Volkswagen Golf GTI review | Still the original hot hatch?

[@JoeAchilles1]

Great video, I didn't know about the heated seat shortcut! Thanks and subbed 👌

[@NobbyOnCars]

Many thanks Joe - deadly to have you on board after watching so many of your vids! 😎

[@JoeAchilles1]

@@NobbyOnCars Thanks man appreciate your support! Great to discover more awesome (and real) automotive content like yours, looking forward to more mate 👌

[@fgckrion]

@@NobbyOnCars Are there any shortcuts to reach the fan settings? That seems to be the most obnoxious part of this infotainment system. No one wants to have to dig in menus to adjust that.

[@NobbyOnCars]

@@fgckrion That's an excellent question and I'm not sure. I've another VW next week and I'll check it out for you.

[@fgckrion]

@@NobbyOnCars Awesome. Thanks! I've been planning on buying a Golf R but the infotainment is definitely a turn off.

[@sitelford8469]

Had mine 3 weeks and love it, all rounder, great for round the city then on the motorway and hitting that country road is where it comes to life, amazing handling that sticks like glue powering out of a corner

[@NobbyOnCars]

Amen.

[@michaelgarvey8064]

Upgraded my Mark 7 GTI to the Mark 8 GTI (both Black) in September, this video definitely helped a lot with my decision! Thanks a mill 😊 LOVE IT

[@bruts82]

Wife Has a 7.5 Gti Oh my days the smile it puts on my face when I drive it , no interest in the R great car do but love the heritage and flexibility of the Gti

[@NobbyOnCars]

Yeah, totally agree. Great all rounder.

[@chrisblay]

This car could definitely tempt me back to Golf GTI ownership.

[@Greenmould]

Saw the new gti the other day. Looks great in real life.

[@georgewhiteford9869]

This makes my 7.5 gti performance look a bit dated. Never thought I’d say that about the new golf, but there you go. Good, honest review, as always.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thanks George. 7.5 still very desirable though!

[@bruunm1975]

7.5 GTI-P here as well and I still love it to bits... Every day I drive it, it just feels amazing. Having said that I do lust after the Mk8 R in blue (lets face it, its more like purple). So I need it... NOPE... The GTI is the perfect everyday car and well suited for some spirited driving ;)

[@NobbyOnCars]

@@bruunm1975 a great all rounder for a hot hatch

[@bruunm1975]

@@NobbyOnCars Yeah its great and was even better when I had to change the P-zero's and got Michelin Pilot Sport 4S'... Major difference again, thought the P-Zero's were great... PS 4S are epic.

[@bvedant]

Those wheels are beautiful. I wish the US market Golf GTI got them 😭 the nicest ones we get are the Adelaides or a black alloys option.

[@stephenhendricks103]

A much appreciated review from a viewer in America where we won't be seeing the MK8 for about another year, or so. As someone who has owned several GTI's and currently drives a MK7.5 I've found that it's sometimes difficult to explain to those who haven't had an extended experience with the vehicle just what is so addictive about it. "Hot Hatches" and hatchbacks in general are not nearly as popular here in America as they are in Europe. As VW has found repeatedly Americans like their VW's to be bigger and less expensive than European consumers. Further, our concept of "performance" is far more narrow, limited largely to 0-60mph acceleration and straight line quarter mile times. We invented drag racing while Europeans invented rallies. Our idea of a road race consists of repeated loops on high banked ovals while Europeans think of road racing in places like the Isle of Man, Monte Carlo, or on circuits like Le Mans or the Nurburgring designed to emulate public roads. Americans' perspective is born of cheap fuel and thousands of square miles with long, long straight and flat roads with few curves and limited elevation changes. Nevertheless, some of us live in eastern states near the Appalachian mountain chain or in in the West with the Rockies and the west coast mountain ranges. I live near Seattle with a view of Mount Rainier and find the loop around that gorgeous (mostly quiet) volcano an intoxicating environment on an early Sunday morning drive. That my GTI is equally adept for a shopping trip to a "big box" store like Costco and with room for my wife, daughter, and a big dog is a bonus. I'm one of those MK7.5 owners who's undecided about trading my much loved GTI for a MK8. I'll have to wait until we have a chance to sample the newest version. But whatever I decide, I find it difficult to imagine not owning a GTI or a Golf R.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Those Sunday morning drives sound perfet!

