Is the NEW 2022 VW GTI a BETTER sport compact car than a Honda Civic Si?

The Mk8 GTI is here and VW proclaims it is the best one yet. On the outside you will notice all new sheetmetal, LED lighting including fog lamps and dual-exit exhaust. On the inside there are updated seats, digital gauge cluster and buttonless infotainments system. Under the hood is a 2.0L inline-4 turbocharged engine that pumps out 241HP & is mated to a 7-speed DCT. Is the NEW 2022 VW GTI a BETTER sport compact car than a Honda Civic Si?
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videography: Lori Raiti 🎥

[@jhelwig19781]

Joe always puts a smile on my face. His personality alone makes these a joy to watch.

[@Dilly-sauce]

seems so pure and genuine haha

[@floridian1087]

Bought a GTI new when it was $22k. What a fun car. Nothing but happy memories with it.

[@axe2grind244]

Was at the dealership and saw a new GTI SE for $44k and a new Golf R for $57k. We are officially living in bizarro world.

[@floridian1087]

@@axe2grind244 just finished the last episode. Bizarro world reminds me of mirror universe.

[@raniermendoza]

What year and what trim?

[@moisesrojas4779]

I've owned the new gti Autobahn for about 4 months now and absolutely love it, the whole no button thing is blown out of proportion it's not bad at all only complaint I have is that the infotainment has a slow start up sometimes in cold weather besides that absolutely worth every penny.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your input from your ownership experience

[@deanspeer2219]

I agree! I love my Pomelo Yellow Autobahn!!!

[@tolgaayazseven9139]

Same, I love my launch edition GTI autobahn, agree on the slowness in the cold weather start up but I keep the car in garage. I also like the extra space you get not having any buttons, I can fit sooo much there.

[@FCNG2424]

I just got Mk8 Autobahn as well. The button thing is definitely blown out of proportion, especially considering you can use voice commands to control pretty much everything. great car!

[@Jacobk66]

Everything will be fixed for MY2023 like the MKVII’s infotainment was 😂

[@mystictk4149]

Oh man today is the day!!! I remember the last one you did a few weeks ago. What really wins me over is everything being closer together and I know some people don’t like that but I do.

[@TheMystro1971]

Absolutely love the MK 8 GTI. Build quality is rock solid with absolutely no creaks rattles in the cold weather. Just feels like a dialed in, quality built German car that can’t be replicated.

[@mistamaog]

Mr Raiti, I've said this many times before, but I just always love the presentation of your videos. Would've been great having you as a teacher with your style, and I'm always glad that your teaching experience has brought you so much success with your style of videos.

[@LS1007]

If you like VW’s and don’t mind the price then this is your car. Maybe spend another 7- 8 K or so and get the Golf R. I just like Hondas more. Thanks Joe and Lori. Great job! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[@RaitisRides]

Once again a Larry you’ve taken the words right out of my mouth

[@dheeradjlachman9658]

I love Honda more too the Japanese iconic brand wil be for me the best

[@ahsanmalik1013]

But not cvt. It kills driving experience therefore dsg makes the option worthwhile.

[@HanshiroParker]

Forreal. This car is amazing, bro...

[@kencai6803]

@@ahsanmalik1013 Si has no CVT, manual only

[@eddiemk7418]

My first brand new car was a 2015 Mk7 Gti. Traded it in after 6 years of ownership. Currently own a 2019 Mk7.5, which I also bought brand new. This Mk8 is nice, but I prefer to stick with my 7.5.

[@wakaflockaproject]

Smart decision

[@craigw.scribner6490]

Great review, Joe and Lori! Our family has owned five GTIs: a 2010 SE five speed(my current ride) two 2012 DSGs (my wife's and son's that were traded in) and two 2018 DSGs (my wife's current SE and our son's current S). We've loved them all! But we all agree that the switchless, laggy, over-complex, multiple swipes to disable the auto engine-shut-off every time you start the car interface is a deal-breaker! Until VW considers their buyers' user experience instead of saving a few pennies by eliminating buttons, dials and switches--to say nothing of considering their customers' safety while driving as they struggle with something as simple as turning up the fan--we're looking elsewhere for our next vehicles. I hope other loyal VW customers will make a similar stand and that VW will respond in a positive manner, because we would love to continue our GTI streak.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Craig! I appreciate you sharing that ownership info.

