THE Best Hot Hatch? Driving the VW Golf 8 GTI Clubsport on the Nürburgring!

The Golf 8 is probably the most "requested" car from the comment section. / berg_dom messaged me asking if I would be interested in satisfying all those requests by taking his new Golf 8 GTI Clubsport on the Ring. I guess you know what I answered.
I was really curious about the car, especially to try out it's special "Nürburgring Mode". There was no intention of trying it in snow however, but I am not complaining!
Sorry for the slightly crooked footage, but I did not find it TOO bad personally + we will redo it in better conditions!
Thumbnail by / ringraceshoot
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00:00 Intro & Background
03:43 LAP
13:22 Final Thoughts

[@mgcharoudin]

MASSIVE THANK YOU to instagram.com/berg_dom/ for trusting me with his baby! Also apologies for the slightly crooked footage, but I did not find it TOO bad personally + we will redo it in better conditions! :)

[@whydidmycommentgetdeleted5199]

Ok

[@schumifannreins295]

Footage is fine, don't worry. Nice talk with Dominik in the car.

[@Mostlycars888]

Misha please take the new Honda FK8 Type-R Limited Edition around the ring🙏🙏

[@eugenux]

@@Mostlycars888 the limited edition is just a ligher wheels and better tires car with some minimal weight removal. Put that on a 2021 MY and you'll find yourself probably getting the same performance with 10k less price difference.

[@Mostlycars888]

@@eugenux in essence that is true yes, but it won't get anywhere near the Type-R on a proper timed lap around the ring

[@davidsmall7676]

The new Golf GTI looked, sounded and via video seemed Nurburgring capable. Impressive! Thanks for taking us on the ride and all I will say about the video is that it felt real. Sort like we were really in the car so I liked it.

[@dubsessed9790]

The clubsport and tcr models are pretty much made with the ring in mind, so it should be decent at it.

[@ashr2794]

Seeing the owner struggle to use the touchscreen to turn off the traction control goes to show what happens when cars try to impersonate smartphones.

[@kyleb5518]

It’s also what happens when anyone tries using the infotainment screen in any car at higher speeds and on undulating ground

[@perwestermark8920]

I hate every moment of touch screens in cars. I like tactile feedback, where I can do things without looking at the controls. Touch screens are a safety hazard.

[@KeithZim]

I'm still hoping its a phase. Safety and climate should be on physical control mechanisms that a person can learn to use without taking their eyes off the road.

[@H3OTest]

Well first of, Yes the Radiocontrols on the VW Sucks and i like to have more "Buttons" for "important" functions. That being said he need to learn the trick of resting his hand on top of the radio to use it in a bit of more racey and bumby situatiuations. You see him struggling adjusting one seting. I want to see him turn up the heat while driving.

[@kyleb5518]

@@KeithZim having tappy things and switches out of the easy range of touch are just dangerous, having to look down to try and work out which menu AC is in, is almost as bad as using a phone

[@rodneyyy95]

I didn't mind the crooked footage to be honest, I always find the pov laps interesting to see especially to learn more about the lines you take in the wet. Hope to remember them myself a bit

[@perwestermark8920]

Yes, I think this was one of the better laps I have seen of where to place the car in the wet.

[@tedium37]

I was a kid when the first GTI came out. Even then it was known as a "special" car and clearly still is. Really impressive in the wet!

[@NitroNuggetTV]

Touch screens are the dumbest trend in the automotive industry atm. How don't manufactures know we all hate them and they're borderline dangerous?

[@sooofancier]

I don't mind them. I think they are cool

[@pin9r]

Maybe it’s cheaper than buttons?!

[@rongambol9910]

pin9r Definitely cheaper than buttons

[@larjkok1184]

I love them. I hope they are here to stay, and let’s face it, they will be.

[@NitroNuggetTV]

@@pin9r spot on, cost is a huge factor

[@PaoliRoberti]

Really enjoyed the video. I like the concept of viewers giving u a car for a lap. Gives insights on very different cars👍🏼

[@normanvierachtzehneinundzw9600]

Dear Misha - You are a nice Person! Even more human than person ;) All the best for you!

[@andrewdavis2325]

Really enjoyed that lap and really interested to see how the golf GTI mark eight copes.

