Chris Harris on Cars | VW Golf R v BMW M235i

Rear-wheel-drive is always better, right? VW begs to differ...

[@Kamukix]

8 years on and I STILL enjoy watching this review even after seeing it a number of times. It's just so beautifully skillfully done. 👌

[@vladp7463]

I have bought my m235i after this review and I still come back to see it again :)

[@Kamukix]

@@vladp7463 hahaha I bought a Golf R and have done the same, almost bought the M235i a few times, it's a lovely thing to drive 👌👌

[@craigmcotter]

I bought this press car (the m235i) and owned it for 5 year, and I kept the silly stickers. Made me very happy until I recently upgraded to a manual m2.

[@Lentlebeanify]

Back here in 2020 now that the Golf R is finally at a price I can afford 😆

[@matemarijan3795]

Haha, same. I'm choosing between 7R and A45

[@Michael-yz4mc]

Mate Marijan power in the A45 is noticeably different but the golf is definitely the better overall car

[@dragospahontu]

Same

[@wcfinest]

M140i or M240i mapped with hjs downpipe and akrapovic/remus exhaust shall it be!

[@HaveOneWithHans]

Hahahaha same bro i just bought 1 i love it

[@blessteddy]

Love the way how he explains stuffs in a very poetic and enthusiastic way

[@lapamful]

Damn. Chris Harris could slide a train! Good review.

[@bradford_shaun_murray]

11:36 whoa!

[@pvallely100]

bought a golf r off this and a few other reviews, awesome car so much fun to drive and great to live with everyday.

[@redarmy1778]

paul_v I've got m135i and it brings a smile every time I'm about to get init, but through my old job I got to drive a few golf r let me say pal you have an awesome car sticks to the road like glue very special motor indeed

[@exothermal.sprocket]

How many miles on it? What country you buy it in? Any issues with carbon build up on intake valves? DSG or manual?

[@SuperSpeece]

Dsg or manual?

[@arnie1046]

Why does it matter? ​@@SuperSpeece

[@bboss155usa]

I drove both of these cars over 2 day tests and also the AMG A45. All three cars are fantastic and it's down to personal taste, what you can afford or choose to afford. I have no brand loyalty and have never bought a car just because of brand. I am a swift driver, I don't have superhuman skills, but have a rallying background. I bought the VW Golf R because I liked everything about it, my choice and I love it. At this end of the fast hatch market, none of the cars a bad cars and you can buy with your heart as you will be a very happy owner of a VW or BMW or Audi or Merc etc...

[@Osprey1994]

I get a bit sick of people bashing the Golf R.

[@aminawad5216]

OspreyBravo18 - Maybe they are owners like myself who have owned a Golf R for 4 months and have had several issues on it that are yet to be resolved. The car has been in and out of the service dept for all this time. The car drives nice however the service from Volkswagen is shocking here in Australia

[@inspirice9844]

@@aminawad5216 Volkswagens are a bit of a hit or miss, some people be driving them for 18 years while others... not so much

[@swansmeister]

You just sound like him, first you say one thing and than contradict that by saying something opposite.

[@MrVara411]

@@aminawad5216 Cylinders misfiring? Check for carbon buildup. Might need to do a walnut blast...

[@RollingShutter]

I sometimes come back to that video for that one line. “ it has four exhausts, like a Ferrari!”. The way he is holding back his laughter cracks me up every time.

[@RollingShutter]

yup, still cracks me up

[@goodwoodandthebeaver]

This literally made my week. Chris Harris is one of the beast car video reviewers out there, and he 100% deserves this

[@w-james9277]

Nice to finally see a manual Golf R

[@markdenyer8072]

fully agreed. should be the only option.

[@markdenyer8072]

+Joey Kissinger once upon a time you had to be a good driver to drive a car fast now anyone can jump in a press a button to change gear. i can't stand them.

[@markdenyer8072]

+Joey Kissinger yeah totally. I'm just being a bit of a purist and wanting all cars to be like they once were. It wouldn't make business sense to exclude the half of the market.

[@dj4monie]

+Joey Kissinger I live in Los Angles and I've driven several manual transmission cars here. It's a non-issue. Put it in 2nd and don't bother with it. Also I generally work when traffic is down 40-50%, again living in large Mega City with well know keyword here Rush Hour/Drive Time (To Home) traffic issues, I've done it with a Neon ACR without issue and several times I've taken the canyons home (through Bel-Air). You without living here have made way too much of that.

[@jayMbodybuilding]

the DSG is just so much more efficient. I like a good manual, but feel they belong best in a sports car like a 911, corvette, or domestic muscle car. the DSG in the R makes the performance just so much better.

[@nordmoretruck6208]

The best car-tester I know. I see, after each video from Chris Harris, that this is how I WOULD have said it, but he DOES say it. Brilliant.

[@ZenGamer97]

Oh joyyy. Will be staying up for several hours tonight watching these vids. THANK YOU SO MUCH CHRIS. GENUINELY.

