MK7.5 VW GOLF GTI 230 VS GTI PERFORMANCE - WHICH IS BEST?

[@robtallentire1051]

Fantastic comparison mate. Keep up the amazing work 💪🏻💙

[@volkswizard]

Thank so much Rob, very much appreciated 👊🏻

[@kevinclarke9933]

My Mk 7.5, 3-door, very low mileage Performance was replaced by a Mk 8 Clubsport in March. It wasn’t until the Mk 7.5 went that I truly realised just how connected I’d become to it. We could do anything together and the car was admired by everyone. I love owning my new Clubsport, but wonder if I’ll ever have the same connection. Loved all the many Golfs I’ve owned over the years, the 7.5 Performance was however, something special.

[@simonehayes4911]

We are like that now with our Ed40 Clubsport, 3 years into ownership and can’t see us ever selling it now, nothing out there that even remotely interests us unless throw £20k on top of our sale price.

[@j.h-sr7em]

Ahhh dude. That comment hit like a Truck Kevin. I had a 1.0 mk7.5 SE as my first car and now I drive a mk8 GTD and I do not feel the same way as I did for that little 3 cylinder 1.0 tbh. I can only imagine how you miss your GTI performance!!

[@j.h-sr7em]

@@bielmelichartes2167 went for the GTD as I needed to do a lot of 70mph driving, day in day out, the GTI wouldn't have been a good idea for me then

[@footbollpro]

How is it living with the infotainment system in the mk8? Just find it very hard to live with if I have no physical buttons to adjust the aircon when I’m driving

[@j.h-sr7em]

Honestly once youre used to it, no bother

[@Infernations]

Having owned both the 230 and performance (230 for about 12k more miles and both a manual gearbox) I will always say the performance spec is the one I would go for, It just has more of a presence about it and just leaves you with more of a smile, which at the end of the day is priceless in itself.

[@markhill2173]

I have an Octavia VRS 245 Estate which is the same setup as the GTI Performance. Obviously not quite as quick and nimble as the Golf due to it's size but it's genuinely all the car I will ever need. Masses of space for the kids, wife, dog and all their stuff. More than quick enough and handles well for such a practical car. 40MPG if driven sensibly and circa 300BHP with just a remap.

[@stuartlawrenson4632]

Got a 7.5 performance with manual. Had it a couple of years. All the car you need. Absolutely epic puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. Great video as ever.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks so much Stuart. Glad you like your 7.5 Performance and it makes you smile, great cars can really brighten your day ⭐

[@xOMastaPOx]

Also a manual owner and love it!

[@simongb7897]

Looking to buy one now, never driven a DSG, what's better? DSG or Manual

[@Serlos78]

Last month brought a two owner 7.5 PP dsg with 10k miles. On 18's with DCC. Come from an X3 M40i and a M140i before that. Different cars for different occasions obvs but never felt as much confidence driving as i do with the VW

[@nonstopgamingYT1]

I have a 2019 GTI PP and one of the few options missing is DCC. After driving one with DCC on the standard wheels though I couldn’t really see a difference compared to the passive damper car. Both had 18” wheels (Milton Keynes & Seville). Maybe it’s only really a worthwhile option if you’ve got 19s 🤷‍♂️

[@alexanderdt5992]

Driving an 18” car, I can confirm. There is a difference with the dcc, but on an 18” car I don’t consider it necessary.

[@PhantomScottZ]

I have the MK7.5 non performance pack DSG and no DCC installed. Quite a budget one, but I do have the art velour seats and Brescia wheels as options. Not got the car brand new but it was specc'd well and bought it just before Covid hit in 2020. I do think as a daily driver the 230hp variant is enough for usuable power. I find it safer to quickly match the speed when merging on to faster roads and perform overtakes when the timing allows. Also added benefit as a non PP owner I only just have the DSG service to worry about next, no LSD service 🙂 I was looking at performance packs back in the end of 2019 but it was a stretch out of budget. Probably was fetching today's Mk7.5 Golf R money at the time which was too much for me, to buy and then run. Great video

[@PhantomScottZ]

@@amritabhaktas Yes having researched it does state 3 years or around 30k miles. Bit of a debate going round, but I'd say at a minimum whichever comes first.

