LOVE & HATE! 2023 VW Golf R 20th Anniversary Review

2023 VW Golf R review by The Straight Pipes. The Volkswagen Golf R 20th Anniversary is putting down 315 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from a 2L Turbo 4 cylinder. At $52,395 CAD, would you take it over the Toyota GR Corolla, VW GTI, Honda Civic Type R, Acura Integra Type S, Subaru WRX, some old Subaru WRX STI?
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[@TheStraightPipes]

There's still time to get the Continental Tire $110 rebate ➡ bit.ly/41rWvVU

[@AmericanNationalist852]

Michelin Pilot Super Sports should come stock on Rs, imo, they completely transformed my 19 R. The stock contis were aweful

[@metalslug26]

Darn., we're was this rebate. When I got DWS 06 Plus tires for my 19 VW Arteon SEL 4Motion with 18inch wheels? Either way great sport/comfort tire 👍.

[@MetalJesusRocks]

I have a MK8 GTI and the touch buttons aren’t that bad. You get used to it. I’ve been extremely happy with it.

[@quintonharris4507]

Yea, after having my R for a few months now I feel like they blow it out of proportion. How often do you have to fuff with the touch screens anyway? I touch it twice when I get in, Auto stop start off, and into special. Once again auto journalism is complaining about something, relatively stupid.

[@cloudstrifex88]

Hi MetalJesus, love your vids, funny to see you here but now you got me remembering that you filmed some vlogs in your new GTI. :)

[@doudymac]

​@@ClickbaitMotorsportsExactly !

[@shiugen676]

not the buttons the issue, but the shoddy infotainment system, crashes, slow etc. and I was a lucky one with minimal issues Sold my mk8 golf R, moved to BMW M, though likely will move to an I30N soon :D

[@davidsonnow]

No it SUCKS

[@yannzhaotan2104]

The door slam cut at the beginning is brilliant. I re-watched that like 5 times.

[@ByteSizedSociety]

Wow I didn't notice that, thanks for pointing it out 🙂 Have a good day.

[@Sickwitit18]

Yeah that was a nice transition

[@cubano07x]

I came here to comment this and was hoping someone else loved it as much as I did!

[@genderlessyoutubefanperson]

I bought 2024 Golf R DSG last Saturday....it is all fixed. No buttons added, but all is working fine, and the infotainment is awesome and easy to use.

[@cortneysmith69]

I like that the CEO is speaking about the infotainment. I have specifically not purchased a MK8 R because of the infotainment. Hopefully a refresh with nice physical buttons and knobs comes out soon!

[@Alex-se3uy]

Same. I'd genuinely consider one if this was addressed. Granted, with a manual transmission as well.

[@lukaspukas8692]

And getting rid of the gloss black interior🤢 if they get rid of that and proper knobs I’ll be in the market for this for sure

[@cortneysmith69]

Yeah, idk how this gloss black trend started, but I can't wait for it to end.@@lukaspukas8692

[@2010ngojo]

Sucks for those who already brought one. Oh well.

[@Jay_812]

I’m in the same boat. I had a mk7.5 and would definitely considered an 8.

[@bluesboytyler]

Not normally a VW fan, but something about the golf R is really appealing. Except for the infotainment, but every manufacturer has had a terrible one at some point.

[@dacmm]

Reviewers shit on it consistently because they don't spend enough time with it to get used to the infotainment. You shouldn't need to get used to it at all ideally, I agree; but once you've spent 3 days in the car everything is pretty intuitive and usable.

[@HawkSea]

Right? Once you know where stuff is it's pretty damn easy to live with.@@dacmm

[@PureHTM]

I’ve driven a mk8 GTI and R for a combined 30 minutes and had no issues trying to do whatever I needed to do.

[@mikemayers9353]

The fact that its fast as fuck

[@mikemayers9353]

@@dacmmi like it its cool and im used to it in 1-3 hrs

[@MostlyHuman]

I have a Mk7 GTI and was saving for a Mk8 R but that fiddly interior was a 100% deal breaker! The Mk7's MIB2 system w/o navi is excellent and future-proof thanks to CarPlay AND Android Auto (take notes Porsche).

[@shoumenyuan]

mk7 interior is more classic (and very usable). But mk8 infotainment and interior is not that bad I think, just a bit ugly.

[@joycerichardson1810]

Keep the Mk 7!

[@bubbleshield50]

​@@shoumenyuanmk8 infotainment is possibly the worst on the market of any car. Unless it's fixed soon I'll be taking a slow af WRX over the mk8.

[@Gyh373]

I have a mk8 GTI and it’s not that bad at all, I don’t know what the fuss is about.

[@Ulvaeus]

I love my 2018 Gti and the infotainment and climate controls are so easy to use. Agree the current model is a turn off in this regard but hoping the upcoming revised version improves things. Feel like I should buy it before it goes fully electric.

[@ramspace]

I still remember my 1992 Mark 2 red GTI. For $700 I replaced the cam, the exhaust, and threw in a short throw gear shift. The car was a thrill in second gear accelerating out of a corner at 3,800 rpm.

[@dougrobinson8602]

I had one of those, as well. Tornado red was amazing. Fun car with a strut bar and rear sway bar.

[@horNNN_]

i have a 2023 Golf R, the infotainment system is livable, not ideal, but its fine when you live with the car for more than a week lol. Its the perfect daily and i love it to death!

[@geronimooo260]

I have a 2022, I find the tech more than ok, I don’t get what’s not to like ?

