END OF TERM REPORT + LIKES & DISLIKES - Mk8 Golf GTI Clubsport

[@olivercox2565]

Regarding the sport mode not staying on between starts, it actually does. The only thing it turns off is the drivetrain, which defaults to normal mode. The steering, diff, etc, all stay in sport mode. You then just pull back on the gear stick to switch between normal and sport drivetrains. I had the same problem you did, but after a bit of research i found out this is what is happening.

[@zippin1]

I’ll second this. My car stays in sport and the DSG defaults to D when I start.

[@06stiguy63]

About high prices for services people tend to forget that the whole dealership,showroom,equipment, and do not forget staff etc etc needs to be paid for aswell. So being in a nice airconditioned showroom while waiting for your car is going to need to be paid one way or another. I agree service prices seem outrageous compared to DIY or a small independent shop but their running costs are nowhere near that of a small 1 or 2 bay garage with only one person running the whole thing. Also the equipment these shops are having to buy are running in 100's of thousands easily especially with EV stuffcoming along. I'm quite sure everyone is paying a part of that with just an oil change and filter. As a DIY'er i think profit margins (on parts especially) are crazy high but working in a dealership (not VW) makes me see the other side aswell. All in all yes i agree prices are very steep but yeah there is another side to it aswell.

[@spainter1985]

I suspect that t-shirt will get a few double takes if they don't know your background 😂

[@volkswizard]

Those 3 letters are a long standing joke amongst the smuttier members of 'the scene' 😁

[@JM00-v9c]

i think it's a great T shirt for either meaning hahah

[@chriswatson9700]

I’m rewatching this with a heavy heart…had ordered a GTI but after 11 months, VW still couldn’t give me a build date. So…cancelled it and BMW can get me a 1 Series built and delivered in 3 months. Can’t help but wonder what would have been…

[@stupot8572]

Great review Andrew. As an owner of a standard MK8 GTi of the same age, I agree with most of your review. It's hands down the best car I've ever had. MUCH better as a drivers car that the 8V Audi S3 that preceded it. And in truth there's very little I don't like about it. Mine's just had the recent big recall software update (Code 91CU) which among other things, refreshes the look of the infotainment interface a little and adds the function to view the sat nav map in the instrument binicle. I did fit a set of RacingLine r360's to it, but noticed that the fuel economy went in the wrong direction a little, and so it's now on a set of 18" Protrack One's with the original factory tyres (2.5kg lighter per corner than the factory wheels too!) On the economy - I agree that it's bad at all relative to its performance. There are no motorways up here in the NE of Scotland,, so I usually get around 37-40 mpg on my daily commute. However, we did a road trip to Legoland Windor from Aberdeen back in April and managed 43 mpg on the way down and 45mpg on the way back via the A9, M6, M6 Toll & M40 with the ACC set at 75 (2 adults and child onboard) A great long distance cruiser. Anyway, if I didn't comment on your end of an era vid, here's wishing you all the very best for the future.

[@001broughy]

I had the creaking from the front and there is a recall for the shock absorber dust covers I believe which solved the issue 👍

[@chrishowarth9605]

When I took my CS in, they kept it for two days doing the update.. they blanked all my settings including VW assist. They also removed the engine cover and kept it due to the recall .... apart from that I love it 😀

[@jamielewis9461]

Same here. Did it to mine last week. Works perfect now tho

[@lupo10]

What’s the recall?

[@chrishowarth9605]

@@lupo10 they remove the engine cover ... and keep it... and big software update

[@chrishowarth9605]

@@lupo10 Fire hazard apparently

[@lupo10]

@@chrishowarth9605 wow that’s bad. Are they going to replace the cover with another design or leave it open?

[@fergalmcintyre3942]

Hey Andrew, I’ve been looking back at your reviews of your mk8 Club and the issues you had with Assist Systems and Sensors. My 2022 Mk8 R I’ve had for 9 mths. In the last few months the Emergency Assist and Travel Assist have been driving me mad. Sometimes they and fine but maybe 50% of time I keep getting those really loud annoying ‘Pings’. Sometimes 20-30 times on a short 10 min drive. You are supposed to be able to switch off but the report is that they are “unavailable”. I’ve tried everything from marking sure windscreen camera and sensors are clean to ensuring VW Connect is logged in, updates all done and phone connected to internet with the Globe symbol. It’s due a service soon so perhaps the dealer can do some sort of check or update. Have you or any of your subscribers come across this issue and managed to resolve ?

[@escos0410]

Yep!! new steering wheel, done under warranty We’ve had ours done, nearly took 3 years but my god!!! I believe it was a fault with them from 2020 so it effect all cars up to late 22

[@9bar7and9bar8]

Andrew...I had the haptic buttons issue as you describe. A new steering wheel under warranty solved it. I had the creaking in the suspension. A simple greasing by the dealer sorted that. My software is now 1896. The wireless charging works perfectly for me and now a grey qi symbol pops up on the display which it didn't when i first got the car. I have a normal phone case on my iphone however with no magnetic attachments. All in all i now have a car that causes zero problems. My dealer was excellent in getting these issues resolved.

