2022 VW GTI Mk8 | Unexpected

[@joe718gt4]

They should have made it so that you would have to shift gears via touchscreen

[@jackholmes8105]

Dont forget swipe to steer

[@CyAn-S]

Tesla Model S Plaid has you covered

[@johnborges5938]

Please don't give them ideas

[@uvuvwevwevweossaswithglasses]

@@johnborges5938 lmao

[@K03sport]

Eyeball tracking... Car goes where you look... What can go wrong...

[@dragospahontu]

They really should've replaced the windshield with a 4k HDR screen for that extra immersion.

[@mistamaog]

8K 12bit Dolby Vision

[@dragospahontu]

@@mistamaog 240fps no motion blurr

[@mistamaog]

@@dragospahontu Using a MicroLED panel

[@dougrobinson8602]

Don't forget to bring your 3D glasses.

[@brandonobaza8610]

Augmented Reality with "Bridges of the Future" feature. News Article: "Why are VW owners driving off cliffs?"

[@AJW0812]

This is far and away the best Mk8 video out. I've been looking for a deep dive of the suspension changes and if they were able to make a more communicative engaging drive. The euro reviews just punt it down a b road and call it fun. The other American reviews even the ones that had this car on the track with these tires we're incredibly vague and lackluster. Thank you guys for actually putting in the time to not only articulate a driving experience but explain the engineering behind it.

[@IGDesigns]

The seat demonstration, there is nothing more precious than a child’s laughter.

[@TheStonedAge]

Best part about my time with my mk7 GLI was when I had my nieces in the back seat. Any pops or blow off and they would lose their heads. 🥹

[@solverxd]

In the shoppe.. serious stern men Track driving impressions.. giggling like little schoolgirls Love you guys

[@rabbitenjoyer6320]

Bahaha, was going to comment something like this but you summed it up better than I could. My fave car reviewers. If this was the 90s they'd have their own column in R&T

[@nxau120]

These guys are the best, they're fun and have beautiful cinematography.

[@chch242]

It's part of the magic. Sudden swing of mood is one of the oldest entertaining trick. Not saying it's artificial here, just explaining.

[@sunshine101spooger]

Shame they didn't know dick about the traction control. They can goggle all they want, if they can't get simple shit right what's the point

[@putto01]

I love that you have mentioned the lack of storage in the Mk8, everyone gets so stuck on the touch controls they miss that you have lost the sunglasses holder above the rear view mirror, the covered space in front of the gear shifter and the covered sliding space behind it. Where am I meant to put the my Ray-Bans and change that I want to throw at the peasants?

[@CyAn-S]

No , as usual in the comment section, people are only focused on the bad parts. The review was very positive about everything except for the controls. Yet everyone and their dog is stuck on the controls part. Get over it. Is it a bad decision, yes. Can you learn how to use it like any human? Yes. Is the car still good despite this? Yes.

[@user-vk4vd7vr5t]

@@CyAn-S nope, the ergonomic failure is a deal breaker

[@houssamalucad753]

@@CyAn-S dude this isn't a supercar or an off roader where you make that kind of excuses for it. It's a people's carrier and ergonomics, usability and storage are some of the most important aspects of it.

[@K03sport]

...that is what roof top carriers are for; hip and functional. Maybe we need to learn how to travel lighter, with less stuff...

[@laconeznamy]

I put mine in the fuse box left of the wheel (LHD USA). It's a tight fit though, if you have a big head yours might not!

[@jaridhoek]

I own a mk8 gti. Tbh the buttons aren't that bad you really adapt quickly.

[@hovan2yourjunk]

I just picked up a 2024 last week…it’s going to take me a while to get used to it!

[@BenDover-io9vg]

i had a mk7 gti. now i have an lci m340i with touch AC controls that everyone hates on. i got used to it in one week. i'd imagine it's the same with the mk8.

[@amosthomas7948]

Hows the reliability so far?

[@Acct1941]

This review is so huge guys. The exploration of the limits is so crucial for anyone who wants to drive these cars Seriously and not experience the 6/10ths "Sporty" feeling accompanied by disappointment once abused. Love what you guys do. Can't believe I watched a Volkswagen review 3 times over the last few months.

[@papa_pt]

we'll see how VW responds to Honda wisening up and returning physical controls to their cars like the new Civic. Because they realized how horrible the touch /capacitive buttons were

[@mickwrinkles2318]

Veeery slow, as always.

[@K03sport]

Agree, it will be years...and that is if they ever return. Cars are now being made like phones/tablets. The more controls done through a screen, the less actual buttons and knobs that need to be kept in inventory (and designed for).

[@dragospahontu]

@@K03sport they will definitely make improvements. They have already taken an inside decision to redesign the way the haptic/touch steering wheel works. The base version still has physical buttons tho.

[@vq37zu]

VW wont go back to physical controls because cost savings

[@blinkblink2255]

@@mickwrinkles2318 Yeah looks like they put similar shit in the ID.4.

[@dcb1728]

How could they have made the same mistake that Honda made in the previous-gen Civic? Cars need manual controls for audio/HVAC.

[@uos64]

Absolutely. Because VW it's always the years behind the other brands in everything ...

[@mikej243]

They’ve been trying so hard to copy Tesla tech that they forgot Golf fans aren’t buying a Golf for the tech.

