Review: 2016 Volkswagen Golf R

I review the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R with DSG and DCC. What do you think about these? Huge thanks to Volkswagen for providing the car!
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[@ashtonmurch2142]

I'm only here for the "let's turn onto this back road here..."

[@AzNightmare]

*Yeah... no chuckle whatsoever. Let's be honest, Matt was bored in this car. That's the problem with the R. It's a very quick car but it looks boring and relatively drives boring for what it is at it's price bracket.*

[@thefives7ar]

Pretty much. The STI and RS are much more a 'drivers car' compared to the R.

[@HCD488]

the fakenoise in the interior of the R is much more boyracerish then the spoiler of the sti and the RS

[@jacksonpiazza5869]

Ashton Murch and see how it does

[@Whiponized]

@@AzNightmare have you even driven one?

[@Jvilleman400]

Part of the reason why i want this car is becasuse of reviews like this, very professional, supurb video and audio quality. I've rocked with you since you first bought your BRZ. Yes you seemed bored as hell in this car but i've test driven a few of these cars and i love them. I hope to be a proud owner of one of these this week. Thanx Matt

[@kikohd147]

Sick review. It's always great when watching your reviews and waiting for the "let's turn on to this back road here" haha. KEEP IT UP!

[@thomaspugh9969]

A fully loaded GTI runs you around $35k....so an R will run you and extra $5-6k. I'd go R

[@guido8000]

This. The difference between a fully loaded GTI and 2017 R around where I live is 6k. If you don't need it loaded though, the GTI is a pretty good deal.

[@aarongundersen2318]

there are a lot of 2017 autobahn GTI's,( which is the highest trim level) in the low 30's....on auto trader that is

[@505enthusiast4]

thomas pugh you can get a gti autobahn here for 31.5k after discount

[@acchaladka]

Indeed. I went R. The second impossible question is, dsg or manual? My 2018 arrives in late January. Blizzaks on Pretoria wheels for winter.

[@gaznelson8615]

In the UK can pick up 18 month old golf r for 20k and gti not much less, golf r has become one of the best bang for buck easily tunable and still reliable

[@kylehooker3710]

I love your videos man, they're absolutely awesome, very informative, and I love how unbiased you are in your reviews. It's also hilarious when you flog the fuel pedal hahaa!

[@cutthroat795]

"flog the fuel pedal" what time period are you from? XD

[@stop6578]

You are rustling my jimmies hahaha

[@pacoflyer]

You didn't mention the modding capabilities, the Golf R runs 10s on a stage 3 APR. The amount of speed left laying on the table is insane, much more than the Focus RS.

[@elenchus]

You always do such nice reviews. Very helpful.

[@rubennaidoo2480]

My first Golf R and loving it, wonderful review

[@matthewstevenson1415]

Have to say the smile on your face was soo much wider in your review of the WRX STI

[@FOXDADDYSUPREME1]

Love your reviews. Do you ever consider adding a quick comment on safety ratings? Maybe even just a note if its especially good or bad?

[@carsaregood911]

The best compromise of the one car that can do everything

[@BurritoSenor]

S3 is just that bit nicer tho, interior quality is a step up and of course it comes with the extra price

[@larrylampshade1734]

@@BurritoSenor I’m going to be taking a long hard look at these two because I’m going to have to get out of my brz soon. I would 100% opt for the S3 if it came with a manual.

[@BurritoSenor]

@@larrylampshade1734 yeah interesting car to come from to a vag hatchback, here in the UK they both come in auto and manual

[@CeeStyleDj]

That 0-60 is very fast. That's modern muscle car territory - and what used to be super-car times. Much respect.

[@S2kDude36]

Best color, nice review! Would like to see more people review the 6-spd manual model.

[@Nizon]

7:04 this is what you came for

[@luucckky._]

I'm going to be buying myself one of these bad boys. I'm so in love with this beast. 16 years old never looked so focused.

[@Playinitright]

first!!! and omg I love this car always been a vw golf fan

[@Christian-fg3we]

Ive driven a 2015 GTI and it actually impressed me. Very fun cars to take around town.

[@brandonfriesen5389]

Great review! You definitely perfectly summed up the R to a tee. I own a 2017, mines a lemon and has been in the shop 6 times in 2,000 miles, but driving it made me have the biggest smile. So much capability. Can't wait to get mine back.

[@wolf0491]

At what point are they required to just give you a new car? 6 times in 2k miles that would drive me insane. I don't have a Volkswagen but drive a 2015 car and with 13k miles haven't been to the shop once.

[@kiliabgonzalez9977]

Brandon Friesen 6 times in 2k miles? that's just ridiculous.. what were the issues?