[@quicktoreason2722]

yup they swapped my steering wheel and i stopped having any issues -

[@malcolmscott4150]

Great send off Andrew for the mk8 CS - glad to see over 15 months the car was reliable and entertaining for all and respect for taking care of it so well 🤘

[@RickGTI2019]

I’ll stick with my 2019 GTI MK 7.5 ! Love the switches and buttons. Besides, with the economy in the states, who can afford anything ??? Great video, as usual. Thanks again, RickGTI….. 🇺🇸🌴 PS stay well my British mate.

[@peterleighton279]

There should be a KZbin poll - Screens and touch sensitive sliders or buttons and knobs! I know which would get the most votes!

[@DarrellThompson47]

@@peterleighton279 it also about safe driving. You need tactile buttons and knobs to allow you to feel them with a minimal amount of time taking your eyes off the road or pressing the wrong control! I think the problem is these car are being designed by people now that drive with bad habits and rely on the car safety tech to keep them out of trouble. I'll keep my 7.5 for now thanks.

[@quicktoreason2722]

@@DarrellThompson47 thats not true at all - one format is tested for a long time whereas the other is recent - many car brands have already moved to the same set up - i think your argument is more "nostalgia" based than reality - ive not had a single issue using this system after 8 months of owning a mk8r.

[@quicktoreason2722]

thats fine - 7.5 is a great car - the mk8's are just better in every way, driving dynamics (fact), comfort (seats are incredibly comfortable "nappa leather"), and the infotainment is way more convenient (personal opinion) than the older system which is more bland and old-school (most brands are swapping to the new style of one big panel, even lexus did it, thats how you know its better than knobs. - you get used to it in no time - took me about 2 weeks and i was good - i owned a 7.5 R stage 2 previously and also tracked it, difference between the two is night and day - the 7.5 r was very much understeer prone but the MK8R was more oversteer and felt more in control of its weight - the driving felt more natural and fun too wheras the 7.5 was just boring. Im glad i made the purchase tho, got mine for msrp (if you dont find one for msrp, i wouldnt buy it).

[@quicktoreason2722]

@@peterleighton279 most of those who know about technology and are not boomers would pick touch screens, its much more intuitive, and also reliable - 2 months after owning my 7.5 R, my climate controls stopped working, they swapped out the whole panel and the cost was ridiculous (i didn't have to pay, warranty) but still, it was no good - The new system is factually more reliable and issues can be fixed using software updates so its also cost efficient.

[@aldfort5781]

Get the latest updates done. You'll be surprised. The R defaults to sport and it really is sport. Comfort changes the screen colours in the R. As I said, get the latest software updates done. I think your wrong about the buttons. You need to press on the symbol not near the symbol.

[@cfbm125]

Totally agree with this comment.

[@volkswizard]

With regards to the pressing of (haptic) buttons, it's not always easy to be that accurate when driving, especially when you want to switch cruise off at speed. Surely it can't be right that the area marked on the steering wheel as one function does the function next to it? If it did nothing that would be fine but it does the opposite of what you want (speeds you up when you want to slow down.)

[@cfbm125]

@@volkswizard yes, you’re right about the buttons, it is quite easy to press the neighbouring button without actually pressing it directly, I didn’t read the comment properly before I said i agreed with it! 🙄 typical of me tbh! 😬

[@aldfort5781]

I agree the buttons are not great. The ones on the steering wheel are tolerable, the others are useless when on the move. ACC - easier to deactivate by tapping the brake tbh, but it is adaptive, it won't let you get too close to the car in front. My top tips: Get lane control coded off. ( yes, it can be done.) Turn off keyless entry Don't bother with travel assist ( pays attention to speed limits if it can read them). Turn off driving and economy tips.

[@cfbm125]

@@aldfort5781 the first thing I did when I got my GTI was to use OBDeleven to code lane assist to be off by default. 👌

[@bruts82]

Kept my mk8 cs for 3 months. And it broke my heart, completely unusable interface warnings non stop. Made a profit on it here in Ireland 🇮🇪 due to the lack of stock from brexit. Wouldn’t touch and vag product with this software from 2021 onwards. Back to a Gti 7.5 pp and absolutely delighted with it

[@bruts82]

@@cfbm125 that was the next option replacing the steering wheel I just sold it

[@LSD04]

Because of Brexit 😂

[@bruts82]

@@LSD04 😂 no cars comin in from England pushed up the prices of specked cars here

[@mitchrider2985]

I sold mine too. Had a 2018 7.5 went to a 2021 mk8 gti November 2021. Broke my heart too. Have purchased a 2021 Skoda Octavia rs wagon instead. While slightly buggy with the screen, it’s much better.

[@bruts82]

@@mitchrider2985 ye it’s just something I wasn’t prepared to live with , drove a 430 the other day and the infotainment system was incredible

[@NiceGuyAidey]

Had a few nightmare days updating my software in my R a month ago, The OTA update just ruined the whole system and my car spent a few days at the dealers being sorted, Now it works a treat so much more responsive and quicker ....

[@volkswizard]

Good to hear it ended well 👍

[@NiceGuyAidey]

@@volkswizard yes I was at my wits end for a few days it almost got sold 😁

[@slen6293]

TCR all the way! Infotainment here compared to an f40 1 series is seriously poor. But I don’t doubt they are incredible to drive!