[@OxMatic]

Especially when the Mk7/7.5 were perfect for HVAC controls. It didn't need improvement at all.

[@Osprey1994]

@@uos64 Not even remotely true 😂, my MK7 has features that Acura didn't get until 2018. They were most likely testing an S or SE in this video so don't even talk about features until they review a fully optioned car.

[@guenthersteiner8163]

@@Osprey1994 Porsche, Bentley, Lamborghini and Bugatti still use physical buttons...

[@FarHagh]

I don't care how good the car is. Any car with no physical knobs and buttons is a no-go; period. That's funny that the navigation apps warn you or prevent you from interfacing while driving and lots of cars these days force you to do so!

[@Flavadave555]

Lol so many whiny bitches about buttons. Did you listen to the video? Yep the interior is a step back. So if you want to go buy an underperforming and underwhelming hot hatch, go get a mk7.5 and touch yourself when you turn the knobs then understeer into a pole 🙄

[@FarHagh]

@@Flavadave555 I have very surprising news for you. Ready? There are cars other than the GTI. But hey, why should I waste my time talking to you...

[@nicholassmith7048]

That's one of the differences between the European and North American versions. In the North American versions you will be able to interface with the navigation while driving. I agree about the capacitive touch button crap. I want to like this car but the controls are probably a dealbreaker.

[@haze1123]

Agree.

[@DragonKnightX12]

@@Flavadave555 lol Did you expect people not too care? Specially since VW is trying to appeal to the more mature buyer now? Not Hyundai that is going all in one the people that want a cheap and fun car to hoon around in with the Veloster N.

[@stefangeorgiev5497]

I presume most people here have never test driven a mk8, because once you get to really drive one, the buttons are the last thing that comes to mind. This car reduces my stress from driving by half. I've owned only for a couple months though, it's quite possible that I will find inconveniences with time, but I don't miss physical buttons a bit, but that's me, I guess I'm not a majority.

[@katiecannon8186]

I don’t miss physical buttons at all. And I’m and older female. I honestly find the entire interface easy with plenty of short cuts. And I certainly never feel like I’m spending too much time fiddling with my eyes off the road.

[@dumafuji]

KZbin bluster. 3 minutes in the car and the touch screen works great. You can tap and not swipe. It’s intuitive. The driving is what matters.

[@DsgSleazy]

Idk what’s with these KZbinrs acting like touch controls beat their mothers up or something.

[@sleeksilver]

Everything is an improvement but the interior, what a huge step back.

[@CyAn-S]

I have had this car for a year or so (not anymore). The controls were a learning curve and a half. But after 2/3 weeks I got used to it..... loosely. I still prefer separate controls, but it is not the end of the world... BUT THEN AGAIN I had the physical controls on the steering wheel, not the touch pad nonsense that the GTi/R have. So I could at least control the volume in an easy way on the steering wheel.

[@snowpaletehdog]

Don't forget the stupid looking front end and the fact that there is no 2 door option. They completely ruined the gti

[@johnborges5938]

And I had hoped at least the Germans would be able to resist this insanity ….

[@braetonwilson4296]

I would much rather buy the 2021 Corolla SE sedan than this VW GTI.

[@baronvonjo1929]

@@snowpaletehdog people stopped buying 2 doors cause their impractical. Companies are gonna make what sales. Except that interior screw that. But 2 doors are dumb af anyway.

[@nfugitt89]

The piano black on the steering wheel is almost enough to disqualify this from consideration

[@Kamukix]

When I first saw this design and up to the minute before I saw the driving impressions, I was totally out. That new interior direction for inputs was a huge turn-off for me. Now? The driving impressions have my wallet quivering. I thought I was safe...

[@toddstevens8506]

I'm not a fan either but if this is a big deal for you then you've been spending too much time at the mall with your girlfriend.

[@mattspeer01]

@@toddstevens8506 It is a big deal. Piano black has been panned for years for good reason: it looks like trash, gets coated in dust and fingerprints immediately after cleaning, and scratches very easily. It's pathetic that in the year 2021, some manufacturers still haven't learned how much people hate piano black. Seeing as this is VW we are talking about, though, I am not the least bit surprised.

[@juanordonezgalban2278]

The piano black on the steering wheel is not only piano glass on the steering wheel, wich is already bad, but it also means they did not design the interior to be the best they could do, but instead just followed modern trends without giving it a second tought.

[@toddstevens8506]

@@mattspeer01 As I mentioned, we don't like it but hardly enough to dissuade a car guy from buying an otherwise great car.

[@j.3854]

Never thought I’d see the day……where a dub has more plastic than a Honda.

[@hondasarefaster5914]

Vw is no comparison to Honda, Honda's are a far better car and faster too..

[@captainvbh575]

I love seeing you guys genuinely laugh. The atmosphere is always so gloomy and serious, it's nice to see you really let loose.

[@cheyenne2197]

A lot of mid 2010's Hondas had those dumb touch volume sliders, they replaced with knobs after a few model years when they realized it was dumb.

[@dielaughing73]

Who wants to try to control anything with a touchscreen when they're holding the steering wheel and jouncing all over the road...

[@whatevernevermind5960]

They got countless complaints from owners & responded by reverting to physical controls in their later cars

[@dougrobinson8602]

The complaints about the volume slider issue were well publicized. Why couldn't VAG learn from someone else's mistake? They will regret it. Physical controls for volume, HVAC and seat/steering wheel heat are the only way to go.

