Review: 2019 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn

I review the 2019 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn with the new 7-speed dual clutch automatic and find that the 2019 changes only improve the car, but now being nearly 5 years old, the GTI is starting to show its age and isn't perfect. I also compare it to some of its main competitors like the Veloster N and WRX, as well as some other interesting options in this price range that are similar like the Accord Sport 2.0T and the Kia Stinger. What do you think of the VW GTI? Thanks to Volkswagen for providing this vehicle to review.
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[@Armen567]

20 years from now we will look back and long for the simplicity of the GTI.

[@teamextreme334]

Man i agree 100%.

[@heyitsme939]

I don’t think people realize how good of a value the autobahn really is. I think it’s because most people who want a GTI only care about the power, not the features. but for those who also care about premium/luxury features and not just the way it drives, $37k ($32k after discounts) is not a bad price to pay for a car that is as fast as this one and also has leather seats, an 8” touchscreen with navigation, adaptive cruise control, lane assist, automatic climate control, automatic high beams, automatic parking, power seats, premium audio system, panoramic sunroof, adaptive led headlights, led taillights and led foglights, a 360 degree overhead camera, and much more. that is a premium car. premium cars have premium prices.

[@darrell9616]

I've watched your reviews for years and believe that this is your best one yet. Very balanced and thorough. You covered many points that other reviews missed or just weren't interested in covering. I never liked the 6 speed DSG and always found it lacking. Better than MB to be sure and many autos, but it can't come close to the ZF 8 speed. The manual isn't perfect in this car, as you said, but I think that it's a much better option IMO.

[@rockervdrive]

Super agree with you on the stock shifting logic. I felt my 2017 always wanted to shift to the highest gear as soon as possible and made the car feel slower than it actually is. And sport mode is too aggresive for daily driving. A Cobb transmission tune fixed all of that. I'm still in love with this car for a daily commuter!

[@miracle46290]

How is that Cobb tune holding up? I just got a 2017 gti with 40k miles.

[@rockervdrive]

@@miracle46290 It's been great with no issues. I've put over 70k miles on my car now with the same tune. The only little complaint I would have is that the gear changes do have a speed threshold at light throttle applications. So it shifts at 30mph from 3rd to 4th no matter what and 40mph from 4th to 5th. So if you just happen to really be cruising at those exact speeds and it deviates 1mph, it will upshift or downshift which can be a bit annoying if you don't have a steady foot.

[@miracle46290]

@@rockervdrive damn okay I really appreciate your reply. Is there anything else I should swap on the car that you recommended before stage 1 to keep reliability?

[@MaxSpeedMike]

Autobahn is too close in price to the golf r. For the extra $5k you can get a base golf r. Personally, I'd reccomend getting a lightly used gti SE (with the limited slip differential) with 10,000 miles or so. You'll be able to snag one for $20k as opposed to $30k brand new. Even less if you look hard enough...

[@derrickdean7224]

MaxSpeed GTI autobahn’s can be had for $6k less than MSRP. Golf R’s are almost never discounted.

[@MaxSpeedMike]

@@derrickdean7224 I didn't say you can get a discounted golf r lol. The gti autobahn is $35k. The golf r starts at $40k.

[@BobThe9534]

A lot of cars r cheaper used than when they were new

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@MaxSpeedMike Sorry. You're still wrong. I shopped for a GTI or a Golf R last year in the Seattle area. Only 3 R's available among seven dealers and two of the three had "market adjustment" stickers that added $2K to $3K to the price. The only R that sold for MSRP was sold within 24 hours of delivery to a customer who came 800 miles to buy it. I purchased a fully loaded Autobahn GTI (DSG) for a few dollars over $32K making the price difference at least $10,000.

[@MaxSpeedMike]

@@stephenhendricks103 how do you like it? Has it been reliable since you had it?how many miles have you done with it?

[@IMAWARRIOR89]

The GTI is good for what it is for the average driver. Those who want more, there’s a tuner market for that. Idk what’s the obsession with wanting compact cars to be bigger than they should. Competition has its short comings too. Veloster’s interior is all hard touch plastic with half the space of a GTI. Accord is not a hatch so not as versatile. A stinger? That’s in a whole different class. Not saying others are better or worse. They all offer something different but VW has the right recipe with the GTI.