[@brandonfriesen5389]

It's had two problems. One was a bad blind spot monitor sensor. That's all said and done. Now the problem that is nearly impossible to fix is it misfires when cold but only when driven a certain way. It'll idle fine. It just misfires when you're driving. After 15 seconds, it's 100%. I dropped it off last night at the dealership

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Thanks and good luck with your R!

[@kiliabgonzalez9977]

Lol they should definitely just give you another brand new golf r if your engine is already misfiring. Definitely something wrong with the way that one was built.

[@slaWterCH]

The station wagon (Variant) version is so desirable! Lots of them driving around here. Saw one today in the same blue, killer car!

[@Flattisv]

Great video. Maybe in the future you can add parts in which you use launch control (if the car has one). Thanks for your videos.

[@hascodelavega3098]

I would say very nice review You explained very well the difference between the Golf R and the Focus RS Also the GTI is a better value, that's why I selected it. Thanks for this.

[@elielmendez]

Great Review. I liked the competition segment

[@Dialysisforever]

I live in Oregon and its almost always wet so I want an AWD. I had a VW W8 wagon and loved pulling up next to V8s at a light in the rain and teasing them.

[@RobMotive]

I love this car! Gotta get one. Nice review.

[@vmaund33]

Found a local 2016 R for $30k with 18k miles. Gonna check it out

[@liveforchrist7771]

Love your videos

[@TheGetawayer]

Finally Matt! The chassis is one of the best. I much prefer it to the Focus RS myself

[@ThtGuyNameJorge]

TheGetawayer if you prefer a more conservative clean cut look. The RS looks way better and more aggressive to me

[@OSTKCabal]

Chassis =/= Body style. The chassis is the underpinnings (frame) and is often used to describe the suspension tuning as well. Most Volkswagens have pretty fantastic chassis and tuning (and therefore driving dynamics), but do have the more conservative body styling.

[@dirkdiggler5647]

After test driving both I have to say I completely agree! Personally I preferred the drive, the interior finishes have a richer feel and its an extremely attractive looking car in my humble opinion.

[@AstroFantastica]

Race mode gets rid of the DSG lag just so you know. Also makes the pedals a lot more responsive.

[@Potato-wl6mt]

I love my 16 R 6spd...base model with no DCC or other unnecessary bells and whistles. 36.5k...a bit harsh on rough roads and the mileage stinks compared to my jsw...that said its so composed, super quick and solid feeling. No spare, summer tires, no sunroof stink but easily forgotten. Looking forward to my jsw buyback too!

[@garysandhu5082]

Thanks for clearing up the issue of the centre consol not opening. Do you know why the sunroof and power folding mirrors aren't available in North America?

[@klasseact6663]

Matt, the R fits you to a T.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

If there was no such thing as the WRX, I'd grab one of these once I needed 4 doors probably.

[@carfreak0465]

subaruwrxfan wrx FTW!!!!!!!!!

[@christianherrero8053]

WRX is a great value just wish the threw in an alcantara package or a rear LSD

[@quickhandcam8596]

"great value car" Priced 8k above the GTI (it's competitor) for AWD and 45 more horsepower. lol. You can get Golf R's for 35-37k all day. My buddy just bought a loaded WRX for 35k.

[@christianherrero8053]

its not priced 8k above the gti

[@ahenrycc84]

I think the biggest bummer with the Golf R: No sunroof! I cannot live without one. I currently drive the 2016 Golf GTI and I love the sunroof. If future iterations of the Golf R includes the sunroof option (at least here in N.America), it'll be at the top of my list of options once my lease with the Golf GTI expires in 3.5 years.

[@MajesticMalice]

I have a '16 GTI and you really undersold the space in the trunk. Many panels can be removed for more space and that subfloor drops down another few inches as well. Golf R also has a bigger turbo than the GTI.

[@djb2366]

Get an APR stage 1 tune fixes all throttle lag also makes it shift 10x times faster. Oh and it bumps power to 357 HP & torque to 349 FT-LBS Makes it feel like a baby GTR hatch! ;)

[@JaredByer]

On the interior storage, you missed a something. Besides the glove box of course, there is also a small storage compartment in front of your left knee when you are sitting in the drivers seat. You could put change or maybe something small in there, it almost looks like an old school ash tray.

[@demianreith8719]

Nice review. More press cars coming up? What kind? Really good review once again.

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Yep! You can stay up to date on all of them on my Instagram @subaruwrxfanofficial. Just got in a 2017 Cadillac ATS-V with a manual.