[@587G]

Love the GTI, Joe you crack me up when you go "On Throttle", you're like a kid at Christmas, Hilarious!! Lori great camera work as always when Joe is tossing you around when he's having his fun!! Having owned both (Civic & GTI) I'd take the German engineering imo! Plus the practicality of the back end of the GTI is fantastic and Joe, you're right ..... that red is HOT!! Great review you two!! 👍👍

[@PBplayer1202]

The value in the gti is in the s. $29,000 with the Manuel or $31,000 with the dsg. The base options on the s are incredible and you really don’t miss out on much on anything special from the se

[@closg9309]

Premium sound system, LED headlights, 10” screen to name a few things you miss out on. everything Is over priced including GTIs.

[@PBplayer1202]

@@closg9309 sound system in the S is amazing and now the Harmon and harden speakers won’t come standard on the se anymore because of parts shortages. 8.7in screen is the same, can’t even tell a real difference. And the S has led’s all around

[@blue-ck9ns]

I would get the Autobahn if I got a MK8 GTI. I never buy a base model car. I currently have the 7.5 Golf R

[@juelz4516]

Also adjustable dampers in the 40th anniversary and highest end versions which is huge.

[@maoinc13]

GTI isn't 29k 😂

[@Roxy-Roxy-z5m]

Happy to drive a MK7.5 👍 GTI’s are soooo fun to drive . If you know , you know 😏

[@drsnowmon]

Are you modded?

[@lash9400]

Love the Gti. So much fun to drive and it does the commuter car role so well. Easy to drive and maneuver but a sporting drive when your on it.

[@Marioshmartian]

My love for this hot hatchback. Made me come back since I see a light at obtaining one very soon.

[@slyguyaction]

My first car was a 1984 Volkswagen RabbitGTi and I've always loved VWs. While I don't have a GTi any longer, I'd love another one and this eighth gen is stunning in Kings Red metallic. I have the same shade of paint on my 2021 VW ID.4. Great video man. Keep up the great work.

[@jeffsiemens4485]

How do you like the id4?

[@slyguyaction]

@@jeffsiemens4485 , It’s fantastic. Really thrilled with it.

[@Revy1016]

Owner of a 2023 Mk8 GTI 40th Anniversary in Tornado Red now at 7800 miles and I love every second it.

[@jonhug3231]

Honestly, I wouldn’t put the Civic SI in the same class as the GTI. 40 less HP and 80 less torque… The GTI has so much more performance, to me, they don’t even compete. The GTI lines up better with the Veloster N and the Civic SI is more in like with the Kia Forte GT with almost identical performance #s. Civic is a great car nod doubt. But it simply cannot compete with the GTI

[@dirkpackwood6409]

Agree, type r is way more comparable including the pricing

[@RaitisRides]

So you are good with it going up against the Type R?

[@RaitisRides]

@@dirkpackwood6409 Type R destroys this car!

[@billybones2385]

@@RaitisRides Maybe on a track, not on the street where 95% of people will use these cars exclusively. In fact the DSG GTI will obliterate the Type R in stop light drag racing.

[@billybones2385]

@@dirkpackwood6409 The GTI S is 30K, nowhere near a Type R in pricing.

[@cbruno12180]

It just sucks all these awesome car reviews that we can’t even buy because of the shortage it’s a terrible Time to be a car guy in this world!!! Great vid thou joe

[@vjdfl5]

Si is painfully slow in comparison. 0-60 in 5 seconds vs 7.1 for the Si. You’d have to go back to the MK4 for the Honda to be able to keep up 😂

[@Frank-hg9rl]

7.1 for the SI ? You have to do it on a slope! Or being a professionnel driver.....

[@Stephen-go5gl]

Ever heard of a tune?

[@vjdfl5]

@@Stephen-go5gl no never 🤡

[@Stephen-go5gl]

@@vjdfl5 The GTI does 0-60 in 6.1 seconds not 5... vs the SI's 7.1. Yes its slower but has more features(sunroof, keyless entry, better speakers, better manual gearbox, higher quality cabin materials, better infotainment system, fuel economy and to top it all off its more reliable. 😒

[@vjdfl5]

@@Stephen-go5gl GLI is gonna come w way more features than the si, which is why the Honda only scored a 5/10 on feautures in the new C/D comparison. The gli scored a 10 there. The GLI also had better fuel economy. The Si doesn’t even have heated seats lmfao. 🤡

[@alengreen589]

I´m glad as a German that VW sells the car with a very fair price in Nord America, here in Germany we can only dream about fair car prices.