[@ryanhuang6838]

The average car enthusiast have neither the skill nor desire to push their cars, so the GTI/R ends up being a good match, even if they are less capable compared to their competitors. There's no other car in the same category with an inoffensive design, adequate performance and good quality comfort. But even though VW is currently in the sweet spot in terms of the least amount of performance you can get away with in return for interior comfort, the fact that competitors keep pushing the performance boundary of hot hatches (see CTR, V/i30N), means that they can't stick to the same formula.

[@edinburghgus8379]

Here in the U.K. there’s just one version (Performance) and the stock spec is good. Manual, 245bhp, heated tartan seats, digital dials, diff, the great headlights. You can add everything else as an option but it’s pretty perfect just as it comes. I got mine recently and have done about 2500 miles already on some amazing roads in Scotland.

[@dom_z3480]

I feel sad cause Matt didn’t enjoy the pull on this one

[@ms3ben]

They don’t pull that hard stock. The performance potential is there though.

[@matts6551]

Because automatic

[@devn3813]

Ben Jake I drove one and it felt extremely powerful stock. The torque pushing you into the seat and it didn’t a rolling burnout for me

[@rushi32400]

@@matts6551 the dsg is actually really fast. it’s a super quick transmission. much faster than manual. but you can’t beat the feel of a manual

[@lutang]

I own a GTI Autobahn, and the only major problem I have ha with it was the CarPlay. It constantly breaks over and over...but the dealership has always fixed it for no charge since they know VW just completely failed with integrating CarPlay with their cars. The power is very good...this reviewer is being picky, or has a light foot. I punch it and I can feel it move, I maneuver well on the highway, and the seats are very comfortable. I'm very happy with this Little Rocket, which is what this is. It's like driving a missle.......for a hot hatch. There are obviously faster cars out there, but for what this is, I'm very satisfied.

[@travis3810]

How do you find the Fender stereo? Do you think it's a worthy upgrade over the base system? I/m deciding between the SE and the Autobahn trims.

[@Kratos58gt]

Got me a 2018 autobahn a few months ago, love this machine!

[@buildmorefarms1007]

Too expensive for too little.

[@ivdubgti]

Another reason its popular is its not that hard to make them super fast.

[@reptileguy8458]

Talk to me about that? Not hard to make them super fast. Seriously. I want to know what you can do to these.

[@travis3810]

@@reptileguy8458 APR tune take it from 228 hp to well over 300. You can have this done at the dealer and it includes a full powertrain warranty.

[@Jorge_Magallon]

I liked your out of the box comparisons. Also, another reason to go with this 2019 is that VW is reducing the “woops we cheated” 6 year warranty to 4 years starting with the 2020 model year.

[@Tigerex966]

My dealer just told me that so a used 2018 will have a better than a new 202p gti😳

[@travis3810]

Yes, but they also throw in 2 years of free maintenance to balance it all out

[@ceogree6154]

I love these golf gti's. Those wheels gotta go tho. Lot of other rim styles that can make this car pop more.

[@tjlindsay1715]

faxs

[@guitarking4734]

Stop letting the transmission do the driving and shift it yourself. You underestimate the DSG

[@ArielJLuna]

Edgar Moreno say it louder ‼️

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I did shift it myself, did you miss that part?

[@guitarking4734]

Whoops ;|

[@FilthyFauci]

You nailed it on the discount. And this is why the GTI Autobahn appeals to some vs the R. The R rarely gets any kind of discount. The average R is around $42k and you can get a loaded GTI for around $30k. The $12k can be a pretty big difference. With that said though, go with the R. It will atleast hold value. The GTI is one of the worst depreciating cars around.

[@jaioncebollero1168]

Idk anybody who buys brand new gti’s

[@FilthyFauci]

Jaion Cebollero I didn’t know they depreciate that bad. It is really bad. And I’ve owned Mitsubishi’s. Never thought I’d see a car that depreciates worst than a Mitsubishi

[@MAB1999_]

That is why you lease the a gti.... you should never buy

[@arainla]

For $37k people would opt for the Golf R. The Autobahn has huge discounts and usually sells closer to $30k as I was able to get a new GTI for about $24K.

[@joserosales7578]

arainla new GTI for 24K? You mean the S model with no packages and a manual?

[@Cameron38]

The seats appear to be the same seats that come in the GLI, which are ventilated. So no excuse for VW not offering them. Perhaps next year.