[@danielrussell446]

It’s a lot better now the updates and the now improved system have cured the problem

[@guse1219]

I keep my GTI in custom mode…everything is on sport except the suspension. When I start the car, the exhaust sounds like it is in sport mode. I have changed it to comfort mode before turning the car off and the next time I start the car, the exhaust does not sound like it’s in sport mode. So what features are resetting back to comfort because Pithecanthropus exhaust doesn’t seem to be one of them?

[@FMGalactico]

My 21 CS is currently back at the dealer due to constant warning lights popping up on every journey as well as it refusing to pull off from stand still sometimes when in gear. Have to knock it into neutral and back into drive whilst people behind sit & beep wondering what I’m doing. Very frustrating🤦🏼‍♂️

[@Keka-vg3ut]

I think most people complaining about mk 8 infotainment dont drive or own one actualy as its all just down to getting used to the system espacially coming from mk7 and bitching about intuitivity vecause for the lack of buttons but just like youd have to get used to a smartphone after switching from a cell phone you need to get used to it but it certainly isnt worse. Actually after you figure it out usability is just the same or better. Its the same at first typing a number on a cell phone might be faster at first but once your used to it its certainly faster on a smartphone. Also for your point about modes reseting maybe its just your car but mine in germany stays in the mode you leave it in after restarting only one that does differently is nürburgring mode which defaults back to sport mode

[@mazpr2025]

I suffer from dry eyes, so having those vents way down is a super plus for me. Savagegeese did a review of the mmk8 GTi and stated the new platform was miles better than the previous generation.

[@ricoyinmuebles]

Love your content. I would just want to tell you that the reverse light never comes on when you shift from P to D in any VAG car or SUV. Asian and American cars do that though.

[@psiturbo]

in the US it must be changed at a authorized service station, proof it was serviced for warranty purposes

[@resnonverba137]

That's a rather risque t-shirt for a family channel, Andrew. Personally, I really dislike everything being put through the central screen, to the degree that (along with the awful customer service I've rec'd from VW on my current car) I didn't even consider a mk. 8 Golf. The screens also put me off the CLA Mercedes.

[@ahmedvorajee2430]

😂that’s VAG Volkswagen Audi Group and not what you are thinking! 😂

[@resnonverba137]

@@ahmedvorajee2430 I know, but it remains a double entendre 🙂

[@ahmedvorajee2430]

@@resnonverba137 maybe 🤔

[@sergeypirogov8891]

I literally feel that sadness in each second of the video. Great review, Andrew. Thank you for honest feedback, as usual. And good luck with your future car!

[@domefford864]

The latest update has fixed all issues with cruise control

[@jamielewis9461]

Agree. Mine went in last week for 2 days. Had the big software update. No issues since and maps work perfect on both screens!

[@SephirothWins1]

Watching your videos last summer convinced me to order one of these. I built a spec I liked, kept it below the key £40000 threshold and got a great discount (close to DTD) from my dealer which is locked in. Unfortunately like many others I'm still waiting on it, and with it being so long now I've been looking at the used market considering to take the plunge with something else I can get now. But watching this video and hearing everything you've loved about it has reinvigorated me and has convinced me I need to be patient for a little longer. So thanks Andrew for all your videos on this car! I look forward to your future content :)

[@danielrussell446]

They re lovely cars when they arrive I know Volkswagen have had some issues with building them with lockdown and the Ukraine war but it will be worth the wait

[@Trophy_R]

With all those dislikes I bet you’ll be glad to get shut

[@andrewmcivor42]

Interesting video, as always 👍. Funny how opinions can differ - most of what you like about your Mk8 is all stuff that would irritate the hell out of me! Totally agree with the keyless entry though - I'd probably disable mine if I could. I've noticed the traffic sign recognition is rubbish on my 7.5 too. Every dual carriageway seems to be 60mph, for example. Luckily it's just an advisory system on the 7.5. It's a crappy attempt at autonomous driving. And I can permanently disable the lane assist - it's useless when you have lots of narrow roads with no centre white line. I take it it's less aggressive than the lane assist on the A3? I thought I had a puncture in my Wife's A3 when I forgot to disable once! That infotainment system is just a complete turn off for me. I don't even know how I'd play my music through it, to be honest. I've never plugged my phone into it (a charging battery does me fine), so none of the connectivity stuff interests me at all - plugged my phone in once to charge it & it started lifting all my contact details (quickly unplugged 🤣). I guess I could put my music onto an SD card, but why bother when I can plug my player straight into the car - the Mk8 works with an iPod touch, I think, but that's another expense. Fully appreciate that the Mk8 is much better to drive than the Mk7.5 & more efficient (but not efficient enough to justify the cost of changing it), but I just couldn't live with the touchscreen interface (bad enough trying to use a smartphone.....). It's probably an age thing - you come from a tech background, I think? So guess you're more comfortable with tech than most middle aged folk like myself are🤣. It's aimed at the next generation & I'm a dinosaur, I guess! I can't see me ever getting a Mk8 - I will probably buy my Mk7.5 R Estate at the end of the PCP & keep it. VW do nothing that I'd want to buy now (even the Arteon R Shooting brake has that daft touch climate control). And I have a CD player (which I use fairly often)😉.