[@HubraumTV]

Chris Harris - the only one who can slide in a Golf :D

[@aquateen77723]

Haha! I agree....I was like wtf??

[@brandonbateson2283]

I've slid in mine... However it was promptly into the curb breaking a tie rod and control arm.

[@milaman06]

***** shit driver

[@hyperrat12]

+HubraumTV well the mk7 can now fully turn off traction control!!

[@chirikotoji]

+HubraumTV I slid my car first day I had it just taking it through a short curve ;) seeing how far I could push it through a bend

Mr. Harris it is a delight to play your reviews, one can always rest assured you are going to deliver an honest opinion. Heedless of what modern trends and brands want the world to look at, you still talk about having fun driving, getting feedback from the chassis and steering, rear wheel drive, and all those little things that make driving a passion. On the top of that, your voice is sort of mesmerizing. Please don't stop doing what you do, ever.

[@Atticvs32]

Everyone: You can't slide a 4WD! Chris Harris: Hold my beer...

[@MrGaryGG48]

Chris may have a "mis-placed accent" but you have the right idea! I have yet to hear, "'eh Bubba, watch this!!" with an English accent! ;^)

[@dadthelad]

What? It's child's play to slide a Golf R. Are people just messing around with all these comments?

[@WITTYFAM]

All ya do is loose control and stomp it 😂

[@WITTYFAM]

11:04

[@jhonnytuffister2347]

Biggest Merc fan boy here, BUT I can't help but LOVE the m235i. The inline 6 is the best engine layout, both smoothness and durability so glad Bmw is continuing this configuration, and I love the idea of a small, somewhat affordable, and beautiful car.

[@rpmichael1]

That's a beautiful car?

[@TheGreatestDaneEver]

Michael Adair Yes, considering beauty is subjective. And I'm in agreement, it's a very handsome car.

[@b1zzler]

"biggest merc fan boy" "LOVE the m235i" ok

[@MrWilmaDickfitt]

vassillioss You left out the key word in that phrase, BUT, meaning that what comes after it will be a contradiction. So what he says makes 100% sense.

[@ladin425]

BMW is the only manufacture here in the states to offer a inline 6 in a passenger vehicle. They deserve much respect to their commitment of this tried and trued configuration. Merc cheaped out long ago with their V6 which is a lame engine in my opinion for a brand that screams prestige. I can hear the piston slap on their v6 on a cold start. Not very luxurious in my opinion. Every manufacture has it gimmicks they employ to sell cars but Merc is leading the way in being gimmicky. Their bread and butter vehicles have uninspiring drivetrains and sell to the consumer based on prestige alone. I didn't say luxury because the rubber seats rule that out.

[@jayMbodybuilding]

Chris has got to be the absolute best car journalist on you tube. his opinion would largely be influential in my decision on what car I would buy. As good as the R is, I just feel the next generation would be even better. They will have to up the horsepower to go up against the focus RS, I hear Subaru is going to have more power in their next STi as well

[@TheEowli]

that first powerslide/drift on the track with the golf had me smiling so wide. i want one. it looks like a great car

[@MattMK45]

Wow, I didn't realise how much I missed getting my Chris Harris fix until now. I'm so glad that his videos are free to all (I assume) once more!

[@peterlewis3540]

That's exactly what BMW are doing to their loyal customers, providing ultra desirable cars and charging us for virtually every option that most other manufacturers include as standard. Volkswagen also do it with their Golf in a more diluted fashion. Both the 3 series and Golf are two of the most sought after cars, BMW & VW know that and charge us a fortune extra for all those desirable extras. Its the customer who is the mug falling for it.

[@thainaaier]

which is why I bought an Audi S3 with virtually zero options.... I just wanted a fast understated compact car with AWD.... no need for fancy useless gadgets.

[@imakegetsugatenshou]

JimB And thats why u are BORIIIIIIIIIIINGGGGGGGGGGGGG. Audi S3 and AWD is just BORRRRRRRRRRRRINGGGGGGGG!

[@imakegetsugatenshou]

Whateva man... drive what u want i can't argue with people like you. You have no argues, you have small brain.

[@BFD15i]

Peter Lewis Simple solution: Don't buy all that bling-bling-stuff. I only orderd the automatic-gearbox, heated seats, park-distance-control, the small gps-system, adaptive headlights and that's it. And I don't miss any of that fancy-stuff they offer since I've never had any of that and it's still a great car.

[@peterlewis3540]

***** I agree with that, but just look at the BMW 3 Series, Porche Boxter & 911, any Audi you care to mention, and the VW Golf. I cannot think of any current German car in production, that is not highly desirable. I think Audi & BMW could make the steering wheel on all their cars, an optional extra, and customers would accept it. The Huns certainly know how to screw together a set of wheels.

[@Bzulu4]

This video did a lot for me. Bought my Golf R and loved it. Now I’m about to own a c63s. Thanks Chris.