[@hugorodriguez5361]

Yeah my Honda Fit has the volume slider and I think a year later they went back to a traditional knob. It’s annoying but at least I have volume buttons on my wheel so it balances out.

[@JAnx01]

Cadillac CTS and ATS also had them and car journalists universally grilled them for it. Touch buttons are the lowest of the low. A real button is a million times better feeling, let alone a knob.

[@MichaelWooley]

I've been on the fence for a while now about buying a mk8. The driving dynamics is good and all, but operating everything via touch would drive me fucking insane. I can't do it.

[@Wasssup3232]

My Tesla is probably the only car I have driven that I don’t mind everything being touch “for the most part” you still have the volume roller wheel on the steering wheel, but the hvac is easy to use and if you really don’t want to touch the screen you can use your voice to change the temp and the fan speed

[@ScurvyMcGruff]

It's a bummer that they can overlook something so little yet so important for day to day use. It makes no sense in a vehicle at all. I think I would go for the veloster n over this because of that. Sure the interior feels cheaper in the n, but I think the lack of buttons in the new golf would actually bother me more on a daily basis.

[@MichaelWooley]

@@ScurvyMcGruff I don’t think I’d ever buy a veloster lol. I bought my mk7.5 for a reason. And it wasn’t for cheap gimmicks like “ooooh look how cool I can spin my car in a circle on the screen while I struggle to find out how to work the traction control”

[@d_all_in]

@@Wasssup3232 voice control is even worse than touch

[@Wasssup3232]

@@d_all_in In my car at least you just click one of the scroll wheels in and say for example “ set fan speed to 6” or you can say silly stuff like “my butts cold” so far as long as you know what to say the voice controls, relatively speaking, are easy enough, maybe just a little slow for some people

[@Fordtruck4sale]

OMG yes exactly my thoughts, owned a 7.5 and the user experience inside was chef's kiss! Saw all the changes they made to the interior and decided not to roll over into the new model immediately.

[@Fordtruck4sale]

ALSO right on about the 7.5 being sketchy at the limit, felt so much more comfortable in even a 2010 WRX

[@keithck3720]

That infotainment is a deal breaker. Just awful having everything work through it.

[@drwisdom1]

We have an Alltrack that has an sdcard in the glovebox. I put a large sdcard in there with a lot of music and I never have to fiddle with media. I love the way you can navigate and play from the sdcard. I could live with the mk8 stereo if it can navigate similarly. But if there isn't an sdcard or usb stick option like with the mk7s, that is a huge deal breaker for me.

[@astronmr20]

All they had to do was nick Audi's previous MMI and it would have been perfect.

[@BrakRulesAll]

I agree. It surprises me that they went in this direction, when others like Honda & Ford have tried it and faced MAJOR backlash from customers, causing them to bring back conventional knobs/dials/buttons for major functions. It's as if they weren't paying attention. Hopefully they're already at work tweaking this stuff for the facelift that will come sooner than later.

[@keithck3720]

@@BrakRulesAll I like a minimal interior as much as the next person but you can still put physical dials and buttons for the key controls and keep it minimal, simple and intuitive. Not that I've been in the 2022 Civic but it looks like they did a fantastic job of blending the infotainment with the necessary physical controls to create a very nice looking yet very usable interior. My current ride is a 2013 Mazda 3 and it's very busy mess of physical buttons and dials. Love driving the car, kind of hate the interior. I only use 10% of the buttons (thank goodness for physical steering wheel controls!) so keep that 10% as physical buttons and shove the rest into easy to an easy to access menu system.

[@JFinns]

Annoying but not a deal breaker. The driving dynamics just sound fantastic that I'll give this a close look.

[@questioner1596]

Every time Mr. Goose says "MK 7.5" or "MK 8," I imagine he's referring to versions of himself.

[@rabbitenjoyer6320]

This should be top comment lol

[@666cemetaryslut]

He's on MK 69 and he's staying there.

[@tredfxman]

@@666cemetaryslut With a pretty face like yours, the MK 666 shouldent be to far ahead... 👍

[@kayakkevin]

The interior on the mk7 is so classy. The new one is just cheaper looking.

[@whatevernevermind5960]

Ikr, the mk7’s interior has aged so well.

[@nxau120]

But it's not cheaper. The mk7 was a huge step down from the mk6.

[@weareallmadhere417]

What happens when you get sued out the ass for lying about emissions lol

[@DainLaguna]

@@nxau120 nahhhhh. They were both similar. The mk6 was more minivan-like in its dash shape. Maybe it had soft touch upper plastics in the rear seat too? Hardly a huge difference compared to the mk7. Quality wise I actually dig the 8, I just hate the gloss and haptic hvac.

[@ernest7420]

VW trying very hard to recoup every penny lost in the diesel scandal

[@MrCarGuy]

Control changes in the name of "progress" often do the exact opposite. Designers need to be forced to test their layout against the old one and do it just as fast or faster.

[@Tinrs80]

Remember in High School how bad i wanted a GTI! They still look good every generation.

[@EM.1.]

The only car channel that is truly funny and technically serious. 5:13

[@seeingthelight3608]

Watched another video comparing interiors of Mk8 and Mk7.5. It showed quality of materials had gone down with newer model. Reducing switches and knobs was another cost cutting.

