The 2022 Volkswagen GTI is a Redesigned, More Track Capable Hot Hatch

The #VolkswagenGTI has been around for nearly 40 years in America and for 2022, the #GTI is now in its 8th generation. Known by enthusiasts as the #Mk8GTI, this new version sports an extra 13 HP, for a total of 241 HP, while #Volkswagen has upgraded the suspension, wheels, tires, and stability control programing to make this the best handling #VWGTI ever made. It goes on sale this Fall.
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[@darrensnyder4742]

For anyone on the fence, I picked up a 2022 GTI Performance DSG two days ago. Bottom line… the absolute best handling, phenomenal steering car I’ve ever driven; I have test driven a lot of cars over the years and this new GTI surpassed all of my expectations. Literally… WOW!! I absolutely love this car… coming from a 2018 GTI, this car is noticeably much better than the MK7.5. Also, as a previous owner to 4 WRX models from 2009-2018, this is so much better in terms of performance, fit and finish. I now have that big smile back when I drive 🙂. The MK7.5 was capable, but this MK8 rocks! In terms of the infotainment system.. it’s great. Takes a day to get used to and then it’s all good.. intuitive. All the complaining about it online is total nonsense. Same thing about the interior… very upscale and nice. The steering wheel is a thing of perfection…. Thickness, weight, directness… it could not be better.

[@emiliodaloisio3312]

Darren, you've have got me so excited I can't wait for my mark8 to arrive!! Also coming from a mark7 the new gti is so much more engaging even though it will make the tech learning curve a bit longer to master.

[@darrensnyder4742]

@@emiliodaloisio3312 nice. You will enjoy it… a lot!

[@emiliodaloisio3312]

@@darrensnyder4742 thanks man! Only trouble is now I need to wait until the order portal actually reopens again

[@darrensnyder4742]

@@emiliodaloisio3312 I was soooo lucky to get mine when I did. I heard the wait time is about a year now for a 2022 GTI. 4,000 VW cars sank on ship in early March

[@tonycamaj4560]

Any pertinent updates? Strongly Considering one.

[@ivanlowjones]

That German license plate from Wolfsburg brings back memories of my time in Germany in the Army. My base was 45 minutes from Wolfsburg and I spent many nights partying near the VW plant there.

[@1970borntorun]

The car that got me into Sports Cars back in 1988 in High School was just a simple, Manual-Tranny Scirocco. Then I got smart and realized the pure driving joy of RWD cars like Alfas, BMW's and Porsches... LOL :)

[@steventortora4487]

Thank you for you're service sir

[@johnv4866]

can't believe that automakers continue down the path of eliminating nobs and buttons. "Improvement?" "Progress?" Definitely not.

[@JCTiggs1]

Tesla has been doing it for almost 10 years and all the other manufacturers realized how much money they can save by putting almost all functions onto a touch screen even if it sacrifices usability. 🤔

[@tyty0071]

A lot of reviewers mentioned the difficulties interacting with the capacitive touch interface while driving.

[@WarPigz0]

Yeah, its the only thing that most people seem to dislike about the MK8. And its easy to see why. Its sloppy as hell. My 2018 Mazda has a simple knob in the center console that is fantastic to use while driving. VW really missed with this new infotainment system.

[@carlobighouse5434]

And did you see how slow it was to react. When he tapped to change colors it wasn't even responding after the first color change, nor did it let him scroll back left. Tech is not an upgrade if the cpu/brains behind it are so slow as to be infuriating. Just give us nice feeling buttons with solid fit and finish.

[@charlesgroover9646]

It’s amazing how the GTI has managed to stay around for so long , kept the style similar, but evolved at the same time. Nice job don’t ever change little buddy 😍

[@OooohReally]

Wait a minute, you're praising the evolution but asking to never evolve lol 😂

[@stephenhendricks103]

I've owned several GTIs, most recently one of the last MK6 versions built in Germany and currently a MK7.5 built in Mexico. (In my case the MK7.5 is tighter, more powerful and an all round better car.) I'll reserve judgment on whether the MK8 offers enough improvements to justify replacing my current GTI until the US spec version is available. As knowledgeable GTI owners know VW's approach to the US market is quite different from the strategy employed in Europe. In addition to differences mandated by government regulations, Euro-spec versions typically include features that are simply unavailable in the US. For example, though the US spec has the same awesome EA888 engine as the European version, the latter includes dual injection while the US spec is limited to direct injection. Further, in Europe consumers can select a wealth of separate individual options (including a wealth of color choices) that in the US are bundled into three (or occasionally four) trim levels. That's often the source of frustration for Americans but it enables VW to offer the GTI at a significantly lower price point than in Europe. Along with the VAT that's included in the MSRP in Germany the savings from volume production makes the limited choices for US spec GTI's as much as $10,000 less than a comparable model in Europe. It also means that more expensive versions of the GTI (e.g. the Club Sport) are very unlikely to be exported to the US. I don't use my GTI for track days. For the occasional days on a track I'm on two wheels rather than four. So the fact that the MK8 can reach 100 mph on a straightaway vs 93 in a MK7.5 is irrelevant. On the other hand on the twisting mountain roads where I drive on weekends the reduction of oversteer Sofyan reports would be welcome if not critical. I'm looking forward to an extended test drive when the MK8 appears at my local dealer but since trading my GTI would feel like selling the family dog, I may stick with it.

