Volkswagen Golf GTI MK7 hatchback 2013 review - CarBuyer

Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk7 2014 review: bit.ly/n41ta7
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[@SquiggleSquared]

I've wanted this car since i was 10...one day...one day

[@delightmedia1556]

got it yet?

[@martywilde1499]

Delight Madujibeya 😂😂😂

[@Birmingham_racing]

Delight Madujibeya probably on finance

[@thisis6fo9forelated74]

Surely you bought it now

[@SquiggleSquared]

@@thisis6fo9forelated74 I bought it 3 days ago lol

[@Spawn223311]

this car is perfect for everything it was desinged to be. it has the fun factor with actually kinda high power for a everyday car with comfortable space (only huge people find it small), one can say best interior in its class in usability, quality and luxury (even base models), looks sporty and elegant at the same time (you dont have to do anything to it to make it look nice), good mpg (better than my 03 jetta 2.0 with no turbo) and up to date features. Only thing that people say is that the dsg trany is having a little trouble and some add that its only the 7 speed and not the 6 speed (we really dont know if those are 100% facts), but if you get a manual you wont have to worry about those problems people are mentioning with dsg (which i repeat, we dont know if its true) since manuals are all the same. In the US price is fair and justifiable for what you get, but here in Puerto Rico they are like 8k+ or even more T_T. Its Perfect man

[@d0de928]

Mat was so young back then

[@AristotelisMitsiou]

The Golf GTI is basically a supercar which is cheap and can be used every day (in a good way)

[@AristotelisMitsiou]

MRsjovealek Well, cheaper than the supercars, that's for sure.

[@Minutemadex]

***** How is 220 HP, FWD and that chassis a supercar?

[@AristotelisMitsiou]

Minutemadex It's as fun as one for a fraction of the price.

[@AristotelisMitsiou]

MRsjovealek Well supercars are also really overpriced, (now, the fact of the styling is subjective), and actually is one of the best if not the best driving hot hatch in the market today. Plus it's cheaper to run than a supercar, it's more practical than one and it isn't as "delicate" as one.

[@AristotelisMitsiou]

MRsjovealek OK, you're entitled to your opinion, I have a different one. Fair enough.

[@roblanger5546]

I love cars, out of all the great, exotic ones in the world - the Gti is my favourite. When you buy a gti youre buying an icon, a piece of history. For me its a hallmark of practicality, performance and class. Its so effortless and solid. I have the mk6, best car ive ever owned.

[@mustachos1993]

I'd always imagine, if alians were to come to this planet and you had to explain to them what a car is, what it can and should do, there would be nothing better to show them than the Golf GTI. I, as most people probably, never 'lusted' after a Golf GTI, but it is still THE car in so many ways. Slightly boring? Perhaps. But just "the right amount of boring" in every conceivable discipline.

[@drummingspain207]

Very decent review - quick and to the point, covers what we need to know, thanks!

[@HatchBackLove27]

I know what you mean. Sadly their cars would be perfect with the reliability issue done. But I would have to believe that the reason they sell so many, are for the simple fact that, when it is working, the drive is amazing. GTI keeps the car at a 200hp limit to keep the drivability perfect(since it is a FWD car), With tunes and mods easy for the car, it only takes a couple hundred dollars to push it to 250 if the buy so wishes. As for reliability and longevity, VW needs that.

[@Quazi83]

I've owned a GTI V and its still the best all round car I've ever owned!!

[@albertzweistein7097]

*NICEEEEE*

[@LTKing2013]

I've been using the Mk6 GTI for 4 years and I can hardly imagine a better all-round car.

[@LTKing2013]

I hear problems of the dual-clutch transmission but I have no problems there at all.

[@Nitrotech23]

al bundy I have a 2010 GTI with DSG. Have had it for over a year. No problems at all. Love it.

[@LTKing2013]

I've been using the Mk 6 with DSG for more than 6 years and have experienced no problems at all.