[@frankie.d1127]

You just have to keep the revs above 3k, and it’s fine- even stock

[@tymac3306]

That twisty road looks is like so much fun, I got a Golf R 2019 and would like to dive it.

[@deanmarr785]

Owned over 30 cars in my life. My is38 turbo swapped 2017 GTI Sport DSG is the best car I have ever owned. 400hp with 35mpg on highway. From a roll race there are very few cars that can keep up with my little grocery getter. Plus the interior is by far the best in class.

[@daphenom45]

A Roll race is not a race lol 😂 literally just a highway pull

[@AlbertPerez-jw1ry]

@@daphenom45 why is it called a roll race if it's not a race🤔

[@GQV10]

It's not about speed only, the GTI isn't that exciting despite it being quick. I also have a modified one but it's a bit boring tbh.

[@deanmarr785]

@@daphenom45 Sounds like you've been taken to gapplebees by a GTI. Still bitter I see.

[@daphenom45]

@@deanmarr785 please brother I owned a mk6 before mk7, they're awesome little dailys that do embarrass on the highway, but are not that exciting to drive or fast. It's literally just a DD, the only thing I'm bitter about is the pseudo car guys jeopardizing others safety on the highway, but never go to the tracks to actually race. Same guys who got the dsg because it's "0.2" secs quicker to 60 and "muh traffic"

[@theevilmeister]

If you walk into a dealer and pay 37k for this thing, you're really dumb. Just wait 2 years and pick one up for 17k

[@jralphroman]

Not quite that cheap but yeah we understand what you're trying to say

[@oONoChanc3Oo]

40k for 220 hp? LMAO 😂😂🤣🤣🤣

[@Ben-bg2eg]

oONoChanc3Oo Says the Focus ST owner lmao. The ST can’t even break 300 horsepower on the best of tunes with the stock turbo.

[@oONoChanc3Oo]

@@Ben-bg2eg ST doesn't cost 40k? So.....

[@carguybd]

Interesting viewpoint. Bought my 'S' used for $18k and drove it for 61 months, then sold for $12,500. By my hillbilly math that equates to $90.16 per month. If that's not about the best value on four wheels, I'm not sure what is. Oh wait, I know- the air-cooled 911 Turbo that I doubled the mileage on, and owned for 11 years, having it only appreciate by 25% before selling it.

[@isaacfalvey]

Wow! How big is your sunglass case? Seems like it should fit somewhere.

[@grimacemcccheese]

Probably needs to go in the door pockets. Or the trunk

[@NaijaBull]

Didn't mention the Civic Si as a competitor, I test drove both, bought the Si.

[@jonlaprade7977]

Civic SI is going to be my next car once VW buys my GTI back from me. Wish I would have just bought the SI Initially. Great car!

[@carsaregood911]

The new POS Si isn't a competitor to this that's why

[@Tigerex966]

@@carsaregood911to the gti se and the rabbit the Honda civic si is a worthy much more reliable. Competitor aside from being almost a second slower and interior being about 1 or 2 levels down in plastics quality and no leather. And cheap headlights. It actually beat the gti on some major car reviews. And in some performance mpg and standard equipment numbers and it's a civic si. So it is supremely moddable. The little 1.5 is already doing 500hp with mods and many chassis parts with the type r can be shared

[@devn3813]

3 Pedals I looked at civics and ended up getting an elantra sport. I still want a gti but I don’t want a car that won’t last.

[@eddiearreguin4722]

3 Pedals Si isn’t a hot hatch, that’s probably why

[@CC-uh8gl]

Matt the engine is not broken in yet. Review it again after the break in period.

[@eddiesander403]

Unfortunately the manual is having stalling issues, especially on the Rabbit edition.

[@johnn8117]

Yes. VW has not come up with a fix. Was about to buy a used 2019 with only 1000 miles. Decided to see if there were any problems with this car, because why would anyone trade in a car after only a month or two. There could be legitimate reasons but I checked and found multiple claims of stalling issues. VW has not come up with a fix and are buying back cars. I think they should stop selling new ones also until they can correct the problem. Buyer beware.

[@guts5529]

Watching this review sitting in my gti

[@TopGear759]

My old 2.0T used to spin all the power away. I’m assuming VW felt that slowed the car down so they limited power at the start of the RPM.