[@closg9309]

40k for a GTI is not fair price. Plus dealer mark ups

[@alengreen589]

@@closg9309 in Germany empty car with manual $ 40k, with options and DCT $ 60k.

[@blue-ck9ns]

@@closg9309 40k for a *loaded* GTI is a very fair price. You can get a base one for $30k if you don’t want the extra tech.

[@darrensnyder4742]

Hands down the best GTI made to date... that’s a fact. I’ve driven the SI and the GTI is just so much more fun to drive. I find it extremely hard to believe you would fin the chassis better in the SI… the chassis in the new GTI is absolutely phenomenal…I am a previous MK7.5 owner and owned 4 WRX models prior. I have need felt a car so planted and confident on the road out of all the cars I’ve owned in 37 years

[@misterb1132]

That's how I feel about my Mini hardtop S. Just sticks to the road.

[@danmac6185]

Have you driven the 22 Si? The lack of Torque is really big downside.

[@darrensnyder4742]

@@danmac6185 I drove a 2021 Si… yes, lack of torque is underwhelming… for me anyway

[@Sunjib12345]

Hey Raiti's Rides Can You Compare 2022 Honda Civic Hatchback Sport Touring And 2022 Toyota Corolla Hatchback Xse

[@RaitisRides]

You got it man!

[@Sunjib12345]

@@RaitisRides Thank You

[@planetfabulous5833]

Joe do you ever take a day off? New car reviews non-stop! He's the hardest working man on YT!

[@fluffyres6107]

This is cool, but what I’m really looking forward to is that Honda Civic Type R!

[@islandon22]

SLAVA UKRAINYI! HEROYAM SLAVA!!! 🇺🇦

[@alanr4845]

We love that 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵🇯🇵

[@tjbgtv8]

I have a MK6 GTI and sat in one of these and hated it (S model). The lack of physical buttons is truly a deal breaker for me and a lot of others. The car just doesn't feel natural without them imo. Fix that (like the new S3) and ill buy one

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us!

[@maxschlotter4596]

And gear shifter!!!

[@stavroslask1292]

GTI sales last year was a BISMAL 6,183..THE I INEVITABLE IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER!! 2018 THEY SOLD ALMOST 17,000..THATS ALMOST A 68% DECREASE IN SALES

[@strker99]

@@stavroslask1292 you also have to factor in Covid the past 2 years. Many people were laid off or not spending money on buying new cars. Also the chip shortage, a lot of dealerships are quoting people a 6-12 month wait for the MK8 GTI.

[@stavroslask1292]

@@strker99 save this post and we'll see in 2 years..ask yourself logically why hasn't any1 else attempted to make a hatch? They are extremely successful all over Europe but died out 15 years ago in America..the inevitable is coming for the GTI in America..I live in Greece 3 months out of the year and sure I see hundreds on VW polos and GTIs but in NY the largest city 2 fold over LA..3fold over Chicago.. I see a GTI once a week if that..I'll see a 1995 maxima more...I'll see a Tesla every 10-15 mins

[@Alonso2420]

I just bought the GTI Autobahn in Moonstone Grey. Should be arriving any day now and I can't wait!

[@mariowhyte2816]

Maaaaaaaan this GTI thooooooough!!! Thank you, Joe and Lori for the coverage of this GTI!!!!

[@jackmehoff2475]

GTI with just a tune makes close to 350whp that's nuts

[@genderlessyoutubefanperson]

That is MK8 Golf R. :) Mk8 GTi will be close 300 WHP with just a tune, according to APR leaks.

[@grantbrown8312]

This car definitely deserves “OG” status.

[@RaitisRides]

You got that right Grant!

