New 8.5 VW Golf GTI Clubsport Road & Track Review | Top Speed Run | 4k

[@johngoodwin1710]

The real test is a week of commuting in the UK on some of the best roads in the world, a run to the tip in Oldham on Saturday and parking half on the kerb outside the chippy Saturday night.

[@uzesgooner2336]

*worst

[@GUITARTIME2024]

Fries are unhealthy. Stop eating them.

[@ZenzDeluxe]

Spec it with DCC shocks and it will do commuting on rough UK roads for breakfast every day. Just put them in comfort and your GTI/R has turned into a regular Golf when it comes to damping comfort. Stuff is borderline magic. Greets 8 R owner.

[@markhyoutube]

I have the mk8 Clubsport and love it. I honestly can't stop taking it out for drives! During my two years of ownership, I've found the traction control less intrusive in Special, Nurburg Ring mode compared to Sport; sport seems to cut power when pushing on. I'd love to take it around a track and a tour of Germany, I think it would be brilliant! The seats and DCC are brilliant too, such a comfortable car... Does everything.

[@laszlobertapercy5210]

whats your experience on oil temps during trackday?

[@markhyoutube]

@@laszlobertapercy5210 I've not taken it around a track, but I've been on some spirited drives during summer and it gets up to about 110, which I think is fine. Not sure how different track driving is to my "spirited" drives 😜

[@moonsky331]

why you did not choose R? the price is similar

[@markhyoutube]

@@moonsky331 I drove both before buying and the R felt less special and less fun. The CS is such amazing handling car and really light on its feet compared to R. The R felt secure, but just boring and ai preferred the look too.

[@moonsky331]

@@markhyoutube thanks. what did you mean by light on its feet? the weight or fuel?

[@owenmcdonald5922]

In the looks department, the GTI peaked at mk7. This with the right colourandwheelsis good. I would ask my dealer to remove the GTI badges from the doors.

[@edward92128]

@@owenmcdonald5922 Yeah, I can’t understand why the GTI badges are on the doors. They look awful there in my opinion

[@NickG24]

And you could spec a 3 door manual.

[@MattHealey.]

@@NickG24 ewwww

[@owenmcdonald5922]

@@NickG24 I forgot about the 3dr. Good call.

[@NickG24]

@@MattHealey. in my day a hot hatch wasn’t really a good one unless it was 3dr! Many you couldn’t even get with 5. They still look better to me. DSG ‘boxes are great technology and undoubtedly faster, but definitely take something away from the experience of driving a hot hatch in my experience.

[@johnmackay5288]

Great review, you tell it like it is, only wish all reviewers were so real. Thank you.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Glad you liked it, thanks for the kind words!

[@neilmorris6719]

I'd say Joe does the best reviews out there, saw one years ago, and have been hooked ever since

[@jaisingh-do2sw]

@@JoeAchilles1would you take this over the Audi S3 ?

[@DownShiftThrottle]

I’ve had my mk8 GTI for about 18months. The regular GTI also has the VAQ diff on the front as standard (well the mk8 did anyway) I’ve never had an issue with the haptic buttons on the steering wheel. The mk8.5 R retains them and I do think they look better. The new screen is large but is it actually any better - time will tell. The virtual cockpit/display looks a bit tweaked from the mk8 as expected. Enjoyed the vid Joe

[@DavidKingmweemba]

GTI boys 🤟🏾

[@final_mile_music9713]

I have a regular GTI 380 S mk 8. Because it’s the S it has infotainment knobs (smaller screen) but it was a special edition in that it got all the autobahn dynamic goodies: Wheels, summer tires (which are a must out of winter to get the power down without traction loss), adaptive dampers and that locking diff with torque vectoring. The most important part? Manual gearbox. The last ever on any golf. That’s why I got it. It’s perfect as a daily driver with my Cayman for weekends. I don’t think we have OPFs here either so it sounds great.

[@patrickk611]

Thats exactly why I got the same model in black color 😎 3500+ miles so far and still loving it

[@cephasmakuzva]

Who doesn't love a hot hatch

[@lewisdodd9865]

Literally ordered mine on Sunday - looking forward to taking delivery in Feb (hopefully)! Great watch!

