Volkswagen Golf in-depth review - is the Mk8 better than the A3 or Leon?

2020 Volkswagen Golf review: carbyr.uk/3f8ngZ1
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The Volkswagen Golf has remained a popular pick in the family hatch sector since it's introduction over four decades ago. Now, the new Mk8 Golf has gone fully digital, with a high-tech interior and an updated design. Can the new model see off fierce competition from the SEAT Leon, Skoda Scala, Audi A3, and even the electric VW ID.3? Nicola Hume gives the Carbuyer verdict.
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SEAT Leon review: carbyr.uk/35lskWI
Skoda Scala review: carbyr.uk/3gKOeXq
Audi A3 review: carbyr.uk/36BEzgY
Volkswagen ID.3 review: carbyr.uk/2Kbwubo
Carbuyer top 10 best family cars: carbyr.uk/2Ohz010
Carbuyer family hatchbacks video playlist: carbyr.uk/2eiDdxA
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Every week, Carbuyer's KZbin channel brings you simple and entertaining reviews on every major make and model that's available for sale in the UK. Plus you'll find frequently-updated top 10 features and the occasional group test for good measure. If you want even more helpful information, head over to Carbuyer.co.uk where you'll find in-depth reviews of more than 500 cars, alongside the best buying advice and dozens of features helping you to narrow down your car buying shortlist.

[@Benny8940]

Carbuyer, please stop the side camera view on the presenter. It's annoying.

[@puttguy]

Also looks crap!

[@bakaenkaaka]

I like it, something different.

[@disarchitected]

The video editing in general is crap. Too many transitions and gimmicks.

[@runawayronnie]

I couldn't agree more. You're supposed to be reviewing the car Mr Video Editor, not the presenter. I gave up watching after 2mins.

[@NicholasSadlier]

Agreed - looks pretentious

[@antonthompson7838]

You can also press the slider for the volume and heating controls

[@mkkravist11]

Bravo Carbuyer- what a wonderful presenter! Buttons, VW. We need buttons!! What was I thinking getting one of these- I’m genuinely gutted and it’s been a few days! Big boy pants on, chin up....

[@revolutions88]

so i take it the MK8 isn't that good ?

[@johnhoward6461]

@@revolutions88 I have a mk8 R line for 3 months now and it is a great car, better than the mk7. It seems some people need buttons, however I don’t miss them. I have read a lot of reviews and comments and a lot of negative comments are utter tosh.

[@revolutions88]

@@johnhoward6461 I need rocket launchers and a fast engine to GET TO THE CHOPPA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@neilstait7459]

@@johnhoward6461 so John has your car braked from 70mph to 44mph on the motorway on ACC , has the Sos button dialled while you are driving and fallen from the ceiling , have you needed a new steering wheel yet, do you brakes constantly squeak all faults that are on my 9000mile Golf 8

[@johnhoward6461]

@@neilstait7459 In a word no. No faults at all, only been to the garage for a software update.

[@thomasatanto]

There are a lot of people that like the Golf, they like the good interior quality, good space and the comfortable driving experience but there are more and more rivals that can do this and even more than the Golf. If you look at the Mazda 3, it even has a nicer interior than the Golf and it will be more reliable. If you look at the Ford Focus, it sustains the comfortable driving experience of the golf but offers better handling. The new Toyota Corolla has more cleaner and efficient engines. I have always thought a real negative about the Golf is the price and the amount of standard equipment you get, when you compare it to car brands like Kia and Toyota, it makes VW look mean.

[@matthewsmith2787]

Golfs are decent cars, but they are dull as dishwasher to drive and to look at

[@jamiep61]

I enjoyed watching the Video Review. I also wish there was some physical buttons and better quality materials as well

[@victorgc8]

I have golf 8 1.0 tsi life Is perfect

[@PCEngineer2007uk]

Took mine on a recent drive to the Lake District and got an average MPG of 76.5. (1.5 Petrol engine). Amazing with the new ACT system kicking in now and again.

[@carbuyer]

You can read our full review of the Mk8 Golf here... www.carbuyer.co.uk/volkswagen/golf

[@emilen2]

Good video. Please make sure to normalize the audio next time. It's very low.