[@DeanPark]

Rite, I will just come out and say it - The GTI is a brilliant car, a superb brand and an icon of car design. I used to have a Mark 5 and then a Mark 6, both in Tornado red, both with 18" wheels and lots of kit. I had 7 years of fun driving. BUT...I am sorry, I just don't think the Mark 7 is a big enough departure in visual terms from the Mark 6! Dare I say it, but it looks a bit bland and the front?! I also hope VW have sorted out the cabin quality over the Mark 6 as I had a symphony of rattles in my last car, which drove me mental! Looking at the interior design it looks disappointingly similar in design, so maybe the rattles and creaks are still there too?!!? I love the GTI brand, but I went for the BMW 1 series M Sport 125i as its more aggressive styling, has awesome rear wheel drive and a better interior in my opinion. The BMW is also cheaper to own than the GTI too as I got some discount on the BMW, but was offered no discount to buy the Mark 7 Golf. In summary, VW have to work on the appearance of GTI to make it more eye catching. Its a piece of lazy 'new' design if you ask me and looks too similar to the latest Seat Leon! Sorry, VW, but its BMW for me now.

[@TudosobreoGolfGTI]

No questions. I agree.

[@DeanPark]

Yeah, I really love the GTI but unless VW make it look a bit less bland then I cant see me returning for the Mark 8! The bonnet on the MK7 Golf is too flat, the crease along the side it too small, making the car appear too flat AND I just don't like that stupid little window in the A pillar! The car also looks squashed and fat from the rear with a silly tiny little crease in between the light clusters. Finally, I am not convinced by the red pin stripe going in to the front lights, it looks a little cheap and like an after thought, and something you'd expect to see on an Astra VXR or Focus ST! And the GTI is miles ahead of those two cars.

[@TudosobreoGolfGTI]

As to the details, I can not complain. The Mk7 to Brazil, where I live, was a great leap in design, technology, and engine finish. I know that in Europe the prices of cars like BMW, Mercedes are more affordable than here in Brazil, the Golf has brought it all with a reasonable price. So I picked and I'm also a fan since 1994 when I had my first Golf GTI. Hugs.

[@joaomarquesfaisca2510]

I prefer the MK6 Golf too as it is a bit more appealing in visual terms... at least that's my opinion. But i have to say that the mk7 was also a great piece of engineering just like those that preceded and in terms of looks it's not too bad either, it also has some of the original GTI essence when it comes to details whether it is in the interior or on the outside. I have to say that I agree with you, but i'd still buy the new one as it is just what we expected from VW and it is more modern.

[@DeanPark]

I understand and agree with what you re saying, it has all of the classic GTI touches, but its just a bit too saggy, fat and squashed looking for me. :-(

[@andrewmcc6935]

Can’t believe that you didn’t show the ambient lighting on the inside when it’s dark. Hands down my favourite little quirk on mine

[@SpeedStrengthJames]

Andrew McC what mpg do you actually get?

[@andrewmcc6935]

@@SpeedStrengthJames did a 200 mile drive last week, managed to get 40 MPG!

[@SpeedStrengthJames]

@@andrewmcc6935 interesting, thanks :)

[@SabeTheApple]

@@SpeedStrengthJames I can vouch for that. Close to 40mpg is definitely achievable. Local drives closer to around 30-33.

[@joshstreet3919]

Love the whole of the VW GTI, GTD and R range! Matt could you please do a review of the VW Golf GTD? Thanks!!

[@ChrisBrown-dy8ts]

I own the same car, yes it’s not the quickest, best looking etc etc , but it’s built well, interior is good quality and stays looking good if looked after, and it’s a great all-rounder, load up the boot, ferry kids around then have fun when you want to put your foot down,

[@DAZZER435]

The two turns from lock to lock is great, its an extra half a turn each way on the mk6.

[@BalkanBoyBiH]

polo GTI is simply overpriced for its size

[@tissot233]

That's kind of true, though some think Polo GTI is the new Golf GTI and I can understand that. Current GTI has simply become big. That said I would go for Golf GTI.

[@BalkanBoyBiH]

***** polo is a joke i am not saying its a bad car or anyting but not worth being called GTI simply cause its a little car

[@bogdanfilev7]

Wow ten years later and both the Golf and Mat aged well!

[@Bayne83]

Damn the MK7 looks great in red

[@olihenry]

At last, Mat's back!

[@eternalhalloween1]

This car was really impressive. It really sounded like Mat had to struggle to say just one negative thing about it. And even the one thing he said probably wasn't really enough to deter most people from buying it.