[@johntechwriter]

You have correctly identified the elephant in the room with this car!

[@arjund.4817]

In the future, volume will be controlled by a series of gestures after getting to the appropriate submenu.

[@marcoulibarri5744]

No need to wait for the future...BMW already has gesture controls to lower music volume, skip tracks.

[@josexavierfernandez8268]

Sounds horrible

[@DoctorSkillz]

When is the GTI going to have a touchscreen for steering?

[@TheKstroke]

Love that you guys are now able to do an on track segment.

[@tomford1080]

Dude your production value is unrivaled

[@crumcon]

I don't understand why they didn't make the break pedal into the touchscreen. Strange decision by VW

[@MatthewGaither]

Sounds like VW has made an impressive car with the new GTI, at least from a vehicle dynamics perspective. Can't wait to actually see these on the streets in the USA!

[@eugenetadie9347]

It’s always good to start my day with strong coffee, a mild cigar, and a new Mark and Jack review. Kudos to you both - and VW - for keeping some fun in driving. (Great giggles, too.) Regards and be well.

[@newbadthings]

You’ve exquisite taste!

[@OxiSG]

That interior is hell incarnate, and of course it had to be gloss black.. this is not Starbucks drive-thru worthy

[@joseacuna3239]

These interior gimmicks are getting out of control, if you’re designing a spirited driving vehicle you don’t need gimmicks.

[@trackeagle6013]

MK8 is an outstanding car, I am grateful VW gave us a manual GTI in 2024..I just bought Gti 380 SE my way of thanking to VW and to all engineers for building a manual 🙏

[@kevinc31]

That laughing and screaming with the seats made my day. I was howling!

[@PiroFyre]

I am actually quite surprised they shipped you guys this car with 71Rs. It's a discontinued tire so it's weird as you cannot buy this tire from the dealer.

[@hamididdy]

Are they still available in Europe?

[@PiroFyre]

@@hamididdy No it's just discontinued period. The RE-71RS replaced it.

[@TassieLorenzo]

It's also nowhere near the ballpark of any of the OEM tyres (Eagle F1 Super Sport, Potenza S005, Ventus S1 evo3) either! :)

[@guenthersteiner8163]

It’s kinda misleading to put cheater slicks on a press car, instead of using the actual tires that come with the car

[@unearthednsx116.]

Jack said re71rs are loudest tire lawl ... **Types in rsrr

[@Fmandan77]

I wish we had a dual fuel injection system, specifically the inclusion of port injection to keep valves clean. My MK6 GTI had ghastly deposits on its valves with its direction injection set up. While I didn't notice any idling issues until about 150K miles, once I cleaned the valves and replaced the injectors the car ran and idled like new again. I'm now nearing 200K miles. The car has been an absolute joy to own and drive. Considering a MK8 purchase.

[@pcthayer]

Touch screens are a pain in general, especially during the winter when you are wearing heavy gloves.

[@sbernhard83]

Unsprung mass is everything NOT supported by the suspension: wheels, tires, brakes, knuckle, etc. The aluminum knuckle is therefore the bigger deal than the aluminum subframe. The subframe is sprung mass, just like the rest of body and structure.

[@andyhedin4893]

Yup, came down to the comments to say the same thing.

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

Spot on. And aluminum knuckles are a big deal. Well done VW for that bit.

[@prs314]

@@DeuceDeuceBravo Didn't MK7.5 had an aluminum knuckle already? Or just alltrack/R MK7.5?

[@markmiller3279]

That bugged me, too. Also the odd note that it's the lowest point in the car. It's mass up high that matters the most. That low it is not an issue.

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

@@prs314 Honestly don't know. I'm still rocking a mk5 with old school metal. 😁

[@serrsdaddy]

Probably my favorite video you've ever done & I've been a loyal sub for 5+ years

[@basithph8958]

Aside from looks, I'm so surprised at how well the new GTI Mk8 performs and handles and it's even better than the Mk7! And I'm glad that VW is still offering a manual for the GTI and R in this day and age

[@pascutia]

That side by side discussion of controls was excellent. It's easy to talk about this touch capacitive garbage, but you showcased why it's a problem very well!

[@aaronbryan5095]

"Just send it to the junkyard already." -Turbowski probably

[@johnmpifer]

You win the comments section.

[@jebediahspringfield9496]

The romantic tension in those curves was powerful

[@amalramesh1983]

FINALLY!!! someone reviewing manual transmission golf. Thank you

[@DeuceDeuceBravo]

So much of the commentary in this video can be directly attributed to super sticky tires. Would like to see this same drive with the US market all-seasons.

[@CG-rb4xo]

Tires make a difference, but I think tires really change where the limits are more than they change the feel and balance and handling characteristics-although there is some change. The latter (handling characteristics) are mostly accomplished by the suspension tuning, weight distribution, and chassis upgrades. For instance, I think, even on all seasons, you can still have similar neutral handling characteristics (case in point: original frs), but you will probably lose grip and go sideways sooner than you would with sticky tires. In other words, if a car is balanced properly, the rear will lose grip whenever the front does. Initial turn-in on all-seasons won’t be as precise or as fast as summer tires, but it’s not all tires. In other words, Tires let your car do what it’s designed to do. But if it’s not set up properly, it still won’t feel great or handle as well as this does. This is just all around good set up.

