 wheel drive, full leather and massage seats for about 55 000 Euro. So you can get a slightly slower but much larger and more luxurious car for considerably less money. I like that there is at least a step in the right direction.

[@BrunoFelicio]

where?

[@lemcakes32422]

@@oskar6661 Suzuki is worth it

[@JR-ut2ne]

The Golf R starts at 55k (at least in Germany). While that is still expensive it’s Not more than it’s competitors.

[@A-fy7vt]

If they'd managed to fit the new "old looking" steering wheel with real buttons in there (with the R button somewhere on there) it would / could have been so much better ... Now it's just as annoying as before.

[@TheChris69er]

A possible After Market Modification

[@A-fy7vt]

@@TheChris69er But why would you have to do aftermarket stuff on such an expensive car. Don't you expect quality from the factory? Of course you can modify your car as you wish. But this is a modification that shouldn't even be needed.

[@royalad]

I buy golf r I have back pain,, I need advice for that or change that seat what brand ,, thank you

[@openwater4897]

How many water pumps does it come with?

[@gizmoZG]

Why do manufacturers opt for the ugly screens that look like they are an aftermarket afterthought ? Is it that hard to make it work with the lines in the car ? :/

[@mauricetoussaint7283]

Because they're cheap to manufacture. Doh.

[@JoelLembethe]

Big improvement from Mk 8 😮

[@Johnny91832]

No more manual.. Though a new screen and backlit temp dials were definetly needed.

[@ulysses4989]

​@Johnny91832 the manual in the Golf is barebones compared to the civic anyway.. and you aren't getting anywhere near 4.5.

[@asianskywalker]

The screen looks so out of place. It's like it's just been plonked on.

[@chrislee6650]

You need to sit in one and experience what it feels like. The displays are larger so you can't just shoe horn it into the dashboard and have it contained, and a lot of cars are doing a similar thing with the displays. Most people will plonk their mobile phone onto a stand hanging off their dashboard or windscreen anyway, at least with Android Auto or Car play you don't need to do that anymore.

[@Harmony_Rider]

I drive the golf r black edition, love it. You should try out Special mode, it’s created on the Nürburgring and your suspension is more comfortable with bumpers while being super aggressive 🎉

[@focusedford2302]

my step dad has had the 7.5 R for a year n it’s the best car we’ve had, stage 1 map and an intake takes it to 400bhp and it gets 40mpg and it’s practical most ppl won’t need to spend loads more for the mk8 unless u particularly like the look of it

[@adamcanterbury0707]

merry Christmas from New Zealand Matt

[@tfunkhou88]

Engineer: How big do you want the screen? Marketer: Yes

[@ValentinaRosas-i4q]

Watching your content always brightens my mood.

[@RogerHitchen]

Get my new black edition R on the 10th of January so really looking forward to that now! Sold my GTi performance on CarWow the other week and got four and a half thousand pounds more than the VW dealer offered me, so great one CarWow!

[@pavelb3456]

Hi! The adaptive chassis is an extra for this R. Should it be considered AS a must or simple electronic shockabsorbers is fine also?

[@Ronaldouser_7]

The Golf R i such a good car🔥😮‍💨

[@rodneyfriend7163]

Hi Matt. I’ve had a Mk 7.5 Golf R with an APR Stage 1 tune and Michelin PS 4 s’ for 8 years now. I test drove the Mk 8.5 and apart from the drift function for the track, there is no real benefit for road driving up to ‘nine tenths’. Styling wise the Mk 8.5 is an improvement over the Mk 8 but I still think the 7.5 is ‘peak golf R’ style-wise. Here in Australia the Mk 8.5 with all the bells and whistles is about AU$75K. Not sure it’s worth it. Also like you, not a fan of the haptic steering wheel buttons and I think the more integrated screen on the Mk 7.5 looks and works way better. Also it has a space saver spare wheel. Learnt recently on our Mk 6 GTI that if you damage a tyre that needs to be replaced, an inflation kit isn’t going to cut it!

[@dannomano7217]

Agreed. Have a lapiz Blue MK 7.5 (APR Stage 1) myself also and i personally think its much prettier than the Mk 8 and 8.5. Think the true genuine benefits are the upgraded brakes with the later gens

[@alexbrown5971]

I'd have a new yaris gr gts over this

[@user2144]

4:37 There is also no power boot option. You have to close the boot manually, with your hands, like some peasant 🪦

[@clubbizarre]

Disgusting indeed😂

[@James-gf9jl]

Heaven forfend.

[@ulysses4989]

That's a good thing

[@EmekaIheanacho-jc5td]

We get the power boot option in America

[@zoltananga8872]

You are a joke😂

[@redtop1705]

There’s a massive improvement from the MK8 I have just sold my MK8 GTI and brought a Golf R black edition the touchscreen is a lot faster and a lot easier to use. The Haptic buttons are a lot better you really have to press them and as for manual mode you can rev to the red line and it will not change up

[@shaned1500]

Can you get that interior in the usa? The cloth and suede?

[@orangesonicc]

That screen is just too much😂

[@duffydon1741]

That small TV is awkward, looks like an after-thought, WTH!!

[@TheManFromDelMont]

IMO the mk 7.5 is still peak R

[@charliec9369]

Yes I have a 7.5 and am looking for a reason to upgrade, however I cant see it in this review.

[@JohnGuidetti751]

@@charliec9369An upgrade would be S4/S5 M340i, C43

[@johngraydon506]

Does it suffer the stupid water leaks require change to water pump,thermostat due to pkadtic surroubd, an issue on gti and performance models ?

[@BlackStallionGT]

I really want one... it's just a touch expensive for me at the moment

[@Bullbotha]

What’s with all these kids and wanting screens etc? I’d personally CHOOSE not to have a screen, don’t need satnav, I still have a mapbook, and what on earth possessed them to not make a manual version??? Beyond belief!