[@demianreith8719]

subaruwrxfan Wow! Pretty epic. And BTW, with you shaking like that while trying to open a center console that is bolted shut, funniest thing I've ever seen in a car review video. 😄

[@txchas]

I love your videos! However, driving the R in race mode changes everything, including how hard the car launches and reacts to throttle inputs.

[@JamesJones-xb8bx]

Trying race mode would have answered some questions I have like does the steering ratio or feel of wheel change, do shift points change, timing, traction control, and does the sound change? Surprised you mentioned testing handling but did not try race mode. You also mentioned you like the sound but would like a little louder. My 08 vet only has tour/sport(traction control and active handling separate button) selections and it changes things like steering, gear shifting in full auto, magnetic ride, traction control, and sound with dual mode exhaust. Would be nice to know the answers to these question after spending a fair amount of time with you "reviewing" the car. I also own a kia with 2.0 turbo, auto/paddle shift and mild traction control option(on/off). Hard to agree or disagree with your value and comparison assessments based on limited information provided.

[@DarrenOrange]

You really should test it with the soundaktor unplugged. It'll make the car sound even better and way quieter when cruising. I unplugged mine in my 2016 GLI. It's the silliest thing ever.

[@williamk1800]

The price difference in Canada between a GTI PP and a Golf R is tiny, so the R is a tremendous value here. I love my R but you're right about the value proposition of choosing a GTI if you don't spec up to the Performance Pack.

[@lornesbored]

I always find it funny when car channels and car review videos have blasting EDM music and then when they start talking the production value hits the floor. This is no different haha.

[@neoone75]

In Europe 310hp, sun roof available, haldex 5...FL mk 7.5

[@ggg8151]

Thinking about a golf r or the evo x. Been looking for a little more reliability coming from an 04 sti. I like the comfort and subtle look from the golf r but but I like the drive from the evo.

[@ian7675]

That "little growl" is actually coming through the speakers, its louder in race mode.

[@zed4me]

ian7675 sort of. its called a soundaktor and is basically a separate module that sends vibrations through the windshield

[@ian7675]

zed4me I never knew that so I googled it, turns out they have a common issue where they rattle...mine has been doing that since day one and I thought it was a speaker issue. Now I know what it is and how to sort it so thanks for that, you've actually done me a big favour pointing out my mistake.

[@zed4me]

No problem! Feel free to check out my channel, I've got many videos on the Golf R

[@Sharak19]

VW wouldn't let me test drive the R. They said because the few people who buy it want it virtually with 0 miles.

[@thedeadpoet000]

I had this same issue too before I found a lightly used R and bought it instead. The VW dealerships near me would not let me test drive any of the R's unless I was ready to buy the car without test driving, which defeats the purpose of test drives at all.

[@mikem9674]

You'd think they can devote one for test drives even if they don't stock the car and it has to be special ordered, then you can sell off the test vehicle at a special price when a new model comes in.

[@mikem2253]

Mike M same name as me. Weird...

[@oldtwinsna8347]

Heard from the grapevine that the few set aside as Manager's vehicles (manager drives it as a daily, but must be used for test drives upon request), were discarded due to the frequent break downs.

[@isitfast2067]

How would you compare This power to a turbo 4 stang ?

[@jordanthomson7682]

good review

[@AznfoboiXO]

best performance daily driver with some luxury! a unique choice for those who don't want something too hardcore! my friend who likes cars but not a hardcore enthusiast loves his mk7.

[@Digiphex]

This or TTS?

[@devisbetrisey5730]

Why doesn't the USA-spec R/GTI have the LED taillights?

[@King_VQ]

Can you please review a 2016 Nissan Maxima? Thanks if you can.

[@r.ajavier9627]

rad af intro

[@okwhatever2995]

You prefer manual or automatic?

[@johnhammel8415]

I HAVE NEVER DROVE VW, EXP FOR A 1967 BUG, LOVED IT, THX

[@mexifinn7830]

I just put a deposit on a 2017 Golf R. When I was at the dealer, they had a fully loaded (Autobahn edition) for $36k... so really we're only talking a 4k difference for the extra power and AWD. Just FYI :) Oh, I picked a manual.

[@vmaund33]

Mexifinn a year later are you happy you chose manual?!

[@robertshetsen8691]

Did you like it better than civic type r how about your bullit

[@v8monster186]

That is not delay matt . thats why you didn't rev before acceleration or didn't downshift

[@ssbh-zelvix8805]

The engines in these sound like real quality and aren't they like 310hp stock?

[@christianramirez6935]

You should do a review on a 1987 Iroc z28 ; manual

[@astront917]

let's just turn down this little back road............ whoo hoo giggle laugh and smile, you could review a potato and I'd watch it and smile, well done..

