Golf GTI Mk.VII Road Test. - /CHRIS HARRIS ON CARS

[@jordanpomerleau1743]

I hate people who just rate cars by their power. It's so useless. Stop focusing on that and enjoy a pure driving experience from this car that most of the competitors won't give you... The GTI is an amazing car !

[@n8tehgr8est]

Even if you do care about power, the GTI can be easily tuned to get quite a bit of power.

[@pininfarina575]

100% agree. sorry to say but judging cars purely by power rating and 0-60 numbers, it's a bit like getting a HD truck when you have no use for one other than to compensate for something small. The GTI has been exactly what everyone says it is - it's good at everything. I think true car guys know to appreciate a good car like GTI and MX-5, etc, that don't have to have the highest power rating to appreciate a car.. not that there's anything wrong with cars with big power figures. And especially combined with the 6-yr 72000 mile "People First Warranty" in the US starting 2018 model year GTIs, it's dumb and juvenile to pass on the GTI in this class for ST or WRX just for the power figure.

[@Casch44]

pininfarina575 you couldn’t be more correct! I’ve always over looked the gti. Never cared for it. Owned high power cars, even a diesel for no reason other then I wanted a big truck(no I wasn’t compensating, I got rid of it). But I’ve always respected the mx-5 but not enough to give it a real chance. I finally gave the mx-5 a chance and loved it! Have a kid now and looking at a GTI as it’s the only all around answer for me.

[@abduldon6976]

Hate is a big word bruh

[@MegaBighead666]

Can confirm

[@JonnyBeoulve]

Man, this guy is LEGIT. He knows how to translate the driving experience into words.

[@Munkenba]

My mum told me this morning she wanted to get rid of our 12 year old prius and get a golf gti, spent all morning on the classifieds looking through them, dream come true! No more embarrassment!

[@savannahkorben7353]

A mother prius owner running towards the light and buying a GTI, never thought I would live to see the day.

[@Munkenba]

bob g There is hope on the horizon...

[@Flyingsquirrel69420]

your story brought a tear to my eye...there is a god!

[@bongodave13]

Trading economy and reliability for short term fun. Can't blame you.

[@HisLostSheep]

You're mother made a good choice. Prius gets 48 mpg? And has 120 hp? The GTI gets 35 mpg and has 320 hp with a tune.

[@Athomas007]

To anyone that's thinking about getting a MK7, you should. I absolutely love mine. Its cheap, fun, and practical. I love cars, but I can't afford the Porsches and Ferraris of the world. All my friends have WRX's and I didn't want to go down that road. My first car was a 97 GTI and I Loved it! I have owned the Mustang Bullitt and a Boxster but both sucked in the snow. So I got this 2015 GTI and love every second behind the wheel.

[@shawnriv9]

Where do you live? I am in New England and winters here are pretty bad.

[@Athomas007]

I live south of Boston. I put some Blizzak snow tires on it. So far so good with those but we'll see with this storm we're getting tonight!

[@shawnriv9]

I live in Smithfield, RI so I definitely know what you mean about this storm. But let me know how you and GTI make out. What color and trim did you purchase? I am thinking a four door, red, with manual transmission.

[@Athomas007]

I got it back on July 5th, 2014. I got the 4 door Carbon Steel Metallic with the DSG. I wanted the manual myself but my wife can't drive them and said it had to be the DSG or no car.Part of me wishes I had waited to get the performance package but I just wanted this car ASAP so I just got one. Also looking back I wish I had gotten the SE instead of the S. I love the plaid seats but wish I had a moon roof. PS: This snow sucks!

[@danneu8]

Just picked one up this weekend. Love it. Recommend one to everybody lol. I'm coming from an '09 C350. The materials aren't as nice but the fit and finish really does rival the Benz. Feels quicker too. I just hope it's more reliable.

