NEW Volkswagen Golf 8.5 Review: Back To Being The Best?

[@timjenkins8538]

No one asked for illuminated badges or chat GPT! We just wanted a good car for a decent price

[@hamtaroyt]

I agree, I don't want the car to be seen as a Volkswagen driving advertisement, but that's just my minimalist approach. Chat GPT could be interesting but they are putting efforts into other things that really should be the last thing they need to look into.

[@recursion.]

It is called product market fit/customer's demand vs increasing shareholder value

[@sub39h]

Yeah and over £40k for the GTI and £50k for the R is laughable. For a Golf!

[@andras.89]

Bring back physical media + climate controls, ditch those piano black inserts surrounding the digit gadgets, seriously, looks horrible. The hell with piano black high gloss plastic inserts... Also, please bring back buttons/knobs for lighting too, and we are where we have left off with 7.5...

[@jimpackard8059]

Totally agree

[@pw3591]

My Golf 7 has a big knob that I turn the fan up and down with. Why should I have to go into menus to do something as simple as that, it's absolutely mental, and yes dangerous !!

[@jimpackard8059]

It is cost cutting

[@PJD_55]

@@jimpackard8059Cost cutting, but the cost of new vehicles just keep going up and up.

[@hamtaroyt]

Looks ugly and clunky. But should not be removed but redesigned.

[@reanult457]

Same with my 7.5

[@Brian-om2hh]

I'm not sure whether the Golf has voice control over the infotainment and HVAC controls, but my Skoda does. The big problem here is different accents. My sat-nav was giving me what I felt were incorrect directions one day, and I shouted "Go away" whereupon the female voice - Laura - said "calculating the route to Galway, Ireland".......God give me strength.

[@alexandrem6429]

I Will wait until the climate controls returns to physical controls!

[@hamtaroyt]

I mean, if you want to just stick with older cars it is up to you.

[@saraaronzon4562]

@@alexandrem6429 me too! And analog gauges. If digital breaks or glitches can drive vehicle and very expensive.

[@nickhickson8738]

The trouble is that, at the age of 86 I may never see it or at least need it!

[@ThePilotGear]

@@hamtaroyt we'd like for new cars to, at the very least, be as easy to use as the old cars. Not reinventing the wheel should be an easy task.

[@jabbarcorrales]

the a/c sliders alone guaranteed I will never own this car.

[@hamtaroyt]

It's a small sacrifice for a perfect car, but if you're not into tech, it is clearly not for you. Just say that instead, you're not into tech and move on. Stay with older cars.

[@johnlee4897]

@@hamtaroyt Get lost.

[@ifyouarefeelingsinister]

it’s nothing to do with not liking tech, it’s about preferring practicality. Tech is supposed to be practical and encourage ease of use, the sliders don’t achieve that

[@nickhickson8738]

@@hamtaroyt It's nothing to do whether one is 'into tech' or not it is common sense to want logical controls for everyday adjustments of certainly the HVAC.

[@ruisilva3317]

@@hamtaroyt I'm into tech but I love buttons. If I had the money for this I'd go elsewhere most likely, like BMW

[@hasanaktas6929]

What makes me think is that using the phone whilst driving is illegal but using that screen is not illegal? Has the same user interface and features like a phone The government has to clarify that

[@biafo4541]

Absolutely, it may even be more hazardous. On a less important note, I'm yet to see a dashboard with a tablet stuck on the dash that looks good. Once a car gets to this price there must be a function where you can press a button and the screen folds out of sight.

[@phuketexplorer]

Bye bye Tesla, if the government included car screens

[@tajulislam1522]

Any infortainment system is allowed to be used whilst driving but the law states if it affects your driving, then you could potentially be breaking the law. So if there's a Police car behind you and you're trying change the radio whilst swerving lanes, then that could lead you to prosecution. Otherwise, you're perfectly allowed to use a built-in infortainment system so long it's not distracting you from your driving.

[@hamtaroyt]

Phones are made to be distracting, the infotainment isn't. So really this argument makes no sense.

[@witnesspropro]

@@hamtaroyt Yet it still is distracting. Finding a button or knob on the dashboard without looking is still safer and less distracting than tapping menus and icons on a touchscreen. It's really not complicated (althoughit does appear to be too complicated for car manufacturers to understand).

