Living with a Mk7 Golf GTI Performance!

[@leenadalutti6694]

I have the golf gti 7.5 standard manual with the iconic chequered seats. All mod cons, beautiful smooth drive, pretty slick gear box. More than enough power for UK roads and great looking without being at all in your face. A well rounded civilised brilliant car.

[@chrisjones4863]

I’ve got a 7.5 R and it’s incredible, I’ve driven a 7 GTI for a day and despite the less power it was very fun and comfortable. Completely different drive which is good because the 4 wheel drive isn’t for everyone. Good solid attractive looking car. There’s a lot of hate for the Mark 8 but like all new cars it will grow on people, the new interior is very smart which is a huge deal for me.

[@coreykales1580]

Great, honest review. I've had a mk7.5 GTI for a few months now, and before that a MK7 - and it's THE perfect car, especially in the city. I've test drove countless of other cars and manufacturers and my heart always comes back to the golf. Well done!

[@ianmitchell9102]

Love the golf gti especially the mark 7. For me though it has to have the famous chequered interior 👍🏻

[@dingoel2465]

I had a friend of mine talk me into buying a a Gti instead of a Tdi back in 2015. I ended up buying a second hand Mk7 2015 Performance Gti with 22000km on it. During my ownership, i had the water pump fail and the high pressure fuel pump leak. Other than that, it has been serving me like a champ for the last 6 years! I'm at 140000 km now and the cars feels and drives great! As you say.. its a great all-round car. Sporty but comfortable. Holds 4 + luggage. A nice place to be in and decent fuel economy... Also with the driving modes, you can swith off the more harsh and sporty bit when you dont feel like it.. the sounds of the exhaust is not too bad like some other sporty cars... but if you want it too.. you can go on the Nurburgring :D And that is what makes it Great! To be honnest, this might be the best "road trip" car when you're not traveling with too much people! Cheers for the review!

[@CarFocused]

Hey, glad to hear your experience with yours is a good one too 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@kwa_nguyen]

I love my gti 7.5 ! It really is the best all rounder . I was tossing up between all the great hot hatches you could think of in the same price range and the gti to me was just the best all rounder of them all Of course I got a little bored after 1 year so I did a stage 2 tune with dsg, down pipe and intake and now it’s even more perfect to me . Every drive makes life worth living ☺️

[@AaronNaismith]

The Golf GTi is a car that should be everything to everyone, it’s never going to be the fasted but it’s the best overall all rounder... Hopefully I’ll be buying one soon!

[@toprock1301]

Tuning potential is crazy tho

[@germanredneck4414]

its never going to be the slowest either :D

[@cupra2Jock.]

stage 2 and some new sway bars and coilovers... youll need some car/driver to keep up.

[@TuddecBMW]

Got mine in July and so far I'm delighted with it. I cannot believe how good it is, especially in terms of comfort. I've driven it from Paris to Monaco and it's been a dream on the motorway, it has a much nicer ride than I was expecting, especially since I have no adaptive dampers and 19" rims. It's so easy to live with that it's easy to forget it's actually a hot hatch but it really becomes alive when you start going higher in the rev range and throw it around some nice corners. I drove the Col de Turini and the D2202 (aka "Red Rock Road") in the South of France this summer and it's been really fun in the twisties. I've since then fitted a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S's which are exceptional in their own right and have transformed the car. With these tires and the LSD, it feels like it's on rails even in the cold, wet and shitty weather of fall and winter. It is true that it hides its speed quite well, I've surprised myself many times looking at the speedo, I need to be careful for ny license. Anyway, I couldn't recommend it more, as I'm struggling to find any faults with it. It's just brilliant at everything.

[@thomaslaursen6540]

I an very satisfied twith my 2018 GTI too. I rank it as best among all the 100 cars I have owned.