[@israel426]

does the race mode change the throttle response? a simple remap and air filtre here in Brazil put 320cv to the wheels

[@thillyard1]

Fuego _ Steering is tighter, suspension is tighter, and throttle seems more sensitive to me in race mode. Normal mode is good for daily driving but on backroads you definitely want race mode.

[@moustacheo03]

can you do a review on a 2016 vw beetle dune

[@tredfxman]

So it seems you just got the 2016 R in the states by now. Im waiting for delivery of my GTI Clubsport (290 HP on overboost & sends 100% of power to front wheels.. ;) So you have only the normal GTI & R there. Im paying the same price for my GTI Clubsport, DSG, DCC, as i would if i got the normal GTI here in Sweden ;) Anyways they both use the same base engine (EA 888), so if your planning on tuning it anyways, your probably doing a good deal on the GTI Performance if u got it there, & dont need the 4WD of Golf R.

[@Vdub-md2wz]

3DFX Where I live AWD is a must.

[@SuperDigitalMe]

I have a GTI clubsport, its a GTI with the same engine from the R, i dont think you can buy one in the us....

[@WiseGuy02]

did you try it in race mode? everything sharpens up, suspension stiffens, it'll auto blip the throttle. The R's suspension and chassis were tuned by ex Porsche race driver hans stuck.

[@chikenwangz12345]

What is auto blip?

[@angelretribution]

you do know race mode isnt just for the suspension?

[@skidoomonkey5]

Great review, I love my mark 7 R. I want to put on a turbo back exhaust, I'm thinking armytrix, any other suggestions?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

APR makes some pretty nice sounding exhausts.

[@bergenfamily1314]

Unitronic or APR

[@mukhtaradan64]

Joshua Fehr Bergen nice car i laked

[@komit73]

Is he passenger side rear lens cracked?

[@donismael104]

Please do a Toyota Blade master review

[@warlords8839]

Do you prefer the golf R over an STI? i live in Québec so a lot of snow and i Wonder wich is the best (fun to drive and practical)? i would love to know your answer!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

STI is more fun but also a harsher ride. I'd personally just get a standard WRX which is 8/10 the fun of the STI with better fuel economy and a smoother ride.

[@warlords8839]

thanks you for taking the time to answer. I am gonna try those cars out! love your vids!

[@pcm7315]

This gentleman is surprisingly-deceptively good.

[@wescooper2961]

im wiating for him to actually pronounce subaruwrxfan when he introduces himself

[@lancermafia1982]

DSG, The only automatic I ever loved.

[@josephdom949]

review a neon srt 4!

[@pvfeB7Ax]

If I'm going to be doing over 260 HP with a tune on a Golf, because that's atleast what the GTI would get, I want AWD putting power like that down! 🙂

[@adrientresner9173]

Do the manual golf r next

[@danny2607]

Everyones got their thing. For me, it not having a sunroof is a bonus. I hate that the new R is only optioned with a sunroof

[@Bmwguy2011]

Matt, excellent review. I owned the 16 gti and now have the R. Three points to hammer home: to get a gti that has leather, ppackage, dsg, dcc, etc., what I had-- you're talking an autobahn listing for 37k, just 3k less. For 3k, to get a German built, awd, slightly better build quality (yes, observed), 72bhp With safety radar, and definitely better resale value, there's no comparison. Second, after carefully looking at the a3, I don't see ***any*** meaningful improvement it has over the R. Last, you were constantly testing the R in normal mode. I hope that you spent time in race. Hans stuck created this car's suspension and it is silly smooth even in race mode. Your complaint about the transmission and bland feel as well as exhaust note -- all enhanced with race mode activated. Done.

[@Hot-1LE]

you can get 5k off just about any GTI easy, but not off of R's. So thats about 7-8k difference

[@stevensanchez330]

i know you like both but which car would you by at the end of the day if you had to choose one s2000 or 350z because i know you've said before that you came really close to buying a Z in the 06 review but you didn't say it in the s2000 review, please reply ;)

[@MattMaranMotoring]

+StevieBoy actually, I also came very close to buying an AP1 S2K about 8 years ago. Ended up keeping the spec.B instead. But I personally think I'd rather have the S2K if it's a weekend car, 350Z if it's a daily driver. 350Z has more safety and creature comforts that the S2K doesn't have. The S2K is more fun to drive though.