[@alexandrenogueiradasilva7983]

I own a MY19 performance GTI with DCC, 19 inch wheels and a manual gearbox, and it is just perfect! Being a MY19, with the DKTB engine (same as this one), it has the GPF. I guess it doesn’t sound as nice as a non GPF model and probably it should also be slightly down on performance, even thought they state the same power and torque figures.

[@man1to]

Non PP 230 manual owner here... But with 322bhp 😅 and pp brakes

[@shezbrook1720]

I know it's a bit late but there's a VW golf Gti performance with DCC on auto trader in Doncaster withe really low milage it's silver I thought I'd let you know sorry if there's any spelling mistakes I have a brain injury . It's a silver one with leather interior looks in great condition shez

[@rob_lightbody]

I've got a car identical to the white one. Like he says at the start, when on the used market you choose the best car you can find, rather than precisely what you'd specify if buying new. I love it to bits and only notice missing performance pack very occasionally. I love the DCC and dynaudio and enjoy both daily.

[@volkswizard]

DCC and Dynaudio on a 230 makes a great package, enjoy Rob!

[@neilprofitt1381]

Hey there Mr C. Neil here, from many moons ago, train driver from Kent. Went to GTi international with you, Iain and Morag, Andy Reynolds etc. How are you?

[@pauljonkers4359]

I own a Golf 7 GTI (Performance, manual) from 2014. My next car could be a Golf 7,5 GTI with Performance-pack and DCC, although DCC seems rather rare (in the Netherlands), even in combination with the Performance-pack.

[@BobK5]

Fab video, nailed it with ‘the perfect car’ and ‘classless’. Although ‘perfect’ there are a couple items that are annoying. With the DSG box in manual the horrible ‘kick down’ still operates even when you’ve already selected your desired gear, it’s crazy. Water runs off the roof and comes into the cockpit when the doors are opened. One last big problem especially for 7.5 performance dsg, dcc, dyn audio, sun protection, is that there isn’t anything around you can move on to without losing something. I did one of those Supercars days, spent all day driving around a track in Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston Martin, Nissan Gtr, Audi etc which was great, got back in my 7.5 performance and knew immediately that it was the best drive of them all to me. A helpful video would be to find and show another VW that model that could replace the 7.5 performance because I can’t see one.

[@Piner5074]

Good to know, because when I had my 230, I always wondered if I’d made an error for not stretching that tiny bit for the Performance. Nearly all the time it was a commuter and family car, and I had very little opportunity to really test it very often. Even had a Performance beat from traffic lights to 40mph speed camera once 😂

[@sanmiguel4019]

Bought a factory order GTI PP DSG back in 2018, Isaac Blue Steel, Art Velours, Brescias, DCC, Sunroof, Dynaudio, Park Assist and Heated Windscreen, loved that car. Got written off in July 2020 while visiting my mum in Oxford, while parked overnight some kids in a stolen car drove into the side of it, pushed it onto the pavement and skewered it into a lampost. Have got a Macan now, but somehow I still miss the GTI.

[@volkswizard]

Jeez that's a very sad story especially for a car with that spec. Macan is a wonder of technology but I can see why you miss that GTI

[@Petrolhead66]

Would be interested in the ride quality of the performance with the std 18" wheels compared to the 19"

[@butchmeister80]

Always wanted a 7.5 after the 7 water pump issue put me off now got a mk 8 R line as the mk 7 platform is ten years old now

[@volkswizard]

The bad news Butch is that the 7.5 suffers from the same water pump BS of the Mk7. So far it appears the Mk8 is better (but has it's own set of well documented issues). The actual platform of the Mk7 and Mk8 is not that difference (MQB vs MQB Evo) but VW will have no doubt made refinements (and cost savings) to the newer car which will make it better and cheaper to manufacture. Obviously the infotainment on Mk8 is far more advanced and when it actually works properly will be a massive step forward.

[@johnw2758]

Don't forget the 7.5 has a GPF, not quite as critical as the DPF but still kicks in now and again if making lots of short journeys. A way to tell if it's kicked in is, you get a real hit on mpg, the fan runs on when parked up and there is a different tone of engine/exhaust noise and feels slightly sluggish. The fuel line rattle is/can still be a thing though but easily remedied with. some cable ties. VW have worked wonders with the exhaust tone though (not the Soundaktor btw) and I often get asked if I've got an aftermarket exhaust fitted ( I haven't). I had the Mk7 and foolishly sold it to buy a BMW X1, I then sold that and bought the Mk7.5. If I was to change though I would seriously look at the newer Polo GTI...