[@jimpackard8059]

This is a wonderful review and should be shown to the bosses at VW. She gets it spot on. Those stupid slide controls and the heater controls via the screen are crap and loads of Golf people do nor want that on their car. VW - for flips sake , listen !

[@Sto79Be]

She changed her tune after she mentioned they’re now backlit though. Whoopee-doo! 🙄

[@hamtaroyt]

I like the slide controls. Although I do wish there was an easier way to change the fan speed.

[@nickhickson8738]

@@hamtaroyt 2024 and one is in a car with current state of the art technology and yet one cannot change the fan speed without taking one's eyes of the road. God help us!

[@princekelechi1766]

You and Rory are excellent car reviewers! You're the reason I love Auto Trader. Cheers!

[@Sto79Be]

Oh, so the climate sliders were clunky and horrible compared to knobs but now that they’ve added backlights they’re suddenly not clunky any more? Rubbish!

[@yissibiiyte]

They got rid of (some of) the capacitive nonsense and finally gave it more power than the 7.5. Basically what the 8 should have been from the very start.

[@hamtaroyt]

I disagree, I love the capacitive buttons on my 8.

[@yissibiiyte]

@@hamtaroyt good for you I guess. Doesn't change the fact it's only done for cost-cutting

[@johnhoward6461]

I drive a Golf 8 Rline, now getting on for 4 years old. I have no problem with the steering wheel haptic buttons at all. At first the entertainment system was bit glitchy but has been improved with software updates. Probably not the best, but suits me fine. I agree that the heating should have been back lit. Just to point out that the heating can be operated by pressing left to lower of right to increase the temperature. An absolute delight to drive, any minus points totally outweighed by plus points.

[@ArdaK_Yldz]

Law makers should mandate that climate control panels are made up of physical buttons and knobs as well as buttons for some other features instead of mandating stupid beeping sounds.

[@CastleGameZ]

Just took delivery of a brand new ID4. After I signed the vehicle over and offered to take the delivery driver to the train station the sun visor snapped off right in my hand as I went to put it down. Shocking build quality for a £45k car......

[@Sto79Be]

LOL, that’s what you get for buying a dull as anything ID.4!

[@dhilboy231]

Still has a laggy cheap touchscreen and those awful slider climate buttons, not to forget the price! So probably not the best anymore sadly😢

[@loganpadayachee6048]

No it's not I own a Golf 8 GTI it's been updated

[@nhkk2893]

The os is definitely not laggy since 5.0

[@biafo4541]

Still the price...

[@loganpadayachee6048]

​@@biafo4541I bought pre-owned with low mileage 8 GTI got it for a steal

[@loganpadayachee6048]

​@@biafo4541I bought a 2021 October 8 GTI pre-owned with low mileage got it for a steal price

[@AshlynnCairns]

Gotta say, I didn’t see that coming! Totally surprised me.

[@iCozzh]

Calling a golf surprising is moronic haha

[@zxlrxsyxd]

@@iCozzh replying to a bot is even more moronic

[@wltdo6930]

Unless that was just a heavy dose of sarcasm from OP

[@witnesspropro]

Just because idiots raved about the massive "tablet" in the Tesla, manufacurers seem to think we all want that. I can assure you, we don't. BMW have also ruined my latest car with iDrive 8. Even using voice command, it's not possible to turn on the climate control air conditioning without having to press the touchscreen. Not to mention all the "driver assist" functionality which I have to turn off manually everytime I start the car. Technology has ruined driving.

[@opencarry3860]

I'll stick with my Mk7.

[@shaywhelan1]

I had a Golf Match Mk7 for 18 months for my sons to learn to drive in. I loved it. Everything in the cabin just seemed to be where you would expect it to be. We replaced it with a BMW F30 3 series. I preferred the Golf. The 3 series interior is very dark and I find it hard to get used to where all the switches are.

[@AutoAdventuresKE]

that is amazing

[@jtkent28]

I have a ‘23 GTI 40th anniversary edition. I absolutely love it. But truth be told I really like the styling touches on this mk8.5 and I wish I could get a Golf R line over here in the USA. Especially in this color way. But over here ppl only want to drive the same boring SUV / crossovers they see everyone else driving. No one wants to drive cool hatchbacks or even really sedans anymore.

