Is the VW Golf R a BETTER automatic transmission AWD car than a 2025 Toyota GR Corolla?

[@EricInTampaAcoustic]

🔥🔥🔥one of the best “to the door panels” proclamation yet. The way Joe’s finger pointed .. so much snap, precision, and compassion

[@sedonamudsquid]

Joe I honestly don't know how Lori keeps a straight face and holds the camera steady when you let loose one of your subtle zingers! BTW I love this Golf R!

[@AlonzoJ130]

TO THE DOOR PANEL!! My favourite raitis ride slogan

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks Alonzo

[@Jay-sn7wu]

@@AlonzoJ130 same

[@XXXBIGFISH57XXX]

With the point

[@archiebunker3654]

I've liked the R since 2002 but have never pulled the trigger on one. That ends next year in 2025 for the Mk 8.5. That's the one I'm getting. I've researched all of the "competitors", and I think the R is just the best bang for the buck on the market right now for a turbo, awd hatch. Maybe the Black Edition, in blue.

[@johnwjeromejr]

I've had my 2016 Golf R (manual) for nearly 9 years and it is still badass with the APR Stage 2 tune. Some of the weatherstripping is cracking and the clear coat on the spoiler has seen better days, but the rest of the paint is still good (thanks to frequent waxing). It will be making a trip to the body shop to correct the issues, but at only 65000 miles, it has a lot of life left in it as it runs like new and never ceases to surprise me or my daughter when she rides with me. BTW, Raidi's Rides reviewed this very car 7 years ago - the review still resides in his library of reviews.

[@JCTiggs1]

What are the power specs with the APR stage 2 tune? I was looking at a stage 1 through 034Motorsports and it bumps power to 427 hp, 402 lb-ft at 93 octane (MK8, DSG).

[@liangfu1109]

I got the 2016 DSG, had it for little over 9 years. Replaced a water pump, and 3 batteries. rubber around the front triangle windows melted. Absolutely gorgeous car. Ready to order 8.5R.

[@christianclaudio1838]

It’s a perfect car. Good daily drive car, plenty of space for a hothatch, really good power and what I love the most, it doesn’t scream look at me I’m sporty. Great job as always Raiti’s 👍🏼👍🏼

[@doctorrobert60]

Joe, I have 2023 Golf R in Lapiz Blue with 6 speed manual. I know the DSG is faster but enjoy doing the shifting with the manual. For the touch screen and gloss black everywhere I keep a microfiber towel in my center console and wipe down the smudges but wish there were knobs for climate control and audio as before. However once you get things set up you learn how to do things more effectively. Thanks for all the great videos you produce for all of us to enjoy.

[@JCTiggs1]

Hey Joe, the DSG 1\4 mile is 12.5s at 111 mph. The manual is 13.6s at 106 mph (C&D test). 🙂 Awesome review, keep up the great work!

[@mickeybrumfield764]

I like this car. It looks really good in that color with the silver wheels. I think it would enhance the sportyness if the top was painted black. For me, it's no contest I would take it over the GR Corolla.

[@richardmichael59]

That gloss black on the front is a zonk. Without PPF it’s going to wear and craze.

[@tomdrummy4984]

Seems like a fun little car to drive……..love that color ! I prefer the look of this to the Gr Corolla

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing your honest thoughts on this Golf R Tom.

[@ballathug8404]

In Canada, Gr corolla is $60k (44 usd), and a golf r is less at $52k

[@GuestEngine]

🇨🇦

[@nobleman-swerve]

Golf R in Canada is borderline deal of the century for how it's priced for what you get.

[@Crazychrissy4]

@@nobleman-swervecorrect, I noticed the price differential and it made zero sense. 47k usd with exchange should have been near $60k. I waited 1-1/2 years and actually got mine with a 1 k discount 😂

[@JCTiggs1]

Yeah, mine was $55K CAD MSRP last year, at MSRP, but that was fully loaded with DSG, sunroof, carbon fiber pkg, and some all weather mats front/back and trunk. Still an amazing deal imo. A little known fact is that the MK8 R in Germany after conversion costs $80K CAD. 😮

[@plutodestroyer12]

good lord

[@CharvisFouse]

I agreed, painting that entire roof black would have been a great idea.