[@diz_-4167]

VW actually limits the torque in first and second so that the transmission stays intact.

[@superwiseman452]

the growl is the synthetic engine sound you can turn off. still an awesome sound too.

[@spencec6933]

I believe there is a decent size slide out cubby under the drivers seat that you missed. Might be the answer to your sunglass case dilemma!

[@brightenupcc]

You missed the point with criticising the car’s size. It is deliberately a small to mid size car that uses the space it has extremely well. Suggesting it should be bigger is the reason why cars are so bloated compared to predecessors. If one wants more space, get a bigger car from the next model up. We should celebrate car models not growing excessively, not encourage their growth.

[@toskeron]

Did you used premium gas? When i put regular the car get much slower..

[@keithsileo8031]

I love your videos but what is that creaking? Is that your camera mount?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

It's the flip-out screen on the camera over bumps. I hate it too but can't find a way to get rid of it.

[@keithsileo8031]

Matt Maran Motoring oh I gotcha. I just find myself spacing out and listening to the creak haha. Other than that thanks for the work you do. Big fan of your work.

[@FilthyFauci]

How come no one told him about putting the DSG in "sport" mode? It keeps the rpm's hanging around 3k

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I did, didn't you see me switch it when I did my acceleration?

[@FilthyFauci]

@@MattMaranMotoring I did not. But mine would hang around 3-4k when in sport. It would never drop below 3k and was always ready to pull to redline. It never down shifted early like you were saying. It did drive that way when in Normal though. It would always keep the rpm's low and you had to floor it and then it would drop a couple of gears after around 70% throttle input. It really seemed like you were in Normal in the video. Atleast the behavior of the car seemed that way.

[@Fly2kill1]

Love my rabbit.

[@Beyond-the-Pail]

I would consider purchasing if they still made the 2-dr.😡. Had an earlier model 2-dr and loved it.

[@Tigerex966]

I liked tithe 2 door too I think only Honda makes a fun fwd two door know in America now that the beetle and golf 2 doors died

[@coser293]

The Veloster is kinda coupey if you look at the drivers side lol

[@vr6gls]

Beyond the Pail Who cares dude? People buy a hot-hatch for practicality. Why would someone buy the version that is less practical? Personally, I think the 4-door looks better which is why I bought one.

[@Beyond-the-Pail]

Some people like sedans.....I don’t.

[@vr6gls]

Beyond the Pail LOL! A 5-door hatch is still a hatch dude. Btw, I hope you know that the dimensions between the 3-door and 5-door hatch are exactly the same.

[@secamend]

Great video. Just bought a 19. You are in North Allegheny. 🤘😁

[@sheldonm3535]

Hold traction off for 5 seconds. Put car in sport

[@AlexD02]

2019 Accord sport 2.0T 10 speed auto or 2019 GTI DSG? Kinda torn between the two. What are your guys thoughts?

[@saif03paul]

Alexander De La Cruz Accord sport all day, one amazing all in one package.

[@basslover352]

Gti will feel sharper and handle better. Just a smidge more power in the accord though similar. No limited slip diff in the accord. So if you care more about performance and lightness/nimbleness than gti for sure. Accord for more room and if you like Honda. Both are great all in one packages.

[@StrongerThanEver84]

why would you ever pay $37k for this???? Go buy a slightly used Audi S3 instead if you want a volkswagon product. Better in every single way

[@ArcadianGenesis]

Except it's not a hatchback

[@StrongerThanEver84]

@@ArcadianGenesis ok... then go get a slightly used audi a5 HATCHBACK and its still better in every single way. My point is, this car is not worth $37k. I wouldnt even pay $30k for this shit

[@justinbair97]

You all are forgetting the fact this comes with almost no miles new and has 6year 72,000 mile warranty, while the used Audi s3 would have miles on miles and almost no warranty and way more expensive to fix when all goes wrong....

[@devn3813]

Mel Low this has a way better interior than an Audi and is half the price

[@carguybd]

@@StrongerThanEver84 I agree that at $37k, just go buy a Golf R, however you gotta go apples-to-apples pal. No comparing a new Autobahn to a USED A5. I wasn't even in the market for an Autobahn (delighted with my S, thankyouverymuch) but my dealer had a CPO ultra-low mileage fully loaded Autobahn for less than the cost of a new S model! Plus it was a VWOA car, so they replace everything to brand-new spec. (tires, brakes, etc.). At

[@incognitoguitars9999]

Terrific review as always Matt!