[@clutchthepearls3062]

This MK8 interior makes me want to keep my 2020 MK7.5 GTI forever. Also your MK7.5 review was on really mediocre all-seasons and the MK8 is on sticky summer tires. Hard to compare those.

[@07wrxtr1]

Once you go M ps4s it's difficult to go back to any other kind of tire...

[@PowerslideSWE]

My Mk 7.5 had an all digital dash, the US didn't get that, apart from that I agree, the 7.5 looks better inside and actually felt very nice and well screwed together, not so much scratchy plastics as the 8, compared to my now 21 year old BMW E39 it's rubbish tho (in quality feel that is)

[@clutchthepearls3062]

@@07wrxtr1 My 2020 GTI on Konig Ampliforms and PS4S couldn't agree more.

[@clutchthepearls3062]

@@PowerslideSWE It's still a cheap VW. It's a nice place to be compared to Asian and American cars in It's class, but it's not gonna beat out a luxury car...especially from the era where BMW (and MB) were uncompromising.

[@g60corrado91]

Not just any summer tire either. RE-71’s are a 200TW autox/track tire that are more like 160TW. Absolutely no way it’ll come on those from the factory, especially since the Falken RT-660’s basically replaced them and Bridgestone discontinued the RE-71R’s.

[@marshalld5574]

Mark likes when there's a Magnum in his back end 5:12

[@rickmjr9569]

Yeah, what’s that about? 😅

[@koji.m4014]

The special one. Great cinematography! 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥

[@tarekhafza7201]

I would just like to say as a vw fanboy, a set of coilovers paired with the LSD in the old gti will get rid of the delay issues that were mentioned

[@993mike]

It’s a disservice to judge the dynamics of this car using a track spec tire like that, which makes a HUGE difference. VW has typically installed junk tires on US spec GTI’s, and it’s always been something you needed to change out right away on these cars.

[@qx4n9e1xp]

To be fair, most track people are going to change stuff on their cars anyway. If it's good on track with track tires, it should do ok in regular commuting with normal tires.

[@johntechwriter]

Just another indication, if any was needed, of VW's ethical bankruptcy,

[@cosmicheretic8129]

Exactly! Compare the Mk 7.5 with the same tires and there's probably little in it until you consider interiors.

[@cayman9873]

The stupid screen crap is the future. Makes it so much easier for me to buy older and better used cars.

[@billd9667]

What was once old will be new again. A radical manufacturer will introduce physical controls again and be lauded for it

[@GrizzlyAt0ms]

@@billd9667 The new Civic is going back to physical controls. That's probably our best hope for other manufacturers to take note.

[@suserman7775]

No it isn't the future. It's a stupid fad designed to appeal to the extremely superficial. They don't make loyal customers and sales will suffer.

[@lajya01]

If cars come all like this one day, I'll look for after-markets glue-on physical controls

[@heimatliebe116]

The future will be awful: No internal combustion engines, self-"driving" automatons everywhere, geofencing you in or keeping you out, total state and corporate control/surveillance, no cash, no privacy... I hate these brainwashed optimists that got us into this dystopia!

[@kmack5799]

Brilliant and refreshing car review on a European car. I'm from the UK and that's the only really in-depth, useful review I've seen, and you guys are from the US! You do great reviews so keep up the good work....

[@12ealDealOfficial]

The street drive impressions were so heartwarming, for real. Just the good 'ole bros, never meanin no harm. Also, here's my obligatory "touch controls suck" comment for the pile.

[@PianoBlackTrimRep.]

What a brave and inspirational man Savagegeese is. It's about time someone of importance stood up to the piano black industry. Who do they think they are? Slapping their finger smudging, easily scratched, faux-luxury, no good shiny cheap looking black plastic trim all over beautiful automobile interiors for years as though they are doing the customer a huge favor, not even having the common decency to give us physical volume and temperature knobs. His noble actions have inspired thousands of viewers around the world to not stand idly by and allow injustices to take place, to have the courage to stand up for what is right. Thank you Savagegeese.

[@Taverius]

I like Jack's Silverback routine in the intro 🤣

[@LongHaulRob]

Saw it in person in Florida a few weeks ago, they had Michigan plates. One R and one GTI. Humble Mechanic was right, the pictures do it ZERO justice it looks way better in person. I've worked at a VW dealer and have owned 9 VWs myself half of them bieng GTIs, I'm, glad VW is upping the drive more. I've always loved them for keeping the styling non "Boy Racer" like the STs and Civic SIs/Type R but It's about time they upped the driving while keeping that understated look. Great Review as always Geese really looking forward to your take on the New .:R!

[@domteewhy52]

So in summary- we want the dynamics of the mk8, but the physical controls and interior of the mk7.5. Solid video either way. Looking forward to the final U.S. variant

[@nirmitshukla2034]

Jack's giggling > Matt Maran's giggling

[@Online_ToughGuy]

Big difference between channeling inner school girl giggle versus ghey boy giggle.

[@scotthilly5653]

I thought Matt Maran was great when I was 15. Now I’m 22… good lord. I feel bad because it makes sense why he has never gained any subscribers, but his reviews are all the exact same and not great.

[@boygonewhoopdataZZ]

@@scotthilly5653 his acceleration cuts can tell you what's fun and what's not.

