Volkswagen Golf GTI 2019 review

[@peterpan6821]

Has anyone ever had a passenger get in the back of their Golf, tap the plastic sills and then spend the entire journey complaining about how awful it is? No, because it never happened. Real people don't go around car cabins tapping every piece of trim to see what they're made from. I've owned my GTI for 2 years and I couldn't tell you what the dash and door sills feel like because I've never had cause to touch them. Why would I?

[@stephenhendricks103]

As a viewer in the US, I value sites like Chasing Cars to get an international perspective on vehicles and to see the variations in models and trims in other countries. Here in the US we don't get the digital cockpit in the 2019 GTI. It was initially promised but VW has been burned in the past by Americans' price sensitivity in various models, including the GTI. Consumers as a whole simply aren't prepared to pay what Europeans and others pay for the GTI and that's reflected in some feature content available here. On the other hand, I was surprised to hear that the MT is not available in Australia (and the reason for it.) Personally I'm a fan of the DSG in the GTI but if the MT weren't available in the US the howls of protest would be deafening. The "take rate" for the manual transmission is 50% for the GTI in the states. As usual, an excellent comprehensive and fair evaluation of the GTI. Thanks very much.

[@chasingcars]

Wow - I wish our take rate had have been 50%. If it was, Volkswagen might have developed a workaround to make the MT work with our fuel. Unfortunately, though, in its last year offered, the MT take was less than 10%.

[@coopsnz1]

228 HP manual in usa

[@sm1else]

I love my GTI (second GTI, third Golf) but I tend to take VW's excuses with a grain of salt. When the Bosch fuel pumps in late 2000s Jetta and Golf diesels were exploding, VW blamed the quality of US diesel fuel, even though 1) Volvo and Daimler trucks criss-cross North America every day with no problem and 2) BMW used the same fuel pumps. They've used that fuel quality line before...

[@NZsarge1]

I think you’re assessment is spot on, I think the Golf 7 in general is ever so slightly hampered by road noise, not chronic but if it had bit of extra refinement in that area it’d make a good difference. Nice to see VW finally getting those added extras that you mentioned as standard, arguably they should’ve always been so but bottom line is if you’re in the market for a sporty hatch it’s bought it more in line with Asian competitors which at this stage of its model cycle keeping it reasonably up to scratch and relevant.

[@chasingcars]

Agreed there. The road noise is pretty average in this generation as a whole, but it gets worse on bigger wheels and tyres.

[@msjp81]

I had one of the very first deliveries of Mk7 GTI back in 2013. Had an unofficial "order" with my favourite VW dealer for 2 years prior. Sadly, the family got bigger and i sold it after 4 years. Loved every minute driving it. 2 years on now and the new family car (Passat) is doing well, but my work hack (a much older GTI) is up for replacement.. i promised myself a 2 seater sports car but here i am, looking at Golf GTI videos again haha

[@chasingcars]

They are a phenomenal all-rounder vehicle!

[@alvinwong3775]

Good review! Like the 1080p 50 frame res for this video. Moving up in the world! Lol. Keep up the good work 👍

[@bluecent]

I’ve had my GTI-P since new and it’s undoubtedly the best car I’ve owned. A great allrounder. However you neglected to mention one of the best features that I saw you use: the adjustable arm rest on the console!

[@chasingcars]

Good point, David! A little thing Volkswagen gets right.

[@freestonedoug]

Do the polos have this? I love it!

[@bruunm1975]

same here MY16 GTI-P.. love it... best for any condition. Comfortable to go a long distance. Nice for some spirited driving. Plenty room... Just perfect and I will struggle going anything below this from here on in ;)

[@TheDaveful]

Great review Tom, good to see an Aussie journalist that’s not afraid to get some action shots a la Chris Harris

[@sveddish]

Motor journalists like to mention how car interiors start to look "aged" or "dated" but they forget to think about how the newer versions almost always cut costs by implementing cheaper materials.

[@scottipippen6554]

The only problem i have with this GTI: the new model, the Golf VIII, is month away..so i would defineteley wait for the the Golf VIII GTI!

