The VW Golf R Is The Best Hot Hatch Ever Made... Here's Why!

The Golf R is the pinnacle hot hatch. Not necessarily the fastest, or the most exciting - but overall the absolute best one you can buy. We take a deep dive into the evolution of the Volkswagen Golf R - Let's Go!
#volkswagen #volkswagens #golfr #golfr32 #golfrmk7 #r32 #r32mk4 #r32mk5 #r32golf #overdrive #vw #vwgti #vr6 #fastcars #golfr #awesomecars
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[@thunderjeep08]

The VR6 is one of the best sounding engines of all time.

[@funkmetal]

I love my R32, cant imagine ever selling it

[@r32guy10]

Agree 👍

[@AZ81RS]

I wish I was still part of the club, I miss my 2004 Blue R32 so much. I now have a B9 RS5 that is modified which is a great but miss that go-cart like driving experience the MkIV had.

[@Lukemasonmedia]

Wish I had one , only mk4 tho

[@lucasholm4739]

Wish i had one their just not that cheap

[@thecookiemonster6396]

I've got a MKV and fucken love it

[@RickGTI2019]

At 78 years old, driving a GTI 7.5 dsg, is what it’s all about ! Thanks, RickGTI…..🇺🇸🌴

[@Skillzpatchi]

Mk4 golf r32 is still the most beautiful looking and the engine is the most toxic beautiful sound I ever heard and love it

[@andyreichert499]

The original R32 made the final round but I got seduced by the sublime handling of the RX8. When I went to replace the RX8 I tried a Mark VII, but the car just didn't fit me well. Hard to explain, but it just didn't feel right to me. I may have been spoiled by RWD balanced sports cars though...

[@rogerthat10-47]

If you're patient & have the mind (&skill to do it) you can squeeze a V6 into an RX8(like I did) & it is glorious, so my beautiful wife tells me, she hated the rotary & now she won't give it back. It really is the engine it should have had in the first place.

[@joshuahawkins5202]

Mk4 R32 Hands down the best R, Overall best driver experience. Like you said, not as fast but man is it fun

[@AZ81RS]

I miss my Mk4 Blue R32, I wish I still had her…

[@jimmypage2499]

Where i live the Golf is probably the most commonly seen vehicle with the Golf V being my personal favorite. However the hottest hatch in all the VW lineup in my opinion is the Scirocco. Such a missed opportunity that one was.

[@brodiejones2028]

Couldn't agree more. I have a Golf 2020 R 7.5. It's fast, fun, civilized and oh so capable. But previously I had a 2010 Scirocco. This was more fun than the R, better looking than any VW and better looking than most cars period. It had an engine that whilst not as fast as the R, hit immediately. Hard to believe it was a turbo. With its light weight and beautifully tuned engine/DSG it was a hoot to drive.

[@DudeTF2]

I have a focus RS. Will keep it running till I die 🫡. May the hot hatch never die.

[@dameckstubbs5634]

What an awesome video! I personally own a mk7 golf r dsg and a mk4 r32 6mt and I love them to death! Wouldn’t trade these hot hatches for anything!

[@792bnz]

Vr6 with the exhaust is the best exhaust sound ever in an affordable car

[@lazarushernandez5827]

MKIV R32 owner, I'd say the first Golf R is the Golf Rallye, but those are much rarer.

[@kenhildebrandjr8225]

I just got my first Golf and it happens to be the 2017 Golf Alltrack. Yes it's the 1.8l turbo, but the handling is fantastic and I am getting a steady 30 miles to the gallon. It has the DSG trans and different modes for driving, that along with the luxury features make it one great car to drive.

[@cobaltss5]

Love mine, Did you put a RSB on it yet?

[@kenhildebrandjr8225]

@@cobaltss5 Haven't done any mods to it yet. What is an RSB though?

[@cobaltss5]

@@kenhildebrandjr8225 Rear Sway Bar.

[@kenhildebrandjr8225]

@@cobaltss5 No I haven't. I've only had it for about a month and a half so I haven't done anything to it yet.

[@cobaltss5]

@@kenhildebrandjr8225 Trust me it's a great platform, and plans?