[@dragospahontu]

Maybe Honda Civic is better

[@DE4DLY]

i love that Dom asked that many question, the tips were very good to know :)

[@dominikberg746]

Thanks, I'm happy you liked it. I wanted to take the opportunity to learn as much as possible, when someone like Misha is sitting next to you :)

[@hamzasherazi9334]

Really enjoyed the lap. The owner was on-board with everything going on. The Golf handled the 'ring pretty well for the conditions. Interested to see it in the dry.

[@k5iv]

Another video/car I’ve been waiting to see on here, great vid again

[@clarkyclarke9817]

Great vid as always Misha

[@jassi_ahluwalia]

I have always been a fan of GTI hatches Misha. I always found them to be very good cars & this Gen 8 is the best one. I love it.

[@danI43541]

Love the new GTI Clubsport and seems to be really capable too! And sounds quite nice from inside

[@guypascua8848]

Nice car Dominik! Great lesson on how to get a free lap and driving instructions from Misha. Love the question, "What happens if you crash the car?" Love Misha's answer, "You join inner circle of Ring Crash group." Always a great lesson in different driving conditions. Nice!

[@SamAustin]

Great drive as always Misha! Cool to see the clubsport pushed to its limits where it was tested for so long by the VW engineers 👍

[@tooclaws]

Hi Misha, those near misses I love those moments do you? It is the only time I feel alive. Also a big thank you to the guy for the fun and trust in Misha. :)

[@xXxH8TERxXx]

Love the pov laps 👍🏻👍🏻

[@ALHEALY9110]

Wow! I like this Golf a lot! 🚀💚

[@superpoon16]

Nice video also nice conversation in the car. Looking foward to your next video.

[@Me-sb3mx]

Aaax bro thanks , i have been waiting for gti lap for ages

[@MrE30]

Afternoon Misha thanks for the video and to the owner, the footage was grand. Definitely would like to see another lap with tyres brakes etc.

[@davidchambers7622]

Great Video I’ve had a mk 8 GTi since October and it does take time to get used to the touch screen, however there are a few short cuts but you do have to practice I personally love it, the adaptive suspension is a must plus 19 ins rims.😊

[@McLogo76]

Great video and some good questions that Dominik asked during the lap ;)

[@jstoli996c4s]

The Mk8 is growing on me, but I’m super happy with my Mk7.5R

[@dont5363]

Owner of a 7.5 Tcr , i agree

[@albertocabo7923]

Nice Misha, what a good test ,more like this

[@benjaminandren6501]

Omg so many track videos and i love it!!!

[@gunterification]

Zou interessant zijn om de golf 8 gti clubsport en de 8 R te vergelijken.

[@mjb10]

The footage was fine, don't worry about it so much!

[@baronbunni4689]

i gotta say, the golf interior is too nice oh and.. 10:01 half of traction: aight imma head out

[@jassi_ahluwalia]

I still prefer the Civic Type-R Misha as you feel everything from the car right from steering, gear shifter, pedals & what not. It's more like a motorsport car for the road & I love it too.

[@horatiotimewaster5755]

Love the MK8 Club sport. Will be the next step from my MK7. The for the great vid

[@stevenyia2778]

Great financial decision 🙃

[@TheTechnoaddict]

Dsg sounds a lot better as in the mk7. Nice lap!👌

[@micheltebraake7915]

Het belangrijkste is dat het gefilmd is Misha en dat het kunt laten zien, dan maar af en toe wat scheef.

[@mynameisnotcory]

It sounds VERY good!

[@jasonbarnes957]

What a cracking driver, this man can drive bravo.

[@BobK5]

Great video, in the damp/wet on standard road tyres was very tricky on the old surface, but after seeing this what would I want a Golf R for unless I lived in a Scandinavian type environment.

[@koenvandeperre608]

Nice & well done with the Golf 8 GTI Misha. See you tomorrow!! Will be there at Apex before 🕛 noon👍😜

[@ricardoribeiro308]

Like the video, great car !

[@andreasweber5638]

Sorry I’m biased but just by looking on the thumbnail I’ve made my mind up: my choice would be the yellow fun box right behind the golf

[@TheKruxed]

I would just get a Skoda Superb 280 even more so with family, really underrated car

[@laytonb7]

Enjoyed that slightly twisted yet symmetrical (cough George cough) ride along...nice POV. I want to lap in these type conditions when my Tao allows...