[@jeffpuha8187]

One thing Harris didn't mention is price. The M235i is about $10k more here in the States than the Golf R, when we finally get it next spring. I like both cars a lot, but, considering the price difference, and the fact that the Golf R seems to ride better on the street, as well as it's greater cargo room and all-weather capability, I would probably go for the Golf R over the M235i. Both cars are sweet, though.

[@isubzerokelvinii4109]

Not everyone is from the states. Pricing for each is gonna be different all over the world. Although I will say the bmw is always gonna cost more cause its a bmw.

[@wakiwest]

ISubZeroKelvinII you can pick up an m140i/240i with about 1k miles on it for the same price as a new golf R. Bargain!

[@FCBruh94]

no, you cant.

[@lanceanderson23]

Exactly. If the two were more closely priced it would be a tough choice. But to option an M235i similarly (with nav, adaptive suspension, leather seats, adaptive lights, etc. you are talking nearly $50k!) Hard to justify the higher price unless you REALLY want that RWD.

[@Haltdiefresse0815]

I'd say that the M140i is closer to the Golf R. The manual version costs almost exactly the same as a Golf R (At least in Sweden) and is pretty much the same car as the 2series. Both the m140 and the golf r can be used as daily drivers. So if you want manual rwd the M140 is king, otherwise Golf

[@Thousandairee]

The fact that a 4 cylinder turbo competes so well with the 6 cylinder turbo is impressive! Won my vote!

[@exothermal.sprocket]

But longer wheelbase, RWD platform (optional rear-biased x-drive avail), more interior room, inline-6 engine with loads of performance room.... just a better long-term car.

[@beamerandthebeast3979]

@@exothermal.sprocket I love my n54 335i because its aqd and manual :)

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Sounds like a good one.

[@mariodr1067]

@@exothermal.sprocket the M235 doesnt have more room than a golf...

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@mariodr1067 With the seats up or down? Are we talking head room? leg room? Shoulder room? Hip room? Or are we talking fill it up with water to the brim to fight forest fires?

[@MrGlobali]

Thank you very much, Chris Harris, for wonderful, excellent and wonderful reviews. IMHO, Chris Harris reviews are at the top of cars reviews, they are professional and enjoyable.

[@GT86crazy]

One thing to consider is that the Golf R is the top tier in the VW Golf line up, so they've gone all out on it. No reason to hold back. But BMW are careful not to let the M235i get too good in fear that it will cannabalise M4 sales. Also agree that they are not directly comparable in terms of price.

[@ShionHyrezUK]

A decent speced R will cost you the upper end of thirty grand, say 37.5k. You can drive home in a brand new well speced M235i for that cost or a super speced ex demo. So they are the same price really. The R is actually over priced in my experience.

[@ShionHyrezUK]

imfuctifino Agreed that is very good. Regardless of the price though it still to me felt like just a chipped GTI with power to all wheels. You have to explore the market and for me the M135i was the better buy for the money you were spending. 5-10k less and it would have defo have been a GTi. I really like VW a lot. I would own another GTi again which would then be my third so! They just need to up their game a little on the multimedia and finishings which BMW and Audi just run them over with. When you are charging all that money the customer deserves the same as your competitors are offering.

[@pftphd]

Shion Earl Fully loaded R will be $40K even, including delivery. M135i is not an option in the US. Base M325i is $44.05K in refrigerator white, $44.6K in any other color. That's no AWD (I have snow where I live), no leather, no nav, no heated seats, no keyless entry, etc. The lowest price used M235i I could find (2014) in searching my favorite sites is $43.7K. I'm not a big fan of BMW, and $40K is already more than I should spend, so I'm happy with my choice to go w/the R. For my checklist, it's the best value. I don't think someone who chooses the BMW has to be an idiot; his/her criteria are just different.

[@ShionHyrezUK]

pftphd BMW's are useless in the snow unless 4x. So that makes your decision the R I agree.

[@USBcable]

My brain says Golf R, but my heart says M235i

[@mr.porkchop6377]

My wallet says 92 civic

[@v12mercedes-benz72]

Finally depends on your wallet😂😂

[@nicwestley8309]

My heart says bmw / my pocket says Larda riva

[@DJFutureBass]

No

[@dadthelad]

My surfboards say Golf R hands down. Perfect car, fits all your stuff and your crew, goes like a rocket, handles amazing, cruises quiet and comfy, but comes to life when you drop it down a gear or two.

[@carterrobinson7735]

It’s amazing year over year the M235i goes toe to toe with just about every car. It’s such a versatile platform the BMW is, but the golf is pretty bad ass though too.

[@olavo1mc]

four exhausts... LIKE A FERRARI!!!

[@seven2uno]

Well done Chris, Good move, was really looking forward to watching this one in full! Thank you.