[@IMP3TIGO]

My Sienna minivan has a rear windshield wiper that's "hidden" at the top but it's so annoying because water drips from the wiper onto the windshield when it's not actively wiping, which is usually the case for rear windshields as it's more vertical and doesn't need to wipe as often. I've often wished they would have put the wiper at the bottom of the window instead of hidden at top for exactly that reason, so I like the GTI in that way.

[@dha588]

I had a GTI and yes its better than the civic si

[@nadamiracing]

I got inspired by you to do car reviews of my own! Thanks Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

That is so wonderful! You can do it!

[@lavarjohnson3200]

Great Job Lori, thank you so much and yes you are the Queen of the Camera. Thanks again Lori.

[@danielv7340]

Today I just re-tested my GTI and I went... On Throttle, here we go......

[@wardellward]

They definitely missing the LED fog lights sorry joe I didn’t see the led fog lights holy moly

[@westonraske8152]

Enjoyed your review. You obviously love what you do and it shows. Just signed a deal for a 2023 40th year anniversary special edition in Pomelo Yellow. Can't wait to take delivery in a week or so. I think it will be a worthy successor to my 2019 Mk 7.5 GTi. Moving from a manual shift to the DSG, so I guess I'll give up a little fun for some extra performance but I think I'll be ok with that. Keep up the good work!

[@FCNG2424]

You can get the plaid seating package on the SE trim guys!

[@Michael-vt5sj]

Hey Joe and Lori, and the Raiti's Rides family, how are y'all doing today? (I hope well) So almost everybody knows what the Volkswagen Golf is and I'm glad that it’s still alive and “better than ever”. Anyways how Joe was saying that the Volkswagen Golf GTI is like the original hatchback and that stills comes with a six-speed manual. So the Volkswagen Golf is Volkswagen hot hatch (i mean it’s actually a hot looking car) is the more practical (entry level) sports car which also offers optional AWD and standard six-speed manual. Now obviously I'm not going to say all of the specs (first watch the video). Anyways the Volkswagen Golf main competitors are the Honda Civic hatchback, Toyota Corolla hatchback, Mazda 3 hatchback, Hyundai Veloster, and in some markets (*cough* In the UK), there is the Mercedes-Benz A43 AMG (most powerful “real” hatchback), Audi RS3 hatchback and the M135i. But the biggest competitor was the Ford Focus ST and the Ford Fiesta ST. (BTW can’t we talk about how ironic that last year you reviewed the Volkswagen Golf GTI in the same color)

[@jjss9727]

You just earned yourself a like by how fast you were driving 😂

[@redbaron2448]

Not bad, a little TCU Tune and you have 4.5 and a 12 sec car 👍

[@Thoraxide]

Hi Joe, just a suggestion- will be good to have the performance figures, ie engine capacity ,hp and torque being displayed when talking about the engine. Thks ✌🏼

[@juelz4516]

I mean he always verbally communicates that so

[@GuyDiMiceli]

Please review an SE trim! All the reviewers drive the Autobahn but I would like to know your thoughts on living with the SE as a daily driver value proposition, and are the adaptive suspension, adaptive steering, heads up display and auto high beams as the main differences between the SE and Autobahn worth it?

[@RaitisRides]

I will track one down for you.

[@burkholder1992]

Looks super slick, but the SI is more affordable. I feel like if I’m buying the SE or Autobahn I could just look at Audi or a 3 series beamer

[@isimonsez]

the fully loaded $ of autobahn trim will only get you an a3 and it won’t be near fully loaded

[@jk851]

Why on earth would you rather have a BMW 3 series over a GTI? 2023 Autobahn owner here

[@davidp2888]

Looks like it'd be fun to throw around in the twisties! What a great color.

[@DEXTERSONEMANBAND]

Great review as always! My modest opinion is I would rather go towards Elantra N line again….

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

Such a shame you don’t get the more powerful Golf GTi Clubsport with 300hp, or the Cupra León in the states.

[@LS1007]

We have the Golf R with 315 HP

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@LS1007 I know, but it would be nice for you to get the GTi Clubsport as well.

