2022 VW Golf GTI vs Golf R Review // Thrifty Meets Drifty

[@pacheaco727]

It’s great to see Thomas and James opening up and feeling comfortable starting discussions regarding James’ fetish with rear end play and Thomas’ difficulty getting it up. Proud of the boys for progressing difficult topics.

[@okme539]

Yes officer, this comment right here

[@ANSWERTHECALLOFJESUSCHRIST]

@@okme539 😆👍

[@ItsAlive111]

@@okme539 lol, show the officer using this toy doll what happened

[@ahmedhamada485]

@@okme539 klkbp

[@TheWombatCredenza]

“It all hits too close to home “ …I feel your pain James- that was hilarious

[@alalal123421]

it took me a minute and then when i caught on started laughing my ass off and rewatching it 🤣😭 he threw that in there so smooth

[@MrAusAlex]

Can you explain please??

[@tyler9703]

@@MrAusAlex You'll learn when you're older my man. Just save this video for when you figure it out and prepare to laugh yourself to tears

[@alalal123421]

15:01 btw

[@alalal123421]

@@MrAusAlex he says the haptic panel you can barely feel hes relating to being w a woman and not satisfying her so she needs a vibrator and hes joking it hits close to home/hes dealt with it personally but its funny how he played it from legitimately reviewing the car tonthe joke so smoothly thomas only caught on at the punchline

[@DSeN7]

The “Steering Wheel Heating On” at the beginning was such a subtle jab. Love it.

[@AlexToma]

Reminds me of the Jason Camisa reviewer

[@xcalium9346]

Jab at what?

[@gazmcb8537]

@@xcalium9346 Every KZbin car reviewer saying that they mistakenly turn on the heated steering wheel when their hand grips the wheel and how it annoys them. I've owned an 8r for 2 months and it hasn't happened to me once. The reviewers are full of shit.

[@xcalium9346]

@@gazmcb8537 Ah, I don't watch other car review channels so I wouldn't have know that. Thank you!

[@KevinWebb]

@@xcalium9346 Why bother. The is is the only place I go for vibrating options, rear end play, and power sliding. Also to see if Karsten has spoken yet.

[@0123try]

This feels like what Top Gear was! Just naturally funny, good banter, genuinely seems like two buddies reviewing cars together.

[@patrickthomas9006]

Great job on the humor. Great job on the reviews as well, actually. It's so easy to obviously try too hard to be funny and for the result to be awkward and off-putting. You guys have managed to find what at least feels like organic humor and managed to integrate it into some of the best and most informative car reviews online. Congratulations on eclipsing two million subscribers, you deserve it.

[@aceofspades6667]

I want that rear end play that james is always talking about.... this had me rolling

[@drewdriver1970]

He thought about what he just said …shook his said and hoped no one would notice! Hilarious!

[@Jay-rg5mt]

😳

[@frankiedesam8624]

I just was about to say something about that shit is to funny. I was like my guy you need to say no HOMO with that type of talk.

[@alalal123421]

that and james talking about the buttons 💀

[@alalal123421]

@@frankiedesam8624 they do it on purpose for the laughs

[@bugatti9218]

I've been watching this channel for years and you've both never ceased to create some of the most enjoyable automotive content there is

[@christianledezma7531]

best car reviewers

[@2K8Si]

'I talked to girls in high school... I don't know what those were' ... This channel has the best, almost hidden, moments of dialogue that are sometimes missed. But funny as hell. Awesome.

[@gazman111r]

I really liked the description of how the Golf R does drifts - the 50% split meaning you never get to do a “proper” drift, and have to keep re-drifting. Not many people are able to explain what it’s like to drive cars on the limit, so that was really refreshing. It’s something I’d feel when driving a car but wouldn’t be able to accurately convey, so it’s cool to hear someone else explain it and actually make sense when the words come out.

[@akiimo389]

Idk why its so misunderstood widely, the golf can send 100% of the torque to the rear. Thats what the feature is actually about. The Drifting issue arises trough poor weight distribution for drifts.

[@JoseRamirez-hw9vj]

There’s a lot of car reviewers out there. But few can mix eloquence with humor like you two. Great job guys, gives me original top gear feels.

[@robertb3409]

I had the Mark 7 GTI, which had a great interior set up. The new interior with the lack of feeling on the buttons is a deal breaker. Great video though.

[@Nathan.Guthrie]

I 100% agree, I've got a mk7 GTI and there is nothing about the mk8 that tempts me to change it.

[@MrMduchesne23]

@@Nathan.Guthrie I love my GTI "performance". The Canadian version...interesting mine had that wheel hop issue too when I purchased it. Turned out it was actually due to a software program to decrease driveline shock. After 2 minutes of coding, I could do multiple launches without that feeling of wheel hop. I suspect it's the same thing here

[@dudndadn12212]

Couldn't agree more. The 7.5 was the last good one.

[@TML34]

Yep. That haptic nonsense would drive me crazy.

[@daytoncorl271]

Have you actually used the haptic buttons yet?

[@ScottOrd]

For some reason, I'm enjoying the Golf Ahhhh more than ever. Great vid, lads!

[@evanneiswanger]

Glad it isn’t just me. Just something about it

[@kidstarr100]

@@evanneiswanger I think it’s cause they made the golf look subtly aggressive which I love and it gives it a more premium look closer to Audi which is owned by VW

[@kidstarr100]

I’m hoping to pick one of these up, maybe around its refresh cycle

[@orca7053]

Personally hate all the new golf touch buttons. had our display break down so it was stuck on freezing balls without any music

[@davidhunternyc1]

Yeah, that’s what they don’t tell you. What happens when the computers break? Like Apple, are you forced to buy a new car after your warranty ends?

