2018 Volkswagen Golf R real-world review

[@Andrew-on5do]

Love this guy. He makes a car review sound like a nature show.

[@fatdoi003]

Sir Harry Attenborough

[@julianevans9548]

Unusual to find a reviewer who actually says something interesting - and tells you about the car. A lovely change from 'Here's how it looks going sideways around a track'. Seeing him scroll through the modes brings up my modern car bugbear: how much of drivers' attention is taken away by them playing with the screens in their cars?

[@vanilakung7563]

Mr Metcalfe is something special, he has that extra when it comes to cars and also he is not afraid to say what he thinks

[@vanilakung7563]

Also, he is a bit of a different version of Captain Slow, who i also adore

[@Andrew-on5do]

Julian Evans it's funny you say that because I owned an mk4 gti with an apr tune. It had just the right amount of luxury in it. Heated seats and cruise control. I test drove one of these and it was just to complicated.

[@guineapigsheep]

Those pops and bangs really are the soundtrack to central Bradford..

[@bengaltiger96]

Chavs

[@TheePleX]

As someone from Bradford, this statement is accurate. So much so I'm sick of hearing them now :(.

[@ZKozak-hp5vb]

I got an R and the previous owner got a cat delete. I bought it from a dealer and it took them 3 weeks to sort it out. I had to fight with VW to put emissions equipment back into the car...but I'll tell you how annoying and obnoxious I felt driving that thing. When I drove my MGB and I heard pops and bangs, my heart would skip a beat thinking how expensive the rebuild would cost.

[@carlickio]

Having ran this car for 2 years (pre-facelift) I'd say Harry is spot on with his evaluation. Fantastic car, great at everything and has very few negatives, it just needs a little bit more flair. If only VW had offered the Recaro bucket seats (the same ones as in the Clubsport S) to the UK market like they did the European market then it would have made it feel that little bit more premium/special above the GTI range. My guess is that they were restricting the R for the R400 project (400bhp, 5pot mega Golf) but that unfortunately got canned thanks to dieselgate. The Mk7 Golf will always go down as a great car, it's just a shame they never got to really give it the halo model it's platform deserved.

[@fahass2]

More like the R400 would have cost as much an RS3...the Golf R (which I own GIAC Stage 1+ tune $600, 0-60 in 3.7 and quarter mile in 12.2 seconds) is already really expensive for a Golf. It's a niche market. An R400 would be extremely unprofitable. VW gave us the GTi, the R...they would loose money by giving us the R400. *****disclaimer***** this is just my opinion...

[@lexluthor1166]

My favourite fact about this car is. Hans-Joachim Stuck helped VW set the car up. what a legend. great video .

[@josefinkjellsson7051]

So..Juan Pablo Montoya helped settup the Cupra R..

[@almostremembered]

​@@josefinkjellsson7051So...what's your point?

[@7quidstudio]

Harry old chap you are so current. So immediately simpatico. Always on the ball. In this case, a Golf ball.

[@jonny5777]

People who think this car is boring are missing the point. It's designed to go under the radar that's why I loved my old one. Although that mad exhaust and the black rims are a different story.

[@EthanL21800]

It’s the refined hot hatch and like the GTI it’s subtle

[@alanwayte432]

I own one but absolutely agree the interior needs a lift over standard at £46k it’s not that difficult to use better leather and touch points

[@rumblebelly7429]

Very good show again Harry. It's a bit like Top Gear, but for people with common sense (and budget).

[@albopastrami9269]

RumbleBelly and minus the morons

[@JimBob_1975]

Illegal to use a phone in your car but manufacturers think it's ok these days to spend seconds staring at a screen to set up your suspension. Crazy world...

[@invisiblekid99]

At least this has manual controls for the heating etc. But the suspension thing is not that bad. It's one but to cycle through the modes, or more useful is the DSG and the gear stick is just a notch away for sports mode. But the mode button should really be on the steering wheel.