[@jrushen4235]

Top notch camera work. Love your no nonsense reviews. Very refreshing. Thanks.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thanks for watching

[@erikhaldeman5802]

MK7 GTI best car I have ever owned. Bought certified for $23,500 out the door. Have a stage 1 APR tune, about 290 HP, stage 3 clutch and rear anti sway with no reliability problems. I know guys put 400-450 hp through these closed deck motors with no problems but 290 is perfect for me. The mk8 R might be something I look into, I would love to drift!

[@COHE]

Good review. Glad you didn’t go the lazy route complaining about the lack of buttons. I like the mk 8 overall but feel there has been some cost cutting measures which take from it a bit.

[@NobbyOnCars]

a little. Still feels like a GTI though at heart.

[@milwis1]

You might have had impression that infortainment system works fine but I have mine for 2 years. It IS glitchy all the time and qi charger works fine only when you have phone placed perfectly and not driving so it doesn't move.

[@joelspace]

Beautiful, I’ve owned a standard mk 3 & 5, a mk7 GTI, time for a mk 8 R now though!

[@keithronson2624]

GTi.... exactly! Always a Golf. The ultimate Q car? Pity there is not a 3 door model. Not sure about the honeycomb fogs. Not needed. Clubsport model? Excellent review. Perfectly pitched. And edited. Your conclusion summed it perfectly. As for Black, yes! Although have a soft spot for Mars Red.... Thanks Mark. Stay Safe.

[@GUITARTIME2024]

When comparing car prices to older models, you need to calculate inflation, as well as improvements that have been added to the current model. Much of the actual price increase will reduce when you take these factors into consideration.

[@robbietighe6577]

Great vid. Have always loved the GTI there is something special about them. I would take one over an R any day.

[@andrewgill1749]

Great review Nobby, great to see a good Irish review for a mk8 GTI. I was in the market for a late mk7.5 performance, but have since decided to go for a manual mk8. The mk7.5 is an excellent machine, I simply see the mk8 as building on it and upgrading the interior and exterior to look current day modern. Will be the last manual GTI 😟

[@NobbyOnCars]

Quite possibly will be sadly

[@cliveweir]

great review.. looks great in black and with the 19 Estoril alloys (and without the club sport spoiler) IMO

[@MercSLRFan]

Performance Pack cars came as standard with red badges since 2016

[@bruts82]

This vid has come up on my feed again since the 8.5 has been launched. I purchased one of these in clubsport mode and it broke my heart. Managed to shift it on to vw. And returned to a 7.5 Gti pp. The software was a complete shambles. And as good as the clubsport looked way to firm for everyday driving in Ireland. It would really make me nervous to buy a 8.5 and the new price also is crazy.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Was that an expensive change to make?!

[@bruts82]

@@NobbyOnCars no weirdly enough I came out of it with 5 grand in my hand. It was the time there was a shortage of cars. I paid 55 for it and sold it for 62 to vw , they advertised it for 67 😃 And I went back to a 2019 7.5 Gti in the meantime that I was lucky to get my hands on. And the difference between the cars was staggering

[@burkholder1992]

I’m just waiting for this to hit the US, and I agree - any color as long as it’s black!

[@NobbyOnCars]

True story 👍🏻

[@derekfinnegan734]

Really like the looks of this. And, I spotted one my favourite driving songs (and Nod Your Noggin suggestion) featured when you were filming the dash.

[@Blake953]

Best review that I have seen for the GTI mk8.

[@NobbyOnCars]

🙌🏻

[@chrisquartararo6863]

Thanks for the review of the wireless charger compartment! I've been looking all over for more details.