[@orca7053]

@@davidhunternyc1 our repair appointment is was scheduled 5 weeks after it broke

[@davidhunternyc1]

@@orca7053 What pisses me off about these car guys is they don’t care what happens with these cars after you purchase them. All that matters is content for their channel.

[@name5293]

@@davidhunternyc1 what? Wrong channel to post that bs.

[@lgnaeternum5072]

Thanks God I'll never have that problem (I don't have cooled seats)

[@jonvonahnen7252]

I appreciate you guys reviewing these side-by-side like this...I think if you're considering one, you're also likely considering the other as well.

[@katiecannon8186]

Good review. I’m loving my 8 GTI. And I actually really like the interface. One thing reviewers haven’t mentioned is how good the GTI is at city traffic using the adaptive cruz control. Super good & seamless

[@KingENDLESS]

My friend just got a 40th anniversary GTI. 100% agree. Having driven it for a short while it’s a phenomenal city commuter car. Plenty sporty as well. I’d wager one of the best cars in its price range that you can buy today

[@kimboofdzners9574]

He somewhat mentioned it is the best city vehicle he has tested, although that was on the R. The thing is these cars are meant for winter, they do not like hot summer city driving, engine bay plastic degrades quickly.

[@katiecannon8186]

@@KingENDLESS The GTI S trim & Maxda 3 Carbon Trim are the two best priced cars in North America in my opinion

[@katiecannon8186]

*Mazda*

[@KingENDLESS]

@@katiecannon8186 id recommend the GTI over the mazda every day of the week. the 3 is just a bit too soulless for my liking

[@ionuttomu]

In Europe we have the Cupra Leon which is basically a cheaper GTI that has 300hp and a much better interior. Easy choice there 🔥

[@ResevoirGod]

Far better looking as well

[@boywhohadatiger]

I like the cupra Leon but I’d prolly take tcr or clubsport if it was available in the U.S the Leon is very nice tho. Only other hot hatch we really have in the u.s is either the veloster N civic type r or focus st

[@michaelknight3039]

Yes, the fact that the GTI is now up to 240 hp, when hot hatches like the Mazdaspeed 3 had more than that 10 years ago is kind of disappointing.

[@boywhohadatiger]

@@michaelknight3039 I think the only thing that has been saving Vw is the name and the aftermarket that makes the gti better and tuneability

[@chrissalimi8708]

Didn't Carwow just do an episode about that @Ionut T?

[@SROSHMAN]

I stand by what I’ve said before. James needs to start doing standup 🤣

[@krane15]

You mean on the stage?

[@alalal123421]

@@krane15 forreal he threw the buttons jokes in so smooth havent laughed that hard in a minute

[@kickhuggy]

I feel like with each new upload I’m learning more and more about James’ bedroom life and honestly I don’t know how I feel about that

[@krane15]

I'm sure that's not actually his real life. In fact, its more likely the opposite. Jerry Lewis and Dean Martin were opposites in real life. Martin was quiet, and Lewis got all the women. His words.

[@kickhuggy]

@@krane15 r/whooosh

[@krane15]

@@kickhuggy Sidestep: to dodge or evade.

[@sunilsolanki]

The "bang" on launch is probably from the Rear Motor Mount being too soft. The Focus ST had the exact same issue and so many people complained about it that they had to replace it with a mount with much stiffer bushings.

[@cherylzollner2687]

I haven't driven this car, but I had a 2017 GTI and it did the same thing until I turned traction control off and then the "bang" was gone especially in the rain.

[@gotindrachenhart]

I have a MK7 GTi and it does the same thing no matter what mode it's in and with or without traction control. It's called wheel hop and the Golf is known for it. Mine will shake you so hard you'll need a dentist 🤣 Only way to get rid of it (MOST of it), is to install stiffer engine mounts.

[@cyclistman6358]

@@cherylzollner2687I have a 17 SE DSG and the bang (wheel hop) on hard launch is the soft stock DogBone mount between the lower engine and subframe. Stiffer aftermarket inserts for the dogbone will diminish that hard bang at the expense of increased noise and vibration into the cabin.

[@itachillianen]

I learned to drive in a Golf 3 GT TDI, newer golfs have not called to me since, this Golf AHHH review somehow made me genuinely want to try out this newer version. I think I will feel as a kid again.

[@ChrisN06999]

"...I want that rear end play that James always likes to talk about." I felt that.

[@ollie42]

So did James ... it's always good to have friends right behind you ... 😅

[@SereneCube]

Shoutout to the dude who does the background music! Sets the feel so bloody well done once again gents!

[@sachemrock]

Thomas, I like that rear end play that James is always talking about! Ha, can you say double entendre! That’s part of why I love you guys. Always fooling around. 🤣🤣🤣

[@krane15]

Correction: "Quite a bit of fooling around."

[@daver7465]

Loved the video guys. I drove a 2016 GTI and always felt that it was about as powerful as a FWD car could be…seems to be borne out a bit in this video. Currently driving a 2018 R DSG and enjoying it but this video has me contemplating an upgrade.

[@te7646]

I thought the Golf R was discontinued for the foreseeable future and here is the 2022 R! I was in the market for one back in 2017 and wanted one so bad in RED but thought the price was too high at almost 45K but that was before all the issues with VW started emerging plus the electric problems and tranny issues and and and. Glad its back though. GREAT Video as always and somebody on here mentioned how the chemistry between the 2 and the quality is inching more and more toward the ORGINAL Top Gear (not all the other garbage ones that came after) and I couldn't agree more, keep up the good work.

[@P4SDetails]

Really have loved the GTI for awhile. That R is way cooler. All the driving modes and how much they change this up, it’s just a little awesome performer.

