Simple Pleasures - 2018 Mk7.5 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Despite not being the fastest, most powerful, or most track-focussed hot hatch in the world, the humble Volkswagen Golf GTI continues to be massively popular - even more popular than its four-wheel-drive stablemate, the Golf R.
Dave takes a look at a brand-new MY18 Mk7.5 Volkswagen Golf GTI to find out why...
Intro: (0:00)
Exterior: (0:52)
Interior: (3:21)
Engine: (8:01)
Driving: (8:35)
What I Love Most: (15:22)
Outro: (16:47)
David Zalstein is a passionate and enthusiastic independent freelance motoring journalist based in Melbourne, Australia.
Follow him at:
/ davezalstein
/ davidzalstein
Or find out more at:
www.davidzalstein.com/
Music credit:
Horns of Leroy - hornsofleroy.com/

[@linkincr17]

I spend too much time on KZbin watching car reviews and honestly it's by far the best GTI review.

[@DaveZalstein]

Wow Maxime Karam, thanks so much for saying so - much appreciated.

[@shallvo1982]

I definitely agree. A great job well done sir!!

[@DaveZalstein]

Awesome to hear MxShee01, thanks so much. It means a lot to me that people are digging these videos. Hopefully you've checked out some of my others :D

[@wilshirewarrior2783]

I have the same habit and it would not take much time to give MPG in. in gallons and liters

[@DaveZalstein]

I hear ya Jeff Martin, but I'm in Australia and our cars can vary to other variants around the world... plus if I convert one unit - i.e. fuel - I've got to convert measurements as well as power and torque and speed etc. I hope you understand. Cheers.

[@yodo5701]

Been saving for 3 years to buy this car hopefully one day!

[@DaveZalstein]

Best of luck @yodo5701 - I'm sure you'll get there and love the car once you do. Cheers.

[@kkt391]

Keep looking at gti videos and this is by far the most detailed one. Great job! Almost all of them only describe how it drives so they pretty much the same video where as yours give me impressions of the every detail of the car. Great stuff

[@DaveZalstein]

Really appreciate the kind words and positive feedback Nobody. I just love cars, and sharing my passion about them is one of the things I love to do. I'm just glad people are digging all the detail and info :D Cheers for watching and make sure you subscribe for more vids.

[@nemiaidid]

Purchased my GTI with full specs in August. Still wearing a grin like a Cheshire Cat.

[@DaveZalstein]

Awesome to hear NemiAidid - enjoy it :D

[@smiddysmidton8313]

Great review. These cars are fantastic daily allrounders.

[@DaveZalstein]

Cheers smithy smithy - really appreciate the positive feedback and stoked you like the vid. They really are brilliant cars for pretty much any situation (barring off-road stuff of course). But be it road or track or flying solo or lugging the family around, they do the job, do the job well, and usually do the job while putting a smile on your face. Thanks again for watching :)

[@rubenarmas4572]

I love this car.

[@PavanPatel23]

solid review buddy! Waiting for mine to come....so was watching videos in-anticipation. Love that you go over everything (ie all the storage places up front)

[@DaveZalstein]

Haha cheers Pavan. Glad you like the video, plus all the extra detail and information. They're fun videos to put together, so I'm stoked people are enjoying them. What colour is yours? And when is it due to arrive?

[@PavanPatel23]

Dave Zalstein unfortunately can't find any similar videos for the Canadian version which I reckon differs quite vastly from aus version! I ordered the red...but I'm thinking of switching that to this grey that you got. I love metallics! Coming end of May, so I got a loooong time to go buddy!!

[@DaveZalstein]

Ah, I see. Tough call on colour, but I'm sure you'll love the car either way haha.

[@sopon81]

Hey buddy is that grey or graphite blue am so confused....i wanna go for graphite blue....

[@DaveZalstein]

Hey spnbr, the colour is called Dark Iron Blue - in both Australia and the US - and I believe the colour code is LD5G. Hope that helps.