[@Digiphex]

Love the Golf R. Practicality with exciting driving.

[@RaitisRides]

You are so right about that

[@Bread_n_Butter.]

You guys are here for the door panels. I'm here for the twinkie storage!!

[@davidp2888]

Thank heaven the wheels aren't black. lol Thanks for the great ride, Joe!

[@RaitisRides]

I’m glad I could share this one with you David

[@liangfu1109]

Should check out the black edition one.

[@GethinJames]

No handle to pull the rear Hatch down is a shame. The hard plastic rear door cards suck. Would love to see an aftermarket upgrade option on that. Great daily city car there! I have a 2025 on order.

[@JCTiggs1]

My previous car was a 2019 Mustang GT PP (10R80). I waited 18 months for my 2024 Golf R and it was definitely worth it. Launch control is awesome, steering feel and responsiveness are incredible, and AWD performance in any weather condition is amazing. And if you want even more power a simple stage 1 tune (034 Motorsport) bumps it up to 427 hp/402 lb-ft on 93 octane. For those wondering about the stock performance, here are the test results from Car and Driver: Curb Weight: 3360 lbs Braking, 70-0 mph: 151 ft Braking, 100-0 mph: 304 ft Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.99 g Top Speed: 155 mph (limiter) DSG Transmission: 315 hp, 310 lb-ft 0-60 mph: 3.9 seconds 0-100 mph: 10.0 seconds 0-130 mph: 18.4 seconds 0-150 mph: 29.8 seconds 1/4 Mile: 12.5 sec @ 111 mph Manual Transmission: 315 hp, 280 lb-ft 0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds 0-100 mph: 11.4 seconds 0-130 mph: 20.4 seconds 0-150 mph: 32.3 seconds 1/4 Mile: 13.4 sec @ 106 mph

[@joyceofdriving4954]

Have you driven it in the snow? I am literally looking to replace my 2019t Mustang GT PP1 with an AWD sport car. I don't want to get rid of my Mustang, but my new job requires driving in all weather conditions and I can't drive something boring. I wish the Golf R wasn't so much, ill probably settle for a base WRX.

[@JCTiggs1]

@@joyceofdriving4954 The WRX is a great choice too if you're looking to save some money! It was one of the cars I cross shopped but in the end I personally feel the R is worth the extra cash. In my region they seem to hold their value much better than the WRX too. As far as driving in the snow, yes I went out a few times in heavy snowfall last winter and it was great. Even went up a steep hill with a foot of snow that hadn't been plowed yet. Make sure you get a good set of winter tires of course. The only limitation will be the front end ground clearance. If you're going in deep snow make sure its fluffy and not completely frozen or you may damage the lower front facia. I believe the WRX has a bit higher ground clearance than the R.

[@davothegreat9990]

Mustang gt is the better car. Looks better. Sounds better. Faster on a roll. Naturally aspirated. Perfect package.

[@JCTiggs1]

@@davothegreat9990 I've had numerous Mustang's over the years and still miss it, mostly for the points you made. Plus there's that rawness to it, and can easily get squirrelly in the backend when pushed hard. Fun fun. The steering feel/response, car weight/size (500lbs heavier vs R) are the biggest negatives of the Mustang for me. I may go back to the stang at some point, I do like the new S650. The R is almost too 'refined', endless grip, just point and go, no drama, but it really moves. Around town the R is definitely the faster car from my own experience and vs a friends 18 GT PP, especially in cooler weather and also damp/rainy conditions. I generally do around 80% city driving so it's the perfect combo for me, plus the usable back seats, hatch, awd and fuel economy. If I decide to keep the R for a few years I may go to a stage 1 tune. As for a performance vs my previous 19 GT PP, the R is quicker from a launch and a low speed roll, in ALL driving conditions, but by 105 mph the GT will start to pull away (DSG vs 10R80). Luckily I don't spend much time on the highway at those speeds, way too many police in my area for that 🤓

[@davothegreat9990]

@JCTiggs1 golf r are not very reliable past 70,000 miles. They have alot of electric wiring issues. I've known 3 people I work with that traded their r in due to these issues. Now I hear the mk8 are having the same electric issues again..