[@keithronson2624]

As always, Alex's reviews are spot on! The perfect review of Golf 8.5 in every way. Thank you, Alex! 👍👍👌

[@TheDigitalDadUK]

The Golf never has and never will be for me but Alex is. Credit where it's due....Alex is probably one of the best automotive video reviewers out there and there's stiff competition from many others with upwards of 25 years of experience. Good work Alex and Autotrader.....and dark mode is a great addition to the Autotrader app. How refreshing to also see a Google Pixel....another ✅

[@TheRustedPixel]

Comparing the boot of a Golf to a Qashqai, I wouldn't worry about the 30% difference. I would, however, worry about having to be seen driving a Qashqai.

[@coxy5850]

Illuminated badge only available from the R line up and IQ lights are an option...these aren't stendard equipment.

[@hamtaroyt]

Hopefully that glow up badge does not exist in the GTE variant.

[@ThePilotGear]

I'd bet my money; if that glow-badge was a non-cost option in every trim, very very few people would choose it.

[@robloxfan4271]

Style also comes with an illuminated badge

[@andreiarama8745]

I hate two things about it : no volume and climate knobs and THE PRICE! Let's not forget that underneath it's still a Golf 7. And why no mild hybrid manual? Because VW are cheap bastards

[@jimpackard8059]

Correct. Crap controls

[@Ren_1106]

that's correct bro 😢

[@darkbassi5911]

Don't all hybrids need to be auto 🤔

[@andreiarama8745]

@@darkbassi5911 this is a shitty mild hybrid not a full hybrid. Ford Puma, Focus and Kia Sportage are all mild hybrid with manual gearbox or automatic just to give some examples. But I think that VW only does mild hybrid with auto so they can charge a few thousands more. Saying that probably it is more efficient with automatic

[@okeoke4697]

@@andreiarama8745 volume controls are literally on the steering wheel, for climate control you just have either to slide, touch, or use the vocal assistant - all solutions are ALWAYS available regardless what you're doing. If you want to change stuff surely it gets more "complicated", but I personally don't touch my clim all day long. I'm used to this kind of stuff most probably, but it's not that big of a deal. Get a car for reliability first above all.

[@isharsingh8048]

Forgets the Octavia exists 😁 7.5 is still peak Golf 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@Sto79Be]

They literally said the Octavia was the better family car! 🤦‍♂️

[@hamtaroyt]

For people who like classic yes, but for people who like tech and a clean experience, 8 and 8.5 is unbeatable, though I do like the 8 more.

[@johnlee4897]

@@hamtaroyt You're just defending your purchase and avoiding buyers regret.

[@omegadomega]

​@@hamtaroytUntil you crash trying to change the AC

[@MichaelSwanson-j9l]

Love the Golf! Wish they still sold them in the USA. Love the color on the one featured here. But I will still enjoy my 2023 GTI!

[@alanwayte432]

My wife ran a R in Mk7 and Mk7.5 but test driving Mk8 was a no, this Mk8.5 will still be a No ...why lack of the brilliant intuitive Climate controls on Mk7 , it’s unsafe, over complicated, and insane to have to take your eyes off the road..it should actually be illegal.

[@cuekumber3292]

I currently own a 2010 Golf 6 118KW with 180000km - and wondering if it is feasible to trade in for this Golf 8.5 eTSI. Any advice? Great review btw, love the R-Line look as well, that blue is beautiful.

[@toddstevens8506]

I like the Coke metaphor, kind of goes with the trend towards larger cars to fit, well you know, larger people.

[@AutoAdventuresKE]

🤣😂🤣

[@mrhmd8308]

As someone with a New York accent I love/appreciate your voice/accent. Cheers

[@nickhickson8738]

It's proper English 😁

[@BoxBoxBoxGaming]

nobody wants chatgpt, it's worse than the haptic buttons

[@ThePilotGear]

totally agreed. If it was a no-cost option in every trim, no one would choose it.

[@שון_כבשון]

How reliable is a VW Golf 1~10?

[@MetaView7]

I have always wanted a Golf; I have looked many times, but never bought one. I love the size. I love the look. I love how it drives. I love the utilitarian design. But I have to shy away each time, because I found the engineering is overly complicated. There are too many little things waiting to fail.