[@mrcurlyrambo5009]

Mine arrives in January 🎉

[@slen6293]

@@mrcurlyrambo5009you guys both financing? Do you mind saying what you’re paying? I was offered at £520 per month which I felt was just too much for the car

[@davidlovell3120]

I ordered mine in August and only just been told it’s gone into production this week.. also this is my first Golf

[@lewisdodd9865]

⁠​⁠@@davidlovell3120 Sh*t! 😂 hopefully mine doesn’t drag on that long.

[@davidlovell3120]

@@lewisdodd9865 tell me about it! 😅 I’ve been watching this video on repeat to pass the time haha

[@beatles4sale2007]

Good review Joe…it’s a definite improvement in terms of reversing the issues with the MK8, but too much piano glass, the bonnet should really be hydraulic (for £40K+) and the VAG obsession with touch screens is annoying…. Still prefer the 7 though, that was peak Golf.

[@atom608]

Yeah I agree, I think alot of the new car interiors these days seem just tacky and cheap feeling as cars from around 2013-2019 era seemed to have better quality materials such as leather and soft touch surfaces etc. I prefer the mk 7.5 interior by far compared to the 8 or 8.5

[@MattHealey.]

one thing I loved on the mk8 gti I had was if you pulled and held the left paddle it dropped straight to the lowest possible gear given engine speed which was great for overtaking. hope this still has that

[@MarkEnriquez1971]

The clubsport’s front bumper on the MK8 and the 8.5 are the best looking of the 3 models, GTI, R, and clubsport. An all black R with the clubsport’s front bumper, and the clubsport’s interior, ditching any of the lame blue colors the R uses, would be the ultimate Golf

[@shaheenevans]

Another solid review thanks Joe

[@konstantinosth.1788]

Classic Alfa Romeo rims right there!

[@pjmoody]

Great review Joe.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@chrisp4899]

I've driven a taigo with the new steering buttons and the volume buttons feel cheap but with this car I could live with it 😅

[@tomashley5869]

Brilliant review Joe! Thanks! Cheers, Tom

[@GethinJames]

Looking forward to your golf R review. I've got one on order!

[@mrjonnyjones]

That centre screen is hilariously big, almost an afterthought. Otherwise great car.

[@OlasupoOke-x1e]

Brilliant review

[@OBELISK3210]

Hope they bring out a 8.5 tcr version. For me mk7.5 tcr & mk7 2 door clubsport 40 are the best fwd hatchback on the market.

[@strebrr]

Thank you for showing the hard rev-limiter. That made me happy 😊

[@scottwatson7844]

If only we had Autobahns here in the uk so we could actually enjoy are performance cars.

[@andrewsnape1705]

Great video Joe and a lovely car. I reckon you could have taken that instructor in the R; he seemed to be struggling more in the corners..?

[@SimoD1978]

Love your work Joe, thaks

[@JoeAchilles1]

Very welcome

[@tubejorrit]

Endgame GTI, would love to own one.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Me too actually 👌

[@2Bunphettered788]

9:00 min - 3rd gear! ⚙️ 😉👍🏾

[@markrhoden68]

As a BMW fan boy who had the m140i, then the m135i xdrive, now a Z4 m40i so needless to say I'm all BMW but I have to say i just love the new Golf 8.5 GTi and R and especially with the subtle updates. Serious cash though for cars with extras

[@jetara3082]

I think BMW has dropped the ball in this Hot Hatch Game, 135i (the old one), 140i, 240i were seriously dope cars in this class, but since then nothing really happened, the 135 xdrive is (I'm sorry) really nowhere near a Golf R or even a Clubsport on a dry road in terms of fun (and probably even speed), plus it looks just so sad. I'm a long time BMW Fan, several E30s, E34, E46 and still owning an Alpina, but my Daily is a Golf 8 GTI CS now, BMW just doesn't have any fun car anymore for decent money, tragic, cause for a long time BMW were the absolute masters of sporty, fun daily drivers. The Clubsport is exactly that, nice, liveable daily that can turn into serious hooliganism in a millisecond.

[@moonsky331]

@@jetara3082 why people choose CS rather than R? thanks

[@jetara3082]

@@moonsky331 Not enough winter in my country to justify the AWD price, and in my case the first car I bought with my own money was a Mk 1 GTI, and the CS reminds me of that oldschool GTI feel. It's just a bit more aggressive than the R

[@iainf6]

Hi Joe 👋 great review buddy 😊

[@DannyRhym3z]

Man i wished this looked as good as the 7.5

[@davidbillberg2203]

Looks good! Love mine!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Good to hear!