[@thebrokenmachinex5314]

Great video I have since new a 2018 gti performance with dcc and its a lovely drive and about to go from the standard 18inch wheels to the 19 inch Pretoria

[@johngraydon506]

Do say how you got on with 19” i had them as standard but wondered about 18”s given the lousy roads in uk. qo” likely quicker but 18”s quieter softer?

[@Mavericks104]

I have a MK7.5 GTI TCR 290 absolutely love it wouldn’t be changing it for a very very long time, has everything I need and I still love the look of it

[@volkswizard]

It's a great all rounder the TCR, did many happy miles in my Pure Grey 3 door in 2020

[@NiceGuyAidey]

It is indeed very difficult to get a tidy Golf Gti pp , i have seen a few this last months and they were dogs, covered in little marks and interiors not looked after so its a no no for me...

[@volkswizard]

It's always the way with GTIs, first owners can be animals not helped by the fact they were giving them away in 2019

[@NiceGuyAidey]

@@volkswizard Yes such a shame, I was offered a MK8 ed45 for £44k a few weeks ago but passed lol

[@visionsinblue7093]

I bought red-edged black seatbelts for my '18 Performance 5dr (standard tartan upholstery but leather centre armrest) - brightens the interior up considerably. Cost me about £500 in total though (after programming).

[@volkswizard]

I know of a guy who swaps seat belts on Porsches and presumably other brands, very tempting as it’s such a nice touch. My 7CSS has got red edge at least. Those 3 colour bmw m belts are the best though 👌

[@dunnoreally4308]

Excellent Andrew, been waiting for this comparison for a long time. Happy with my std.base 2018 spec 230. Part of me would like a PP for the look; the red badges and the bigger brakes. The mech. slip would be wasted on me my GTI is a family daily. Keep up the great content, cheers Mark

[@kai_291]

I have a base 230hp also, I removed the Chrom badges or swapped them to black ones. And swapped the front brakes to the 340mm pp brakes

[@PowerslideSWE]

Very good comparison. I had a 2017 GTP PP 5-door manual back in 2019, for some reason I didn't gel with it at all, I came from a BMW E39 M5 so the Golf didn't feel fast or anything special at all at that time so I sold it shortly after, NOW tho they seem like a really good upgrade from my current UP GTI which I absolutely love, problem is that a low milage well specced PP is as or if not more expensive to buy now than they were as 2 year old back then.

[@alexanderdt5992]

Was the performance equiped with the particulate filter? I understand the exhaust system was adapted on the opf cars to get back some sound.. I’ve heard from other people that because of this the gti’s with opf actually got a bit louder than the non opf cars. I drive a manual 7.5 gti performance manual with passive suspension, a manual gearbox and 18” wheels. I must say 18” does make a big difference in terms of comfort. I really love this setup on my car, whereas on 19” it did loose a lot of compliance. Tyre pressures are as ever very important aswel in this regards.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Alexander. That's a very good question re OPF, I think the Performance car must have been equipped with one. Weirdly both had clean exhaust tips which I put down to the OCD previous owners as the 230 would have been too early to have one. You are spot on re OPF being louder, so many people assume that the cars are quieter with an OPF but it's all down to exhaust tuning, some manufacturers just added OPF and the cars were quieter but VW seemed to see them as an opportunity to make the cars louder, maybe louder means less Co2? I had 70 reg Golf R from new and I couldn't believe how loud it was, pops and bangs too! 18s suit the UK roads, just wish the factory wheeks were a 1/2 inch wider to fill the arches. You got that with the 19s on Golf so it can be done but VW think buyers will pay for 18 to 19 upgrade but not 7.5 to 8J on 18 inch wheels.

[@kevinfairley1423]

Great vlog mate .Loved the comparison on the two models. Am running a 18 plate 230 on DCC manunal done 28000 .miles straight from VW used car full leather upgrade .Even on sports mode it easy drive for every ocasion. Still standard exsuast with bit beef .😉 cheers for info on sports package.