[@chasingcars]

The Golf 8 isn’t being launched in Europe until early 2020, and it’ll be late 2020 before they hit the road in Australia

[@scottipippen6554]

@@chasingcars So you would buy the "old" model over the new one? The Golf 8 will be much improved to the 7..specially the infotaiment. Anyway. Great review, keep up the good work;-)

[@death3443]

@@scottipippen6554 have you seen pictures from the new design (VIII)? Infotainment wont change that much, just look at the new released VW Passat or the Audi Q3, thats what we can expect. We can expect maybe a more "assisted driving". Some say that those options get released after the car officialy gets released (dont ask me why). And glossy interior. But damn, the exterior looks horrible compared to the GTI or GTI TCR. I am glad i purchased the Golf 7 GTI TCR now - the fun i get with that car is imense, at the end of the day thats what matters most.

[@scottipippen6554]

@@death3443 The first"Erkönig" pictures of the VIII we have seen here in Germany, show that the infotainment will change quite a lot. But agree on the exteriour design, it looks wired, specially the front. Anyway. Most important is the fun you have with your choice of car, so: congrats and always have a safe drive!

[@NANGSGARAGE]

Looks simple and clean. I like it 😎

[@chasingcars]

I think the Mk 7 has aged well - let’s hope they don’t go too radical for the Mk 8.

[@bruunm1975]

We got a 2016 GTI-P still love it the same as on day one. It's the perfect "everything car".

[@chasingcars]

We love an everything car

[@bruunm1975]

@@chasingcars hehe. It just does everything perfect :) Spirited fun around corners, moving stuff, cruising distances, everyday commute. Just perfect ;)

[@GeoffHoare]

I picked up my Mk7.5 'Facelift' Golf GTi on March 28th here in the UK and I immediately noticed it to be a lot more throaty than the 2016 model I was trading in (both had/have performance packs). I was informed by the dealer that VW now fit a bigger bore exhaust system which would sort of explain it. Sounds great!

[@edinburghgus8379]

Geoff Hoare I got mine (manual) a few weeks back and I still get surprised at how lairy it sounds on startup.

[@rayphillips5010]

best/my fav australian car reviewer...keep up the good work.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, Ray! Much appreciated.

[@coopsnz1]

Golf Tcr is already forsale in Europe 34000 pounds , not forsale in Australia untill October

[@bobfrombrisbane1831]

Comprehensive and detailed video as always. 🇦🇺👍

[@chasingcars]

Thanks Bob!

[@canusdominici]

Happy to swap my 2013 90tsi 'shopping trolley' for your long term GTI for a day or two. Simply so you can understand the developments in the mk7 over 6 years. 😉

[@chasingcars]

Haha, I’m sure you know I like the ‘base’ Golfs too (and own a 90TSI Mk 6).

[@snoopy13946]

It’s all very well reviewing cars, and you do a nice job, but it’d be helpful to talk about reliability of the reviewed vehicles, servicing and long term maintenance costs and the cost of owning outside the warranty period plus after sales service of the manufacturer’s dealers. I wouldn’t touch a VW. Last week I took a test drive of a VW vehicle and the staff member with me divulged that many of their vehicles still come back on a tow truck. He was new there and honest. He said they just weren’t made for Australian conditions.

[@rongambol9910]

Sean, I’ve had two Mk6 GTI’s. In my first one I did over 250k km and the second 142k km with no problems. Bought a Mk 7.5 R last November and absolutely no issues so far. Purchased all three cars from the same dealer and they have been exceptional.

[@rongambol9910]

By the way Sean, I live in Australia and I’m tipping the new guy at VW is unlikely to become the old guy at VW

[@snoopy13946]

Ron Gambol Well I guess that’s encouraging

[@snoopy13946]

Ron Gambol I understand but your experience is an individual data point and doesn’t represent the wider experience of VW ownership.

[@rongambol9910]

Sean Budge I can only speak from my own experiences and they have been very good but I know a lot of VW owners have not been so lucky. The biggest problems Centre around their DSG transmissions however the latest 7 speed DSG is now a wet clutch design and appears to have finally solved the problem. Only time will tell.