[@melciveng]

James Dickenson I have the Passat version of the R and it’s also packed with tech, all of which is presumably ok to fiddle with while you’re driving.

[@KING0SISQO]

I’d like to think that you’d already have suspension setup already before driving 🤔

[@computerbob06]

Technically in the UK, you can be charged with distracted driving, just for eating a chocolate bar or smoking a cigarette! My friend got charged for moving his phone from the passenger seat to the centre console, so I'm guessing you can be had for playing around with the settings on your screen?!

[@SlowCarToChina]

@@computerbob06 Yep, it isn't the manufacturers who make it illegal. The rozzers can hit you for anything they decide is "dangerous" driving.

[@Hster68]

When you see what Harry's got in his garage, and the cars he's driven and owns -the praise he gives the R is crazy good! Goof R for the win. Lucid, cogent review - unlike the Stateside equivalents....

[@wockodiddlo]

"I want race engine sound, because i'm a hooligan!"

[@jmos96]

Harry does the best reviews anywhere. Please keep them coming.

[@kevin-joelcoupland5106]

I love my Golf R. It is really good in the snow and the performance is fantastic.

[@tmh44]

Great video, thanks Harry! I recently picked up a pre-owned 2016 Golf R in Lapiz Blue with the 6-speed manual, Dynamic Chassis Control, and just 4,000 miles. Bought it for under $30K USD, and at that price level I'm extremely happy. It's so good at just about EVERYTHING that I find myself driving my 'fun' car (a Mazda Miata) far less often than I would have thought. I will say that although I'm a die-hard manual transmission fan, I think the personality of the R is better suited to the DSG, but I've grown to enjoy mine with the manual as well...can't really go wrong :)

[@TIM612826]

I have driven both maunal and dsg r golfs! The dsg is nice but the manual is the best for driving! 👍

[@damiendegrasse]

@@TIM612826 it's one of the only cars I didn't prefer manual, the gearbox is really lifeless so DSG all the way for me.

[@Bryan-fg3ey]

Seems to me vw should give the R leather with tartan middles as standard,and charge extra for the same on the gti. That would give it a bit of a usp.

[@NubletPie278]

But that is part of GTI heritage not R so it wouldn't make sense. They need something new for it. The silver grille, V6 engine and blue paint made it pretty special in the first gen but 2/3 of them are gone.

[@Nutty-sd6nl]

Yeh that's a GTI not an R thing. While it is a bit bland design wise, I think that's actually broadened its appeal and why VW seem to have sold so many.

[@larjkok1184]

Leather and tartan? That sounds awful.

[@victhaking3158]

edition 30 been there done that

[@kevinkeelan354]

4wd and 310 bhp are it’s usp’s

[@oj9847]

I test drove a golf r 7.5 today, I was so shocked how fast it drives.

[@notafanatic]

Regarding the lack of "flair", it's actually one of the reasons I bought it. I really like the understated design and that it just looks like a normal golf to the uninitiated. Otherwise everything Harry says in this review is correct - I use a daily driver on N Yorkshire roads and it's pretty much perfect, the 4WD in winter is very good. Reasonable servicing costs, reasonable economy, good performance when you want it. Overall a superb car and the mk7.5 is the last with physical buttons rather than the horrible gesture control the new version has adopted.

[@litespeed65]

$41,000 in Canada for the Manual plus we get all the Custom colours. I picked one up recently-2018 Lapiz Blue w/ DSG. Amazing in the snow with Hakkapelitta R2's!!

[@Spinal2111]

Really wish we had the performance pack option as well as that exhaust setup. Though I don't think I'd drop $3000 (nevermind the currency conversion) on an exhaust setup, brakes though for sure.