[@John-l5g4i]

Great video as always. Definitely my pick of the golf range

[@panathaninf]

Such a COOOOOOOL car!

[@JoeAchilles1]

Agreed!

[@alancobbin]

163 MPH I’d be happy with that,I do like this ,can’t wait to see the Golf R tested 👍

[@FeN1xDD]

Thanks for the review, Joe! How do you compare steering between 8.5 CS and 8.5R ? Is it the same in terms of how heavy and precise it is?

[@arno7303]

VAG DSG gearboxes are a bit lazy on downshift unless you're actively on the brake. it is much faster downshifting if it knows you are actively decellerating. just lifting and selecting downshift is secondary priority to upshift. its always looking to upshift priority for fuel efficiency Edit: it still will always look to upshift and be more conservative on downshift as to not brick the engine etc. FWD moreso that AWD as well.

[@GBFeb72]

Looks good.. that might just be the best colour

[@fatwalletboy2]

Does that huge i pad on the dash encourage drivers to surf n play instead of concentrating on the road?

[@tshepo7122]

It’s hideous

[@drewyager4020]

Do a 2025 M340i x drive please. Loved this review

[@thembalethudube574]

Like the review Joe. I am all the way down the hemisphere in South Africa. I always enjoy your take about any car you choose to review. BUT I am not happy that you haven't reviewed the 2024 M4 cs. Please make that effort Joe 🙏

[@edward92128]

Still prefer the MK7.5

[@ResevoirGod]

100%

[@adamandersson9663]

Mk7 Clubsport is king, would take a 8/8.5 Clubsport over 7.5 performance any day, mk8 gti will go down as one of the least popular for sure.

[@Thisonegoestoeleven666]

Still prefer my Octavia RS Wagon.

[@daytonamart2789]

Should we be happy or sad that we lived through peak Golf? MK7 was by far the best Golf.

[@RollingSlowMedia]

I think the best looking GTI was the MK5. They got the styling spot on. The 8.5 is nice. Not 100% on the wheels. I bet it looks better in the flesh than on camera. The interior is great. Another great video Joe.

[@Thisonegoestoeleven666]

Mark 7 dude.

[@edward92128]

@@RollingSlowMedia 7.5 is peak

[@robertderboss9471]

Hey , do you know If they have Plans to make an Clubsport Version of the R Golf too???🎉🎉

[@slen6293]

Doubt it. They’ve done the black edition and if anything will do a special edition or something

[@Digiphex]

That large center display is not needed and way to big. Ergonomic knobs for basic functions are needed but are missing.

[@boscochan9941]

I have a MK8 Clubsport apart from the exterior changes and the bigger screen how much does the 8.5 move on from the MK8? Power is the same software is different. If given the choice I still have the MK8 sounds odd but they have improved on a few things, but like this. A few steps forward and one or two back GTi on the door looks out of place. I like the bigger screen and buttons but its not really a giant step.

[@tamukachikanyairo9792]

Nice car

[@billionbear]

I have been waiting for this one!

[@davidlovell3120]

Same here ever since I ordered my Clubsport in August!

[@jamesrad6317]

What circuit was that? Lausitz?

[@kevdavies3445]

good review dont like that add on screen will be keeping my TCR though

[@Chris-sp8gg]

Have the German Golf 8,5 GTI Clubsport a limiter we the Golf R

[@Sold_a_dummy]

Having 15 would make me absolutely insane. Even having Eco, comfort and sport kills me then companies add in Individual... Ffs!! I cant be alone is this...

[@windingroads_Louis]

Good video and r model looks amazing with you! ❤ Can I get this clip and upload on my channel with Korean subtitles for people who really love golf? 😊

[@jamesrad6317]

One thing I've always wondered is whether Joe does Achilles heel, and toe... 🤔

[@JoeAchilles1]

Definitely not with a DSG box 😉

[@stevejohnson9211]

tax and insurance are a great price i pay 280 a year insurance, cheap because of all the safety spec. A around great car

[@wodenuk6700]

Hi, Is it better than the civic type r FL5?

[@brightbluesmurf]

Crazy how expensive cars are now £42K for a GTi clubsport (2003 BMW E46 M3 money). If l sold my 2017 TT RS Mk3 I'd get £31K, may as well keep it as can't get anything as good unless l part with over £60K.