[@jonnyfez]

Nice video. Good to see comparisons like this. I actually like 3 doors on the sporty Golfs. Having had a MK7 R 3dr DSG I think the GTI looks sportier than the R but the move to 5 door only was not right. I understand it’s a family car but there are also singles/couples who like them. The MK7 R and 7.5 Golf R were very stealthy and looked very plain. I now have a MK7 7.5 GTi Performance (5 door) and I love it. It’s nowhere near the league of the old MK7 R on performance but I think it’s very well balanced in terms of fun, practicality and economy. I have been looking around as mines 5 years old now and I honestly can’t find a new car I’d want to replace it with. It’s also a White Silver which is a great colour. I’m not really tempted by the Mk8 due to the internals and lack of tactile interface. I think if I was getting a MK7.5 GTI Performance I’d try to get dynamic chassis which I don’t have.

[@flyingcod14]

Nice comparison, love these cars. I owned a fantastic MK7 GTI for a few months (before it was stolen) but if I get a lottery win, this is the one car I would immediately buy. DCC would be nice.

[@j99bgr]

Adore the 7.5 GTI. I think this was one of the best versions of the GTI. (Edition 40 is still my faveourite). Interior of both cars is amazing. Art Velours are stunning and not very common at all really, my faveourite option for sure. Very special looking. Having the 7.5 Discover Pro fitted to my CS and looking forward to having the upgrades and quality improvements. 7.5 was just a really good overall car. Some new bits I learnt from this, as always seems to be the case. The gearboxes was the one big thing I never knew! Both amazing cars for the money and would be happy with either or of them. (Would go for the Performance over the GTI if I had to choose). Another great video, Andrew! Look forward to the Nurburgring content to follow soon, will keep you posted on the CS40 trip next week!

[@j99bgr]

I did also find a 3 door Golf handle significantly better than a 5 door. 3 door feels a light tighter and rigid. Might be the only chassis difference. I also strongly agree a Clubsport feels awful on the 19's without DCC. Had one previously and didn't enjoy it at all. The passive on 18" is far more compliant and more enjoyable, I've found.

[@volkswizard]

I'm glad you agree re 19s and passive dampers on 7CS. I don't want to criticise peoples cars but I bought one to sell when I had my first Clubsport S and thought it might be a cheaper version of same car (it also had buckets and was a black 3 door). Drove it from Manchester into Peak District and quickly turned around and appreciated my Clubsport S that bit more :)

[@volkswizard]

Thanks as ever Josh! Got nothing booked yet for the 'ring, just waiting for another CSS owner to confirm if he can come, if he can then the content will be worth waiting for! Hope you trip goes well and you get the weather and be safe because it's a very dangerous place (but have lots of fun too!)

[@j99bgr]

@@volkswizard Look forward to the content regardless. CS S content is always enjoyable (maybe bias). I think we’ll be okay, but it’s always a thing to worry about weather wise in the eiffle mountains! Thanks, mate! Safety is my top concern so will do my best to keep myself and the car in one piece?

[@MattHealey.]

Just got back into a 7.5 golf and went for a PP on standard wheels and dampers. Love it. Had several GTDs and R and this is a corker.

[@volkswizard]

Nice work and welcome back 👏🏻

[@garymcgregor7048]

Wow very informative Andrew. I too had overlooked these, but realising the differences they add up to quite a lot. This shows in second hand prices I'm guessing.

[@robertcoughlan8272]

Another great video Andrew, maybe I should have gone for a 7.5 Gti Performance with Dcc instead of my Mk8 Clubsport considering all the trouble I’ve had with it 😔😔😔

[@ritchiegfm]

Great and informative comparison! It would be interesting to see a similar video with your thoughts on the manual. I’ve got a Mk7.5 GTI PP manual which I love but sometimes wonder if I should have should have gone down the DSG and DCC route

[@easyE0287]

Just wondering is the water ingress issues still there? I'm looking to buy a 2020 GTI.i keep seeing about water leaks in the rear and under the door and sunnroof

[@kentowers2802]

We have a very early mk7.5 same colour and wheels as this only it’s a manual 5 door Been a great car No front fog lights same as yours - I enquired why ours doesn’t have fog lights and apparently it was hit and miss whether your car had them or not due to a parts shortage!