[@MrRea112]

Loved the video, Harry! A few personal observations: VW dealers will do pretty good deals on this car so as you’ve said elsewhere, the price you mention is more a starting point. Bargain hard, shop around. I’ve owned both R and GTi(they were DSG’s), adored both and wallowed in the pleasure both cost me substantially less than an equivalent A Class or 1 Series yet were such fun. The R’s stealthy, driving like your dad’s saloon but press those race buttons and it’s a hooligan. Nice. Compared to the great GTi they’re different cars to me, really. The GTi youthful, extroverted while the R is mature like a great wine - silken smooth with a Rottweiler bite when you need it. Then there’s the noise. Oh that sound! My vote goes to the R! Both are great cars for young people, especially if you’re 60!

[@240fxst]

Yes for older people I like the subdued, conservative styling. I’m 62 years young and I feel just as young driving my Ferrari FF as well.

[@felixarbable]

Even the review of cars i care nothing about are great

[@faisalbnturki]

Couldnt agree more 👍

[@daemn42]

That signature .:R interior you're looking for came on the original 2004 R32. It had it's own special steering wheel, own seats, and .:R logos littering the interior on front and rear seats, shifter, door sills, floor mats, pedals, and instrument cluster and probably a couple more places I forget now. Dunno why VW thought that making the new R interior less unique was a good idea, but as an owner of the original, I get appreciate just how special it is. There is no mistaking its interior for *any* other Golf's.

[@BeatPoet67]

Am looking at getting one of these. Harry's half smile through the entire review has convinced me. I love sleeper cars. I don't want any bling.

[@johnosullivan2017]

On the strenght of this review from Harry I took delivery of a new R last week. And I couldn't be happier with it. I do a North London to Worcs roundtrip frequently, so I need a practical all rounder that's good in heavy London traffic, cruises at high speed on motorways, and with a serious burst of acceleration for overtaking on A roads. The road holding is excellent too. So, thanks Harry!

[@WiseGuy02]

I prefer real dials to the flat screen digital ones. In this video the sun flashing on the screen you couldn't see them. Also the sun picked up all the finger prints on the centre console screen. Which you didn't notice as much before with the old system.

[@beardeeble4692]

The appeal of the Golf Gti vs the Golf R will always be the bigger question. I look at it like this. When I was 35 years old, I would buy a pair of shoes that had the manufacturers name stitched on the side, I wanted people to know what I've bought and to remind myself I was doing ok. Now at the age of 50 I choose to buy a pair of quality suede shoes from Northamptonshire, costing far more money but without the label. I'm very content.

[@KingSkullie]

Bear Deeble at least you can always go online to tell people you bought your shoes from Northamptonshire, and that's what is important.

[@SAS-qf3qh]

This guy is like a David Attenborough for cars 😂

[@Harwar1976]

Ha. 5 years late,but perfectly said.

[@SavedbyHim]

Nice to see you review a car that is somewhat accessible to the normal folk out there, more videos like these please Harry!

[@GrotrianSeiler]

Harry, thank you for covering this car. It's far more attainable than so many of the other cars you feature. I disagree with you about the steering wheel. It's very easy to learn, if you actually own one. And sure, 50K is too much to spend, but you can get them for a lot less. Push the car in a turn which engages the rear wheels, and it becomes a really fun, frisky car to drive. I am really liking mine. Cheers.

[@musicbluesman08]

GrotrianSeiler iI'm

[@invisiblekid99]

Agree on the steering wheel. It is busy at first, but super easy after a few days.

[@mikef3300]

I own a MK6 Golf R and love it. I’d really like to have this newer version with the extra horsepower but I’d have it in a manual please

[@7869hodgy]

Harry, in my humble opinion you're slightly missing the point of the R (I've owned the 7 and have a 7.5 currently) You refer to it as the "second car" early in the video. Not all of us are wealthy and the Golf R is an everyday car for the majority who choose to own and drive it. It mixes practicality and the ability for hooliganism perfectly in one package. I think most people choose it for the simple fact it doesn't look as loud as a Type-R or Focus RS. I go as far as to remove the badges on mine to further dip below the radar. It's the ultimate stealth Golf - good review overall and fan of your work. (I have a Mk7 GTI too and they are very different propositions)

[@Del-pp3gn]

Stumbled upon this channel after recognising the garage pictured on the homepage....Harry M of Evo fame!!....still love the mag!! 😎

[@lewisreinhold6398]

Great show Harry! I miss my R mk6 Best car I ever owned

[@atom999]

I've always been a big fan of the R but after watching your review I'm having second thoughts - perhaps the GTI is the sweet spot. Would love to see a 'in comparison' review. Great vid as always.