[@kevins8386]

Nice one mate pride and joy

[@davidsonnow]

Lol Sure ya do… this car SUCKS with the screens and capacitive “buttons”

[@horNNN_]

@@davidsonnow yeah it sucks so bad I just bought my wife an Atlas CS with the same infotainment lol. Go direct your negativity somewhere else lmao

[@jtkent28]

I bought the 40th anniversary edition GTI and I absolutely love it (urano grey with a 6 spd for anyone wondering). For $34K I feel it was completely worth it. It is the perfect spec placed between the S and SE. Could have done without the silly light bar but appreciate the adaptive dampers and speed sensitive steering. The R is cool but I think the GTI AE is definitely the better value.

[@bikin2008]

I got the 40th in Canada. About 40k. I can't even find a new R so availability is key difference. Lol.

[@Tdfries]

Speed sensitive steering has been a thing for Audi/VW cars since like mid 2000's. That EA888 engine is garbage as well... you will be lucky if that engine gets you 70K miles without randomly failing due to it's MANY design flaws.

[@bikin2008]

@Tdfries good thing I plan to get rid of it at 60k miles 😂

[@jtkent28]

@@Tdfries I’ve had 3 GTI’s prior to this one, a 2010, 2016 and 2018. Both the ‘10 and ‘18 for about 60K and not hardly a lick of trouble. Only issue on the ‘10 was a failed intake manifold that didn’t leave me stranded and was fixed under warranty. My ‘18 was flawless. Very happy with all 3 (only had the ‘16 for 2 yrs but I’m sure it would have been fine). I usually keep my cars for 6 yrs / 60K miles but since the 40AE is kind of special I plan to keep it longer. We’ll just have to wait and see how reliable it is but based on my previous experience I think it will be ok.

[@shijima_ending]

@@Tdfries the ea888 gen 3 and gen 4 are actually incredibly stout

[@Thekobeowns]

The mk8 interior and infotainment system hate is way overblown. It’s great. All car reviewers are just bias and want classic buttons. I was scared and almost didn’t buy an mk8 because of all the negative reviews. After test driving it at a dealership I realized it was all bs. Went from 7.5 to 8 r. Would never go back to the 7.5. Mk8 is better in every single way

[@Thekobeowns]

@@rickkyross1 have you been in a mk8 interior ?

[@Thekobeowns]

@@rickkyross1 yea I owned a 7.5 and owned a mk8. The interior is better in absolutely every way, I get it. Hating on the new model cause you can’t buy it. But stop the hate, ur just pushing new buyers to other car brands

[@andrewnotmyrealname7827]

Had a 2016 before I moved to a Stinger. Loved it. If you don't like the touchscreen in the Mk8, get a Mk7, it'll be a better price, and easier to live with.

[@jasons7764]

I had a 7.5 and upgraded to a Macan S instead of a MK8 because of all of the terrible reviews about the infotainment. I missed the R, so I got an mk8 20th. I am fine with the infotainment and I am 48 years old and used to buttons. You can set it up and make it a lot easier to use and it is quick. Don’t listen to the reviews. This is way better than the 7.5 and worth taking the time to familiarize yourself with infotainment. Just one opinion.

[@aaronmulkey7487]

Had a 19’ GTI, but bought a truck last year. I miss that car so much. The MK7 is so much better

[@thezeek2745]

@@aaronmulkey7487not it isn’t. The suspension Alone makes the MK8 so much better

[@joelzylstra2971]

I’ve got a ‘16 Audi S3 and thinking of going Stinger. How did you find the transition?

[@andrewnotmyrealname7827]

@@joelzylstra2971 picked up a used 2018 with 100,000km with a warranty. Had a shock go in the back left, not covered. $1500CAD including install. The car is a gem when it hasn't got problems. Going back to a non-dsg auto feels slow. Way more space for passengers. Cargo feels about the same. Fuel economy is not as good as the Golf R, but the smiles per gallon feel higher.

[@AHG8R]

ESC is irrelevant to auto upshift, you just need to be on Special mode and S+ before switching to manual, then you get M+ which does not upshift. You can see that @ 2:35 they are in M1 and @ 2:49 they are in M+1 Infotainment is amazing to use after 1 week of getting used to it IMO (SW bugs are a different story).

[@Zorrolord]

I got a 2023 model 20th anni G8R and haven't had a single bug. I think they put in more cpu power into newer models. I don't know if ppl could get a replacement if they own a non upgraded one?

[@keithck3720]

I drive a 10 year old pre-infotainment car. I know all infotainments aren't built the same but I'm getting anxiety just watching them trying to figure out this one despite being very used to dealing with them. I'm kind of dreading the day I have to buy a car with one.

[@ByteSizedSociety]

Do you plug in your cell phone and use like Android Auto or Apple CarPlay? That might be a gateway drug to getting used to having a touch screen. It does require some adaptation so that you don't drive into an electric pole while you're tapping on the screen. So it's best to practice a little bit and be conservative when learning while driving.

[@Black-Villain]

Android Auto/Apple Carplay sidesteps a lot of the terrible interfaces that OEMs use. Phone auto pairs when you get in, takes over the infotainment screen, you're good to go. Only decent OEM infotainments I've used are Tesla, Volvo, and maybe Rivian? I've head the brand new android-based GM system is pretty good too, but I haven't used it

[@keithck3720]

@@ByteSizedSocietyNope. I'm old school that way.

[@keithck3720]

@@Black-Villain Great point. Android Auto and Apple Carplay have had years to work on perfecting their interface.