[@Hot-1LE]

Got one of these as a turo. I loved it but that sunroof felt actually has a purpose. You can open the sunroof and not get sun in your eyes but also get the air. Performance wise it spanked. Love these cars

[@famasmaster2000]

Solid car and a great review .....i have a soft spot for vw as i have owned a few. Cars are built right for sure ! Excellent work Steven on the camera ! Great job fellas 👏

[@mattgreen753]

I'm loving the silver wheels and mirrors with the blue paint. I agree flared fenders would look amazing. I had a 2011 GTI Autobahn and it was fun to drive with the manual transmission - can't believe they're getting rid of manual for 2025. The blue accent lighting is super cool as well. They need to get rid of the touch buttons and bring back physical buttons and knobs!

[@benedict6027]

Love the consistent uploads. Much respect Mr. Raiti

[@FRL2000]

Holding on to my '16 mk7 for no good reason now that I only drive it once a week. It just puts a smile on my face every time. The R is a great driver's car with plenty of comfort and practicality if you don't need more than 4 seats.

[@BroVCam]

Awesome Raiti, but I gotta semi-counter you Brother! Don't get me wrong, I love this car! And the 'hothatch' is the ultimate practical functional while still fun vehicle to persuade your lady to let you buy! But as far as best in this genre lies the Audi RS3 Sportback; which insanely we don't get here in the U.S.! And it's the matured bigger sibling to this! But thanks again! ✌🏽❤️✊🏽👍🏽 Oh, and search the Nissan Pulsar NISMO! Which Nissan crazily never made! 😂

[@Browner0707]

That Eco tip when you pressed the gas killed me 😂

[@dominickirkwood]

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

[@alengreen589]

I would go for the 2024 Audi S3 or 2024 BMW 135 M Sport because it cost the same in Germany and you have the premium touch inside and the luxury brand on it.

[@sabrinaortega3983]

Have a manual 6 speed 2017 GTI that I absolutely loved and still have, I couldn't miss out on the last Gen Of manuals and got the 2024 AWD Golf R manual 6 speed I couldn't have made a better purchase this year for another daily car, can't change my mind!

[@DominionAnako-bb7ry]

The design looks great

[@martintokinaga5261]

These 2 cars are exactly what I have in mind. I will be waiting for the Golf R 8.5 with some buttons plus the GR Corolla with 8 Speed. They both will cost around 72k AUD. My current bias is on the Golf R as I have not tried a VW before except my first car which was a first generation Golf many many years ago. I am also thinking about the WRX but it seems it is not as high tune as these 2 cars.

[@steveo8015]

Other manufacturers could learn a thing or two from VW about styling a car tastefully as opposed to gaudy creases, fake vents and the over done flamboyance that screams "look at me!" The basic shape of the Golf has evolved for almost 50 years, whereas the typical treatment/design protocol is to overhaul and reconfigure... more so to create interest and get a sales bump with each successive generation, not necessarily to make the car better. This is what a hatch looks like: classic, refined, and functional with that unmistakable, cohesive shape that is instantly recognizable and still fairly compact.

[@justwingingit1]

Good Afternoon Joe! Even having owned an FK8,there’s still something about driving a performance car that is smaller/toss-able. I wish Audi sold the RS3 hot hatch here as well as the sedan version but since they don’t, a Golf R/GR Corolla are the alternatives. Reliability issues with a few Toyota models as of late has made me leary of them. I understand that Audi has a questionable track record in that department but the performance/audio soundtrack of it’s 5 cylinder(1/2 a Lamborghini 10cyl) just like a siren beckoning me to crash my performance car upon the rocks of unreliability!😂

[@PatrickHenry-t1s]

Mazda hatch 2.5S is better but its personal preference

[@GethinJames]

Lol omg. Hold your balls in your hand? Tire woods balls? Hahahah! Jeeze

[@G82Watts]

Golf has always had such an iconic design.

[@andymcpherson4896]

My 2015 GTI has hydraulic hood struts, a spare tire and real buttons. It really seems like so many manufacturers are continuing to cheapen their products by doing away with some of the good things that were once standard.