[@matts6551]

Why do reviewers opt for automatic GTI’s? GTI’s are made to be manual. The Golf R is the one to get in automatic because of the shitty clutch.

[@eklektikTechno]

I’ve driven manuals since 99 and I’m older now in addition to residing in Chicago so automatic is what I would do at this point given the traffic.

[@TherealAlibaba]

You don’t expect much do you? 😂 There’s plenty of storage for your hard sunglasses case especially the glove box. There’s few more options on GTI that will actually make anyone go wow!

[@alextorres3248]

I have a 17 dsg Golf R Stage 2 and dsg tune... totally doesnt feel like what you are explaining, also most cars get used to a driving style of each person

[@RJYOUNG396]

Oh, I can't get this car now. You're forced to use the sunglass holder to hold your sunglasses.

[@gooeykev]

Gonna pick one of these up. Was originally gonna try and get into a Veloster N but I found one of these for a decent price. Plus the Lithia Hyundai where I live isn’t a very good dealership they are very rude and pushy and their dealer mark up is ridiculous.

[@RyFo116]

are you the same guy as subaruwrxfan?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Yep, changed the channel name 2 years ago.

[@Kevinsanchez510]

It’s due for a new generation.

[@ArcadianGenesis]

And it's getting one next year. The WRX is *more* overdue for a new generation.

[@MAB1999_]

I disagree it’s perfect

[@pauzeygreaux1425]

The 2020 looks awful

[@Dunwelll]

Does the adaptive cruise really not stop the car?

[@samronin732]

Hey Matt, great review. For pure handling, this GTI or Civic Si? Thanks!

[@MattMaranMotoring]

I'd vote for this.

[@keurylara5948]

See i like the idea of the chassis control but i also love s and se seat it just gives a certain touch to the golf feeling.

[@reptileguy8458]

NEED HELP! I am driving a 2014 Civic Si....thinking of going into this car. 2019 GTI Autobohn. Should I? Never owned a VW. Never owned a European car. Are they good? Reliable?

[@JewelCity1]

I switched from a 2015 civic si to a 2019 GTI S and love every moment. Few vids posted of my build to give you an idea

[@TommyM818]

That price is too close to a golf r price isnt it....?

[@romananthony3598]

Oh yea totally for a used one. And much quicker.

[@TommyM818]

Roman Ballesteros i meant even compared to new. A golf r is like 41k. 42k with the dsg..... Thats too close to a price of a golf r for me to even want a fully loaded gti.

[@keefyboy]

Love the long content because, well, TV sucks and I can no longer find Motor Week and the like

[@xavier0237]

Agreed. I like MotorWeek as well. There is a KZbin channel though.

[@suzannecorrell6061]

Anybody know how this car feels if your a bigger guy?

[@varsity2845]

Actually 2019 RabbIt Edition you get: 7 Speed DSG off of the Golf R Golf R front brakes Limited slip differential 8 more HP

[@steve9377]

all trims get that

[@varsity2845]

Steve oh. 😂. I figured all 19’s get it. But I was just pointing out in the RabbIt Edition lol

[@GQV10]

GTI handles better than a WRX?! Having owned both I disagree, the WRX provides much more confidence in cornering at high speeds, the GTI can manage the same turns but you feel it's just not as easy for the car.

[@Gauge167]

It sounds good because its fake noise. And 1st gear is torque limited to not destroy the tires.

[@Ason426]

I can't believe how expensive the gti is in america. 37,000$ USD! I live in Canada and the price is about 35-37,000$ CAD.

[@louisgugliara7410]

This is Autobahn trim..u can get a base GTI for a little over 25k.

[@efavuzza73]

Isn’t this model the same price civic type R. $35000

[@RB12377]

Car should come stage1 car runs a lot better in every aspect

[@heyitsme939]

my 2018 autobahn doesn’t drive like that, the wheels will spin like crazy if you floor it from a stop. also, if you use launch control it does the same thing

[@heyitsme939]

@@layne4376 you sound dumb. I can be going 15 mph and floor it and still get wheel spin. that's actually one of the biggest complaints of the GTI's that come with the Pirelli all seasons. I can't wait to get new tires.