[@volkswizard]

It's perfectly normal for opinions to differ and VW have been brave with 8's infotainment as normally this area doesn't elicit such opposing opinions. They will lose sales because of it but I am sure there are many showroom visitors untainted by the reviews of those who clearly don't know how to get it work best (e.g. ignoring how shortcuts mean nothing needs to be buried deep in menus including ESC) and who will be blown away by its similarity to a smartphone. The easy transition for users is to use apple car play as this brings an interface for most things that's identical from 7/7.5 . If you don't use that in 7 or 7.5 (where equipped) then you are going to struggle with 8 for sure

[@andrewmcivor42]

@@volkswizard I'm not meaning to be critical - it's actually fascinating to hear your "take" on the Mk8 - you've done a lot to demistify the Mk8 infotainment, I'm sure it's nowhere near as bad as reviewers make out. although I think VW made this change to reduce costs as well (a screen is cheaper than nicely damped buttons). The flaws that you've spoken about (thinking mainly of the traffic speed sign cruise control) are just things I'd never use & don't see the point of. Downright dangerous. I'm just someone who doesn't particularly enjoy smartphone interfaces (that's my issue) or someone who wants to use a phone in the car. It clearly requires you to spend time setting it up & getting used to it. I just find the 7/7.5 more intuitive to use (particularly the climate control, etc). This is personal to me, but I don't like the seats either (the trim looks a bit tacky to me & the integrated headrests don't appeal either - they'll wear out with a dog hammock hooked onto them!). Interested in your "take" on the DSG lever too - I like the idea of the toggle switch selector. However, I also like the ease that you can knock the Mk7.5 lever into "sport" without having to look at it. Pros & cons. Main reason I wouldn't get a Mk8 just now? The cost! A Mk8 equivalent of my own car would cost approx £10k more than I paid for my Mk7.5 - it's not worth that!

[@MrRawUK]

Great review. I prefer the 7.5 but we are all different. Prices for the 7.5 are still crazy high used!

[@dirkdesouza5975]

Andrew, what does the "new chapter" hold my friend? Although I am "across the pond", your vids are very informative and a great watch. Update on my end, its been a year and still no sign of my ordered Golf R, however the dealer did get back to me and stated there was an "unspoken for" GTi performance dressed in black that was incoming August. I jumped on it and will be taking that unit. I have advised them to hold my R order and when that arrives, I would swap out the GTi and get into the R. Is that a wise decision or should I just sit tight and wait for the R. Issue is we do not have any concrete time frames and thus quite lost. All that to say, what is the next chapter for the Volkswizard?

[@simonupex2628]

Hi Andrew there's only one way to gain an accurate MPG figure for any car, that's fill up to fill up the rolling MPG figure the car's info gives you should be used as a guide only not to be taken as the gospel truth as some people think it is.

[@paultasker7788]

I agree on this one. Frustrating that my trip is usually optimistic on my 1.5 match by about 3mpg per tank. They never seem quite right. With modern tech this really should be accurate by now.

[@dog-bite186]

Sorry to see her go Andrew. Regarding the piano black trim, could you borrow or ask someone with one, to polish it with a nano polisher, like the Carbon Collective or Flex one, on your SEAT?

[@shiugen676]

Been wondering about this if it can be easily polished

[@dog-bite186]

@@shiugen676 It can be polished easily. Ive used a finishing polish on a soft pad to remove contact marks on the black trim.

[@lithuanianleviathan9158]

Hi Andrew, I've got a MK8 GTD and my MPG isn't that good (Well, more specifically not as good as it was). It's currently got 1,400 miles on the clock. It all seemed to happen @1,000 miles after I gave it a couple of bursts in sports mode, the MPG went down to 30MPG and never appeared to recover since. Prior to that I was getting 63-60 MPG on an A-road run and mid 40s around town. Now I'm struggling to get past mid 30s around town and low 50s on an A-road. I know running in an engine is quicker than it used to be (Some might say it doesn't need running in at all), but I drove it conservatively for the first 1,000 anyway. Question is, will the MPG improve through mileage - the engine might be 'run in' but is the engine still tight? 🤷‍♂

[@volkswizard]

Still very tight at 1k miles, 10k before it really loosens up. I'm surprised it's dropped that much, should be better now it's warmer (assuming you are in northern hemisphere!)

[@davidfox6860]

Perhaps sounds a bit strange, but it does feel like the end of an era, even as a subscriber to your channel. It was your videos that convinced me to order my MK8 GTi. I watched your exploits avidly, whilst I waited for delivery and, thanks to you, I felt like I already knew my car before it arrived. Just a point on your video, my car went through the large online update a couple of weeks ago and the ACC issue where the car behaves like it is on the continent (KPH readout and seeing cars on the left as a hazard whilst overtaking) seems to have gone and it is behaving itself. Thanks again Andrew 👍🏻

[@toy838]

U need to get a life it's a car that's all!

[@davidfox6860]

@@toy838 I reckon most would agree that a car is never just a car. Each to their own

[@davidfox6860]

……hang on, is this my wife? 😂

[@toy838]

@@davidfox6860 if it was yr wife expect she thinks yr a b....l end

[@davidfox6860]

@@toy838 lol anonymous tough guy 😂

[@chrisdavie8617]

Great video, and indeed series of videos on the MK8! I’ve just swapped out my old MK7.5 for a MK8 and the reviews really helped - especially the shortcuts and best way to use the infotainment system.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Chris, glad it helped 👍

[@909happydude]

What is making you think the drive mode is in eco even though its saying its in sport???