[@loganpadayachee6048]

I own a Golf 8 GTI love it. It's my 5th golf never did i ever desire another vehicle or brand❤

[@biafo4541]

Wish I was like you buddy, where a golf is enough. Life would be a bit more simpler. Dam this disease where I lust after cars 😂

[@loganpadayachee6048]

​@@biafo4541it's addictive when you drive it so enjoyable ❤

[@elios.503]

I own a '22 mk8 Rline 150ph TSI, and engine, gearbox and infotainment works very well (buy new)... at moment I'm very satisfy ... it's again the best you can buy in the segment ... (I have owned Audi A3, Q5, and BMW) ... and this mk 8.5 adjust more little details of this mk8

[@roberttye5908]

I've a Golf mk8 active and like it so much I'm upgrading to the 8.5 R Line. Reacting to the review and some other comments I've read so far I get 60-65 mpg on my etsi and expect similar when I get the R Line which is also an etsi. Also, almost all of the controls are on the steering wheel including volume apart from heating/air con. I've driven a Focus a few times and really didn't like it. The 308 is a Peugeot and really hated it. The Civic is a contender but is more saloon type than hatchback so don't like the shape of it plus their more expensive. Had a couple of Toyota's and they are good cars but don't like their gearbox in the Corolla plus I'd rather go electric than hybrid given the choice. I think the Golf is a really good car. No car is perfect but to me the Golf is 90-95% which can't be bad.

[@biafo4541]

​@@loganpadayachee6048yeah I drove one and it's very good

[@Alpha-e6j]

Dear lord, no one wants heat & ac function squirreled away in a sub menu. Excellent video. Wish VW would listen.

[@walkingchopsticks6731]

Why is changing the fan a seperate menu on the screen? As if the touch panel controls arent bad enough

[@georgegroshkov6726]

Can we bring the guy back - thanks!

[@Catchingcars]

Great review you got it spot on! Just as good as Rory and you are much more pleasing to look at 😂 Sorry Rory much Love and Respect for the hole Autotrader team! oh and at 6:21 that speed warning noise pissed me off again already! Hey Governments STOP THE B.S.

[@justmejustme3042]

Excellent review by a very natural presenter

[@That_chere]

Funny thing is that we don't get the standard VW Golf in South Africa but we do get all the other performance versions of the Golf.

[@CooperSRacer]

As someone watching from the US I was utterly confused by the R seats and front grill badging paired with the new actual buttons on the steering wheel until I realized y’all have the option of the Golf with an R-Line trim. 😅 I was like what in the Frankenstein’s monster is this?

[@AutoAdventuresKE]

I know right the Germany's are something else

[@digitalpronab5763]

Love From India 🇮🇳 ❤

[@mistertee5000]

keeping my mk7 until they come out with a proper golf. that fan control is a deal breaker for me.

[@saraaronzon4562]

Bring back the regular shifter for automatic transmission!!!

[@AutoAdventuresKE]

Right what is with this new shifter I really don't get it

[@saraaronzon4562]

@@AutoAdventuresKE I don’t just dislike the shifter, I hate it! Knowing me I would accidentally put in Reverse and hit someone!

[@pipoo1]

The Astra still has the better more ergonomic interior and of course actual buttons for the core functions like climate control, de-mist, heated seats etc. it also looks better.

[@omariwest9068]

wowwo - we've gone from, how good is the 6MT to how easy is the screen to use? I will not buy a non-manual golf/GTI/R - etc. What's the point?

[@filipeqfuzzyty4]

Temperature regulation is still too difficult while driving. Go back to physical buttons.

[@lancemyerscough8140]

I have the 8.5 R line and mine didn’t come with the lit up badge at the front, VW said it wasn’t even on the R line and wasn’t even on the options, must be random selective models, god knows!

[@touch.comments]

Oh wait the boot is manual? Or is it an option

[@alexpro60798]

Why does everyone choose the golf GTI even tho a fiesta or focus st is more fun to drive and looks exciting

[@jonathankgorane1000]

@@alexpro60798 Brand snobs Thats why fiesta and focus were discontinued in South Africa

[@loganpadayachee6048]

​@@jonathankgorane1000did you ever own one???