[@merpasakiejingu]

I refuse to buy a Mk8 or higher until they bring back real buttons. I'll stick with the sub 2019 GTIs or Rs or go over to Audi before I go fully haptic.

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

lol back in 2007, My GTI base model came standard with HID headlights, Full size spare, Full Traction control off, Launch control (without having to go into any menus), and it was before the more unreliable timing chain engine. Only issue was the replacement of cam followers every 15k or so. Bought that car for $23k brand new off the lot. Those who say 50k is not expensive must be a young kid who never was able to drive cars that were much better, at a much better price.

[@ericcarson342]

Too much gloss black on wheels. Like the silver wheels better. Wish VW would have more bulging fenders, or at least Brembo calipers like the Type R or STi. Or at the VERY least offer more colors. Only 3 VW?! I would be asking way too much if they would offer the Spektrum program again. I am a big brake kit guy. I love the way big calipers look thru the wheels. The Golf R is made for the DSG. The Type R, manual.

[@XMG3]

you don't have to hold your balls in your hand lol, love it !

[@GOD999MODE]

Love this car, but I refuse to pay more than $40k for a fully loaded trim.

[@RaitisRides]

I feel your pain

[@drnick40]

Hard to swallow the near $50k pill..

[@ArcadianGenesis]

You've been priced out of Golfs for like 10 years, then.

[@lexburen5932]

damn are you poor. 40k for this drive train is a good price. you really pay for the drive train

[@MichaelSwanson-j9l]

A GTI won’t run you $40K, and it’s just as fun in real life driving.

[@andylab55]

Fog lights would have been a nice addition

[@Theonestrongbusleader]

Yes of course Joe & I buy this car someday.

[@JulezWinnfield]

I still remember the first Joe Raiti video I ever watched. It was a similar colored Golf R, filmed at a country club if I'm not mistaken.

[@aaronbaird9444]

$50k? Get out of here

[@fast2ghl]

Gotta pay for good stuff. ;)

[@darinevans7011]

Worth it

[@lynnkanable7023]

Sick of all the black wheels, so glad when that trend passes.

[@marvinmurakami8828]

I'd take this over the GR Corolla. Its much better looking and that blue color looks fantastic. The silver sideview mirrors doesn't look right and should've been painted blue as well. Moderate fender bulges would make this car look twice as good.

[@artk8445]

Got mine wrapped in gloss black. Cheapest route.

[@JohnRaisbeck]

Nice review. It has rev matching for downshifting! That’s a great feature going through the twistie bits in the snow where this car really shines!

[@mxtv1258]

This is a car I am considering. The 2025 Golf R and the 2025 C8 are possible too.

[@tonyn3227]

These car prices for these type cars are out of control

[@crumsnatcher778]

I owned a 2023 Golf R 20th AE and it was a great car .....but I traded it in for a new 2024 Civic Type R and the Honda for me is more fun to drive and better build quality. Here are a couple key differences besides the obvious, Golf R get much better gas mileage, has parking sensors and sounds a little better. I also just wanted to try the CTR, doesn't make financial sense at all....buy variety is the spice of life. Next car will definitely be a BMW M2.

[@RB12377]

Maybe more fun a lot slower and vw is built much better my stage one gti beats civic r 20-100 easy

[@racer247]

I drove 2 FL5's now that they are finally going for MSRP, and I just couldn't do it. You're right, the car drives like no other FWD car, so much grip. But, for me, I couldn't daily it. The ride in comfort is worse than Race in the Golf R. I'm in the north, so the heated wheel and seats are hard to give up. And 4 to 5 months out of the year, the Golf R is extremely fun to drive in bad weather conditions. The CTR is a special car, but it's really hard to just drive it like a commuter car.

[@psingone]

Love this color family they have continue sine MKIV with this Lapez Blue. R32 in MKIV was not a traditional V6 though it was I6. One piece head and block with each cylinder offset in 15 degrees at rods. Keep up the awesome comparisons.

