Is the 2025 VW GTI with NO 6-speed manual still a hot hatch?

[@mattmekhaeil]

Wish the manual stayed this car is so much fun to row through your own gears. I do like those rims they look sleek

[@RaitisRides]

I’m right there with you for sure

[@evoemperor3776]

Meeh manuals are bad right now they come with factory rev hang. Dct is nicer transmission anyways unless its a slush box like in some bmw m cars🤮

[@leos8720]

No manual no deal

[@Mienboi821510]

A lot of people are saying that about the manuals but, sales numbers tell a different story.

[@mattgreen753]

Bring back the manual transmission and the physical buttons/knobs!

[@RaitisRides]

Seems like it is getting worse

[@drumflip1253]

I’ve owned 5 GTI’s. Just a great all around hot hatch. Love the look, physical buttons on the steering wheel again, the throwback wheels to the mk5 and the new infotainment.

[@davidp2888]

The clean and simple lines add to the sportiness. I bet it carves corners like a beast.

[@RaitisRides]

Oh you better believe it David

[@x_ghost_x6612]

It's a no go with no manual transmission. More companies need to remember their roots and what got them where they are.

[@jagjr6772]

The market and most buyers say otherwise. The US was lucky and kept the manual one year longer than the international market. The most iconic car, the Corvette is an automatic only as well. It’s just the trend we have to get used to.

[@leos8720]

No manual no deal

[@danielunverzagt6072]

@@leos8720 thats a fact, I love my 2018 mk7.5 manual and I wouldnt have it any other way.

[@JustMe-XSE23]

automatics sell a lot quicker and more than manuals. GR corolla has a bunch of manuals for sale and very little automatics because they are all taken.

[@gerardcahill3924]

Joe no extra hp is a major zonk dude. Euro bumped up to 265!

[@Letsberealish]

Those wheels are beautiful. I mean I would never want a small car that resembles an egg but I give credit where its due.

[@F80mthree]

The DSG is still an awesome transmission but definitely sucks to see less and less manuals. Glad I got my f80 used with the 6 speed. Just hit 100k miles on it recently, hope to do another if my bank account allows. 😂

[@PacoRobbins]

I'm typically not someone who cares about manual controls, but it's insulting that the car is going to be 40k and have manual seats and manual steering wheel adjustments.

[@luisjalvareztorres8481]

It sucks that the 6MT is gone from the GTI. This is quite literally the end of an era. Kudos to VW for giving the 6MT a proper sendoff with the 380 package on all 2024 6MT models. That’s the one to get before they become a collectable item.

[@icculus]

Kudos for giving it a send off? How about no kudos because they sent it off! At least Honda and Mazda are keeping theirs around.

[@Mr335iBMW]

Those rims remind me of the Mk5 GTI.

[@tomdrummy4984]

Thanks Joe and Lori….. nighty night 😴

[@RaitisRides]

Night Tom

[@famasmaster2000]

I really like those wheels somehow i think they are pretty slick . Still have that soft spot for vw, lots of memories for sure. Great review Joe !! Lori knocked it outta the park again as well 👏

[@MishtahPoog]

[6:05] It actually has 241 HP and 273 lb-ft torque. It's a shame it didn't get the bump to 265 HP that it has in Europe. Without that, and without the manual, I'm not sure if the other upgrades make it worth it to consider over the outgoing model.

[@dominickirkwood]

Joe and Lori and Steve keep up the good work real true and I love the video 💯

[@scatpackbob3707]

Thanks for bringing this - awesome work (as always 👍🏼). Having owned several GTI’s over the years, I’m disappointed about the demise of the 6 spd stick 😧

[@ElJefe85]

Im digging it. Glad they switched the buttons back on the steering wheel. As far as manual, yes sad its not an option. But if you tune it, ya wont have to worry about replacing the clutch as it seems that is what had to be done on the mk 7 and up

[@JarrettLavac]

I had a 2012 6-speed manual for 7 years and it was fun to drive, and a good theft deterrent. Kinda sad to hear they got rid of it, but it's not surprising.