[@poplaurentiu4148]

If the aim is to keep a manual gearbox GTi is still fun imo because if we want loads of tech in affordable price with Golf R similar spec then the Golf R is pointless compared to new more interesting cars like Xpeng P7 4WD High Performance yeah is full electric but has way more of tech stuff, similar build quality and similar performance.. so yeah..

[@JFinns]

Golf R is amazing, but $45K is the issue, just so expensive for a Golf. The $35K Mk8 GTI SE is even a stretch for what you get.

[@P4SDetails]

@@JFinns don’t disagree, but in the segment it is relative as far as cost is concerned.

[@JFinns]

@@P4SDetails Yes true, it's just gone up a lot, my daily driver is the Mk7 GTI sport which was $29K

[@P4SDetails]

@@JFinns my daily is a Wrangler EcoDiesel which was $40K but I bought right before the massive spike on top of MSRP, so I actually made out pretty decent.

[@untitled4841]

11:52 “So what you’re saying is you can’t get it up” - James 😂🤣😂🤣

[@oldanslo]

"Scale paper tartan pattern" i.e. engineering paper pattern. You can accurately draw the torque curves on the seat backs if so desired.

[@waltciii3]

We call it grid paper or graph paper in the US. It took me a moment to mentally translate.

[@fordfanatic3307]

I wanted a R but I couldn't locate one where I live so I decided to purchase a MK8 GTI AUTOBAHN in Moonstone Gray with DSG. Very happy with the car and highly recommend it.

[@louisnguyen6038]

i have a golf r on order and im so excited because of this video, i hold thomas's technical critique very highly

[@SpacedAug]

Did you get your R? I'm on a waiting list.... of 1 1/2 years T_T

[@louisnguyen6038]

@@SpacedAug not yet:( i ended up getting a C43 instead, couldn’t wait that long for a car. i’ve been waiting since september last year…

[@SpacedAug]

@@louisnguyen6038 I feel you homie. Suffice to say you still got yourself a fantastic car! Enjoy it :)

[@katiecannon8186]

@@SpacedAug Did you get your R?

[@REfanforlife]

it blows my mind that car companies can make such easily fixable mistakes with infotainment systems. one 3 person focus group is all you need to remedy that awful volume button placement and lack of light

[@krane15]

I always think of those "on display" urinals without partitions. I can't help but wonder what the guy that signed off on them was thinking. Did they not have enough money left for that simple piece of pressed fiber board? Anyway, there's always a boss at the top that wants to make his presence known and makes decision based on his feelings rather that logic or what the people want. Whenever you see these kinds of omission or glaring mistakes in design, you know that's the case. I'm sure some underling told him it was a bad idea, but he's the boss, and what he says goes.

[@kraenk12]

The issues are wayyyy overblown! The volume is on the steering wheel damnit!

[@krane15]

@@kraenk12 You're paying a lot of money for this car. The last thing you want to be thinking about is all the compromises you have to deal with every day that could have easily been corrected in design. Its that feeling you get when you notice the attention to detail with small things in a car that was well designed. Those small things that somebody thought through to make your driving experience more pleasurable. For example. bumping the heated steering wheel button, or the lack of a volume knob, or no illumination for the A/C controls. A bunch of tiny annoyance that are glaring reminder of a rush to production, or just cheaping out on quality.

[@TheMitigating]

@@krane15 people break the partition off, they graffiti it, depending on the width larger people can't fit between , and finally the require extra cleaning

[@sv_cheats1970]

It won't happen its VW after all... They would need to do the same to Skoda and Seat models that use the same kind of infotainment, at most we can hope for illumination of the panel.

[@keff5984]

I got a 7.5 gti se and I do really like it. I am always kind of left feeling like I wish I had more like the r or perhaps something different but the bang for the buck is great and the interior is very very nice for the price point. Lack of buttons in the new one is probably a deal breaker for me, honestly I'll probably end up looking at a Kia stinger by the end of 2022

[@doggedlydetermined7022]

Worth spending the extra money for the R imo. The AWD is worth the premium alone, especially in snowy climates.

[@ultraguy8771]

I'd rather get a used MK5 R32.

[@greyhoundanglickychrt5537]

@@Your-obliques-are-poor the R is a monster

[@papa_pt]

@@Your-obliques-are-poor this R actually has a decent rear biased AWD system for the first time. Worth it

[@doggedlydetermined7022]

@@Your-obliques-are-poor I had a 2019 GLI for a bit but the front wheel drive got old quick. Awd is my preference, never any slip, always ready to go at any speed and even good for rain. But it’s all opinion no right or wrong.

[@RAZGR1Z]

@@greyhoundanglickychrt5537 A monster to what exactly? A Kia Rio?

[@darrensnyder4742]

Performance for money 9-10 Interior 9 Seats 10 Steering 10 Suspension 10 Stying 9-10 Engine sound 10 Fuel economy 8-9 Infotainment 9 Competition: Veloster N, WRX, Civic Si, Ford Focus ST For anyone on the fence or swayed by the infotainment, take one for a test drive… it is hands down the best GTi ever made and, I say with confidence, the best handling car I have ever driven in 37 years. All this noise about the infotainment system is truly funny. The system takes a few minutes to learn and then it is really great and intuitive. The interior is super sleek and the cockpit gauges are awesome, as you can customize to your preference. Car stats compared (Car and Driver) Car make 0-60 / 1/4 mile / 5-60MPH / Skidpad / Braking 2022 GTI 5.1 sec / 13.6 @105 MPH / 5.5 sec roll / .98g / 151 feet 2019 Golf R 4.9 sec / 13.6 @104 MPH / 5.9 sec roll / .95g / 159 feet 2022 Vel N 4.8 sec / 13.4 @105 MPH / 5.5 sec roll / .99g / 157 feet 2021 STi 5.3 sec / 13.8@102 MPH / 7.0 sec roll / .90g / 158 feet 2021 WRX 5.2sec / 14.0@97 MPH / 7.1 sec roll / .93g / 159 feet

[@imKazahkstan]

4:40 GTIs are known for that really rough wheel hop... My Mk6 does that with 17" wheels. A wishbone engine mount will fix the issue, at the expense of added weight.