[@biafo4541]

​@jonathankgorane1000 which is strange because Ford has a bit more brand cashe

[@biafo4541]

​@@jonathankgorane1000.

[@loganpadayachee6048]

​@@biafo4541FORD stands for First on rubbish dump lol😂

[@samjanko8946]

VW never listens, that's why their CEO's recently told his employees that they all have perhaps only a year or two to turn things around -before complete disaster.

[@mr.nobody9646]

This car has everything that the golf r has except for the bigger engine and the all wheel drive system. I think this is more than enough for a regular consumer.

[@urbanstrencan]

So new Golf still the king of Golf class 🤔? Great video 😊❤

[@Brian-om2hh]

Not according to Auto Express....

[@CBR2900]

Me having to look up what PS (or PferdStarke). 40+ years as a motor mechanic, never heard the term and will never use it again!

[@edwarddejong8025]

Temperature sliders are crazy. SHould be a rotary knob with clicks.

[@zuti071]

No TDI engines for UK ?

[@witnesspropro]

Door pockets? On the back of the seats?

[@erayozay4498]

Had my 8.5 ( life) 2 weeks b4 . But the voice control and chat gpt is not available in Turkey 🙂‍↕️

[@ianstewart2723]

Unless you go for top spec GTi, the golf is not really a head turner and I agree the tech was a backward step and a huge distraction. Why do older golf models look better.

[@xToOxRaWxIsTheTruth]

So u buy a car to impress others great logic

[@ianstewart2723]

@ NO you buy a car that attracts you and indices you to buy it. Are you trying to tell me that you don’t look at anything before you buy. For example You walk into a clothing shop and only look at the size tag not the style or colour. Guess you do that’s why you hide your profile.

[@kaanarmutcu6740]

older golf models look absolute shite and had ugly proportions. You simply like the old ones because you are old. I love the new golf 8.5 and Im getting the R-line version because it looks more modern and better than ugly ass a3 and bmw 1

[@UKcounties]

10:02 Great one sentence summary of all similar cars 😊

[@SuperWhofan1]

The fun of driving a GTI is dead like most cars. Thanks Silicon Valley geeks

[@Shmedsp]

Shrinkflation on the front headlights? From 4 to 2 iq lights...

[@richardrichard9631]

As someone who owned a golf gti 7.5, i still dont want a golf. I am more than happy with Honda Civic E HEV. It covers all the basics better than thr golf and is vastly bigger.

[@BrakeForLoop]

That intro. So smart

[@chloeleedow7250]

Some dashboard punching in your future 🤣🤣❤️

[@MohdSaud-bz9tw]

I think they have improved the exterior design from the pre facelift. The steering wheel does look better than the previous but i don't like the touchscreen its so huge and so badly integrated i don't its even integrated!!!!

[@tommycclai]

I need buttons especially for the Climate System, when driving!

[@ThePilotGear]

I hope the Golf 9 comes back to Canada (we only have the GTI & R, which are great but...) I'm looking forward to getting an electrified Golf, like a Golf PHEV or GTE, as a wagon! The absolute perfect bodystyle for the driving-enjoying dad. That said, I'm fine that we missed this generation; I cannot stand this trend of touch commands and chat GPT. Don't want the illuminated badge or the fancy stuff. I want a Golf. I've owned 2 Golfs (albeit older ones) and they were great because they were simple and weren't trying to be luxury cars. They were easy to use and very tactile. I know Volkswagen can do it. With new North American leadership (Dr. Kjell Gruner is a German man, afterall), I really hope we can get our productlines closer the Europeans.

[@Boetbar]

Wholesome car in my books. This would do well in 🇿🇦

[@biafo4541]

Agreed, but where does it fit in price wise, with the most expensive polo being over R600k and a Golf 8 gti coming in at over R800k, this would have to be around R700k here 😮...for a standard golf

[@Dynasty1818]

I'd still walk right past VW and look at the SEAT Leon. Literally a Golf underneath in a different skin, down to the same interior with a different badge on the steering wheel. Comes with more as standard and is noticeably cheaper. Looks better too.

[@jasonbrody6219]

ACT is not available un the e TSI 150

[@chm1701]

So, it’s (rightly) against the law to use a mobile phone whilst driving, but it’s okay to drive whilst staring at a touch screen just to change the fan settings in a mk8 and 8.5? Madness! I know it’s been said, but I’ll stick with my mk7.