[@invisiblekid99]

I was thinking the same til I drove both. The R is so much quicker and better out of the corner no matter if it's wet or not. It still does 0-60 in under 5 seconds in the wet. 4WD is not essential, but it means you can driver safer in the wet and the power gain really is substantial. But GTI does look better. VW down played the looks a little too much.

[@joshuarosen6242]

A friend of mine has the DSG version but it’s otherwise almost identical to this one. It’s a great car. The interior is very nice and it’s properly quick. It handles pretty well and the fuel consumption isn’t too outrageous (at least not compared to my M5). The Golf R really can make a pretty good fist of almost any situation.

[@Sidetops11]

You're right! I specified how I'd order my R, and it came to £46700. That's a lot. Think I'd save £12,000 and have the Focus RS. I did try specifying a GTi, and that came to £36750.

[@240fxst]

Golf R is a perfect subdued, conservative performance hatch that is brilliant. No need for advertising knowing you have a very capable hot hatch when you got subsidiaries that flash for you like Lamborghini, Bentley, Bugatti and Audi to name a few . Thanks for the ride .

[@x1aou]

Love the chasing camera. Brings a very high end feel to the video.

[@izuaff04]

Love Harry...grandfatherly style

[@BVBUli09]

I tested the DSG version with the akrapovic exhaust, it sounds amazing! Really worth the money, especially if you take the sunroof option as well! Sounds as good as the A45 AMG!

[@christopherlewis5899]

Harry you have given the Golf R 2018 a fabulous review! I have modified many cars including Sierra Minker twin turbo, Escorts, Mk2 Cortina savage etc.... all being Fords with manual transmission which is of course my previous driving preference at the time. The 2018 Golf R manual in stage 1 is an absolute weapon of a car, if & when you want it to be? The car looks great without going over the top & is a conservative choice if you choose to enjoy driving & not be noticed too much. A car of this choice is a person who is professional, refined or an elder who perhaps does not want too many over the top visuals spoilers including pops & bangs. On driving the manual 6 speed the car is very low geared and you can drive in 5th at 30mph. The 2nd gear should be longer to reach the 62mph which is the clever part in the debate of your own choice DSG or manual. Personally there is nothing like whacking it down a cog and pinning your passengers to the seat!!!

[@Federstahl]

My wife has a GTI Performance for three years now and is extremely happy with the car. It does everything but still offers enough usability for every day use. Since she is so happy with the GTI I bought a 10 months old second hand R Variant a year ago and sold it a few weeks ago. The R‘s fake sounds are very annoying in the long run, one can rarely use the added power but you‘ll pay a significant premium at the fuel pump and for insurance. I even think the GTI is more fun on B roads because of it‘s different engine characteristics and the less hesitant reaction of the smaller turbo. With it‘s differential the GTI doesn‘t even lack traction... I‘d say the R is a waste of money, you‘d be better off with a GTI Performance instead.

[@tredfxman]

Federstahl Checkcout the 2017 GTI Clubsport on my channel! ;)

[@fabers92]

The reason it was so popular in the UK was due to the very affordable lease deals. It was actually cheaper for a while than the GTi. The mk7 gti is actually a bit of a rarity on our roads, I hardly ever see them, whereas you see ten of these a day.

[@MrRonan3]

No way would i pay $55.000 for a GTI performance.thats how much they are here in Australia. when you pay $57.500 for a golf R. I have had 5 x GTI's and im now going to buy my 3rd Golf R. the R is much more hardcore and aggressive than the softer GTI, but the younger drivers dont go for them.they are not flash enough as harry mentioned they are under a cloak!.