[@mkviis]

I get it rarely with an 18” by rare I mean twice since I got the car 2.5 years ago

[@WoolyBlubber]

He didn't even use launch control. So yeah bullshit review of the gti. My 7.5, when launched correctly, has no hop. Yes wheel spin but only for half a second before it goes.

[@mkviis]

@@WoolyBlubber yup i only get it when i have traction on but its still rare, I raced a lexus es350 from a dig without launch control and didnt get a wheel hop.

[@BlueOriginHR]

Agreed, i got a torque solutions mount, no more wheel hop, although you can feel the engine vibrations through the mount, but i dont mind it, i have a mk6 with 18inch wheels

[@MrTARIQSs]

My 2016 mk7 gti used to do wheel hops a lot when it was brand new, but around a year later it stopped doing it and started to wheel spin instead, guess it was because of the newer tires the I replaced them with not being as sporty?

[@93455Driver]

Love the laughs, but do rate Thomas's driving comments, always says it like it is. I hope TH gets to try the new RS3 with this same set up (but has the awesome 5 cylinder engine).

[@nfavor]

It's a shame VAG has went down in overall quality. I want to like them (I've owned two GTI and a RS3) but the interior is so so bad.

[@krane15]

@@nfavor Its not a bad interior, but its definitely not special either, and certainly doesn't match the rest of the car's upgrades.

[@93455Driver]

@@nfavor I think the infotainment is questionable but interior fit and finish is supposed to be as good as ever. Check out the Volkswizard channel lots of reviews of recent Audi and VW products, points out the good and bad.

[@Jeremy-yi7zm]

@@nfavor I currently drive a 8V RS3 and the interior is so dated. Don't like the new all-touch/digital interior of the MK8 Golf R, but I think the interior of the new RS3 is quite nice. I had a MK7 Golf R and thought it was okay too.

[@BIGGIEBAG-XL]

@@nfavor have you even been in one yet? Quit spreading bs

[@jakejamison8487]

I drive a MK6 GTI and I love it and I've been waiting to see how the MK8 R drives and after watching this video I am sold. The interior is fine, the lack of buttons is a little sad but using Apple Car Play will solve that issue for me. I really want to get behind the wheel of one of these to try them out

[@stevehuk902]

If you want one you better get out there soon. I put my deposit on one last Friday and was told late spring or possibly into summer 22 for delivery.

[@toddstevens8506]

Even a mk8 gti will be a giant step ahead of a mk6. I had a mk6 and now have a mk7.5 and the handling is leagues ahead. Oh, and the mk6 had an open diff which made pulling away from an intersection at more than a snails pace nearly impossible.

[@psixakias2678]

Greetings from Greece!!! Thank you for another wonderful intro & honest review!!! I love Canada just cause of u two!!!!

[@Michael_Lorenson]

For me, the Golf R's trick AWD system is a huge leap forward, and I guess we're going to see that on all its upcoming competitors as well. RWD handling characteristics combined with the practical advantages of FWD architecture make a compelling proposition. But I hate, loathe, and despise stupid touch-only interfaces. It's always *something...*

[@mkviis]

Nah it’s nowhere near the advantages of a front wheel drive, you need to drive the R then drive the GTI, GTI is more predictable and smooth on corners.

[@Afs.affairs]

Love how underrated this mesmerizing channel is, come on guys where are the rest of the seven million subscribers?

[@_Ezio__Auditore_]

Wheel hop is more prominent in here than other performance FWD vehicles due (at least mostly) to softer bushings. This can be remedied in the aftermarket (lower control arms/bushings, transmission pendulum mount bushing upgrade, coding in the "ECS off" and other differential options). Also, as in a high powered RWD car, don't floor it from a stop in a high powered FWD car....you need to ease in or you are losing out in acceleration. Or just get a golf R, GTI is just going to be more fun on the road.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Engine mounts are most of the issue.

[@AllOutNoobHater]

I love how within the first minute or so of the video, revving the Golf R caused the heated seating wheel to come on thanks to the not-so-wonderful haptic steering wheel controls xD

[@oppos727]

The heated steering wheel turns on automatically upon startup depending on ambient temperature for the MK8s. It's an intentional feature that is enabled by default but can be disabled in the options. Feel free to bemoan the haptic buttons all you want, but they don't make your thumb magically gravitate to them when you're standing still and starting or revving the car.

[@AllOutNoobHater]

@@oppos727 I made fun of it because multiple reviewers have stated that while driving the MK8 Golf, their heated steering wheel would turn on all the time from simply driving due to it being right next to your right hand.

[@jettransllc6186]

Drove both and I would take GTI all day long. Better package for the money.

[@nabgee4863]

I agree I've had both mk8 I prefer the gti

[@MORDEKAIZ]

@@nabgee4863 y?

[@Irishman8404]

I’m not even joking when I say this. I paused this video, went and drove a 2024 GTI 380, bought the 2024 GTI 380 and now I can’t stop smiling when I drive it. It’s probably the most fun car I’ve ever driven. Love the clutch and shifter too.