[@timhahn7358]

I picked up a mk7.5 golf r in december and it's been an absolute blast. I feel there's no real way to go wrong with it, no matter if you have a manual or a dsg (though the manual clutch is a slight concern)

[@Chris-cq5dy]

I use to have a vr6 2 door siver it was nice fast one of the a kind I miss it now from watching this I want another one can't go wrong with VW . Great show ✌

[@jaywebster656]

Love my Mk5 Golf R32, makes me smile each time I sit in it!

[@AlexsTheCat]

I own 1988 VW Golf MK2 and its luke the best first hothatch retro car style in the world so im happy

[@mattvanders]

The golf isn’t a permanent 4 wheel drive system, it uses the heldex system which is different from the Quattro system Audi use on their larger (a4 and above). It’s front wheel drive that goes into 4 wheel drive when it detects front wheel slippage. It has its advantages ( more fuel efficient, less power lose) and disadvantages (heavy, not all the grip all the time, not being about to drive from the rear like an sti or rs).

[@scottroberts5529]

Have a 7.5 Golf R I'm intagrated engineering stg2 tunned and it definitely moves when tunned I'm pushing close to 400hp

[@scottroberts5529]

@@Simon-sf7ng yeah we have come a long way look at the new Gr Corolla coming out that thing is pushing 300hp frm a 3cy

[@ThreePedalGarage]

Easy the MK4 R32 is by far my favorite AWD Golf. Nothing sounds better then the VR6 and its actually a pretty rare car (You forgot to mention only 5,000 where made for the US). I have owned two R32 and a Golf R. I will say the Golf R is way faster then the R32 and its really easy to make power compared to the R32, but it is lacking the spirit and rareness you get in the R32. I have driven N/A R32, Supercharged R32 and turbo R32 and idk how to explain it but all three are incredible experiences to drive. The sound of the VR6, the shifting through gears and the incredible seats make it a great overall experience I haven't gotten in many other cars. The R32 in my mind is a pure enthusiast car and you can see that by how expensive they are becoming now. you can buy a R32 with less then 30,000 miles for the same price as a New MK8 golf R lol.

[@malumeog1799]

my fav is the Scirroco R, but I only have the regular 2.0, which is still fast & fun to drive, also its so much more esthetically pleasing to look at than all other golf models.

[@dizzinessman6683]

Mk V R32 actually had a manual version, just not in America

[@rogersilwengar322]

I bought a 2005 GT from my aunt for penny's and am still creating my baby(her name is baby) but I wouldn't mind getting the 2015. Sounds sick looks sick.

[@MrDellinx]

way cool! got to see some of my old clips @ 3:43. great video if you ever plan on doing an in-depth video on the Mk4 R32 let me know

[@leonmuller880]

I had 2008 r32 . Supercharged that thing here in utah . 435 wheel power

[@rustyfmj2388]

My favourite hatchback is the VW Scirocco (3). It stands out from the Golf because nearly everyone drives a Golf. On top of that i'm biased as hell. I've driven VW all my life and bought a Scirocco two years ago. Although i've gotten a lot of compliments on how good my Scirocco looks it never got close to the attention my Golf Country had a few years back. It still pains my heart i was forced to sell that car

[@brodiejones2028]

If you drive a Scirocco and equivalent GTI back to back the Scirocco is so superior you could be excused for thinking they were different cars. Better ride AND handling. Faster, more immediate response to every input. The last Scirocco is a classic and sooooooooooo good looking.

[@dirkdesouza5975]

Nice vid and very well done, but the first gen GTi was not a 1.8, but a 1.6L.

[@josemontano7767]

I miss my 2019 Golf R best car I’ve ever owned. I would buy the Mk8 if I could find one.

[@OctaneFever]

Great video! VR6's are the last of the true Golf R's the newer R's are dressed up GTI's. Im turbo charging my MK5 Golf R32 to over 500bhp on my channel.

[@IdealMediaChannel]

*Where Does The Golf R Rank For Hot Hatches?!* Subscribe and help us hit 1 mil subs! bit.ly/IdealCarsKZbin

[@CreepingD34th424]

My dad used to own a 1.9 tdi polo and we really looked after it, but recently we had to sell it because of financial problems but at least I enjoyed vw power......... Lol even though it was a diesel

[@TateHatton]

i own one of these cars, and i love it so much. The diesel power is underrated!