[@NickG24]

I had a mk7 r (like everyone on the internet). To me, even though the 4 motion probably spoiled some of the fun, it was more of a proper hot hatch, 3 dr, manual, lighter. No doubt that’s a competent car but it just looks a little dull to drive. Can’t be many manual hot hatches left now - civic type r?

[@jezzerpezzer7175]

That GTI lettering under the wing mirrors looks out of place

[@mrcurlyrambo5009]

im taking mine off when car arrives

[@Magic_Vince]

does it lift off oversteer?

[@JoeAchilles1]

I'm sure it does with everything switched off (like I said in the video)

[@RRRVanquish1998]

GTI is King

[@rotteneggconcept]

Focus ST , but ok

[@ResevoirGod]

@@rotteneggconceptlol

[@Jay-xr3sb]

Of understeer

[@adebrade172]

Love the wheels reminds me of porche teledials

[@plank770]

Skoda vrs wheels.

[@adebrade172]

@@plank770 bang on yes

[@visionsinblue7093]

Alfa Romeo alloys 🤣

[@Cous1nJack]

Wheels are better than most recent GTI. Echoes of the Monza from MkV

[@domkraggp9944]

Not sure about those "tusks" on the front bumper

[@automotivelin]

😂😂😂😂The new Volkswagen big screen takes a long time to find out how to control the air conditioning volume. If you are stuck in traffic, you have to look at the car in front of you while swiping the screen.

[@mikadavies660]

Brilliant a Golf that will cost over £600/yr for road tax and double that for insurance..... Peanuts!

[@TheoFennel]

Okay, so what do you expect car prices to stay the same. Blame our governments for the lack of proper salary rises with the rise of inflation on what we buy. We all know car prices are a joke but if you can't afford brand new which is a waste of money then buy used. Doesn't matter if its a Merc, Audi, or BMW, they all have similar price rises over the years. Do you think a GTi will start between £25-30K 😂😂

[@mikadavies660]

@@TheoFennel I don't give a shit ... As I buy second hand. If you like to pay £45k for a Golf... Good luck to you.... It's your money. But I'm not buying new and certainly not over £40k the UK Government can go f..k itself. Manufacturers will suffer. Which is exactly why VW are shutting down factories.

[@Wargwarn]

Get a job

[@KevinJRegan]

It’s a bargain in the UK compared to rip off Ireland. £43k = €50k. It starts at €64k here. The R is €80k+. 5 years ago top spec R was €47k, now it’s closer to €90k. Nearly double the price, now that is crazy. VW won’t be selling any as a lot better cars @ €90k, plus it’s a waste of money, you don’t build wealth buying new cars for that price that’s for sure!

[@kristian6622]

I think it's over £1k for the first 5 years

[@jamesj97370]

Why have they kept those god awful capacitive buttons in the Golf R but changed them in the other models? 😂

[@YNWA_Matt78]

£42000 base, so atleast another £5000 in options! I think I’ll stick my 18plate Golf R thank you VW.

[@DC5dotty]

This or an FL5 ?

[@wackawacka12345]

Coming from Germany... I can confirm it's absolutely ridiculous how people switch from right lane to left lane without caring about who is coming. You don't have to go 250 kmh. It's enough driving 180 kmh (112 mph) and you have to brake hard all the time. With 3 rows it's not getting much better as 90% drive 120 kmh (75 mph) on the center lane ignoring the existence of the right lane. Even there is a law which clearly tells you to drive on the right lane (in scenario you could disturb the traffic driving on center lane), it simply doesn't bother as it isn't checked by police at all. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a political reason behind the fact police doesn't control this at all.

[@darenl6744]

We have the same in the UK so many just sit in the middle lane when inside lane is empty.

[@slen6293]

@@darenl6744it’s even worse when there is 4 lanes in the uk. People lose their mind and just drive anywhere!

[@wackawacka12345]

Sometimes it's more safe to overtake those people on the right than doing a emergency stop at 210 km/h. Even this is not allowed as well. Additionally this saves a lot of money as breaking costs some money when going so fast.

[@magi115]

I guess in North America this trim would be referred to as Autobahn since we don't get Clubsport's or TCR's. Seems like a great car dynamically, but the tablet tacked on to the middle of the dashboard is the dealbreaker. That is a horrible looking design and completely out of place. Can't believe they actually greenlit that.