[@armandolopezh.6503]

When ever I watch any of this videos... More than learn about a car, I have fun . Keep the good work guys ,and thanks

[@vlj1133]

So much to unwrap here... Throttle House is easily my favorite channel, and it's only getting better and better. Thomas and James are legitimately more likeable and funnier than the great majority of the TV shows and movies out there. This channel is must-see viewing, even when they review vehicles about which you generally couldn't care less. These guys have truly nailed it. I hope they never change, and never outgrow this medium. That being said... 1. Unless you're comparing it to high-end vehicles well beyond its class, the Golf R is by no means "affordable." Maybe it (somewhat) is in Canada, but in the U.S. we're asked to pay upwards of $50K OTD for what is still, after all, a Golf. A 2022 GTI with the adaptive dampers is going to be in the high $30K/low $40's OTD, despite the much cheaper-quality interior vs the 7.5's interior, and a reduced warranty. 2. They usually are not guilty of this, but in this instance both guys basically glossed over the fatal issues with the interior. The lag time at startup (and everywhere else) combined with all the climate-control functions being embedded in touch-capacitive menus means that you're likely to get exactly what you don't want when you start up the car, and after far too long of a wait, to boot. In the savagegeese review they go into this issue at great length. Not even counting all the horrible piano black that proliferates this interior, it really is a functional trainwreck, and VW did it for all the wrong reasons: 1. To impress easily wowed millennials, Gen Y, and Gen X people with pretty screens. 2. To cut costs. Man, but did they cut costs with this interior, and the user is going to pay for it in the end. 3. Reliability. Direct injection, with a turbo. Would someone besides savagegeese and the Engineering Explained guy please be honest enough to mention the long-term reliability issues that will inevitably arise due to VW's lack of any port injection, never mind these extremely powerful yet small turbo-assisted motors? Also, all those electronics and digital screens will be a nightmare once they start glitching, which they absolutely will. When your pretty screen takes a crap and you lose your HVAC functionality as a side effect, have fun with that. This is not only a VW issue, obviously. Regrettably, Honda has also surrendered to the DI/turbo thing on the majority of their new cars. Let's just see how many 300K-mile DI/turbo Civics, Accords, and CR-Vs we see in the coming years, vs their port injected/NA older siblings. Honda always used to match Toyota for longterm durability/reliability. Not any more. VW? Not a chance, especially now, with all this cheap gimmickry. 4. Even knowing all this, I still kind of want one. I really wanted a 7.5 GTI to replace my VR6 GTI, and now the new Golf R seems to have found the necessary additional oomph and handling capabilities to make me want one even more than I want another GTI. 5. But, again, not at $45K plus fees. My brain and soul simply refuse to accept the notion of writing a check for a Golf in which the first digit on the check's 'amount' line is a '4.' Not gonna happen.

[@jw18xxx]

I'll agree with most of what's said. However all face-lift VW chassis cars suck on tech on first gen. On chassis update it gets resolved by a company that actually listens to consumer feedback. They have done it on every VW chassis as I've basically had or tried them all. Mk1 was fun but flawed interior so mk2 fixed this. Mk3 was also a lift and improvement but suffered Mexico assembly plant issues. Mk4 was a good face lift with one of the worst interior coatings and cheap plastics fixed in mk5. Mk6 was a new chassis with improvements to overall engineering carried from the rest of audi line up as each generation brought more audi tech to lower VW trims. Mk6 started with the most ever optioned from a base standpoint to compete with the rest of the entry level market. This drove down costs for VW ownership and repair costs drastically. I now see more VWs in my region than consumer friendly Hondas. Point is VAG has always listened to their consumers and why they fight annually in sales with Nissan each year for world sales domination. The key thing here is VW takes chances on interior design that revolutionizes the car market where as Nissan keeps the same recipes and designs for decades at a time. Of every chassis I've owned I've learned now to buy first chassis year or especially first generation year with VW till blemishes are worked out. I had a mk7 TDI and is the most reliable VW I owned but love mk1-2-3 the most for repairs and enthusaist base. All had a special way of design or purpose and love how each one just got better in many ways. Cheating out on costs from mk8 is likely from the wolfsberg plant change over. Vw kills chassis designs and revamps them so likely a huge change for the face-lift or next chassis. However I will say that if VW has main production there.... quality has gone up even if materials are down. My mk1 is built to with stand a nuclear fallout vs some of the older cars I've seen and only repaired dumb assembly screw ups from Mexico assembled VWs

[@vlj1133]

@@jw18xxx, You make solid, factual points, but this time the changes you seek and predict are not forthcoming. Check out the entire lineup of new VW's, with the ID.4 leading the way. All of them are going the full digital screens/capacitive touch/zero knobs and switches route, just as all non-electric VW's now use DI and turbos. This is their brand-wide chosen path in the leadup to full electrification. There will be no going back. You can be certain that they will not ditch these digital interiors any time soon and replace them with 7.5-style analog instruments, knobs, and switches. They definitely won't be ditching the turbos and direct injection. This is who they are now. They're all in on this crap.

[@TTGamingTrinh]

The R is one of my options for upgrades in a few years after my GTi. I hope they fix the interior issues by then. Overall, the exterior and the way it drives seems great. It is just so hard to get over the interior...

[@richardwiltshire2193]

I agree. The interior is that bad it means I simply can’t get the car. Is a shame

[@vroomgc]

@@richardwiltshire2193 Lol, ever driven a tesla. Seriously its not that big a deal.

[@seamuslewin4325]

no self respecting car enthusiast cares that much about interior. enthusiast card revoked. soft as buttter

[@TTGamingTrinh]

@@seamuslewin4325 lol we do atleast care about the basic like the volume knob or the climate control

[@TTGamingTrinh]

@@vroomgc it's different between gti and tesla. Tesla doesn't lag like gti does.

[@nate3792]

Great video, really showed all the dynamics of both cars. Getting an R myself soon, can’t wait!