[@kentowers2802]

Been binging your clubsport content Andrew - I Just put a deposit on a 1yr old clubsport in kings red unseen from a main dealer 200+ miles away so wish me luck!

[@flyingcod14]

Wasn't aware of the eSim tracking feature. Wish all VWs had that a few years ago. When you think about if they really wanted to, car manufacturers could reduce or even stop car theft. The tech is all there.

[@mattfinnis]

It’s easily disabled by thieves, even with the pin on

[@u4ia420]

My biggest complaint is the placement of the climate control vents...

[@volkswizard]

Not just me then. And yet this is never mentioned in reviews

[@stuhall4762]

Hi Andrew. Do you miss having your Clubsport? I have a Clubsport on order and hopefully collecting in February 23. I hope it will not be effected by the new DVLA speed limiter restrictions ! Do you have any information on the restrictions?

[@RB-lt8kt]

The technology they are putting in cars is to sell them as they think we need massive screens, touch sensitive buttons, menu after menu jut to set the AC temperature and mood lighting. In engineering there is a saying along the lines of "just because you can do something doesn't always mean its right". VW group cars are known for software issues, my neighbour had a 2020 Golf GTD on lease when its battery failed and spent 2 days at the main dealer having lit up the dash with every warning sign possible after a new battery was fitted. Main dealer hourly rate prices are a rip off and sometimes mechanics are working on two cars (oil changes) at the same time. Apprentices are very poorly paid even as low as £4 per hour. Kia wanted to charge £150 hr for my sister in laws clutch to be replaced (total cost would have been £500 ish). Local garage did it for £300 fitting the same part that Kia was going to use, same part number. Kia buy them in and double the cost of the same part.. Same Kia / Hyundai dealer wanted £800 to replace a turbo in a IX30 again same local garage did it for about £400 including oil change. With electric cars you will have to go to the main dealer as there will be no other option so be prepared to pay £££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££££ or lease.

[@jcw7223]

Great vid sums up the CS mk8 gti at the end having had mk7.5 this is a league above drivability and smoothness great car.

[@danielrussell446]

Well done andrew a great review as ever and it is clear how much you love the car and enjoy driving it to give such honest feedback. I have experienced much of the same issues on my 8 life an early production version but it is superior to the 7.5 in driving terms but I loved my 7.5 and 7 both were great cars Good luck to you both in your new home and with your new car and with volkswizard look forward to future videos Daniel

[@V_Dubya]

I’ve been a long term VW fan but feel like they’ve lost their way… Too many cutbacks and too many design decisions obviously being made primarily on commercials.. You can feel that the organisation is now just squeezing money from us at every available point. The entire ownership journey feels like it’s stacked in VWs favour and the consumer is nowhere near the centre of their business .

[@shaneisaacs666]

The Mk8 is a clear set back for VW. I think the Hyundai i30 N is a much better drivers car now.

[@cfbm125]

Only if you are a teenager though!

[@shaneisaacs666]

@@cfbm125 No, it’s better equipped, all the technology works as it should and it’s a far more focused driving experience than the GTI. I don’t like to say it either but VW have done a poor job on the mk8.

[@volkswizard]

Actually the Mk8 is a step forward dynamically over 7.5 and a far closer rival to I30N for driving (this is reflected in all reviews, not just me saying that). I couldn't daily an I30N as fuel consumption is a generation behind the VW and considering I (and most drivers) spend approx 90% of driving not pushing hard, that's an important real world consideration. Plus it's a classless (i.e. people rich and poor buy them) VW which looks good everywhere, the Hyundai brand is in no way premium and interior material quality still a very long way behind even with Mk8's slight backward. Don't get me wrong, I like and respect the I30N but Golf still the best all rounder even if it's marginally behind dynamically (dynamics are not the be all and end all for a hot hatch)

[@gtiak274]

Buy a GTI TCR again! It's a so beautiful GTI 😍💪

[@escos0410]

Yeah it is But it won’t be in front of the mk8 when your thinking it even when the travel assist is playing up I know I had a TCR. Would I swap? Nope 👎 The mk8 is just a better car simple as that

[@vr6280]

On my way home there is a corner with a car dealership on the outside of the corner with a sign saying 5mph and everytime I pass it the car picks it up and tries to drop to 5mph. To be fair, in this case I don't think the car is the issue as the sign is badly placed and too visible so probably does it on others too. Because I know it is there I just now get ready to override it as I approach. My iPhone XR used to charge fine, when I changed to my Iphone 13 pro it doesn't (but I think it is the camera sticks out quite a bit!). The bong for the lane assist is annoying too! Over all though I love the mk8 (mine is an R-Line 150 DSG)

[@volkswizard]

I’d disable speed limit preview and control speed yourself as by VW’s own admission, it’s a flawed system

[@markjoseph2569]

How much is it?