[@keithck3720]

@allebike527 I have a 13 Mazda 3 so it's literally one year before they introduced infotainment to the Mazda 3. People find the control knob divisive and either love it or hate it. I haven't tried it so I can't say but I understand the concept so that it reduces driver distraction. Makes sense that it's essentially muscle memory once you're used to it.

[@tedjones403]

As always an entertaining and interesting review from the boys. I have owned a MK 8 R manual for 18 months and love the car. As someone who owned and drove every generation of the GTI, I decided to step up to the R. I compared it to both he S3 and the S5 and felt that the R was the better car/deal for my needs. I would have probably bought the S3 in Euro hatchback mode, but having always had a hatchback I could not opt for a three box car. I will not dwell on the obvious performance/handling virtues of the car as they are well documented. My only real concern about the car was the infortainment system - and I was leaning towards an Audi product because of it. However, two of my sons (I'm in my 60's) convinced me that I would adjust quickly to the system - thankfully they were correct! Yes, this system was a radical departure from the Mk 7, but now 18 months later I have to say it is incredibly intuitive and easy to use. I would not go as far as to say it's brilliant, but definitely better than the criticism levelled by many reviewers. Cited issues by reviewers include: No volume knob = Steering wheel haptic can be used like a normal button (You don't have to slide it) Sliders on dash (Criticized for not being illuminated) = I hardly ever have a need to use them, I would criticize VW a little here as they really are a redundant feature. A/C controls = I set my car to Auto at 70 F Summer and Winter as the system works seamlessly to heat or cool as appropriate (I have always done this on my cars that have Auto A/C.. I also love the fact that the heated/ventilated seats work in tandem with the system without the driver having to turn them on. Love the the fact that the car also has climate control/heated seats in the back (Especially at this price point!). Hand hitting heated steering wheel control = You can turn this feature off within the infortainment. I have probably only activated this feature accidentally no more than 3 times in 18 months - I drive with my hands on the 10 and 2 position. These are some of my observations as a fairly long term owner - I have adapted quickly to the system, but agree there are some short term challenges (Which is probably the biggest negative). I still prefer the S3 dashboard/infortainment system, but in no way is that a deal breaker. The car itself has been superb, quick, balanced, and poised and for me it ticks all the boxes.

[@bucknut2000]

Nice review , do u feel the golf r is more fun and worth it for daily spirited fun on the hwy Ramps verses the gti . I drive a 2015 gti manual and am considering the golf r in the next month

[@tedjones403]

@@bucknut2000 Having owned every generation of the GTI (1-7.5) this time I decided to get an R. This was based on the new AWD system/street performance, the overall day to day driving experience, and incredibly strong re-sale value (Although this car is a keeper). However, I am still a strong believer in the prowess of the GTI and I feel the current sweet spot is the 40th anniversary model - I know I would have been perfectly happy with another GTI. Ultimately, it's down to individual choice, but I feel that my purchase and ownership of the R has been excellent - AND 20 months down the road my R is still worth slightly more than the MSRP I paid for it (KBB and CarMax evaluations of a 12,000 mile manual R).,

[@davidsonnow]

Oh SHUT IT - we want our buttons and knobs back!!

[@mazpr2025]

​@@tedjones403you are just spam

[@DestinMcWhorter]

yep, I WILL NOT buy one until they fix it. That simple@@davidsonnow

[@joetacchino4470]

One of my co-workers just got one of these. It’s surprisingly bigger than my Mk 7 was. Looks very sharp though.

[@eliotgarcia21]

How is the cargo space?

[@Zharsergey]

It is pretty much the same size as previous gen. Length, wheelbase all within 25-50mm

[@charleskaczmarek6568]

'24 MK8R here, the infotainment is not bad. In fact, certain aspects (sliders on steering wheel) I think are better than previous. I just don't get the fixation...as for the traction control, find it once, add it to your favorites and move on!

[@br3wsan]

I've got '23 non-AE R in manual, and bought it because it comes in a manual. (I like manuals and realize that this could be that last manual car I'll own.) I don't have launch control so I'm almost never looking for the ESC menu, I also put the ESC in the pull down shortcut menu on day 2 of owning the car. The infotainment is fine, it's not great I'll admit but can't think of anything with a truly great infotainment though. It took some getting used to but after a few weeks was fine with it. Once you learn to use the buttons below the screen and the shortcut menu everything you'll want on a daily basis is a single tap or swipe away. I never use the "Hey Volkswagen" voice control, it's failed more often than it's worked. Honestly, I think reviewers harp on the infotainment because everything else is great. There's little else to complain about. I'll take an IMO 5/10 infotainment if it means a 9 or 10/10 for everything else.

[@ByteSizedSociety]

Good to know. I wonder if you could "Hey Volkswagen" the stability control thing on the DSG models. Yes reviewers are always harping on that because it's an easy crowd pleaser emotional hot point.

[@RyanRiopel]

When it was auto upshifting you were in M manual mode, but when you switched back it was in M+ manual mode. M+ is the mode that doesn't automatically upshift. You must have accidentally pulled the D/S shifter to switch from S+ down to S before using the paddles to shift manually.

[@Zorrolord]

Yeah exactly but they still went on blaming the car for their human error.... as an owner i dislike this misrepresentation (like many things about the infotainment)

[@colinboire1866]

M+ is only mk8 right? Have a mk7 and have been trying to figure out the auto up shifting for a while.

[@mattgurr6583]

I’ve got the T-Roc R which has a lot of the functions replaced with discrete buttons and controls. Much easier to use than the Golf infotainment even with capacitive sliders. I also get a proper gear stick with the DSG which is great for dropping into Sports mode really quickly when you’re driving.