[@NobbyOnCars]

👍🏻

[@richardsolley4897]

I’m changing my golf R for one of these 😊

[@mariusradu55]

interesting how different people are, I do not care at all about the engine cover and bonnet strut, but the cheap interior and ugly (to me) exterior made me buy a near new 7.5 GTI TCR instead

[@MeTheDroidor]

I don't undertand all the hate about the Mk8, I like it very much

[@NobbyOnCars]

Drives just as well if not better than the 7/7.5

[@georgel3657]

Great video, really really good review. If I was creating a new top gear you would definitely be one of the three 👍

[@NobbyOnCars]

Ha thanks

[@sevesellors2831]

Great review great car. How does it compare with the BMW 1= series?

[@gib321]

It looks and sounds great. Wouldn't sleep knowing it was parked up outside. Enjoyed the review though.

[@kjoey76]

GTI with Golf R 19" rims

[@NOAHB2011]

There not the golf r rims there the estoril alloys which are the same optional extra on r gti and gtd models . The r comes with 18 alloys as standard

[@mountainman6172]

Only thing missing is an akrapovic exhaust and booom! Great review btw! x)

[@ekosheren]

Love this car, and great review! Just saw your BMW 330e review too. Any chance of a Golf 8 GTE review too please?

[@NobbyOnCars]

Have the PHEV Golf in a week or two but I don't know if a GTE Golf is going to be on the press fleet this year in Ireland.

[@uweboker5983]

great review! Loads of information and explained very well!

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thank you!

[@kbsub]

First real car ( after a 72’ Mini ) was a Mk1 Gti back in 82 , mine was a black one as well , Fond memories racing 3.0 Capri’s etc I might just make the Mk8 Gti my last car as a retirement present to myself , was going to go for the GTD but life’s too short eh ?

[@NobbyOnCars]

Oh yes, petrol GTI all the way. A man has to have some small pleasures in life!!

[@Lewis-te6re]

Sick review but crazy expensive imo for a Golf, I've had a GTD GTI R, and for the extra at that amount of money you wish you had the R, that's what happened to me anyway. Looking very Renaulty with the lights on the bumper also. Get a review in for the S3 it looks mega!!!

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thanks for watching. RS Trophy fogs, big time!

[@Lewis-te6re]

@@NobbyOnCars just wanted to say your review on the A3 a few months made a massive impact on me getting one and I absolutely love it. Cheers man!

[@NobbyOnCars]

@@Lewis-te6re cheers Lewis - appreciate that. A classy jammer!

[@69maf]

Great work. Manual for me if I owned one , 240bhp is def enough , my Golf R is stock and your at silly speeds very quickly 🙀. Enjoying the channel good luck !

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thanks Martyn - I’d go for manual too I think

[@caffeineisking8132]

Got one of these coming soon ..not sure why because there's an unbelievable amount of speed camera vans these days

[@NobbyOnCars]

You’ll still find a road or two ☺️

[@Topazman]

Do the optional 19 inch alloys not up the C02 levels etc so better getting 18 inch alloys and upgrading yourself after

[@NobbyOnCars]

That is correct

[@behindyoujoey7761]

Great review Noddy! About to pull the trigger on one in almost an exact spec bar the black paint and leather seats. Would LOVE to stretch for the new R but I feel if I went for it I'd want the performance pack (2k) and the exhaust (3.5k) and then you are simply into absolutely silly money.

[@NobbyOnCars]

An R is lovely but a nicely specced GTI... hard to beat!

[@behindyoujoey7761]

@@NobbyOnCars Correction: exhaust is 5k and the performance pack 3k in Ireland! I should say I'm abroad and it's more affordable.

[@Victor-DOOM]

Must be black with red bits brilliant car

[@stevencampbell1150]

I can't deny it's a nice looking car but given the choice, I'd have the Renaultsport Mégane. I am biased of course to the diamond. I like the pops & bangs of the Akrapovic exhaust on the Mégane.

[@NobbyOnCars]

this is more under the radar alright!