[@EyecareBacklog1]

Thanks, Harry. I'm very late to your videos, but slowly catching up. Really enjoying your presentation.

[@okeyezeilo6187]

Perfect Q car; the GTi's a tad too 'boy racerish' for me . The DSG would be a must but I certainly wouldn't spec it beyond £40,000...

[@kobrien4121]

Specking cars to the Max is great for the likes of me in the secondhand market

[@davidyoung9561]

Yeah because the first buyer has taken the brunt of the depreciation so the likes of me can grab a bargain.

[@Enselladus]

Been watching a lot of reviews of Golf R's lately and this is probably the best. Great work.

[@TheBlaert]

These Golfs are a proper weapon. Few minor tweaks and you've got a supercar eater

[@melciveng]

I love Harry’s presenting style. A complete natural and not showy 👍

[@Elendil963]

I was thrilled to see one of my favourite car channel review what is essentially my dream (sort of affordable) car. Thanks Harry! How did you decide to test it?

[@markoliver6237]

The R is a great all rounder, DSG is much nicer than the manual.

[@tredfxman]

True words! Check the Clubsport on my channel if you wish! ;)

[@NoahBB]

Negative.

[@davidyoung9561]

I prefer a manual gearbox.

[@TIM612826]

No its not!!! Manual is way better! 😃

[@jimbo6612]

DSG is indeed a better gearbox - as long as you have a vagina between your legs.

[@RadekPogoda]

Perfect timing for this episode. I am currently deciding between the GTI and the R. Thanks!

[@Zero_Ninety]

GTI

[@gaycha6589]

R

[@gloriousstereo]

You won't be disappointed with a GTI. I have a bare-bones '16 and love it. Buy the cheapest one you can find and enjoy. A set winter wheels & tires make it work in the snow.

[@tredfxman]

Check the 2017 GTI Clubsport on my Channel then! - Best of Both Worlds... Enjoy! ;)

[@cfbm125]

I see why you like that particular road Harry! I’ve just had a blast along it in my GTi and with those peaks and troughs it’s like a roller coaster, love the channel..

[@zebarias]

I've been looking into the R for the past week, and here is a Harry's garage video about it. Harry, if you get one, it's worth looking into APR. Their Stage 3 is crazy!!

[@umbreonmax_hd3209]

Without looking at the screen, I feel like I'm listening to James May reviewing that car. Your way if reviewing is honest and just great!

[@fatwalletboy2]

Ive yet to see a GTi tailing an R on a good road to see if it can keep with it. Now thats a video I want to watch.......

[@SmashGhost]

Any video from Harry = instant thumb's up

[@Vicarivss]

Even his first negative I find to be positive. I like the extreme understated appearance.

[@joncochrane8189]

Couldn't agree more... I just picked up a 2017 Golf R (literally yesterday) with 26k on the clock, and coming from a 2012 GTI 6MT (owned since new) I think I'm gonna really love this car. Personally, feel the GTI is more "hey, look at what I got" and the R is more, "I know what I got, and you don't need to know". :-)

[@Vicarivss]

Jon Cochrane Congrats on the upgrade! From everything I’ve seen and read, the MK 7 Golf R is a phenomenal car for the money. I currently own a 2012 Golf R that I’ve owned since new. I am planning to sell that to my nephew shortly and will be looking to pick up an MK 7 once I find one that ticks all the boxes. Cheers!

[@Franksey180]

Right, now I know what to watch whilst eating dinner tonight, hitting the like button already :)

[@RustyPetterson]

Same! Haha. The video was the perfect length.

[@FK2VtecTurbo]

I have been waiting for so long to hear your opinion on one of these!

[@richieboy2008]

I managed to lease one of these back in 2015 for £230 per month (try getting that deal now 😂). Great all round car.

[@sirrick59]

That exhaust note sounds more like a "flat-plane v8" than an inline 4, Awesome.