[@LukeNielsen]

Really awesome review!!!

[@DaveZalstein]

Cheers Luke Nielsen, glad you liked it and thanks so much for the positive feedback - means a lot. Are you a Golf GTI owner at all?

[@alanthai9659]

One of the best reviews that i've come across on this car thus far! Very thorough...Great work!

[@DaveZalstein]

Thanks Alan Thai. I really appreciate the positive feedback and I'm glad you dug the video. Feel free to check out my others and subscribe ;-)

[@TheWorldsWorstMan]

Nice review, I'm looking forward to picking up my new GTI Performance in the new year. Can't wait!

[@DaveZalstein]

Awesome work TheWorldsWorstMan - massive congrats on the new purchase. Let us know how you get on with it, and glad you dug the vid. Cheers for watching :)

[@TheWorldsWorstMan]

Picked my new baby up two days ago and I love the car! Looking forward to running her in and pushing on a little bit. I think the EPAS might take a little getting used to after years of HPAS but I'm sure that will come with time. Already got plenty of feedback re the alloys, which are the same as the car in the vid.

[@DaveZalstein]

Nice dude. Enjoy and stay safe :D

[@alrobertson3642]

One of the best GTI reviews I have seen. Didn't like the wheels on the Mark 7 but love these on the 7.5. Seriously considering getting one of these. Only fly in the ointment is the Mark 8 coming next year.....

[@a.mstuurman2601]

Great review...Like the wheels too.

[@DaveZalstein]

Cheers A.M Stuurman, really appreciate the positive feedback. Have you got a GTI or thinking about getting one?

[@Whereismyname34]

Great review! Subbed

[@DaveZalstein]

Cheers mate! Really appreciate it.

[@stevedable]

Bought one six months ago. All you say is true. As for the wheels, they aren't bad looking and they are very easy to keep clean. Had a Commode back in the day ('96) with wheels that looked great but took forever to keep clean.

[@DaveZalstein]

Hey Dr. Maybe, sounds cool. Glad you're enjoying your new car and having a blast keeping it clean ;-) Enjoy it mate and stay safe. Cheers.

[@MK-vk1di]

Just bought this in white silver with black Pretoria wheels. Can not wait to pick it up 😍

[@DaveZalstein]

Congratulations Ming Kuo! Sounds like a nice combination. Enjoy it, have fun, and drive safe bud... :D

[@joesphbriggs4928]

Fantastic review, thankyou. You covered everything a potential buyer like me needs to know. I'm now looking at the GTI over the R as for me it is the more practical car and has all the speed I'll ever use.

[@DaveZalstein]

Ace to hear Joesph Briggs - glad you liked it. And you're a smart man... so many people are buying fast cars these days, and then just sit in traffic in them. The GTI is such a great package, it's hard to justify going for much more. Good luck with your purchase, and I hope you dig my other videos too :)

[@TheBballsr]

Great review. Can't believe your channel is so unknown. I have seen so much reviews of the GTI ( and i'll get my GTI in Dark Iron blue in July - i can't wait 🙂), and your review is amongst the best. I subscribed immediately. Keep up doing these reviews 👍 Great review. I have seen so much reviews of the GTI ( and i'll get my GTI in Dark Iron blue in July - i am so excited 🙂), and your review is amongst the best. For your next reviews: It would be great if you show how the car starts when using launch control - that's the only thing i missed in this video. Greetings from Germany to down under 🙂

[@DaveZalstein]

Hello Josip Filipovic and g'day from Down Under. I'm really blown away by your positive and encouraging comments mate - means a lot, so thank you. Feel free to share the video around or tell more people about my channel - I'm hoping to kick off Season Two shortly. Showing launch control and things like that where I live is difficult as driving that way on the road is largely frowned upon, but I'll do my best to include what I can when I can. And lastly, massive congratulations on your new GTI! I hope you love it and it looks after you. Cheers.