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@thewirah1 I've seen those complaints about the GTI's leaky sunroof but have never experienced it on either my MK6 or MK7.5. As far as the "lack of knobs" is concerned, I agree that knobs are a better choice. But having recently driven the Arteon with the same type of capacitive controls I don't see them as a serious issue. On the other hand I have to say that the one piece seat back/head restraint is a major turn-off for me. A cost saving measure that I've not seen mentioned elsewhere.

[@RK-db4oq]

You pay $10K more in Europe because they have 19% VAT (taxes) there that's included in the price (it's illegal to separate out VAT from the price in Europe), plus Mexican labor is a heck of a lot cheaper than German labor.

[@willmercier2852]

I have a 2016 mk7 DSG, can't see myself trading it just for the mk8. If I want more power I can just ECU tune. Overall I have had zero issues with anything, no noise, leaks etc.

[@tetchuma]

Since the Mk8 has an electronic parking brake… my Mk7.5 will be my last GTI. I don’t see myself trusting a manual GTI with the same annoying (and extremely temper-mental) parking brake that my husbands Sonata Hybrid uses… Hard pass for me. 😡

[@stephenhendricks103]

@@tetchuma I prefer the manual emergency brake on my GTI, as well. But I have VW's electronic parking brake on a 2012 CC I recently bought and over 50,000 miles (44K from the previous owner) it has never failed or been "temperamental". Took a little getting used to, I'll admit, as my right hand instinctively reached for the brake handle but it works perfectly.

[@justinjoshy5058]

What an absolute joy to watch you drive these three cars back to back. Especially with that sweet soundtrack.

[@stevegaspar]

Just got my Mk 8 allocation and delivery date for November or possibly December 2021 depending on the delivery at my local VW dealership (in Canada). Couple things I've noticed that's not in this review is the top trim is now called the performance trim and the Autobahn trim is mid trim level. However, the performance trim is essentially what the Autobahn trim used to be. Some notable upgrades is the paint. I'm getting moonstone grey. Which is essentially nardo grey and the Palermo yellow is pretty nice too. Also, bigger panoramic sunroof and the two tone leather seats that are ventilated. The performance model comes with the DCC and Autobahn does not. Overall I like the look and the new colors they have are a nice addition (there's another grey paint and new red paint too). I'm coming from a Mk 7.5 2018 model

[@toorop111]

Nice. I have a 2019 white autobahn Gli I’m thinking of trading it in for the ‘22 GTI?! The only thing I don’t like is the fact that you cannot replace the factory radio to a high end kenwood, pioneer, or Sony which are all 10.1” screens with maestro integration.

[@haze1123]

Remember when Cadillac tried to push capacitive touch "buttons" and sliders for like 10+ years? Why would VW repeat this obvious mistake? Drivers want a real volume knob, real switchgear on the steering wheel, and physical HVAC controls. If Hyundai can do it, so can VW.

[@1970borntorun]

Right! Honda went to an actual volume knob for their radio on the Type R Civic after many consumer complaints too.

[@presentjr]

I don't get it either

[@eloneatmyshorts]

Bean counters. Reduced tooling for individual hard buttons vs capacitive touch instead. They give you improvements but offset that with cost cutting measures elsewhere. Let's see how they do with the refresh in 2-3 years.

[@lkae4]

It's like socialism. No matter how many times it fails, people still think they can make it work. Potatoes.

[@DJPleasureSeekingMissle]

@@lkae4 lol, you do realize that a lot of modern day industrialized society has many elements of socialism, right?

[@ginford8981]

VAG automobiles are very reliable, i have a 30 year old 5 cylinder Audi and it's still running!

[@christianshankles8977]

As someone who plans to buy a new GTI in a couple years, I must say that I'm very impressed with the performance and handling of this new generation, but that interior is a huge turnoff. I didn't care for the exterior when it was first revealed, but it has since grown on me; but after seeing the MK7 side-by-side in this video, that interior is definitely better than this new model imo.

