MK8.5 Facelift VW Golf R-Line First Impressions

[@Bless_Mabunda]

How I wish we still got this car in RSA 😢

[@Bahle_Gaji]

Tell me about it

[@sandilesandi3170]

I also wish the same😢

[@loganpadayachee6048]

Madness VW not bringing baseline models to SA

[@carcrazyguysa4059]

No way! This would easily R650k would you pay that kind of money for a base Golf?

[@andrewndlovu7353]

I'm getting myself one from overseas 😊

[@dal2258]

I've ordered a 8.5 R Line 1.5 DSG in moonstone grey, coming from a 7.5 1.5 manual hopefully I won't regret it ... :)

[@SamAustin]

Many congrats on your new order to the MK8.5 🎊

[@davidbuyens9373]

How much did you Pay in Europa?

[@dal2258]

@@davidbuyens9373 Almost 34K €, there were "pre summer discounts" and a takeover premium. List price is >40K.

[@Chris34720]

How long until you get it ?

[@dal2258]

@@Chris34720 expected in the beginning of november

[@beth6852]

Great video, I work in the automotive industry and I’m lucky enough to get a new car every year or 6 months. I drive an Audi Q2 now but use to have a Golf 7.5 (loved it) needless to say I’m definitely going to get the new 8.5 Golf R line next in moonstone grey, I have missed the golf!!

[@SamAustin]

Thank you and for sure you cannot go wrong with a MK8.5 Golf R line in moonstone grey. That colour is great and works well with the black styling pack too if you can go for that also as part of your work 😊

[@roberttye5908]

Thanks so much for reviewing this. Great car. Sounds like mine might be delayed in arriving but I don't care. Well worth waiting for.

[@SamAustin]

No worries at all and I am happy you enjoyed the video! I have more to share also next on the channel and for sure it will be well worth the wait as you say for yours 🎉

[@gordonwilkinson4389]

Brill demo and video keep doing what you're doing you do it very well

[@SamAustin]

Thank you! Happy you enjoyed the content and I appreciate the positive feedback 😊

[@gordonwilkinson4389]

Your very welcome

[@B9_S4]

Looks like I’ll be getting an R Line next, great video btw

[@SamAustin]

Thank you for the positive feedback! I really enjoyed my time with the R-Line so can recommend for sure 😊

[@newwave6404]

This is going to be my next car in a few months

[@SamAustin]

Many congrats on your R-Line order 🎊

[@garethlewis1006]

Sam, what are you doing to me, I've been Ford through and through for many years, but watching your recent VW videos has got me thinking, should I go for a VW Golf when I next change?. Logically for me it's a Mk4 ST, as I have MK3.5 ST atm. But.. confess I've been thinking about the Golf R , even my teenage son looked up from his phone, a rare event, when I said to him, I'm on autotrader looking at Golf R s - he gave me a big grin, says it all.

[@SamAustin]

It is a tough choice for sure as you know I am a big fan also on the MK4 Focus ST. For me, based on trying this 1.5 TSI R-Line, I would lean towards the MK8.5 Golf R if you are coming from a Focus ST or even the GTI/GTI Clubsport. I look forward to hopefully trying the GTI/Clubsport and R in the future and sharing it on the channel👍

[@garethlewis1006]

@@SamAustin thanks mate, , too many choices but all good 👍 great content on your channel, cheers

[@trzmaier]

They did say they’d be bringing out the 2.0 4motion but let’s see if this happens considering how unpopular the mk8 version was. I’m keeping my fingers crossed and will be putting in an order as soon as it’s announced

[@elliekimberlin5155]

I pick my brand new r line 74 plate up on Tuesday I can’t wait

[@SamAustin]

Many congrats on your new R-Line MK8.5 🎊😊

[@elliekimberlin5155]

@@SamAustin thank you!! Yes I’m looking forward to it

[@steveowen9740]

Hi Sam,another great video, couple of things,how did you find the air conditioning with the vents being so much lower,I like it to be blowing on my face and seems I might struggle with that ,also is the 2.0 tsi 4 motion coming back because the black edition seems to be the sweet spot price wise with what you get as standard equipment on that car!