[@muaathadams3939]

Gotta hand it to the guy that review deserves a sub

[@DaveZalstein]

Thanks so much Muaath Adams - cheers.

[@gheng7253]

T-2 to pick up my 3rd Golf, got the 7.5 Gti Metallic silver and I can’t wait to take a pic with my widest grin.

[@DaveZalstein]

Nice Glenn! Have fun with it and drive safely :D

[@kroegerje]

love the wheels

[@DaveZalstein]

Yay! Finally someone who doesn't hate them haha.

[@oppanheimer]

Great review, thanks.

[@DaveZalstein]

Cheers oppanheimer. Have you checked out any of my other vids?

[@oppanheimer]

I will now, subscribed.

[@DaveZalstein]

Ah, legendary - cheers mate :)

[@meownmazda1]

Great review

[@DaveZalstein]

Thanks so much :) Would you take the Mk7.5 Golf GTI or the Mk5 Golf R32?

[@meownmazda1]

Dave Zalstein I'm terrible at decisions haha, I love the old school formula of that big engine small car, and the noise that engine makes 😍 the styling on both is just pure golf (what's not to love?? Maybe not the 7.5wheels) But I'm also a sucker for technology and the 7.5 delivers that in spades.... first world problems

[@DaveZalstein]

I think I'd go with an R32... but it'd have to be a three-door and manual ;-)

[@johnmartens4728]

Hi great review, this is my second GTI and I must admit I preferred the wheels on my 2014 model.

[@DaveZalstein]

Thanks John Martens, glad you enjoyed it. Yeah, the more I see the wheels, the more I'm getting used to them, but they're definitely not love at first site. Are you in Australia?

[@spindles82]

very good review. thanks

[@DaveZalstein]

Thanks so much Joe, really glad you liked it. Are you a VW Golf man yourself?

[@spindles82]

Dave Zalstein. Learned how to drive a manual in 1980 on a golf. Always wanted a GTI from then. Finally bought a new 7.5, 2018 in October. Could not be more satisfied. Have owned BMWs and the GTI is just the best balance.

[@DaveZalstein]

Sounds like it was worth the wait then? Haha That's awesome. Enjoy it :D

[@LiLgPnoy15]

This is the car I want!!

[@COV61]

👍Great review

[@DaveZalstein]

Wow COV61, thanks so much. Glad you enjoyed it - maybe you can share it around too :D Take care and stay safe.

[@COV61]

@@DaveZalstein 👍

[@Rafael-qd3yq]

Great review! My personal preference: analog gauges, standard parking brake and full LED rear lights with dynamic indicator

[@DaveZalstein]

Thanks heaps @Rafael-qd3yq! They're just such good cars. Cheers.

[@TassieLorenzo]

Bridgestone S001s from the VW tyre lottery on this one. You'd expect those to be much stiffer tyre compared to some of the other tyres VW use on the GTI, so that might tighten up the handling and steering feel quite a bit compared to if you got say Continentals. :) Great video by the way!

[@DaveZalstein]

Cheers TassieLorenzo, glad you liked the video. Where are you located? In Australia or OS somewhere? Compound would make a difference, but even tyre pressures can have a significant impact.

[@stephenkenna1592]

I really like that color. I have a '17 SE in carbon steel.

[@DaveZalstein]

Nice Stephen Kenna, hope you're enjoying it :)

[@jlkbze]

I find what Dave says about minimal compromise to be true even in my wife's mk6 Jetta. While it's not a GTI by any means, it is enjoyable and composed in all modes of driving.

[@DaveZalstein]

Good to hear you're enjoying the car jlkbze - good stuff.

[@shaunhendricks8675]

Love this car 😭😍

[@DaveZalstein]

It's such a great package - does everything you need when you need it to. It's pretty difficult to fault and a lot of fun in most situations. I'm guessing by the tears you don't own one yet?