[@HesteBremse]

Well it is a very good all rounder is it not?. I´m not a fan and would properly opt for another car, but the Golf GTI is hard to be on many levels, especially if you have family.

[@eternalhalloween1]

HesteBremse Yea. This seems to be a good mid range car that finds a nice balance between practicality, handling, and good fuel economy. I lean towards midsize cars myself for that very reason. We probably can't have compact fuel economy, sports handling, luxury comfort, and estate cargo space all at once. But some cars find a healthy medium. ,

[@craig1553]

Successful manufacturers get they’re products so right, they have a winning formula, we think immediately of VW, Porsche, Rolex, Omega, Stabila, BMW, Audi, Ping, Callaway and so on. These manufacturers tweak their products with subtle design changes and constant improvement, they don’t try to re-invent the wheel, which I think is where manufacturers went wrong in the UK. The UK used to produce some of the finest products in the world, but sadly nowadays, these are few and far between.

[@CynicalBastard511]

The new Golf GTI lapped the Nordschleife quicker than the Megane 265. Just an FYI.

[@radi2090]

Its funny because it "farts" on gear shift

[@xena7647]

thats so true

[@AristotelisMitsiou]

I thought my speakers broke.

[@yxk_zodiac4882]

Radi Radev that's called DSG kid

[@rossiboi2313]

The gurgling is caused by the retardation of the ignition timing to compensate for not lifting the throttle off. Because the spark is late not all the fuel gets ignited and so some unburnt fuel will enter the exhaust where it explodes creating the sound.

[@TaylorGng21]

Radi Radev fairy fart. Would never get the paddle shift. Manual all day

[@123MARTIN45]

The Golf GTI has something no one else have. Legacy!

[@chryschrysostomou5392]

'trick' limited slip diff that actually works and cancels understeer in corners making this the best GTI ever!

[@uskogumus]

I have always wondered what car engine is used at the beginning

[@narekzo]

why do i love this car so much !!

[@markellis1634]

Because it's amazing of course

[@Iwo26]

People who usually make negative comments about GTI never owned/driven GTI and also never really owned proper BMW. I have E39 M5 and on a daily errand I constantly steal my girlfriend's GTI. As a daily driver it is one if the best cars on the market !!!

[@hauzi302]

This video, easily Carbuyer video of the year.

[@oooining]

In my opinion, the thrill of driving is very subjective. bear in mind. not every driver on the road is racing driver. a predictable car is good for most people. an unpredictable car will often result in a terrifying drive.

[@deadlyhydra]

So this car farts every time you shift up a gear.

[@valicourt]

0:26 is actually a snapshot from the "throw your suitcase in your boot from a distance of 5 meters championship" which is held every year on the Isle of Wight.

[@grislyyetiwb]

Went to order one yesterday. Six month waiting list have had to buy a ex demo for £30000 with a few extra toys. Who ever said no one will buy these is absolutely mad

[@Selbs2008]

Love it!! I'm getting one. Thanks for the review.

[@TheSnoopy1750]

Easy fix for the moderate performance - APR chip that will drop 0-60 to closer to 5.0.

[@ArmenianSOADfreak]

In densely populated areas or city centres I think reverse sensors are a must now. Especially in central London, the last thing you want is to reverse your new GTI into someone elses bumper whilst parallel parking.

[@TECMANPRO11]

I love how Matt's mustache is sort of visible while he drives.

[@GeneralmoffblogsBlogspotmoffvs]

You should do a review of the GTD???

[@MrGusisawesome]

Golf is more practical but more expensive to buy. Focus is faster but more expensive to run. Its really up to your own personal preference.

[@ismaeljrp1]

If only this car wasn't $5000-7000 more expensive here in Puerto Rico, I'd get a GTI S DSG 4 door, love those cloth seats... :(

[@GrotrianSeiler]

No, that's incorrect. Audi makes Audi, they are simply owned by VW, but have a whole different group of managers who make the decisions at the conference table. Many of the parts are interchangeable, but they're not made on the same assembly lines.

[@HatchBackLove27]

Personally the GTI has lost its touch since the mk5. I love VW and their constant attempts at staying in the hot hatch game. Currently they are still considered one of the best. Not for performance or speed, but for quality and practicality. It just so happens that the car is also fast and fun to drive. It's not as fast as the MS3, but it is better quality. Its not as cheap as the Si, but it is faster and better built. I hope to see GTI come out with an all around winner soon.