[@gregj7916]

Good review Joe, I always called these type of alloys "teledials", the MK5 had some similar alloys in silver. The MK8 dash was always a dogs breakfast and a big iPad type screen doesn't fix it. I'm hoping they don't ramp the retail price up here in Australia,

[@omkarsawant8573]

Although I would prefer the newer infotainment system, I literally bought 2024 exactly a month ago only for the Manual.

[@IslandGirl822]

Did the same

[@loganpadayachee6048]

I have one too loving every minute of it😊

[@johnwjeromejr]

When I bought my MK7 Golf R brand spanking new, it cost quite a bit less than this GTI. Plus it has a manual.

[@UncleMavericq]

Instant classic ❤

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

Love your car video, Joe, and keep it up, guys

[@jimmyrichards5595]

Personally, I like that the rear portion of the roof is body colored, and I also like the rotary dial wheels. But it’s a huge bummer that there’s no more manual transmission. Damn

[@gregorypatzelt6964]

Absolute love the illuminated VW logo

[@LuisUrbieta]

Viva the GTI!

[@RaitisRides]

Bravo Luis

[@LuisUrbieta]

@@RaitisRides Thanks

[@MrMlyarber]

When can you order one? Great review.

[@raniermendoza]

When can you take this model out for a spin?

[@robd4914]

Would you buy the 8.5 over an Integra or SI?

[@Dsanner70]

I started my love affair with the GTI when I bought my first GTI, the MK6 in 2013, DSG transmission, so much fun. I currently own a 2018 MK7 with DSG transmission I love the dual clutch, and it’s an awesome car. I won’t trade it for the 2025 MK8. The 12.9 inch screen is awful, the interior is cheaply made, and quite frankly, I don’t understand what VW is thinking? Wanting to save money making this car it’s obvious, the buttons on the steering wheel feel cheap. Not having the stick for the DSG transmission was a mistake, making the interior look like a Tesla, forgetting that the badge GTI is supposed to be sporty all around. I Don’t have a problem with the way it looks, it’s the interior, the dash, the steering wheel, not including the engine cover, tells you the saving money mentality. For those of you that still own the MK6 and MK7, you have an awesome car, they will be remembered as the GTI’s that were made thinking of the driver.

[@nckoneru7187]

With no manual, why buy this... Just buy a Mazda 3 turbo and save a Grand..

[@ms3ben]

The current mazda3 turbo is no GTI and the DSG is the better trans, The GTI manual OEM clutch can barely hold stock power and there's disgusting rev hang. The only Mazda worth buying these days is the Miata.

[@Hot-1LE]

Gti and R are now dead to me. Bring back the manual VW

[@RaitisRides]

I know how you feel!

[@ms3ben]

This car is still plenty fun with the DSG. I love a good manual, but most manuals these days have rev-hang and poor clutch engagement/feel. Give me a good manual like a Tremec, without rev-hang, and with a more robust OEM clutch.

[@mrkrmr4157]

The GTI logo looks off center on the back and I can never unsee it

[@nunohannover]

On the rear lights it says golf….at least on my 2024 GTI 😊

[@loganpadayachee6048]

Beautiful and classy ❤

[@scotturich]

Stinks we won’t get the good taillights and headlights and we’ll be stuck with ugly deflector on the front bumpers. US never gets the good lights

[@diegocarreno9039]

Joe, 228 hp is the Jetta's engine which was the old one. The Golf GTI had in 2024 the redesigned 2L turbo 241hp, I assume you made a mistake and VW is carrying over with the same engine.

[@roylindsey7030]

Not in the market for a new car but love watching your videos with cubby hole size comparisons to how many Twinkies can fit lol. I bet if you ever wanted stop reviewing cars you could cross over to an infomercial host and sell V slicers or non-stick griddles. 😂

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for letting me share the cars and the laughs with you!

[@Desert_Rogue_Tanker]

The new GTI is a consideration of a new car for me.

[@icculus]

I do like rims and glad they got rid of the directional design. These are more akin to the “Detroit” style rims on the Mk4 and Mk5. I’ve always loved those.

[@RaitisRides]

You hit the nail on the head!

[@pitomercado1]

All rewiers are saying the wheels remind them of Alpha Romeo, but these are an evolution of those on the MK5

[@WatchGlimpse23]

2024 had 241 hp so it went down?