[@volkswizard]

Thanks for the feedback Ken, never noticed lack of foglights! I'm now going to keep an eye out for them

[@kentowers2802]

@@volkswizard our neighbour has a the same car on a 67 plate and theirs has the fog lights and I think ours looks better! Apparently VW offered compensation to customers that complained as in the brochures it said U.K. cars had fog lights!

[@robsx4280]

Good video as usual Andrew. I am quite tempted by the 230,(love the white silver). my current daily is a MK2 Leon FR 197bhp, ive had it from new and still feels pretty nippy but fancy a change.

[@davidkelly4401]

@volkswizard I’m looking to buy an R estate my budget is right but I’m wondering is there much of a difference day to day between a mk7 and a mk7.5 in particular with the 6/7 speed dsg? Thanks

[@MikeyG1611]

I have a White Silver 230 GTI with the 19" Brescia wheels and PS4 tyres, I love it and drive with traction to sport everywhere haha, however I do feel like I need more

[@volkswizard]

You may be a good candidate for the Performance model one day but don't think your 230 is that far behind :)

[@AntagonistUK]

Remap it

[@RUDDY997]

Andrew, MK7.5 performance manual 3 dr or Porsche 997.2 ? Help , I cant decide

[@DrFod]

I got incredibly lucky with my GTI PP. Bought it at two years old just before the pandemic and the original owner had gone to town with the options, with dcc, dynaudio, art velours and much more. I'm going to hold on to it for at least a couple more years.

[@a19hkg33]

I got the 7.5 non PP with 6 speed DSG over the PP 7 speed so I could have the DSG farts and also didn’t want GPF 👌

[@bird-dog81]

Get the farts mapped back in. That's what I did with mine

[@SuperMarny]

@@bird-dog81 hi which map did you get?

[@bird-dog81]

@SuperMarny custom map from a company called More bhp.

[@SuperMarny]

@@bird-dog81 ah in Crewe? Sound mate thanks for that 👍🏻

[@bird-dog81]

@@SuperMarny yes in crewe mate.

[@fatwalletboy2]

I guess if you might want to re tune your car the pp gti is the better base to start from with those brakes and diff that you dont have on the 230.

[@volkswizard]

Ahh well tuning changes everything and definitely worth starting with PP or even better, a Leon Cupra 280/290 which has the stronger EA888 engine to start off with. Only GTI to get it was the Clubsport/Clubsport S and TCR which are quite a chunk more expensive. You also get DCC as standard with Cupra 280/290 and if you are lucky bucket seats and 380mm Brembos as well as standard VAQ diff of course,

[@fatwalletboy2]

Byvthe way i love your relaxed style of presenting....keep up the good work.

[@jasonlowe8011]

Thank you! Such practical reviews for normal people in the real world. I recently purchaesed a Mk7 PP with DSG and DCC after driving all the fast Golfs. I think a stage 1 tune and changing the 19" to 18" wheels would make it just right.

[@volkswizard]

Glad you enjoyed the review Jason. Agreed re your plans for you Mk7 PP, just make sure the map isn't too aggressive as traction is tricky even with the VAQ when if throttle is mapped too aggressively in order to make the car feel fast

[@robertcocks2145]

Should have watched this before buying that very Performance from APS! Still love it without DCC!

[@Musti.1973]

Hi Andrew great video on comparison, my mk7 performance pack has DCC use it everyday for my daily drive to work and also perfect for long journeys too. Plus I have stage 1 my car last summer and it's just epic to drive and being a manual gearbox is what I love best. Anyone out there wanting to buy recommend DCC 100% 😊

[@yodo5701]

Great video! So the 7 speed doesn’t have any DSG farts? 😢

[@volkswizard]

Thanks so much! This one didn't no, even in Sport mode. The gearbox seems to slur a bit between changes rather than stop and start in between gears which doesn't seem to offer the abrupt fuel cut off of the older cars which causes the farts.