[@bertito43]

Just get a MK 7.5 and put summer tires on it. You’ll love it

[@Grolson1993]

@@bertito43 Agreed. If you don't care about the upgrades to the chassis and the re-tuned suspension the mk 7 & 7.5s will be a great deal once the mk8s are out. I'd bet during the holidays this year there will be no shortage of people dumping their leased 7.5s or slightly used 7's for a new mk8. If you wanna save some money, just wait until then.

[@homoerotic85]

I was wondering why you don't like the new interior? I don't know what I think about it yet. I love all the new technology but I feel like the new design makes it look like a bigger car (not what I like) and swoopy looking or maybe like it's missing something-or something? Maybe it will look better in person. I do really like the new key-I think it looks cool.

[@DragonKnightX12]

@@homoerotic85 I don't like that their going with touch controls for AC and Audi, and I don't why everyone wants that black plastic. It only looks good if you clean it every single day. The price went up too with all the new features. Looks they added the pops and bangs to the exhaust, I don't think they pulled it off quite as well as Hyundai did with the Veloster N.

[@christianshankles8977]

@@homoerotic85 I don't like that all of the controls are touch-based. It really worried me when the guy in the video kept changing the driving settings simply because of how he was holding the steering wheel. And the sliders for volume and climate control... *Eck*

[@DRayL_]

I'm not sure I like the "popping" sound when it was being revved. I know a lot of ppl like that, but I don't. Having said that, I actually really like this car, especially the interior. Very nice! And the ability to change the color of the screens from just "red" is very appealing! And I would choose the auto trans, for sure. I would have plenty of fun with it. :-) I say, "well done", to VW.

[@johnwjeromejr]

This car (DSG version) was just tested by Car & Driver, getting 0-60 in 5.1 seconds, a substantial improvement. Imagine what it will do with an APR Stage 1 tune (when available).

[@willmercier2852]

Glad to see they kept the brakes. My mk7 brakes have saved my car/life on a few occasions, great stopping power.

[@GruntHarley]

I had a 2015 VW GTI loved the car, but this 22 GTI IMO is a huge let down. That interior that last thing it screams is premium with all that hard plastic and cheap piano black crap. Center console and dash is absolute garbage. VW can and should do a lot better.

[@clothestravel]

I agree, I much prefer a mix of digital and analog. I don’t like this screen everything look.

[@desmondliao]

Regret selling my 2016 VW GTI for something more "practical.”

[@apcordero99]

@@desmondliao since when was a GTI not practical?

[@RyGuyTheAVGuy]

I always thought VW interiors were boring AF

[@mlps93]

US is really in the dinosaur age when it comes to car lighting and their regulations.

[@dave_riots]

We're in the stone age when it comes to a lot of things.

[@cb9137]

Yup, we still a developing country

[@vroomgc]

@@cb9137 Lol

[@perfectlybalanced8995]

You can thank the Boomers in charge of the NHTSA (And Mercedes Benz)

[@Ianmundo]

moving the climate functions in new VWs to that infotainment system is a dealbreaker. Fire everyone who pushed for that move.

[@DEVILTAZ35]

I don't get it. Air con controls should always have completely separate controls. Worst culprits are seat heaters or coolers that require a menu to operate though lol

[@wg5331]

Great review of the car. I must say I’m disappointed in the interior. It just looks cheap with all that plastic everywhere

[@g__e__o]

You should look at the Golf siblings: the Seat Leon and the Cupra. I think they are a little bit better. But overall VW has been decreasing the quality of fit and finish. Some say it is because they have to invest in the electric cars the most.

[@GabeBoy96]

Yeah that's piano black plastic to the max. I'm sure TheStraightPipes are gonna tear into it in their review lol. And capacitive touch controls for everything is just annoying and imprecise. Who's gonna be tapping and swiping all day to change the volume or temperature.

[@arainla]

The sweet spot would be to get a previous gen and tune it(which is probably mostly what VW did)since they are cutting corners as they progress.

[@evaristocorripio5434]

@@g__e__o yeah, even the cupra leon which in teory is the less expensive version of this car, looks miles better and has a better interior, and also is more powerful.

[@swasho2939]

lol thats what i was thinking. i guess they saved all the high end material for the AUDI

[@carlkwasnjuk9518]

Bring back the AC knobs where one can change the AC/heat without having to look at a screen.

[@JustAYouTuber1991]

Beautiful exterior. The lack of buttons for the AC is a no go for me.

[@Machoukas]

Same. Idk why reviewers can't be honest that the all-touch w/ piano black interior is complete trash.

[@nwinsto602]

@@Machoukas cause it's trash to you

[@Machoukas]

@@nwinsto602 it's trash to everyone but they don't want to step on manufacturers toes.