[@Entropied]

The whole review was around the infotainment Lmao

[@errsta]

Finally a DSG review. DSGs are great in these...

[@marccyberwiz]

Infotainment is not that bad! I've owned 22 MK8 GTI and now 23 Golf R I'll see in the 23 it is faster so they must have done some hardware upgrades. The touch buttons are never an issue.

[@bucknut2000]

How do u like the R vs the GTI. Im have a GTI, had a small test drive with an R. I liked it but wasn’t sure with a 10 minute drive. It didnt seem much faster, What have you found.

[@jordanbailey8022]

I have a Mk8 GTI and the infotainment really isn't that hard to use. The steering wheel controls are easy to get along with too.

[@geronimooo260]

Same, happy owner here, don’t listen to youtubers

[@rjbaldwin_]

Didn’t take me long to get familiar with it. Maybe a weekend to then get comfortable with it. Looks great too with the simplistic approach.

[@wynn324]

@@geronimooo260don’t listen to people who already bought the car and can’t handle the thought of their expensive new purchase having any flaws so they lie to themselves to cope with how dogshit the interior is. the mk8 interior is objectively terrible, probably worst on the market, and 100 steps back from the brilliant mk7 interior

[@bikin2008]

​@wynn324 I have the mk8 gti. Took like 15 mins to learn the infotainment. I'll say the use of gloss black is hella annoying. But otherwise I love the car.

[@porscherain]

Fanboys coming out to defend this car with statements like “it’s not that bad” are pathetic. Buttons work better, are consistent in action and are safer, that’s the end of it. VW fix the interior and I’ll buy one, current 7.5 owner.

[@mikefesta7984]

1) 'Burg mode defaults to S+ or M+ (where it does not auto upshift) by default. you can put it into S or M (where it auto up shifts) but clicking the chicken nugget shifter. 2) I have had zero infotainment issues in 5000 miles. I actually like the "buttons".

[@gtasanandreascluckinbell]

Do the buttons work well?

[@dacmm]

@@gtasanandreascluckinbell After a day or two of getting used to them they're pretty good. There's a click sound when you press the middle buttons, and there's haptic feedback for the steering wheel buttons, so it's not just tapping away at plastic. There's also some neat features like being able to light press and hard press steering wheel buttons for different results (such as cycle drive modes or go straight to race, or increase cruise speed by 1 or by 5, etc).

[@gtasanandreascluckinbell]

@@dacmm thats nice. Because up until now, all i heard were the mk7 loyalists saying its hot garbage, nice to hear about the real experience

[@mikefesta7984]

@@gtasanandreascluckinbell I came from a 7.5. I like the infotainment in this better. Its different, and people often don't like different. The haptic buttons on the wheel "click" as mentioned (as a whole). On top of that you can soft press and slide for other things (volume). Everyone is allowed to have a preference, but my opinion is that its far from "trash".

[@gtasanandreascluckinbell]

@@mikefesta7984 that's good to hear since i might buy one

[@synapse1able]

I refused to buy the MK 8 because of the infotainment system so I bought a 7.5 love it

[@Zorrolord]

You let urself influence too much by these reviewers all parroting the same shit about the infotainment. You should instead have test driven one for yourself. The performance a nd handling of a Mk8 puts any 7th gen in the dust. A stock 8R can literally outperform a stage 1 tuned 7 o 7.5 model.

[@synapse1able]

I don’t understand how you can say the eight blows away 7.5 with a stage one that’s ridiculous with a stage one on a 7.5 hp is 360 if not more and as far as handling, some simple modifications can almost equalize the eighth in handling and I did see the infotainment system on an eight And it’s horrendous

[@AntFragale]

I have a Mk8 R and I can’t tell you how great the car is. I do not think the infotainment is bad at all. I don’t know why people are so weird about it. You have to purposefully try to make it annoying. My climate is set on auto and I simply adjust the temperature. It does everything else perfectly. You don’t have to rest your entire hand all over the bottom where you know there are buttons just to make a point. Simply rest your thumb below or with your fingers on the top of the screen. It’s cake. And this whole ESC thing… man you guys even went out of your way to say “don’t use the short cut, it wasn’t there for me.” Then just read the manual for 10 seconds? Why handicap yourself. You can customize the infotainment so much and make everything suuuuuper easy. And for what it’s worth, why are you surprised it’s in brakes? They literally use brakes for the esc lol. I don’t know, small rant but seriously for anyone wondering if the car is worth it; it is. Nothing compares in features, comfort, and capability for the price. Nothing.

[@Zorrolord]

As a owner i fully agree. These reviews are insanely biast just parroting one another.

[@AntFragale]

@@Zorrolord they are. Not understand the auto upshift was because it wasn’t in m+, just normal m, etc. I understand they can’t know the car fully but like, that’s such an obvious feature. It comes off like it’s a glitch and it’s not at all. They just didn’t know what they were doing.

[@oliver3051]

With the exception of the slider controls not being lit when dark (very dumb design miss), I really like the infotainment system on this car. Very fast, eays to use, and shortcuts. Just takes a few days to get used to it.

[@Mvader7]

Had an MK7 R and wanted and MK8 anniversary but you can’t even order them. Local dealers have had unfulfilled orders for the new R for two years. Prices are crazy on used ones so I bought an RS3 for same price instead.

[@Zorrolord]

That is wild, in my country the RS3 is 33k more expensive than my Golf 8R 20th edition was. But i guess your dealers marked the hell out of the golf since the anni edition is no longer in production.