[@shaunhendricks8675]

@@DaveZalstein no mate, I really want one so bad... I'm even dreaming I'm driving one

[@DaveZalstein]

@@shaunhendricks8675 I love car dreams - good dreams those ones :D

[@wesleyjanse6600]

This really is my dream car, Currently driving a golf 5(2008, 1k1) hope I'll be able to have one someday

[@wesleyjanse6600]

holy, just noticed you only got 300 subs?! taught you where much bigger, great video earned a sub ;)

[@DaveZalstein]

Remember, until they become 'classics', they're only getting get more affordable for ya ;-)

[@DaveZalstein]

Haha, just new to this whole thing, but trying my best. Cheers for the support WessTech.

[@ryxnpritch3195]

Top video mate, mine comes this week! I chose the indium grey with 19” Santiago’s can’t wait. Is this the performance package you reviewed?

[@DaveZalstein]

Hey Ryan S7 and thanks so much for the positive feedback - glad you liked the vid :D In Australia at least, the Performance Pack launched in 2016, boasting 169kW of power - 7kW more than a standard MY16 Golf GTI. It also had 350Nm of torque and claimed 0-100km/h 6.4 seconds. Then, by the MY18 Mk7.5 Golf GTI, which is the one in the video, those figures extended to the standard car too. Call it progress I guess... Hope that helps and enjoy your car when it arrives.

[@lukew67]

Performance pack doesn't exist in 2018 year all cars have the old performance pack spec from 2017 in Australia

[@drm9979]

I have a GTO (Holden Monaro of course) which I bought new in 2006 and love so much and just bought a GTI SE and I love this amazing car as well. It has the same rims as in video and I like them a lot, and the White Silver is beautiful. i really enjoyed this review. One thing I found interesting is actually how close the sales firgure were with the R. Considering how much more it costs, that is surprising to me. Aussies love performance vehicles! Awesome.. One suggestion, it would have been nice if the power figures given were subtitled in HP and lb-ft since I cannot do the conversion without looking up a chart. I consider the GTO and GTI similar is some respects, especially design philosophy. Criticized by some people, whose opinion means nothing, as bland, they are actually both sleek, beautiful, understated, exactly what appeals to me visually.

[@DaveZalstein]

Hey Douglas Myers, cheers for watching and for leaving such a positive and interesting comment. A GTO sounds very cool, a great looking car too (in my opinion), and I'm glad you're loving your Golf too. What country are you in by the way? And yeah, I'll look at adding in some on-screen text with hp and lb-ft to help viewers from around the world. Cheers again mate and glad you like the vid :)

[@drm9979]

thank you Dave. Arizona US here. just watched the review all over again, really great.

[@DaveZalstein]

Cheers mate, genuinely appreciate all the support and positive feedback. Have a safe and happy 2019 :D

[@MrTARIQSs]

Idk why’s everyone hating on those rims I love them I even think that they look even better than my mk7 gti’s rims which i love as well They just make the car look so futuristic the wheels alongside the red accents inside the headlights make the car look like it belongs to the year 2025 imo lol

[@DaveZalstein]

Nice! Good to hear someone likes them haha :)

[@stuartsmith2608]

Do you want to buy a set of MK7.5 rims? I just bought one and I don't like them and have already replaced them with 19" twinspoke rims. So I have a full set of rims and bridgestone tyres to sell.

[@drm9979]

i went from 18" to 19" on my Holden Monaro (GTO), same sidewall aspect ratio as GTI, and it was tangible difference in ride quality, still great but if 19s did not look so tremendous on the Monaro, I would have stayed with 18s. On this GTI, I like these wheels, and I think 18s look at least as good as the 19s on this smaller car. anyway, I am not writing to disagree, just putting another viewpoint out there. and yes, I know 19s are standard on the Golf R. i do want to upgrade these tires so it is nice to read others are doing so. It is a hassle to sell even slightly used tires or wheels, can seldom be done without taking a huge loss, at least that has been my experience.