[@86bigyankee]

Analyzing cars like a fine wine...gotta love Chris Harris

[@Some0ne001]

I have a 2015 Gti and went on a drive with a few people. There was a Lamborghini 560-4, a v8 vantage, GT-R, 2015 M3, and a bunch of American muscle cars. It was super fun and in the real world I kept up with them in the front of the pack, at the checkpoints of the drive almost everyone was surprised of how quick it was and more so I could keep up in the mountains, on the straights they would destroy me but again in the real world your not going 150 mph the whole way we would be going about 80-100 in most parts and the GTI did flawlessly. I can't wait for the APR tune and some springs then really surprise everyone.

[@ashinis88]

+Evan Sargent You made a great point here.I think there's not really a point owning a super car, you neither have the skill nor the roads to drive them to their full potential. A good mid-range power and torgue is what we need in a real world.

[@alvarodavila8010]

I took my car into a tight road in the hill country. And i do have springs, 034 motorsports rear sway bar, and Michelin Pilot 4S tires. A buddy with an E92 M3 struggled to keep up with me. Oh... I do have an APR tune

[@Incudius]

Best review of this car in the world. Says it all. Treats the car for what it is.

[@macaron3141592653]

About the pricing, In America, A gti starts at $24395, already pretty well equipped, perf. pack is $1500 more. That's about the same as an equally well equipped focus st and around the same as a wrx. A m135 coupe starts at around $45000. So In the states this car's a bargain.

[@orlfane1622]

+macaron3141592653 a fully loaded gti is 35k. That's some serious coin for a GTI

[@mattlee3388]

+dill doe Sure is. I'm getting into a 16 soon. I can't imagine the need for a fully donged Autobahn with everything, though. Stick, Lighting, and plaid seats are where it's at! These are seriously underrated from VW. Dyno tests are showing around 230 whp. I can't wait!

[@orlfane1622]

Cool hope you enjoy it

[@charlesm7646]

Bought my Autobahn with PP, LP and DCC here in the U.S. for $28,000. Very happy with the car - not sure that I would of pulled the trigger if it was $10,000 more though...

[@StevenKwon-c1w]

+Charles Mallory prove it

[@codyellis4933]

This video is the is the reason I bought my GTI. Would've loved to have a performance pack model but couldn't find one. Mine is tornado red and came with a third pedal and stick with a golf ball on the end of it! Thank you Mister Harris, I really enjoy your videos!

[@neelparmar6690]

He's on top gear now! So deserved and much better than Chris Evans

[@ibrokemyownheart4953]

cody ellis 4 years have passed, hows it like owning the gti? Any breakdowns or problems we should be concerned about? I heard VW starts breaking down after 100k miles

[@LamarTCO]

Yeah the dsg is fucking shit :( I would literally do anything to be back in my 01 vr6 right now but the timing chain is toast :((((

[@codyellis4933]

@@ibrokemyownheart4953 I kept the GTI for 5yrs 75k miles. No issues, regular maintenance and four sets of tires. I recommend the MK7 to everyone I come across. But I did trade it in two months ago for a Corolla Hatchback. Got a little scared wasn't sure what would come from all the scary looking wires and turbo piping in the GTI. Finally getting over it but I still love that GTI.

[@hascodelavega3098]

Chris Harris you said the GTI is pricy, but you guys doing car reviews you are never talking about cost repairs. Go to repair a BMW you will check later if the GTI was pricy.

[@jamesbaggaley1460]

Don't have to worry about cost of repairs for the first 3 years to be honest.

[@hascodelavega3098]

+James Baggaley in that case for any car you should not worry the first 3 years. And in case you want to lease the interest for BMW is much higher too.

[@jamesbaggaley1460]

Hasco De La Vega fair point

[@inspirice9844]

Volkswagen is german so parts wold still be pretty pricey but BMW charges more because they know their consumer base is rich :/

[@half_r_mk5]

always great review from Chris. The GTI always has a soft spot in my heart.

[@Arcticarc1]

I test-drove the GTI last thursday, I'm definitely thinking of buying it. Will go for the base 3-door though.