[@Marcus_972]

Gonna need my best EDM playlist when I watch this.

[@Mgoblagulkablong]

Golf drivers don't listen to EDM.

[@jakeb4962]

@@Mgoblagulkablong you must not know many Golf drivers

[@12ealDealOfficial]

Going to need to find that Express giftcard my ex gf gave me on fathers' day for our chihuahua so I can buy another suit off the rack before we set off.

[@psnmadracer27]

@@Mgoblagulkablong I'll have you know I went on a road trip last weekend in my 7.5 and listened to Drum and Bass Radio on Spotify the entire time. Do I always listen to EDM? No, but I still enjoy it from time to time

[@taylormoats2099]

Redirect R&D budget from interior design to driving dynamics? That’s a step in the right direction I suppose, but the MK7.5 interior was so, so nice.

[@brandonzimmerman1667]

The interior presentation on the mk7.5 is nice, but to actually be in the car everyday and listen to all the creeks and rattles, especially from the sunroof, is so annoying.

[@psnmadracer27]

@@brandonzimmerman1667 my '18 doesn't have any creaks or rattles, aside from a little wind noise at highway speeds. Time will tell how long it stays that way, however.

[@brandonzimmerman1667]

@@psnmadracer27 I envy you my friend, lol

[@guenthersteiner8163]

@@brandonzimmerman1667 never get the sunroof on VAG cars

[@brandonzimmerman1667]

@@guenthersteiner8163 Learned that the hard way, hahaha

[@chimaera6234]

I have my mk8 gti for 2 month now. In the beginning all the touch stuff seems stupid, but you get Used to it. It is honestly super easy to control most of it just on the steering wheel. I love mine, can not reccomend it enough, people these days are just searching for weakpoint and really concentrate on thosen

[@mhh1995]

Any updates? And is this your first GTI?

[@chimaera6234]

@@mhh1995 after 10 month i had 0 problems and im still very happy with the car. Yes it is my first gti, but my dad owned a mk7 gti that i often drove. The mk8 drives a bit better, feels so much more modern and i like the looks more especially in black

[@mhh1995]

@@chimaera6234 Thanks for the reply! I’ve love my 2016 GTI. When I need to replace I will definitely consider the MK8.

[@MK3504]

VAG fans really showing their colors. Most pretentious enthusiasts along side BMW owners.

[@dennihsaur]

I've had mine for about 6 months. The touchscreen is issue is overblown. You will get used to the layout, and there really isn't any lag. It looks great too. I love this car

[@luizarthurbrito]

The interior was a deal breaker for me

[@nxau120]

So glad you guys got the Euro Spec. This was a great video!

[@jon112media]

I’m 29 seconds into the video and I just had to pause it to comment this big thank you of that eye candy pan and focus from the tree to the car. Comes to watch cars, gets mad excited with the low key cine skills goin on. Wonders how many takes go by for some of them Thank you!

[@KT_One]

You guys posting the technical changes and getting it on the lift is phenomenal. Thank you!

[@TheFlyingPLiner]

6:50 How is an aluminum subframe contributing to unsprung mass? Brake rotors, wheels, tires, yes, but a subframe?!?

[@JacobFrey]

So you have track duty tires and now you've turned OFF Stability Control with the Mk8. That has to take up a LARGE percentage of the improvement, so I wonder how much responsibility the other changes in the car take for the transformation. Love the video, thanks for getting this car and uploading.

[@splak_5624]

the shot on the track going into the corner and mark flying into frame is maybe the best car content I've seen on youtube

[@FallenArtemie]

I have a mk8 GTI, had a mk7.5. The driving quality is far better in the mk8. The interior style is better in the mk7.5, but the seat and position is better in the mk8. The infotainment is definitely better in the mk7.5, but here's the thing - most people aren't touching the screen all the time, I definitely am not. Once the temp is set and the fans are on auto and the music is playing and the nav is in (both can be done on my phone before stepping into the car), that screen is not getting touched, and that was the same story for when I had the mk7.5. The steering wheel controls are adequate for everything. And I personally like the squared off look of the rear and the visor-like look of the front over the mk7.5, makes it look meaner.

[@gettcouped]

Holy **** stop with the stupid touch crap. Everyone gives Audi a pass because it "looks nice" but this crap is completely a cost cutting effort because making knobs is more expensive. VM you're rich enough even after you got sued for cheating on your emissions.

[@CyAn-S]

Just think for 5 seconds. If touch buttons were so cheap to make. Then why do cheap cars, where every penny matters, have tons of buttons, and expensive cars, where money isn't an issue, don't. What you say makes no sense at all. It takes way more effort to tweak, program and tune touch buttons to make them work properly. The hardware behind it is probably also more expensive than a simple plastic button. Well unless you make the buttons out of solid metals and use some crazy mechanical switches. But that won't be used in a Golf, now would it. These touch controls will never be as easy as physical ones, but using them isn't as nightmarish as is often assumed.

[@brentfriedeman7891]

Wow a metal oil pan, hopefully we get that in the US.

[@gns942]

Which means we won't

[@arielrecla90]

The genuine giggling while testing the seat grip is EVERYTHING. Y'all are adorable

[@Me-eb3wv]

This look has grown on me. When I first saw it I thought it looked sad and boring. But after looking at the average car in 2023 it looks mature and simplistic and I love that.