[@nwinsto602]

@@thewirah1 seeing that you can only speak for your self my point stands , I think it's fine

[@DragonKnightX12]

@@nwinsto602 Because you probably haven't owned a vehicle with it. lmo That Glossy plastic is gonna be covered in very visible dust and fingerpints unless you clean it all the time. Tesla literately took out of their cars and switched to a matte plastic because customers hated it. It's just like owning a Black car, looks good when it's clean, but it's also a lot harder to keep looking clean.

[@MichasTechTV]

The MK8 is available in Europe since last year so I could see it at a dealership and I have to say the interior is a big downgrade compared to the MK 7,5. Especially from a quality and a usability standpoint.

[@DEVILTAZ35]

True they went with awful big screens to be trendy rather than sticking to a more practical and usable cockpit. Seriously this overuse of entertainment touch screens needs to go.

[@desmondliao]

They put all the resources into the infotainment. Glove box isn’t felt lined. Hood prop is a metal rod.

[@Fly2kill1]

I’m holding on to my 7.5 until I see the facelift.

[@elliottmanning4116]

Fun fact: M1 Concourse has a nice cars and coffee once a month with food trucks and vendors. Also, those are car condos he’s standing next to; which are expensive car garages people keep their Ferraris, Lamborghinis, etc.

[@guidenext]

Yes the M1 Concourse is on the grounds of a former GM plant in Pontiac, MI

[@zcmdzpp127]

Didn’t like the early pictures but now MK8 looks great overall

[@mattthompson8363]

Good review, about time a reviewer tested the car for what it's made for and didn't harp on about not liking the touch buttons. Having owned a Mk8 now since April I can tell you, you get used to the buttons pretty quickly - yes it is a little slow on occasion but not to a point it matters. Handling is outstanding - so much fun to drive!

[@kwillee93]

Can you comment on the driver assist systems? (Yes I’m well aware that this is a drivers car), are there limitations to the lane keep assist, Only at certain speeds or disengages frequently?

[@mattthompson8363]

@@kwillee93 unfortunately I've just rejected my GTI - this was partially linked to the lane keep assist and other driver aids. Think lane keep works up to 120mph - just be sure to be on clearly marked roads or it gets a little hairy when it gets confused

[@kwillee93]

@@mattthompson8363 thank you for your reply! Just to clarify, were the driver aids the main issues for you to give the Gti back? I was also looking at the Hyundai Sonata N line as I heard it had good performance and safety features (albeit without a LSD)

[@mattthompson8363]

@@kwillee93 the main issue was that the SOS went into error which then caused a whole list of things to go wrong. Sign recognition Lane assist Active cruise control Parking sensors AC Infotainment system would crash completely Sat NAV As I say it's a long list. I cannot and will not knock the way it drives or the engine - that was outstanding. I just couldn't warrant paying 30k+ for a car with functions that didn't work. Worse still, if I had the active cruise control on and it went into error it would suddenly brake from 70 down to 30 - it did this on the A27 with my family in the car. Just not good enough from VW. Don't think I'll ever buy one again. VW told me they don't know when a fix will out for these issues.... that was back in May and then again last week. I've heard good things about the Hyundai but I've also heard the ride is about as hard as it gets, so if that's not a problem I'd say go for that over the golf.

[@kwillee93]

@@mattthompson8363 oh my that’s scary on a busy motorway. I hope they are able to address those issues, your family should not have to suffer because of bad sensors and electronics! Yes I have heard the ride in the sonata is a lot stiffer but will be trying one out soon.

[@jermainejpshepherd2778]

Them fog lights are unique. Nice.

[@sidgtdalicense]

The R doesn't have those fog lamps but avoids the wheel hop present on the GTI too due to AWD available 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@jermainejpshepherd2778]

@@sidgtdalicense yea ik.

[@SheekTresSesenta]

This video meant nothing to me. Vw clearly set that car up as a ringer considering it won’t include those re71r tires. Pretty shady

[@DainLaguna]

Won’t they? You’ll have like 3-4 choices of tire at launch.

[@SheekTresSesenta]

@@DainLaguna are you asking if vw will give u the option of selecting a track only 200tw tire? No. Vw cheated. According to what we know (remember the 8 GTI has been out in Europe for a bit now) about mk8 GTI vs mk7.5. Autobahn trim on both. They perform the same. Same exact track times.

[@kirksmith347]

Cuz you can't change your tires right? Man I didn't realize they are permanent. 🙄

[@SheekTresSesenta]

@@kirksmith347 are u touched in the head?!? Journalists got to test drive the mk8 against the mk7. Mk7 had the stock shitty summer tires, the ones everyone in the community swaps out immediately. While the mk8 had re71r’s. Not a single journalist is as stupid as you. Every single one has called out vw on this. Except this cat. Can u argue it was a fair comparison of both cars? Of course not. Stay in your lane. U have no idea what you’re talking about.