[@ollypboy]

Chris is underestimating the love of the golf. the BMW is ugly as hell

[@jayrod2536]

Oliver Paton yeah they're so overrated. I'll spend all kinds of money on an R any day before I get a new BMW

[@ThePythonGuy]

The MK7 Golf GTI is a fantastic car and the best golf gti so far. The release of the MK7 Golf r really overshadowed how good this car actually was. The introduction of the 4wd 300bhp golf r really stole the GTI thunder. These cars really don’t get the credit they deserve. A solid all round package and dam near perfect.

[@callmekitt]

Chris, your thoughts are always so spot on! Im looking right hard at a GTI for a all-around-the year right now :)

[@tredfxman]

callmekitt I just ordered a GTI Clubsport (290HP on overboost) with DSG, DCC & few other options. Cars being built in November! :)

[@johnschad1840]

callmekitt, I got one a year ago. Great all year car for a family of four. My wife drives it because I've got a led foot.

[@davidmatthews3093]

I’ve owned my Mark V GTI since I bought it new in 2006. I still enjoy driving it every day. A great car.

[@whitedust696]

my old golf 1.8 GTI 8 valve 1998 still Thrills me

[@przybylason]

dont compare it to a bmw, it's worth what you make of it and i can say that true volkswagen enthusiasts see more in this car than in the bmw. plus you will save the difference in gas between the two

[@JimJamDaMan]

Buying myself a mk7.5 gti this week and i have wanted one ever since the day I saw this video.

[@nrborod1]

a very well-done review

[@jarednevin]

The best reviewer. No shitty background music, no stupid jokes. Just great car noises and intelligent reviewer. Well done as always.

[@KC-lg8qf]

Oh wait a few years haha. Top gear changes all that sigh.....

[@chrismcconnell3246]

In the US I bought a new SE which includes the lighting package, limited slip differential, upgraded brakes, 10 extra HP, leather and a moonroof for $26,800. It’s honestly more fun to drive than the M Sport 328 it’s replacing. Not as plush and power is not as smooth across the rev range, but it just makes me smile more often. Both great cars!

[@lacimaci52]

the best review possible

[@Dcc357]

I snatched a MK 7.5 before the ugly MK 8 hits the road in the US. Was able to find one in Tornado Red with 18 inch black wheels, front active differential lock, 8.5 inch touch screen, sunroof, self-adjusting LED headlamps, and a manual transmission. It was 100 miles away from me and had to get it delivered.

[@BenDover-io9vg]

Tune it 😈

[@31Nigel]

Fantastic review, Chris! Thanks! Held great weight when I got my 2017 GTI in July. I got the DSG (like many, the wife didn't want to learn stick), and haven't looked back at all. My last car was a stick, but this is FAR more fun with the paddles and how quick the shifts are. And dead on: no reason to drive this in anything but Sport mode! I, personally, only drive mine in paddle/Tiptronic mode with the Sport mode steering and suspension. Responsive as hell, and a straight-up blast to drive. Cheers.

[@ibanwez]

Just ordered mine with the performance pack. Can't wait!!! Love your work Chris.

[@DaRunTingsCrew]

How is it? Was it? Thinking of getting one

[@doctorferdinand1003]

I just can't imagine this car with an open diff, an LSD should be standard on a GTI.

[@turboshottho]

To be fair, it does have Volkswagen's XDS+ Cross Differential System which uses the breaks to mitigate some of the wheel slip associated with an open diff.

[@adamniemet2556]

Doctor Ferdinand At least in the US, the performance package does come with an LSD

[@Hubscharber]

I can reasonably assure you there's virtually no public roads in North America where you'd use an LSD as it's meant to be.

[@doctorferdinand1003]

Hubscharber I'm not sure what you mean to imply. There's large portions of the continent that aren't kansas. Atleast once a week I'll go on a mountain road blast and having driven an rsx for some years, I'm glad to have my Si's LSD.