[@SamAustin]

Thank you for the positive feedback! Yes I found the air-con really nice and for me I don't particularly like it directly on my face. I prefer the circulation around the car. You can re-position the vents so they can be more directed towards your face should you wish. I agree that the black edition with the 2.0 TSI 4-Motion was great to experience in the MK8 and I would love Volkswagen to introduce it in the MK8.5 facelift. The Black Edition is here but currently all I know is what is visible on the UK configurator in terms of specification and the 2.0 litre is not showing currently. For sure the looks of the black edition makes it extra special 🎉

[@meirionjones6929]

Hi Sam next time you test a golf 8.5 can you go through the process of cancelling the speed warning which we will all have to do now with new cars on every start up and comment how easy or hard it is - in fact any new car you test in future - cheers

[@SamAustin]

I will make a note of this 👍

[@MoeyComps]

Great video mate. Looking forward to the GTI review

[@SamAustin]

Thank you! I hope to experience the GTI soon and share this on the channel 🎉

[@rupertm2542]

It’s that’s the same manual you find on things like a t-cross, then I’d take the DSG all day. It’s not the best box for gear engagement I’ve found, not uncommon to think you’re in gear and it’s not and grinds. Have to be somewhat forceful with changes.

[@gerz1987]

I love the look of this spec of Golf. The red and black is perfect. What is the power and feel like from the 150 TSI? I currently got a golf 7 GTD and thinking of moving over to petrol.

[@SamAustin]

Power felt very good and I can 100% recommend from my impressions so far 👍

[@gerz1987]

@@SamAustin great, what other petrol engine options are there with more power? Is the next step up just the GTI and the R?

[@SamAustin]

This is the highest spec petrol engine 150ps before the next step up in the model line up which would be the 265ps in the GTI or 333ps in the R as you say. Although VW did make a black edition in the MK8 with 190ps (4Motion) and although the black edition has been confirmed for the new facelifted MK8.5 the top of the range petrol engine is 150ps. I hope VW do make the 4Motion 190ps for the MK8.5. Lots to choose from but this R-Line felt like a great balance with enough performance for most in my subjective opinion 👍

[@gerz1987]

@@SamAustin thanks for reply. I have read on Autocar and what car that there is a 2.0 litre 200ps 4 motion engine coming out in 2025. If so this would be amazing.

[@matthewskilton9084]

Hi Sam, great reviews of the 8.5. If you had to choose, would you go for TSI 150 Manual or eTSI 150 DSG? My wife commented on how enthusiastic you sounded, particularly when I was watching this video with the R-line manual.

[@SamAustin]

Thank you and I appreciate the positive feedback from both yourself and your wife! I am very much a person in the here and now moment so you will see that come across in videos with my enthusiasm towards the cars I share. It is very nice to hear that from your wife. That is a tough choice....for me I would lean towards the TSI 150 Manual based on my yearly mileage (it is quite low as I work from home most of the time). However, if I had a longer commute the DSG in either eTSI (Mild-Hybrid) or TSI would be the perfect car to run. I have a press car with Honda next week which is the new Honda Civic Sport 2.0 Petrol CVT Auto (Mild-Hybrid) which I will have for a full week to experience and get more of a full sense on. Comparing this to the eTSI cars I tried with Volkswagen will be very interesting given I have driven them in the last few days 👍

[@antoniolosito8431]

Bellissimo video!! Le ultime Golf di stile sportivo con cambio manuale!! Da prendere al volo!! Peccato che non ci sia più il manuale sulle GTI...

[@TlouSebotja]

I'm betting the Lottery today🎯💯

[@thomaswhite2609]

Is it 15mm lowered compared to the standard version? Are suspensions special?

[@sneeks]

1:14 before the first ‘special’. I’m impressed, thought it would be far faster than that 😂 Nice car. Good video. The touch sensitive area for the sunroof looks more trouble than it’s worth. Buttons would be better, they should have realised that after removing touch sensitive buttons from the steering wheel.

[@theoneandonly9399]

Hi Sam, do you know if they will allow the golf R to be sold in the kings red as well? It’s the best colour in the range so far. Thanks

[@SamAustin]

I spoke in depth with the product lead for the Golf R (and the whole of the R division). They mentioned around the colours being quite set to be in smaller offerings with black, blue and white. I quizzed them on a matt grey colour I have seen teased on VW's Instagram page as a concept colours and she is unsure if that will come into production. I feel it is unlikely we will see a Kings Red metallic for the Golf R based on my conversations although I do hope so. I did express I would love to see more colours for the R and I know my audience feels similarly as well👍

[@theoneandonly9399]

@@SamAustinthank you for the swift response mate. It’s a real they aren’t being more adventurous with there range of colours I’m sure they will sell so much more if they would do it. Amazing content as always mate keep up the great work 😊

[@roberttye5908]

Hi Sam, you pointed out that with the black styling pack the letters GOLF are in black on the boot of the car. So do you reckon if you choose the mild hybrid the letters eTSI will also be in black not chrome?