[@ThePedalDance]

Buying a manual Golf R! Super excited:)

[@pheonixfps9248]

The holes in the rotor are dimple holes, still designed to remove the gasses, but prevent the disc from cracking in comparison to complete holes drilled through, known for cracking.

[@roadhouseguy]

Back here in 2022 looking at the Golf R, after owning the M235i for 5 years. Loved it, everything said is true, the noise, the uncorrupted steering. However I tire of BMW and their horrid reliability. The dealership keeps breaking my car.

[@winglessang31]

Chris Harris you do some of the best car reviews

[@dominicancash]

That golf r is no joke .

[@jaredbennett4761]

When the focus rs rolls out it will be

[@Idontwantausernamist]

+Jared Bennett Sure, did they resume production yet or still trying to rectify these "issues" detected on pre-production cars? Golf was, is and will be here for muuuch long

[@anx1300c]

The only joke will be when the Focus driver vomits all over his hideous interior, because it's, umm....hideous.

[@dominicancash]

+Jared Bennett my friend let me educate you a beat on this golf are lol the focus RS comes with Michelin pilot super sport tires thats why around the track on the reviews is a bit faster than the golf r , fit some pss tires on the r and it will beat it , 2 the piece of shit ecoboost engine that they use on the mustang is tuned to produce more power , the golf r is not , just put it like this for that rs to produce the power that stage 2 apr R does you will need much more than just a tune and down pipe , and lets not talk about the interior cuz is a joke on the rs.

[@Idontwantausernamist]

dominicancash To be honest the Golf R is a nice all-round package but nothing special around a track. It will be slower than a Focus RS even with the same tyres on. It has less power, less torque, and no limited slip differential, let alone the sophisticated all-wheel-drive system of the Focus is miles ahead of the stupid Haldex. Would I get the Focus? Not at all. It's uglier, feels cheaper and its drivetrain reliability has yet to be proven. However in terms of performance it will beat the R in any situation except (maybe) drag racing because of the manual vs DSG disadvantage.

[@Jesusprayerwarriorbw]

I love my 15 R. Unitronic stage 2, APR DP,, AWE catback, H&R rear sway bar, shock tower braces & awesome stock brakes. Diesel geek short shifter & Raceeng weighted knob. Thx u Irene for my Golf Racer

[@UnusualAttitudes]

Great review, Chris- thanks! I agree with all of your statements, and with that, I'll be buying a Golf R with the DSG. After years & years of 6 speed Audis, I'm ready for a DSG car to drive to work! LOL

[@brandonfriesen5389]

I have a 2017 Golf R and work at BMW. I drive the M235, M2 and M240i all the time and they are brilliant cars. But they are WAY to small. I'd have to compare the R to a 335 or 340i for size and interior dimensions. I wrote the 2 series off as soon as I sat in it.

[@IceFish.]

ones a boxy hatch and ones a coupe wtf are you on about

[@marco1173]

He's got a point. I sat in a 135 coupe and the only space there was for driver and front passenger. The rear seat was basically sized for kids. The Golf is much more spacious.

[@SOPM944]

but a 1 series hatch is just as spacious in the back, BMW coupes have always been a little cramped up back, not really designed for a family are they!

[@RaymondLo84]

we can tell how much fun he had based on the dead insects on the license plate

[@RollingShutter]

"four exhausts, like a Ferrari" cracks me up. Came back to this video just for this sentence.

[@RickCosmo]

thanks Chris for this and hundreds of hrs. of auto pleasure...votes are in...Chris Harris is #1

[@Skiinye]

8 years later still got mine ❤

[@cup_and_cone]

7:51 - "...but the BMW seems to reward more at the top end." 10:57 - "...and the [Golf R] motor pulls more convincingly at the top end than the BMW." So which is it?!?! The video says each one is better than the other at top end. D'oh!

[@marcusb9694]

I think it's both. The BMW's power is biased toward the top end of the rev range. Rev for rev with the Golf though, in the top end of the rev range the R pulls harder than the BMW. He also mentions the R has the torque down low, presumably why he refers to it as having the better motor of the two. It's got it everywhere. As an R owner, can confirm. Power everywhere. TL;DR BMW rewards more at the top end than at the bottom end. Not more than the R though. I know I'm three years late, but there you go for anyone else confused by this.

[@pikachupowers]

your comment about the BMW is absolutely not true. this engine has a strong low end and mid range. it doesn't pull that hard to redline because of it's smaller twin scroll turbo

[@samytaib6778]

thechosendude l

[@Zeracho]

@@marcusb9694 I'm not knocking the R because I want one for winter/2nd car (currently have a 135i), but you really should look at a n54/n55 (54 especially) dyno chart before making those claims =p.

[@15october91]

HAHA

[@sergiosergides6645]

I just bought the Mk 7 R based on this review. Chris Harris for me is the best car reviewer on all fronts

[@Antherez94]

I work for an Audi dealer, so I've driven my fare share of S and RS models, but... I love my MK 7.5 Golf R. It puts more of a smile on my face than any of the Audi's I've driven.