[@jbiv1971]

The GTI Sport has LSD.

[@Frankjp555]

6.5 seconds for 0-60? Ive seen the auto version hit 6.0 with amateurs using the launch control, and Randy Probst hit 5.7 with the 6 speed version, and owning the mk7 stick, I will attest to the much lower 0-60. It's almost scary once the motor hits full boost, the perelli tires just scramble for any grip possible.

[@Horton094]

This guy is great at reviews

[@syedomarnorth2561]

The Golf R is a better rival to the M135i

[@rzorNvme]

is this really 2 yr old video???

[@willywillywillywillywilly]

rzorNvme four years now!

[@gustavopaulette3496]

5 Years now

[@DNGMaestro]

12 years now! (i'm from the future)

[@faugrad]

Coming up on 8 years....

[@BrettsGarage]

My dad always daily drove a GTI. He started with the Mark 1 when he was a kid, went astray for a number of years, then had a mark 4 when I started to drive and then 5, 6, 7. The Mark 4 was coolest to me because it was my first 'sleeper' moment. It doesn't look quick at all, but it blew away all of my friends v6 mustangs/camaros, civics, integras... and that turbo at 3000rpm just threw you into the seat. Mark 5 and 6 were kinda meh, but 7 was on a whole new level. More refined and comfortable. Audi-lite and my grandfather says.

[@gLu3xb3rchi]

When you said that the Golf GTI plays in BMW M135i territory, I couldn't believe you. But then I checked the UK Volkswagen und BMW websites and you were right! A GTI with Performance Package and DSG cost as much as a basic M135i Manual. In Germany the GTI costs 7.100 GBP less! (32.000€ vs 42.000€). Buy your GTI in Germany and drive it to UK, its cheaper :DD

[@willywillywillywillywilly]

gLu3xb3rchi same with the USA.

[@kylecaelian3564]

Chris harris looks like he gets randomly selected at airports

[@Heiserton]

FINALLY INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION ALL AROUND! :D About damn time.

[@winemeer7383]

Eisen Heim What do you mean? mk5 and mk6 had independent suspension.

[@MrTcollinson]

Golf R one day, please?

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Chris, you are at the top of the pack when it comes to reviewing cars. What you say and how you say it, in such a philosophical way...you are the thinking man's journalist. Keen words, expert driving skills. Always a treat. Thanks.

[@jdonns2221]

Wow. This guy gives great reviews.

[@ThePorsche4life]

What's the Porsche engineers name who worked on the MK7? I can't seem to look him up.

[@Vesper778]

Buck Angel

[@tredfxman]

ThePorsche4life True, iv read so as well... The EA 888 which sits in GTI's & R are acually being engineered by Audi first off. You can check the Wikipedia! However we know that VW swapped CEO recently as it also owns Porsche. Since the head of Porsche now rules over VW, it would only be Logcal to see that Audi engine further Tuned by Porsche, as we know Volkswagen owns them all... (among others).

[@sszhao11]

No price problem in the USA. I just bought 17 GTI sport which has the performance pack and lighting package for 26000 usd. Very good value in my opinion

[@yienmaster04]

Yeah, I just got a 2017 GTI of significantly higher spec than the one in this video for $24.5K brand new. Keyless, Performance, and Lighting packages included. Nobody should be paying anywhere near MSRP on the GTI from what I've been seeing lately.

[@buzzednetworks7673]

did you get a se? dsg or auto? ive had emails with 4500 off msrp, but if i can get closer to 6k, ill pull the trigger

[@wldenny68]

yienmaster04 Agree completely,got mine for $24,250, sticker was over $29k.

[@jl8628]

Expect over 5k off of sticker.

[@Dontworryaboutit69696]

Yeah i just got my ‘17 gti se with lighting package for 23k

[@DeniJasmina]

RIP squirrel at 2:34

[@ModelYPerformance]

+mercguy658 aint no squirrel anywhere..