[@natebragg8189]

thank you for pointing out the details regarding the rear brakes! witch brings me to my next point when you eventually do a review on the new audi s5/sq5 that everyone is currently doing please mention the fact that they dropped the six piston front brakes for a cheap single piston caliper nobody is calling them out on this major downgrade hope that you mention this thanks again love the channel

[@whocares3252]

Loved running the stop sign @ 19:38 lol

[@dneault333]

Given VW doesn't void your warranty for driving over 85 mph, the question seems moot ?

[@RaitisRides]

I see what you did there!

[@BrakRulesAll]

BOOM (goes the Toyota)

[@theredsalmon612]

I would certainly take this over a GR Corolla

[@JEdmund81]

If I were in a position to by a Golf R, I'd absolutely wait for the 2025 model. I drive a 2019 GTI now and I can see myself looking seriously at an R in a few more years.

[@Paul32828]

Joe GREAT review but I would have added a couple more items. I have a 2012 2.0 T TSI engine and with 25,000 miles and love the auto. EXCEPT Golkf R auto has the direct injection which will most likely load up on carbon deposits and you will have to get the engine walnut shell blasted to fix it. Also I have had two things go wrong with my TSI engine. First at 23,000 miles the engine thermostat went bad and since the factory warranty was no longer to the auto it cost me over $1,300.00 to get the stat replaced. Then the exhaust 02 sensor went bad at 24,000 miles and cost over $568.00 to get it repaired! This auto has the TSI direct injection engine, which will cost you a fortune to get repaired if something goes wrong with the engine! These engines have had many problems in the past with defective water pumps, bad timing chain tensioners, bad thermostats and the carbon build up problems! I would NEVER buy another direct injection engine!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for that detailed commentary

[@davonne225]

Wheels are nice, infotainment needs work, flared fenders would add a nice touch

[@layne4376]

In this configuration it is quicker than it has any right to be. Stage 1 and you are almost into the 11's.

[@RaitisRides]

That is so true Layne

[@pedropllana5603]

What does the 11s mean ?

[@RaitisRides]

@@pedropllana560311 seconds in the 1/4 mile

[@bostonezos360]

If VW sell R Tiguan or Touareg in the states, it will be awesome.

[@kineticU]

My 2024 manual R is so slow from 1-2 it’s embarrassing 😂. But once you get it going, it’s plenty fast.

[@davcuts2897]

It probably won't be as reliable as a Toyota GR86, but I'd pick the VW Golf R over it any day of the week. It has options like a sunroof you can't even get in the GR86. It's more attractive on top of that. You don't have to get ugly grey wheels either.

[@anthonyrodriguezjr.8728]

Worth every penny

[@wr2630]

For me I will go for the Golf R

[@richki.24]

nice looking VW Joe ... color looks awesome ...

[@sotitofanschop]

I loved this car when I tested it but the interior is terrible. The blue paint looks amazing in person. Crossed shopped this one against an Audi S5, coming out of a mk7 gti. Shockingly both brand new were the same price with the dealer mark ups from VW. The touch screens and haptic buttons are atrocious. Went with the Audi, happy with the decision so far.

[@RaitisRides]

Thanks for sharing that actual real life experience

[@racer247]

Yeah, glad that worked out for you, but the totally stripped S5 with analog gauges, no adjustable dampers, no memory seats, no heated wheel, or cooled seats. Was 60K, a nicely optioned car was 65 to 70K or RS3 money. 😂

[@JCTiggs1]

If you think the MK8 R is expensive in North America, check out the price in Europe. In my region a new fully loaded 2024 R is $55K CAD, while in Germany it's over $80K CAD after conversion. 😳 🚘💰

[@stanleetfk3823]

@@JCTiggs1 One can imagine that at 80k cad they wouldn't sell any here. Canada got great pricing , even better than US. My 24 Autobahn was 44k OTD. Factory order , 6weeks . Very few available in Ontario though, most of the available on lots were manual. This is back in May this year

[@JCTiggs1]

@stanleetfk3823 Agreed! My sales guy said VW generally splits the Golf R and GTI transmissions sent to Canada at 50/50, but there were supply issues for a while that reduced the DSG transmission equipped cars down to less than 20%, something like 1 DSG for every 5 manual cars. That was from 2022 to end of 2023 which included the limited edition 40th Ann GTI. That's one of the reasons why I had to wait almost 18 mths for my Golf R DSG which arrived Nov 2023 as an early 2024 model. Currently VW seems to have met demand for the R and GTI as there are now several on the lots in my region (even Lapitz Blue which the most sought after colour since the MK8 launched). This is in I Western Canada BTW. These stock numbers were unheard of just 6 months ago. VW is even giving $1000 off MSRP plus reduced interest rates!