[@wisnudwntr6169]

Vw gti, hyundai veloster n , toyota gr yaris. Is best hothatch available now. Unfortunately civic type r design is just like sport sedan. I prefer sleeper design on hothatchback car.

[@jg3818]

I swear I'm having flashbacks from a few years back with the private aircraft community with the "glass cockpits" and how mad they all were when all the knobs and dials were going away. The lag is a problem to be sure but that can be fixed with a software update. Like it or not people analog is dying out quickly.

[@squallfredd]

Dude.. best review. I made up my mind. This is my next car. That sound good

[@peacems]

Interior look and quality are a step back from the MK7. Everything else, I like.

[@Painfulwhale360]

I think it’s a step forward in looks but almost no physical buttons are a step back for certain.

[@JFinns]

As a Mk7 owner what I hate the most is that absurdly big asymetrical divider between the center console and the passenger seat.

[@leverfnosac6923]

Like it but cars aren't smartphones...they need buttons.

[@silentedge4]

20:30 I hear that comment about the heated steering wheel button in almost every review, crazy that VW didn't realize that yet.. or kept it the way it was. Small things like this are good reasons to wait for following model year releases or even full refreshes EDIT but I am very picky haha

[@DEVILTAZ35]

Don't you wear gloves to race anyway? What is the point in heated steering wheel on a track?

[@Saboda53]

While it’s true that a number of reviewers have inadvertently turned on the heated steering wheel, realize this may - or may not - be a problem for everyone. I LOVE the cup holders in my ND MX-5, but some reviewers hate them, and find that their elbow hits them when shifting; I never have that problem. Same with Mazda’s infotainment controller knob & button - some keep hitting it accidentally; I never have. Piano black trim? Hated by many, yet I had it in my Mazda RX-8 and really liked it! Classy and attractive; no problem with dust or fingerprints. So… depends, ultimately, on whether or not these things will be a problem for YOU. That said, I would prefer traditional knobs for climate and volume controls.

[@itzed]

I never watch videos this long. But I did this one. Well done.

[@Scotty_in_Ohio]

I've always kind of wanted a GTI - now I really would like one - only main decision is which trim and manual vs. DSG - if it's DSG the wife could drive it - I don't know if that's good or bad ;-) Great review and coverage - I've read at what these are supposed to be selling for and it ain't cheap but I figure everything is anyhow and I've passed on a couple opportunities to own a GTI in the past 30 years so perhaps I should just do it...

[@AndrewTewes]

Wow, that interior is terrible ! who was the engineer at VW who greenlit the idea for all the screen and touch buttons ! And on top of that all the gloss black plastic ! When you switched to the mk7 it just looks so much more usable and nice.

[@AndrewTewes]

@@layne4376 Boring ? Sure I’ll give you that it’s a more basic infotainment screen with knobs and buttons. But it’s functional, easy to use, good luck with those gloss black touch buttons on the steering wheel, and touch capacitive sliders for temperature and volume controls. It seems like VW was wondering how they can make the MK8 even cheaper to produce without people noticing, and it seems like they fooled you.

[@AndrewTewes]

Also, I would take his track driving with a grain of salt, it most certainly is quicker than the mk7 but I don’t think it’s by much. In the video when he switched over to driving the mk7 I’m not entirely sure he was in the same drive modes as the mk8. The way that DSG was shifting made me think either he wasn’t in race/sport mode, or he didn’t have the DSG is sport mode, because if he were in sport mode it would be shifting way more aggressively than it was.

[@thewirah1]

It looks very cheap. I understand the need for an update, but this looks terrible.

[@janoycresnova9156]

Cost cutting

[@presentjr]

Agreed

[@plightn]

What is it with manufacturers and making the interior trim pieces piano black, it scratches if you look at it and then looks terrible.

[@kwillee93]

I feel with a car that small you don’t really need a 360 camera even as an option.

[@al151]

Its quite the opposite, cars like this, including sports cars need 360 cameras because they are very small and low to the ground. When you park, you can’t see the curb infront or around you and end up scraping a bumper or loosing one. It is a must in my opinion.

[@DragonKnightX12]

@@al151 1000% This is the biggest issue I had with my Camaro. Not even a problem with my Jeep, I just feel the if the wheels bump the curb or ride onto it.

[@AlbertNurick]

Very timely. I'm car shopping (no hurry) and have narrowed my options down to the new GTI, the upcoming Elantra N, the GLI, and (oddly) the Tuscon Hybrid. I love your reviews!

[@Slowwagonftl]

If only we got the MK8 Sportwagen/Alltrack. This will do tho 💕

[@rwest5386]

I have a Mk7 DSG GTI, I'm glade the Mk8's handle better but I hate what they have done with the interior. Most of the difference in your autocross times and speed at the track was probably the difference in tires. The Re-71R's are what Tire Rack considers an Extreme Performance Summer tire and are way better than anything that came on the MK7, here in the US.