[@stevencampbell1150]

@@NobbyOnCars you inspired me to watch the rs trophy Mégane video again! I very much doubt if I'll ever own one but if I'd have the choice definitely the Renault.

[@ermalim]

Great job as always! Can you please do the 2021 focus st?

[@NobbyOnCars]

Had one booked in last year and then lockdown.... will work on it for when Ford reopen their fleet

[@sevesellors2831]

Great car fantastic review still the gold standard.

[@tcecoleshaw]

Clubsport mk 8 for me for a few dollars more and significant power increase

[@georgel3657]

How much more?

[@NobbyOnCars]

Edit : €52,490.00 so a 8k jump over regular standard GTI

[@user-xl7yf7pc7k]

Clubsport starts from €52k, I’d add dynamic chassis and Harmon Kardon, maybe sunroof, so about €55k, much more compelling proposition than standard Gti, IMO.

[@NobbyOnCars]

@@user-xl7yf7pc7k You'd have to upgrade the wheels too.

[@user-xl7yf7pc7k]

@@NobbyOnCars true, but not mad on the upgrade options, so maybe stay standard and enjoy the comfort of 18”. I’d sooner change the tyres from those lifeless Bridgestone to Michelin PS4, made a big difference on my MK7.5

[@hatmanularbore]

Awesome clip!

[@vodonnell1]

If the target market is young people cost and insurance is going to kill it enjoyed the review.

[@NobbyOnCars]

True that

[@markday5797]

YES must be black or midnight blue so try to hide THAT grill work.

[@bashmawy]

Great vid. Love a little rally of it. So much fun.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thanks Baz! 😇😁

[@dazza4345]

you could have got your mammy to drive it fast!

[@joedaly5929]

Stunning looking yoke

[@niallcassidy7219]

Would anybody who has watched this magnificent review prefer an ID3????

[@NobbyOnCars]

unlikely - ha!

[@anthonyobrien3685]

I’m collecting a white one on Monday.

[@NobbyOnCars]

jealous!

[@jay_4399]

Did you get it ??

[@SuperCholdi]

Getting my white one next month!

[@jay_4399]

@@SuperCholdi which trim?

[@Blingrhino31]

Good fair review .engine sound would put me off

[@europeanlegend9347]

From what i remember when watching videos about the mk8 gti from Volkswagen's official youtube channel. They said they removed the soundaktor (the artificial in cabin engine sound) and opted to make the exhaust louder for authenticity. How exactly does it create the added loudness in sport mode? does the exhaust have a valve?

[@NobbyOnCars]

Deffo has piped sound

[@JackKing12.]

Prefer to centre touch screen integrated in2 the dash like the A3

[@agood1280]

Very nice car the best spec car I’ve seen so far in Ireland with the upgraded leather and sunroof and the optional 19 inch alloys. Cant wait until you drive the car club sport FrankKeane have also. I’m currently driving the old TCR 7.5 version Would like to know what you think of it when you drive it in the future as I know you drove the old 7.5 TCR also. Keep up the great content even enjoyed the EV review you’ve done recently on the ID3 All the questions about EVS that we all have that no one else managed to answer in their reviews. 😁👍

[@davidbrady1551]

I've a TCR myself. Cracking car but the wheel hop can be a bit annoying. New R coming in July tho...

[@NobbyOnCars]

€60,000 GTI! Thanks for the comments, will have CS in May but hopefully R sooner

[@agood1280]

@@NobbyOnCars I’d say so But those leather seats look great What do you think after heads up display

[@sasasmitran2950]

doing good reviews! good on you!

[@NobbyOnCars]

Glad you like them!

[@KC-lg8qf]

Much better wheels on this model than the other hideous ones I have been seeing

[@NobbyOnCars]

upgraded but worth it I think

[@ronmccullock1407]

Fantastic review of a fantastic car

[@parvindermander5664]

This spec looks nice

[@moph7July06]

It was the automatic that made the GTI boring to drive. The GTI needs a standard stick.