[@letsseeif]

Yes. pleasing car review on VW's perennial hatchback classic, the GTI ! Mind you, a limited slip diff though a nice addition is hardy new, given my E Type Jag sported one for the rwd back in 1961. And as for exhaust note thrill, I cast my mind's eye & ear, back to 'fire-walling' 72 straight (unmuffled) cylinders on take off of Ansett-ANA's Douglas DC6B's in those heady days of yours. Mind you. At night, the electic blue flames were a sight to see, when an Imperial 'TON' of water was injected for that take-off 'winning edge'. So, all in all, I expect GTI mark 8 to excel in 2020 perhaps even besting the 'N' though, on reflection, maybe not.

[@SPQRTempus]

I don't understand why you'd buy a 2019 Mk 7 when you can wait and get a Mk 8 next year?

[@chasingcars]

It’s at least 18 months until the Mk 8 GTI hits Australia

[@nextfall1047]

Why so long a wait?

[@chasingcars]

The car will be revealed in early 2020, and then it takes 6-12 months for the car to launch in Australia, on average.

[@poddyea2k9]

SPQRTempus because it’s a great car? Plus, Volkswagen are offering a large deposit contribution on the GTI in the UK at the moment, so you can get a really good deal on one. Help keep the monthly costs down.

[@loubonnett]

Well then you've obviously not seen the abortion that is the Mk8 GTI.

[@ubonrat8653]

NO manual is a deal breaker for me

[@EastWood2004]

why? you could paddle to change the gear? And it's faster than human.

[@MLife1972]

Fantastic review of a lovely car. I'm torn between the new Polo GTI and the Golf GTI... Is it worth the extra $15K AUD to step up to the Golf GTI? $50K is a lot of cash for a Golf GTI even though there is a lot of inclusions.

[@chasingcars]

The Golf GTI has really crept up in price after the departure of the bargain GTI Original last year. I’d strongly consider the Polo GTI which is really fun to drive (and sounds better). The only issue with the Polo is that the specification is weird - you want the luxury pack on that car for the better wheels and tyres, but you lose the tartan seats and get pretty awful replacements

[@MLife1972]

@@chasingcars This is why you're the best in the biz. These were my thoughts exactly. I really want the LED headlights (that should be standard in 2019) on the Polo but it means losing the tartan seats - ridiculous on behalf of VW Australia when other markets let you mix and match more easily. Keep up the great work and for being one of the few channels that interacts with your viewers.

[@bosse641]

It's such a gem. Want a Golf R with a manual transmission.

[@chasingcars]

Ran one for a few weeks last year - it was a lot of fun!

[@peterpanousis8458]

Great review. Does the reversing camera have active guide lines or are they static?

[@chasingcars]

They’re static, a little frustratingly

[@tonycoz2309]

So as an everyday car would the GTi be the pick from the i30N and the Honda?

[@chasingcars]

Yes, but I will say that the Honda is far more liveable everyday than you might expect. The ride quality on its 20-inch wheels is pretty amazing.

[@mharro88]

I30n for sure.

[@rynomuncher]

I’d love to see you review the upcoming Renault Megane RS Trophy, Tom. I bet you’d have a blast!

[@malcolmscott4150]

Great video Tom and great all rounder - RS280 may also make good daily now dual clutch available :)

[@chasingcars]

Would love to drive one at some stage!

[@aw4610]

Wow. That top looks really cute on you, Tom. Very thorough review btw.

[@chasingcars]

Thank you dear Diamondz!

[@alexanderrbanks6166]

Awesome review mate! I got a Golf 2018 but I feel it’s too low for me, I am 6ft. How do you feel? I am thinking of switching to Toyota Rav4 2019. What do you think?

[@chasingcars]

Very different cars naturally, but I’m a month into my RAV4 long term ‘ownership’ and am liking the car so far

[@alexanderrbanks6166]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@alexanderrbanks6166]

What do you think about the Rav4’s infotainment compared to Golf 2018?

