NEW VW Golf GTI (Mk8.5) & The Story of the GTI so far

[@driven.videos]

What's your favourite edition of the Golf GTI? - See them all here on the website: driven.site/words/the-story-of-the-vw-golf-gti

[@JFinns]

While I miss the VR6 engine, 4 cyl just sounds so bad, my favorite GTI is the Mk7 manual. Second favorite is Mk4.5 VR6 24V manual.

[@411cottis]

I’ve just got myself an 8.5 GTI and personally I think it’s a well balanced car. Yes they could have gone a bit more extreme but as you mentioned it’s a car you can use to go to the shops but equally can hoon around a track.

[@driven.videos]

Amazing, congrats on the new car. I really didn't want to give this press car back - which is a rare scenario these days. Enjoy! - John

[@bilalnawazi8436]

Where do u live? Is it out already?

[@411cottis]

@@bilalnawazi8436 in the U.K. and yes it’s been out for a little while. I’ve had mine since this Tuesday. I love it ! Completely stock no options other than paint to keep it sub 40k but it’s a beast !

[@bilalnawazi8436]

@@411cottis thank you enjoy

[@MoeyComps]

@@411cottis Congrats. What colour?

[@loganpadayachee6048]

I switched from 7.5 to 8 GTI never been happier big step forward❤

[@moonsky331]

how is the quality of your GTI?

[@jbm0866]

@@loganpadayachee6048 In what way...is the performance and handling really increased that much? The MK8 is really just a modified and improved MK7, not a completely new platform.

[@rustyz3365]

@@jbm0866exaclty, you said it, its better...

[@JacesOwnWorld]

You simply cannot deny the legacy and heritage of the VW Golf GTI. Turbocharged hatchbacks would not exist if it wasn’t for the GTI.

[@ThirdEyePix]

The very best video about the GTI I have ever seen! I have a Mk5 GTI, heavily modified for fast road and occasional trackdays, and have had it since new in 2005. My Mk5 still gives me a smile for every mile and I can't afford a Mk8.5 but this is the first version which would interest me. I love driving and don't even play the radio. I love your style of presentation 👍😎👍

[@driven.videos]

Thanks so much, what a lovely comment to read! - John

[@ColinMcKechnie1989]

25:08 this is the first of your videos that I have seen. Really enjoyed it, especially liked the gti recap at the start. Sad to think that the ICE is no more.

[@mashego4245]

Review for the real GTI enthusiast. Can you guys do one for the Golf R, with the history and specifics?

[@driven.videos]

Thank you, and absolutely! It's in the works :) Keep an eye out for it in september/october

[@TheMystro1971]

The Mk8 design is perfect with the 8.5” center display with real volume knobs. 😮 The Mk8 in 2024 also has all the upgrades and refinement in the interior and exterior, full paint under the hood, engine covers etc…. The Mk8.5 is almost as good except I much like the larger headlights with the dual beam of the Mk8. I detest the lume “VW” badge and find moving the radar sensors in the lower grille rather than from behind the badge a step backwards. It now adds black plastic up more to eye level above the fog lights and they look off center??? Can’t unsee this. The Mk8.5 way too big center screen looks out of place and obtrusive in a drivers car, and still no physical volume knob. 😢 (Mk8 with 8.5” center screen is the only way to go). It’s a drivers car so you set it up and go from comfort to sport and that’s it. Stop fidgeting with that huge 13” billboard of a center display. Most features are turned off anyways while in motion. The voice commands are idiotic and unreliable. The wheels are perfect but the side badging is not as good as the Mk8. You can’t go wrong with a GTI regardless the generation but the Mk8 GTI is cleaner and purposeful keeping to its German design a bit better over the Mk8.5. In general any GTI is so much better than ridiculous add on wings/spoilers and creases of other Asian hot hatches. The GTI is the “real deal”.

[@stevodfn]

After careful consideration I actually got the Polo GTI - it's smaller (but no less practical) more agile, cheaper to buy and run and closer to the Golf GTIs of the past in philosophy. Zero regrets! Don't get me wrong, the Golf is still an awesome piece of kit, but for the price I'd rather go for a 3 Series.

[@driven.videos]

Very good choice, I've always loved the Polo and the GTI version is superb. - John

[@robsinHL]

Glad I have the 8.5-6 speed manual. And the ventilated leather interior

[@dubster8086]

Looks like VW really have listened to Golf 8 drivers here and sorted all the stupid software that has spoilt my Golf8 GTI. My 8.5 arrives in mid September, I’m counting the days down already

[@KingIthra]

Did they get rid of the capacitive touch buttons?