[@menifo4334]

i don't think Audi sets the benchmark for interior quality anymore. Not that it ever did as beneath the surface there was a lot to fault with the squeaks and rattles.

[@carbuyer]

We tested the new A3 a few weeks ago and it definitely feels more luxurious inside. Check out our in-depth video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aXTMqpaOnbJ3kJY

[@matthewsmith2787]

VAG group is on par with a Dacia now

[@menifo4334]

@@matthewsmith2787 LOL 👍

[@joshstreet3919]

The 1 Series is by far the best in class for quality now

[@livc444111]

@@joshstreet3919 I read it was the Mazda 3.

[@vladimirart758]

Buttons are better in every way and car!!!

[@carbuyer]

We agree on this one...

[@matthewsmith2787]

Buttons and dials are far easier, using a tablet screen is just wrong and dangerous

[@ianwilson2968]

Why on Earth would you let go of the wheel and reach over to the ‘mystical’ volume button when you can move your thumb 20mm on the wheel stay in control and use the buttons on the wheel? I. Can’t remember the last time I used the volume button.

[@KazanKhan786]

Love the new and improved reviews💙 keep up the good work 💥💫

[@carbuyer]

Thanks! Loads more great content (and cool cars!) to come.

[@tomphillips8449]

Best car reviewer on here since matt may start watching this channel again if she's on more often

[@carbuyer]

Nic will be presenting plenty more videos! Stay tuned.

[@chriso8485]

You are only saying that because she is an attractive female, as a result you are sexist

[@Silver-st2zq]

That new headlight designed is horrendous looking along with a down graded interior who on earth would bother when you could have a Seat or even better go French or Japanese.

[@carbuyer]

We've got a review of the new SEAT Leon coming soon!

[@matthewsmith2787]

They have cost cut too clearly on this model. Who ever designed this Golf wants sacked, they have ruined a great car

[@villeandersson9501]

The Seat I worse then this just look at the interior of the seat and you see the hard plastics

[@antonthompson7838]

@@matthewsmith2787 There’s cost cutting going on across the board, because car makers are investing billions in electric cars, this will probably be the final Golf with maybe a modest update. In most of Europe governments are banning brand new internal combustion engined cars, from 2030 onwards all new cars have to be electric.

[@duncanidaho7494]

@@antonthompson7838 that too and also the vw group payed a lot of fines in the last years... so they cut in the quality department. Same for the new A3

[@mllh2022]

Shark Tank: There are no physical buttons, and for this reason...I'm out.

[@Kenny_P_abz]

Bit late with a golf review. Worth it for the presenter though, a real talented breath of fresh air.

[@hamzamunir1286]

You should do the all the vw golfs in a drag race

[@georgedowns4034]

It's about time. I thought u said u would post every week- been nearly 2 weeks. Can't wait tho

[@carbuyer]

Yes, we should be back on track now. Thanks :-)

[@kiftikhar]

What a great presenter!

[@davidf4897]

Really?

[@piotrsobczak2866]

I love her

[@Sirikazy]

The camera is all wrong... The side shoot is unnecessary.

[@actualmastermind]

Very low volume. Can't hear anything!

[@mariosp.8531]

I wanted to buy a new car, hatchback preferably. I considered all of these models, but apparently you haven't mentioned the one that I have choose :) Toyota Corolla 2.0L Hybrid. Very good engine performance, amazing consumption and great looks. And of course reliability. Corolla all the way after watching this review too. :)

[@georgedowns4034]

Except the infotainment system but that aside yeh completely agree. Quite underrated I think

[@mariosp.8531]

@@georgedowns4034 just use android auto or apple carplay and everything's fine!

[@georgedowns4034]

@@mariosp.8531 true

[@neilstait7459]

I should have got one-off these

[@-DC-]

VAG cost cutting across the board and it's showing in the products now.

[@Olliebobalong]

Every car manufacturer is cutting corners right now.

[@highmm2696]

@@Olliebobalong Mazda and Peugeot are not

[@YHsTig]

The reviews are getting better , subscribed

[@carbuyer]

Great to have you on board!

[@pbrinzei]

why do you compare Golf with Skoda Scala? I think Scala is made on the polo platform as Fabia. Golf should be compared with Octavia. No mention on the rear suspension which is no longer independent unless a powerful engine is selected. some big cutting on the corners ...