[@SamAustin]

I would think so with the black styliny pack although I did not see one on the day so I cannot be 100% sure.

[@FATSHADY-uk3uu]

Hi Sam on the r-line standard spec without extras would it come with reverse camera, front and rear sensor, illuminated badge and also blind spot monitor in the mirrors????

[@SamAustin]

Hello! It is hard to tell the exact standard specification as manufacturers can change these overtime so I do not want to give you any incorrect information. The best thing would be to check with your local dealer or via the Volkswagen website here to see the current standard R-Line Spec: www.volkswagen.co.uk/en/new/golf.html#build

[@danielsellers9459]

Hi Sam how is the stock sound system will I be missing much over the HK upgrade thanks

[@SamAustin]

Stock sound is fine from my view although HK's or any other upgraded sound system is better in my view with more clarity 👍

[@shakeelqureshi5624]

I’ve just receive my golf 8.5 R Line Dsg but disappointed that front VW badge doesn’t light up. Is it optional? Please advise.

[@lmwt1557]

Thanks for the review Sam A, Having viewed so many reviews of the Mk 8.5, any idea if the Edition 50 model will be available in the UK. It's available to order here on the Irish market but the Black edition isn't. I ordered one (Oryx white) but have been informed there's a delay in producing the automatic MHEV models, won't see it until August!

[@SamAustin]

No worries at all and thank you for the positive feedback. Many congrats on your Oryx White MHEV MK8.5 VW Golf order! That colour is wonderful 🎉 I will see if I can find anything out officially from Volkswagen but at this stage what is on the configurator is all that is currently available 👍

[@roberttye5908]

August isn't that far away! When were you expecting delivery of yours? How delayed was it? Might give me a clue how much longer I will have to wait for mine. Bet you can't wait!

[@lmwt1557]

@@roberttye5908 Thanks for the comment, ordered the car in May for 2nd half of 2024 delivery. I added these options - Sunroof, Matrix lights, Park assist + and Oryx white colour. All those factory fit additions inevitably delay delivery. I enquired early July and was informed about the delay in producing the DSG MHEV models, now expect delivery probably late August. Without the delay don't really know when delivery would have been made. Finally, yes looking forward to delivery - to my first automatic and to all the improvements over my current Mk8 diesel.

[@roberttye5908]

@@lmwt1557 ahh ok so if it comes late August will be 4 months so still not so bad. I ordered the R Line dsg and added Exterior black style package, light and vision package and keyless access. I wanted everything my current mk8 has plus sportier looks and nicer seats. You will love the dsg as it's so smooth and easy to drive! I chose the anemone blue colour. I have the dolphin grey at the moment which is also nice.

[@robloxfan4271]

august? my dealership told me mine won't be ready till late october or early november!

[@FATSHADY51]

If u had to choose a brand new car which would u get this golf 1.5etsi r line or the new audi a3 35tfsi s line stronic....

[@SamAustin]

For me it would be the VW Golf. I do love the new Audi A3 though, I would like to spent time driving it, I just feel currently for the price the Golf offers all that I would ever need in a car 🙂

[@cb4675]

Would you get the manual base version or Puma (manual or automatic). I've tried, but couldn't love the back design :(

[@tripsingh3642]

It really not much dogference between the mk8 and 8.5, all I really see the big change is a completely different information system in the car, new led design, bumper slightly changed and the rear bumper looks different, underneath its the same chassis and engine as the mk8 r line, but this one looks more specced than the mk8 r line they added a few free extras

[@kerpoise]

Yep. It looks like a dog's dinner on the inside. It's half old with the old steering wheel, and half 2019 with the big tablet glued onto the dashboard. This is a response to the dismal low rent mk8. And it's still more than 50k for a base level R. Meanwhile the mk7.5 can still be bought with very low miles for 30k and it's the pinnacle of Golf.

[@or298_gaming]

Getting MK8.5 R-line with manual and in black

[@SamAustin]

Many congrats on you MK8.5 R-line in a manual 🎉 Which black colour are you going for as I believe there are two offerings?

[@or298_gaming]

@@SamAustin Grenadillar metallic

[@or298_gaming]

Upgrading from mk7.5 1.4 SE 😀

[@or298_gaming]

Mk8 didn’t seem worth upgrading to as there we too many drawbacks but mk8.5 now seems like it’s solved most of these

[@or298_gaming]

Still got 13 weeks to go 😢

[@norbertlesko802]

What do you prefer? Focus st azura edition or new Golf R Mark 8.5?