[@dubster8086]

@@KingIthra Yes they’ve gone back to proper buttons on the steering wheel and heater controls you can still see at night 🤩

[@mattiehoare]

Have you been given a build week? Mine is due same time but no build week yet

[@dubster8086]

@@mattiehoareI’ve been told week commencing 19th August & I ordered my car 22nd June

[@driven.videos]

@@dubster8086 amazing! Congratulations! And yes, hallelujah for the return of the buttons - John

[@crispyone2564]

OMG! BUTTONS! Now I gotta order that steering wheel

[@jtkent28]

I bought a 2023 GTI 40th Anniversary Edition last year and I absolutely love it. My 4th GTI in a row and favorite by far. Glad I got a 6 spd as well since it’ll be gone as an option moving forward. I love the 8.5 w/ the new sharper headlights & club sport style “fangs” in the bumper. Taillights look better as well. The new style and location of the badge on the side I do not like. Also the infotainment screen is too big for my taste. I actually like the haptic buttons on my steering wheel oddly enough. But physical ones are good too. Overall aside from no manual option I’d get an 8.5 if I didn’t have my 8 already.

[@jbm0866]

Agreed on the side badging. Totally unnecessary and cheap looking. If I were buying an MK 8.5, removing those would be day one.

[@urbanblazenyan3692]

Already drove this thing over 2000km and its just great.

[@JamesAnsell-em8sg]

Will definitely be getting a 8.5 before they stop production 😊

[@adrianmason9617]

Great review, but I can help feeling something is missing with both the 8 & 8.5. It not as beautiful as the 7.5 and I was surprised by the awful door closure sound. It’s didn’t sound Golf. All round the 7.5 is more pleasing to the eye and though the 8 & 8.5 might technically be the better cars, they’ve lost a bit of soul. £45000 for a spec up GTi doesn’t feel in the spirit of things. It’s unattainable for me, I’ll stick with the 7.5 for now

[@Marko37-73]

Gr8 video, I’ve had quiet a few golf gti’s mk1, mk2 16valve, mk3 which I hated a sold very quickly, 2x mk5 and a mk7.5 and after this video I will now look at the 8.5 👍

[@adams7405]

Got your 0-60 a bit wrong although it is irrelevant on the road..Motor here in the UK timed the mk1 in 8.2 seconds and the 16v mk2 7.5.Still both pretty quick today,a 16V would leave my company Golf TDi mk7 for dead

[@driven.videos]

John's written review of the Golf GTI Mk8.5 can be seen here: driven.site/words/review-vw-golf-gti-mk85-2024

[@michamarc3250]

Does this car have an oil dipstick? what fuel injection system does it have?

[@GlowingTube]

I’d love a manual

[@RickGTI2019]

I’m currently driving my 2019 GTI s, dsg. And loving it. I don’t need a 12 1/2 inch screen, nor do I need to talk to my car. GTI EV, ugh…… our governments should not be cramming EV’s down our throats. Great job, thanks. RickGTI….. 🌴🇺🇸

[@driven.videos]

Cheers, Rick!

[@slamminx3]

Badge on the side was moved thanks to the e-Golf as that is where it's charging port is.

[@richardclayton7170]

Long live the 6 speed!! 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 However you guys get a handful of different editions that we don’t get in the states.

[@sxrpio]

Does the car in the video have the standard exhaust or the akrapovic exhaust? It sounds very nice and I was wondering if this is the standard one.

[@96incap]

MK1, MK5, MK7,5, MK8,5...four iconic Golfs...

[@driven.videos]

@@96incap agree, agree, agree and yep, agree!

[@GS-xv5zh]

Missing one mk2 16v for me anyway

[@philipbarkle3837]

Good vid my friend, not sure why your subs are so low should be so much higher. 👍

[@driven.videos]

@@philipbarkle3837 thank you Philip, that’s very kind of you to say. We’re working on it! 😎 - John

[@jbm0866]