[@visionsinblue7093]

Great comparison, really riveting! Next step will be to try both cars with 18" alloys to see if DCC really is needed 😆 CM Wheels do the Brescia-style alloys (Clubsport) in 18" for under £500 a set, that was my choice when I got bored of the standard 18" Milton Keynes alloys 🤣

[@volkswizard]

Trying out all the difference variations would be good. Pretty sure I’ve not tried a car on the 18s without DCC, that includes 7CS and 7.5 TCR

[@Pkari]

@@volkswizard My take from living with the 245 GTI mk8 (18" no DCC) and Cupra Leon VZ 300 (19" with DCC) is that DCC is still worthwhile but not if it has to break the bank. The GTI was much less harsh in town than the Cupra in comfort mode (especially with tires aired down slightly which I can risk with 18s but never with 19s). However, with DCC set to softest (individual mode) in the Cupra 19", the ride is significantly softer than in the Golf 18". That said, the 18" no DCC ride was definitely good enough for my daily, it's absolutely not a deal breaker. I would not be happy with 19" no DCC because after a year with the Cupra I still find myself switching to individual mode around town thanks to tram tracks and manholes, I have set DCC to softest in this mode.

[@ritchiegfm]

How do you like the CMWheels 18” Brescias? I’m currently in a similar situation with the standard 18s

[@visionsinblue7093]

@@ritchiegfm they've been great, no issues so far. The offset is lower than standard GTI alloys so they fit the arches better 😁

[@uweboker5983]

Thanks for the great and interesting review! I would also say, that the DCC is a decisive point in the GTI, because it makes daily driving easier and more comfortable.

[@volkswizard]

Thank you Uwe for watcing and commenting, DCC is a very underated option for sure

[@leebradfield2438]

I do like the mk7.5 but my budget didnt stretch that far so I got the mk7 performance pack with dsg & dcc, I love it, put it into comfort on the motorway and it is so comfortable.

[@nekmath]

Which is a better choice, Golf 7 performance pack 230ps or Golf 7 performance pack 245ps? And why?

[@a19hkg33]

Performance better of the two. But I don’t like the GPF on the PP so I got the non PP 7.5 GTI instead

[@xOMastaPOx]

Currently have a Black pearl 3dr PP with those wheel. You mentioned how narrow the wheel are which I don’t like, how wide do you think I can go on these? Getting new rubber soon and would love to go a bit wider

[@jamesbrowne7601]

The 230 version is cheaper than the performance model I’ve seen a few for sale for only £22k where as the performance pack your looking at £26-30k depending on mileage. I wanted a performance one in black like the one in this clip but couldn’t find one & got inpatient & got a GTD mk7.5 Dsg with the Brescia wheels that looks exactly the same as performance model in this clip apart from twin exhaust. If I change which I probably won’t for a while I’d rather get a mk7.5 GTI performance or clubsport than a mk8

[@jonathanphang]

Great video and nice to hear your thoughts. Im in the process of getting rid of my MK6 GTD as shes had her day, and although originally looking into 7.5 Rs, I'm now leaning towards the GTI Performance. My interest was to do with DCC as I've heard contrasting things about it - though that may vary with wheel size choice. I have a decent priced GTI-P with everything I'd want at a dealer nearby, except DCC so I'm really umming and ahhing about it. Thanks again for the video - great content.

[@volkswizard]

DCC is so rare I wouldn't hold out for it. If you buy a car with 19s and find the ride too hard, swap for 18s and it should just about be OK but all depends where you live and what you are used to. Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you for watching and commenting. PS you made the right choice ;)

[@jonathanphang]

@@volkswizard you're not wrong about it being rare, that's for sure. Everywhere I've researched whether it be R, TCR, GTI all seem to say its worth it esp on 19s. Lots of driving hols with the family, so keen to try it and get it if possible. Drove a normal GTIPP on 19s and have to say it was better than my GTD 😂. Have a couple with the right miles and spec that I want to drive and we will see after that. Doesn't seem to affect price that much so if I can get it it will be a bonus. If it doesn't work out might drive a few more with 18s. Keep up the stellar work. Thanks for taking the time to reply.

[@rogergarza494]

Is there something I am missing with the headlights and rear lights flashing like in your video, I have a 2015 GTI SE, is this a feature or something aftermarket?