[@CubanRider]

Just sold our Mk8 GTI recently, coming from a long history of new GTIs since 2006, this is the first time we don't have a GTI in the garage. This should tell you something about how much we disliked the lack of buttons. It's a shame because the Mk8 are super quick once tuned and the aftermarket is only getting better.

[@Incomudro1963]

Yeah, I had a MK6 GTI in 2012, and drove that until 2015 when the MK7 came out. I'm still driving the MK7 now, and unless they change the HVAC/infotainment controls as they claim - my next vehicle will not be a MK8.

[@CubanRider]

@@Incomudro1963 we miss our MK7

[@geronimooo260]

What did you find was wrong exactly ? I have no issues whatsoever, just like most owners, so I’m just curious…

[@Zorrolord]

Curious what your issue was? I own a mk8 20 yr R and have no issue with the car / infotainment whatsoever?

[@MyerShift7]

No physical buttons is the problem. If you don't understand or can't see why you're not going to be smart enough to understand it being explained to you because you're part of the Dum dums who desire that kind of stuff.

[@pchyen]

Someone left the windshield washer reservoir cap open. We love our Golf 8R, best purchase ever, right next to the S2000.

[@jsh139]

Looks like a lot of fun to take through some cornerrrrrrrrrs!

[@sketchpv3080]

I thought I was the only person that disliked black wheels! Glad I’m not alone. Reminds me of cheap steelies with missing hubcaps!

[@grocerygrip]

Beings a former MK7 owner, the markups for the MK8 R,(over $53K USD) I'm over it. For the same price you can get a new non marked up S3, or save another 10K and get an RS3

[@phillipw2493]

The info was the worst when I saw other did an intro an review. Because I have a Golf Alltrack and I like the infotainment as is with buttons 2017...... great fun review guys😂

[@gmonk313]

I have a MK8 and the infotainment isn’t that bad. Jacob you gotta rest your hand on top of the screen and with muscle memory the buttons are easy to find at night time. GTI>WRX

[@Kamukix]

You had to do the same with the touchscreens in the mk7 and mk7.5. You need to rest your hand on the top or side of the screen, it's something that everyone does but likely doesn't realize it...but anything newer and they complain about it. Having lived with the mk8 GTi as well, the infotainment stuff is extremely annoyingly overblown. I'm in my 40's and it took me under 10 minutes to get used to it, yet all of the 20 something year old KZbin people talk about it like it's the worst thing literally every designed lol. Yes I wish they had some more hard buttons like the previous gen cars, but they are fine the way they are.

[@why8410]

For the auto upshifting thing. All audi and VW products auto upshift from 1 to 2. You can hit the limiter from 2 and beyond though. I learned this when I drove an RS5.

[@MightyNanoTank]

From a owner perspective of the Mk8R. I complained a lot in the beginning about the buttons. But got used to it like anything else. Especially when you figure out how to work with the Haptic Touch and that it’s capable of utilizing sliding touch functions. We’ve owned the vehicle for 3 months now and I appreciate the simplicity feel in the cabin

[@Zorrolord]

The buttons need a PRESS to activate which is what most people seem to not understand or misunderstand from the reviews usually. I own one and tried to rub and stroke as aggressively as i could and never "accidently activated" a steering wheel button without actually pressing it.

[@quicktoreason2722]

@@Zorrolord exactly- i owned a mk8r for a year now - at 26500 km's at the moment. It took me about 2 weeks and it was as easy as using a phone. The reviewers unilaterally complaining about this while at the same time hoping into a 70k+ car with the same set up and wont complain- its so weird, its almost as if they put these cars in a box and if the design goes outside of that its no longer a golf. its bs. losing credibility

[@anaveragehuman2937]

Imagine being on the powertrain team and having to do a group project with the infotainment team

[@93455Driver]

3 times GTI owner, but had to skip the Mk8 until that UI is fixed :( Swapped my Mk7 GTI Sport for a GR Corolla, but hope by the time I am ready to swap again the Mk8.5 Golf R is a contender with a better UI and buttons on the steering wheel.

[@dougdevine]

In the US models the sunroof is actually removed and not allowed on the 20th anniversary.

[@Zorrolord]

As an owner i can tell you it is just extra weight and not really something you wanna have. Performance Audis are notorious for having leaks in the sunroof after just a couple of years and since VW cooperates with Audi frequently i wouldn't personally risk it having such a possible liability (and extra weight) in the car

[@fireblade6756]

Got my R in July luv it!!! Don't like the 20yrs all that blue and leather seats!! Got a stealthy black with everything black including the wheels. And stop everyone moaning about the touch screen software has been updated and works a treat no problems at all!!! Will b getting a stage 1 tune taking it to 370bhp more than enough thanks. In the UK.

[@Zorrolord]

I own one and i removed the leather seats in the options menu and saved myself 3k on it and got the way cooler and way better cloth seats with alcantara and high quality stitching on it.

[@fireblade6756]

@@Zorrolord great enjoy

[@MARILYNTS]

Bought 20th anniversary, manual and love it❤

[@438516819]

Jacob and Yuri, thanks a lot for the honest reviews. Pleas keep them that way if you can. :)

[@billyhughes9776]

I'll take the "rip out the infotainment and slap a CD/Cassette player" spec thanks!

[@AdonisNineteen99]

Haven't driven a Golf since college 3 yrs ago I'm a corvette guy now but this version has intrigued my interest

[@ByteSizedSociety]

I have a Mark 7, from 2018 and it's still a 2 L engine. And it's a compact. But that's hot hatches. If you can adapt to that mindset then this car is a blast. It's a bit bouncy because of the lowered suspension and the skinny tires so if you want to you could reduce the size of the wheels to 18's and get smaller tires with a bit more travel in the side walls, making it more comfortable. Still punchy. A real blast.