[@carbuyer]

Correct, the Scala is based on the smaller platform but in terms of dimensions and space inside, it is very similar to the Golf. The Octavia straddles two segments really and is a much larger car inside.

[@m88brc]

Boring car, fun presenter!!

[@carbuyer]

Plenty more to come from Nic! Stay tuned.

[@stevenmaginnis1965]

She's a blast! :-)

[@switchfish24]

Wow. This lady is a great reviewer!!! Very well done.

[@timl4257]

First review of hers I've watched. She's great full of personality, refreshing to see on youtube. They've changed the golf too much, vw don't have much character in their cars. Well built but bit drab. Dull interiors. Merc A class or even a Renault Clio are a better bet.

[@DougsCars]

Tiny looking wheels 🤣 then again here in the US we’ll only get the GTI so I won’t see them.

[@RatimirRS]

They've been busy designing the interior? It's full of ugly, cheap plastics, that looks like it's been put together in a rush by a few interns! I do appreciate you mentioning that the competition does it it at least as good, if not better. Otherwise good job making this review fun and interesting, unlike Jenny (or whatever her name is), your predecessor.

[@oliverstemp9132]

Ginny is still great. We now just get Nicola as well

[@RatimirRS]

@@oliverstemp9132 So Ginny is her name?!! She was never good, let alone great! She's meh at best :)

[@adamrice617]

Great review and presenter, but can we not have the pointless second camera peering in from the side while she’s looking at the main camera please?

[@gsmith9133]

Couldn’t you just use the steering wheel to turn the volume up though?

[@thetruth2929]

N9t the point though mate. What if the passenger wants to control the stereo?

[@erfgoedgidsveenhuizen]

Presenters are replaced quicker than Golf models here. With a obsession for young(ish)/hip(ish) people in the same way car makers are obsessed with the Nürnberg ring.

[@ram64man]

Neither the mk 7.5 beats them both because of the interior

[@oliverstemp9132]

The 7 interior is very dated though

[@matthewsmith2787]

@@oliverstemp9132 Never really noticed to be honest

[@ejazahmad2544]

I like her reviews snd her voice

[@christopherdiment2819]

My left ear really enjoyed this video, right ear was struggling, it's too biased to the left side.

[@mauriciogomezweiss1652]

Nicola, great job with the review, it was a while since last time I watched a Carbuyer video, hopefully we'll see more reviews done by you.

[@carbuyer]

Absolutely. Loads more to come!

[@nanayaw747]

So true bro..

[@disarchitected]

Video editing is dizzying. So jarring. I couldn’t finish this.

[@downshiftpedal]

Why do the camera man keep showing the girl from the side view. I am for the car review not face review

[@qrogueuk]

07:50 and 17C, 23/09/2020. Today 5c (in London), 13/12/2020

[@terrificspokesman7416]

8 Bhp 1.0 petrol actually a good choice

[@ThatMarkGilroy]

Great review! Loving Nicola’s presenter style too 👍🏻

[@carbuyer]

We're glad you like it - she's great, isn't she?

[@1m_megapixels]

@@carbuyer yes ... yes she is , a breath of fresh air

[@MU-we8hz]

I prefer the Multipla over this Golf.

[@hamzamunir1286]

Vw golf mk7 and 7.5 were the best

[@antonthompson7838]

I’ve had a 6, 7, 7.5 and I’m waiting for my Golf 8 build date, could be my final Golf 😭

[@duncanidaho7494]

Good reviewer, so much better than James.

[@jorgemarujo9120]

What a great review. Excellent presenter. Congratulations.

[@carbuyer]

Thanks Jorge!

[@tapen678s6]

Awful presentation

[@auchen888dolly8]

Brilliant presenter , she did a first class job ... cheery brilliant .. thanks carbuyer 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@kienfung3045]

Mazda 3 SkyActiv X

[@carbuyer]

Is that the car you'd pick in this class?

[@kienfung3045]

@@carbuyer Yes, so much better looking. Had some Vag cars in the past. It wasn't a succes.

[@matthewsmith2787]

Ford Focus and the A class would be my choice in this segment. It’s a shame because I have always warmed to the Golf

[@emdblues]

audio is mono!

