Are the MK8 Buttons as Terrible as They Say?

A lot of the talk around the MK8 GTI and Golf R has been about how the new haptic feedback buttons and touch-sensitive buttons have ruined the car... But have they? Today we do a deep dive into the new MK8 interior and find out if the new radio, dash, and steering wheel are a deal-breaker!
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[@Deutscheautoparts]

Shop for VW and Audi Maintenance, Repair and Performance parts on our site! www.shopdap.com/

[@scotturich]

Made a purchase just the other day for my DSG service, thanks for including everything in one kit

[@Deutscheautoparts]

@@scotturich Thank you so much for the support. We appreciate it very much!

[@Rewelsworld]

Those buttons are removable it seems from the radio so if it’s possible to make them illuminated & wired to splice into the hazard

[@RedondoBeach2]

Wait for the second or third year of production. All of the issues described in this video, and countless more that haven't been discovered yet, should be resolved. VW, if you're listening, make it happen.

[@TheMrBrandonlewis]

Dude, you just want the blower motor control knob because you don't use the auto function as you're intended to.

[@2strokeFORever]

You're not allowed to use your phone while driving yet manufacturers bury the controls in a giant touchscreen...

[@rkan2]

I mean.. In most countries it is allowed if the phone is on a holder...

[@2strokeFORever]

@@rkan2 cool

[@krane15]

And for the exact same reason: its a distraction.

[@vroomgc]

Ya except your not texting people on your giant screen

[@2strokeFORever]

@@vroomgc still have to look through a screen instead of just turning a dial..

[@CatonsvilleCentralRwy]

I’m disappointed they didn’t find a way to replace the steering wheel with a touch sensitive slider mounted on the dash

[@notanalien583]

Stop don‘t give them ideas

Or hidden in the entertainment system, behind 4 or 5 menus and submenus

[@jorgempt]

@ No sweat my guy. A pull down shortcut can be created for the steering wheel function!

[@SmiFF_]

Touch sensitive pedals, comes first :)

[@carllinden533]

@@SmiFF_ lmao!

[@christopherbatty3881]

MK7 R owner here. That interior is a masterclass in design and ergonomics. This MK8 is a giant leap back. Safe operations to radio and climate controls are physical buttons. Yes you have to briefly glance to touch the button, but were talking a much more prolonged glance to use even haptic "buttons". I have never gotten in my car or had anyone ride along with me in MK7 and say "you know what, there are way too many buttons in here". Thanks Paul, for posting. As usual, the comedic elements are gold.

[@Ne1lTV]

I take issue with your analogy. A virtual keyboard on a smart phone is not as good as a physical keyboard was on older phones for typing messages, but it is a good compromise for a modern device which gets used in a many different ways such as watching videos where more screen space makes a big difference to the user experience. The same can't really be said for a car's controls, which should have a primary focus of allow the driver to make inputs with ease and with minimal need to take their eyes off the road. Touch controls in cars fundamentally compromise this which is why most people don't like them, and voice control isn't great either - when it actually understands you it still takes more thought process to tell it what to do than to just quickly press a physical button or to turn a dial.

[@cyclistman6358]

Well said and agree!!!! Technology and its design and implementation should make our lives and driving experience easier, less stressful and positively engaging and let's not forget safer as well. Not the opposite. Peace

[@jameshaulenbeek5931]

The keyboard thing really is personal preference. When I got my first smart phone, I thought there would be a big learning curve - I quickly got used to the touch keyboard, which evolved into me getting used to Swipe text very easily. It's far faster than any individual buttons, easily done one handed, and you don't have to worry about getting gunk in the buttons. It's all personal preference, but I do think many manufacturers are going to go this route or very similar. It's likely something that's here to stay, and we'll all have to get used to it in some form in our vehicles.

[@cyclistman6358]

@@jameshaulenbeek5931 Interesting POV. But where or when does consumers preference and needs factor in? With due respect, must we always accept or get use to whatever a major manufacturer offers us, if many or even the majority of users disagree with and don’t care for the offering? Peace

[@TheHannukahZombie]

The analogy completely falls apart simply because your phone is your hand and not hard to see or feel. Touch screens in cars aren’t like that, you’re moving around and it’s not always easy to touch something. Touch screens have no place in a car, I don’t even like the touch screen in my 2019 GTI because it’s laggy and doesn’t always respond. My phone doesn’t have that problem. In back in 2007 when the iPhone came out the screen worked perfectly from the start.

[@AaronHalpin]

@@jameshaulenbeek5931 Capacitive keyboards on your phone are fine, and work well nowadays. However, you still have to know the orientation of your phone and still have to watch the keyboard to some extent to ensure you are typing correctly. Imagine having a flat glass computer keyboard with no physical buttons. Regardless of how well you type, if your fingers cannot find the keys, you are going to end up with far greater errors than if you had tactile buttons. In both my MK6 GLI and my MK7 GTI, I can operate all of the steering wheel controls, radio knobs, sunroof, and heater controls...without ever taking my eyes off the road. You can get good at "approximately" locating these capacitive controls...but never with the same accuracy as physical buttons and knobs.

[@Drewdownkali]

Yes they are right. You need to be able to push buttons without having to take your eyes off the road. With touchscreens you have to look to see what you are pushing. This is just plain dangerous. We need the tactile feel.

[@dansihvonen8218]

There is a reason why cars still have an actual steering wheel instead of a picture of it on a touchscreen. Yes, I know, steering is not comparable to climate control but it make a good example why tactile buttons and knobs are easier to adjust without taking your eyes of the road. A button that needs to be pushed and not just touched isn't as easily activated by mistake.

[@markmunro5115]

Depends what you want to do. Want to change temp say “hey Volkswagen” turn temp to 22 it does it for you. Realistically don’t have to touch too much.

[@Drewdownkali]

@@markmunro5115 well we all know how well voice activated controls work..... We especially at highway speeds.