[@PFSTR]

Those wheels... woof

[@DaveZalstein]

Woof good or woof bad? Haha

[@kennythomson4934]

Tartan seats are a must.

[@DaveZalstein]

Strongly agree :D

[@mattyboy8270]

Very nice review, but [13:00] VW call it Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC). ACC is Adaptive Cruise Control.

[@DaveZalstein]

Ha, well to be fair, I call it Adaptive Chassis Control not ACC, but yes - it even has DCC written on the touchscreen display. Mouth error. Cheers for watching Matty Boy.

[@ShaheenMatthews]

Im saving for one of these, i would take one with those wheels or with the nicer ones.

[@DaveZalstein]

Oooo, which nicer ones? But good luck getting one Shaheen, they're huge fun :D

[@talkinghead9664]

Great video.agree with others you know your stuff and get it across in a simple and understanding manner! What would you go for..a 2017 gti 7.5 or a 2016 golf r ?cant make my mind up🤔

[@DaveZalstein]

You're a gent Rob Sampson - kind words mate. Ooo, definitely a tough call, but I kind of feel that a GTI is enough oomph for me and I don't 'need' the R. That said, when did any of us worry about 'need'? haha Where abouts are you located?

[@talkinghead9664]

Dave Zalstein im in the uk..im swaying towards the gti with upgraded dash display and impressive touchscreen head unit and the feeling of having a car thats only a year old with low miles and a little more power..its the sensible choice ha ha ..but the Rs looks with the exhausts and sounds + power and performance mean im more likely to look back in admiration once ive parked it!!i also own a gti 6....decisions decisions 🙄

[@DaveZalstein]

Yeah, that's a hard one. Not sure how you drive everyday, but I'd still be leaning towards a new GTI than an older R. Either way though, I think your smile will be pretty big :D Good luck with the purchase and enjoy it when you get it - whatever you settle on.

[@knightmarel]

Wow the Australian spec GTI has got some really nice features the North American models don't get. Memory seats, digital cockpit, auto folding mirrors, bigger screen with gesture control and perforated seats

[@DaveZalstein]

As mentioned in the video, a lot of those things are options on the Aussie-spec GTI. Are they simply not available at all over there, or just not standard?

[@knightmarel]

Dave Zalstein not even available as options

[@DaveZalstein]

Boo-urns!

[@nettejean5912]

Hi Dave, I have a 2018 Autobahn in Night Blue Metallic. I love my car but not the wheels. I am in the US no digital cockpit or driver memory seat. I do have all the safety features.

[@DaveZalstein]

Hey Nette Jean, sounds like a nicely specced little car. Hope you're enjoying it and I hope you dug the video. Cheers :D

[@trippspeed]

Such a great car and I love my MK7. I am however annoyed, that the 7.5 has enough changes to make me want one of those instead. :) . Oh and I like the Austin's better, they suit the car's style way better.

[@DaveZalstein]

It's a tough world sometimes Christopher King. Perhaps keep the Mk7 until the Mk8 gets here ;-)

[@trippspeed]

Well if they changed that much with the 7.5, maybe I should.

[@DaveZalstein]

Plan! haha

[@taforth]

I agree that it is a great car. It was actually on my short list against keeping my B8.5 Audi S4, a new RS3 and an E92 M3. I preferred the GTI to the R as well, because the suspension was way better resolved imo. The wheel design options suck imo, and the boot is NOT 380L under the tonneau cover. That is a big misnomer! They actually quote this volume only, which apparently includes the volume above the cover but behind the rear seats. This is the primary reason why I decided against the GTI. Still a great car, at any price imo!

[@DaveZalstein]

So did you keep the S4 Terry?

[@taforth]

Dave Zalstein yes, after a lengthy analysis, it was the ‘best’ for my current needs overall. The turbos really lack that immediate hit of torque, but the GTI remains a great car!