[@chrispreston1443]

Where did you get those paddle shifters extenders? I’ve been looking for some on eBay and Amazon but they are horrible tacky carbon fibre efforts, yours look really subtle

[@Jones01]

i think it's the ones from the golf R

[@markkempster7367]

Not had a golf since my MK2 GTi. What a lovely gentle review to listen to though, almost ASMR. Nice

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Mark. I’ve had the ASMR comment before and that’s fine by me 👍

[@mrlionrocks]

Good move getting rid of that bag of bolts 👏👏

[@dervdave]

15 months???? seems like just the other week you got it and we’re taking off the factory protection 😃

[@volkswizard]

Tell me about it Dave!

[@allseeing357]

The move to the MQB architecture really cheapened the Golf. I noticed it going from a Mk6 to Mk7. Dont get me wrong it was the better car overall but my last Carbon Grey GTD (65 plate) did nothing but go wrong to the point I handed it back to my fleet dept. Seems as though they are opting for massive tech over build quality which isnt great. Sadly Audi is the same, I doubt the A3 is any better made than a Golf nowadays......I have a 2005 A3 Sportback and whilst its really getting on, it still feels so solid. Cant see the newer cars standing the test of time so well

[@johnguidetti5839]

I hope you start to branch out and review other makes & models.

[@cfbm125]

The latest 1896 software update fixes all issues that may be present, my GTI was on SW1804 when I bought it and is now on 1896, I may have been lucky, but I’ve not had any software issues at all even before the latest update, as for the vents, I use the left hand centre vent for the driver, the passenger can either use the right hand centre vent or just stick with the left side vent by the window, either way you can get the air blowing where you want without too much bother.

[@volkswizard]

There is some air flow but the my hands on the wheel at 10 to 2 are between the vent and my face and definitely block it, aren't yours? It's quite unusual to have the vents in that position, can you think of another car? I suspect it's form over function as dash design is great but I'm big on air.

[@cfbm125]

@@volkswizard yes the vent placement is pretty poor, my hands do block the vents on either side of the wheel, I use the Passenger side CENTRE vent to blow on my face, I find this flows past my left hand fine, it does however make the other vent nearest the steering wheel pretty much redundant though!

[@billx4266]

Hi man, a year later, i want one. Think im gonna order a mk8 clubsport, or a R.... I got used to the looks and i like it more and more. Should i wait for a facelift? Its feb 2023....

[@paultaylor9652]

Going to miss the garage videos Andrew, but things change in life. Hope everything works out for you and your family, sorry to hear your father passed away.

[@Pete7.5R]

You say you would never want a 7.5 ever again. . . maybe as a pure driver’s car, but a car is so much more than that imho. . .your manual 3 door cupra is a case in point, I would take that over any mk8 golf 😎

[@Tristanbirdyt]

If I had to choose a go for a go for Mark seven or 7.5 golf that’s red Volkswagen more sensible with physical Parsons and not any Touch Sensitive buttons and regarding your steering wheel nickel you are not clicking on the actual logo so that’s why it won’t work so you just have to move your finger across that’s all it’s not that hard so that’s why your speed is increasing 🙈 and the gear shifter is just awful Mark seven and 7.5 is much better The things you are saying that you don’t like about the car I just absolutely stupid 🙈

[@quicktoreason2722]

hearing you talk about the infotainment is literally hat ive been saying verbatim for the past 8 months of owning a mk8R... all the complaints about the infotainment is so annoying and almost deceiving as many people mouth off the same narrative that certain car journalists say without experiencing it themselves... as someone who uses this, its so convenient... and if there's anything that needs to be changed in the future, they can just do a software update and boom, fixed.

[@volkswizard]

Even now (review of a Mk8 CS vs BMW) an evo magazine journalist is going on about how ESC on/off is hidden deep in the menus when professional reviewers should know by now that it's available instantly via the swipe down shortcut menu if it's been set up previously (I gather VW UK did start doing this to their press cars after the initial grumbles). Even if it's not, it's around 15 seconds to set it up and then once set up it's a fraction of a second slower to operate than the button on Mk7 7.5. I expect more from evo magazine.

[@quicktoreason2722]

@@volkswizard right,... its no different here in NA where the journalists have nit picked on the same thing. Instead of talking about the Good in the new, they just choose to find the faults. I admit, not having the climate controls back lit is a little disappointing but to be honest, after owning the car for 8 months and racking up 27k km's, i have yet to use those controls. I just use the one right in the quick access menu, takes max 6 seconds. I was hoping that the people would hold these journalists accountable for these incredibly poorly researched reviews but it just hasn't happened, im starting to think more people are being sheep's than deciding on trying out the car for themselves.

[@lithuanianleviathan9158]

also Andy, is there any difference between sports mode via the drive selector on gearbox and sports mode via the mode button? Is the former just putting in engine is sports mode and leaving everything else in default? Might just be me (As the sport mode has the artificial engine noise pumped through speakers) but putting it in sport via the mode button appears quicker/more responsive.

[@archiemoffat473]

Yeah, the sports mode on the gear selector means that the dsg gearbox should shift up later at higher rpm and the mode button changes responsiveness of the engine, may stiffen the steering and stiffen the suspension if you have the adaptive dampers.