[@michaelobrien4083]

Great review as always

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thanks for watching

[@TG-pd3ft]

GTI has to be 3-door. And it has to have gear stick, not a nasty little toggle knob

[@NobbyOnCars]

I'd go manual myself.

[@wearepsu100]

Great review... subscribed.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thanks for the sub!

[@grahamhealy5171]

Nobby, what would you pick between the facelifted i30N and the GTI? Looking to upgrade from the i30N soon!

[@NobbyOnCars]

For something that will retain a bit more value - Golf. If you enjoy the rawness, loud exhaust etc i30N.

[@grahamhealy5171]

@@NobbyOnCars cheers mate!

[@lucatrinchera6458]

Il VW Golf 8 GTI è come il Yamaha Tmax x gli scooter nel suo segmento ! Piace o non piace ! Rimane ( nel globale ) il RE

[@marcl9587]

At 8:10 the led bars in the front grill are on, but at 9:34 the led bars in the front grill are off. When are this led bars exactly on and when off? I have a new golf 8 r-line and also sometimes this led bars are on and sometimes off.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Auto headlights on during the day versus physically putting the headlights on with the switch

[@marcl9587]

@@NobbyOnCars thanks for the information!

[@martidonegal1]

Nobby did you see the which review article on phevs they are stating a lot of of the claimed mpg is nothing near what is stated and that some of them are emitting more co2 than some equivalent petrol models... Seems to a big issue with car makers and claimed mpg

[@NobbyOnCars]

Not all PHEV are the same though. Bigger engine ones are still just big petrol cars that use juice. A lot of smaller engines are very efficient though

[@overclockorange3356]

Great review, my Moonstone Grey GTi, with 19 Adelaides is just a few weeks away, look forward to it.

[@NobbyOnCars]

LOVE that colour, great choice.

[@jbm0866]

You're right Knobby, black is the only color. For the MK8 that is, the MK7 looks great in every color. As for this car, black almost makes me like the look of the front...almost. The interior on the other hand looks a bit cheaper to me in spite of all the latest tech. If the engine, transmission and susension tweaks could be transferred to the MK7.5, that would truly be the greatest GTI ever produced. Another thing I think you're right about is the MK8/8.5 will likely be the last true GTI ever made...and that truly is sad, not to mention a bit unneccessary for at least another 50 years if not beyond. (But this isnt the time or place for that discussion)

[@jasonhynes5703]

Putting the boot in around the Boot Inn

[@Ajm2894]

I noticed a car seat. As I’m in that space in my life I’m curious if there will be enough room with the car seat in the back.

[@NobbyOnCars]

You'll fit two no problem.

[@Ajm2894]

@@NobbyOnCars thanks! have you seen the Golf R yet? Is the room in the back the same?

[@NobbyOnCars]

@@Ajm2894 same. The boot in the MK7 was slightly smaller in the R due to the 4 motion so I assume the same in the new R compared to the GTI.

[@danielleroux6490]

Unless Ford US comes their senses and brings back the Focus ST to the states, this is most decidedly my next car purchase. C'mon Ford USA for crying out loud!

[@NobbyOnCars]

This won't be a raw as a Focus but it is quick car.

[@siblej1]

What’s with the saggy upholstery on the rear seats?

[@Dan330i]

I want the mk7 for my first car

[@NobbyOnCars]

a good start if you do!

[@sidharthpalakkode5509]

Why is this starting to look better to me now??

[@NobbyOnCars]

It’s a grower.

[@faugrad]

@@NobbyOnCars - That’s what I tell the ladies. All kidding aside, the MK8 is growing on me.

[@cycleoflife565]

It will always be the original hot hatch if you exclude the original Mini.

[@stevehulbert]

Great review , but alas its still not as good a drive as the mk5

[@NobbyOnCars]

Owned two MKV GTIs and I'm not so sure about that. Wheel hop was pretty bad in the MKV, the 7, 7.5 and 8 do a better job of getting more power down. As a more raw offering though, the MKV has the edge.