[@chupacabratx]

‘23 Golf R DSG owner here. Infotainment is far from perfect but most everything is preset when you turn the car on: climate, HUD, CarPlay Drive mode defaults to Sport, tap R if you want and you’re good. Level of comfort, sport, driver engagement is incredible enough to overlook the infotainment. I promise you. Also - Ventilated Seats.

[@Deiondrick]

Do you enounter any issues using carplay/android auto? I assume this is how most people will be connected in the car.

[@jimmys_mk8209]

It's really not as bad as everyone complains it to be.

[@natewhite8845]

So the car starts in sport every time? Is there a button you can program to hold your favorite custom setup, or favorite mode?

[@chupacabratx]

@@Deiondrick not really - only once on a super hot day did it bork but came back after a stop/start cycle

[@chupacabratx]

@@natewhite8845 Unfortunately no, default is Sport.

[@erikthie2253]

i own the 2022 vw golf r manual. as for the infotainment, rest your hand on the top of the screen and use your thumb to touch things. this works much better, but in all reality i have not touched anything in the infotainment for about a year. i use apple carplay wirelessly. The car is awesome and i love it!

[@br3wsan]

Got a 2023 Golf R manual non-AE and was gonna post the same.. Fingers on top of the screen and tap with your thumb works really well.. have no issues with infotainment.

[@mohammadkamran5862]

Golf is amazing. I don’t understand the complaints about the buttons. It looks modern and new and pretty cool. VW is always better than the Acura. Interior and build quality is a lot better than the Integra. Don’t even go there.

[@richardhughes601]

2018 MK7.5 here...Stage 2 IE tune, turbo inlet, downpipe, intercooler, cold air, BOV and NEUSpeed Exhaust...not a slouch.

[@deburnaystudios6906]

I owned a mk8 for a year and a half…. No complains about the infotainment at all, is actually amazing and its also amazing in my 23 mk8 Golf R I just bought. These guys always criticize this… I don’t hear anything about Tesla or many others…. The mk8 is totally worth it and way more solid than the mk7 or mk7.5.

[@doudymac]

Making "Everything" touch is an easy deal breaker for me. 👍

[@taylormcintosh8859]

MK8 Golf R owner here for almost two years. Any one who does car reviews or a journalist complains about the infotainment. This is there job to nit pick and find something they dont like about the car. I owned a Mk7.5 R and was the old screen easier to use ? Yes it is but the new one is very straight forward once you get the hang of it. For those of you who say they wont buy this car because of this is an excuse and either you dont have the funds or your letting someone who spends 24 hours in the car dictate your buying decision. If your considering buying one and can some how drive it the car alone will change your mind over the previous Gen because it is light years better !!! The Brakes, Rear Diff, Seats, Available sunroof, much better tech (cooled seats heated steering, heads up display) honestly sat in a Mk7 the other day and felt like i was sitting in a MK4 compared to MK8. Just my two cents from an actual owner !

[@TheStraightPipes]

Ok but. Should I really trust someone who spent this much money on the car. Wouldn’t someone who spent that much find anyway to defend their car purchase so it doesn’t look like they made a purchase. I personally wouldn’t want people to know the thing I spent 60k on kinda sucks

[@kevins8386]

@@TheStraightPipes golf 8 R kinda sucks lol I'll go with someone who's owed one for 2 years and Im mere peasant I'm my 7 R or is that a 4 lol

[@msalvag]

Just got back from vacation in Greece. Manuals are NOT dead. Only in North America

[@kevins8386]

Nothing like rev matching out a corner in a manual

[@geluix69]

How are touch screens legal in a car ? But, yet texting is illegal and punishable by law

[@Arctis34]

Say whatever you want I have the regular R version and it's the best car I have ever had it's not even close

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

Ok, but what else have you had? 🤔

[@jean-francoisdupras2357]

S+ and M+ is the trans mode for no auto upshift!

[@zach.tempone]

The infotainment really isn't that hard to navigate plus it has tons of features.. I enjoy it more than my Mk7

[@mattmckay5054]

That’s good to hear because mine is coming in next month and I’ll be trading in my 7.5 and I don’t want to regret it.

[@geronimooo260]

Exactly, don’t understand what the fuss is about!

[@wynn324]

@@mattmckay5054why on earth would you trade in the beautiful 7.5 for this atrocity? 7.5 better in literally every way, both interior and exterior styling

[@robsnow2099]

The CEO said the infotainment was trash…and people are still in the comments trying to defend it lol It’s awful it’s ok…you just got used to it.

[@Zorrolord]

@@wynn324 Exterior is highly subjective, interior is far superior in the 8R by just the steering wheel alone and the performance will put any 7th gen model in the dust.

[@imanwan2861]

Consumers have been complaining about no physical A/C, volume or radio. However, all new cars have trade off screen size to bottom space.

[@TonyCraig-o5v]

Y'all are every day guys doing stupendous reviews !

[@batitsogtsaikhan469]

Half the video is about the infotainment..who cares. Just set up apple carplay and forget about it like a normal person

[@TheStraightPipes]

We are the normal person

[@GabrielSanchez-o5d]

​@@TheStraightPipesnope

[@SirAMG63]

@@TheStraightPipes complaining person. I own a MK8 R-Line and have 0 issues

[@AndrewBeveridge461]

I had a '17 GTI SE 6MT that I loved, but wanted a bit more room and AWD for the snow. Traded it for a '19 Alltrack SEL 6MT and love it even more. If they made a Mk8 R in a wagon form, I'd deal with the interior stuff and get one. But alas, none of that in the US. An S3 Avant would be even better. Instead, I'm planning to put a IS20 or IS 38 on my Alltrack.