[@MrYoussefwassef]

welcome back matt

[@derbigpr500]

Basically, when you drive a Golf, you feel like you're driving a big saloon, like a Passat. When you drive a 1 series, you feel like you're driving a much smaller and lighter car than it actually is, without the drawbacks of driving a smaller car, which is lack of refinement, comfort, safety, confidence, etc.

[@damez7]

love the GTI. have owned a MK4 and currently own a MK6. although i don't quite like the styling of this new MK7... maybe it'll grow on me

[@derbigpr500]

Go drive even a basic Golf and 1 series, or 3 series and a Passat, and then say they're not that far apart in terms of driving....yes, maybe if you drive then 40 km/h in the city from traffic light to traffic light. Take it out on a road, and you will find how much 50-50 weight distribution, RWD, lower center of gravity, sitting in the middle of the car, instead of leaning over front wheels, and more direct steering mean. And I personally think 3 door BMW 1 series looks very good in person.

[@desmondmchugh1006]

When he said "What happens when you go around a corner? Well, not a lot, really" I was like, OH SHIT, THEY'VE FUCKED IT UP! Great review :)

[@anorakhijack8310]

Alright matt !😄

[@HatchBackLove27]

Then GTI to me feels like a more sturdy car. The materials used inside are a better quality. It is no question that honda's are more reliable. But they really start to rust and fall apart as the years go on. Interior starts to go quite quickly even when taken car of. This is just the personal experience of several of my friends. When you look at how cheep you can get the 2013 Si for around 20k you see where cost is cut down. While the GTI is around 30k for a 2013 model and quality is seen.

[@akhmalzainal7435]

I'm planning to getting one of this but in used condition around '13-'14, any owner are courage to advice for me base on the reliability, things to take care, common and major problem, really appreciate it for any advice

[@soulrestingkuku1154]

so crazy i had the golf 4 was so cool and modern, and some year later golf 7!!!

[@derbigpr500]

The only front wheel drive cars, regular ones, not hatchbacks, that I would even consider fun or great drivers cars that can compare to a BMW 1 series are Ford Focus (previous generation, mkII) and Renault Megane with a GT-line package, which is basically an RS as far as steering and handling go, but with more comfort. Everything else, including the Golf, is dull to drive, understeery, light and rubbery steering and gearbox, feels heavy and not very nimble, etc. 1 series is complete opposite.

[@afifummer]

Hey fellas! Watch 1:35 - 1:38!!! Laughed my head off... What an invention...!!!

[@MegasXLR]

I want this as my first car!

[@HoldenN63]

Finally! I've been waiting for this one for a while!

[@dado380]

Last 10 years megane rs is benchmark for all hot hatch and some gran tourer.

[@seckinboy]

Sorry, I am looking into Volkswagen golfs and I want something sporty. I was just wondering what the mk7 stand for? Thanks

[@LioShel]

I just LOVE its steering wheel! BMW 1 series has more fun, but GTI is more practical for daily use. More power? go for a Gulf R!

[@danutsalut]

I'm going round this tight bend, lucky me, my car is unpredictable and I shall hope for everything to go well.

[@toxik217]

yeah I'm sorry to break it down for you but really does sell dunno where u live(probably under a rock)but in my area there quite a few of them

[@JohnnyZenith]

I'm sorry what's the point over the mark 5 version.

[@Bugside]

The shift paddles rotate with the steering wheel? That must be complicated to park.

[@ljakrtsh1]

please do GTD too!

[@kristian43]

i think one exhaust with two pipes is better looking than two exhausts for the GTI

[@SirBioSnake]

The engines been around for ages (I think it was first fitted on the MK 5) its only been retuned for the MK7.

[@duanmahni]

Which is better this car or Kia Rio 2013

[@brutalplanet23]

you're saying you'd rather have a golf r over a 135 m hatch?

[@IamChucky_]

Will this car be offered in the U.S.? I looked on the vw website and their U.S. gti only comes with 200hp??

[@chryschrysostomou5392]

At last the review of The GIT. Only, it was not as it should be, as described by other motoring reviews. Matt failed to mention the 'trick

[@ricardokim95]

Definitely in love with this car...