[@m0LN4r]

I am thinking to visit this week if the weather is any good.

[@xXAlmdudlerXx]

The Golf 8 R ob the ring will be very interesting as well because of its new electronic diffs and the smart power distribution.

[@eugenux]

great, now let's see a mk8 golf r?! 😁

[@rjnation5042]

Thanks to the owner, great sounding little car, roarty sound on throttle, Rj in Oz

[@dominikberg746]

I really had a blast, too and I'm already looking forward for the dry lap. Misha is such a great guy and a really good driver.

[@lickwidgoat3480]

Have you done a lap in a stock mk5 2.5 manual jetta? Its not fast, but its not allways about fast tho, the sound is pure honest. And you have room for friends.

[@RD-pq4ku]

Love all your videos Misha but please please can we have a lap IN THE DRY in the clubsporrt mk8 it's about time! And absolutely thrash it I want to see its REAL potential and lap time , I own one tuned with the racechip gts black edition , racingline intake and I know you can take back the front wheel drive record from Honda

[@AldoM2C]

Any chance we can see you drive this car on a sunny day with dry surface and have it pushed a little more? Thanks for the content

[@ndcoward]

Great lap. I wonder how much engine sound was from the soundaktor? Next Golf you test needs to be the Golf 8 R

[@dominikberg746]

It's quite a lot. I have to find out how do disable the thing. The exhaust sound is ok enough in Sport mode for my taste

[@user-yn5sk5ru5g]

I'm looking forward to seeing a VW ID.3 GTI

[@scottt.4596]

Bring on the Golf 8 R!

[@timberlinecline3667]

The car looks very stable

[@sandrosilvatopogolfgtiegti2969]

Muito top golf GTI mk8 forte pra caramba e andando em Nurburgring meu sonho..

[@gregshrimpton1630]

A real vid!!!👍

[@MrSaemichlaus]

I didn't even notice the tilted camera until you corrected it.

[@13oleskool]

Nice lap Misha

[@andrelima5124]

Me watching the early track footage: That's tricky, sketchy race track man geez !

[@henrih3080]

@Misha Charoudin how are you recording the pov? Are you using a head strap or something similar like a head strap?

[@rafaelcordoba13]

Hmmm I think the best hot hatch will be the Hyundai i30 N with DCT.

[@Alex-dz6xw]

Megane rs trophy and type r fl5 are the best hothatches

[@martinchapman2168]

Good video

[@MacheteK]

Good comment

[@specops]

will you do a drive with a Golf 8 R when you can find one?

[@jts400hp]

Should I hold on to my 7.5?

[@IM_Arcades]

This is exactly the reason why I been saying I don't like touch screens. No matter how much I dislike BMW's current direction, the iDrive is by far one of the better setups still.

[@AlanDampog]

now time to do a lap in mk8 R...

[@badboymorales]

Rimac ON NURBURGRINGGGGGG

[@ngkwdaniel]

for such turbo hot hatch cars, which would you recommend to install first for track days, oil cooler, bigger intercooler or water methanol injection kit?

[@simonhocke9457]

Oil cooler and intercooler both..

[@BrikkszTv]

when are you going to do the MK8 Golf R?

[@alexstava]

you need the new gopro, with that horizon setting thingy

[@jonscot8393]

+ Misha Charoudin Any chance of mounting the GoPro into a "Gyro mount" on the dash? or roof if thats legal?

[@Richard_Turner]

So in 20 years time.. this is the new mk4? 🤔

[@konstantin88181]

3:58 and that is why, kids, sensor displays in the cars are an evil.

[@Owestermann]

Thanks for the Video :) sadly the Variant is utterly ugly, so I went with the Leon. And looking at first reports of all the issues with the VC and Infotainment, it seems the buyers are used as Beta Testers. Any issues during your time with the car?

[@mgcharoudin]

Only brief and rushed experience. Hopefully Dominik can answer it!

[@dominikberg746]

No major issues, yet to be honest. Apparently I got the latest software version which fixed a lot of bugs. But as you could see it reacts sometimes slow, which is annoying. Especially when you start the car first time in the morning, you have to wait a few seconds until it booted. I guess the hardware is not the quickest. The driving assists weirdly failed only at the track. I went for two laps before Misha drove and it happened on the same corner, which was odd. But all in all I'm really happy with the car it just drives fabulous.