[@PickleLotion]

I ve owned many cars now. And I ll be honest. I bought a GTI after only reading and watching reviews and taking a short test drive of a GTI. It is hands down my favorite place to be. Driving slow. Driving quickly. Its hard not to smile when behind the seat of my mk7.5 Gti Autobahn

[@adrianmason9617]

I think the basis of the GTI’s greatness is it’s already a car formed from a great car…. The standard VW Golf. My wife owns a 7.5 GTI and it constantly puts a smile on her face. It is truly a car for everything. Trip to the shops, school run, touring around Europe. What a car! Just glad she lets me drive it sometimes. Recently did a trip from Bergerac to Roscoff in France 469miles made it feel like a short distance. DCC is spot on

[@simontaylor3211]

I can testify how good the engine is. Great review mate

[@Riceyminimad]

I absolutely love my mk7.5 GTI performance, great all round car.

[@garytate8284]

I'm 3 months into a ten year old 2014 (same colour but with the chequered interior) Love her so much at any speed. Beautiful manual.

[@funkateer831]

Great review,had many a Golf and they just have that certain something that makes you want to keep coming back.

[@jbm0866]

I 110% agree, the MK7/7.5 is the pinnacle of the Golf..and since the Mk8 is likely EV only, the end of an era.

[@rockerwilson]

Owned my 63 plate GTI PP manual for two years now, only just watched the video and you got it exactly right, it is the best all rounder for back road blasts, or like me loading the boot up with 150kg of gravel in bags, it just works!

[@Mo_R9]

Any issues with the car ? Read about turbo and othe issues ?

[@ParanaSlim52]

IMHO my MK7 GTI arrived with about 7/10 capabilities, but all of them very much fun and capable. With a few simple mods; tires, wheels, tune, and a rear sway the car is now closer to 9/10 capability without losing that all-around goodness it's so aptly known for. The tune and suspension mods were nice but surprisingly the tire and lightweight wheels were very noticeable. I'm considering an IS38 turbo swap but I'll need to drive one 1st to be sure I don't lose too much low end snap. The only thing better than one MK7 GTI, in my opinion, would be two and that giddy smile would be plastered on my face indefinitely.

[@ap6584]

Did you get the IS38?

[@jondonnelly3]

It does 300HP on stock turbo. Don't really think it needs much more but maybe im wrong.

[@kojowallace7826]

Couldn't agree more! Just did a road trip from NY to ATL in a 2017 MK7, so reliable and fun! (loving in-city drives as well)

[@derekuhm]

10:00 that giggle says it all 🤣 really love my mk7 GTI. Fantastic review!

[@CarFocused]

Hey! Thanks for watching 😃

[@martindivall5301]

I went from a MK2 Focus RS to a 2019 GTI Performance pack ( 245 bhp ) and find it a better car in many ways, not as good looking , not as good sounding , it doesnt make you feel as special driving it , but... for most of the time its a better car and I love it .

[@clapham4life]

Same as but a MK7 GTI PP. With a few choice mods, map, light wheels, resonator delete, lowering springs, induction kit, and a bigger turbo hose (the elbow in the standard one is so restrictive to air flow) this car flies and becomes a bit more dramatic...(I have all these mods so I can attest to it!)😊

[@jondonnelly3]

​@@clapham4lifeI wanna do elbow and induction then a custom map.

[@Helicoaster117]

Got myself a GTI TCR 2020 (290HP) in January with Akrapovic Exhaust and dynamic rear indicators. As I love dynamic indicators, I installed OSRAM Dynamic Mirror Indicators yesterday. I'm from Bonn, Germany so I live close to Nürburgring. Will drive some rounds there soon again :-)

[@jamessnelling7456]

Love my Mk7 GTI Performance. Always wanted a Golf GTI since the Mk5. Traded my 2015 Civic FK2 in for my Golf 2 years ago and I love it so much. Does eveything so well. I also drove mine to Bruges for a long weekend, was a wonderful drive.

[@Bawla187]

If you like the car now, wait until you tune it, you'll love it. Stage 1 or 2 w/dsg tune.

[@mileonaire7621]

How much average mpg do u get with stage 1?