I was an owner of an MK7 (2016) until December of 2020 when I got a great deal on a 2021 Mazda 3 turbo hatch. In my mind the MK 8.5 will be the last true GTI due to misguided politics more than anything else really. A hybrid GTI would be very efficient, low emissions while still maintaining great performance, but it seems the European market is skipping right over that to go straight to EV's. I'm not sure most countries are ready for the strain on the electric grid, or the reality of how that electricity will have to be made when wind, solar and hydro can't keep up with demand. (Coal and natural gas unless people shake their fear of nuclear) All that aside, I would be an owner of an MK8 if they hadn't botched the interior so badly. Sure the new seats are comfy, but look a bit cheap compared to the leather chairs in the MK7 or even previous generations. But that isn't even the worse part. They go from deep, dark black plastics and squishy vinyl to the grey stuff that simply looks cheaper...and don't even get me started on the infotainment. Sure the MK 8.5 has improved on infotainment and brought back real buttons on the steering wheel, but that isn't enough to sway me. Basically it comes down to this for me: the MK 8.5 may be mechanically and dynamically the best GTI ever, but it isn't a complete car. The interior of my less expensive Mazda 3 turbo is waaay better looking than the GTI, and the controls (once you get used to the infotainment knob) are simpler as well. Sure it doesn't quite have the same handling chops as a GTI, but it's enough for people who won't be tracking their car. I'll just say this: if by some miracle the MK9 is still internal combustion turbo or hybrid, I will definitely consider buying one. (If they go back to their roots with interior quality) If it's simply a battery pack with a GTI body placed on top then it will be a pass for me. It will be fast for sure, but so are most performance oriented EV's. If I'm one day forced to go EV or walk..there will be cheaper options out there vs GTI that will also likely be more reliable if we're honest. Edit- as for my favorite GTI it would hands down be the MK 7.5. In my mind that is the most complete GTI ever made. (Performance, exterior looks, interior quality)

[@StadiumLandings]

This was a great video, I loved the full history you went through on the GTI brand. I only own a base MK7 but I absolutely adore the thing!

[@driven.videos]

@@StadiumLandings thank you! We like doing the occasional history dive. Check out our Honda Civic Type R vid for something similar 😎

[@brekdown29]

Great review and video! I owned a mk7 R and currently have a mk7.5 GTI. Both excellent cars and I enjoy them equally for different reasons. I am considering the 8.5 in either R or GTI trim next. I’m in the US though and wish we got the R estate because that would make my decision easy. There’s rumors that the US-bound GTI’s won’t get the same power bump as ROW. Not sure about the R. Will you be driving the new R soon?

[@driven.videos]

Thank you so much! I really hope to get a drive of both the 8.5 GTI clubsport and the R within the next year. I've (shamefully) not yet experienced an R, so I need to put that right. - John

[@davidmckinlay555]

Thanks John, bought it last night.

[@r3games1985]

Great video. I have a 2023 mk8 and love it. I also herd the US and Canada version of the 8.5 will not be getting the bump in HP. Bummer.

[@yugas147]

Do you dynamically speaking feel any difference between the 8th and the 8.5?

[@driven.videos]

@@yugas147 from a handling point of view, there is very little difference between the two, so no. But the power increase is noticeable.

[@RevUpInsights]

No more manual in the US either, by the way. The 2024 380 edition (MK8) will be the last manual in the world! 😮

[@driven.videos]

@@RevUpInsights oh no! The manual is officially dead 😭 #RIPmanualGTI #neverforget

[@elgoogkcuf]

thats why i got one. love it

[@RevUpInsights]

@@elgoogkcuf me too! Loving it as well.

[@jbm0866]

@@RevUpInsights Not the last manual, just the last manual VW product.

[@RevUpInsights]

@@jbm0866 yes, correct. I was referring to the last manual GTI in the world. It’s actually not the last manual VW though, because they’re still making the GLI manual for 2025.

[@zakpoulton435]

@driven.videos I was wondering if you were able to hear any pops and crackles coming out of the back when downshifting and driving in sport. I have seen a few other reviews with the 8.5 and can hear it and I was wondering your thoughts on this. MK 8 I test drove and couldn't get any, maybe the 8.5 has them now????

[@driven.videos]

@@zakpoulton435 they’re there… just very subtle. The turbo/induction noise is very strong though. - John

[@simmouk]

Petition for Partridge to be in all future Driven videos 😂😂😂

[@driven.videos]

Don't tempt us!

[@digibyke5898]

Saw one for 56.000 € today, so it won't be too easy to quickly get one before the go out of production. One thing is for sure though: never ever will an EV be a "GTI". Never!

[@itzJKB]

The MK6, such a handsome car . Timeless!!

[@driven.videos]

@@itzJKB agreed! We all have a soft spot for the Mk6 here at Driven, too.

[@mrjkstark]

I wish they weren't still called fog lights since they're virtually worthless in fog lol. If they would just use some yellow LEDs instead, they'd be great!

[@driven.videos]

@@mrjkstark very good point! Or just extended (but optional DRLs perhaps? - John

[@GasolineCaffeine]

Is DCC essential?

[@driven.videos]

No it isn't - you can just use basic cruise control if you prefer. - John

[@lawtonhambury8487]

The final send off of the gti will be the all mighty TCR. The best golf yet.