[@stevemiller1626]

How is it?

[@sillwuka]

Best car review channel, hands down.

[@jeffreyspencer4005]

Glad to finally see a review of the new Golf R focusing on the incredible speed and dynamics and not obsessing over haptic buttons and displays that I mostly won't use. I get that some people will, but driving is driving and the rest of it is unimportant fluff to me. Most of these I set and forget anyway. It looks like a blast to drive! Thanks guys! (Hope you get your "rear end play" and erectile issues sorted out soon...)

[@Sojourner88]

You won’t use it because it is too annoying and confusing.

[@gotindrachenhart]

For those of us who have a long daily drive these controls are pretty important man. And the point is that VW used to be driver focused....all the controls could be adjusted without ever having to take your eyes off the road, because the Germans used to be seriously safety focused too..... apparently not so much these days though.

[@tealion]

“Hits too close to home” is hilarious.

[@raosiddharth4726]

I didn't get it, can you explain?

[@gabrielgingras814]

@@raosiddharth4726 The girl couldn't feel anything so she added a vibrator.

[@raosiddharth4726]

@@gabrielgingras814 oof that's a self burn, lmao

[@Posturecheckwatercheck]

Their humor has been improving so much with their quality. However, I don’t think they can ever top the getting in helmet bit

[@justinrosa56]

I don't understand how James can say these jokes with a straight face and Thomas is over here dying😂

[@amolg2282]

“I want that rear end play that James is always talking about”- Thomas This is why we love you guys

[@morley3810]

The dealer up in Northern Alberta where we got our 2020 GTI last year wants us to trade it in as they are short on used inventory. I told them I can't because the car is just too good. I know in many ways the Mk8 is a further evolution but the inside is where you actually spend your daily commute---and the Mk7.5 is the pinnacle GTI in that respect. As a daily driver that is just so pleasant and capable, the GTI is really tough to beat. Great review guys, as usual. Much appreciated.

[@ilimit]

Thomas! You’ve come a long way since your original MK7 R review. The MK8 R is an impressive car besides the infotainment haptics. Everything I wanted in a new R! Well… maybe a 5 cylinder or the legendary VR6 🤷‍♂️

[@ThomasHemer]

Hopefully, the RS3 can fill that void perfectly, it'll definitely be more money tho

[@nezabytes]

Yeah. A turbo vr6 would be everything!

[@Rascularvideos]

My friend, who’s staying with me, and is cooking us a lovely lunch, has just asked why on earth I’m laughing so hard at a car channel. She didn’t hear the vibrator joke. Very well played.

[@Asj-ze5is]

What’d you eat

[@Rascularvideos]

@@Asj-ze5is A proper French chicken casserole. And a lovely bottle of Sardinian white wine. It was all ace.

[@Asj-ze5is]

@@Rascularvideos sounds good! happy holidays

[@beastmaster415]

@@Rascularvideos what else did you eat?... Haha..Wink wink🤪😂

[@mihlebokveldt3774]

I'm surprised you guys haven't reviewed the Amg Gtr yet

[@joshuakersey3897]

I don't understand why your choice of music is so good, the LFA episode was beautiful and this is just the perfect amount of peppy and fun, just to match the vehicles themselves.

[@AhmedSam]

Throttle House is the Top Gear of this decade

[@vlj1133]

A heartfelt request to Thomas and James.... Since they're in the same basic wheelhouse as these two VWs, PLEASEPLEASEPLEASE do a same-day track test/full review comparing the 2022 Subaru BRZ and 2022 Toyota GR 86 in their upper trims, with manual transmissions. Lap times, handling differences, NVH differences in real-world driving. In true TH style, answer the burning question once and for all: How different are the BRZ and GR 86 from one another, really? Also, could you please compare the lap times and NVH differences between the top trim with the 18" wheels and Pilot Sport 4 summer tires vs the base trim with the 17" wheels and Primacy All-Seasons rubber. Do these things, and I'll make my buddy name his next kid after you.

[@fazanofazano7683]

Thanks to your insightful review, I ordered the Golf R today in the same white color spec as you boys tested, but with a 6 spd manual and a Panoramic power sunroof. Best bang for your $$$ hands down! Appreciate it Thomas and James for the honest assessment of this MK VIII model.

[@nenadmomcilovic9133]

Did you get it yet? I was told waiting list is up to 18 months. I'm torn between GTI (performance) with leather and 6sp vs. 6K more for R with 6sp. How is it so far if you received it?

[@fazanofazano7683]

@@nenadmomcilovic9133 No, I haven't got it yet as they told me it has been pushed back for a few more months because of the wiring harness delays. In my opinion, for the difference of$6000.00, I would definitely still get the R over the GTI. Keep me updated on what you go with. I will keep you posted.

[@nenadmomcilovic9133]

@@fazanofazano7683 I really like my 2021 Tiguan Highline, so I may actually end up with a Mk7.5 GTI Autobahn if I can find the right price with low mileage.

[@brucetumblinjr7980]

I’ve always loved these, the best all around “daily driver” hot hatchbacks!!

[@arnaldotorres776]

The main issue with this 2 vehicles is not the interior, its the dealership product specialist not knowing how to present the fratures and how to use them. The interior and infotainment is very good and works great. Perfect? No. But if you learn to use them right they work the way intended. Gonna make a video about this...

[@liquidfaction1]

Dude this is what top gear should have been like. Good work

[@neilgendzwill3260]

So far not motivated to upgrade from my mkV R32. Still going strong, still so fun, still mostly analogue.

[@deuce6358]

Still have my MKIV R 32 with a Stage 2 VF Engineering supercharger with intercooler. It's a blast!