[@volkswizard]

The flashing is simply the result of filming, in real life they are static

[@briankeenan6553]

Just had a chance to watch this one, really really interesting how the 2 cars matched up. That DCC is a demon .. better catch up on the other videos ..! Keep the good work up ❤🙏

[@volkswizard]

Glad you enjoyed it Brian, thanks so much - means a lot

[@Theferrariguy]

Excellent review! I actually used your advice im my gti purchase earlier This week. Got a 230 3 door manual

[@volkswizard]

Great to hear TFG! Hope it lives up to expectations, the simple pleasure of a 230 3dr manual is hard to ignore ❤

[@Theferrariguy]

@@volkswizard yeah hopefully I knew after the test drive it was the one for me 😊 not getting it till Thursday as well

[@trentweston8306]

Hi mate I am looking into buying a Volkswagen golf but there is a lot I don't know about them. I've Had Hondas and a BMW before but I've always liked the golf. My main hesitation is reliability and repair costs (I live in America so the costs here will be different of course). Performance wise I'm sure stock or near stock would satisfy me Fuel economy I'm sure is decent Interior room??? Interior quality seems like it can vary quite a bit . . . I'd be buying a Golf GTI from 2016 or newer depending upon what I find and what I like the most. Do you have videos on those years? I'd hate to make you repeat yourself for an internet stranger like me. 😅 What problems are those years prone to? (2016 up to now) Can old people get into a GTI or is it too low for some of them? Thank you for any help you can give me 👍👍

[@jamesc9229]

I'm looking for a 7.5 but I want the dynamic light assist and curve option on the headlights as i do a lot of night driving. I want to be able to leave the full beams on and let the shuters mask out the beam when a car comes. Online has mixed comments saying that the DLA only comes as standard with the performance pack and some say it only comes as standard on 2019 and newer GTI's. Could you possibly do a video explaining this and also how both features work?

[@jasonboyle7203]

Never owned a vw before but the 5dr would be my preference. Informative episode 👌

[@steveburroughs7343]

I always thought the brakes alone were worth it on my GTi PP. in any case, it was such a fun drive. Very interesting video mate.

[@sanmiguel4019]

Brakes on a GTI PP are phenomenal!

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Steve, yep Golf R brakes on a GTI is never going to be bad and they aren't too dear to replace, same size discs as Clubsport S and TCR just not 2 piece but that's nice upgrade a lot of people are doing. Only for looks if they don't use them on track ;)

[@teddyscorner9200]

Lost dsg farts because of the OPF I believe

[@kingjaf]

Here in the US, the performance pack became std in 2019. The car is rated at 228, but the car does not require premium fuel. My guess is on 92+ octane, it makes the 240 number they quote for UK PP GTI. Can anyone verify?

[@volkswizard]

Interesting. What do you get officially with the Performance Pack over there? If you know the engine code I can check to see if matches the Euro spec.

[@steve74wilson]

Mind if I help out here with the fuel grades from US to Europe 🙂 Roughly speaking US 92 (AKI) grade is the UK & Europe is 97 (RON) fuel, our better fuel. @kingjaf @volkswizard. The US uses regular/ premium grade terms as is such a large place and the fuel blends are different at sea level to the mountain regions but adjusted for altitude to have the same anti knock levels. I used to work in a oil refinery and worked on Analysers that checked the batches of fuel (the clever people worked out how to blend the different elements to make Petrol/Gasoline/ Motor Spirit )

[@jmc4975]

I always use the 2nd tier 89 over here. I was worried because the octane rating for fuel is done differently over here than the UK. For example, octane 90 US is the same as octane 95 UK. So 89 is roughly the same as 93/94. I haven't noticed a difference personally though but premium fuel is cheaper than using fuel additives. I think most performance numbers they produce are with the fuel that's recommended in the handbook.

[@kingjaf]

@@volkswizard it is a DKFA engine code

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Brilliant comparison video Both great cars We owned a 15 plate red golf Gti for around 4yrs. And it was the roll out 220ps model and me & my wife loved it :)

[@malchowle5618]

My mk7 performance on 14 plate with DCC great drive I love it..wonderful vid to see how the younger siblings compared thank you😊

[@volkswizard]

Thank you Malc🙌🏻

[@garymitten]

Would you go DSG in both choices or is one better in manual (or both)?

[@johnguidetti5839]

DSG.