[@FallenArtemie]

This is seriously a good all around car. It's just a shame that the mk7 was also really good and that VW is adamant about that slider interface. I speak from experience having a mk7 and mk8 GTI and driving the new one is better but liveability is worse.

[@ByteSizedSociety]

VW made legitimate mistakes, like any user experience professional would say you shouldn't have covered up other controls with this slider pop-up stuff. So VW basically has to fix it. It would be really nice as if VW had a retrofit kit for all the mk 8.

[@geronimooo260]

What problem do you have in the 8 Exactly ? I have none, so just curious

[@brianyoung8172]

@@ByteSizedSociety also good UI/UX for a vehicle isn't the same as for, say, a mobile device. There is plenty of real estate on a vehicle dash for dedicated, haptic controls for the most commonly used features, and they can be used safely while you are driving. The MK7 was pretty good in terms of usability.

[@Gxrd21]

For almost the same amount starting price (and slightly less HP at 306) the Audi S3 I think is probably more worth. Maybe compare the 2 in a future vid? Not to mention the MMI is amazing😂

[@TheStraightPipes]

Reviewed the S3 last year. Loved it

[@mattmckay5054]

The problem with the S3 is you really want the RS3 but they stopped bring them in to Canada.

[@dcnstar]

Honestly, I got a 40th anniversary gti 3 months ago about $37k so I'd say that's the much better deal than the R 20th, buttons are illuminated on it and the infotainment is actually really easy to use. I got really nervous buying it because of all the reviews talking about the system. But after a week it just became the easiest thing. Wheels are also badass, just the gloss black shows brake dust so much...my 1 complaint

[@Sheltur_0311]

ceramic coat them wheels asap

[@dcnstar]

@@Sheltur_0311 oh ya I did. It's just so annoying seeing the build up so quickly

[@MrAtvfan]

In the US the 20th anniversary doesn’t come with a sunroof for weight savings.

[@marccyberwiz]

Which is a major plus!

[@cold2568]

I had a mk7.5 gti and was ready to upgrade to a mk8 R but the infotainment screen made me go get a M240i for around the same price

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

I'm one of those frustrated customers. I've owned VWs for 30 years, until now. I wanted to replace my mk5 GTI with a mk8, but the horrendous infotainment design and lack of physical buttons ruined it for me. Huge fail by VW. And since the mk9 will be electric I'm really bummed I didn't buy a 7.5 when I had the chance.

[@br3wsan]

Get a mk8, you get used to the infotainment pretty quickly.. the 4 buttons below the screen shortcut you to almost anything you would want to get to while moving and if it doesn't there's always the shortcut pull down menu.

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

@@br3wsan Nope. It's bad enough they're charging almost $50k for a souped up Golf. I'm not going to compromise at that price. If they fix that nonsense with an 8.5 I'll be back.

[@ByteSizedSociety]

7.5 will be on the market used, it's inevitable. You still got time to have a good 5-year of fun ownership, in the not too distant future 🙂 I wish you best luck.

[@br3wsan]

@@DeuceDeuceBravo I thought you were talking about getting a Mk8 GTI. They are also charging (over) $50K for a souped up Civic and almost $50K for a souped up Corolla so it's not VW who's price is out of wack. The Civic also seemly gets nothing but praises. It's your money and your choice, I own one and IMO the infotainment isn't THAT bad and certainly not reason enough to not buy what is otherwise a great car.

[@Zorrolord]

@@br3wsan Yh exactly always this deadweight argument the golf is too expensive when looking at comparable new cars they often more expensive or cant even be compared cuz they a entire diffrent class of car...

[@dftns19]

The dumping of the floor mat onto the carpet beneath really triggered my detailing anxiety.

[@vagdude6397]

***Mk8 Golf R owner here***🙋🏻‍♂️. I’ll admit, the infotainment isn’t ideal but I’ve lived with this car for about 2 months now and I have to say, it doesn’t really bother me anymore. I am fully used to it and actually don’t dislike it believe it or not. Now if I could choose between this and hard button controls, sure, I know what I’d pick. The rest of the car and how this car drives makes up for it. I have owned many vehicles and I truly think this is the best driving car for the money.

[@br3wsan]

'23 R manual non-20AE owner here.. I feel like it took maybe a couple weeks to get used to it (had mine for 10 months now) and feel the same everyone complains about the infotainment but once you're used to it it's fine, not great, but does the job. I mentioned in another comment but hand on top of the screen and tap with your thumb I found was the easiest way to use the screen while moving.

[@bobbydemondukes]

Thankfully we have the 23 S3 instead. 👍

[@YuriTereshyn]

Hit like 👍 if you would also not ever check “brakes” to turn off your traction 😂

[@unbekannt9314]

Video is a few minutes old, comment two days 🤔

[@liljuz1981]

early access video for channel members i assume@@unbekannt9314

[@AmericanNationalist852]

My manual 19 R for the win 💪🏻🇩🇪

[@TheLumberJacked]

I’d point out for a similar price to what you find these new, you could buy a lightly used GLC AMG43 and get a larger vehicle with adaptive dampers AND adaptive air suspension that is luxurious, has lots of physical buttons and absolutely RIPS with a louder exhaust if optioned with the performance exhaust. The prices on the Golf R’s are egregious right now. Truly.