[@mauricetoussaint7283]

Hey grandad, we don't want manuals anymore and some of us use satnavs. Living in the past or what.

[@daveyboots79]

​@@mauricetoussaint7283Speak for yourself.. drivers are a certain breed and we live and breathe manual transmission.. that's not exclusive to what generation you are, it's more of a shared passion. A manual Golf is an institution, many of us 'grandads' likely learned to drive in one, and in turn have taught that joy to someone else.. sorry if that's not something anyone has ever shared with you Nit understanding what that means to people is okay... but there are generations of drivers out there that have loved and supported the Golf for literally decades.. what a sense of entitlement to think that those people shouldn't have a voice in what they want from their Golf, particularly the 'fast' one. Also.. why does your generation need satnav when the uber eats driver already has your location?

[@joet-gp3dm]

Map book… lol

[@Bullbotha]

@@joet-gp3dm yes map book, I’m just laughing at you because you can’t wipe your own arse without a computer telling you how to do it! You youngsters are absolutely useless! I prefer not to rely on technology that goes wrong half the time, i was blessed with a genius IQ, yet prefer the simple things..

[@fatwalletboy2]

Isnt that huge screen distracting?

[@chrislee6650]

Not in the least, you need to test drive one. It is less distracting than the dashboard showing RPM and speed, as when driving the screen isn't changing except for the map if using sat nav.

[@cargenius4619]

Matt, what would you choose, A golf R or a A45s ?

[@grantlingley1385]

This was a really great review! Thanks so much!

[@senpaiobiwan]

Why does that infotainment screen look like they just stickied an iPad on the dashboard

[@Krauser1226]

Because they did. Looks like an afterthought.

[@user-eu6wp6ws7c]

Like most Mercedes and BMWs these days

[@stevenesbitt3528]

I hate that feeling, like someone else posted it feels like they forgot to add it until later in the design and just slapped it on the dash

[@stevenesbitt3528]

@@user-eu6wp6ws7cmercs a bit better these days than a few years back

[@chrislee6650]

It's because the screens are larger and you can't sit it within the dashboard unless you make the dashboard huge, it also helps with cooling, and if it needs replacing it can be easily swapped out. Even the mark 8 from the passengers perspective the screen looks like its been stuck on.

[@harry4454]

I hate all these “infoscreen” bs in cars nowadays, they don’t work, they add extra weight, extra electrics and they should be illegal af, I can’t use a phone but I can use a touchscreen tv?

[@josefv-y8m]

Wrong, as soon mounted, you are allowed to use the Phone...but not Holding it in your Hand.

[@harry4454]

@ if you’re seen using your phone even mounted, or taking a phone call while driving you can be pulled over by the police

[@robertrse]

That infotainment screen ruins it, who wants so much screen??

[@chrislee6650]

Sit in one and see what you think. It really isn't as large as it appears on videos when you are in the driving seat. When I first got my Golf 8.5 I had to check with the dealer as it felt like I had the smaller 10" screen compared to videos I had seen, but it was the 12.9".

[@richjohn9356]

Drove one and a new 911, preferred the gold for a fraction of the price, very similar driving experience , Fantastic car

[@GethinJames]

I'm pretty sure it will hold the gears in manual mode if you're in one of the more aggressive driving modes (race or nurburgring?)

[@user2144]

07:10 Standard Definition Mode activated ✅

[@ThatWhiteGLI]

I still don't know what he said

[@TheIndulgers]

Haldex and auto transmission? No thanks. I cannot think of a less fun combination.

[@poughquagpops3379]

No stick? BORING. Keep it.

[@FeN1xDD]

it's not haldex.

[@colinwebb397]

Just wish VW would bring back the manual gearbox not only in the R but in the GTI

[@Nigelk388]

Clutch won’t last 20 thousand miles the Torque delivery is too much for small clutch disc

[@colinwebb397]

@ Remember that the R was gonna be call the R400 with 400bhp somewhere on the VW shelves is a clutch for that power

[@Nigelk388]

@@colinwebb397 I’d a dsg golf r mapped to 360bhp and 550nm you can forget about clutch

[@thomas_coast]

In Race mode you have M+, that is fully manual

[@Mechenzo440]

quick question, why is the touch stearing wheel back?

[@UnsyNZ]

4:40 sorry but how is any company allowed to sell a car in 2024 with OPTIONAL side airbags??

[@tissot233]

This car has 7 airbags, as does even basic golf as stanadrd. The option is a side body airbag for the rear seats. This is the same for Mercedes, Renault, Ford. I am not actually sure how many car companies first of all even offer the option let alone have it as standard.

[@raoulndayiziga6325]

Matt definitely is colorblind.

[@marcinstaszkiewicz1574]

I'd say the video editor is, it's not the first time that color grading on CarWow videos is completely off.

[@G15mpower]

If you want a small pocket rocket has to be the M240i

[@MrRyuken555]

RS3

[@G15mpower]

@@MrRyuken555yeah RS3 over a Golf definitely. But the M2 would be competition to the RS3

[@mauricetoussaint7283]

M240i looks crap and is gutless. Get what I have, a new RS3. Done deal, not much can touch you.

[@G15mpower]

@@mauricetoussaint7283 I actually like the looks each to their own but gutless? Absolute no chance a M240i x drive factory spec is quicker than a Golf R

[@topmarques]

@@mauricetoussaint7283 Understeer car. Only good if you never drive it hard.

[@robertnewhart3547]

How does the purple car turn blue on the close ups?

[@whatever_12]

With all the laws there's is for car i can't comprehend how Side airbags can still be optional