[@rudolfschenker]

I love the Clubsport so much. But in the US it would be too close in price to the Golf R which is still the much faster car, so no way can VW sell them both here. The base GTI itself is higher priced than ever because of inflation and having to move its production from Puebla back to Wolfsburg. The one Joe has is $37K! That's probably about what VW of America would charge for the Clubsport here. I have also loved the Leon Cupra R for many years, it's too bad VW Group can't sell them here because Americans have no idea what the Seat brand is.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@rudolfschenker But the Cupra León is sold in neighbouring Mexico, with either 245 or 300 horsepower. In Europe we get those power outputs but we also get a PHEV with 245hp and 295 pound feet of torque. Another thing: the GTi Clubsport has 15 horsepower less than the R, but the Clubsport is a second slower to 62mph than the R, cos the GTi Clubsport is FWD.

[@rudolfschenker]

@@DaveDVideoMaker Again, Americans have no idea what the Seat brand is, so it will never happen, nobody but a few crazy car enthusiasts like myself knows what a Seat is. VWoA is shooting itself in the foot not having the plugin available here, it must also be something price-related. I would absolutely buy a Clubsport myself but the GTI/Golf R are such niche cars in the US, VWoA has to play it safe and offer a performance version that is also fully comfortable and civilized, so Golf R is what we get. A lot of American Golf R buyers who live in cold climates also see the AWD as a tremendous value.

[@Fmandan77]

"JC Whitney or Autozone"! Joe gets it! I own and currently daily drive a 2013 MK6 GTI that I bought new. At 200k miles now, it's been ridiculously reliable and fun. One improvement I can see over my MK6 is the vinyl arm rests, as I cannot stand my black material covered arm rests - very hard to keep looking new. If I were honestly considering the new GTI or a Civic Si, I'd compare the base GTI instead because the price is only 3k different. The only thing the SE package gets you on the GTI is a fancy stereo and a sunroof - cool items which are included on the Civic, but not worth the 5K price hike in my opinion. I am not a fan of the integration of the digital display on the GTI or the absence of nobs for climate control.

[@sl5932]

241 hp, 277 pounds torque...wow!! no wonder it goes 0-60 in 5 sec. and it delivers 24/32 mpg.

[@Alex-io6ky]

i can feel my drivers license points evaporating …

[@Dagot1948]

I've had the same car with a 6-speed since last November. It's still lots of fun to drive. If you love manual shifting, you'll be thrilled getting off and getting on the interstates. It's very well-planted on the ground and very stable at speed. Unlike others, I still hate the control center. Changing the volume is much more easily solved with a KNOB. Even worse, changing the temperature while driving at speed is not as easy as a single KNOB would be. Sure, the technology is impressive, but it becomes a real distraction for simple functions. Am I sorry I bought it? Hell no.

[@GamerLegendK]

Got a base S six-speed 2 months ago and I love the knob. Knob FTW!

[@datacipher]

Lol. Raiti pulls up in front of a giant “slow” sign on the road - OK, here’s the place to launch it…

[@stevegaspar]

Just bought mine yesterday! Pick it up Saturday. Took over 8 months to get it from initial order. Was told by the dealership that I was lucky and that they have a few more coming in that are in Port right now BUT no new ones for awhile because a factory in Ukraine that provides some wiring harness for them is shut down indefinitely. VW has yet to find an alternative. Note I can't confirm any of this and was only told by the dealership.

[@DownstreamV]

I have owned one for about 3 months. gas mpg is incredible on the highway. I get 39-40 on the highway no problem

[@genderlessyoutubefanperson]

Is this US or UK Mpg?

[@jirving24]

I love the nostalgia comments!! Gameboy/ Atari my dude . . . Always classy! Great vid!

[@michealmessam884]

I remember, that the new VW GTI for a lot of more vehicles. Once at the old school VW Golf GTi Sport in the World.

[@wrangler0829]

You get physical buttons on the s series but loose out on the larger screen. And no sunroof. Im considering getting the s series. MSRP is $31k

[@BretFrohwein]

Joe, Don't make fun of the little gear selector nubbin. It was in the pool.

[@user-ro5tj8qq6z]

Back home in Berlin,Germany my first car was a 1982 VW Golf GTI mk1 Silver with the black stripes on the bottom. 1.8L 110 HP From that day i can’t drive nothing but the GTI!! 😂

[@RaitisRides]

Oh wow! Thank you for sharing that!