[@DiscoFang]

It has the exact sound of a manual turbo Subaru with a large bore exhaust. Especially when he was cruising along, rolling from over-run to power. Have ridden in & driven so many with that exact sound!

[@CCFerrariF1]

Awesome review as always. And congratulations on becoming a Grandfather Harry!

[@killerhertzmercedes]

Not seen a Golf R with 4 dirty exhaust tips, always 2x dirty and 2x clean lol

[@carsaregood911]

These are black from factory lol

[@killerhertzmercedes]

Imad S I'm taking about the insides of the pipes.

[@keithbowen9561]

The outer ones only open over 3k in Race mode

[@Monkiimagic]

Yeah I think that's what KillerHERTZ was suggesting.....People who buy Golf R's don't drive them how a Golf R should be driven :)

[@ScottPC]

Exhaust flap, only two are open unless in sport mode.

[@MrRea112]

The Golf R is the best daily driver for the money bar none, for me.

[@tensevo]

Disagree that the R should be more overstated than it is. Precisely the GTI is what you go for if you want ppl to know you have a GTI. There is something special about the R in that it is clear that it is an R to anybody who knows, but not to somebody who doesn't.

[@jinxed_jinxed_3443]

Gotta love the placement of the dash cam lol :P

[@rickydoolous5356]

An interesting comparison would be the BMW 140 X drive, and you get a lovely 6 cylinder soundtrack.

[@jonscoupe]

Another top class review Harry. Love this car but I think a Golf GTi with a £250 remap would boost power up to 280 bhp which is 90% of what this car offers and for a lot less money :)

[@gaycha6589]

jonscoupe - traction is key in our damp greasy climate

[@soppingclam]

the R AWD system, DSC, engine internals and other items make it so it doesn't bunny hop and stays planted on the road yet can whisk you over 62mph in under 4s. GTI is just a showboat in comparison. Like a plastic pony with glitter

[@johnelcock7734]

Thanks Harry I love the way you call it a weapon

[@boss2811]

Great vid, Harry! The unoptioned version of the R or a GTI are right in my wheelhouse.

[@altymar4746]

Harry, you really need to get the in-car sound sorted on these videos. At times its almost unlistenable. Invest in a lapel mic/ get a pro in to set it up for you. The 'amateur' vibe is well and good but I'm straining to hear your voice in most of the videos. Listening to 16 minutes of mostly-road-noise is a drag on an otherwise excellent channel. regards etc....

[@iamthebroker]

altymar - the sound is generally clear enough without struggling to hear Harry and the car noise is contextual. I don’t wish to offend you but I’d suggest getting your hearing checked.

[@gtjack9]

I think it might be because he’s using a deadcat when it’s not really needed, it’s dampening the sound of his voice and the engine overpowers that as it is a lower frequency. The dead cat is usually only used to reduce wind noise which isn’t present inside the car. If the mic was located slightly closer it would be 10 times better sound quality.

[@timb8095]

iamthebroker no, the sound is shockingly quiet

[@PaddyMcQueen]

tried 3 week ago, and very liked for everyday use. But I agree with you Sir, the steeringwheel and the new digital screen are confusing, the differences between the 3 differents suspension mode are not so significant to me, in race it's too soft, main reason I didn't buy one. Still can't decide which car to buy to replace my current daily one.

[@nashrullahnawai]

3:23 nice transition you got there sir.

[@stevejohnny1111]

About 7:50, his "favourite road" appears to be the B4437 off the A361, near Downs Lodge Farm. You can easily find it using your favourite online map website.

[@HambertHM]

The engine sound is being generated (i like to call it "replicated") by an electromagnetic vibrator that is attached to the lower windscreen frame and vibrates the whole glass. It's called the soundaktor.

[@WiseGuy02]

Hambert yeah, even porsche are doing a similar thing now. The sound outside the car is similar to what you hear inside. Not as loud though. Blame the environmentalists. Also the sound insulation these days is so good you hardly hear the outside noises any more.

[@djremotion2]

What a shitty age of living. That thing is horrible invention... Fakest thing ever.