[@rogernewton7831]

One of the best road cars out there today. I use my 7.5 19 plate as an everyday car regardless of the weather. Had 3 golfs over the years including the V6 4M. This is way out the best thing they ever created.

[@Osprey1994]

It's funny that a professional like Chris loves the Golf R, and then there's a bunch of random people saying it's meh.

[@iAmCodeMonkey]

Most commenters on the Internet think they "know stuff." Everyone has an opinion.

[@Unb3arablePain]

The M235i is the best car BMW has put out in recent years (other than the i8, of course). However, I think comparing it to a Golf is a little weird. The Golf is a commuter car on steroids. It has 4 doors, a powerful 2.0L turbo 4-cyl engine, rebranded Quattro AWD, and 4 EXHAUST TIPS. The M235i is meant to be a (relatively) cheap track day car. It has 2 doors, a 3.0L turbo 6-cyl engine, RWD (AWD is an option) , and all sorts of performance upgrades with the brakes and suspension. The M235i is basically the M4's little brother, the Golf is a less flashy hatch version of Audi's S3. The Gold also starts $10k less than the M235i. Personally, even as an Audi fan, I would take the M235i. It's just such a great package that BMW put together. The Golf is great, but I think it's more reserved as a sleeper performance hatch. If you're looking for a good competitor car to the M235i from VAG, the Audi S5 is the closet thing. However, the M235i is about $7k less than the S5, so it's in the same position as the Golf as not being a good match up. Maybe the M235i should just be in a class of its own.

[@ck2503]

Maybe you should just admit you're a BMW fanboi? ;]

[@thainaaier]

The Golf 7R actually gets marginally faster laptimes than the M235i on most tight corner race tracks.

[@trykkermike]

Why do you compare the Audi S5 to the BMW M235i ? .... you know there's something called the Audi S3 Sedan too, right??

[@Unb3arablePain]

Michael Hansen I mentioned it, and the Golf R is an Audi S3 underneath.

[@jflmd916edj3]

Michael Hansen the 235 is a lot better than the s3 sedan in my opinion. The engine note is better, I prefer the interior and I've been a passenger in one and you can tell how much it would be. I've driven the s3 and while it's still a great car, and looks better than the bmw, you feel too disconnected, there's a lot of turbo lag and the steering is lighter. Both are fast, good quality cars, I just the bmw is more fun and luxurious, whereas the audi is perhaps the better choice for long motorway driving

[@JasonFiske]

Great review. Thank you. Best of Luck on Top Gear. Don't change. This is a great tone that works. Fun and enthusiastic without any fake foolishness.

[@Jaibee27]

i love how he drifts. unlike the bullshit drifting with excessive smoke he drifts beautifully.

[@loisli1338]

Awesome to have you independent from /drive. Can't wait for the future films. Just like the old times.

[@calibredki2852]

engine in the front, manual shifter in the middle, and power out back. page 1, chapter 1 of the heterosexual handbook. Jeremy Clarkson said it first. Chris you improved it with the mention of a v6 ^__^

[@kylanwalters37]

+Calibred Ki *Petrolsexual ;)

[@maenuuu]

+Calibred Ki V6???

[@hjembrentkent6181]

+Calibred Ki The bimmer has a straight six son

[@repeatrepeatrepeat]

long live straight six

[@calibredki2852]

must've been tired. but just a 6 cylinder in general. lol

[@TucsonDude]

I've owned both, but it's the BMW win for me. The Golf is a high-pressure turbo-4 with a FWD bias over the AWD. The BMW is a true inline 6 RWD car with a bit of boost.

[@alexandrefernandes9233]

VW Golf R for me! All weather car!

[@abbashaider8668]

Alexandre Fernandes You ever heard of X-Drive?

[@abbashaider8668]

@Matthew Its not tho

[@mookie1247]

Congrats on your Top gear gig amazing can't wait to watch it this summer ☀️☀️☀️

[@lejohnbrames]

0:38 that gap grinds my gears

[@jenky502]

He said the BMW had fake drilled discs, they are dimpled which is better than drilled as it provides the same cooling but resists crack propogation

[@chris14091975]

one of the best reviews ... ever

[@xBuzz996]

after i've owned a golf r myself i am surprised Chris Harris thought it was super comfortable, whereas in real life with a bit of a coarse road the Golf R was really loud and had a somewhat bumpyride. What I think Chris Harris has done is put the wrong shoes on. This is a car you should almost be able to drive in flip flops, yet Chris Harris wore his racing shoes. As he did in let's say a Ferrari or a Porsche, making the Golf R seem more comfortable than it is. You could argue the roads he drove on were supersmooth but that only favors my point. Any car is smooth on smooth roads. Or maybe it's just me being picky and actually growing away from these hot hatches and beginning to open my eyes for big execute rides. But I could never say that i dont love my Golf R. Best damn all rounder ever.