[@MrPlayboy28]

@@markmunro5115 that is utter useless on my car and on other current VAGs I've drove (using Portuguese, English might be better)

[@krane15]

I don't know if I'd say dangerous, but its most certainly less safe.

[@abiopc]

Eliminating a physical keyboard from a phone allows for a bigger screen for content consumption. Eliminating a physical button and substituting it with a touch sensitive control has zero advantages. Burying basic controls in a screen menu has also no positives.

[@vipiriusvt]

Exactly. Like I agree that it's not a huge deal and I could probably live with it but the whole touch screen phone comparison was a bit silly IMO.

[@Loopsrainforest]

& phones still have volume & power buttons because its not rocket science to understand that you want to be able to use critical controls without having to look at a screen.

[@alexkay7823]

Cost cutting - very positive for VW, not so much for the customers.

[@krane15]

Well said. There is zero advantage to touch buttons.

[@vroomgc]

@@krane15 So they should make everything you want to do be a button right or knob right ?

[@audikris]

When stationary - the haptic buttons are great - when moving, they are terrible, because you have to LOOK at them.

[@krane15]

Bingo! And you don't need the wisdom of Solomon to figure out that's not a step forward.

[@vroomgc]

@@krane15 Bongo, you have to look for and place your hand on the volume knob currently. The haptic on the steering wheel would be the same result

[@peglor]

@@vroomgc With proper controls you can feel for the shape of the button or knob you need (Without accidentally setting any of the other touch controls off on the way to finding it) and then actually use it with physical feedback.

[@vroomgc]

@@peglor BS. Let me know next time your driving that you dont look for the buttons or knobs for things to change. You do 100%

[@peglor]

@@vroomgc For the buttons I don't use very often I have to take a quick look to see where they are, but I don't need to stay looking at them to complete the process of pressing them or get the feedback that I have pressed them.

[@Boostlagg]

Its very clear the only reason VW removed physical buttons was for cost savings. There is a reason why the twin Audi A3/S3 has physical controls, people prefer it and will pay for it.

[@peglor]

Skodas also have touch controls, and they're much better value than the VW's, while using the same chassis, engines, suspension etc. VW would argue Skoda do it because they're a 'cheaper' brand 😂.

[@dobrien757]

@@peglor my base octavia and top spec Enyaq have physical buttons, go easy on the crack buddy

[@peglor]

@@dobrien757 My mistake - I meant actual buttons rather than touch sensitive ones.

[@thielepr]

So, VW prefer to be burn by journalists and loose sales to save cents per car?

[@peglor]

​@@thielepr I doubt they expected as much backlash as they got for getting rid of the buttons though, given how loud the Tesla fanboys are on the internet. A lot of their customers are people who change from an old car they never owned to a new car they'll also never own every 3 years max, rather than people who specifically choose a car having considered the options from other brands too, so VW may not need to care.

[@HumbleMechanic]

#buttongate

[@fasteddie5174]

@boonie_MTB you can literally not control the things.

[@Ne1lTV]

@@fasteddie5174 🤣

[@alexkay7823]

I hope you are not going to release a similar video to support your friend Megan of VW. Paul did a great job so you don't have to.

[@fredygump5578]

I thought Tesla was trying to be the Apple of the car world...but I guess VW has entered the competition!

[@HumbleMechanic]

@@alexkay7823 not sure where you are going with that...

[@mllh2022]

Shark Tank: There are no physical buttons, and for this reason...I'm out

[@scotturich]

Just wait until your on a bumpy road and those slider buttons become even more a pain in the ass.

[@Rewelsworld]

When my gti comes in I’m installing The 2022 Tiguan steering wheel should fix the problem since it’s the same steering wheel 💯

[@BMW_Z4idiot]

@@Rewelsworld did you get a GTI? Did you install the Tiguan steering wheel?

[@F.S92]

1:25 completely different dude. I don’t endanger my life because I can’t feel keys on my phone. However, I do endanger my life if I fiddle unsuccessfully with buttons while driving…trying to turn off my music…or turn on beams…or turn them off quickly

[@tomfoolery1967]

Dramatic much?

[@Amir-kc9yu]

The difference with having touch buttons on a car compared to a phone is that the buttons on the car don't change functionality. They do the exact same thing at all times which takes away the point of touch as the same area can have multiple functions depending on needs.

[@Michael-uc2pn]

"and the rear temperature controls here and here, and the rear heated seat controls, all of which your kids are going to kick the living s*** out of!" 😆

[@jvb4218]

B No “buttons” “knobs” on an iPhone are fine, you are looking at the iPhone . No “buttons” “knobs” in a car are not, you are looking at the road.

[@DCassidy42]

When there are other options on the market that don't have frustrating interfaces, I can't help but look to them for my next car.

[@justingravelle3649]

Yup get a Hyundai 🙄

[@alexkay7823]

@@justingravelle3649 I can compare Hyundai I30 (Elantra GT in the US) to MK 7.5 GTI because I drove both cars for 20+K miles each. Last gen Hyundai I30 is very good, so "yup" Hyundai is a good choice.

[@BrownSofaGamer]

The Elantra N and Kona are great, the interiors are cool and feel just as nice as a GTI, they offers similar straight line performance, and both should be better through the corners. I love VWs and I really like the Mk8, but people who are really put off by the capacitive buttons should look to the Elantra N or Kona N.

[@Dave-gg6vl]

What’s really weird is that the Skoda Octavia VRS Mk4 which is based on the Mk8 has physical buttons on the steering wheel. They also have physical buttons to go into climate etc in the centre but you have to adjust it on the screen. I think its at the max of being almost too much for me so I’m glad they didn’t introduce too much haptic buttons for this model.

[@Rewelsworld]

The 2022 Tiguan steering wheel should fix the problem since it’s the same steering wheel 💯

[@WPman911]

I guess the question is, are the new buttons better or worse than the previous buttons? I understand that you can create a work around with shortcuts, but which would you rather have to start with, physical buttons/knobs or the type of controls that are in the Mk8? I would also ask VW if they can make the new controls another type of finish other than piano black? Could the controls on the steering wheel be a matte finish? I'm sure the new controls will improve in time.