[@stanleetfk3823]

@@JCTiggs1 1300 off mrsp in ON, but interest rate was 6.9 at that time. Rates went down in the meantime. Tbh, I couldn't justify paying 60k for the R. And I don't regret, GTi is simply perfect for me.

[@JCTiggs1]

@@stanleetfk3823 Yeah the rates have come down a few percentage points. I had MK8 GTI while I waited for my R to arrive. For me it was worth the extra $15k and the R is always worth a lot more when it comes time to sell it so I don't see myself losing too much whenever it's time to get my next vehicle. With the price of other vehicles all going up (especially the new Mustang), I wouldn't be surprised if VW increases the price on the Golf GTI and R for the MK8.5, especially since Canada is already getting reduced pricing vs US and the rest of the global market.

[@stanleetfk3823]

@@JCTiggs1 I believe at launch 8.5 GTI did start at 46000euro in Germany. I keep my cars 10y, actually I have two now, as the GTI goes in the garage next week. I hate the snow and salt on ON roads. Baby GTI goes hibernation few months. :))))))

[@kellyaustin7487]

Very nice car but a little overpriced. What isnt though? 😒 Another excellent review.

[@sfseals]

When may we expect to see the “refresh” and will it be worth the wait?

[@haviiithelegogunner907]

Golf R has only one problem: the Audi RS3 AWD 5-Banger with 400 horses Brembos (even ceramics) Pay a little extra and get a RS3!

[@racer247]

3 problems, first it's 15 to 25K more depending on options with no cooled seats option, that's criminal. Second, Audi won't send us the Hatch version. So technically it's not even a Hot Hatch. Third, even though it's the last year, the manual is a option for the Golf R, unlike the RS3. 😂

[@guamboy46]

Car and Driver has the GR Toyota Corolla automatic list at Base: Core, $39,995. it’s about $10,000 cheaper for the Toyota.

[@GungHo1234]

Suggest looking at the features on this vs the base Corolla (or the Premium, Premium Plus) before making the price comparison to get the full picture.

[@lego4virgo]

Joe, looking at the 2025 refresh, it has MUCH less 'gloss black' on the lip of the bumper, so that should make you feel good.

[@chinaistheman]

Once you hit a pot hole with no spare tire you are screwed

[@xiondFirst]

Yeah I'd replace these tires after they wear out around 12k Miles.

[@cmdebate]

They're asking way too much money for these compact cars. Absolute insanity.

[@tislam410]

I'm holding out for 2025 VW Golf R with the revised infotainment system (upgrading from 19' Genesis G70 3.3T AWD) . All things considered, when I look at the interior of 25' GR Corolla Automatic and similar price point to the 25' Golf R Automatic (almost 50k price point) - the corolla's infotainment system/interior seems outdated by comparison.

[@hondajacka2]

the interior of the GR Corolla looks like a 25k car. But people buy it for the uniqueness, driving experience, and Toyota reliability.

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

Hey Joe, I heard VW had a lot coming up soon, ID Buzz, arriving this Thanksgiving. They're refreshing 2025 Taos, like the Jetta, and coming out with next generation 2026 Atlas, Tiguan, and ID 4 apparently.

[@RaitisRides]

You are correct Chris

[@DarkJediChrisG-1425]

​@RaitisRides And the blue color is amazing, by the way on the GTI

[@ElJefe85]

Its growing on me, but still loving MK 7.5 more

[@KonohazFinest]

I'd take the Corolla but the golf looks better

[@rakhsiprayogo82]

Competitors Toyota GR Supra/GR Corolla, Nissan Z, Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai i30n, Ford Mustang GT/Focus RS, Subaru BRZ/WRX STI, Kia Stinger GT & More

[@SiriasisOFFICIAL]

Manual would be so good

[@JackFox-n1o]

Hi Joe. Could you give us some more deep dives into your cars and include your reason for purchasing them?