[@hilly451]

Had a gt86 for the last 6 years, when I first got it had a few people ask me about it, had my golf 2019 performance only 1 month had 4 people at the petrol station ask me about it and got asked to roll the window down at the car wash to say how much they love the tarten seats 😂 see about 200 golfs a day people love them its mental

[@adskelso8398]

Great review. I'm picking one up tomorrow so I'm really excited. Looks to be the same spec as yours

[@CarFocused]

Nice! Enjoy 😃

[@black.diablo.m2]

Thanks for the video. As you know, I owned a low mileage 2008 MkV Golf GTI in 2010-11. They are indeed a brilliant all round car, and the MKV handled really rather well for FWD. I'd like to try a Mk7 at some point.

[@germanredneck4414]

got the mk7 performance 4 days ago and enjoy the hell out of it, great review

[@AxJxM1]

Cheers for the review. Just traded my 2011 1.6 TDI Golf for a 2016 MK7 GTI with the performance pack for that extra 10bhp. Looking forward to picking it up at the end of the month.

[@rafaminus5366]

I thought the mk2 16v was the best and nice Gti. But I bought my manual white mk7. No words....its perfect

[@ghowells5433]

Great cars, I had a Golf my 7 performance, then a my 7.5 Golf R which is a real step on from the GTI, brilliant car. Now up for sale as have an RS3 arrive recently

[@ryanbrazier5172]

I've had my MK7 GTI Performance a couple of months now. I watched this before purchasing the car and you review it brilliantly 👏 I can't fault it, other than the glass on the right wing mirror falling off after 4 weeks and I made sure the heating element was off when I bought it... other than that perfect 👌

[@CarFocused]

Haha that happened to ours too 😂 Thanks for the feedback man 👊🏻

[@itsthedaveee]

Great vid :) just sold my modded MK7 Fiesta ST and picking up a MK7 GTI on Saturday. Looking forward to something a bit more subdued which is still fun when you want it. Your vid sums up the Golf perfectly :)

[@butchmeister80]

Sold my st for one interior and build is much better not as fun as the st though.

[@jamesbrowne7601]

I’m looking to make the same change had my 65 plate fiesta st for 4 years now & looking for a step up in quality plus an auto box

[@toprock1301]

Quick 700 dollar apr tune gives u 306 whp. Car is the same until u put ur foot down. Your getting 0-60 in about 4.7 to 5 seconds flat

[@idenizzar8001]

I got 2015 MK7 GTI 2 door and I love it. just make sure to go with Continental Extremecontact dws06 tires. I got those in 17 on ultra light weight Sparco wheels and I never lose grip.

[@desjon6012]

Good all rounder car ticks all the boxes. Good in town and on the motorway. If you travel a lot in heavy traffic get the dsg.

[@ShogunsDojo]

Yeah that new car looks trash, if you own any iteration of the mk7, keep it.

[@yaaweehoo]

I ditched my dying mini cooper R56 of 10 years for this. I'm above and beyond happy with my purchase. So glad I landed a 7.5 before the next generation landed.

[@cosmicheretic8129]

Bought a 7.5 last month after seeing and hearing reviews of the 8. They cheaped out on materials so where else did they skimp on the 8?

[@BeSoArtistic]

Going to look at one of these on Thursday so thought I’d watch a review. Thought the blue and leather combo was quite rare so crossed checked the reg. turns out it’s the exact one from your video!!

[@CarFocused]

Wow that’s a small world ey. Used to be our car, we had 3 great years with it ☺️

[@GQV10]

I owned a mk7 GTI for 3 years, recently sold it for an Alfa Giulietta QV. Much more fun car to drive, honestly it's the car I wanted the GTI to be. The only problem with it is that it's not as practical as the GTI - especially internal storage spaces. The GTI is the better all-rounder for sure, but it's really boring to drive, even with modifications.