[@toddstevens8506]

Those '19 wheels look great, but unless you live in a jurisdiction with really smooth roads, they have to go.

[@KC-lg8qf]

Wasnt keen on the front end of the mk8. They have fixed that with the 8.5. looks much better.

[@driven.videos]

@@KC-lg8qf agreed! It’s a very nice but subtle improvement- John

[@MDC2222]

I love my MK8!

[@m.m700]

Nice car!

[@driven.videos]

@@m.m700 👍🏽👍🏽

[@loganpadayachee6048]

That screen does not do it for me too big and the mags looks like Alpha Romeo 😢

[@driven.videos]

It's certainly on the larger size, I'm tempted to agree - the screen size for the Mk8 was big enough already. Thanks for watching! - John

[@WaveManMike]

I hope he reviews the MK7.75 GLI too

[@kwillee93]

“It’s unbearably hot today and I wish…” strange way to say “I’m too warm” 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@driven.videos]

@@kwillee93 yeah… that’s the point of (supposedly to show that the system can be prompeted with non-typical sentencing) thanks for the observation though!

[@biking134]

cant get a club sport in the USA sadly. as of the mk8 not he 8.5 and if it all lines up we wont get a club sport for this generation either.

[@landroverSV]

First, I'll say I'm a big VW enthusiast. Had multiple VW's my favorites were : MK1 GTI 8V MK2 GTI 2.0 16V MK4 GTI 24V VR6 MK4 R32 24V VR6 which sadly I lost to a flood 😢. $45K for a GTI!? Are they mad!? I rather get a used Audi S3-S4 Avant, or maybe an Audi RS4. In my opinion just not worth it plus no manual only DSG 😢 no thanks!

[@driven.videos]

The Mk4 being lost to a flood is heart breaking! That's one of my favourite Golf's ever! - John

[@landroverSV]

@driven.videos Thank's still think about the R32 to this day

[@JFinns]

No hatchback sounds remotely as good as a 24V VR6 to this day. Probably never will again.

[@crispyone2564]

Why are you calling the 2024 a mk8.5??? It’s still an mk8. I have one Salesman got him Edit: no deleting lol. That is definitely different than mine. I guess you got connections. The clubsport bumper with the fog lights is such a WIN. I got the clubsport spoiler for mine but I won’t do the front bumper because I dont want to give up my fogs

[@driven.videos]

Yep, it's definately an 8.5 (the midlife cycle upgrade to the mk8 - as explained in the video) ;) - John

[@escos0410]

Gti CS Trust me, spend the extra ❤

[@LoveLikeaHurricane]

the key to knowing if a car is good...is if you own it for 10 years...and decide it is worth it to keep for the life time.

[@adams7405]

Had my mk2 16v for 13 years and did 160,000 largely trouble free miles in it.

[@driven.videos]

@@LoveLikeaHurricane very true, I’d like to think these will still be very popular in 2034 and beyond- John

[@davidmckinlay555]

Not if they’re changing them to electric!!!

[@ChristianGuy7000]

38k for a gti fwd. Gr corolla is the way to go 38k you got awd with lunch control.

[@deej330]

Great review. The casual charm of Mat Watson but with a bit more in depth info for buyers like myself. I don't know your name so for the sake of self promotion, you should plaster it all over the video etc

[@driven.videos]

@@deej330 aw thanks man! We admire what Matt and the team at CarWow are doing so that’s a very touching comparison. - maybe I’ll wear a t-shirt for the next review that says “hi I’m John Marcar and I like cars and motorcycles” 😁

[@miguelmoratal2931]

I really hate the yellow UK plate in the back of all cars. I love the gti

[@driven.videos]

@@miguelmoratal2931 umm… okay, sorry? 😅

[@kristallgamer7772]

Bro Sound Check ?

[@driven.videos]

There isn't really much to hear beyond what we included in the video. The intake and turbo noise is more impressive than the exhaust.

[@spinnetti]

I basically like them all except the MK3 which I don't like at all. Probably the MKI or MK7 clubsport would be my favs. I don't love the look of the MK8. 8.5 is ok, but no manual, no deal.

[@driven.videos]

@@spinnetti the loss of the manual is a real shame, but we’re sadly in a world where the manuals are becoming rarer and rarer now, largely due to customer demand. :( - John

[@gianlucahead5397]

where are all the people saying that the MK7 was much better quality?