[@vexthem]

I like it except the interior with all the infotainment system thing. I'd rather not have things hidden in there

[@RLTtizME]

For me...it is the power window glass that falls out when you put the window down.

[@danydufort4562]

Hi , a question for you. You state in your review that the car rotated well in your test drive, did you notice if the 4 tires were the same. I was told that this is the case because Volkswagen delivered test cars with stickier tires in the front allowing the care to rotate better. Thanks

Piano black is nice, It does show dust. There are so many vehicles with black exteriors, even though they show imperfections but when clean, there’s nothing better. So forget the carbon fiber look, piano black is great! Keep it clean folks.

[@tsenif]

You've GOT TO do a comparison between this & the 2021 Mazda3 Turbo Hatchback now

[@thewirah1]

The cockpit in the Mazda3 puts the MK8's to shame.

[@tsenif]

@@thewirah1 Agreed. Although the GTI offers more for the passengers in the back. The Mazda offers nothing unfortunately. I wish it did.

[@TrumpsaTerroristChangeMyMind]

@hon solo they fixed it in the 2021 version maybe 2020 model too best in class resolution now But infotainment takes some getting used to idk why they stopped making the screen a touch screen... it’s a trend with car brands starting and they NEED TO FUCKING STOP!! Touch screen for life!!

[@mewdrarkham5293]

@hon solo it’s way more distracting to use a touch screen. You have to get your eyes off the road. With a rotary knob it’s muscle memory. You can count clicks and navigate the screen without even looking at it

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

The Mazda is boring but luxurious.

[@joej2742]

As you are aware the auto review market is flooded with videos Yet none come close to your 's Please keep up the excellent work

[@spaceoner1]

Check out savagegeese. Nuff said.

[@virgil1468]

That digital dash looks much different from the other digital dashes in the VW family. I wonder if that's the kind of dash they'll go with on all cars moving forward. Here's hoping.

[@beaglelife]

My first car was a 1983 GTI Red with a Red interior (not sure when the plaid seats started the original didn't have those). The car was great to drive had a really nice interior for the time, stuck to the road like glue with its stock Pirelli tires. Manual Transmission, don't remember an auto being available then. Loved the car, never had anything else that was as much fun, even the Corvette I owned years later. This one looks like a nice little package (I'd get a manual) but honestly I could do without all the electronic gadgets. You can't beat the build quality of cars today, my 83 GTI had build quality issues. I also wish VW would go back to premium interiors like they had back in the day, even in 1983!

[@FurkanCemTurfanda]

That Mk7 interior is putting the 8 to shame.

[@DainLaguna]

I think I like the layout of the 8 better, but the materials in the 7 seem substantially better.

[@DJPleasureSeekingMissle]

VW: *calls the Piano Black Plastic Store*. What can you do for us? Piano Black Plastic Store: Yes

[@adamlittle3485]

All I need to know: Is the glove box damped and/or lined with felt?

[@allenmilburn4761]

Negative. Got to make a pit stop at Joanns.

[@ozzydominguez3]

All these companies have failed to see the mistake in the piano black and the haptic feedback buttons. Many consumers have already complained to Honda about the volume knob which they had to fix in the next model. Don’t understand the interior choices for this model year.

[@Heffelz8]

Thanks for the good review. I'm bouncing back and forth between really wanting a mk8 because I'm an adult that still likes to have fun, OR a Ridgeline because I'm an adult and incredibly pragmatic (with 2 younger children). This car looks like it satisfies the "fun" factor while not breaking the bank.

[@Me-mo4jo]

I own a red 2028 golf and it’s been one of my favorite cars! I previously drove a BMW X3 and wanted something totally new. What a fun car!

[@marcoulibarri5744]

That's impossible!!! Unless u time travel

[@ZapFlashD]

Damn how's the future like?

[@NovaResource]

3:00 “twin piston calipers” Can you double check that? Those appear to be single piston calipers up front. 23:45 “the brakes are the same as the Mark-7”. If that’s true then those are single piston calipers.

[@JacobFrey]

exactly

[@addykumar672]

He didn’t seem to have done his homework. @4:48 he mentions you can get the same performance along with more ground clearance etc on sports SUVs. Not sure which SUV is he talking about unless he is referring to the Macan.

[@Fly2kill1]

If we ever get the club sport it will make my day.

[@JFlogerzi]

puke on the interior. I hate this new trend with digital screens everywhere. More shit to fail. Give me simple and clean. Real button and switches, and a simple gauge stack.

[@kurtkomaromi3690]

Great review! Driving it on the track really highlights the handling improvements.