[@meltedunicornz12345]

The car looks nice

[@carboncitizens]

We release Copyright Free Music every Sunday & Wednesday for all content creators!

[@daveh9415]

Great presenter, but the camera where she is not looking at it is so bloomin annoying

[@blarkdexture8899]

Id.3 for me

[@carbuyer]

We think this is a choice many people are making right now! Our ID.3 review will be live in the New Year.

[@Bugside]

Looks... generic?

[@sharonleibel]

2:29 - Clarkson, Is that you under there?

[@Lifeguruonafence]

For me it’s that or the fiesta

[@Yg-te4ig]

Waitwwhat cars. Actually only watching the presenter 😍

[@964tractorboy]

I would ask if you can operate the touchscreen wearing gloves, but as I can't stand touchscreens I won't bother.

[@Adam_____________]

You can’t in the mk7 doubt they would change it

[@964tractorboy]

Thanks Adam. Capacitive touch then presumably.

[@President.]

She is great 👍

[@cbsnco]

Love this woman! Really funny too

[@AT.3DITS]

Not as funny as mat watson

[@turquoisecat761]

@@AT.3DITS Watson is a giggling pillock, so glad when he left this channel.

[@MrSunnyBhoy]

@@turquoisecat761 yeah he tried to hard with crap jokes. I've stopped searching carwow for that reason

[@tinotino9698]

Sandero look alike ;) lol

[@oliverstemp9132]

The Golf suits brighter colours and a high spec level than this. This entry level one is not the best show of the car. The R Line looks great

[@neilstait7459]

Except you have to buy a 550 pound package to obtain the folding mirrors that are standard on the style

[@oliverstemp9132]

@@neilstait7459 very well researched, I’m not too bothered by electrically folding mirrors.

[@neilstait7459]

@@oliverstemp9132 I rejected the r line and had the style which also has a superior air con

[@oliverstemp9132]

@@neilstait7459 R Line has nice seats

[@neilstait7459]

@@oliverstemp9132 not if you are sitting in the back as the headrests have no cut outs so they make the back seat area very dark

[@alirezazadeh]

Definitely a downgrade from the previous model

[@nithinjs88]

car or woman?

[@johnhoward6461]

Utter rubbish comment as are the reviewer’s comments of the interior. I own a Golf 8 and previously had a Golf 7.

[@korgond]

@@johnhoward6461 the interior of the golf 8 is superb in it's class. But some people do rubbish comments

[@antonthompson7838]

I’ve ordered the Golf 8 and I actually thought it was awesome, I had the Golf 7.5 which I’ve now sold I get my new car next month!

[@Cjbx11]

I also have a Golf 8 and have no problem with the interior or use of any of the controls. My only criticism is that the volume and temperature controls don’t light up so are very difficult to see at night.

[@calebwoods9358]

It's nice to see Rebecca is ba-- wait a minute.

[@carr16k]

As with all carbuyer videos, hideous colour grading and poor video resolution even when set at 1080p

[@chriso8485]

Oh they must be so sorry that carr16k is an unhappy bunny. Alarm bells must be ringing in the office.

[@carr16k]

@@chriso8485 lol someone is triggered.

[@SquareoftheyearFM]

Shame there’s no eGolf with the mk8

[@joshstreet3919]

That’s thanks to the I.D3

[@calebwoods9358]

This reviewer is hilarious and super fun to watch and listen to. I am literally only here to watch her reviews lol please don't take that in a creepy way (I'm gay).

[@chriso8485]

Oh you're gay? Do you want a medal?

[@calebwoods9358]

@@chriso8485 I'd like one, yes, please.

[@uniformedhunk]

Nicola has done a fantastic job presenting here, she's easily as good as Rebecca Jackson in my opinion.

[@testtester2911]

I hate that crap black plastic all new cars seem to have in their interiors

[@antonthompson7838]

Because all car manufacturers are investing billions in electric cars, this is probably the final Golf.

[@ianputt2045]

Mk7 is the best for quality and refinement

[@hasantuter3398]

The mirrors don't even fold I have one it's crap getting rid of it asap and getting a honda type r

[@livc444111]

Should have mentioned this generation Golf has done poorly in the Moose test..