[@GTIModBlog]

Fantastic cars I think I would buy the BMW new. But the GTI can be had for much less used and provide you with a more care-free maintenance schedule :-)

[@savannahkorben7353]

do a review of the mk7 golf R!

[@ThirdLife86]

GTI with DSG and Performance Pack as Chris said costs 32.650€, the BMW M135i with Automatic and 4 Doors costs 42.850€. That is NOT the same price range, its a 10.200€ difference between those two here plus you'll get a higher rebate (aabout 4%) on the VW according to current dealer stats.

[@jeffpuha8187]

An excellent review, though I have to disagree with Chris about the market niche for the GTI being usurped by BMW. The BMW 1-Series M is now gone. The 2-Series base model, the 228i, is $32,100 without any options here in the States. The GTI base model 2-door, the S, is $24,395. That's quite a difference. And the 228i is a coupe and doesn't have the hatchback utility of the GTI. I don't really think they're proper rivals. If you want a major bump in performance you'd have to go for the M235i, and that starts at $43,100.

[@harrymc523]

In the UK the gti starts from £26,000, which is almost $40,000, the one he has here costs $43,000 (£28000), and there is a BMW 1 series hatch (which you don't get) with the engine from the m235i for $46,000 (£30,000) which is very close in price but much much faster and better built. thats the rival the gti should be worried about, its a shame you dont get that car in the USA though

[@michalopaleny9553]

He mean M135i not 1M ....

[@jayczyzyk9707]

actually thethe235 will kill this gti andso will the228

[@chadgrov]

Agreed. a lot of these comparisons don't work for us here in North America. models and prices of cars change quite a bit. however the BMW 235i is a stunning car to see on the road. without all the gaudy stickers of course.

[@ojdidit84]

I can see his disdain for the MKIV. After owning (and still having) MKIV & MKV R32's and now a MKVII, I completely understand. The suspension on a MKIV was just way too soft in stock form. A set of coilovers, hell even a cup kit solved that issue for the MKIV. The MKV however, it took SO much more thrown at the MKV to get it to handle the way that you could get the MKIV to handle with suspension upgrades. Not to mention that it's a hefty 3600 lbs which is why it was dubbed the lead sled. It did look much more sophisticated though. It just had this buttoned down look about it. The MKVII is absolutely, hands down, the best R to date. The only thing missing is that VR6 growl. I also like the GTI's styling compared to the latest R.

[@vidproject]

67 Mazda Speed3 owners are mad.

[@garymathe9863]

Watching this in 2021 and just picked one up for $14k, not expensive at all and they keep their value after the first few years really well. I still see MK5s go for ~$8k

[@cilvrado]

GTI or '15 WRX? What would you choose?

[@buckyai]

i see snow longer than green grass here where i live so i'd take the wrx. it comes down to PERSONAL preference mate.

[@savannahkorben7353]

buckyai A GTI with winter tires and a LSD is pretty damn good in snow. You've got an engine sitting over the drive wheels.

[@buckyai]

bob g sir bob g, may i ask where do you live?

[@savannahkorben7353]

buckyai upstate NY. I drove a RWD '02 bmw 530i with summer biased all seasons while living in Boston and making runs up to NH for skiing. If your a terrible driver it doesn't really matter what car you've got, if you know what your doing most anything will work (up to a point obviously).

[@buckyai]

bob g "If your a terrible driver it doesn't really matter what car you've got, if you know what your doing most anything will work (up to a point obviously)." couldn't agree more on that sir. my intended reply was that, a 2 wheel drive with a good set of winter tires will do just fine. loose/wet/splashy snow is "ok" to handle but tightly packed and mirror polished snow/ice? its a different story and that's when studded winter tires are ideal...from my point of view on where i live and that's why i prefer the wrx over the gti, now if i lived in FL, either will work just fine sir....