[@juuustln]

Alexanderr Banks Toyota is quite far behind in terms of infotainment systems.

[@eklektikTechno]

Actually I prefer the cabin quiet no exhaust sound just engine is fine with me , and why does the US get the crappy rims vs European models???

[@GlenviewNo1]

Hey Tom, great review but the one thing I hear about the Golf's is they are great while they are running but they're often in the shop and costly to repair. Can we get a video from you on the reliability of popular cars?!?!?!? Thanks!

[@sm1else]

In my US GTI the Sport mode setting amplifies engine noise in the cabin via a special set of microphones and speakers just for that purpose. Did VW include this idiocy in Australian GTIs?

[@chasingcars]

You can turn it on and off through a custom Individual mode

[@realebogatala440]

Great reviewer

[@ethranton]

Great review! As good as the GTI is (I owned a MY16 manual) I think the R is the better car and worth the extra $

[@msjp81]

I disagree. Its a different car alltogether. Doesn't handle anywhere near as well, but much more "stab the throttle and go" whereas the GTI requires thought and planning to balance the car for maximum traction in corners. I suppose that is what i've always loved about GTI. I've owned 4 GTI cars, 1 R car, sold the R within 72 hours of buying it

[@chasingcars]

Agreed with the above subcomment - they just do different things well. The GTI is more of a delicate front drive experience, whereas the R has unreal traction and lets you get away with more brutal inputs as a result. As always, test driving both is important!

[@ethranton]

Good points both

[@golfmother3141]

@@msjp81 Agreed my Clubsport manual is a better drive than my TT awd which has great grip but bogs down on corner exits , feels heavy , not the same fun factor . Great review by the way .

[@certificate98]

Just a great all-rounder.

[@Alby911]

Nicely done review.

[@chasingcars]

Thanks, much appreciated.

[@NANGSGARAGE]

Can’t wait for the RS5 review

[@chasingcars]

Filmed it last week so the wait won’t be long!

[@mribi]

Aww yea

[@TheCameraGear]

Good review as always Tom, but suggest you go back to the 30P frame rate. Running at 50P is really showing the shaky movement of the camera despite gimbal.

[@VANILLALZEB]

I WISHD ID HAD GOLF GTI AND RS2000 ESCORT MKII-MK5

[@moeketsimaphela18]

Why don't you guys ever get a smaller number plate holders since you have small number plates on the front?

[@chasingcars]

The plates are up to the manufacturer on press cars 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@loubonnett]

Cannot understand how Australia gets a better GTI than the U.S. market. WTF? Oh wait, no 6M version for you guys. Who the hell wants an automatic GTI?

[@chasingcars]

90% of GTI buyers, apparently. But yes, wish we still had the manual option.

[@hoppysport2872]

I've always wanted this GTI, but I live in the USA, where VW dealerships are the worst, and VW reliability here is shaky. I tend to keep cars 10 years and I don't want an endless money pit.

[@chasingcars]

Fair point. I wouldn’t keep one for 10 years, but that said, there are very few brand new cars that I would rely upon to last that long. There’s just so much complex technology now.

[@tonycoz2309]

How is the reliability of the VW DSG gearbox these days?

[@chasingcars]

Vastly improved over early examples but probably still not as foolproof as a solid torque converter

[@rude5801]

My 2019 GTI has 169 kw and 6-speed DSG 🙃

[@rude5801]

Irfaan Faki yeah it is still there and it is a bit louder than ever before. Feel free to ask me any question. I'll be 100% honest with you on good and bad things about the '19 GTI

[@robertceroli3512]

Any issues with dsg as vw and Ford ruined the reputation of the dsg with there botched application

[@rangeldiasdasilvadias7394]

Eita carro lindo esse golf GTI ☝️🤜🤛

[@jwn851]

Love your hat!

[@chasingcars]

Thanks!

[@WelshKyle]

i think those alloys are a bit gross haha, the black ones look nicer

[@chasingcars]

Fair enough, there’s something for everyone.