[@KING0SISQO]

Believe me. The giulietta is a fantastic choice. I’ve never owned one. But I nearly did. Only issue for me is that they don’t do manuals anymore. But I buy used so I was going to get a prefacelift one. Could of saved £6k having it. I nearly did pick the golf gti. But something in me wanted the 308 gti. I don’t regret it. I feel they are quite similar in terms of raw driving and fun - that is based on my experience on the fiat bravo sport which share a lot in common with the giulietta in terms of parts used, but of course the qv is faster fun. I owned a vag car after and I felt it lacked something. The 308 gti doesn’t lack what I missed about the bravo sport. It’s just a faster version. My only regret is that I never got the giulietta 1.4 170 or the 1.7 qv that I very nearly chose.

[@GQV10]

@@KING0SISQO Well-said. The TCT on the GQV is more fun and lively than the DSG as well.

[@THETOOTHPICK1534]

I have 2020 gti se and about to hit 5k miles. Such a pleasure to drive

[@johnjackson12]

These cars often dyno above 250bhp. Check out superchips it's very common which is why people don't really moan about the modest power output. I see the golf gti as a focus st equivalent and a very good all rounder. There are more exciting hot hatches like the type r more track focused like the megane 300 trophy but they are compromised on the road. The gti is a perfect daily

[@jbm0866]

I agree with you on the MK8, and not sure its one of those cases of "looks better in person than it does in pics and on video." Literally the only thing I like about the MK8 is the rear...thats it. Interior looks cheap, front looks odd (especially GTI) and even the side profile looks a bit off with the rear window sloping inward a bit more.

[@oioi873]

Such a great all rounder....i love them!

[@robertdavis5714]

Looks like an Autobahn (what we call it here in the states) but, without a sunroof, which I have never seen.

[@joecarrolljnr]

Mk8 golf is horrendous. Agree 100%. Mk5 onwards are really nice cars. Great all rounder and I feel very underrated by most. I'd have Mk7 GTI with DSG over alot of performance hatches.

[@yaaweehoo]

Such a great car to drive, agree with what you're saying here. Very affordable punchy car. I need to play more with the individual settings.

[@Mr330d]

Now that colour I do like 👌🏻

[@shaunhendricks8675]

My dream car 😩 ❤️

[@garyhaines4051]

Have you thought about getting it remapped? They make a massive difference.

[@Birmingham_racing]

Can't go wrong with a gti. I would remap it simply because I like a car to be a bit of a handful makes it more exciting

[@focusedman5759]

I'm seriously considering one after I'm finished with my 2009 Focus ST3.

[@e46Kyle]

I know this is an older video, but it's super helpful for people like me who want to get into a GTI, but can't stand the looks (and horrible user interface) of the Mk8. Care to tell us what model wheel's you have on it? They're gorgeous (and definitely not available in North America).

[@CarFocused]

Thank you! These are the VW ‘Santiago’ wheels.

[@e46Kyle]

Thanks!

[@notorious_ji9762]

I’m definitely really thinking about buying one of these I love the practicality and the upscale environment of the interior. I know with mods these cars can be really fun and fast. But even without them are they really fun to drive? And worth the investment?

[@micklawrence2630]

Great vid ..... looking forward to seeing and hearing the RS soon 👍🏼

[@SamAustin]

If you are craving a bit more best get a Golf R :-) The GTI is great though and good to see you have kept it for quite a while! Nice review 👍

[@CarObsession]

You can't really go wrong at the Golf GTI, but I don't think I could have one until I'm older as they're a bit too...sensible 😅

[@iainmurray3506]

Great review. I have a 7.5 non pp which I love. Be interesting to see the difference in comparison to your pp version.

[@butchmeister80]

Got a 3 Dr manual is a good car not the most exciting drive but as you say looks great well specced and a good all rounder. Mines not got pp though

[@jdkljfkjefjkjfdjdi]

I like this car. Thanks for the review.

[@jasonboyle7203]

Never had any v.w but they always been a popular choice.

[@jasonboyle7203]

Would like to do the road trip to the ring have civic fk8 did you just go with the Mrs?

[@Ian-rd9rb]

Great review. very balanced. Great car!!

[@deyon100]

Just like the st diesel all rounder looks smart fun to drive 👍

[@robsx4280]

Great review, think that has convinced me to get one

[@s10lucky]

Great review and I completely agree. Sold my 2017 RS at the beginning of the year and bought a 981 for fun day’s. Seriously thinking of a mk7 as my daily. 👍

[@toddstevens8506]

This is the German way, take a good design and continually develope it.