[@timothymountain7868]

all cars look better in person. people told me the R is boring looking. until I saw one for myself in Halfords carport. it looks awesome and luxurious..

[@bluex217]

EXACTLY thank you.. saw a lapiz blue MK7 R in person the other day it was GORGEOUS. People say the R is "understated", but in person as you say it looks blatantly luxurious which a significant purpose..

[@Scorpio1075]

Nobody does it better than Chris Harris! Another great review! Thanks... or should I say Cheers!

[@whiskeyactual.]

Great review Chris. I've driven the 235i and it is indeed very agile feeling. I love the Golf R also and would be happy with either of these two great machines!

[@filarico]

I respect and appreciate your commentary and opinions, but I thought your comparison was suppose to be about a car for everyday driving. That in mind, I strongly feel the winner is the VW. With two very practical (usable) rear doors, rear seat space and a real trunk, or BOOT as you Brits charmingly call it, the VW is clearly the most well rounded vehicle for everyday use! Or as I'd like to say, "The VW has the best blend of practicality, sportiness and fun for real-world everyday driving". Keep the great reviews coming Chris! I enjoy them immensely!

[@S73PJY1971]

is this where it all began? cant find my comment. this channel is a hidden gem.

[@digitalsaint2040]

I guess im just happy that haldex is at last acting like real full time awd. I hated previous versions that never seemed to engage in time except from a dig.

[@sevenz1471]

best review of an R I've come across & from the only person I've seen capable of driving one. .... well done, ...subscribed.

[@15october91]

You can't go wrong with the M140i shadow edition.

[@mohamedgaaloul2753]

Correct!! We should compare apple to apple.

[@mrhankey8283]

Are u still thinking the same after the winter we’ve had??

[@mrhankey8283]

Jack Scouse ///M140i I’m not saying about skidding off snow covered tarmac and into an early grave u muppet, I’m talking about driving up a steep hill and then u have to stop and manoeuvre around a bmw which has given up! Are you really telling me that there’s no difference between Awd and rwd just as you drive normally you moron?

[@stevensaunders982]

Awesome to have Chris doing his won thing! Wish you great success on this channel!

[@medotorg2720]

There's one thing that needs to be said: The Golf in as actual family car that can carry 4 full sized people. I agree the BMW is a wonderful throwback, and if you're a single guy it's a great ride. But the Golf R is a jack of all trades that can do a lot of things amazingly well, and is safer in inclement weather. It's a little less grin inducing at the extreme moments, but it's a lot more practical in the millions of moments in between.

[@keeturbo]

Most of us would want the BMW thinking we can do the same stuff chris is doing with it when in reality we actually need the golf in order not to wrap ourselves around a tree.BMW=fantasy driving,Golf=realistic every day mortal behind the wheel who runs out of talent when over steer lasts longer than 5secs.

[@achilleaustin]

well I'd rather learn to be a good driver in the BMW than be an incompetent one in a gofl

[@daleboyles3805]

Peter Schmitz Every other weekend I see a crashed bmw at a roundabout. Not much more to be said

[@Feroxing12]

LOL talk about yourself

[@AudiRSQ]

This is the video that finalised my decision to get my Golf R ! No regrets

[@alexserrano2850]

So the M235i's stock dampening is less complicated, It's RWD, longer geared, has a inline 6 and yet weighs less. I also tend to think (rationally or not) that it's gonna be more reliable. The BMW seems like a perfect GTish sports car for the road if you don't need the AWD.

[@andyspinks9996]

Love my mk7 R. Brilliant.

[@jessicastrat9376]

How is the engine noise “fake”? Is it running through the speakers?

[@ChronicMane9]

H Strat part of it is yes

[@em1ownerify]

Tune that r and it’s an amazing car that’s quick af and still very comfortable

[@johngibney3124]

having owned both the golf r and audi s3 2014 the golf handles alot better but depends what your after ti be fair the s3 has alot more interior comforts this is 2020

[@atticus6572]

I'd take the M235i. At least until the S1 comes to North America.

[@xboy4331]

I would love to get an S1

[@993ts]

+Trygve Germo if they came to the US I would by on the first day they were on sale

[@vyrnmn]

+Samidare the M235i is miles better than the S1. Loads faster, for a start.

[@atticus6572]

James Franklin Subjective, although I'm not denying the M235i's quicker. .

[@vyrnmn]

Samidare I suppose it's subjective, but more people would agree that understeer is worse than oversteer for a performance car. Hence, the BMW is "better" in that sense.

[@heroesontrack]

Thanks Chris! Based on your review, I went out and bought an M235i Drive. I had a Golf R (mkVI) and found the BMW's rear drive bias just too compelling for the R's front / Haldex bias. BTW- I hope you get a show on Velocity nor another mainstream US network. Thanks for your hard work for us...

[@Hunter1Lane]

John Ballentine the mk6 and 7 two totally different cars.