[@crackspider101]

I had a choice between the Mk7(.5) GTI and the M140i, for quite similar prices (obviously the M140i would've been more expensive to insure, etc.) I went for the Golf GTI because it's just an all round better car. Note, I didn't say it's a better car in all aspects, I said it is a better all-round car

[@EmanResu9797]

I think you hit the nail on the head when you say that most enthusiasts respect the Golf GTi...or any performance VW for that matter...but they don't drive one. I think that's because while they are well built, capable, etc, they are just a bit dull. They have a "German personality" i guess...lol. All the people I know who are VW enthusiasts are lovely people, but, just like the cars, they are very serious and slightly dull. The kind of person that corrects your punctuation, or turns up to a function at the exact time it says on the invitation to the minute. VW's correct your punctuation...lol

[@willywillywillywillywilly]

Eman Resu Yeah. I got my GTI and had to do quite a bit of customization. Wider/stickier wheels/tires, ECU tune, got a slightly louder muffler, stiffened up the transmission mount, and put racing stripes on it :)

[@SpaceMissile]

6:48 - He mentions that the "heel to toe is quite natural too." Does he mean like the pedal tilt, or is he talking about heel-toe down-shifting? I cannot make my foot work for heel-toe in this car. feels like the pedals are spaced oddly for that.

[@dragospahontu]

Downshift

[@SpaceMissile]

@@dragospahontu i've since learned how to heel-toe; i do it every day now. funny for me to re-read my old comment. _what a noob!_

[@deanperrine5895]

Mine just got got released for production. 4-Door / Deep Black Pearl / SE / DSG / Perf Pack / Lighting Pack. Only decision I struggled with with was gear box. Hope I made the right decision on DSG. Want it now!

[@stevenjackson8205]

Chris, Loving your videos, Amused, a bit, that aside from your irritation at " sport " buttons, the other thing that you were excited about was the "naked sheep" DID YOU HAVE YOUR WELLIES N SHIN PADS HANDY? keep up the vids, some of the most interesting and entertaining reviews, and fanatical car porn I have seen. Well done.

[@Spawn223311]

its one of the best hot hatchs, some people even say its the best. it have great handling, in fact the only bad thing people say about it and I agree xD is its price. and it looks beautiful! i think it outclasses most hot hatchs

[@TVinmyEye]

After im done paying my 13 gen 2.0T im definitely getting an MK7 or maybe an 8 if they release that in 4 years.

[@unfilteredvoice3535]

Really good car. It's so much fun to drive and it's very practical as a daily driver. Gets 34 MPG on the highway and it's turbo charged. Love it!

[@savannahkorben7353]

I own one as well except in manual. APR stage 1 tune, sticky rubber, apr swaybars, bilstein suspension. Its now a proper car, and haven't had any issues with it.

[@Strengthoftenmen]

Golf R now please Chris!

[@chiswickbeasty]

Sold my R. Too removed from the driving experience.

[@7footer]

Where's this guy been? On vacation? Way to go Chris, another great review.

[@DaLeadBull]

I would have loved if you tested the one with the performance pack! Why didn't you, I was really looking forward to hearing Chris's opinion on the new diff.

[@robz1471]

I LOVE IT WHEN CHRIS TALKS ABOUT SPRING AND DAMPER RATES!! :) GEEK ALERT

[@googlereviewer1944]

Hugely competent undoubtedly, but such a bland design! All straight horizontal lines and square edges. Would be good looking if it was 1982 but this is 2014! Apart from the Mk5, it's almost as if VW are afraid to do anything with the the Mk1/Mk2 design.

[@HisLostSheep]

Which would you rather buy? Toyota Prius that gets 50 mpg/highway and puts out 120 hp on a CVT transmission, ---OR--- a Golf GTI that gets 35 mpg/highway and puts out 320 hp (Cheap tune) on a DSG transmission? This car is the best of both worlds. It gets just as good gas mileage as a tiny little wimpy sedan/hatchback... but you can unleash 400+ lb-tq in an instant with almost zero turbo lag on a responsive dual clutch transmission. This car is a steal... fully loaded Sports trim car; leather seats, performance package limited slip, sun roof, etc. for $25,000 brand new? -- If you want a FUN muscle car and don't care too much about mpg, buy the Ford Mustang GT at $35,000.