[@Hintonbro.]

They obviously are not better - and that is the complaint. Does it work? Sure. Is it better? No way.

[@WPman911]

@@Hintonbro. I agree, I had a small amount of time with the new controls and it was not my cup of tea. I have yet to run into anyone that likes them but someone must like them or VW wouldn’t put them in their vehicles, right? I understand that we will progress in technology but progress for the sake of progress isn’t really progress its just something new, not better.

[@Savak22]

@@WPman911 cust cutting measures aren't necessarily progress

[@MrWilliamathomasusa]

Worse...

[@cwx8]

This has been the MOST optimistic review of what is easily the worst infotainment system in any car today.

[@Shioyi]

On the Mk7 gti you can hold the volume buttons on the steering wheel so you don’t have to press it 15x lol, I use it all the time

[@jdemara]

Haptic touch buttons are difficult to find and touch in the exact spot needed while driving, especially on a bumpy road. I personally wouldn’t buy the MK8 for this reason alone. Have to push a button to get to a different screen to set your climate control? Terrible. Such a let down :(

[@MikeMUFC91]

I have the same steering wheel and haptics everywhere in my Arteon and have had absolutely zero issues with it. If you've never tried it, don't comment on it.

[@jdemara]

@@MikeMUFC91 I have tried it. And I also have the touch buttons on the sides of my Mk7 8” display, and absolutely can’t stand it while driving. Some people don’t mind the touch style buttons, and some people prefer a tactile feel.

[@alexkay7823]

@@MikeMUFC91 Don't tell people what to do so they don't have to tell you where you should go with your advices.

[@tim850csi]

@@MikeMUFC91 Yeah, I tried it. It sucks.

[@jpsulisz]

I drove a MK8 Golf here in Minnesota when it was near 0 and the controls flat out refused to work for a minute - just didn't register any touch on startup

[@forzfedv6]

Was wondering this too, it's been -40 in Alberta for 2 weeks. Definitely wouldn't want to deal with unresponsive controls, also I drive with big gloves for the first 30min.

[@Zorrolord]

@@forzfedv6 Gloves in a car with heated steering wheel? Also do you park your car outside when it is that cold? Sounds a bit odd to me....

[@leventece8276]

I use the “Hey Volkswagen” voice command function on mine. Tell the GTI you’re cold or warm, and it adjusts the temperature. You can use it to turn the seats on too. It also knows if you’re the passenger or driver. Keeps your eye on the road and hands on the steering wheel. I loved my 7.5, and I absolutely love my Mark 8. The drive and feel is what I care more about.

[@blower1]

So basically the ideal interface setup would be nearly everything you had in the Mk7 / 7.5

[@vroomgc]

Nope, its whatever you are use to. People dont like change is the bottom line.

[@BobK5]

Yes absolutely 👍

[@tim850csi]

@@vroomgc No, I'm sorry. I love change. I love new models of existing products. This is simply a shit design. It's not well laid out and it's laggy as hell. Drove one for a half hour and was so fucking pissed off that when I got back to the dealership and the sales person asked me what i thought he stopped and said "let me guess, you hate the interior".... Yup. Yes I do.

[@CR-pu4tz]

@@vroomgc the dexterity that comes with physical buttons and knobs is lost with touch screens. Pointless design that limits attention to the task of driving. The new awd drive train in the R model is the only worthwhile feature over the mk7.

[@vroomgc]

@@tim850csi So you drove something for 30 min and spent all your time touching the screen ? Because I typically drive a car when I take one out not turn up and down knobs and buttons. But I guess you sat there and didnt drive the car. No worries everyone is different.

[@michaelwoods4495]

We just got one for my wife to replace her 2016 Golf because the old one didn't have blind spot monitoring on the outside mirrors and in our late 70s it's hard to twist around. The buttons and controls are pretty much in the same places as the old Golf and the 2019 Tiguan that I use, so all we had to get accustomed to was touch buttons instead of push buttons. It's really nice to drive, though.

[@BrakRulesAll]

On the old physical volume control on the steering wheel on mk7/7.5, you didn't have to press repeatedly to raise/lower volume - you just hold it down and it smoothly ramps up or down. Easy/peazy. Also comparing all this touch garbage to the iPhone and the reesistance to lack of physical keyboard is apples to oranges iMHO - the big difference being that operating this stuff while attempting to safely operate a moving, bouncing car, is difficult and dangerous. Tapping a phone while NOT driving a car is a completely different task. And as Camissa points out in his clip near the beginning, every other manufacturer who has tried this in the last 5 or so years has relented to physical buttons after massive outcry from customers.

[@oficina_moomoo]

only one that hasn't is tesla since they never had em to begin with lol. They started this garbage design, thanks Elon

[@HeikoQuant]

Just slide your finger to the left / right. You should drive a bike.

[@oficina_moomoo]

@@HeikoQuant you should drive an iphone

[@RaamZ07]

Hit the nail on the head.

[@HeikoQuant]

@@RaamZ07 Correction: he must have hit bis head. Reduced mental capacity = difficulty to manage contemporary user interface concepts.

[@keithemerson7635]

I am new to you, and so far, I love your personality and your point of view. Your 100% on point on everything you said on the infotainment system and how people react to this no physical buttons. I was born in 1970. So yes, I am dumb in these high tech generation wirld. Yes, the 2024 Golf GTI is awesome, and I have one myself now. 6 speed manual. Also my first Golf GTI I bought. Yes, I too was confused about the infotainment and no physical buttons. I practice many times on figuring out how to work with it. After so many practice and got the hang of it I finally purchase the vehicle. Agree on physical buttons. It is quick, simple and easy the buttons are. You don't have to figure it out where to get too on physical buttons unlike the non-buttons where it take times and to keep your eye on the road. It does take time until you get the hang of it and also how you will adjust too driving while using it. Otherwise the 2024 VW Golf GTI is a terrific car to drive everyday and a great all around vehicle especially long haul. The seat is very comfortable with no stress to your body or your back area. To me it's will worth it, that if you can afford it. Again well done on the videos of the non-physical buttons vs physical buttons. Go-go-Golf!!!