[@HaveOneWithHans]

love it!!!

[@coopsnz1]

Usa you can only buy a manual but it has 228hp

[@chasingcars]

Yep, because they have a Mexican-made GTI, and because US fuel would be good enough for a particulate filter if one was fitted.

[@lukelawrence6007]

Cant wait for mk8 golf gti and r

[@chasingcars]

Let’s hope they’re good!

[@elmin2323]

I30n sounds way better

[@ErosMorelli]

🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@nextfall1047]

I really hate, when wanting to buy a car, especially of German make that you are forced to buy "packs" rather than individual extras AND when you buy a pack because you want a sunroof for example you are forced to give up tartan seats and must have the leather ones. It keeps me away from purchasing these cars, on principle alone if nothing else.

[@chasingcars]

I also wish there were a la carte options available, and I asked Volkswagen Australia why there aren’t. Their answer was simply stock driven - they don’t like customers having to wait 4ish months for their custom car to arrive. Personally, I wouldn’t mind.

[@nextfall1047]

I wouldn't mind either to get the car with the options I want. I don't get why they think this should be their choice? If a customer doesn't want to wait then take a stock car but give the customer the option.

[@antoniopf9086]

​@@nextfall1047 I'm Spanish recently living in Germany and I totally understand your point. As employee of a German company I had some deals from german manufacturers and only Mercedes allowed me to configure the extras one bye one. I finally went for the GTI due to the horsepower/€ ratio however I was not 100% happy with the set-up.

[@crimsonxcorrupt355]

7:48 Sound Test

[@coopsnz1]

It's cheaper in Australia with same specs as usa under conservatives government 6 yrs

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

The GTI seats are overly bolstered which makes them very uncomfortable. The Mazda3 seats are much better.

[@Dansstang]

mac daddy did you just compare a compact car to a Sports compact? Of course it is bolstered bcs the gti is built for speed and the seats should hold really hold you in place

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

@@Dansstang Porsche is built for speed and their seats are much more comfortable. An BMW is also built for speed an its seats are also comfortable. Please explain why the GTI seats feel like a prison when Porsche and BMW seats feel fine?

[@damiencairns8489]

P plate Legal?

[@andreyforero665]

You are very handsome, have you thought about coming to America?

[@nextfall1047]

what a stupid comment for a car review video

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Let him stay where he is. You can go visit your local gay bar if you need action.

[@jasonlane4042]

I would trade my Toyota Camry in for vw golf gti

[@chasingcars]

So would I, to be honest

[@gebk9]

😂 Who wouldn't..

[@matts6551]

Who gets a GTI in Automatic?

[@chasingcars]

People in markets where a manual version is not sold

[@coopsnz1]

Usa 228hp manual

[@soultanasmaga9661]

kjlh

[@Damjan25]

4:36 ? rofl

[@kodessa]

eh, too many mk 7/7.5's on the road to not make me double take on a GTI or R. They just got boring.

[@chasingcars]

The Q-car nature is either a negative or a positive depending on our outlook I guess!

[@kodessa]

@@chasingcars I like the Q-car look on a Mk6 GTI/R. That's a hot hatch I could stare at because of the nice curves and differentiating design. But the Mk 7 and 7.5 is generic like the last gen Corolla.

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

For me i won't call the golf a true hot hatch coz vw has destroyed the then legend. Each and evey new gen golf is a shitty 2.0 l 4 popper than cant even compete with a fwd civic r. Neither its fun nor as dynamic as its competitors. How long they can go with the 4 cylinder crap box, the same idiot company has a 5 cyl engine reserved for extra vagant RS3 that don't sell half as much as any iteration of golf... Put that inline 5 in the golf and reclaim the throne....

[@chasingcars]

An in-line 5 would be something really special.

[@cyrilmatthew2995]

@@chasingcars Then this would be unbeatable .... Glad you agree with me ....

[@jordan8342]

I don't know what it is about this guy, but he really annoys me. Like when you hate someone's face for no reason.

[@chasingcars]

You annoy me too, Jordan.

[@jwn851]

🖕🏼