[@vaughnoliver2810]

Great job Lori as always

[@RaitisRides]

Lori really is the best Vaughn

[@sergedurivage562]

Good evening Joe , love that video but to make one thing clear; we don’t drink maple sirop in Canada 🇨🇦 we just spread it on our crepe 😂

[@RaitisRides]

You are freaking hilarious Serge!

[@voiceofreason7119]

Which one is more fun since you’ve driven both Elantra n or gti ?

[@billybones2385]

The Elantra N. The GTI does feel more upscale though. Both great cars.

[@mystictrunks5508]

These are the two I'm stuck between

[@AudiophileTubes]

Did the 'check engine light' come on yet?

[@danielnguyen5902]

I love the redesign of this Volkswagen but the golf r is the most sport looking four sedan

[@allcompilation6733]

Road pavement sign:" slow" Raiti's: On throttle Yeah!!!

[@bbpearl8120]

How was the driving experience of the GTI compared to the R you did recently? Which one did you enjoy more?

[@ranthony2714]

Great review, thanks Joe.

[@Jacobk66]

Well it darn well better be than a Si since the last one I looked at was $40,500. That’s $5000 MORE than the loaded Integra is supposed to cost!

[@mistamaog]

Base model is around $30k

[@2bunphettered788]

Considering the price of the Honda Type-R, Mazda Turbo and WRX, this car is competitively priced, however the infotainment system is not intuitive or user-friendly, and therefore needs work. All the automotive journalists have zonked it. Good review Joe. 👍

[@notcataclysmic]

I would have loved some comparison to the Mazda 3 Turbo hatch, I’m seriously considering one of those for my next

[@2bunphettered788]

@@notcataclysmic Never heard of Boy Pablo before. Pretty good. 👍

[@vaughnoliver2810]

To The Door Panels Joe!!!!

[@dannymoon949]

VW cars are nice and zippy. Thing about them, they are expensive to repair. I heard alot of manufacturers are getting rid of electric assist on the passenger seats. Heard it had to do with the chip shortage. Heard many manufacturers are going to stop putting features that we love because of the chip shortage. Who knows but great video my friend!

[@bryanramey2438]

Would love to get one but I don’t feel optimistic right now with inventory. Great review like always.

[@musazulfikar]

Gorgeous 😍

[@TheRcworld101]

This car is so clean 🔥

[@RaitisRides]

You got that right!

[@nspokey]

Keep bringing those awesome vehicles Joe and Lori. Hope you do the Cadillac Lyriq EV thanks

[@dominickirkwood]

I love it my boy Joe and Lori and keep up the work and I love the video lot real true 👍 💯💯💯

[@Reaperguy67]

I like the red on this one. It looks good in the sun by the way.

[@NicotineRosberg]

I've never seen a GTI driver driving like a hooligan. That should tell u something

[@billybones2385]

Unfortunately that's far from the truth.

[@jmc4975]

Man we really need a GTD here in the US! I had a remapped mk4 gt tdi and could comfortably keep up with the old GTI's but also get fuel economy that had some non-plug-in hybrids beat!

[@ph03n1xcanada]

Have to say, you were giving the price for an SE while sitting in an Autobahn. SE doesn't have DCC, leather seats as standard, a HUD, 3 zone climate control, or 19" wheels. Gotta pony up 4k more for that. But for the people who think the GTI is overpriced, compare the S trim to the Si. S doesn't have the sunroof, KESSY, or wireless AA/Carplay. Si doesn't have heated seats, heated steering wheel, fog lights, and they gave it less power with more weight compared to the 10th gen. An S trim GTI is 2.5k more than an Si and you get more power (power to weight is still better on GTI) and things Honda skimped out on for the 11th gen. Hondas will always have more aftermarket support than VW, but most people that buy a GTI buy it because there's no need to do something else to it unless you want to. It's the perfect DD. Plus, go find an Si that doesn't have a ridiculous markup. I was shopping for both an Si and GTI. Dealers in SoCal wouldn't get rid of the Si markup, but were more willing to drop it with the GTI.

[@4GuitarTrance]

You can get the plaid seats as an option on the "SE", BTW! Also, you can get a heck of a lot of twinkies in that rear hatch! 😛 Great review... as usual.

[@Bluegreenred]

Look at that.