[@escos0410]

Iv a mk8, coming from a 7.5 R performance wise no comparison, build it’s better im afraid to say but not as bad that everyone says stage 2 our gti CS is and to get the same power in the 7.5 it needed to be stage 3 For 450bhp it cost no more than £1800 all in

[@gianlucahead5397]

@@escos0410 it looks great to me, I just can’t understand all the hate that comes to this beautiful car💣

[@loganpadayachee6048]

No ways I switched from 7.5 GTI to 8. The 8 GTI is way better in every way design, technology, power, comfort

[@gianlucahead5397]

@@loganpadayachee6048 completely agree, mine was simply sarcasm because all of the bollocks I reed from mk7-7.5 owners

[@ricktrue8441]

I heard we're not getting the power upgrade in the US.

[@JFinns]

Doubt that's true, but if so then it's Stage 1 time.

[@sirgalahad1470]

They are slowly ruining this car. It's like "death by 1000 razor blade cuts". The latest razor blade cut is that giant stupid screen in the middle of the console

[@parvindermander5664]

Just way too expensive for the ordinary person

[@Artemissyamuch]

hey hey hey don't go putting words in my mouth. owned a mk 8 for a year and absolutely loved the touch capacitive steeringwheel. the look was far better than these " new" ones and the functionality I literally had only ever accidentally hit anything twice. you reviewers are just so whiney you have to ruin everything nice for the common consumer that appreciates nice things.

[@philipbolton2811]

Got a new Mark7.5 GTI and after three years decided to ‘upgrade’ to a mark8, what a mistake that was. Only kept it two years and visited the dealership numerous times to sort out software problems. Have ditched VW now.

[@scotturich]

US haven’t gotten the 8.5 and most likely won’t until late 2025. 2024 is the last year for the Manual called the 380 edition

[@isuckatgaming76]

For me, the 7.5 Gti is still the best, VW got everything right. In my humble opinion of owning one 😅

[@r3games1985]

Take an 8.5 out for a test drive. The 7.5 just isn't and fast or sharp.

[@isuckatgaming76]

@@r3games1985 I did, but I still prefer my 7.5 gti

[@escos0410]

@@isuckatgaming76drive the the R equivalent The CS gti. It’s a completely different machine Came from a 7.5 R and from the start no regrets at all. Stage 2, TCU tune as well and it’s quick, seriously quick 60/120 mph is sub 8 seconds

[@BrakRulesAll]

I'm not sure which is a bigger abomination - the hideous "GTI" lettering on the freaking DOORS, or the massive iMax screen slapped onto the dash like an afterthought. Long live the 7.5 - peak Golf/GTI IMHO.

[@driven.videos]

@@BrakRulesAll that’s a thought shared by many, I’m sure. The 7.5 seems to be a firm favourite- John

[@slamminx3]

Badge on the side was moved thanks to the e-Golf as that is where it's charging port is. :(

[@Jamie-x4c]

Not sure I’d agree with gti peaking at 7.5. Mk2 16v oak green metallic with bbs wheels that was the pinnacle. Had a 8v campaign which was beautiful but just couldn’t match the 16v extra top end

[@driven.videos]

@@slamminx3 Ooooh now that's a good bit of intel!

[@GS-xv5zh]

Yes am not to sure about the big GTI badge on the doors, strange he missed mentioning the mk7.5 , am the same 7.5 all the way for now 😉

[@davidmckinlay555]

I’m in the US and was wondering if I should buy the 2024 gti (dsg) with its 10 screen and lots of issues I here with the software or should I wait for the 2025 in a month or so. Looking for your input, thank you!

[@driven.videos]

I am not sure if things are different in the States; however, there is nothing new coming out in Europe for another 3+ years. So, yes, go and try the 2024 model for sure. You'll love it! - John

[@mrcurlyrambo5009]

I won't be buying another one if they switch to ev, big mistake by vw

[@driven.videos]

@@mrcurlyrambo5009 believe me, the manufacturers would much rather stick with ICE, but they’re just confirming to the rules set by governments. Don’t be upset with VW, be upset with the politicians. - John

[@mrcurlyrambo5009]

@@driven.videos they all need to make a stand They will all be gone out of business if they don’t 🤔👍

[@MyMartyb]

Well the gti brand will be no more as an EV! I hate the interior of the MK8 and 8.5

[@GloriaOwens-i3n]

Hernandez Robert Gonzalez Donald Gonzalez Frank

[@AudreyMalia]

Hernandez Karen Rodriguez David Lewis Sandra

[@GloriaOwens-i3n]

Lewis Paul Clark Jennifer Miller Melissa

[@俊源蔡]

VW～ nice car ❤❤❤😊😊😊

[@driven.videos]

Yes it is!

[@babc97]

MK6 is the best look one.