[@2Bunphettered788]

For this money, 💰🤑 no sunroof?! 😳

[@Chris-hy6jy]

Unless they replace the stupid touch screens with proper buttons and get rid of the compulsory speed warnings, they can shove it!

[@Jay-xr3sb]

Still prefer a mid engined rear wheel drive sports car. This is a nice chav-mobile

[@Wargwarn]

No one cares bro

[@Jay-xr3sb]

@@Wargwarn rather an EV if handling isn't your bag

[@Jelmerize]

Yeah, that off course compares perfectly to a fast hatchback…

[@vladdorel9081]

maybe a review with the ford focus st edition manual.........

[@BullyBoxer]

Why ?

[@vladdorel9081]

@@BullyBoxer why not?

[@Michael-m2l8b]

A tip when buying one of these in Australia. Bring your left testicle in a bag with you already It will save the dealer having to remove it. The prices for these cars are just out of control. This car cost 65k ( AUD) And over 85k for the next one up.

[@BelnaMakia]

437 Kari Roads

[@slackerman9758]

I think I might want a helmet on the track at those speeds.

[@JoeAchilles1]

Lots of arguments against wearing helmets in road cars using normal seatbelts on track.

[@OlasupoOke-x1e]

😮

[@og5918]

Wheels - Yes! Interior - No Wayyy 🤢

[@NickG24]

Agree wheels are far better than the terrible ones on mk8 CS

[@96incap]

Still prefer the MK5

[@51madmitch]

I know it’s not important, but you lift the bonnet to show the engine, which is interesting to see, and all we see is a stupid black plastic cover, most manufacturers do it, but why ?? Cars have bonnets to cover the engine bay, twice I’ve had a leak under a useless piece of plastic, most people who buy these types of cars are enthusiasts who like to see the design and layout under a bonnet, plus it cost a lot to design make and add fixings.😡

[@BrakRulesAll]

Possibly THE worst infotainment screen in the history of bad infotainment screens, and that's quite an "accomplishment". These things keep growing like some kind of tumor. Still just tacked onto the dash like an afterthought. How big is big enough? Automakers seem to know no bounds. I'm waiting for one that blocks the entire windshield and has to display the view of the road on a portion of it. Probably only a year or two away. 🤦‍♀

[@whatthe6532]

That front end. Lipstick on a pig. What the heck are VW not thinking.

[@NotCartman-.-]

The mk 8 is ugly but the 8.5 is even more ugly!! Hands up vw make more ugly golfs then my mk 7 r will be a worth a fortune about a few years

[@iewretyuabba1778]

ABBA

[@ASLAN-fl2gh]

1

[@washout04]

Damn that’s an ugly car. Worst wheels ever designed?

[@ejtisevn]

Interior look very cheap

[@nonamenameless5495]

Intro: just normal Autobahn driving and "someone" makes it look like some action footage lol, yeah well, you made it to cruising speed...sorry but that kinda intro is just laughable...oh and in Germany, you don t drive like a donkey as in changing lanes when some traffic is around the horizon on the slower lane...you change in a fluid way when you approach traffic on the right lane..and not like 1 min/eternity earlier..honestly, just really bad whilst doing as if you were hustling it. God, even on track, you chose the wrong line and then stating like "following the instructor choosing a different line" ...yeah I wonder why you were slower, coz you chose the wrong approach... I m borderline shocked.

[@fale892]

Relax random nobody

[@dg7438]

Any FWD w/ those power #'s is a waste

[@JoeAchilles1]

Absolute rubbish, modern setups with modern tyres can easily handle 300hp.

[@Thisonegoestoeleven666]

Sorry, you are dead wrong. My Octavia RS is running 305 hp and with decent tyres it is not a problem unless you drive like an absolute muppet…….

[@TheMillenno1]

0-60 ?

[@JoeAchilles1]

Yes it will.

[@TheMillenno1]

Time

[@NickG24]

Joe mentioned in the video, 5.6s I think. Probably to 62.

[@olivercox8070]

@@JoeAchilles1 since watching your M3touring review recently, I’ve become a fan of your channel. Consistently Great reviews. Fyi I’ve made contact with BMW Berry re m3 touring. Thanks for the recommendation

[@jdparsons71]

45k for a family looking car....rather get a used nissan gtr

[@Jelmerize]

And the belonging running costs, off course 😂

[@DavidKingmweemba]

GTI boys 🤟🏾