[@CreepingD34th424]

@@TateHatton yeah, plus it got good gas mileage too lol

[@TateHatton]

@@CreepingD34th424 Yeah its amazing, got mine tuned and have done a few things on it pushing 240hp. Soooo much fun lol

[@Mid-LifeChrisis]

I have a 2012 Audi A3 8P with a dct. I hate to admit but it’s neck and neck with my C6 corvette manual in regards to my favorite cars I’ve currently own.

[@dicmccoy]

Mk4 is my favorite. I'm personally a fan of the Jolf. Mk4 Jetta front end just looks better with those sharp lines.

[@elielrey]

I’ve had my Mk4 GTI since 2005 and I don’t regret anything, it’s my daily and also my hey chill in yo civic car lol

[@Kisame.Hoshigaki]

Man I still wish the R400 went into production 😪

[@bm_wuratli6883]

that because of dieselgate scandal couldn't make it but they made gti 7 cs this is the reason why i bought gti 7 cs instead of tcr* they put more money on gti 7 cs LUL more expensive* that why they tried to win money marge with tcr edition... it's a trap*

[@Kisame.Hoshigaki]

@@bm_wuratli6883 Very lucky here in America we never got the CS or TCR Lol

[@Squidward_Tikiland]

Ford FIXED all the transmissions. Your fiesta didn’t have to have transmission problems unless you just didn’t take it in. After that, they are flawless

[@erwinvandebeek7086]

Your missing the Golf 3 VR6 syncro and Golf 2 rally. That is part of the Golf R story.

[@CB-sh9zz]

asking as an european: do americans know about the great tuning potential of the 2.8 and 3.2 vr6 engines? its like the euro version of the LS or honda K series because its cheap, solid, handles boost very well and is often used for engine swaps

[@brentvh3463]

Why does nobody talk about the Golf GTD its fire man ive got one and i love it!

[@canadatroop]

Mk8 is impressive & even though VW fan boys will disagree the 2022 DCT VN is a GTI eater stock for stock, mk8 r is another story though lol but to say it has no competition is a lie lol

[@Chris.Lewis1456]

People always forget about the Evo x. Comparable pricing. I am bias because i owned one lol.

[@clinchknot8224]

Please make a video about both Mitsubishi Eclipse and 3000GT (I guess the latter already got mentioned. If not, please make one)

[@stickythrottle5259]

So the sti spirit lives in a $50k dual clutch digital vw? Kind of a reach.

[@europlebr3216]

If you take a technical reach back into where the R name plate was derived from, you would find it started in rally just as the STi did. And the Golf R is still supporting the 6MT transmission as well as the DQ series of DSGs.

[@Lukemasonmedia]

Name a better car that compares in 2022 🥴 Evo’s stopped existing in 2015 so there’s not really any other 4 door affordable sport car options aside from the Golf R/GTI

[@stickythrottle5259]

@@Lukemasonmedia Yeah the new wrx compares. And it's made by subaru. and you can bolt on sti parts. and it rivals the old sti on a road course. At least for a couple laps since the brakes suck lol...but the spirit lives on!

[@vuyolwethutshirana3144]

Golf MK5 R32 & MK 7R are the best🔥🎶

[@jaughnekow]

Man, I love hatchbacks.

[@AudaciousAce1989]

Me too. Except for my mk6 gti. The mk6 is only a good option if you LOVE seeing your check engine light always on and a constant string of problems

[@drift180x]

I miss the Mitsubishi Evo the most of the AWD turbo cars.

[@jonathanbell9349]

They need to bring in the R32, R34 and R36. That would be amazing

[@hyper8545]

I drive a mk6 n owned a mk5 previously n will get mk7.5 next most likely unless gr corolla

[@cwf_media9200]

Do you don't get in usa an audi rs3 well yes same head company but still a competition or the Mercedes a class amg

[@BrossfaceBrippler]

We don’t get rs3’s in the US. I have a 2013 Audi A3 8P. This is the last A3 hatch fully gas. 🤷🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️

[@cwf_media9200]

@@BrossfaceBrippler Ah thank you here in zermany we have it im sad for you in America

[@Peylix]

@@BrossfaceBrippler yes we do, we just don't get the Sportback variant RS3. But you can in fact, go buy the sedan version.