[@fasteddie5174]

Love all the DAP content but also "It's fine the way it is but I want all the buttons back" which I found funny. Hard volume and HVAC controls with a touchscreen is what the 7/7.5 had...

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

The problem is, hardbuttons like on the current polos are just cheap af matte black plastic buttons. They feel horrible in comparison to the touchbuttons

[@dragospahontu]

It's not bad when you learn the system, but you shouldn't have to do this in a new car.

[@MrPlayboy28]

@@Daniel-dj7fh I have an Ibiza (SEAT's Polo) and I drove a Leon for over a week (SEAT's Golf). The controls of the Ibiza don't feel that cheap to me compared with likes of the A3 8V and are exponentially better while driving - first time I had to turn on the AC in the highway I almost left my lane due to how much I had to take the eyes from the road.

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

@@MrPlayboy28 I mean it isn't bad, but they feel better than our old mk5 golf's buttons. They really just need to make the buttons 2mm thicker and you wouldn't have the feel

[@iHelpSolveIt]

I have a huge problem with the touch screens of any type... And with physical buttons I don't need to look, i just stab my hand in that direction and the radio is off. As its illegal to touch the phone while driving the same rules will make it impossible to use the cars touchscreens...

[@eppyz]

To answer the question in the Video Description. Yes.

[@k0mp4k]

Those controls seem horrible. I wonder how well they work in freezing temperatures.

[@Heffelz8]

How do cold fingers work with haptic feedback?

[@AlumarsX]

@@Heffelz8 infotainment screens get laggy AF in cold temps

[@dB_944]

Probably better than your fingers. ;)

[@JeffSSartor]

@@Heffelz8 the don't.

[@gamesensei88]

Working just fine for me under 10 degrees

[@jimmys_mk8209]

I've had my MK8 for about a week and I don't mind the buttons at all. Very intuitive if you give it a chance

[@dudemcdudeston7985]

@2:28 laughed heartily. I love the extra humor Paul + crew has injected into the videos lately. Yalls clubsport muffler video when paul said "you vs the guy she tells you not to worry about" had me and my dad rollin. He never saw yall and became an instant fan. Love you guys and thanks for the lolz. Aaand 3:15 😄

[@cyclistman6358]

Humans have a hard time with "bad" change!! In my opinion, my 2017 MK7 GTI SE has the best interior for functionality and looks. If only my MK7 GTI had as much HP & Torque as the new MK8. Oh wait I can easily get ECU & TCU mods on my MK7 to exceed the MK8 specs!! I love GTI's & R's because they are such great driving and practical street cars. But I think VW has hurt themselves and their GTI / R base with the new MK8 interface design. It will be very interesting to see if VW offers a MK8.5 with "proper buttons" in the coming years. Peace!

[@JohnsArchipelago]

I literally own a 2017 GTI SE PP, why do you say the interior of the MK7 is better than the MK7.5?

[@shinners8965]

@@JohnsArchipelago bc he owns one. Lol

[@cyclistman6358]

@@JohnsArchipelago Didn’t say it was better than the MK7.5 just better than MK8. Nothing wrong with the 7.5. I’m not completely familiar with the 7.5 upgrades but I kinda like the digital dash. But I’m an old school driver. I really like the hybrid setup, analog tach & speedo in the MK7, with the mix of the smaller digital display in the center. New MK8 is soooo expensive too, VW should have done better on the interior. Not liking the little tiny, useless gear selector in the DCT trans. I drive my MK7 DCT in manual mode ALL of the time and use the proper sequential floor shifter along with the paddles in daily and spirited performance driving. I could probably be just fine with a MK8 with manual trans, would just need to get over the learning curve of multi layered confusing touch screen and touch buttons everywhere. ☮️

[@Drewdownkali]

@@JohnsArchipelago he didn't.

[@jasminbonsant9281]

Yep....I'm not changing mine until I can see if they bring back the the physical buttons in the Mk8.5

[@katiecannon8186]

Just bought a 2023. I’m 60 and completely not a tech gal. So far, it’s simple & I love it. Sure, there’s still a couple of things I’m trying to figure out, but it’s only for stuff I don’t need day to day. But the more fancy stuff. Temperature control is easy. No problem at all. I have the S, so have volume knobs. But really, I wouldn’t care if I didn’t because it’s so easy from the steering wheel. Also, I love the touch buttons. I’m just generally in love with my car. lol

[@anonymouscomment8833]

Wait a year. I lasted about 10 months, then I started looking for something else to replace my MK8. At just over a year I simply outright sold my GTI without bothering to replace it.

[@deebee68]

I would’ve actually considered the MK8 R but I can’t get passed the interior. I’ll stick with the 7.5.

[@SaulCoelho]

Exactly. Will never let go of my Mk7.5 now.

[@markthibault8579]

Same here. In addition to real buttons and knobs, I also prefer a manual handbrake and seats that don't look like gaming chairs. Here's hoping the Mk8.5 addresses some of the issues.

[@flopkin]

Same. Keeping my 17' MK7... I was so hyped for the MK8 at first but when it was revealed it was one of the most disappointing things in a long time...

[@greglee2657]

How about you do that test again whilst driving the car. See how you get on then. I'll stick to my old Mk5 Gti thanks.

[@foregonereality]

The system looks great but hopefully VW will put some buttons, scroll wheels and dials back in. The new Polo seems to have retained a lot of those features.