[@alexbarnby1322]

Excellent video yet again! Loved the sounds with the Akrapovic exhausts

[@mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm420]

That noise will start to grate after a while. As for the look...it appeals to those with money who have moved on from showiness. Thanks Harry for a measured review.

[@colinodea4468]

you can code it so it's off or select eco sound and it's gone. I got the Resonator removed and a JB4 Installed and it's a much better sound and quicker car.

[@samsungandroid4715]

You are the best English speaker on the entire Internet. Oxford University publisher must introduce Harry's speech as a pattern of proper pronounciation. Apologize if did any error, I am just a foreign learner

[@rolexkings7747]

Surely you'd go for an Audi S4 Avant rather than one of these - I do like the R but like you said....it's too understated.

[@spurrellz]

Crazy how much they are over there. Here in Canada the msrp is just over $42000 which is about 24000 pounds. Leather, digital cockpit and all that fun stuff is standard as well.

[@Charside]

YES! The Akrapovic! Cant wait for mine to arrive.

[@LivingLifeSlower]

Charside I couldn't wait for mine to go.

[@tarmstrong711]

Part number?

[@fatdoi003]

standard R32 exhaust murders this one for dead..... if VW TSI their V5 that'd be really interesting.

[@tredfxman]

Enjoy dude! - Check the GTI Clubsport on my channel if you like! ;)

[@Charside]

Martin Allen what’s that supposed to mean?

[@ZKozak-hp5vb]

I find myself in a similar situation regarding the price. When friends ask, I have to explain to them (and not being car guys they seriously don't care). I had to have a manual, or I would have gotten the S3. Decided to switch from BMW, and I really love the car. The dynamics aren't quite as good as I had hoped for (very nose heavy for my taste). My only fear is these are very, very tuner-friendly, and I keep finding myself looking at hybrid turbos, offset bushings for camber (I have the DCC), and rear sway bar. But then there's coilovers, then there's the brakes, then there's the intercooler, then there's ecu management...and that can turn a relatively expensive car really really expensive in no time at all.

[@vacateistheword]

Happy new year Harry! It's good to see you back :)

[@Ahhgreens]

Thank you for such a great review. One thing I need to bring up is the in-car audio quality. There is a lot of low rumbling road noise which masks the voice and makes it quite difficult to hear. A simple High Pass Filter on the audio (at roughly 120Hz) would clear this up substantially. Thanks again for the review.

[@ottomondo1368]

My neighbor has one and loves it. He is an orthopaedic surgeon and can afford what he wants (USA healthcare system). Likes the fact it doesn't look idiotic like a GTI. Not a jock-sniffer M car. It was this or a 991.2, but wanted the seats and boot.

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

Very much not my type of car, but still very much my kind of review. Great video, Harry!

[@denzel1989]

X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X i love the gti the 32 just hasn't got any uniqueness its a bit plain

[@tredfxman]

Try owning one... ;)

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

It's a great car, no doubt. But it just doesn't make me crave for it.

[@bosse641]

Stunning looks. So cool. Sure want one. 2 doors and manual transmission.

[@sparkford04]

Harry, Really enjoyed your review, I have owned,2014 R mk7 hatch manual, 2016 R mk7 estate and now Rmk7.5 Estate, so you could say I'm smitten. Cracking all rounder Q car, imo the best. However, just to say my purchase of the mk7.5 had me looking for the best possible deal used demo / management car. Acquired my high spec Rmk7.5 ,a Dealership MD car with 3000 miles on the clock - 5 months post registration in UK . Retail price £43500 great trade - in for my very well spec'd Rmk7 hatch. Sale price to me £29500 a massive 30% off. Cracking deal, job done. Your mates have more money than common sense with spe'd £50k Most sensible punters can get do business with a sufficiently spec'd car at £35k or lower if pre-registered delivery mileage. Use discounters like Orangewheels etc combined with PCP or checkout Lease Hire route. See you had the upgraded Audio package, now that is worth having as the £500 approx. option.