[@jakelsdon4473]

Just put a deposit down on one exactly same year as yours. I can not wait to pick it up on Tuesday after watching this. Great vid 👍🏻

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Like the Gulf GTI.Not as aggressive as they used to be in the 80s 90s cosmetic wise.But still a good car.Great video Gary 👍

[@MercSLRFan]

Really, you think a Mk3 had an aggressive styling?

[@blackflagpirate3444]

@@MercSLRFan Depends if it had the body kit opinion 😃

[@Azuniite]

Really want to buy a second hand mk7 but I'm seeing a lot of *keyless* variants. Are they really commonly stolen or is *keyless* variant as safe as key one?

[@Roadwarrior92]

Keyless is a risk, the R range is more commonly affected though.

[@swiizzie5220]

it’ll look better once it’s out trust me

[@Cre8tive81]

Wouldn't you want a car that makes you feel fast, even when going slow rather then a car that is going fast but doesnt feel like it is?

[@yushanohMK5]

Love my £3500 Polo MK5. MK7 is around £40K

[@clarkeynjc]

Great video, nice car. Just out of interest is it quicker than a ford focus ST mk3?

[@clarkeynjc]

@@CarFocused Not good for me, haha. Cheers

[@David-vx5tk]

I have a 2016 golf GTI Autobahn and it does not have the auto hold button how does Auto hold work does it automatically work if you have your foot on the brake if there's no button to use and are these cars okay in stop and go traffic

[@tj4990]

Great video, I know you have got rid of both this and the fiesta st now, but can you recall which u thought was faster?

[@CarFocused]

I’d say the Golf is faster, but the Fiesta feels faster as it’s smaller and more agile. Golf is the far better allrounder though.

[@tj4990]

@@CarFocused thanks for the reply mate interesting to know. I’m 18 and just got a 2014 st2 frozen white, completely standard and love the thing. Dont have any plans to modify it but if I was to what would u say I should do?

[@CarFocused]

@@tj4990 Mountune MP215 kit adds a nice little kick 😁

[@tj4990]

@@CarFocused cheers mate definitely worth me looking into. Any plans to have any more fiesta sts on the channel or maybe in ur possession?

[@GIXXERUKX]

Great review 👍

[@markday6524]

Loving my 2019 GTI. And so happy that over the past year +. That I bought it. Not much liking the looks of the MK8 sort of BLA.

[@RyanDanielsChannel]

Great Video! What is the MPG like with the DSG box? Thinking of getting one, but do approx 15k miles per year.

[@RyanDanielsChannel]

Car Focused Ok sweet! Thanks for coming back to me! 🤛🏼

[@H8XME]

Mk7 gti golf vs mk4 st focus which is best?

[@SilverShamrock71]

can't see any pre 2017 performance GTIs on Autotrader, WTH?

[@veryannoyed4540]

OURS IS the same, Moroccan leather seats, lazy uncle Bavaria ...UNTIL THE MONSTER EMERGES and the next thing you know you’ve got flashing blue lights in your mirror and you lost yr license .≥again

[@andrewoconnor336]

What do you think is a better all rounder, the gti or a focus st?

[@scott17373]

What are these like for putting the power down in the wet ? Does the diff help ?

[@deyon100]

My mate just got one on a 2018 in black

[@scuba_steve73]

Be honest... this car or a focus st mk3 st3 preface stage 1 plus?😁🙈

[@JacesOwnWorld]

Audi RS’s are fast, especially when tuned, but they lack as being a proper sports car. They’re soft compared to BMW’s as far as driving experience is concerned.

[@Wootoast78]

Just think what the Clubsport could do.