[@nithishjvj8736]

Dude, with 315hp in such a small package, you can slay through cities and highways

[@SVTJD]

I get a very nice warm top gear feeling from these guys. Love it!

[@mdetu]

Great review! Enjoyed it all the way. It's a beauty and winner at the $45K MSRP, but the current limited supply in the United States is selling them at the $55K-60K range. The same with the standard 2023 Golf R. For $65K, you get a lot more of every feature with a 2023 BMW M2 standard (manual transmission as well) that you can order it for production unlike VW's practice these days of showcasing a few cars to the highest bidder. By the way, I own a VW, but my future choice for a new car remains clear if comparing the Golf R and BMW M2 given the current market conditions.

[@hawkman996]

I like what you and most reviewers have to say about the Golf R driving dynamics. But why are all manufacturers so screen happy and more so why do they hate buttons?!?! I think that would be a deal breaker. I never got used to the lack of a volume button in my 17’ Type R. Some times my brain would do it right but when quickly needing to turn down volume my brain reverted back to muscle memory of decades of a knob. Haha.

[@CrispyGFX]

Because it does two things: #1 they're cheaper to produce without physical buttons, and #2 Even though they're cheaper to produce, idiots have the perception that they're more 'high-tech' and therefore can charge more money for them.

[@Loopsrainforest]

Just like when Honda received their customer feedback forms from customers after ownership & had almost 90% negative feedback with the lack of a volume knob the same will happen with VW. Its like the engineers are so egotistical that they want to thumb their noses at tens of thousands of years of evolution & the joy of using simple tools.

[@Tigerex966]

It’s cost cutting screens are cheaper much cheaper than analogue guages, and knobs and buttons, they also open a new market for repair service, and branded parts only available by the manufacture, as they dim and malfunction.

[@TheBepo1986]

In Germany/swiss I would go for the Golf R variant (station wagon) not sure if this is available in north america. It's fun to drive, a lot of space, awd for the ski trips, not too big for european parking challenges... quite a good package

[@jonathant.8952]

We don't get the R Wagon here unfortunately...

[@bhill252]

Been waiting for this review!!! What better way to start a grey snowy Sunday morning! The GTI base price is aggressive. Undercuts the Civic hatch 1.5T 6 speed, which is enough to tip me over to the VW lot…. Once I wait a year to see if they fix those damn non-bottoms! Also… No night illumination is sinful!!! 🇨🇦

[@gs98999]

They are the same price. GTI is like $50 more with freight/pdi. I’m comparing the two now and GTI would be a no brainer but the no buttons and no illumination of important features is probably why it undercuts the civic. 😔

[@carloluigid2104]

Guys, the exchange that started around 14:30 or so about the steering wheel buttons had me absolutely howling with laughter. You're awesome!

[@Jameshhl]

Everybody have different preference, but for me the lack of buttons is not a deal breaker. I don't listen to music while driving, I set my temp to 75C year round and haven't touched it for years on my mk7 R. The only thing I do is plug in my phone and run android auto for traffic and police. Only thing I really touch is the gear shifter and steering wheel while driving, so buttons or not makes no difference to me haha.

[@ricome169]

now there is a real drivers review.

[@andrewhillman9632]

Loved this review, thanks to you both!

[@edclips]

The car has been built around the DSG since 2015 and it shows. I love my manual MK7 to death, but it feels like an afterthought. The manual R was a cute little favour NA got.

[@gotindrachenhart]

I think the R32 was the first Golf with a DSG if memory serves.

[@edclips]

@@gotindrachenhart I mean in the way that the car is developed now is with the intention of the DSG being the primary performance option, where previous generations threw an auto in the lineup to appease those that didn't want a manual.

[@R32vdubb]

@@gotindrachenhartit was except in the US 🤦🏻

[@gotindrachenhart]

@@R32vdubb ah, ya typical :(

[@gotindrachenhart]

@@edclips VW manuals haven't been good for years though so I'm ok with the DSG personally.

[@namtrader9674]

"So what you're saying is, you can't get it up" 😂😂

[@robosullivan704]

You got new at micro shifter and close to home almost made me fall out of my chair!! Awesome guys

[@BronchoGillespie]

I’ve had my MK8 R for 2 weeks now and the infotainment is so easy and intuitive to use, I’m beginning to think that so called ‘motoring journalists’ either have no imagination so just follow what others say or are just plain stupid 🤷🏻‍♂️ These guys are a breath of fresh air!

[@chunkymonkeymatt]

If you guys do a Drag Race with the new Type R vs the Golf R will it be a R-rated Video?

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

Dad, is that you?

[@neekjp]

yes it will because the Golf R will murder the Type R

[@BennyZ88]

@@neekjp Yeah in a straight line. Race then around a track and see what happens. Also, the Honda will be much more reliable.

[@glistud8178]

@@BennyZ88 out of 365 days u spend at least 300 days on the road where the GOLF R will be MUCH MUCH faster, and much better over all daily

[@neekjp]

@@BennyZ88 people act as if the new Golf R isn’t capable on the track… give the Golf R the same tire set up as the Type R and it would be a lot closer than you think… also Driver Mod is a very serious aspect in track racing.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

The last 10 years must be the years of the "big stupid grills" with manufacturers. Usually squishy motor-mounts are the cause of wheel hop. The engine is twisting on the mounts with torque reaction through the drive-train until the tires break, then hook, then break, with this back and forth oscillation which is violent and hard on stuff.

[@koo1770]

Yeah it’s the most disappointing thing about the new look

[@CRatcliffe]

The facelift has grown on me so much. I wish they would put some 4 piston front brakes on the R though especially for that cost range. I’ll be curious how they’re priced once I see them in dealerships

[@vroomgc]

Why do u think the 4 piston is seriously going to make that much of a difference ?