[@bbroogs]

Very on-point thoughts about the the GTI and its identity in the first 2 minutes. Thanks for a well done review.

[@cityrail101]

Golf gti is the best car

[@stevema3608]

I got a mk7 gti recently and I love it. I heard haters around me saying sonata 2.0T is faster than my car. I was speechless for a sec. anyways, this video helped me to choose my car. Thanks

[@basslover352]

Stock MK7 gti would eat a sonata 2.0t

[@LarsAgerbk]

I hate options. If I had a car I would like to sit in it and go to where ever I was supposed to go. Not have an inside debate whether my car should be like this or that

[@hduncan2587]

Honestly, had you not gone into specifics, I wouldn't be able to tell. Considering there are after-market applications that could have just as easily been put in the Google search, I'd only remember the MkV. A GTI forum might be able to give details. It's a wonderful touch to have, though, no matter what.

[@Bravo21]

It is much quicker than the Golf, and the Mégane 'Trophy' will lap the the Ring at 8:07 and holds the record for front wheel drive cars. I think there is a test somewhere here on YT showing the 265 Cup only slightly slower than the Porsche Boxter.

[@GeorgesBourizk]

Matt said on his other channel "The smoking tire" that drive didnt pay enough to be a job, so he went out and got another at gotham supercars as a west coast manager. while he is there as a actual paying job he wont be doing tuned nor Smoking tire.

[@suomiauto]

Here in Finland a BMW M135i A has a price tag of about 61 000€, while a Golf GTI DSG with the Perfomance Pack is 45 000€. That's a 16 000€ price difference, and when you start adding somes options to the BMW the price goes a good way over 70K. And that is way to much money for a 1-Series.

[@savannahkorben7353]

same here in the U.S. The 135iM is on a different planet price-wise then the GTI.

[@ATZEMAAAN]

bob g well, good to be german :D

[@Bravo21]

I have always liked the Golf, but today I think its just not quite the item...The Mégane Renault-sport 265 Cup is nearly 3,000 less at £25,255.00 and is imho a superior car for the enthusiast.

[@robertomoreno7100]

in europe have same price than bmw 220i

[@kevinhibbard320]

Damn I really want this car for a daily driver for my wife.

[@alexsotirakis897]

the car is so boring...you see normal golf's everywhere and the GTI doesn't even stand out a little which is exactly what you want from a hot hatch. and way too overpriced also, id rather get a Seat Leon Cupra instead which looks so much more aggressive

[@BGcontentproduction]

8:12 Oh the GTI didn’t need to worry about the M135i 😂 clarkson sorted that out by hydroplaning the M135i on top gear when racing a GTI

[@TheCSFlash]

I respect Chris Harris, I really really do. But I don't respect the fact that he compares almost ever cay to an M series BMW, it is rather annoying, and quite ignorant I might add.

[@MartinHannett_]

Trouble is thick yank, Top Gear for 20+ years was exactly this channel. Just simple and honest detailed reviews. Not ridiculously scripted unfunny junk.

[@TheMegaCONARTIST]

Looking at the compare of autocar A45 v GTI performance package v M135i costing of A45 was the highest in their words and all the best in all compare, for the GTI with DSG and performance package top spec it was 28k and for the base trim M135i over 30k. Being quick as well M135 was the worst in handling where GTI was good as A45 just lot less on power but I think new R would be a great competition out there being on the level with power or even beating 135i in all views.