[@volkswizard]

As Archie said Sport on gearbox is just for the gearbox, Sport mode via dash button is for the steering weight, throttle response, exhaust noise and adaptive dampers if fitted. It also makes the VAQ front differential more aggressive. Having said that, aside from dampers the rest isn't night and day different from the default Comfort mode like it was on earlier cars

[@lithuanianleviathan9158]

@@archiemoffat473 thanks for that. Out of the two I think I prefer just using the sport gearbox selector as to full on sport mode, just easier when I want a bit more thrust without all that faff of having to take my eyes of the road and switch between modes. Also, I'd be too lazy and just leave it in sport and ruin my economy. 👍

[@lithuanianleviathan9158]

@@volkswizard thanks, yeah I don't notice much difference. Comfort really is the sweet spot for me in the GTD, occasionally flicking the gearbox into sport as and when needed. Eco mode doesn't appear to get any more MPG, I find you can just as economical in comfort if feather the throttle.

[@rasherbasher8203]

Great video Andrew. Very informative and honest..👍 I wish I had the money😪 c'mon payout🙏🙏🙏🤞🤞

[@TheMelwhite]

I never normally comment on KZbin videos, however, I really have enjoyed your videos and you come across very well. All the best for the future.

[@volkswizard]

Thank you very much Melvyn. Best wishes to you too

[@noornor3351]

Hallo I have golf 8 GTI I don't have any problem Everything perfect 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊thanks

[@volkswizard]

Good to know 👍

[@tonyjazz4073]

Hi Andrew. Great video as always. Sad in a way but happy memories no doubt. My Mk8 GTI is all the better for me as an owner after following your advice on some issues over the last 15 months so thanks for that. Noticed that you removed all the Racing Line accessories 😉!Mine is in for the 2 day info update at the moment. Actually been 4 days plus the dealer is in contact with VW Tech as it's not playing. Happy days. T.

[@arcticmosquito]

if you are drifting to the side, then i guess that you are already distracted? the bong is to wake you up

[@sleepwalker31]

Very in depth review with many valid points. I also feel the decision to sell is smart at the moment. I still feel the gti even in clubsport " incognito" mode just doesn't do it for me. It will have to be an 8r when prices allow. Best wishes for the future

[@fergalmcintyre3942]

Omg 3 years ? I barely keep my cars that long ! Any idea while it took so long ?

[@garys7828]

Be a good car for someone.. Two oil changes in 15k miles, and ex volkswizard 👍

[@stevesje71]

Is it sold now? Great video 👍 still going too fast around those blind bends 🤣👍

[@volkswizard]

Currently for sale at www.autops.co.uk

[@mattfinnis]

The PIN system doesn’t stop thieves being able to take the car offline, if they know what they’re doing.

[@Domce133]

Was your MPG with RON95 or RON98? Did you try them both?

[@paultasker7788]

My 7.5 has exactly the same issue when starting up. It'll say it's in individual mode, eco or sport but it's always really in normal mode on startup unless you press the button several times.

[@gamingmadforever6363]

I've always believed it is still in its lasting but the transmission is in normal...ie engine and throttle in sports/eco but transmission normal

[@volkswizard]

In some older cars Eco was the only coasting mode but even though it said Eco it didn't do that. On this car you coast in any mode unless gearbox is in Sport so harder to tell

[@paultasker7788]

@@volkswizard you're right. Eco will coast whenever you lift of the throttle in eco mode, in other modes it may coast under some scenarios but not every time. If you brake it will automatically stop coasting. Does coasting do any harm to the DSG in eco mode if it does it every time?

[@st33fie]

how can you tell the car isn't in sport mode in the morning.

[@volkswizard]

Gearbox is in D not S, exhaust is not poppy

[@st33fie]

@@volkswizard thank you 🙏

[@seanduncan8927]

Au Revoir or a final goodbye to Golf GTIs?

[@volkswizard]

I'm sure I'll have another as it's been 98% a great car and a facelift hopefully will have given them the time to fully sort the car. It's a great car the first GTI I could have daily driven as it's so economical AND chased Porsches on track with (just with a change of tyres).

[@ploge07]

The latest three part update fixed the speed sign recognition issue for me. Although my front usb ports and wireless charger only now charge intermittently! I've had the driving mode issue too

[@johnstannard8366]

I dare say you will miss it......

[@relaycampervan]

Shame it's not a looker.

[@matthewsmith2787]

Are any Golfs? They are all rather boring to look at, the only decent one was the Mk6 GTI

[@JoJo-en7bn]

A lot of Mk8 CS drivers have gone back to TCR’s so still not convinced and those wheels 🤮

[@volkswizard]

Fair enough John but as I said you have to fulfill a certain criteria to appreciate the progress in the chassis department which many won't especially if town bound.

[@KalashKat]

My favorite part is the t-shirt, she said.

[@JM00-v9c]

default mode in CS = comfort = wrong .........😱

[@ravenmaster6364]

Good to see you again Andrew 👍👍

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Raven master, good to be back and to see you too sir👍

[@ravenmaster6364]

@@volkswizard 👍 love this channel Andrew 👍, Im very sorry indeed to hear about your father, i had no idea, i hope you are ok and that things are alright , i lost my father in law just as we were coming out of lockdown and coupled with a few other things it was very hard to deal with. I wish you all the love and best wshes i can offer, take care and look after yourselves 🙏❤

[@davidcollett1699]

Nice round up. Good luck on the next stage. I lost my dad last year so i know how tough a bereavement is. Chin up man.