[@dirkdesouza5975]

I've ordered an R, but its been over a year, I'm relegated to an "unspoken for GTi" until my R order gets filled. Wonder if that's a bad choice?

[@brettbaron8289]

1. Evo was a competitor in 00s. 2. 14.3 inch brakes, not 18.

[@seta9209]

5 that means over 5 seconds ^^

[@boomstix130]

The MK 6 is the first R, as this is the first time a R model was produced with forced induction.

[@taylordelano]

Make an in depth veloster N video please. Hopefully they'll keep it around for another year or 2. Still no word on 2023 model year? I'm so glad I picked up my 22 ultra black M/T VN a couple months ago

[@Ryanmerring30]

I fuckin love my GTI but I think my next car is gonna be a golf R

[@sk1x853]

my favourite golf is the golf 4 variant tdi 1.9.

[@mikeehagues3511]

Nice video. Ive got the R32 MK5 and its awesome 👍

[@tinashechihanya]

Such a lovely video…thanks bro 🥂

[@nehaddjurovic7600]

I drive MK7 R but ….. definitely most beautiful ever is MK4 R

[@reaganpng8109]

This video just makes me want to drive my mk5 tonight hehe

[@Lukemasonmedia]

I wish they kept more of a boxy style , the mk3 and especially mk4 looked the best

[@diegooliveira1083]

Yeah, cars in general are getting wider and wider and I dont like this trend

[@KIKROX86]

Love the r32 pretty fast

[@balkan_sniper6466]

Amm golf mk3 was a first a vr6 then corrado then passat 3 vr6 vento vr6 and then mk4 r32

[@thetacticalape8852]

Was happy to get rid of my mkvii Golf R. Nothing but problems with mine.

[@mattyvapers8173]

Is there such a thing as a budget car to start rallying in? What would be a good first rally car to maybe possibly daily drive?

[@norissalajan]

volvo 240 maybe? dirt cheap, rwd

[@mattyvapers8173]

@@norissalajan thank you so much now I have to see if there is any in my area to look at

[@reynardkitsune1]

The usual suspects...BMW 3 Series, Miata MX-5. Maybe Nissan 200 SX, 240 SX, 350 Z. Something special - RX-7 FB2 or FC.

[@mattyvapers8173]

@@reynardkitsune1 that's super helpful info now I def have more research to do thank you so much

[@Stimm002]

Everyone goes on about VW emissions testing like nearly every other manufacturer hasn't been caught doing the same thing since.

[@yxngtrplerecords]

I love VW I have a Mk5 VW Jetta TDI big turbo makes 345hp

[@junesumpter1149]

I need all the automatics versions from 05-2012

[@saturncjc]

A correction. It does not come with 18 inch brakes. lol. It has 14 inch disc brakes.

[@skulldozer309]

Like my base model MT Golf R VII. No digital dash, no DCC, no DSG, no launch mode. Technology where it is needed, buttons where it is not.

[@gully_fadez5155]

R32 vr6 me baby!!!

[@sandile4492]

Personally I'm not a Golf person but if I were to buy one I'd go for a MRK4 VR6

[@KAZUYA-ITA10]

Still the hottest hatchback in the world 🔥❤️

[@t1tbadr728]

Which one is the most reliable? How much will it cost?

[@Zim5.0]

Back in the old days, the golf used to be the best all rounder, it was fast enough, comfortable, and had the best interior quality in its class, VW used to be in the lead, now it's playing catch up and just following stupid trends, the golf and vw isn't what it used to be any more especially after the diesel scandal. If you buy their overpriced cars now, you're just paying for their aforementioned fuk up.

[@brad9443]

do the sirraco

[@KingDeadMan]

9:22 We don't like the ring times, because they're always cheating the lap records. The Lambos, and The Vipers, are the fastest production cars on the ring, yet a fat fucking Benz is sitting at the top? It has less aero than the Viper, less top end than the lambos, and it corners like a pig. There is no way its truly the fastest without being heavily modified.