[@HelloHi-tt5sl]

The golf R looks like a sporty shopping trolley with 4 exhausts

[@derschneller]

I had to come back and rewatch this one after tonight's M2 review on the best Top Gear segment to date.

[@MattGreenland]

Personally I think the MK1 and MK2 were great. MK3 sucks the most simply because it didn't look very good and is greatly shadowed by the MK4. The MK4 VR6 24V and R32 are the best because of power and beautiful sound. The 1.8t is also very good because of it's tenability, the rest of the MK4s are little boring and underpowered for their weight. The MK5, 6 are uglier, slower and not very special in any way. The newest R is the return back to what the MK4 R32 was.

[@suprac19]

You mentioned power for the mk4 r32, it doesn't exactly have that much does it and offers little benefit if any over the turbo apart from sounding better. The vr6 was crap and slow as well.

[@MattGreenland]

suprac19 Different time, the R32 was considered to have a nice amount of power. By today's standards is not as much as you would expect from a top sport hatch. Turbos are definitely not as fun as having strong linear power(why superchargers were preferred). By today's tech, turbo have greatly changed, some manufacturers eliminating all negatives of turbos. The VR6 engine is strong and reliable, 12v less so because it din't have a timing chain. If it was so crap they wouldn't have made a R36 would they? Or kept it going through more than one generation. Again for the time the VR6 engine was definitely not slow and is still not considered to be crap, especially considering the car (24v VR6 GTI) is still faster than majority of GTI's that followed.

[@suprac19]

The v6 wasn't even powerful back then, a friend of mine in a 1.6 vtec civic beat his friends golf vr6 and out of the two engines the 3.2 v6 and the 1.8t the 1.8t was the better car to have, handled better as it didn't have a useless v6 up front and offered just as much performance. The 3.6 passat is crap as well, pointless engine in a pointless car, 295hp out a 3.6 is pathetic and a shade under 6 sec to 60mph is slow.

[@MattGreenland]

suprac19 Was your friend against a 24v or 12v? 12v doesn't have very much power for that engine. Honda's are completely different cars to compare to (cheap cars vs semi premium cars). I bet you friend has work done is, which makes it irrelevant. 1.8t isn't so good because you have to do work to it make it go slightly faster than a VR6. Even then you still have terrible power curve and you lose reliability. The bigger engine made it better handling because it was more weight on the front wheels which means less power loss when accelerating. 1.8t is less reliable especially today, want a race car then get something that isn't fwd. The 3.2 is always going to be the better car, hence why their value is still way up. 4 wheel drive vs a small engine front wheel drive car, thats not even really possible to compare, theres a reason why rally cars are awe drive and not fwd. If you think a front wheel drive 1.t performs better than an r32 then you have already lost. I was referring to the r36(lambo killer) not the passat. So all in all the VR6 24v is the better engine than those you mentioned because ti doesn't need modification to make it faster or better. It doesn't have a timing chain, has more reliable power which is going to not result in parts wearing out faster. If you talking about mods, well look no further than what the VW factory made with that 3.6 engine in a R. Haven't made a lambo killer with a 4 banger ever.

[@MattGreenland]

suprac19 I think your knowledge of cars, engines and power might be a little limited.

[@IKenexPSN]

and this is why i choose my Golf R. Respect both cars!

[@edwatters5788]

funny how none of the other reviewers can drift the golf R and yet here is Chris Harris indulging in massive slides in a VW Golf R.

[@chirikotoji]

My wife works for bmw so I could get a wicked deal on the 235 but I still went and picked up a 2016 golf R :P. The 235 didn't seem as fun to drive, but I've always been an awd fan, especially in the rain and snow.

[@chirikotoji]

+ACID370Z still wouldn't change my mind about the decision. The r just feels so much more planted. Go kart feeling like where the 235 feels like I was driving a boat. I would rather much get the 1 series over the new 2 series.

[@MordFustang1966]

+Chiri Kotoji (Chirikotoji) a bmw is a 50/50 weight balanced rear wheel drive machine, the other is a golf.

[@chirikotoji]

+Mulkyan considering she's a nurse and I'm a welder making six figures along with over a million in assets so far at age 27 I highly doubt that. She's a smart girl that rather have our money spent on property than wasting on a 6 series.

[@massiveglove2960]

+Mulkyan Up past your bedtime, son?

[@ryanb8736]

I've been going back and forth between the two. I already own a 14 328 x drive and love Bmw, but after driving the Golf R I am in love. It does everything so darn well with superb handling and power. I feel like I am a young kid in a go cart. 😁 One thing for sure, BMW has the best service and maintenance for free including even wipers. You don't have to pay for anything. With VW, you get a weaker warranty and have to pay for maintenance. I really wanted another BMW, but this darn Golf R is so addictive. The m235 is much easier to order and buy. The R is definitely hard to find and there are people on a waiting list with little availability.