[@ethenjordan2010]

Really really don’t like the entire dash layout. I can deal with the rest but I’d rather have the mk7.5 digital cockpit and the big infotainment screen.

[@NobbyOnCars]

A lot agree with that thought on it! Some happy to move on with having the next model though judging by the comments.. a mix of the two anyway !

[@ronmccullock1407]

Can't wait

[@danielleroux6490]

6 speed manual for me, please.

[@cloudsdrinkwater]

6:20 Hold on... you can get a 3 door MK8 in Ireland?

[@NobbyOnCars]

You can’t

[@cloudsdrinkwater]

@@NobbyOnCars My mistake - misinterpreted and thought you could get a 3 door but only with DSG 😂 Thanks for the awesome real world review 👍

[@NobbyOnCars]

@@cloudsdrinkwater if only!! I’d even take a 3dr manual TBH

[@staycasual7203]

Wheels are horrendous on the MK8, looks like a mid market Golf not the flagship GTI. Sounds gutless too. Sad. Good review though.

[@NobbyOnCars]

You won't like the standard wheels either so !!

[@shanethegriff6756]

Aw come on, you could have dropped it tonight!! 🙈😅

[@NobbyOnCars]

It’s still uploading, won’t be ready til midnight so I thought no point releasing it then as most will be in bed!!

[@shanethegriff6756]

@@NobbyOnCars haha ok I guess that's fair! I'm looking forward to watching it on the TV, I'll have to fight the temptation to watch it on the phone in the morning. Can't wait till you get the Clubsport to test. Mine won't be here till July even though ordered the first week of January 😭 living off videos like this unitl then!!

[@kayakkevin]

Why would I want a tree door? 6:18

[@NobbyOnCars]

I think Specsavers are doing hearing tests now too!

[@colm112]

I prefer the mk7.5 it just looked better IMO. Have to say though excellent video.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Thanks Colm!

[@PrinceOfParthia74]

no AWD no match for R. even if R had less performance than GTI it's AWD would have been enough for me living in canada where winter is 8 months.

[@joeycotvupdates6760]

Waiting

[@maxperlov7071]

This or the BMW 128ti?

[@NobbyOnCars]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYiZoWSgiJV3jqs

[@NobbyOnCars]

The 128 is better to drive

[@Randum_Gornutt]

Almost seems TOO refined for a GTI!

[@NobbyOnCars]

I don't think there's ever been a truly raw GTI - it seems to be on purpose though that that is the case.

[@AsidsTechTips]

nope, Feista ST. that GTI has lost the spirit of GTI, it should be illegal for a GTI to not have a manual shifter. all you need to do is look at your face in this video and then your face in the Fiesta ST video, it says it all.

[@NobbyOnCars]

GTI is a more refined car, no doubt about that. Both enjoyable, they're just different I suppose.

[@dazza4345]

55k or so .Ouch

[@doorrob]

That car is circa 61k euro 😳

[@robertvanzant2653]

If it’s the last one it’s a pity they made it so ugly ! Jasus a pig ! I seen over 62k for a standard golf R ? I’ll buy a Tesla first .

[@rustycage670]

The price of the car is simply to much..

[@tengilaurel3777]

Nope, it is adequate in my opinion.

[@caffeineisking8132]

Lease it, race it, give it back, get another one

[@majdibouzidi]

how many ads are there !!!?!!!! 'cause i had enough just before the 2nd ! and a f'ck'n dislike 'cause you're not the only human that makes car reviews

[@NobbyOnCars]

🛎 end

[@bignae8845]

He didn’t beg you to watch, fuck off

[@landrover3596]

The MK 8 Golf GTI whent from the original hot hatch To most ugly car EVER! Bring back the Golf R32!

[@jamiewalton666]

The new BMW 128ti is better than this and cheaper!!!

[@NobbyOnCars]

Not cheaper in Ireland.

[@jamiewalton666]

@@NobbyOnCars but is everywhere else, and like I say the Beemer is the better car.

[@cengiztok3185]

I would never buy this car.

[@NobbyOnCars]

Good for you