[@IceEliteE]

Wait this is Matt Watson from carwow?

[@JJVR46VLOGS]

Why would you pay £28,000 for a Golf with 5 doors and a DSG box? You may as well have a new S3 or an M135i.

[@ScottZ370]

These cost around £29000 which makes the question how much is that R going to cost? £40k+ wouldn't surprise me

[@daveem4008]

i know bro, because the Renault megane 265 is annoyingly good too, but not for everyday usability compared to the Golf.

[@johnsahin6344]

can someone people reply to me. how do people like him get the car. when does it come out to the public? and is there anyway to get it early without paying extra?

[@IAmUrMum]

my 1.6 golf petrol does that on long motorway runs so yeah good luck getting this gti doing it

[@ACS607]

Bring on the better looking Leon Cupra with the same differential and 40 extra horses!

[@milosilic23]

mark 7, it's the seventh reincarnation of the Golf.

[@WIPEYOURLENZ]

DSG box is one of the best in the business

[@superchargeddarkness915]

My dad has this car in shiny dark blue it's the best car ever

[@gamer96norway]

the bmw 135m cost about the same and it got a straight 6 turbo! i would rather go for the bmw :)

[@derbigpr500]

Only someone who knows ABSOLUTELY nothing about cars would buy a Golf GTI over a M135i for the same price...its ridiculous how far apart they are, in every single way, drive train, handling, quality, etc. And Golf is not much more practical for everyday use either, singe 135i has an equally big trunk and pretty much the same amount of room inside, since its is after all a 1 series that competes with a normal Golf.

[@CammieGee]

I'd love to see a face off between the GTI and the Subaru Impreza.

[@daveem4008]

sorry sir but i found that hard to believe, the megane 265 will make a fool of all golf GTI including the new sport edition that has 230hp any day in any condition, also the astra vxr/opc has more power and grip than both cars, and if u r talking about golf R i might have to agree with ya but not on the fact that GTI r faster than the megane or the astra VXR/OPC its unheard off

[@manu1love]

Golf u can’t go wrong my 1.4 petrol is awsome 2013 blue Tec 👌👌👌

[@vasilsokol]

yay! Mat is back!

[@zijadjasarspahic5275]

It stands for "Mark seven" or "seventh generation"..

[@VickoSenoSaden]

I want to buy a new car.... I'm a little bit confused. VW Polo ? or VW Golf GTI 7 ?

[@velelotokota6960]

what happened with the sunroof???????/

[@remhunter2]

Mate, you forgot to mention it has electric steering!

[@JamesTodd]

think im gonna buy one!

[@RawwUnderGround]

Electronially assisted steering?

[@derbigpr500]

Looks are subjective, but I don't see whats so ugly about a 1 series, and so pretty about a Golf. A properly spec'd 1 series can look very good, and in person it actually looks great and much better than on pictures, which is the opposite of a golf, which is even more generic and boring in person. And in order to make it exciting what does VW do? Put some red lines on it and cheesy wheels that I'd swear are aftermarkets if they didn't have a VW badge on them.

[@chenjunxiong]

More Space , More Save :D

[@farhanhussain9128]

Good review plz do a video mk7 vw golf r

[@MrTheConductor]

Companies such as VW approach Carbuyer or they can approach VW's press department. VW loan the car in the hope it gets good reviews. If just one person who watches this goes out to buy, job done Pop to your dealer and buy it today.. No. There wont be a massive waiting list for this type of car even in GTI guise, but if in need, buy one from dealer stock

[@Grimok780]

Quite the opposite sir. The GTI is, and always will be, a car that is respected everywhere it goes.

[@souljaruman1]

Matt, how about the Mitsubishi Evo X and Subaru STI!?

[@thewebbeckons]

The farts sound a bit more punchy then on my 2008 GTI, but man they are so enjoyable.

[@iantownsend5480]

I've only ever seen one review of the mk7 gti & they didn't like it. It was fifth gear, Tiff moaned you can't turn the traction control off, which for most people I think is a good thing means you can't stick it in the nearest tree, it does bother me I'd still but one I'd take it with performance pack for more pooooooowwwwwweeeeeerrrrrrrr