[@georgev5766]

People love to complain. All these “issues” are fine. You’ll get used to how your car operates. My sister bought a Hyundai Sonata about 2 years ago and for the longest time she was annoyed that it didn’t have a trunk button in the trunk lid. I was also surprised about that and while annoyed when I used the car, it was fine. I got used to it. Then about 6 months ago I went to the local supermarket and saw a lady go to her sonata and pop the trunk by pushing the button (which is hidden by the logo). I called my sister and told her. She was as surprised as I was. But you know that to this day my sister still opens the drivers door to push the trunk release inside the car. You know why? Bc she got used to that and it’s not a big deal anymore. All of that to say: you’ll get used to whatever vw throws at you.

[@winc06]

The big question for me is whether the labels are visible during the day. My Mk7.5 has buttons, but gray labels on black buttons in the shadows on a bright day are invisible. The head lamp is not a bad idea.

[@DuetchJunger]

Im an apprentice in a vw shop and tbh i dont like them. It feels like lights and the controls for the climate and radio did not need to be touch control. Its not intuative, you need to take your eyes off the road, and too much is behind a sub-menu in another sub-menu

[@GTI_CHHA]

Cool video, it takes serious cahoonas. I am die-hard VW lover and would have gotten a Mk8 CS or R if it weren't for the horrendeous plastic interior and touch extravaganza nonsense. So I will be keeping my Mk7 GTI Performance for a very long time... It's so much better in the above mentioned areas. I have no need to drive a smart phone on wheels! If we look back 10 years from now, the Mk7 will likely be judged as the pinnacle of the Golf series.

[@dasautogt]

+1 mate. I likewise think the interior of the MK8 is cheap and nasty. #HapticBS. It is technology for technology sake.

[@One_Guy]

touchpads and haptic feedback are not safe to use while driving. steering mounted haptic controls may be alright but the other ones in the center console are just poorly laid out.

[@Rewelsworld]

The 2022 Tiguan steering wheel should fix the problem since it’s the same steering wheel 💯

[@One_Guy]

@@Rewelsworld i really don't feel like the haptic buttons on the wheel are the problem though. its the lack of the dials and buttons for key functions of the car (heated seats, traction control button, climate control) that really make for the biggest problem here. burying them several clicks away is so stupid and counter intuitive to maintaining eyes focus on the road.

[@mikemx55]

It's not about the buttons being "okay", or easy to get used to. It's about: would physical buttons be better? If yes, then these have to go.

[@eetsmark]

MK7R owner here. VW totally blew it with this interior by removing hard buttons for the common controls. Massive step backwards. Did VW learn nothing from the R; piano black is utter garbage on touchable surfaces.

[@Gino20202]

They blew it on the exterior too.

[@Leon.bro73]

I agree with your points completley. The Automotive Reviewers and Car Critics of the world have the privilege of having access to a brand new car for a few hours or a few days and cast shade on new design ideas, like removing the physical buttons. I have recently purchased a 2021 Skoda Octavia vRS wagon (not sure if you have this as a model in the US ?), which is basically the Golf MQB platform. It has taken more than a "few hours" to figure out the new touch screen functions and set up the short cuts exactly how I want them. TC off is a simple swipe down short cut with 2 taps, sport mode is a physical button, now 2 taps, instead of one (VAG - why?!) In saying that, Skoda has stayed with physical buttons on the steering wheel (which is the same flat bottom, dimpled wheel for all premium VW Audi sport models) heated wheel is a button in the same position, which cannot be activated by mistake. The volume control is a beautiful kneeled roller 👍. Big respect to you for using the vehicle for a month before casting judgement. Not sure VAG and others should follow Tesla...?

[@I_No-one_I]

The only time Škoda was sold in the US was in the 50s and 60s (felicia and 440/Octavia) since then nothing. I have also recently been driving the new Škoda octavia and the climate is a hassle but i just leave on auto at 21 deg. it is nice that the defroster is a fiscal button as well as the light controls which are capacitive touch in the mark 8 but not here. Design-wise it is also a lot nicer, by not having that ugly piano back dash connecting the screens. But i might be a bit biased promoting my national car brand.

[@CaptainBlitz]

Everything you mentioned makes sense if you're looking at whatever you're touching. But you shouldn't be doing that while driving. You're supposed to keep your eyes on the road and by feel alone know which button or dial you're pressing or turning.

[@blower1]

Exactly....i turn my stop start off by feel alone, along with adjust cabin temp, volume / next track etc. When I do have to venture to the touch screen on my mk7.5, when driving, its a pain in the arse with my finger bouncing around trying to hit the precise spot and me taking my eyes off the road for too long a time. Now if more than just my infotainment controls were touch and more commonly used controls now requiring the same level of precision touches - it would be horrendous!....which is what a mk8 is in reality - despite what the apologists say.

[@MelodicMurder]

14:29 In my 7.5 R you can press and hold the volume up button to raise the volume to max. You don't have to press it 16 times like you said at 14:29.

[@kingcars]

HVAC and volume/tuning controls have no business being hidden behind an infotainment menu or gesture shortcuts. Not having those physical controls is an immediate no-go for me for any car purchase. Which is a real shame, since I've got a 2015 GTI that I bought brand new that I plan to replace in a couple of years.

[@NeilMendham]

It took me a few weeks, but yeah you get used to the touch controls. I'm far more frustrated with ApplePlay than the control buttons - it's such a bad piece of software, the people involved (not VW) should really hand their heads in shame. My only real complaint with the interior is the wireless charging area - it cooked my iPhone 12 pro (as in, heated it so much it switched itself off to avoid damage!). I took it in to VW to look at and the response I got was "It's because you were charging the 'phone whilst also streaming to CarPlay so it got hot"... their solution? "Use a cable to charge your 'phone if you're going to stream". So - where do I put my 'phone then (because wireless charging is automatic)? anywhere but on the charge pad... now VW, that's just a cop-out!

[@TheHannukahZombie]

CarPlay is fine, the rest of the car is absolute garbage.