[@sam1741]

glad that BMW brings back the 'old school handling feel' to new cars been missing that a lot

[@austen2382]

Golf r then use the money saved from the bmw to tune it to 450whp.

[@JohnInSale]

Nice Review !!! But I think I'd go for the Golf R in 3 door, with the DSG gearbox in that lovely VW Lapis Blue and then you'd have the best of both worlds !!!

[@Finnoctane]

Thank you Chris :)

[@robeldred4731]

I bought the R every time I get in it I fall in love all over again. I do pizza delivery part time and even after 4 1/2 hours on average of drive time I'm always disappointed when I pull back into the garage, because it's OVER and I always have to look back at it before I close and lock the door......LOVE this little BEAUT. Mine is the silver and black.

[@danesebruno]

+Rob Eldred You bought a Golf R and you do pizza delivery? Somebody has problems with their priorities

[@robeldred4731]

+Bruno Danese someone is pretty judgemental......maybe one should think twice before they put there own issues on someone else. Anyway my point not to be diluted by your preconceived judgement is this is an AWESOME car!!!

[@stevel8430]

+Bruno Danese whats rong with that . I used to do it to . You get to rag your car while someone else pays the fuel and get free pizza . its all win.

[@ClintWestmetal88]

There's an awful lot of infantile bickering in these comments, I suspect from a lot of people that haven't even driven a performance car. Oh and, I'll take the BMW.

[@nl3712]

Agreed. I own a bmw but it's just such a pity they're so ugly.

[@timdoll4950]

I've had plenty of performance cars, including a Ruf R Turbo 911, and I still bought the Golf R. It's so much more practical for daily living.

[@ChromeWrapz]

I've got the Mk6 GTI and I absolutely love it! Glad Chris agrees lol

[@ZenGamer97]

Why would anyone get the Golf.. Just get the BMW and go sideways!

[@Roxak]

Says the 17 year old kiddo...

[@ZenGamer97]

yes... i have a 1.4 Corsa. You can't argue with the point at hand though.

[@android61242]

***** eh gti is too expensive for what it is. BMW"S are generally overpriced but you tend not to to feel so shitty about paying for one because it usually delivers. It's not worth it for everyone.

[@ZenGamer97]

Bob Builder Second hand E46 or E92 is the way to go. Tough to find a manual E46 that hasn't been thrashed too hard though with decent miles, we all know what BMW drivers are like. But you can get one for about 10K and it's ONE OF THE GREATEST CARS OF OUR TIME.

[@Dankboi420]

NO, you'll crash it.

[@lasseterschluse164]

My Dad drives a Golf R, but i cant imagine how harris is able to drift it :D DSG rocks btw!

[@ladin425]

What a review! Fair and honest!

[@user-tk4ys7xs1l]

Bring back the old dual exhaust tips for the Golf R. It looks cringe worthy with 4.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Tuners won't leave that heavy-pig exhaust system on it anyway.

[@johnroberts9845]

after test driving a oynx white 3 door Manual with leather and upgrade 19 inch alloys I must say what a car. .. better than anything I had tried. placed the order exactly as the one i test drove on Saturday counting the weeks down until delivery 😆😆😆😆😆

[@kdoran709]

What the fuck? Mk4 r32 is a great car, so is the 1.8t gti

[@kdoran709]

***** yeah I'm not quite sure about the hate either.. I love my mk4 jetta 1.8t. There is a huge fan base for mk4s alone.

[@kraenk12]

The only problem was it's ESP. This sometimes was the reason for people hating on race tracks.

[@ShadowFalcon]

Mk III and Mk IV Golf GTI just felt lardy. Mk I and Mk II felt crisp and mechanical. And the Mk V, and Mk VI were a return to form of the crisp, precise hothatch.

[@iainmurray9961]

MrFalconfly As you said, the Mk 4 was too heavy and soft to ever be considered a drivers car... Numb steering and a crappy feel through the gearbox. And the Mk 4 2.0 GTi was a bit of a joke - only 115bhp, so all show and no go! Some good engines where available though from the 1.8t, 1.9TDi GTs (130/150), 2.8 V5 and the R32 3.2 V6 sound gorgeous.

[@LeeFinneyZ9]

Mk4 1.8 GTi is a good car. As a " Hot " hatchback - It's pretty much Pants !!! Too soft, Too heavy & not enough power - Fact !

[@csnipereu]

Both are lovely cars.... and I'm a huge merc fanboy...

[@maveric0738]

I'll take VW's Golf R!! I like my MK4 R32!!!

[@MrTitaniumBG]

Best part about the golf R is it comes in an estate too

[@tshedzamukwevho1240]

Golf r all the way. I wish vw more of a great future

[@dsmanter]

Can't wait to get mine whenever the 6 spd manual comes out!

[@zemekiel]

Wouldn't it make more sense to test the M235i xDrive against this Volkswagen rival?

[@wakiwest]

zemekiel no m235i x drive in U.K. Unfortunately