[@heyitsme939]

Outdoor Layne you sound dumb again. the Autobahn is the fully loaded version, meaning it DOES have the performance pack. you need help bro

[@heyitsme939]

Outdoor Layne my car is just fine, no need to be jealous. I think the real fact of the matter is that you’ve never driven one. watch matt’s 2018 gti autobahn w/the DSG review and you will see that he gets wheel spin when flooring it, which he does not get on this 2019. look at vw vortex forums, and you will see that wheel hop is a common complaint among the mk7’s. I think we both know who the dumb one is here

[@Z3sty367]

Man the Kia Stinger gives you a lot for your money

[@Timbo1969]

DSG owns manuals period it’s faster on the racetrack and the drag strip.. but yes it’s much better when it’s tuned

[@julianx9078]

Anyone know where this was filmed? Scenery is stunning.

[@secamend]

North Alleghany, Pittsburgh suburbs.

[@toddastorino7685]

Matt--i love your reviews, but leather seats are not that important in a hot hatch...my WRX and prior to that, Acura rsx-s, had leather seats and they were mediocre at best in terms of holding you in the seat. My CTR's alcantara seats are top-notch and as you know, not leather. I think in this type of car most drivers are more interested in how well the seats hold you rather than their composition. Ditto for ventilated seats too, especially if you do not live on the east coast or midwest.

[@westnash]

Suggest you spend more time testing base models, especially where powertrain is the same like GTI instead of drinking the OEM's KoolAIde and this A/B prob comes in $10k+ more than the S. They want testers to test the top trim and people to buy because that's where the profit is!

[@arjund.4817]

It’s usually 34k at the dealer, not to mention some people want to see all the options they could get such as DCC

[@Coopjab]

If your ever in the Wisconsin area feel free to review mine. It's currently FBO with an OEM IS38 turbo.

[@devn3813]

Jabari what part are you from?

[@Coopjab]

Midwest Mopars Milwaukee area.

[@devn3813]

Jabari nice I’m in between la crosse and the dells

[@ramzitabbara2639]

I test drove a 2019 GTI a week ago and was extremely let down by it's acceleration. I do not get the hype

[@fantomg100]

tune it and than u will see goes from 220hp to 316

[@ramzitabbara2639]

@@fantomg100 And lose my warranty? No thx

[@fantomg100]

@@ramzitabbara2639 you will not loose ur warranty find vw dealer that is APR certified have them do the work and u still have ur warranty u get full bumper to bumper warranty

[@chriswilliams3110]

No veloster n matt??

[@NaijaBull]

The GTI is overrated, I test drove one as well and left feeling blah. Nothing blew me away

[@carloscaro860]

GET THE MANUAL

[@deanmarr785]

No.....DSG=race ready

[@carloscaro860]

dean marriott oh yeah my bad, forgot you’re an F1 driver, nah you’re an old man to lazy to shift his own gears

[@deanmarr785]

@@carloscaro860 Congratulations on learning to drive a stick. Your parents must be proud. And yes I'm old thanks for pointing that out. Learn to drive a stick with 3 on the tree like I did then get back to me. Run along now son recess is almost over.

[@a13xp52]

bruh, there’s no point in getting a manual if you plan on legitimately daily driving the thing. It’s just a nuisance for people who have to deal with stop and go situations. If it’s a weekend toy, sure, get the manual. But for all of the people who use this as their only vehicle, it makes no sense when you can manually shift with the tiptronic on the automatic.

[@reptileguy8458]

Why? Get manual? So the clutch can go out? Chance of missing a gear and killing your tranny? I drive a 14 Si....the manual transmissions are fun...I get it. I really do. But daily driving going through gears gets old. It really does.

[@twococksproduction]

I'm a VW nut but I'm sorry, VW is high if they think nearly 30k for a base model with a manual is even remotely acceptable. With the MK8 they really need to figure out how to get that price down, either that or they need to just bite the bullet and bring the Polo GTI to the states. I went from a fully loaded GLI for just under 29k sticker and wanted a hatch and saw the price tag for the base. I test drove other hatches on the market and ended up really enjoying the Elantra GT Nline, never thought in a million years I'd buy a Hyundai. I'll get a MK2 golf for a project car, VW is going in a weird direction lately and making their cars huge.