[@CRatcliffe]

@@vroomgc it doesn’t necessarily have to be a 4 piston for factory power levels but there are a lot of R that get modified in one way or another and having the braking already be taken care of, especially in the mid 40k range for when it potentially gets a piggyback or some bolt ons would be nice

[@vroomgc]

@@CRatcliffe Braking be taken care of brings me back to my question. Why do you think a 4 piston is that much better than a 2 ? Its like the shaver thing back when where you needed 4 blades instead of 2 and then 6 and then 8. It just becomes stupid and makes no difference.

[@sbs-0055]

@@vroomgc stop being stupid. If his response doesn’t answer to your question I don’t know what will.

[@vroomgc]

@@sbs-0055 OK dad, you can go back to reading the paper now.

[@nathanearly9690]

One thing journalists fail to mention, the base model GTI comes with a smaller screen and a VOLUME KNOB!!!!!

[@Pine360]

This was absolutely A1! You guys killed it!

[@waynehsu8007]

Great video as always, was really aiming for the new Golf R, however, the interior design and “touch screen” are really the deal breaker for me, rather disappointed, why can’t VW just stick with the knobs

[@fifthbusiness1678]

I know, hey? And I’ll take analog dials over those flash digital bits any time.

[@doctor-pewpewpew]

I just bought my wife a 22 Tiguan SEL R-Line, and i was very nervous about the capacitive buttons that seemingly EVERY car reviewer absolutely abhors. But after spending over 1,200 miles with the car, i have to say i couldnt disagree more with all the hate they get. First of all, i think the new buttons look great and futuristic. Second, they really arent hard to use, just different. Spend a day with them and youre good to go. And lastly, the majority of the car reviewers arent using the buttons correctly. They allow you to not only swipe, but hard press as well. Its hard to explain, but they arr actually very easy to use and really arent as big a deal as everyone makes them out to be. I feel one car reviewer didnt like them because they couldnt figure them out, and all the other reviewers jumped on the bandwagon

[@kraenk12]

It’s a hugely overblown hate train. It’s sad.

[@hiiambarney4489]

This episode has to have the funniest cleanest and tasteful sexual innuendos I have ever seen. I legit laughed my ass off half way through.

[@uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh8833]

I bought my new MK8 GTI SE, and it is fockin insanely nice. I don't think I've ever driven anything so easy to drive.

[@jjjfo1818]

We need a “rear end play” on a shirt YESTERDAY

[@Gamertrip4life]

“I want that rear-end play James always talks about” put it on a shirt plz

[@cthulhu1000]

44k affordable? I am living wrong

[@mikewambugu6157]

Awesome content as always. Waiting for the 2022 civic type R

[@PsychicMedium4747]

The best duo car journalists on the planet.

[@tosickristian7365]

James cracking thomas up is the number one gold thing in this show

[@Jastzu]

Really looking forward to the Mk8.5, when they pull a Honda and add the absolute minimum number of necessary physical knobs. Also a move from the States to Canada for the ~$10K discount.

[@mharro88]

honda will barely exist by then

[@acchaladka]

Besides James' knob and fiddly bits, the other thing i would die to add to this Golf R would be a Tartan seat option. Cloth seats are better, and the e-Golf had a nice blue patterned option. Despite the discount over the US, isn't spending $50k on a used Porsche a better choice?

[@jprusso224]

I guess that would depend on your maintenance budget, even though the newer Porsches are much reliable. Porsche dealers are a bit crazy. And the other thing is.... I sold my 2018 718Cayman in October of last year for 57k. They guy who bought it from me was able to unload it again this summer for over 73k... so nowadays, to get a 50k Porsche, you'd need to get back in time.... when they were less reliable.....

[@jetara3082]

You can get a 981 Boxster for that money which is not old and not unreliable, in fact it's more reliable than a 718, simply cause the 4-Cyl Engines can blow their turbos. Sounds better and I mean much better, feels more like a sportscar etc. so in the End this is the 50K Porsche you would want, used market in my country tells the whole story, cause a good 981 is more expensive than a newer 718 in most cases. not talking 4.0, that's a different story obviously. But in the End, if you use it as a daily you are still better of with a GTI Clubsport or "R", simply cause of the additional space and the better comfort, so to answer your question...best choice is Boxster and a GTI.

[@jprusso224]

@@jetara3082 yep. agreed

[@papa_pt]

I heard tartan something in the video! Who tf would ever cross shop a used Porsche and a new Golf R? 😂 it'd be more fun hustling a miata or Gr86 down a back road than the Golf already

[@acchaladka]

@@jetara3082 i like your reasoning - as a former Golf and 944t owner (after a rebuild) i totally agree about Porsche reliability. The Golf is fantastic inside but I'm thinking 2000ish base NA Boxster or Cayman because i don't need too much practicality, and nothing has ever driven as well as my old 80s P-car. With the Golf i indeed fear what will break out of warranty.

[@tylerp4130]

I had the same "judduh" issue on my 17 GTI with the DSG. I almost lost a drag race to a lane merge away from a light against a Honda Fit when it was cold out because the tires just would not stop skipping. And it feels a lot more violent then you're expecting and is somewhat disconcerting. I can't believe ze Germans would miss something like illuminating the climate controls. Someone will surely be shot at dawn for this mistake. But the Golf is always awesome as a fun daily driver, I wasn't crazy about the new styling but it's growing on me.

[@EricGilliam-qf7my]

Why do I find myself saying, "That's what she said" behind almost every comment you guys make, LOL. Love the videos by the way. Very informative. Keep up the good work.

[@shiviannnaidoo8729]

bro im so inlove with this channel from the first 30 seconds omg

[@lukem5]

Volkswagen did such a great job on these m8 golfs, I love it!