[@DaveZalstein]

Sounds pretty fair to me mate. Hope you liked the video :)

[@taforth]

Dave Zalstein yes, it was very well done - thanks!

[@DaveZalstein]

Awesome! Cheers mate.

[@subvet3668]

Wish we could get the digital cockpit in the USA.

[@DaveZalstein]

You guys don't get it? Wow... Not even as an option? Bugger.

[@maxiemukmuk]

Hi Dave, are there any mechanical differences between MK7 and MK7.5 (though the MK7.5 has slightly more power)? In other words, is it worth to get MK7.5 over MK7 if money is a concern? Thanks for your input.

[@maxiemukmuk]

@@DaveZalstein Thanks Dave. Happy 2019 to you too. Looking forward to more great videos from you.

[@DaveZalstein]

@@maxiemukmuk Cheers mate. More in the works - stay tuned...

[@kwa_nguyen]

awesome video mate. How much did you pay for the full optioned gti? I cant decide between indium grey and dark iron blue.. the dark iron blue i think looks great but i think the indium grey looks better when dirty?

[@DaveZalstein]

Hey Kwa Nguyen, thanks for the positive feedback. Really appreciate it. The car's not mine, but on-road with all the options, the car was around $47,000 Aussie dollars. As for colour... I do rather like the Dark Iron Blue ;-)

[@kwa_nguyen]

thanks for the response dave. Ive been offered(in sydney) 51k drive away for a fully option gti 2018 build. indium grey. Its coming at the end of this month. I cannot wait to get it but I just keep looking at dark iron blues and thinking to myself "did i pick the wrong colour!!? >.

[@DaveZalstein]

Nah mate, you'll love it! Great car and congratulations :D Feel free to subscribe for more videos coming...

[@kwa_nguyen]

subbed. Keep up the hard work. Ill be rooting for you mate.

[@DaveZalstein]

Legendary! Thanks so much :)

[@JCTiggs1]

Just a small correction, the DSG Is slightly faster than the manual in 0-60 and 1/4 mile testing with the GTI although it's not as significant as the Golf R manual/DSG acceleration difference.

[@DaveZalstein]

Hey JCTiggs, gonna depend on the 'testing' but I'm going purely off manufacturer's spec info, and in Oz at least, our 0-100km/h times (not 0-60mph) is identical for manual and DSG. I agree too though, the difference between newer Golf Rs for example, is much greater manual v DSG. Thanks for watching and commenting :D

[@JCTiggs1]

@@DaveZalstein Thanks for the reply and detail on your testing! 😊

[@DaveZalstein]

@@JCTiggs1 No worries man, and thank you for the kind words and for watching :D

[@eklektikTechno]

I think those wheels are called The Dallas here in the US

[@DaveZalstein]

Hmmm, interesting. A fan or no?

[@eklektikTechno]

@@DaveZalstein Not a huge fan but wayyy better then the wheels from the previous 2 years brought to the US

[@DaveZalstein]

@@eklektikTechno A step in the right direction then haha.

[@RaviCamadoo]

did the 2018 gti's have the mechanical LSD as standard? I think alot of the performance pack stuff became standard in later models??

[@DaveZalstein]

My understanding is that the 'normal' 7.5 GTI only had the usual electronically-controlled setup (mostly relying on using braking to limit slip), while the GTI Performance/Edition 1 variants got an electronically-controlled mechanical LSD. Hope that helps Ravi :D

[@RaviCamadoo]

@@DaveZalstein thanks.

[@shuolangliu304]

should I be concerned of the waste gate rattle or any rattle issues that the previous model had?

[@DaveZalstein]

Hi Shuolang Liu, I'm not personally aware of any specific wastegate rattle issues with these or the previous model Golf GTIs, but I have heard about a fuel-line rattle fault on the Polo. Not sure if that could be the same thing you're talking about or something completely different.

[@SilverShamrock71]

Is DCC an option on the standard 2018?

[@DaveZalstein]

Ooo, tough to answer as spec and options v standard equipment can vary a lot depending on markets etc.