[@Owestermann]

@@dominikberg746 wish you all the best with the car :)

[@dominikberg746]

@@Owestermann Thanks, I hope there won't be too many issues in the future. :)

[@stevekoz]

Damn. I think I have to trade up.

[@Ybeex]

The golf 8 is growing on me,...

[@stance46]

Would be nice to get the car back for a dry lap, would also be cool to have him come back as he does the incremental mods.. lap with tires and brakes, then a lap with a tune & Suspension etc...

[@davidgonzalo4002]

Pleas make another lap in the dry!!

[@minimumtrade]

Tyre wear would be very poor on track with this standard macpherson strut setup, no?

[@lucasspieker2206]

@Misha, GTI for the track, Polo or Golf 8?

[@ngkwdaniel]

is it comparable to a Megane 4 RS? does it have that hot hatch fun of lift oversteer?

[@siksadwrld_]

Hopefully you get a new golf r around the ring

[@derricktan6146]

Wonder if a normal mk8 golf compare to a cupra Leon 300. Is about the same price at where I am at.

[@velvetjones1856]

Ah, another car we can't get in the US. I had an Acura TL Type-S several years ago and couldn't get used to the front wheel drive. Lots of torque steer and understeer. It was a great cruiser but turned ugly when pushed. I went back to my BMWs. 2019 X330i as my daily driver and 991.2 Carrera as weekend car.

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

Yay our name ❤️❤️❤️

[@pileji]

Quick question, can someone explain to me why the gti is more famous and concidered better than the golf R since its specc whise normally better?

[@andrejandreev9029]

Добрый день Михаил! Крутой обзор и очень познавательный именно для меня.. Так как жду сам именно такую версию машины. Надеюсь добраться до вас на ней и тоже попробовать сделать заезд с вами..

[@razvanalx8093]

what was your first car that u took for your first lap?

[@genotsSnor]

You mispelled Fiesta ST pretty bad there

[@MrSALTIR3]

Would love to see you take a Suzuki Swift Sport for a lap and give you're thoughts on why they are such a popular choice for rentals. Maybe even compare the old 1.6 n/a to the newer 1.4T engine cars?

[@kyleb5518]

They are dynamically great cars, people hate on them for the lack of power but a good driver can conserve all the momentum, the 2nd gen imo is the best as the 3rd gen has quite frankly odd steering but is still great fun

[@namboozleUK]

How does this feel compared to the Cupra when it was stock?

[@mgcharoudin]

Better

[@666louis]

At 3:55 the owner is demonstrating nicely why touch screen control is quite impractical in a car. Also, how is that safer than playing with your mobile ( which can get you points on your license )?

[@sandercornel]

It has the same speaker sound as the urus😅

[@subliminalvibes]

XXXH8TERXXX always gets mentioned in the credits. I think they're just leaving then joining again! 🤣

[@mgcharoudin]

Good spot, edited.

[@psicodom]

Better than a mini cooper?

[@Mark__A]

Great video, but this touch screen and touch sensitive buttons killing me. WTF seriously, you using them many times every day. Like in the id3 touch scroll A/C buttons... Unbelievable.

[@TheLordCrash]

I've been driving the Clubsport for a few weeks now, daily driver. Never needed to use the AC menu on the touchscreen even once while driving. And the touch sensitive buttons are just working fine once you're used to them. These are all just fake problems raised by people who never actually owned or used such a car as a daily driver.

[@Mark__A]

@@TheLordCrash Guess what, I did used touch sensitive car and I think it was trash. Physical button gives feedback, sense, don't even need to look on it... Anyway you don't need to be butt-hurt because someone do not like what you do.

[@TheLordCrash]

@@Mark__A Yeah sure, you used it. lol. If you actually used it you'd know that these touch buttons give feedback as well. You also don't need to look at them. I'm not butthurt but I don't like smartasses like you who don't know shit.

[@Corsa15DT]

You need to make a fast dry lap, we didn't learn anything from this lap.

[@WaveCeptor22]

I ❤️ hot hatches

[@steveadp]

I pancake your car, you get into the pancake club for life.

[@castironwayne4603]

Like it 😊