[@thrasherx2k1]

Joe Shmoe it’s about $25,000 at most dealers after incentives

[@twococksproduction]

@@thrasherx2k1 yeah my local dealer got it down to 26k but it still didn't come close to the deal I got on an Nline

[@charliebrewster2809]

$37k!? Whoa. I like the GTI but not at nearly $40k., probably more after tax and license. That’s crazy sauce.

[@LoXHumaN]

This is the top of the line and there’s plenty of dealer rebates and discounts to get that price down. I was looking at one that was $32k msrp and after the discounts and rebates I was looking at $26k out the door after taxes.

[@JamieBowden]

I bought this exact same car with the 6spd. manual, and only paid $31k and change. VW is offering pretty steep discounts.

[@lama6736]

As I was watching I was kind of thinking about the Stinger, and then you read my mind...seems like incredible value for the 4 cylinder plus can get it with AWD. And if you don’t mind it a year old can find them in the low 20’s! Think I’d go that route...great review Matt!!

[@stephenhendricks103]

The Stinger is an impressive vehicle but it's a VERY different car. The Stinger is a credible interpretation of a European GT; the GTI reflects a particular heritage that's not an interpretation of anything else.

[@lama6736]

Stephen Hendricks don’t get me wrong I love the GTI, was kind of thinking out loud as I’m in the market for something fun for a daily. It would be the GTI all day long if it was offered with AWD, and had a 10 year warranty. 😉

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@lama6736 In addition to the Stinger, the Golf R with its AWD is an awesome vehicle but in addition to its price advantage of roughly $10,000 in real world prices (comparing the top trim Autobahn to the Golf R), the GTI has some other advantages. The most obvious is the fact that the Golf R's AWD adds the equivalent of the weight of an NFL defensive back sitting in the back seat. And that's a minor burden compared to a Stinger with a curb weight of up to two tons. (V6 and AWD) That's about 900 lbs more than a GTI! It's like loading the GTI with 3 NFL offensive lineman. And keep in mind that curb weight doesn't include fuel, passengers, or gear/luggage. :) As far as the advantages of AWD are concerned, both the "R's" and the Stinger's are "reactive" systems. They don't engage the additional wheels (rear wheels in the case of the R and front wheels for the Stinger.) unless wheel slip is detected. It doesn't take much to engage the extra wheels (Hard acceleration under less than ideal pavement will do it and so will wet pavement.) But under typical cruising or daily driving the AWD of either car is just extra weight, nothing else. And as for the value of AWD in challenging winter conditions, I've had a lot of experience driving in places like Michigan and upstate New York in snowbound winters. Frankly a FWD small , light vehicle with the weight of the engine over the drive wheels and a good set of winter tires will perform as well as an AWD vehicle about 95% of the time. I'm a KIA fan. I own a Sorento crossover. It's my second one and I find it a great vehicle. And KIA"s excellent 10 year/100,000 mile power train warranty coupled with its five year/50,000 mile bumper-to-bumper warranty is reassuring. But I have to say that if KIA offered a two week/10 mile warranty I would have spent no more on either of my KIA's than I did in reality. In other words $0. And I've also owned two GTI's in the last eight years. One with a 3 year/36K B2B warranty and my current GTI with a 6 yr/72K warranty. But again, I could have owned either vehicle with no warranty, whatsoever, and not spent a dime more than they cost me for warranty issues. Again, zero dollars. Warranties are mainly marketing tools for manufacturers. Like any insurance policy they wouldn't be offered unless they were seldom redeemed. And longer warranties are primarily meant to express a brand's confidence in their product and counter a reputation, usually earned some years before, that a particular brand had reliability problems. Toyota stands at the top of rankings in reliability as they have for many years but Toyota's actual incidence of problems compared to other manufacturers has shrunk to a very small advantage. The average purchaser of a new car keeps it for fewer than 7 years. And in that time, the vast majority of vehicles will remain trouble free, regardless of the manufacturer. Want a vehicle that you can keep for 10 years and 100K miles and be relatively certain nothing will go wrong? Buy the model with the fewest electronic components and features, the least capable infotainment system, and the least efficient engine with the oldest design. A Toyota 4Runner is a great example. Tens of thousands of ISIS terrorists can't be wrong. 4Runners and Toyota trucks can stand up to neglect and abuse perhaps better than any other vehicle on the road.