[@comelytravel]

Great video

[@geoffreyrebman6910]

Unfortunately the brand new ones aren't offered stateside

[@stanfordkoch1271]

Im still happy with my golf 6 r32

[@mikeevans6926]

There is no golf 6 r32. There is a mk6 golf r with a 2 liter. Mk5's were the last R model thàt had the 3.2 vr6

[@stanfordkoch1271]

@@mikeevans6926 r i meant, my mistake :-)

[@orianabonet8854]

I prefer the sti

[@basshead.]

The hottest hatch is the AE86, not some VAG crap.

[@mperor2830]

You don't count the rest of German hothatches at all? BMW M140, Mercedes A35 & A45s, Audi RS3

[@Rickie-37]

ummm I've build dozens of mk7 golf r's and non of them ever came with variable geometry turbos....

[@MFArNAKAMSHENGU]

RC car power he said🤣🤣

[@LowKeyEJ_official]

I never knew how bad I need a vw golf

[@comrade.1148]

Love your videos

[@JaredGti07]

I work hard and take my vw to the track and hate subie owners lmaooo

[@bshadrick]

Love my wife's 2020 Mercedes C43 cabriolet AMG cabriolet. That's the best sounding 6 cylinder out there. Magnificent looking car, and freaking fast. Everyone stops and looks at it. Never seen anyone do that to a vw. Just saying......

[@joerglobitz7158]

Golf R 7.5 (Stage 1) is the best.

[@bartwilloughby2909]

American Muscle 🇺🇸

[@Live2die777]

Just audi or vw in America sucks.... can't handle the American heat. Bet.... come to the Coachella Valley and do some hard pulls... make sure to have your triple A card handy 😉 👍

[@stnkpalm]

I don't like the interior of this generation with the haptic touch buttons and piano black. If VW ever offers a Gold R with dual-injection, I'll consider it.

[@DumbAngelDragon]

I mean, the Golf is cool, but I want a new Corrado

[@reynardkitsune1]

When I think of the Lancia Delta Integrale, Suzuki Swift GTi (AA) or even a Autobianchi A112 Abarth...now, those were hot hatches. Today, there are simply no hot hatches anymore - just subcompacts which are ridiculously overpowered yet overweight and boring.

[@jonnybee558]

I wouldn’t call the golf r the fastest hot hatch….. You’re forgetting the A45/ A45s

[@chicagoui9299]

Everyone needs to boycott electric cars. They already have a way to shut the car off anywhere in the USA. So if you have outstanding tickets that are unpaid, the car gets turned off. Unable to be started. So you think you’re great buying these, but that alone should scare anyone away.

[@simongphotography]

Don't you get a audi s3 or the faster rs3? They are the real competition to the golf r.

[@lazarushernandez5827]

In North America they currently only sell the A3/S3/RS3 as a 4 door sedan. Not exactly a hot hatch, but the video also mentions the Subaru WRX STI, which has been a 4 door sedan for a few generations now. 🤷‍♂

[@simongphotography]

@@lazarushernandez5827 in the UK we get the fastback S3 which is on par with a golf r performance wise (as they are same group) but the rs3 is much hotter

[@lazarushernandez5827]

@@simongphotography Yep. UK and Europe got a lot more choices for hot hatches as well, you got Renaults, Seats, Peugeots, etc... brands that either long since disappeared from the U.S. or never showed up in the first place. During the 5th generation Golf, in the U.S. we did get the Audi A3 5 door hatchback with a 2.0T (basically a GTI) and a 3.2 VR6,(R32) no S3 though.

[@Camilobakes]

I sold my mk5 R32 back in January. Stupid.

[@chewy4160]

The golf didn’t start it all. Also they have become quite boring. Yes they are quick, and handle decently. They just feel a little soulless. I would rather have any french, Korean, or Japanese hot hatch over any golf released in the last 10 years. I absolutely love old golfs though, the mark 1, and 2 are absolutely great. Still would have a 205 gti over any of them.

[@Peylix]

The Golf GTI is in fact that one that started the hot hatch.

[@jivalroopnarian]

RS3