[@getmoreforyourcar-bobjones]

I've never seen a reviewer criticise the soft touch top of the dashboard for feeling cheap at 4.10 secs, if it was hard plastic I'd understand. Where's Ginny Buckley?

[@joshstreet3919]

She has her own channel now, electrifying.com. I think it was more aimed at the full cabin, it was just the shot was used as a general image. The Golf has gone downhill in terms of quality fairly considerably.

[@CathodeRayNipplez]

There's a good reason presenters don't use the touch screens when they're driving. "Hey Volkswagen" "Put drivers window down" 'I don't understand that command'.... Fail

[@mert2mert]

Your voice is not centered!

[@AyyLondon]

Carbuyer is a shell of what it once was....in this video alone there were too many cut scenes, transitions were not very smooth, and the horrible side view...this video nearly gave me a headache

[@carbuyer]

Sorry to hear that. It's a constantly evolving format, and we'll take that feedback on board.

[@simply_tom]

Fantastic presenter!

[@JMB1891]

Bit try hard for me.

[@mouhsssin6840]

I wish get one , one of my favorite cars

[@Slothdeman]

This is not a Golf... It has no character... You can call this another cheap 2020 car And by cheap I mean by mass production. This certainly isn't worth the money!

[@timothyhh]

Where's Ginny?

[@loftysaltmarsh69]

Love your new presenter.

[@carbuyer]

Thanks. Plenty more to come from both Nic and Rich.

[@edwardvalivonis23]

Where is Rebecca?

[@alicebailey4353]

Nice to see a new and quirky presenter, bonus for the channel

[@25500]

95% of users and car reviewers PREFER TO HAVE PHYSICAL BUTTONS, but VW keeps producing those terrible sliders (not even iluminated)...incredible.

[@jerryrawlings8885]

25500x Yeah not illuminated I don't know how they let that slide (pardon the pun) but thats shocking quality control.

[@MrZaragon62]

I always wondered what a female version of Mat Watson would be like - absolutely wonderful!

[@ww2explorer]

I have this car ,but, I can't say I like it. General build quality is quite poor. Software awful and not very user friendly. If you are used to a golf like myself I would go for the previous 7.5 facelift model.

[@TumurMgl]

something special about the girl not much about the Car !

[@DoubleDeckerAnton]

A great car, bit boring, unlike the presenter. Please dont film the presenter, when they are not looking at the camera. It just doesnt feel right.

[@harishharish1932]

lov u gerl

[@lukascat7865]

Love Carbuyer but video quality is pretty bad for 1080p.( being free and all i shouldn't say anything so please continue and don't mind me)

[@carbuyer]

Hi Lukas, this may be because the video has only just been uploaded to the channel - sometimes that affects quality. Hoping you can stick with us!

[@lukascat7865]

@@carbuyer Sure.My bad.Good work you do

[@amorylazlo9579]

why is she looking out of shot? Who is she talking to?

[@jeremyjs8863]

Nicola is good presenter, but video production is way off the pace - way off.

[@JackKing12.]

Looks dull...

[@carbuyer]

Hopefully you're talking about the car!

[@JackKing12.]

@@carbuyer yes the car 🤣...she looks 👍

[@matthewsmith2787]

All Golfs are dull to a certain extent, but at least they were well made, this one feels cheaper

[@realtalk7571]

Much better then Carwow!! 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@tapen678s6]

Not a good presenter at all, didn't even talk about the steering waste of time.

[@ioannovichful]

👍👍👍

[@opencarry3860]

The Golf MK8 is a Big disappointment. That sloping roofline is horrible looking, it can't decide if it's a fastback or a hatchback.

[@matthewsmith2787]

Can’t say I am hugely impressed

[@ND-dg2xo]

Sitting not sat ffs

[@shanjanusman9974]

Its a declining segment

[@carbuyer]

SUVs are growing in popularity, for sure. But there's still a huge market for family hatchbacks!

[@matthewsmith2787]

I disagree, there is many new Golfs on the roads. SUVs may be more practical but they are worse on fuel

[@macker8017]

She looks like she about to start dancing at any moment bet she likes rugby players and hot curry

[@kr-ot5ip]

Carwow from wish