[@joshchaides]

Great review and filming as always

[@SamMcKinley]

What about repair costs when it ages vs a Honda or Toyota? Any owners care to respond? I’d like a GTI

[@poetryonplastic]

The infotainment would be just fine if they made the 3 sliders below the screen 3 (illuminated) knobs instead. That's really all they need to do to fix the bulk of this big issues.

[@Darkvirgo88xx]

Raiti you are the best!

[@maximilin8381]

Joe, you are best reviewer .

[@raymahon5130]

Joe, we don't drink Maple syrup, we put it on our pancakes. We drink good real Canadian beer up here :). Always enjoy your reviews.

[@AdrianGonzalez-gj7yv]

Please review s trim!! :)

[@josemarquez9360]

I love this Gti! Also interested in the upcoming Acura Integra. My main concern is the cvt that is in the Acura. Looking forward to seeing your review on it.

[@RaitisRides]

Go manual and then no worries. 😉👍🏻 Stay tuned

[@SSaugaCriss]

@@RaitisRides submitted my build, paid $500 for a pole position order. #teggy

[@josemarquez9360]

@@RaitisRides forgot to mention...the wife doesn't know how to drive manual...or else for sure that would be my choice 😀

[@shivamarya5225]

@@josemarquez9360 rev matching kinda helps with driving manuals as a daily cause you don't have to use the clutch everytime.

[@bucknut2000]

If your big on transmissions, id suspect the GTI if you want an auto and the Civic Si/ Integra if you want a manual.

[@bobkloth57]

I love everything about this GTI except that infotainment touch screen. Using it distracts the driver from the road. It’s German over engineering at its’ best and worst.

[@fishsaysn0]

Thank you Lori!!!

[@omarcortes5754]

Seems to be a fun car to drive everyday. It has a great balance between power and MPG'S but I wouldn't pay that much for a VW, at least not for a golf.

[@RaitisRides]

You hit the nail on the head!

[@billybones2385]

The GTI s which already has more features standard than the SI, is only 2k more. Makes Honda look seriously overpriced.

[@mystictrunks5508]

@@billybones2385 True, I'm between the base s trim and the Elantra n. The upper trims however are overpriced in my opinion.

[@billybones2385]

@@mystictrunks5508 From an enthusiast perspective they are indeed. I personally prefer the base trim in sporty- performance cars and only pay extra if there is something that adds performance to that car for a reasonable price. In this case the SE or Autobahn don't make the GTI a better performance car.

[@duncanmclellan5479]

It's too easy to play the "for $38K, I'd get a..." game. At $38K, the GTI is not for me (Elantra N for $6K less), but I appreciate their dedication to the hot hatch segment and for making vehicles that are fun to drive.

[@mystictrunks5508]

Yea the s trim is really the most compelling trim imo.

[@genderlessyoutubefanperson]

Base model MK8 GTi S with DSG is a fantastic car. and it costs 32k USD. Gti in S trim is nicely loaded. Both are good cars, but GTi is just a class above Elantra N.

[@bobbyjones2112]

Would win cool if they put a plaid stripe down the center of the seats in Alcântara. And have the actual stripes embossed!

[@sgrant9814]

I had a mark vi gti and disconnected the soundaktor pumped in sound... hated it and now can hear the engine and not some electronic noise. I wanted to get the new gti but hate the instrument arrangement with zero real buttons, i went with another brand and got a cx30 turbo from mazda. Vw's insistence on lack of buttons caused them to lose a long time vw customer.

[@claw247]

38k? 😬

[@LoXHumaN]

Higher trim, base model starts at $30k

[@michaelh4046]

Jose Canseco, memories! Hahaha thank you for that!

[@fordfanatic3307]

Redesign looks great I like it. Car sounds good to me definitely looks fun.

[@partidaa98]

Of all the things many people dislike about the MK8 GTI, my biggest dislike is the price tag. 38k before taxes and fees is STEEP. I do really like the car, though. The price point feels like the biggest mistake for the MK8.

[@burkholder1992]

Totally agree. At this price point we can look at actual luxury brands. Makes me kinda annoyed because I don’t want to wait 2-3 years for a slightly more affordable MK8…maybe I’ll just go with the MK7.5

[@the.mylooo]

Why the European market for the GTI has a 245hp ??

[@kevs2good133]

I’ve never accidentally pressed the heated steering wheel haptic button on my MK8