[@shinymike4301]

Too bad the US version won't have both direct and port injection. That would have been a modder's dream, as well as cleaner valves.

[@clutchthepearls3062]

Eh, North America has no shortage of modders than get just as much power from the DI version of the MK7 and MK7.5 Plus they don't have the carbon buildup issue of the previous MK6.

[@UhOhUmm]

Port injection is gone from all VW models, even EU ones. They removed it when particle filters became mandatory.

[@maxwellmclean6071]

This car doesn't have port injection on it, the EA888 with port injection has a fuel rail and harness on top of the intake manifold that this car doesn't have.

[@armin.s8814]

@@UhOhUmm I believe he is talking about port/direct injection combo, and not port injection only, they haven't done that in years as you mentioned

[@UhOhUmm]

@@armin.s8814 EA888 gen 4 has removed port/direct combo because of particle filter. Their info in the vid was outdated

[@BigGroupHug]

The seat gag was great. Sad to see the touch buttons on the steering wheel

[@jimmys_mk8209]

The LSD in the Rear is a game changer, you can feel the back end rotating around corners. It feels insane in hard corners

[@Mago84013]

The deletion of all practical and safe controls gives me a chubb. The piano black everywhere makes this the best car interior.

[@daveparris8123]

Any car which is so much fun it makes both of you giggle like little girls - which I don't recall ever seeing before in any of your other videos - is worth a look. I used to love the balanced performance of the mid- '80s GTIs, looks like the "fun factor" of the earlier cars may finally be getting restored. Hopefully the USA version is as good.

[@javiersanjuanmanivesa1319]

for all the people who dont like infotainment in the GTI, I ask, why do alot of people have i-phones and android phones with no bottons and pure screens to touch without any problems. But in a car we need to touch bottons or else its crap. Well I have just ordered my future Mark 8 GTI. I cant wait to get my hand on it and fiddle around with the future screens and say good bye to physical bottons of my now aging 2004 Volkswagen. Time for something new.. Cheers to all.

[@Hot-1LE]

Glad to see a positive review of the GTI. Great cars, manual trans, daily usable, and good power. Good vid man

[@jeffreyfigueiredo1740]

Great video as always Mark by you and Jack. I have an ND Miata RF 30th Anniversary which is NOT my daily driver and I love it to death. For a daily I was curious so I went to a VW dealer here in Toronto and test drove a manual Autobahn model. The things you mentioned about the driving dynamics were spot on as I felt the same way during my test drive. Beautiful and engaging car. Obviously the manual is not even close to my ND Miata but it’s not a complete nightmare either. The car felt really nimble and playful yet very confident and solid at the same time. Thanks for the review 👍🏾

[@MirageTactics]

I would actually consider buying this for my first ever VW if it had the the direct and port injection.

[@lotsofcurveslover]

Yep, anyone still doing direct only is an idiot.

[@bikeislife8405]

Self cleaning engine! My Tacoma has it, it's revolutionary.

[@ChutneyGames]

Wasn't mentioned in the video but at 6:41 you can notice that they are using a new "pendulum style" transmission/dogbone mount which is a popular alternative to the frankly weak stock mount which I have snapped in both a Mk4 and Mk5, big improvement

[@Dewan_N_Only]

Two back to back videos I've watched from you guys where you are dying with contagious laughter. The golf and the e63s wagon. Pure awesomeness!

[@seinsmeld13]

Thanks for the informative review. I sold my MARK 5 GTI to a friend that recently broke up with his wife. When I sold it it had 270,000 km on the odometer. It's still going strong today now with 330,000 km on it. I miss that car and I currently own a 2020 Porsche 718 Spyder and a 2018 RS3.

[@CTMusic97]

I just bought a 40th anniversary GTI and I should be getting it in about a month. I’ve seen and heard a lot about the infotainment system. I haven’t driven it yet of course but even in my 7.5, I don’t really often find myself touching the screen to play with settings regardless? Other than the HVAC and volume, which are obviously two big omissions (button-wise), realistically why would you be touching the screen so much while driving? In day-to-day stuff anyways. If you’re going to turn traction control and adjust driving profile, you’d typically prepare for that before you’re doing sportier driving activities such as track driving, no? Again, I haven’t lived with mine yet but just my initial thoughts.

[@NeverFollowTheCrowd]

How’s the car so far ? Any regrets or complaints ?

[@CTMusic97]

@@NeverFollowTheCrowd I love it! The touch buttons on the steering wheel took me about a day to get used to it and the infotainment system about a week I’d say. Once you set up shortcuts for everything it’s a breeze to navigate through! I’ve heard people having glitches with their system but I haven’t had any and I’ve had the car since mid April. My only gripe that I find annoying is that A) you have to reselect your audio profile every time you start the car (the audio settings) and B) you HAVE to touch the screen to turn on/off the clima controls. I don’t mind using the touch buttons to adjust it but it’s annoying having to touch the screen to turn it on and off.

[@edcew8236]

Being a user interface purist (with lots of professional experience in the field), looks like I can pass on this one. Too bad...

[@jonfrench7133]

Ditto but disagree 😊

[@johnm5131]

still loving that you do an Audio Review! Thank you Gentlemen!