[@jeffdbaker71]

It was nice when Anniversary addition meant that it looked different than just a regular golf. VW has gone soft on that. If you want to make a hot hatch make it look hot. I don't want to spend all that money for a sleeper.

[@RecklessFables]

I have a MkV R32 and it doesn't even have a GPS, IT IS GLORIOUS! I tested the Mk 8 and just hated the controls. It's a shame since it was their sale to lose and the did.

[@doggedlydetermined7022]

Wendy’s baconator fries hit hard on a road trip

[@MMOchAForPrez]

Too bad they're so damn expensive

[@lllateralus]

LOVE my pristine Tornado red 2017 Golf R (mk 7) dsg with 21,400 miles. APR stage 1. Its a rocket.

[@ericcarson342]

Will there be an MK 8.5 R ? I wish they would come out with Spektrum colors. Or the old Oryx White but VW should have more colors and not just tornado red,. Something exclusive to the R.

[@seb5945]

Does it have capacitive touch pedals for brake and gas too? 🙄

[@loki_wolff]

It's just the touch buttons on the steering wheel that ruin it for me. Whether you do an accidental push when turning or not being able to tell by touch without hitting other buttons. That makes ZERO sense to me. On my Z i can feel out the volume buttons without looking down. It's a deal killer for sure

[@lagerace227]

That's why I still have my 2017 Mk7 with stage 1 from new.

[@picassodegallo]

Drive the thing! I know the infotainment is not great but this car is as easy as any with apple carplay and climate control with the temp "buttons." 95% of the time you're changing a song or changing the temp anyway. i forget the voice feature is even a thing. This car (not the 20th) is super fun to own and drive and ripped all winter through several storms in Vermont and snowy muddy ski parking lots and roads. Everyday driving is a blast in this thing and it gets 30mpg on long highway trips.

[@FastRedPonyCar]

Honestly, at the price (plus the markup) these are going for, I'd rather get an Audi S3. Better interior and infotainment.

[@F1_Guy15]

The Year of the Golf Performance trims: Golf R - 20 Years Golf GTI - 47 Years (45 Years was 2 years ago)

[@lucasokeefe7935]

Hot take: 38.5k USD? I'm more than happy with my BRZ, but that's a decent price for a Golf R. After 'market research': Hahaha, they want 47k USD for this car on their site. Screw right off! EDIT: At 6:11 the upper left plastic trim is exactly the same material that was all over my 2004 Dodge Durango. In a car that costs almost 50k usd.

[@joezamoras1019]

As always, great video!

[@BradWilson1969]

At this point, I almost don't care what the car looks like on the outside anymore. If the infotainment and safety features like lane keeping work well, I'm interested. As much as I would love to have a Golf R, knowing that I'd have to deal with that infotainment every day keeps me away.

[@16golfr56]

Everyone I have talked to that owns one, doesn't have any issues after a few days.. only people that are complaining are the ones reviewing, It's got such bad press, next year they are going back to buttons

[@BirdiesGoCherp]

Get the 7.5, like I did. Best generation so far.

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

@@BirdiesGoCherpI agree. Not sure why they messed with the interior when they already had it all sorted out in the 7-7.5

[@Flysh24]

Next year will still be haptic touch. no buttons@@16golfr56

[@Flysh24]

1500 miles in and its a complete non issue. No one that I know who owns one hates it. Reviewers are all just parroting the same thing.

[@somerandomfella]

Golfs are one of the best bang for buck dailys. Regarding infotainment, poor design or any other issues. If manufacturers spent a little time revising, user testing and customer critiquing before building the vehicles, they'd have far better products.

[@dnice362]

Bang for your buck ? The golf r are very expensive

[@Baked-as-Bread]

@@dnice362 so is everything else.

[@dnice362]

@@Baked-as-Bread so how is this best bang for your buck

[@dnice362]

@@Baked-as-Bread it’s a good expensive (over average car)

[@OK-td7oe]

This golf r is the furthest thing from bang from buck. MAYBE the GTI is.

[@Flex_WRX]

You forgot the Audi S3 for AWD and DSG :)

[@razvanstochita8755]

I own a 20th anniversary edition and the infotainment is great✌

[@frankiek.1261]

I miss my MKIV R32…

[@R32vdubb]

You and me both 😢

[@ianjackson5653]

The blue mirror caps though, why vw lol

[@drchango17]

I love my MK8 GTI 40th Anniversary Edition. I got used to the tech pretty quickly, I wouldn’t let that stop you from buying one. The car is so much fun

[@LarryWilson1977]

We have the 20th year and we love it yes the infotainment takes a little to get used to but I find with most cars it does . Anyhow once you do it a non issue . The car is so much fun to drive and gives you a great bang for the buck ! The safety features which they didn’t touch on are amazing also

[@Android.Paranormal]

Finally car guys who also hate black wheels! Theres no contrast with black wheels & black tires.

[@PsychicOracle]

7:20 7:31 these jokes, the utter goofiness, are honestly why I watch

[@ByteSizedSociety]

Someone else posted that the intro has a nifty looking door slam, cutting straight over to driving. Rewatch and that is also entertaining IMO.

[@bernardchupiekyong1001]

This car surprisingly look great in this white in color wow factor 🤩

[@charlienevergold3654]

I’d go DSG. Manuals are fun and all but for 99% of driving shifting is one more thing to do. What would be the benefit of holding a gear and bouncing off the limiter? It’s shifting for a reason.

[@someguy2773]

I purchased the 20 AE with the sunroof delete. The sunroof versions look fine but I don't want to deal with such a feature that I'll never use.