[@ryanlevyy]

The MK8 and MK8.5 GTI has 241 HP and 273 LBS TQ, not 228/258! Just a correction there!

[@asdpoi121]

A moment of silence for enthusiasts having to use paddle shifters. Alas.

[@davcuts2897]

I like it now it has physical buttons on the steering wheel again, I would by it. Those Alfa Romeo wheels are also nice. If it's priced right it would a great deal. If not the new MINI Cooper S is a better buy. It has 40 less hp, but it weighs less than a GTI and is just as fast. With standard sunroof to go along with it.

[@scottgraham6870]

No stick no deal!

[@davep201]

is the 25 GTI getting 262 hp only in Europe and not NA? why so? too bad. ty

[@hitman8065]

Hey Joe I believe it has 273 lb of torque. I think you said 250

[@lazythief]

Dying breed, can't wait to purchase whenever it comes to the states

[@SethKnows]

To be honest, there's nothing like rowing it through the gears

[@MichaelSwanson-j9l]

Hmmm. I understood the 2025’s horsepower number was bumping from 241 to 262, 269 in Europe. You sure it’s staying at 241? That’s disappointing. Why would VW do that?

[@jaqf2397]

The wheels are starting to grow on me as well.

[@rtep27]

i want those wheel on my R 😂

[@DailyDriversCarReviews]

I think they definitely are making a huge mistake with killing the manual, but the other changes are an improvement

[@paulmccoy6431]

Mate…. The wheels come from The Mk5. I expected a better observation from you! Alfa did it after (albeit the trim and material is similar to Alfa)

[@juelz4516]

I like the new wheels

[@blacksky2112]

There's no reason why they did not add the same 265 HP as the EURO spec... they literally are built in the same factory...

[@mikemayers8672]

I want to see the base S model

[@miistre]

I thought the 2025 gti had a hp bump to 262??

[@joshuapounds7646]

Only in Europe

[@vr6gls]

Most of the folks complaining about the lack of manual transmission, don’t buy new cars in the first place. Manufacturers can care less about you picking up a manual equipped vehicle, 3 years later in the used car market. They care about NEW car sales. If you aren’t buying new, you have also contributed to the death of the manual. Personally, I can care less because the DSG equipped GTI is absolutely fantastic.

[@kemmiller1]

Seems like VW is not very focused on the GTI anymore which is a shame. The revisions are very minor and none are performance related.

[@Anamnesis]

Lack of choice is the disappointing reality of the industry today. Manufacturers have little choice but to put their effort into the products that actually sell, and for every American buyer seeking three pedals and two doors, there are a hundred who don't. Even though it will always be the definitive hot hatch segment leader, manufacturers have to cut their losses and curate into fewer and fewer models as a result, giving us less to choose from than ever before. Depressing.

[@vr6gls]

Blame average Americans who only buy SUV’s for lack of enthusiasts vehicles.

[@Ticklethapicklealil]

I absolutely hate that they didn’t properly align/centre the “GTI” on the hatch. Drives my ocd up the wall 🥲

[@MarkEnriquez1971]

I have a 2021 GTI SE. DSG transmission, all black with black wheels, the 7.5 facelift, leather seats, R size breaks/calipers etc. This 2025 offers no reasons to leave mine for it. The R is too expensive for basically just a faster car. And the looks of the new GTI/R are not as good as the not available in the USA clubsport European version.

[@mikemayers8672]

Dealer Lots are full with 2024 GTIs. Nobody is buying They are so expensive and price is about $2k higher than last year. Plus Last year they wanted me to pay 3k markup they had very few. I tested the manual GTI lasts year It did not impress. Automatic is faster. Very good speed for the money.

[@K_k0007]

I went to a VW dealership yesterday to look at a gti and they were asking $3,000 over because it was “ppf’d”. 😂😂

[@JonathanChow180]

Nice!

[@mattalki]

VW was forced by Euro air quality rules to discontinue the manual (apparently it emitted 162g of carbon per mile where the max allowed was 160g). Since they can't sell the manual there, the only other market that had the manual was north america. Since we don't buy a ton of Golfs... bye bye manual. It sucks, but the world has gotten weird. I'm all for cleaner air, but 2 grams? That seems to be something that could have been programmed out in the ECU (unless it was a diesel, of course!)