[@Mk4twoG]

It’s not even just the buttons it’s the interior as a whole. I personally think it’s a downgrade. The Mk7 interior was perfected

[@krane15]

There's no question about it. Instituting all touch controls are just a part of that cost cutting.

[@vpstylee]

I have had this interior since may in my ID4, it’s not the end of the world, but they are definitely not as good as my physical buttons in my mk7. The jumbo screen and general interior niceness makes up for it

[@peglor]

If you were in Europe you could have got the Skoda Enyaq, which is the same car as the ID4 in terms of chassis, battery and motors, but better looking and has physical buttons and rollers on the steering wheel.

[@SaraK_69]

You must have bought the autobahn edition because the S trim has absolutely zero interior niceness compared to the mk7.5.

[@duduoson1306]

Paul, you crack me up. Probably never going to get a mk8, but I still watch all of these vids for the humor and quality content.

[@OriginalRanger84]

I own a MK7 myself and having looked briefly at the new MK8 in the showroom in person it's really not too bad. I wont be buying one but that's mostly cause I keep cars a while... but the touch stuff really doesnt bug me enough to not consider the mk8 if I was in the market. Like alot of people seem to mention is I hardly press any of the buttons anyways. Volume and heated seats are the only consistent buttons I hit.

[@whitelinesinthesky7050]

I'm considering a Golf and would love to get a brand new one but the infotainment system is really not appealing to me at all and really keeping me from making that purchase. I'm more likely to try and find a low mileage last gen car and I think I'd be much happier.

[@betteheadbettehead4800]

I'm not sure if it's true but people on Reddit have said you can bypass all of that with voice commands

[@all-flat-engines]

Haptic buttons truly suck in really cold climates (i.e. Most of Canada or Scandinavia), was excited for the new Mk8 R, but I might just wait till this fad is over

[@chloeleedow7250]

As of yesterday they are bringing back the physical buttons for the steering wheel can only hope its buttons for the air con and back lit too for the 20th anniversary then im putting down a deposit

[@nickjacobsss]

Personally, I'm totally fine with the infotainment to be 100% touch sensitive, however I would have really liked if it had physical button on the steering wheel, as that's what I mainly use, and can feel without having to look down at what I'm touching.

[@krane15]

Contradiction.

[@nickjacobsss]

@@krane15 how so? I don't touch the infotainment nearly as much as the steering wheel, so I'd prefer it have the buttons, whereas I'm usually stopped at a light or parking lot when I'm messing with the screen itself and thus I don't mind it being touch buttons.

[@Sold_a_dummy]

The iPhone example is the perfect analogy

[@MrArchie800]

I just received my GTI this week and TBH was also worried about the lack of buttons (as I am an older geezer), however it was absolutely no problem and I don't see what all the fuss is about - the haptic buttons on the steering wheel are just as easy as my previous buttoned VWs. I think the bigger problem is not so much operating the car but learning it in the first place as there is a lot more functionality. I was initially very pissed off that I could not immediately do simple things like control the climate control but that passed in about 20 mins once I got used to it - and if you take the time to learn the shortcuts it's all dead easy. We've all managed to change to smart phones from buttoned Nokias - and it's a lot easier than that transition.

[@spongebobgrumpypants6862]

Couldn't agree more. I'm 59 and not very "techy" minded. I got a new GTE 4 days ago and am already more or less comfortable with the functions, whether I'm stationary or driving. I just watched a few "positive" YT videos for a bit of guidance...........................

[@busslayer4790]

I think that is a reasonable conclusion. The whole thing doesn't need to get scrapped. It just need a few hard buttons. The rest you will get used to. As a MK7 Golf owner (which also doesn't have a Trac control button), I'd also ask for that one back.

[@rars0n]

The nice thing about the Mk7 is that you can retrofit those buttons in the cars that didn't come with them.

[@masi992]

Thanks for the real world update. I own a MK7.5 so I can't comment on your experience. That said I agree with your assessment that it needs a few more knobs back to be perfect. I think Audi perfected this in the new RS3 hatch. Although we can't buy it here in the states. Maybe you can retrofit some of those controls over to the MK8?

[@matthewgaines10]

Using a mobile phone as an analogy probably isn’t great. You don’t need to operate a device that can kill you if you’re distracted when you’re on your phone. Volkswagen needs to send their engineers and designers back to school to understand effective man / machine interfaces. Touch interfaces are challenging over rough road surfaces. No amount of apologetic rationalizations change that.

[@somat111]

Had to laugh at the suggestion that a badly designed and implemented user interface is the fault of the user! I had a look and tried out the mk8 Golf at a dealership, in person it's not as bad but still convoluted. Having a look around the car it's painfully obvious the button-less interior was part of a massive cost cutting exercise.

[@Axelfl6161]

I don’t think it was cost cutting ,they probably thought it was a modern design and a great idea

[@kevinnorris6558]

@@Axelfl6161 Given that people gave Honda a lot of flak for taking out physical volume controls, I don't think VW could plead ignorance. This seems purely like cost cutting on VW's part.

[@Axelfl6161]

@@kevinnorris6558 I,ve had my Clubsport for about 5 months now and to be honest you get used to it and there’s no doubt it’s got better it’s been downloading software updates regularly.Is it fantastic to use?No but it’s ok.It’s a great drive and surprisingly good on petrol and cheap to insure goes like stink which makes up for a complicated infotainment system which the vast majority of people will set the radio pair there phone and keep it that way.

[@benkerley1014]

I can't imagine these systems are less expensive than physical controls considering the added computing power, high resolution screens, and touch sensors they require to function "well". "Well" in this case meaning worse in every way other than subjective aesthetics compared to physical controls

[@Axelfl6161]

@@benkerley1014 Got to agree imno way it’s cheaper and it’s possibly VW first foray into this set up but you do get used to it,I like the dashboard display,the switch for the heated steering wheel is a nuisance.The drive,handling performance,petrol consumption,practicality overrides the awkwardness of the dashboard and infotainment,basically set your radio pair your phone,done. Having to pay extra for voice control is low rent but in previous cars it was rubbish anyway.