[@BlessBeNice]

0:46🤣this is so hilarious. It cant be😳. 1:00its a beautiful car actually.

[@billx4266]

MK7 7.5 are peak golfs in my eyes, after that, it went downhill. Proof is in the pudding, you almost see no new golfs here driving around....

[@drapears]

R badges everywhere but it's not an R? I hate this trend, completely trashes and waters down the 'R' monicker. Also, those wheels are atrocious.

[@niceandeasymusic]

Sorry, but I just don't get all the hate. I completely avoided the Mk.8 because of all the negative reviews, and please keep in mind I'm a total luddite and still drives a 1961 PV544 with manual EVERYTHING. Then I actually sat in one and drove it. It took me about 2 minutes to figure out the infotainment system. After some configuring...Traction control off? One swipe and one button. Climate - just slide one one button. Radio one button. Driving mode - two touches. I'm buying the car to drive not play with climate controls all day. Most of the more intelligent reviews all say the same thing - the system is not the best, but it's not a big deal either. Compared to a Mk.VII I really do miss the proper e-brake, but to me the driving, looks, and handling are worth it, and let's not kid ourselves; every car over the past decade or two are crammed with modules, fly by wire, and computers regardless of screens.

[@truongyboi1989]

Rlaarlo is cheaper and marginally faster. But if you smash your car up often like me, parts maybe an issue. MJX still the winner for me

[@googlesucks6029]

They need to stop letting financial people who can't drive or atleat should not be allowed to drive from making decisions on how to cut costs on car parts

[@davidviner4932]

shame no diesel when 60 mpg was standard

[@chriswithey3618]

I purchased the 8.5 Golf GTE. The infotainment screen failed after 24hrs, it has been at the dealership 3 weeks and still not fixed. The car feels tinny, no buttons for air con, small boot. Very disappointing. I had a Mk 1 GTI and a Mk 3 GTD which were both great cars. The new Golf is very disappointing when compared to previous generations or maybe I am just getting old! (46 yo).

[@gavineyles3409]

Wanted a decent hatch for every day use and it was between this and a Mazda 3. Ended up going for the mazda. Felt far superior in every way and felt the golf was a bit boring and bland in comparison.

[@mjalalaldin]

2:40 The Smack 🫱🏻

[@AdithyaChikkola]

How can one consider the Octavia and Superb a hatch? Ain’t it a sedan?

[@roberttye5908]

Good point. There bigger cars than the Golf. The Civic is also more saloon like.

[@evilmario6061]

Octavia is a hatch and the same platform as a Golf. Just a better value alternative in terms of space.

[@okeoke4697]

Same price range. Same engines available 1.5 eTSI / 2.0 TDI. Same group. Same overall quality. The Golf being smaller you get more for your money with Skoda. But it's a matter of preference.

[@vladimirkraus1438]

@@AdithyaChikkola they are hatchbacks. No sedans.

[@Brian-om2hh]

There are no sedans in the UK.

[@davidperry3531]

I don't understand why people think that they have to fiddle and change the Air Conditioning controls. The idea of Climate Control is that you set the temperature, say at 21 degrees and leave it there, all year. The car will reach the set temperature just as quickly as fiddling with it, including the fan speed which automatically changes when set to Auto. The only time you really have to use the controls manually is in severe weather conditions. Most of the criticism about the lack of manual turn knobs is unjustified.

[@Sto79Be]

I don’t understand why people keep repeating this fallacy. Climate control will not fast de-mist the windows automatically so you’ll be reaching to buttons/touchscreen for that. Also, if it’s a hot day or I’ve just come out the gym, having it set to 16 Celsius is the preference because I want to cool down quickly and not wait ages and also the 18 Celsius that I would have during the cooler days is too warm, and during the winter I want the car to warm up quickly so I will probably turn it up to at least 20. Very few would use exactly the same temperature day in day out, especially in the countries like UK where it can be freezing one day and quite warm the next.

[@hamtaroyt]

Never really thought of it like that, I should try using auto fan speed more often then.