[@SamAustin]

To live with day to day the R-Line. For a weekend blast the ST Edition 👍

[@norbertlesko802]

@@SamAustin Thank you, but I asked Golf R not Golf R line.

[@SamAustin]

Golf R for me 👍

[@watprangers5530]

I picked my r line up today. Can anyone tell me how I get the front grill and badge to illuminate? Please and thank you.

[@SamAustin]

Many congrats! That metallic black paintwork looks stunning in person 🎉

[@watprangers5530]

@SamAustin I'm debating if i made the wrong colour choice now that I seen how good the kings red is.

[@BraNkulo-jr6zj]

When is it gonna be available in southafrica

[@lifevoyager8550]

How about the loudness of DCC? We can hear that DCC Pro in Passat and Tiguan is very, very bad when it comes to noise it generates when dealing with potholes. How about the Golf, is it also a victim of that fault?

[@SamAustin]

I personally did not notice any extra noise from the DCC and I have not heard of this myself from others before your comment here. I tested this car for around an hour and other Golf variants for a fair bit of time on the day without DCC. Between them the biggest difference was the compliance with the suspension and the ability to switch based on the road conditions. I found the system worked very well with the new MK8.5 Golf 👍

[@richarddastardly6845]

A manual Tdi option would be great, I really don’t like the front light bar and illuminated badge, it’s trash

[@SALFX7]

Did this have an engine cover? just picked up mine and it doesn't have one. They said to me they don't come with them anymore.

[@tomg.4287]

You may need to just wait a bit. I've got a 2022 mk8 R and literally got a letter two weeks ago that I can get a replacement cover finally! Two years later, lol.

[@KHD1982]

The screen 😮is bigger than my living room TV

[@rewardsibambo4288]

This spec looks better than GTI

[@FeN1xDD]

you can get GTI in the same colour and black style pack. And you will have awesome honeycomb fog lights as well. And of course twin exhaust at the rear.

[@SamAustin]

It looked wonderful in person too 🎉

[@ferplien]

How many colors are there?? More then 3?

[@SamAustin]

Yes plenty of colour options for the R-Line. Checking on the UK configurator there are 10 colours to choose from plus an additional 9 two tone paint colours. Information correct as of todays date 22nd July 2024 👍

[@GaryStreet-ux9zp]

i have the MK 8 in moonstone Grey its not that different.

[@MEQUPWER]

thought it didnt come in a stick?

[@SamAustin]

It still does although this is the highest specified model available in the Golf range with a manual. GTI and R variants in Europe and the UK are DSG only. It was great to test out this R-Line in a manual for sure 🎉

[@robloxfan4271]

0:07 climatronic and dcc are standard on r line

[@SamAustin]

The information I had was direct from Volkswagen's press pack so I copied and pasted the options. Double checking this just now on the Volkswagen UK Golf configurator website for the R-line: `Air Care Climatronic` (3-zone) with rear air conditioning control panel is £390 and Adaptive Chassis Control DCC is £720 optional extras as of filming (19th July 2024)

[@robloxfan4271]

@@SamAustin oh right thats a shame as when i ordered my golf, i believe they where both standard on r line though could be wrong as i wasn't really looking into r line due to the firmer suspension and i prefer the equipment levels on style trim

[@Tapot_goo]

@@robloxfan4271what spec did you go for

[@paulwilliams4990]

Shocking wheels

[@jonathanboreham8717]

How much

[@SamAustin]

R-Line models start from £30,285 in the UK as of filming and checking today (22nd July 2024)

[@boirampai7404]

That screen looks like such an afterthought, ruins the look honestly; the original version dash was far better looking

[@loganpadayachee6048]

Yeah totally agree I own a 8 GTI looks better

[@loganpadayachee6048]

@@chrislee6650 have you sat in the new 8.5? I like the front bumper and rear lights but not the mags and screen. Mags look like Alpha Romeo...just food for thought and you going to pay much more for these small changes

[@deeteeohbee6794]

The R badges make me cringe. It doesn't even say 'R-Line', it's fully pretending to be a real R. Pretty lame IMO

[@cutedgehouse]

I’d rather have a golf mk1, Fiesta Mk1, Datsun 120, Toyota Starlet. This thing looks like every other computerised crapmobile on sale today.

[@俊源蔡]

VW ～nice car ❤❤❤😊😊😊