[@rayplaysgames_RPG]

I got my mk8 about 3 weeks ago. I've figured out the infotainment and all the steering wheel buttons pretty quickly. No issues. I just dont mess with the radio I bluetooth podcasts

[@nickolauser]

The only thing VW engineers had to: sit down inside mk7.5 and just improve what it was already fixed and good, instead of this s**t!

[@alexkay7823]

I trust Cammisa because he doesn't have to sugar coat anything to keep good relationships with Volkswagen Group of America. 12:34 and Paul does.

[@mikemx55]

With physical keys, you can - without looking - feel your way around the buttons on the steering, and know which button to press, due to knowing their location relative to one another. On a touch, if you're feeling around, you're turning a bunch of stuff on and off. Especially at night, or through tunnels.

[@conroypawgmail]

I completely agree. With a physical button, you don't need to swipe a menu or make shortcuts, or wake up a sleeping screen. This is such a complicated procedure, I feel I need to explain it to these kids, just once, if I can get them to look up from their phones or tablets. Step 1: Place finger on button. Step 2: Press button. Step 3: (Optional) Repeat as necessary Volkswagen seems bent on making cars for people who enjoy driving tablets, not cars.

[@Fantiniastic]

Hey man! I agree totally with you. I was frustrated with the buttonless set up at first, but after a month of ownership and getting used to it I'm totally fine with it now. The unlit slider bar is a bummer though, and I'm not crazy about the climate controls. I've never accidentally turned on my heated steering wheel :)

[@downshiftpedal]

You can also set the seat in climate setting to automatically cool or heat the seat/steering according to the weather when you turn on the car

[@Colty0]

This is the sort of things cars should have done for the last two decades. That sounds perfect.

[@2stroke438]

@@Colty0 or just turn a knob or 2

[@Colty0]

@@2stroke438 I can absolutely do that, and I have been since day 1 of driving. I just feel like there's a lot of things in a car that can be... modernized? I'm a techy. I like that my TV turns on and changes inputs when I turn on my Playstation. I would love to have all the accessories in my car (besides the transmission) be automated. It's obvious that I want full heat, defrost, heated steering wheel when it's -20f in the dead of MN winters. And it's obvious that I'll want full AC and cooled seats when it's above 90f in the summer.

[@overclockorange3356]

I've had my GTI for 7 months, the no button/knobs thing was a bit weird but after the first week it was no problem at all - the only thing that i think is ridiculous is that the volume/heat controls under the screen don't light up! Every now and again i flick the heated steering wheel button on but apart from that not a problem. Most of the Haptic negativity is media hysteria!

[@BMW_Z4idiot]

you need to get your haptic control 'lit'. and by lit, I mean alpha dog unicorn mega honey lit

[@One_Guy]

13:51 I agree with everything you state here, that would be the balance that would make this right. That said you do know you can press and HOLD buttons to get that same volume up/down level change?

[@mikemx55]

yeah, I hate how long it takes though. The key repeat should be a bit faster

[@jasminbonsant9281]

I was about to say the same thing. 👍

[@The.Jimmyboy]

My SEAT Leon ST mk3 has a scroll wheel for volume control and when pressed it pauses/mutes media. That's something I didn't know I've always needed in my life. It does so many things right with the interior and overall driveability that I'm afraid It'll be difficult to find a worthy replacement in the future..

[@erasmus9627]

Sounds like you are post rationalising your purchase of the Golf 8. VW made a huge mistake by removing the physical buttons and knobs. And the haptic feedback buttons on the steering wheel are horrible.

[@JustAnotherRandomNPC]

The all touch interface (especially on the steering wheel) is so infuriating, I got my deposit back for an MK8 R and going old school with a Lexus IS 500 instead. Whoever signed off on this at VW must have been sniffing mercury.

[@davidspencer7119]

are the ambient lights present in the standard version?

[@gillesLegein]

I will keep my mk5 R32 no matter what! I love the 'old school' interior lay-out, seats and even the exterior I do like a lot.

[@leftfail2558]

mkv is still the best looking gti

[@antoniosadorra4961]

@@leftfail2558 MK7.5 imo

[@gmax985]

I don't mind the haptic feedback buttons, i just don't like that they are shiny.

[@kevinb.jonesphotography4571]

Great video! Been a life time GTI owener. Based on the reviews I've see so far I'm tempted to go Civic R

[@erocksproduct]

Same here, been the owner of 1 civic,2 GLI, 02 GLX, VW Amarok, was looking forward to buy 8MK GTI, think I prefer MK7.5 over MK8, but I like to buy new. Which is leading me to new Civic. Not happy with what VW is doing.

[@Markachev]

Inside clima you can check settings, where you can activate heating seats and steering wheel based on outside temperature. It works like charm, no need to even worry about that. Check this out;)

[@hardikphotos9813]

You can long press volume buttons instead of repeatedly tapping. Non illuminated and fake buttons are crap. Do it right with a mix. The light switch knob is a great tactile experience. All gone yuck

[@edwardzdankiewicz9068]

I don't like the fixed headrest/monoseat. It does not connect with the back of my head, it is too low and could not disconnect my head from my spine. The adjustable headrest on my 2015 fit tall drivers better. In my 2015 model I did most radio control from the steering wheel so I wouldn't notice much difference. Is there a voice command that could mute the car audio? I though VW was putting some voice commands in this model.

[@aygwm]

The vehicle’s interface is extremely important for safety. VW’s inputs have always been pretty good but this is a major setback.

[@Wonky74]

I would like to add something to dumb compartment. You can't see the buttons when it is dark because your headlights are off. This is a feature actually, when it is dark the car itself reminds you to turn on your HEADLIGHTS.

[@BS.Garage]

This video was super helpful! I was initially very against this interior, but the tips you shared make it look pretty tolerable. The GTI is such a great and practical performance car, its a shame to pass up on the Mk8 because of the interior. Have you had any issues with the system crashing during your first 1500 miles? Also, consider wiring a small light in the overhead console or back of the mirror. This is how Honda/Acura illuminates their shifter area and it works fine.