[@gianhet]

You're quite right with that, our government is pretty shitty right now, but anyway I wouldn't want to buy these kind of cars even if I had enough money, because I prefer having a "sleeper" car, discret, classy, but people who know about cars would recognize it. -> M5 E39/190E or even an A45 AMG which looks quite nice, doesn't consume a lot of fuel, and seems like a good everyday car :P

[@nHeroGo]

What is it about electric steering that fascinates car manufacturers so much that they feel compelled to deal with it even though no journalist has ever demanded it in the first place? Does it have a fuse in the box, and if so, what happens when it goes wrong? Is it only for the purpose of playing around with the settings a few times? Seems like it is only of interest for stunt drivers with the steering wheel hidden in the backseat.

[@CallMeAcoustic]

its 210hp and the performance package is 220hp

[@UnincredibleAim]

you must be thinking about evos' man, wrxs' have never been able to make power cheaply because of the boxer engine and weak piston ringlands.

[@hduncan2587]

Touch screen for driving modes? Not sure how much I like that. Then again, who says real buttons and switches can't go bad just as quickly?

[@netcruzer]

But will we get adaptive suspension settings in North America? I hope so.

[@DooMMasteR]

a 5door M135i is about 42kEUR a 5door GTI is at just about 29kEUR and VW usually goes down to 26k at POS BMW to 37kEUR but bare in mind, that even Park Distance Control is an extra on the BM complete clean they stand about 26,5kEUR against 39kEUR which is quite a difference (all prices are real rebate including German prices)

[@droid1342]

The beard rocks...oh man my first experience in a golf GTI was a first gen, and i hadnt a clue as to where reverse was..the numbers had worn off. it was a buddy of mines car (who wasnt with me at the time) so my friends and i had to get out and push the car backwards whenever reverse was needed....ummmm no alcohol was involved...riiiiight

[@mohamedwattad4325]

this car costs over 60000 euros as the base model in my country ... absolute bullshit when the minimum wage is barely above 5.5 euros an hour

[@rajakhalil4628]

Gollum made this episode awesome-er. A back to back review on this with the DSG gearbox and the M series 1 would be awesome!

[@jax1079]

Can we please get Chris Harris versus the Tail of the Dragon? Please?

[@gianhet]

You use these kind of cars only a few weeks by year anyway. Plus, I think, if you can buy a 1 million + € car, 70.000 € is the least of your problems :P As for the France, well I live there, so I dont mind xD

[@tptrsn]

I had an 83 GTI that was a riot, and I have NO INTEREST in this current one... I would like to see that comparo between it and the M135i though! What camera are you guys shooting these videos with please?

[@carlosdominguezOri]

With certain thing called "handbrake". Anyway, I was just saying that it's weird not to see Chris driving a car sideways

[@Osprey1994]

BMW M135i never made it across the pond. The 135i however did and that car was 39-42k which is Golf R territory. At least the price of the 135i used has finally settled.

[@gtiw7]

Dear chris, You're so good to make such a mistake!! at +1500KG the M135 hatchback is MUCH heavier than mk7 GTI, even heavier than all Golfs ever produced. other than that spectacular review :D Cheers

[@GarrettAdamsRacing]

Just bought a base model 2017 GTI for 19,900 USD. Thanks to Jeff Smith VW, but still, there is no pricing issue with this car.

[@TheJamesavatar]

What i dont like about this car is the rear cam, the auto parking shit and the push to start button. I mean, come on!! Are people really that lazy to turn a key or turn your head and look at back? Im going to get 2010 or 11 gti its much better and durable than this new shits called new gen.

[@ururuization]

Lol way to nitpick about things that dont matter. Dont like the rear cam? Then dont use it.

[@TheJamesavatar]

So you are telling me to pay for something i wont use??

[@ururuization]

jamessi Ten then dont pay for it and get the 3 door model that doesnt come with keyless push start or rear cam or sensors.

[@TheJamesavatar]

Why didnt you say so Damn!! Im going to check it out

[@savannahkorben7353]

lol at the previous gen being much better. I own one, it's nowhere near as nice as this new one.

[@arindanyalian]

STUPID DESIGN MK6 IS NICER