[@XR4turbo]

The move to touchscreen controls is just rampant cost cutting - it's not about even trying to improve user experience or give a premium feel. They can claim that...but this is just a gutted interior budget.

[@WitchYuki22]

They cut costs on the interior to make up for the huge research costs on improving the performance. If interior is your top 1 priority, you should be looking at luxury sedans and SUVs instead 😂😂

[@wyw201]

@@WitchYuki22 There is barely any research costs on improving performance for this generation. Even if there are research costs, under IFRS standard, they can recoup and amortize a portion of R&D. VW cut costs to standardize interior components across the entire lineup, maintain margins amid supply chain inflation, and lower economies of scale from diminishing volumes.

[@xchazz86]

The we wanna be cool high tech department was on drugs when they designed the user interface in this car.

[@grigorioschristodoulou5229]

At this point I am convinced that nobody in the interior and UI department of most car brands has driven a car in their life

[@jetrep]

The approach they took the interior is pretty much a deal breaker. Such a shame.

[@hamididdy]

10000% i don't track my mk7. Was super excited for this. I'll decide when I drive it but looks like I'm just going to go stage 2.

[@joeyn177]

@@hamididdy You'd probably get pretty similar handling to the mk8 with a rear sway bar and good tires. I wish VW didn't "cheat" by giving them a car with autocross tires so we could get a better comparison.

[@nicholastrapane4545]

The euro spec Magnums underneath the bumper were a hilarious touch. Understated humor seems a lot easier (and honestly more effective) than what Donut has been up to, and the end result is that I’m laughing without taking my focus off the car itself. Well done, now I want a Mk8.

[@lyhalvin]

The both of you giggling really reminds me of my buddies at track too. Made my day!

[@stephenhendricks103]

Really appreciate the review, fellas. Especially given Jack's ownership experience with a MK7.5, the model I currently own. As GTI owners know, it's always risky to make judgments based on Euro-spec versions of the car. Our US versions lack some features available in Europe. A situation that stems in part from the fact that we pay considerably less for the vehicle than Europeans. Furthermore, Europeans can pick and choose individual options to meet their preferences and wallets while we Americans typically can choose only among three trim levels with an occasional fourth "special edition" (that's usually not that "special.") and few, if any, individual options. Nor do we receive GTI higher performance variants such as the MK8 "Clubsport". But VW, like every automaker, configures and prices its vehicles taking into account competition in particular markets. And it would be folly to believe that Americans would pay $50,000 or more for a GTI considering its sales competition in this country. Still, I love my GTI. I traded my Stage 1 APR MK6 version in 2018 for my current MK7.5. And I've lately been contemplating whether to have my current GTI tuned or replace it with a MK8 when it arrives and I have a chance to drive it. I do appreciate some of the NVH improvements noted in the review. And though I find removal of some physical buttons and dials to be annoying, it's not a big deal for me. Unlike an automotive journalist I don't drive 30 or more vehicles a year, each for a week or less. Accustoming myself to less than ideal design choices is typically a matter of getting used to them. No vehicle is perfect and I adjust if I like the car. What stands in the way of replacing my GTI is partly that the substantial improvements are most apparent at "10 tenths" driving. I doubt I exceed 8 on that scale more than a minuscule portion of my miles. Even when I'm having fun on backroads in the Cascades or on long drives that take me from the Seattle area to Montana, where high speed isn't exactly optional but widely tolerated, especially in the "stealth" costume of a Golf. I have no doubt that the changes VW has made to the GTI's handling, especially the near (total?) elimination of understeer, will result in faster track times. Possibly faster even than a "tuned" MK7.5. But when I do track days it's on two wheels rather than four. And on a bike leaning into a turn at 60-70 mph is more than enough to induce a rush. WOT at triple digits? No thanks. Finally, I have to admit an irrational rationale for keeping my GTI. The thought of selling it prompts a similar reaction to the thought of selling the family dog. 😢 Weird? Yeah. Nevertheless. With that in mind I'm considering passing it on to my teenage daughter and getting another vehicle for myself. That strategy means keeping it in the family (Without an APR tune. I'm a dad, after all.) And I might be able to justify a Golf R, a KIA Stinger or a (tuned) Arteon for myself. 😁

[@markmiller3279]

No good reason to sell a perfectly good car. Might as well wait a while until VW gets any obvious bugs fixed. I agree about the controls. I'd much prefer if it had physical knobs and buttons, but most of those features aren't things you change regularly. With climate control I leave the temperature alone once it has been set. Dealing with defrosters would be a nuisance, and seat heaters if I lived in a cold climate.

[@acekc83]

Will you guys be reviewing the MK8 Golf R any time soon?

[@TheJacobGZuma]

Hope it's Euro Spec also.

[@drwisdom1]

In 1983 I went to an autocross. After the race was done the local dealership let us drive a new 83 GTI around the track. I got out stunned and bought a new one the next day. After that I got a new 88 GTI 16V, a new 92 Corrado SLC (still own), a new 2004 GTI, and a new 2006 GTI, all with manuals. I don't know exactly why, maybe its the looks, maybe its the four doors, maybe its the interior, but I'm not going to go out and buy a new mk8 GTI. I don't really care that it has less understeer on a high speed track.

[@phantom6knight]

Observing the laughter and smiles on your faces, is how I rate cars now! What's better than having a good time with your buddy and suddenly sliding out of the seat mid conversation? Haha!