[@krane15]

Except I don't want to tolerate a new car. Used, some level of tolerance is to be expected.

[@SebGagne]

For the temperature slider, you CAN use it to control heated seats, you have to press it with two fingers.

[@mtsixspeed]

Great content. I appreciate your take on this subject, but it doesn't change my mind. Call me an old man, but physical controls are superior. Manipulating controls without looking is critical; tactile vs. visual. It's a car. A driver's visual attention should strictly be on the road. Searching for settings on a screen or smooth, piano-black, haptic keys simply serves to distract the driver. I'll be keeping my Mk7 at least until VW learns from other manufacturers' mistakes and brings back the physical controls. The Mk7 interior quality is superior too, though. I can't believe how ugly the Mk8 steering wheel is compared to the Mk7.

[@lassebrustad]

as a young tech geek, I love when changes happens. touch buttons might work terribly bad for some people, but in reality, there's a possibility for more efficient usecases, like slider gesture and touch for both volume and AC haptic feedback sounds like it's a weak vibration, but that's probably because most people think about the weak haptic feedback in mobile devices. a car isn't a phone, so it doesn't need to be a micro vibrator like in an 8mm thin phone people saying you have to look at the buttons to make sure you press the right button, sure, untill you get used to the location, but the same counts for actual buttons, because you have to learn it's location before you know. my personal experience about touch vs physical buttons, like keyboards, I'm pretty much as comfortable speed typing on my phone as on my mechanical keyboard which I'm using for programming, and I'm not even using autocorrect at all because I hate it my main reason to hate autocorrect is that I regulary write in both norwegian (my native lang) and english, including a bit of programming lines within the Discord app for Android. with autocorrect, I would need to interact with the suggested words pretty damn often

[@JimexJimex]

The control interface experience during my test drive was SO bad, it was a deal breaker for me. Sorry Volkswagen, there is NO WAY I'm gonna use this interface everyday.

[@pentasigil]

this is actually factually the best video about the golf and i ve watched a lot of them

[@914Rocky]

Thanks for the awesome video. I was reluctant to buy the car because of the negative reviews on this issue but you’ve exposed the haters. It’s easy peasy to hit the lit climate button and set the climate controls on the screen. I’m embarrassed to say how I was almost dissuaded from buying the car as my last three cars since 2006 have been GTI, GTI, R. I’m a fan. So on Wednesday I’m tacking on another GTI to the list. An autobahn.

[@SeanRosairo]

The glove test was very useful. An old Nokia I had also had the regular glove touch tech, and I miss it in every phone since. For winter, this was my biggest worry, so glad to see it won't be an issue.

[@jev2867]

The controls blows. There are times when you're driving and need some changing, adjusting and you might as well pull over in doing it, unless, you have another set of eyes and hands to do it for you.

[@I_No-one_I]

For anyone interested check out the new Škoda Octavia (Czech sister car to the golf). It has the same screen but is more nicely implemented, does not have any capacitive touch controls apart from the volume, the steering buttons are physical and the wheel has metal rollers for the volume and cluster controls. It still isn't perfect but it amazes me how did Volkswagen allow the cheaper car to have a nicer interior ( also it does not have that hideous piano back dash).

[@Your-obliques-are-poor]

Nah, fuck the piano black "buttons" because they are literally OBJECTIVELY less functional and safe because you can't use them by feel alone. They are also a huge sign of cost cutting which is a double edged sword that I think they used too much in the New Gen. Makes sense, the GTI is not long for this world because it's gas, but I'd rather see them make the best GTI they can rather than cheap it up to try and squeeze every cent out of its final, dying years. Note - Doesn't matter when you would use the heated seats. "I only use them when I get in the car" is a bad argument from the start. You should be able to use them without turning on lights and while you are already driving. I am a perfect example of that because I often turn my heated seat back off after a bit. I wana be able to see the button and not have to go thru a menu. Plenty of cars have been made over the last few decades with back lit buttons. No excuses for that one.

[@texx1017]

I don't think I have ever seen a Deter and "Sprockets" reference in a car video.. LMAO

[@lmwt1557]

This is a reasonable / realistic assessment of the infamous Mk8 buttons or lack of. One thing missed here - mute is can be activated by touching the on / off button on the infotainment unit (a longer touch switches it off) and the mute button is also shown on the media that's playing. Finally not mentioned - dimmable interior lights by touch and holding.

[@micaiahreese]

mmmm nope. No matter what car it is, there should be no touch sensitive buttons. I dont even like having touch screens in a car. I like mazdas approach with the knob to control it since you dont need to take your eyes off the road to know where anything is.

[@paulfrindle7144]

Actually you summed it up right at the end, when you listed the functions you'd rather have physical controls? I have a Golf MK8 too - and I totally agree that these are the controls which were better when they were physical and non touch sensitive.

[@NGMonocrom]

Honestly, if someone gave me a GTI, especially a base model that actually gets a couple of real buttons on the dash; I'd take it, profusely thank them, and happily drive it for a few years. My own money? No, just no. I wish VW had a spy working at Honda. Honda learned their lesson of what happens when you get rid of buttons inside your vehicles. Now, it's VW's turn....

[@jn9604]

The biggest issue I have is that some things you want to use frequently and quickly are buried in menus and that takes your attention away from driving. It is not that it is difficult to use or get used to it is just that for many, not all functions, there are more steps to go through than were needed under the older systems with knobs and switches. The traction control is a good example. Even with the short cut there are 3 actions. Swipe down, select it off and then confirm. When there was a button you just pushed the button and once you used it a few times you wouldn't even have to look to use it. That can't be said about using the touch screen. To me this is technology just for the sake if it and to try and differentiate the product from others. To me it is a big miss and would likely keep me from buying one. The system in my MK7 was far better.