[@craigmah]

keith morris I

[@sparkford04]

CM, ??????

[@robtoogood2860]

I've got a 7.5 estate too, fantastic family car. Perfect Q car

[@cosminmihu9963]

I'm curious how these new performance Golf's feel, I've only ever driven the MK5 GTI. I have driven a lot of Renault sport cars and the Megane 265 and 275 still stands out as the best I've ever driven. The way it felt made me smile every single minute.

[@SimoD1978]

Love all of your videos Harry. Thanks for doing what you do. Forgive the question. Am I correct in saying you own ALL of the cars in your garage ?? If so, you Sir are a legend !! The variety of vehicle is superb. The content of your videos is excellent. Thanks

[@Stumpy77]

The R is the version you go for if you've never had any other interesing vehicles and are yet to explore the virtues of RWD. The GTi is the one to go for and enjoy the anonymity and 'whole package' experience of a very competant package and aren't trying too hard to impress. Fwiw, I drive a 330d touring so this isn't based on any bias at all (but am looking at a GTi lease)

[@fredwells7403]

I have never driven any DSG so I can't speak for that.... However. I test-drove the 6-speed manual last week and it's the nicest gear shifter and clutch I have ever had my hands on. I would say it would be a shame to not get the manual version, just because it's got such a nice-feeling transmission/clutch/shifter setup.

[@REVVINGRODNEY]

Wow wow wow hang on a minute.... how is it possible to be Jeremy Clarkson and James May all in one 😮 Great review lol 👍

[@garyhoffmann1615]

How can you make that comparison? Harry actually knows what he is talking about!

[@deputydd4364]

Harry - the only guy who thinks a £50K Golf R is a sensible choice as your "spare, everyday car". I'd love to be in your world for a day or two! Great review as always (Though I'm concerned you are confused by the steering wheel controls, give me a call I'll show you how they work and I'll have a drive in the Aston.....)

[@PurpleSideBlack]

I own the Canadian Spec. 2016 GOLF R in this colour blue. I love it! USA / CANADA did -NOT- get a space saver spare in the trunk; however, I've added it, the Styrofoam and tools.

[@samgreen8727]

Great video as always Harry!

[@IainB]

My wife has a 2016 MK7 R in Tornado Red. Seeing that new digital dash makes me want to trade it in for a '18 MK7.5. If we got the wagon/estate version of the R here in the US I'd trade in my '15 STI in a heartbeat. EDIT: You're only getting that great noise @13:58 because it has the $3,000 Akropovic exhaust. The stock car is quite, too quiet actually. If you disable the Soundaktor you get nothing in the cabin at all. I deleted the resonator on ours and it made a big difference in the sound the car makes at idle and at over 3500rpm.

[@seinsmeld13]

I bought an S3 for the same price as one of these. This would be my choice if a manual was a must as the S3 is auto only. Anyway, keep up the great reviews Harry.

[@AmbiAnts589]

IMO spending £40k+ on a Golf is definately for the 'more money than sense' types. For that price tag I'd at least like something that looks a bit flashier than a cheap economical family hatchback that the 17 year old son has riced up with quad pipes. Cheers for the great video Harry!

[@1SaG]

Totally agree on the seats ... it's a real shame that VW threw out the much more attractive sports-seats of the Mk V and VI GTI/R and replaced them with those unexciting and "vanilla"-looking ones of the Mk VII. If it were up to me, I'd go without the optional exhaust and order the Recaro racing seats instead. They completely change the interior's look and make the car feel a lot more special.

[@thabisovictorkganyego507]

This seems more premium than the mk8

[@ivlog3663]

Well it is…. 😂❤

[@kh2716]

I took one for a spin yesterday - it’s a good car but after driving the RS3 there is a huge difference between the two, but of course there will be. One of £15k more!

[@Paul8342]

I was just thinking this afternoon 'I hope Harry does a new video soon!'. Looking forward to some more of your road trips in 2018!