[@stevensanchez330]

subaruwrxfan thanks a lot for the reply

[@csusino84]

I enjoyed your review but a Golf R review definitely merits at least one Launch. We have seen you floor plenty of fast cars, surely there had to be a single desolate road where a proper launch could have taken place. Besides it's a unique feature that not many cars in this price range have, besides the new RS.

[@baronvonsturz2.011]

The Golf R is very neutral on public roads, but going to the limit on a track you earn a lot of understeer. Stock it is a super fast daily driver, but not a track car.

[@baldygrey2779]

I like what this car has to offer for the price point but a lot of mixed things I'm hearing on problems. May stick with a Subie

[@NewtMedia]

Notification Squad!

[@vab120]

Each time I stumble upon a dsg equipped golf r review, there's a 90 pound thing behind the wheel. Is this so hard to use three pedals and feel the full control of every speed you clutch in?

[@vab120]

Starstriple The DSG is 0.2 sec faster from 0 to 60, which makes no fuckin difference to me. For the same car with same engine and same power output, I choose to be involved more in the driving.

[@vmaund33]

Va B he said the difference was 4.5 for dsg and 5.2 for manual

[@stevenwpf1]

nice intro !

[@THEG12EG]

the delay in throttle can be fixed with a pedal box

[@supertallflapjackstack6544]

I wish they would make a two door version of this car, would look better IMO and would save wieght

[@matthewlappin1605]

matt try and get the scirroco r aswell its sexy af

[@souos-4701]

Imagine this guy bald

[@vmaund33]

Hahaha

[@matts6551]

Mr. Burns from the Simpson’s comes to mind

[@gill5694]

@187 u earned a black belt in youtube commenting with this one

[@ceez3841]

Dont worry he's almost there

[@Theericellington]

Seems like it would be way smarter to grab a GTI. A simple stage 1 flash from APR gets you over the 300 HP mark (correct me if I'm wrong but I've heard you can keep your warranty if you go with APR), you keep the much lighter weight without the AWD, and you can have those awesome plaid seats!

[@Dabussy88]

Meh

[@Dabussy88]

This alone is just about 10hp short of 300hp. Seems smarter to buy this compared to the GTI and having to throw $$ into it to make it over 300hp

[@arno7303]

Matt... stop playing around. This thing monsters your GT. No sugar coating it... and the complaints about the noise. You had an ecoboost and this sounds quite a LOT better lol

[@MattMaranMotoring]

+Arno Fourie sound is subjective. As for the Golf R "monstering" my GT, they're polar opposites. The R will outhandle it sure, but in a straight line the R feels way slower than the GT.

[@HarryTwatter]

This will not "monster" a 5.0 Coyote. It may beat it to 60 with the awd and dsg, but after that it's all Mustang

[@arno7303]

I know it hurts guys. I'm a mustang guy (owner) but facts and figures are what they are. Throw a noob in the R and launch it next to a skilled driver in the GT and you'll lose to 60 9 times out of 10. But yeah sure if you want to race to 160 the GT will probably just win. Not hating. I love both.

[@interceptingfist5682]

MrThePrivateer just wait until the warranty is up and stuff starts breaking, your love for it will start depreciating. coming from a GTI owner.

[@pummpuff]

a Golf R by default depreciates a hell of a lot slower than a mustang or a gti. They are rarer and have a certain reputation which makes them sought after. MK6 R's are around 30k still where i live.

[@crnzsrt]

Hey Matt. Question for you. What car is more fun to drive, faster? The sti or the golf r? Thank you! Be well

[@MattMaranMotoring]

+Carlos Hernandez STI for sure!

[@crnzsrt]

subaruwrxfan awesome! Thanks

[@ryanb8736]

Define fun. The STI is harsh and loud inside. It was uncomfortable too. If I was 16 it would have made me giggle though. Fun to borrow, but wouldn't want to pay for it.

[@crnzsrt]

Ryan B weird. I don't have any of those problems and I'm 28. You might want to consider a Prius. Confi quiet and mature

[@crnzsrt]

Outdoor Layne crazy how a 90s engine is still faster than the newer engine from the golf r 😂😂😂

[@Alby911]

Best car ever made.

[@ian7675]

The USB is great as long as you have worlds smallest hands...

[@bannednation6481]

No back road???

[@BRIANBOBCHAPMAN]

COOL Review: 2016 Volkswagen Golf R

[@dlane5447]

He knows it'll beat his 5.0

[@UnitiveWILLIAM24]

Idk, snow and traction for racing is not enough reason for an R considering FWD is fine in snowy areas.

[@Lolaandcassidyadventures]

Love mine just paid her off.:). Time for a tune!!

[@lingxiaoleng3888]

Still my dream car, even though I bought a Touareg... :D