[@huncholini2129]

Since when did the MY18 2018 mk7.5 have a completely digital dash?

[@DaveZalstein]

Part of the optional Driver Assist package here in Oz. Looks the goods though yeah?

[@EH-yw7zc]

Is this performance version ?

[@DaveZalstein]

Negative EH, the Performance Version got added just after this guy. Still a top pick in my opinion though.

[@sopon81]

Hey buddy what colour is that? Would be great help if you could reply ...

[@DaveZalstein]

Hi spnbr, in Australia, the colour is called 'Dark Iron Blue' but I think it goes by other names in other markets. Hope that helps.

[@sopon81]

Dave Zalstein thanks man am looking for graphite blue is it the same?

[@sopon81]

And in think it also called isaac blue if am not wrong in UK

[@mavsman7449]

Love the car, hate the wheels.

[@DaveZalstein]

Haha, well I appreciate your honesty. Are you a Golf GTI man yourself?

[@mavsman7449]

Yes I will be picking up a 2018 GTI manual transmission in a couple months.

[@DaveZalstein]

Awesome! What colour?

[@mavsman7449]

Dave Zalstein White Silver Metallic

[@DaveZalstein]

Nice! Enjoy it mate :D

[@markday6524]

Not a fan of the wheels, VW could do much better when it comes to wheels IMO. Overall I love my MK7 GTI and Golfs.

[@DaveZalstein]

Yeah, I'm definitely not sold on the design of these... How long have you had your Mk7 GTI for?

[@alrobertson3642]

Love the Parker wheels on the 7.5 - didn't like the ones on the 7. Might tempt me to get one....

[@DaveZalstein]

Decisions decisions Al - good luck.

[@PatrickDSimpson]

What color is this?

[@DaveZalstein]

Volkswagen calls is Dark Iron Blue. You like?

[@PatrickDSimpson]

I do!

[@DaveZalstein]

It's a tidy choice and something a bit different I reckon.

[@corfyboy2652]

Patrick Simpson Isaac blue in the UK I have one plus we get dynamic rear indicators

[@PatrickDSimpson]

I like it, just bought one like it here a couple days ago!

[@wilshirewarrior2783]

This is not a cheap car even if it is cheaper than a Golf R. The dynamics must be good in order for me to pay more for a car in this segment. You sold the car well but it is not cheap. The next higly rated fun car is the SI and the GTI is $5000 USD more. Gotta justify that somehow.

[@DaveZalstein]

Hey Jeff Martin, I don't have to justify anything haha. I'm not trying to sell you or anyone else this car, I'm simply going through (in-detail) the ins and outs of what you get. People can make up their own minds if they want to buy one or not. Still, I really do appreciate you watching and getting involved in the conversation - cheers.

[@alpine996t]

Sigh. Not sure why VW took out the digital cluster from the US model. Just isn't fair.

[@DaveZalstein]

Yeah, it's an odd one alpine996t, I'd heard this before. Seems strange... I'm guessing cost was a factor. Thanks for watching all the same and I hope you liked the video :)

[@reddevilkev]

The DSG is faster than manual it is 6.2 to be exact

[@DaveZalstein]

Hi reddevilkev, I'm in Australia quoting figures for the Australian-market car, and here, both are claimed to do 0-100km/h in 6.4 seconds - regardless of transmission. Cheers.

[@reddevilkev]

Dave Zalstein you can find enough vids on KZbin where they show it not hard to find

[@DaveZalstein]

I hear ya loud and clear reddevilkev, however, I'm only going off the local claims for the car in Australia.

[@reddevilkev]

Dave Zalstein people who are saying that manual shifting is as fast then a DSG are idiots there is no logic in that at all end of story. The rest of your review is spot on though

[@DaveZalstein]

No worries. Cheers man.