[@CarsOfPennsylvania]

I would only buy a GTI because of the dual clutch honestly. They are much faster manual cars for the money

[@matts6551]

Cars Of Pennsylvania - but Infinitely more boring. You’re not really getting any gains with the auto over the manual in the GTI. I think you’re getting the GTI specs confused with the Golf R

[@mklinger23]

Man that sunglass case storage is really important to you

[@efavuzza73]

Matt I think the Acura 8 speed dual clutch is so much better slow traffic. With build in torque converter

[@nicktune1219]

As good of a car that it is, I would never pick one up myself. Volkswagens are hot pieces of steaming shit. In 2 years one sensor will go wrong and then the whole damn electrical system will break. And then everything else will go. My aunt used to drive a Jetta that was made in Germany, so it must have been "higher quality". Still broke all the time. The Veloster N gives you more fun for the same price and it will last for years to come. I would take the cheap interior.

[@deanmarr785]

MK7s very reliable.

[@trewebster5884]

“Germans have the best fit and finish🧐”.....(sees the gap in the center console)😒...

[@josephimperato9984]

Get well soon 11:25

[@CarsOfPennsylvania]

All GTIs have pretty bad turbo lag from the factory. A tune definitely helps a lot

[@garrettbentz9525]

I think an interesting unconventional alternative to the new GTI is the new Subaru Outback XT Onyx edition. With its power to weight ratio it should be pretty quick, with far more interior space and practicality at a similar price point. Probably won’t be as fun to drive though, especially with the CVT as the only transmission option. It does have a nice low center of gravity though.

[@daphenom45]

Outlooks are at least on a 7 inch ride height, weigh almost two tons and the very recent test show they have 15 second quarter miles. In no way shape or form near the same driving experience or purpose

[@freddieslaughter1107]

This car is over priced for today's market and they depreciate like crazy.

[@sheldonm3535]

Subaru WRX fan

[@TheExotich1]

Is manual still standard in this thing?

[@MattMaranMotoring]

Yep!

[@EEI605]

11:44

[@willmaster5640]

Love this car but for 37k it's overpriced compared to a standard WRX IMO.

[@thrasherx2k1]

Will Master I should report this comment for being illogic. WRX is MAJORLY outdated and put together like a pos

[@willmaster5640]

thrasherx2k1 sorry, but this car is not worth 37K. I'm just giving my opinion that the WRX is a better car/value for me. I like the AWD part of it. Subaru build quality is just as good as VW, ranked higher in latest Consumer Reports quality ratings. I like the GTI a lot, I just can't afford this version.

[@thrasherx2k1]

Will Master AWD is about all Subaru has going for it. Their CVT’s are a joke, their interiors are super GM like plasticky, and they have outdated designs and tech. One door off a GTI has more high quality materials than the entire interior of a WRX.

[@willmaster5640]

Your right, what was I thinking having my own opinion??? I guess this really is the world's greatest automobile. Shame on Matt Moran also stating the WRX is a better value. I hope you disliked his video and commented about the wonderful quality doors of this economy based Golf.

[@thrasherx2k1]

Will Master it probably is a better value based on performance.

[@stevecuahuizo792]

Rabbit edition still better I love my Urano Grey 🐇

[@noelebbert9322]

just curious who here has a 37k+ dollar car, new?

[@stephenhendricks103]

Me for one but the out-the-door price of the fully loaded DSG Autobahn was $32,000.

[@Jacobk66]

I know it’s impossible to talk about but if anyone spends 37k for this they are dumb. Most you should spend after discounts is 32k.

[@FalconXE302]

It will be boost by gear.

[@jayczyzyk9707]

Go bk to ur mini

[@LoXHumaN]

3128 lbs for an autobahn? I wanna say it’s more than that

[@G.Uppercut123]

Good for you -

[@efavuzza73]

The GLI has nicer dash and cheaper

[@Leonardo_Fp]

Sou o único Brasileiro aqui salve 🤜🤛

[@warmongerism]

37k for a golf. lol. Who buys new cars these days?

[@LoXHumaN]

Learn how to haggle the dealer, could easily get them way below MSRP.

[@NeverB_Gameover]

These cars a so slow.

[@jayczyzyk9707]

A,nightmare reliability

[@fycfyc1]

Interior ugly af...

[@jaioncebollero1168]

37,000?????

[@deanmarr785]

Get the Rabbit

[@sharmakish]

11:43 is what you want

[@IMPULSOESTATICO]

Kish Sharma idol