[@SonyEnthusiast]

So 4K crispy, I can see your 5 o'clock shadow

[@iaminyouout1813]

Needs to be done in 8k

[@RLTtizME]

Hmmm....very strange comment.....very strange my friend. I have conjured up many assumptions about you.

[@SonyEnthusiast]

@@RLTtizME what assumptions?

[@RLTtizME]

@@SonyEnthusiast 👈😍

[@SonyEnthusiast]

@@RLTtizME you assume video quality is important to me? You're right!

[@d0akickflip]

Glad I picked up the 19 when I did .. MK8 looks nice but I’d rather have ac and volume dials. Plus my big fingers will be rubbing over the touch commands on the wheel for sure. Piano black key fob ?! No thank you Do like how they added some crackles to the exhaust though.

[@nelsonvanvickle8862]

So about the same hp and torque numbers in stock spec that I’m getting from my 17’ GLI with a stage 1 tune. I like it. The MQB platform handles better with a true LSD as opposed to the MK6 without it.

[@zone47]

6 speed manual for sure for me! Good review, thanks for the info.

[@husseinbashir5534]

Thanks Sofyan for the great review. How did you find the haptic buttons on the steering wheel?

[@mikey1262]

Is the Golf 8 R coming to the states?

[@perfectlybalanced8995]

Yes

[@AndrewTewes]

When you were driving the manual mk8 were you flat foot shifting ? jeez the way you were shifting made me feel bad for that trans.

[@thatcarguy6]

Why Isn’t This As A Future Vehicle In The Volkswagen USA Website?

[@mattspeer01]

How many car companies have to make capacitive touch controls before they figure out that these controls are universally hated? One company does it, and they fail, then they go back to physical controls. Then along comes another company and does the same thing, then another, and so on. It never ends with the stupidity of these car companies.

[@RLTtizME]

Cost my friend....cost.

[@gaffnova44]

Recent mk8 buyer. SE w/ leather seats + dimming mirror for msrp… I’m already used to the controls in 2-3 drives honestly. There’s more to explore, yes it’s clunky, but you don’t mess with heating and radio all the time and you get used to it in just a few drive.. Like all cars, there are quirks and that’s where this one’s live. The drive, engine, handling - all spectacular. Would’ve loved the damping but the less than tuned suspension is fantastic as well. Better than my 2018 340i with zhp (intake/exhaust), hands down. Just not as fast.

[@pbentsonable]

The interior doesn’t look bad other than the shiny black plastic. It’s more creative then the rest of the VWs.

[@jeffr6280]

Kia-"Nobody can put more piano black trim in a car than us." VW-"Halte mein bier."

[@valdiswallace830]

🤣

[@JEdmund81]

I've only had my MK7.5 for a little over a year, and I'm glad this new MK8 doesn't make me jealous. Maybe the 8.5 will revise some of these shortcomings and make me consider trading in my car.

[@geneforte9038]

The questionable german reliability is also still standard.

[@DJPleasureSeekingMissle]

Leaky sunroofs and check engine lights at no extra charge!

[@DEVILTAZ35]

@@DJPleasureSeekingMissle Golf seems to fair pretty well in that regard compared to other small cars.

[@isimonsez]

Hmm I’ve had German and British cars for 15yrs. Audi VW Range Rover and never had the issues morons like you whine about

[@DainLaguna]

This is just something people who haven’t owned a VW in the last decade like to say. I’ve got a 2017 mkVII and she’s got 95k on the clock. Nothing but oil changes/dsg oil changes and tire rotations.

[@kirksmith347]

Just because you don't know how to take care of a car doesn't mean it's the cars fault. Just do yourself a favor and go buy a Corolla and leave the fun cars for us . 😀

[@isaiahhernandez3298]

The mk7 just looks so much better exterior and interior wise. I don't understand VW's reasoning with major visual changes.

[@wendywilson9513]

Went with the GTI Mark 7.5. The Mark 8 has virtually no buttons but has slide controls I’m not fond of. FWIW

[@dha588]

I like how the front looks hawk diving down on its prey. The eyes are the wings and the fog lights is the claws.

[@bryanmauroner3347]

When is the North American Market going to get the Club Sport 😩 Volkswagen took away our 2 door GTI it’s only fair to replace it with the Club Sport 🇩🇪❤️ #Volkswagen I’m really impressed with how the MK8 turned out 👏🏻

[@oopopp]

For some reason that red band across the front makes so much difference... lol..

[@sethab17]

Wow even the key fob is piano black.

[@kjoey76]

Did VW mentioned about the clubsports model available for the US?

[@perfectlybalanced8995]

Unfortunately there are no plans to have the Clubsport in the US

[@73av8r5]

The movie “Spaceballs” comes to mind seeing you in that “Dark Helmet”. 🤪

[@cjb8764]

6:24 thought you were swiping off dust 😂 … I’ll vinyl wrap those black plastic panels.