[@harleyjager8829]

Spot on! I've watched dozens of KZbin clip regarding the Mk7 GTI over the years. This one pretty much sums up what the GTI is -- an excellent all-arounder. I owned a 2017 GTI Sport for just over a year. I sold it only because I anticipated Volkswagen of America would come to its senses and import the Mk.7 TCR or an equivalent GTI before moving on to the Mk.8. Much to my chagrin, that didn't happen. Very frustrating. And now it's going to be at least a year or more before the Mk.8 arrives, and who know what it will be like really? Certainly the appearance of the front fascia will take some getting used to. All the more reason then to buy one a tried-and-true Mk.7.5. Particularly when they are -- as is typically the case with existing VW models -- being discounted to beat the band. And if you happen to own a Mk.7.5, you'd be well advised to hang on to it.

[@soulmateseverywhere6309]

How do you get a mk7 with DSG farts? I tried to buy a few but they are all quietly and no farts :( Do you know why?

[@ianmitchell9102]

Soulmates Everywhere sport mode, lift off the throttle or whilst accelerating use the paddles and don’t lift off. It gets better as the car warms up

[@soulmateseverywhere6309]

@@ianmitchell9102 thx man!

[@wardy6343]

How did you get your centre console to have apple car play etc, from standard they dont come like that

[@CarFocused]

This was the upgraded Nav system with the larger screen, not sure if that makes a difference?

[@wardy6343]

@@CarFocused Ahhh yeah maybe it was that, because i know from standard they dont come with apple car play, but its a sick mod to do!

[@markday5797]

Could not said about it myself.

[@74aamer]

Love this car

[@ewanduplessis9682]

Reliability wise?

[@jazzer111]

hi i own a leon cupra 290 how does it compare ? thinking buying a mk7.5 gti

[@edinburghgus8379]

I had a 280 Cupra and an M135i but much prefer my 245PP GTi. It’s totally standard, manual. Cupra maybe a bit sharper at the limit but overall way quicker than you may expect and feels special inside (especially with the tartan seats). Sounds much less synthetic than the Cupra too.

[@tiagocarvalho5740]

@@edinburghgus8379 Hi! Why you much prefer Gti and not m135i? I am interested in 3 cars M140i, new Focus ST or the Golf GTi 7.5. thank you

[@alexe6242]

Does this model have the LSD?

[@forddriven8962]

hi gary, that golf is nice , but the gti lost its wow factor, plus everybody love fords for there fun factor...the golf gti is like a boring hot hatch, but a great car............nice review its a nice change to see different makes just deposited on a RS edition....£30500...but now kinda temp-lost job until this virus claims down think im going to cancel it and and look at it again after this virus is under control...... think id be fking crazy to buy it at moment....... stay safe and well

[@mrzed3034]

Real life mpg please? Town and motorway driving?

[@CarFocused]

If my memory serves me correct it was around 36mpg.

[@mrzed3034]

@@CarFocused is that 36mpg through town? Do you know the mpg for mororway drives?

[@CarFocused]

@@mrzed3034 that’s combined. You’d get over 40mpg on motorway runs.

[@fraserpitkethly2265]

why? why? why? why did you spec the back leather seats and not the tartan cloth seats. its a GTI ffs

[@CarFocused]

I guess some of us just prefer leather 🤷🏼‍♂️ lol

[@H8XME]

German build quality? Its made in Mexico 🇲🇽!!!

[@ShogunsDojo]

Perhaps but German engineers specify the quality control standards, I’m pretty sure the cars produced in Mexico are for the US market

[@daleboyles3805]

Not in the UK

[@smiler921]

From 2019 they’re built in Germany

[@golfmother3141]

@@ShogunsDojo Correct only nth America , we get German made in OZ , i love my Clubsport manual , best GTI of four ive owned .

[@ShogunsDojo]

Golfmother that’s awesome dude. Is there any evidence to support the fact that Golfs made outside of Germany are inferior in some way compared to their German made counterparts?

[@4GuitarTrance]

When are you Brits going to learn to manufacture and drive cars for the PROPER side of the road? BTW... good vid!

[@gembalaartoni]

Simply the best...until your cylinders explode lmao

[@Buffalohump77]

Agreed! Mk 8 is terrible.

[@afzalmohammed1133]

:)