[@hendongooner7383]

Great car but I just hate all the tech in it. Just want to be able to drive a car without it wanting to interfere in the process. Lane assist and warning sign intervention. All unnecessary.

[@Ahmad-ck7lj]

If you ever wanted to sell this car, I would gladly buy it from you sir

[@volkswizard]

Sadly it's gone now to a VW main dealership

[@ST-ur7oh]

Have you hit bad times? Bye bye business, car …..

[@volkswizard]

Not exactly, I can afford sometime off but can afford even more time off if I am not paying £448 per month and cash in some of the equity in the car. I've still got a Boxster, Corrado, Cupra and now a C7 RS6 which will be in a video very soon (and is justifiable due to low mileage I now cover).

[@nikosdanelakis3613]

👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@volkswizard]

Efharisto Nikos 🙌🏻

[@bennydigger375]

when compared to the r32 how is the overall experience? I had a mk7.5 GTI and the old r32 was so much more involved and fun to drive.

[@crocoman776]

Beautiful car. I love my FL 2021 I30N DCT. Absolutely love it. But the fuel consumption is horrific. My only complaint. But you only live once. This won’t be your last GTI…..I’m absolutely certain of that!! Someone is getting a beauty of a car.

[@thedj5914]

Had my GTI in dolphin grey for a year now. I absolutely love it, I dont want to give it back 😫

[@Greig300]

How was the process via your car insurance getting a windscreen? I assume genuine with the sensors etc

[@volkswizard]

Easy as I'd been through the hoops with them before saying no way were Auto Windscreens or Autoglass going anywhere near my nearly new 7.5 R Estate so had a good local firm but a genuine screen in. Sensors just clip in so were reused and didn't need any configuration.

[@karolgos7059]

Great final review of the GTImk8CS If I could only afford one I will get it;) Anyway, all the best on your future car and the channel!!! You’re doing great job!!!

[@Sold_a_dummy]

All the best man. I hope things work out quickly.

[@markjones1647]

Loved the review and the more you moan about the rip off main dealers the better. Keep up the good work!!

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Mark, I just want to pay a fair price for a decent job and get decent service. Until they realise the solution to washing cars badly is to not wash them at all we stand no chance (and if they can't make enough profit to wash cars properly at a pro rata £300 per hour, they need to have a good long hard look at their business model). I hear SO many complaints about main dealers, it's really depressing. I hope the impending agency model will resolve some of this but not sure how. How they moneytise EV servicing when they don't need an awful lot will be interesting to see, unless the independents want/are able to take this work on too, they'll have a monopoly and you know what that means....😨

[@markjones1647]

@@volkswizard Totally agree, I think the writing is on the wall for the traditional main dealer, I've had rows with several over the years, BMW in particular. Like you I've been servicing my vehicles for about 30 years because I know it's been done correctly. Regarding EV's, I only hope that some decent independent garages come along that are willing to replace brake discs and pads and other consumables at a reasonable rate as there's little else to do on them. By the way I have an Edition 30 with 80k original miles on 😊.

[@MCJC96]

I have the exact same issues with my 2021 plate facelift Tiguan r line with driving modes

[@JP_RS6]

All VAG cars have it. My Leon Cupra had the same issue. I've just got to the point now where I autotmatically hit Stop/Start off and driving mode comfort as soon as I get in it, i can then set my driving mode after. Stop start is irrelevant its just part of my routine lol.

[@cfbm125]

My 2021 GTI doesn’t have the mode issue, perhaps it’s a symptom of earlier software!? My car was on 1806 software from new and is now on 1896, I’ve not had issues with either version that I’ve noticed.

[@toy838]

Buy Toyotas case dismissed

[@shiugen676]

@@cfbm125 Equally don't have that issue with my Mk8 R. I can even start car with valves open for a nice start in the garage 👌

[@kilencventiz]

you buy such a nice car they put 15000 in it and you sell it .. i dont Know what your problem this nice beutyful car..this is an extremely sophisticated car it is totally unnecessary to compare it to an R golf i have looked at countless tests and i will choose this one look at a nürmburgring test gr toyota honda civic etc it beats everything in time..i i really envy you . will buy one of these cars in 1-2 years or if i get the chance a R version..

[@volkswizard]

I've probably been one of the most positive advocates of the Mk8. However I soon realised VW weren't interested in fixing the problems which was very disappointing. It's a Golf GTI and I used it in the manner which it was designed to be used. Then I stopped commuting and sold it as it was surplus to requirements. Still look at them with desire but they need to be cheaper before I get another Mk8 especially as Mk8.5 which is imminent will fix a lot of the issues.

[@kilencventiz]

@@volkswizard you should have bothered them with the problem during the day and night..that's how i do it...and then you replaced it with a seat leon cupra?

[@billx4266]

Is the cupra leon the same car?

[@Gullimagga]

All the things you dislike are fixed on my car. The mk 6 😏

[@matthewsmith2787]

VW has lost its way, even a Renault feels more premium these days

[@markwilliams4274]

Ohhh I want one!

[@ScottPC]

Time to try some other brands yet?