[@RaitisRides]

You got it Jack! Please stay tuned!

[@HungLe-oc8eh]

Love the car, it’s wonderful but expensive for a VW

[@bobcabot]

...ja Joe for 20 Grand more you should get more!

[@Letsberealish]

Twinkie hammock instead of a full-size banana hammock? That's a zonk.

[@momoknows]

Probably going for the Toyota for reliability and as far as speed and handling stock they are about the same if you want Comfort take the VW

[@artk8445]

24 Golf R is very comfortable even in Race mode. Just wish they had separate headrest option. Don't want a one piece for daily/tourer.

[@edwarddejong8025]

A gorgeous blue color. Seem much more practical and usable than the GR. Those super low profile tires will cause cracked rims here in the SF Bay Area. It's a huge mistake for all the car companies pushing thinner tires for their top cars; the roads here are just not compatible with thin tires. The Tesla Model 3/Y performance is a direct competitor. 49k is too much; the Tesla will smoke this car. VW should copy Honda's latest design and put back rotary knobs for the temperature control.

[@coachmaupin201]

Happy Saturday 🎉. An instant classic car 🚙

[@TomSmithII-g3l]

Smoke check. I like to go out at lunch and have a smoke check.

[@Jvilleman400]

I had a 2016 Golf R for 6 years until i got a 20th anniversary Golf R and I found the window sticker to my 2016 an it had an MSRP of 41,800. WIld to think this mk8 was 48k. AND to think that an SE GTI with leather is 41k smdh, insane

[@ChipzsTube]

It needs a panoramic roof, nice car still.

I had the same wheel in my Arteon, it looks great and functions great.

[@PatrickC139]

I think down the road this will still be a good car for the car modding community.

[@RaitisRides]

You are very right about that

[@rickysmith7447]

VW did not invent the Hot Hatch they just popuaralised them in the UK and Europe we had the Renault 5 Gordini turbo.,Alfa Romeo Alfasud TI and the Vauxhall chevette HS Hot versions of the standard Hatchbacks before VW launched the Golf GTI 👍🏽

[@MRDARRENGER]

As far as the US is concerned, VW did. Those other cars were never in America

[@rickysmith7447]

@@MRDARRENGER VW is a European company from Germany if that helps, you lot called it the Rabbit We could say that about Muscle Cars but they did exsist even though we didn't get them in the UK 🙄 But you Yanks can always fall back on the AMC Gremlin whitch came before the Golf (Rabbit) GTI Which was your attempt at a Hot Hatch

[@XloMotion]

VW coined the phrase in the US market therefore it's still the original hot hatch for us. BTW no one remembers those cars you mentioned.

[@rickysmith7447]

@@XloMotion Nah Real petrol heads remember those cars it's hilarious that you Yanks only think of the Golf(Rabbit ) GTI as the only hot hatch totally clueless

[@MRDARRENGER]

@@rickysmith7447 oooh thanks for explaining that VW is a German company. Had no idea after owning VW/Audi cars for the past 20 years and after living in the US for 51 years. So kind of you to educate this dumb American... 🤪🙄

[@johngarsaud4909]

Still laughing about the comment regarding the smoothness and it’s not shaking out your fillings!

[@mickeybrumfield764]

Joe, I once had a car that was this color. It is also the color of the state of Nevada flag.

[@claviclenotch1876]

Any of you guys old enough to remember the VW Rabbit from the 70s? Great car.

[@fast2ghl]

DSG cars do 12.5 in the 1/4 from 110-113mph depending on conditions. Just fyi.

[@23Piccolina]

Joe, there is a lot to like about this R car...except the price! Ugh! Its way over the top. Simply not worth it. I'd buy a used Porsche for that kind of money.

[@DavidWolfer]

Looks amazing!!! Would be great to have one!!

[@greglaird299]

Thinking about this as my next banging sedan!!!

[@RaitisRides]

You will love it

[@hivn58]

damn are you rich greg boy

[@kenziekyle1235]

😂 almost 50k for a hatchback, money have no value nowadays

[@joelcazares9986]

C’mon man, no story @10:30?