[@hamtaroyt]

​@@Sto79Berapidly cooling down like that is bad for you and can influence you getting a cold, just a heads up. You can precool or preheat your car via the app, learn to take advantage of the apps at your disposal - keep up with the times. The original commenter has a very valid point, if you leave it in auto it should do it for you, there's no need for it to be in the manual mode. If you need it colder turn it down and it will ramp up the fans. Honestly I didn't think of that, but I like the way it is done. It's smart, not for the average person who knows nothing about tech. If you are old, stick with old cars. The newer generation wants more tech, it's just that simple.

[@KaganRustem]

Literally just 2 days ago I was driving my car on the motorway and the sun was going in and out of clouds every few minutes, one minute I was hot, next minute I was cold but because I have a dial it was no drama. Messing around with a screen the whole time would be sooooo annoying. I flat out refuse to own a car with heater controls operated by a screen. If it ain't broke don't fix it!

[@KaganRustem]

​@@Sto79Beor when the sun is going in and out of clouds every 5 minutes like it always is in the UK! I refuse to own a car with touch controls for the the climate control.

[@okeoke4697]

PEUGEOT 308 ? With a Puretech engine inside ? An engine that can literally break around 20-40 k km ? That can ruin the breaking system as well ? NO THANKS. I'm switching from the last 308 GT to this 8.5 Golf R Line with the 1.5 eTSI, and dear, I'm so glad it exists. Oh, and for the climate controls it's the same: no buttons. It's even worse in fact, there is no shortcut for up and down temperature. Anyway, I will never support nor advice to go with a Stellantis car, and I'm French :D. Thanks for the review though. Cheers.

[@jasonpoulton865]

Love this presenter

[@reabetswemoloi4152]

That illuminated VW badge is gonna last one day before it gets stolen in SA lol

[@tajulislam1522]

Not a fan of everything they had done from the Golf 7.5 infotaiment and onwards. Like why get rid of physical buttons for so rubbish resistance touch controls instead. They started that off with the 7.5 and went berserk with 8. And now, with the 8.5 they tried to fix the steering controls issue but the buttons look cramped just like the Polo. The two things that put me off from buying the 8 was, 1) the resistance touch to the whole car and 2) the R-Line Petrol MHEV was a step back from 7's GT BM Tech ACT which not only gave more MPG, but emitted less CO2 which meant the car was only paying £20 on VED tax a year. With the 8, the VED tax is 10 times that which means, you're making more stops between pumps as well. Like wth? Why did they go backwards, I really don't understand. Not all of us want R's or GTI's or Club Sports or Edition 45's.

[@AutoAdventuresKE]

You said it Tajulis

[@carlwinslow4175]

Touch controls on screens while driving make sense for who? not the driver

[@phuketexplorer]

Alex, unintentionally making secondhand 8's unsaleable! 😄

[@martindurkin8837]

As per the "screen" as you say it's DANGEROUS. Give me knobs that I can reach and adjust without taking my eyes off of the road!!! Any type of screen on a dashboard is asinine!

[@lewis7515]

Sick of seeing cars with a big screen stuck in the middle of the thing.

[@mohawkZT]

Jeez it’s like a laptop on the dash! I don’t know why the screens have to be so big, far too much distraction and takes away the feeling of the cars in general. Cars used to be more simple with a few buttons and got the job done. We honestly don’t need all this stuff inside a car

[@nickmartin8678]

A3 is as good if not better with better build and buttons

[@scaleartsg]

cant wait for golf 9!

[@Brian-om2hh]

There may not be one, given VW's financial issues...

[@AdnanAmin-y4r]

Apple did the same with the iPhone update

[@the_freedom_quest]

The fact they discontinued the GTD is a tragedy

[@m88brc]

This presenter is good

[@user-si5dy7yy8f]

Where is Rori?

[@Brian-om2hh]

"Back to being the best?" Not according to Auto Express about 3 weeks ago, when they tested a Golf Mk 8.5 1.5 Tsi against a Skoda Octavia 1.5 Tsi e-tec SE Tech. Auto Express summed up by saying the Golf is now where it should have been 4 years ago. The Octavia is much roomier, has vastly more boot space (600 litres against the Golf's 381 litres), was more economical, had a better ride quality, and felt more premium inside than the Golf did. Oh, and it's slightly cheaper too, by £1000