[@rakhsiprayogo82]

Compared with Toyota GR86

[@GTI794]

Correction, is it not 242 hp ? you said 228 hp

I am really a VW fan. We like vw in Turkey. I drive a Mustang GT ‘24 in America. I usually prefer VW to other cars and defend them. But the Golf 8/8.5 has poor material quality compared to its previous models unfortunately.

[@macben3266]

I am over the ipads on the dash. I was ok with just about everything else but the screen killed it.

[@howie_1]

what the hell is VW thinking…I’ve seen the current gti on sale with a 5k discount…and they’re not going to send the 265 hp engine to the US market?

[@bradq2769]

It needs a manual! I don't want a car that drives itself.

[@r3games1985]

The wheels are more of a revolver gun style than a phone.

[@rickjames6867]

It's still a hot hatch in my opinion. The performance qualifies it.

[@chasem8491]

241hp my guy**

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for the assist

[@jeromegriffiths4462]

That’s a nice Car

[@BK12344]

Cant zonk something thts more personal preference, for me a hate the thought of a manual, to much thinking to drive a car to back up a car etc etc

[@howie_1]

as long as those wheels don’t grow on you like a fungus!

[@Heisenberg.735]

Hey Reiti its not 228 horse power 241hp

[@r7coo]

Nobody bought the manual mk8 this is why its gone for the 8.5

[@RaitisRides]

You are correct

[@cscrawl1]

No leather ventilated seats for the Autobahn and no spare? VW is cutting corners.

[@WarnerHousehold]

me i would rather vw golf nice and sleek but its sad that the manual is gone no more throwng that joy stick

[@benjaminwarren6544]

It isn't a GTI 👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎👎 need some manual shifting action 😢

[@kierrickedmond]

Why they ain’t put that screen in the jettas? Would’ve been what,? 100$ more?? 🤦🏾‍♂️🤦🏾‍♂️ and the illuminated badge in front of… they be doing Jetta dirty lol

[@keithstringer1140]

Good value for money though

[@fordmuscleluis9710]

Beautiful color no 6 speed manual

[@MARTINRIGGSS]

They gave a very generic headlight light bar. Automakers need to stop with these damn light bars. Honestly the only pros from the MK8.5 over the 8 is the new infotainment screen and real buttons on the steering wheel. The rest is whatever.

[@Jorge_Magallon]

No. It’s a NOT-Hatch. Just kidding. But I do want the engagement a MT brings.

[@Boostedbeard]

Owned a lot of cars. A lot 60 something. As a owner of every N car manual and auto. And now a 24 gti dsg autobahn. Its overpriced for the overall performance and ride. The DSG is awful. Touch everything sucks. Locked out of the peformace sounds etc. And no remote start. But theres some nice looks and lines and higher end touches for the car. 43k tho? No the EN demolishes the gti for the price. BUT!!! American seats suck for wider peeps in the EN

[@Italo_2025]

Short answer to your question... NO!

[@Quadruple-Vaxxed-Boomer]

Get the GLI instead and jack it up.

[@icculus]

I had a Mk6 GTI and loved it. However, these new ones have cheap looking interiors, no manual, and I think the updated styling is ugly, especially those fog lights. No thanks. I’ll take an Integra 6MT. I know it’s not as fast, but it’s better looking and does everything else just fine. Plus it would be a fraction of the cost to maintain.

[@RaitisRides]

Yeah there have been some things that have changed not for the better.

[@jongchul581]

👍 but wheel design.....

[@gullymar1]

No longer interested in Golf, No MT no money for that company...I'll keep my mk7 Golf R 6MT

[@daishingkwok8716]

no manual no soul, and vw said cuz no one buy manual thats y they don't make it anymore?? for real???

[@stephenperron6539]

They stole those wheels right off an Alfa Romeo Giulia. Lol

[@djmysticalone321]

241hp

[@bobkaiser8782]

Nope. Too much tech & silly lighting. It's not a car. It's an entertainment console that does burnouts. Make cars cars again.

[@drumflip1253]

You could say that about every EV.

[@SnowySnails]

@@drumflip1253about every car from the last 15 years lol