[@Boostlagg]

VW deception continues by fitting non OEM track tires for their press cars. You cant compare a mk7 on all seasons vs a car with sticky summer rubber.

[@DanBrim]

My MK7.5 came stock with Bridgestone Potenzas

[@Boostlagg]

@@DanBrim they fitted the mk8 with Bridgestone RE-71R 200 thread tires that won't be available OEM. So yeh the test was a big lie. Would love to see the mk8 on the all seasons and MK7 on the track tires and see which car has more understeer.

[@thaydathroeun8678]

@@Boostlagg true. Even on similar tires I'm pretty sure the mk8 will outdo the mk7 in dynamics. Mainly due to suspension changes. The 8 even rides better and is quieter than the 7 even with the RE's

[@cpMetis]

Mazda 3t : Let down by bad trans, no LSD/eLSD, no indep rear Veloster N: Let down by very cheap interior and harsh ride in eco GTI: Let down by not knowing what a knob is (+sorta interior materials)

[@cpMetis]

I can just see the Savagegeese title. "2020 VW GTI: One Knob Short of Greatness"

[@thewirah1]

I can't wait to see the Corolla GR.

[@DragonKnightX12]

Nah Veloster N is doing it right. Cheap functional interior, all the performance for a affordable price. Mazda 3T isn't even trying to be a Hot Hatch, it's a entry Luxe car. GTI seems to be confused if it's want to be a Hot Hatch or a entry Luxe car.

[@uweboker5983]

Great review! Impressive sound of the GTI indeed!

[@CapFlipGaming]

I'd take this over the last gen in a heartbeat.... Interesting. I'm in the market for a new car and this is really impressive. Golf, Miata, Veloster N or the new Elantra N perhaps even....

[@snoopyalien24]

I have a Veloster N. Definitely give it a test drive. Make sure you're in N mode. You'll love it.

[@ccolivardia]

People have come around about the exterior, but the infotainment and climate controls are a huge area of contention with the newer iD models and the Mk8. The Jetta and the Taos interiors are much more logically laid out IMO and I’m really not sure why VW regressed to touch controls. Every automaker who has tried them has returned back, at least partially to physical controls lol. Interested to see if they do a mid cycle refresh and change that interior.

[@Alstanus]

I get why people like sporty SUVs for versatility, but driving a sports sedan or compact is still a lot more fun to me. The SUV/Crossover segment is becoming rather bloated; there's too many. I like having a midsize truck and a compact sedan personally.

[@littlsuprstr]

the next gen civic looks like a better buy.

[@nmarkert01]

HP Jason, is that you…?

[@IvanBosnjak89]

I don’t use the volume knob almost ever, I use the steering wheel. And I very rarely even touch the heating/AC controls. I doubt it will bother me much at all, but I’ll wait until I actually drive one before I pass judgment.

[@kadicocmf]

I’m speechless! Absolutely perfect !!! Can’t wait when go on sale

[@RLTtizME]

Are you picky about your cars starting each and every time? No Bueno.

[@robertgravel5160]

Great review as always 👍

[@nah3193]

America needs a 2 door hatch :(

[@MuteCrimson]

Love your reviews Sofyan

[@RLTtizME]

You are two years old?

[@ItsaDaPope-a]

@@RLTtizME You're so sweet!

[@RLTtizME]

@@ItsaDaPope-a Thanks hon...

[@presentjr]

I still like the MK7.5 more than the new GTI has wider tires and probably has a DQ500 now instead of the DQ381.

[@GuyDiMiceli]

Please review an SE trim! All the reviewers drive the Autobahn but I would like to know your thoughts on living with the SE as a daily driver value proposition, and are the adaptive suspension, adaptive steering, heads up display and auto high beams as the main differences between the SE and Autobahn worth it?

[@nicholassmith7048]

The haptic controls on steering wheel and dash could be dealbreakers for me. Especially since the ones on the dash are not illuminated, which is completely unacceptable.

[@oldmanjenkins38]

Love the review. Had a manual 1991 and a 2011 automatic. Cant wait for this to be released. Still deciding between Golf R and GTI Clubsport.

[@mrtulipeater]

One reason to love the Golf in all its variations is the manual transmission and general manual feel. Changing to a more digital display is a mistake. Driving is about the feel.

[@animalmother4]

I hope we get some decent color options!

[@JEdmund81]

Me too!

[@A_guan]

I want to get a mk8 golf r but I love all the space I have in my civic hatchback currently. Wished the trunk was longer in the golf like the civic hatch

[@quintschumable]

I'm guessing the mk7 did not have the potenza Re71r tires that we saw on the mk8. VW loves rigging test results to get the desired impressions.