[@sandol296]

Blimey, I have a BMW 340i Shadow on a 67-plate and this Golf sounds the same when you start it up, nice. I have been considering downgrading from the BMW to a Golf Gti, purely because all I get on the roads are aggressive little boy racers in Fiesta St's and just complete dick heads who want to race me all the time. I am not a nut job driver, but I have been known to embarrass many people in my 340i on a dual carriageway when it is safe to do it, the 340i is basically in the league of a 911, so I just do not get why idiots in Fiesta ST's honestly think they are a match. BMW heads-up display is in a league of its own as well, and I do not even know if VW have a heads-up display, but I would want it if they do them?. That said, the Golf Gti looks like a handsome motor, it is less in your face, has a nice engine, build quality, so I think I will be giving one a go. I have been a BMW person for a long time, so I hope that changing from a 340i to a Golf Gti is not going to make me wonder why I did such a thing. Personally, I do not think it will. I think the Gti can offer me as much of a great drive as a 340i, will be considerably more fuel efficient, far less to insure. I mean I will be in a win, win. But coming down from that 3 litre straight six petrol engine is something I may miss to much, and end up going back to a 340i after trying a Gti. Nice motorcars Volkswagens. Not into Audi's though, they to me are flumpity, flump, flumpsters, apart from the stonking S3 and RS3, which I have considered, but are really just chav-mobiles, lets face it. To in your face, asking to be raced and end up dead. No not for me. Nice review, and a very nice motor car.

[@sandol296]

PS, The 18 inch alloys look perfect on this car. The 19 inch look a bit chav and spoil the look of the Gti. I bet with 18 inch it drives better and is more comfortable as well. Again, understated is a good thing, because we have a lot of twats on our roads, so driving understated to me the way to go.

[@DaveZalstein]

Lol. Fair point Sando L haha.

[@DaveZalstein]

Hey Sando L, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts - interesting stuff. I quite dig the understated look too, but I guess different people appreciate different things. As for swapping your BMW for a Golf GTI... not sure I'd make the switch but I'm sure if you do, you'll still have fun in the VW ;-) Cheers for watching.

[@sandol296]

A few people have said the same thing to me, about opting for a Golf Gti over a BMW 340i. Sure I get the difference, but, as we know the Golf is a very nice looking motor vehicle, well built. I had thought that I do lose that gorgeous straight 6 3.0 engine from the BMW, but the Golf has a nice burbling sound from the exhaust as well as an example. Might not pull like a 340i, but still nice car. If I am honest, deep down, I am also doubting my potential decision, lol, after so many people have said to me, why would I in effect downgrade from the 340i to a Golf Gti. To me, I do not see it as a downgrade, other than the engine, but having thought more and more about it, it will be a pretty difficult decision won't it. I need a long test drive of the Golf Gti to weigh it all up I guess.

[@DaveZalstein]

Some decisions are more difficult than others. All the very best of luck with it all.

[@leonardc1303]

Hate the wheels. What is the deal with vw and dumb wheels

[@DaveZalstein]

Haha ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@stephenkenna1592]

Hyundai called and they want their wheels back

[@DaveZalstein]

Lol.

[@timothyoneill7972]

Had a 2016 GTI and still have one But hears the BAD news ....after 25k needed a new clutch and they won't cover this 2000.00 repair under New warranty 3yrs--36,000 mile and I purchased the extended VW care and they didn't cover this repair . I am 59 yrs old NOT doing hole-shots and this is obviously a defective part? NO we will not cover this. OMG beware I have owed 6 new VWs and this is my last one...Broke my heart -- # VW lied

[@DaveZalstein]

Hi Timothy ONeill, sorry to hear your woes. Hope things improve.

[@Goffas_and_gumpys]

The fuck's a fender?

[@DaveZalstein]

Lol. Really? "Fender is the American English term for the part of an automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle body that frames a wheel well. Its primary purpose is to prevent sand, mud, rocks, liquids, and other road spray from being thrown into the air by the rotating tire." Would you prefer guard?