[@volkswizard]

I think I'd go DSG in the 230 because it will make it feel faster as it shifts gear when you probably wouldn't but there is no right or wrong, how much time you spend in traffic jams will have an influence too

[@DMRMOTORSPORT]

Great review. Are these both 7.5 cars.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks, yes they are both 7.5 - in other countries they are called Mk7 Facelift or GP

[@chrisp4899]

I think the front discs are 312 on my polo gti not vented on the back though

[@volkswizard]

Probably all you need with the lighter Polo, overbrake the back of a car and it can become dangerous hence why Up! GTI doesn't want or need rear discs

[@Riceyminimad]

Hi volkswizard. I’ve got a 7.5 golf GTI and I’ve noticed recently when I go to unlock my car by pressing the unlock on the fob or by putting my hand behind handle (keyless) it makes the unlock noise twice and delays the opening of the wing mirrors. Do you know why this is happening?? It’s like I’m pressing the unlock twice when I’m not. One thing I have noticed is once I’ve driven it and come back to the car it’s fine 🤷‍♀️

[@cliveweir]

Great comparison and very timely as a non-pp 7.5 owner itching for an upgrade. How would you rate an R against the PP? Both can be found for similar 💰

[@jaypeegolf]

I went from a 7.0 230 to an R and then to a 7.5 PP. The 7.5 PP felt more lively and nimble compared to the R and plenty fast enough for me.

[@cliveweir]

@@jaypeegolf thanks 👍 I doubt I need any more speed. The e-diff and 7-speed dsg interests me more, did you notice any differences ?

[@jaypeegolf]

@@cliveweir the 7.5 is my first DSG and whilst I don't really 'need' it I am enjoying it. Miss a bit of a heel and tow and unnecessary downshifts nevertheless. 🙂

[@jrushen4235]

Great video. Love the MK 7 in any guise.

[@volkswizard]

They are a great car for sure J👊🏻

[@madern7]

You have no idea how handy this video is.

[@DarrenJMHughes]

I was really intrigued with this video review between these to GTi’s. I sometimes wonder do I really need the diff on a daily basis and even on a spirited run in normal mode I find my car fine to drive. Unless you are ‘pushing-on’ then the Vaq diff does come into its own. I think I would rather have the DCC option rather than the diff. Which goes with how you conclude the video. One option you did not note was that neither car had keyless start; which is probably safer and something I miss. Anyway, great video Andrew.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Darren. VAQ is very clever when it's working (which it often isn't) but depends how you drive I suppose, being 'just' a GTI there's no obligation for the owner to thrash the **** out of it on a daily basis so quite a few owners will never feel the benefit. Keyless remained an option until right at the end and yes it's definitely good not to have it. Plus the pan roofs are becoming a really nightmare with lots of stories of warranty repairs not being done right when they crack and the ones that have been done right crack again! Shame as I like a pan roof and in Mk7 they were ok.

[@DarrenJMHughes]

@@volkswizard yes it’s very clever when it works and I’m very grateful that I have it as when the moment arises and the traffic gods are in your favour and on the right toad, it’s a hoot to drive. I like the idea of a pan roof, but tbh, it’s an option I would not spec if I could have. Is the 6 speed dsg slightly less smooth than the 7. I guess the ratios are different rather than an extra gear added on to a 6?

[@MattHealey.]

Out of those two I’d take the black 5 door. Especially for the 7 speed.

[@volkswizard]

No bad choice there but that's definitely a good one Matt!

[@sineil759]

Great video, how do you know if your car has DCC though?

[@volkswizard]

I says DCC when you go into driving modes screen plus the dampers have a plug on them (you can see both in vid👍)

[@uweboker5983]

I drove the 7.5 Performance for 2 years. DCC is an option. You have a button in the middle console where you can activate the menu, where you can choose between the modes like comfort, sport and individual settings where you can adjust a lot of things. DSG is a must have in the GTI, because the car feels like it has at least 20 HP more than with a normal manual gearbox.

[@kieranmcloughlin7335]

Miss my 7.5 GTI Clubsport. Got mark 8 Clubsport nothing but problems with radio electronics and steering wheel replaced twocw

[@VWupGTI]

Great video - there doesn't seem an easy way of searching online for 7.5 performance with DCC !!

[@jimrooney9926]

Brilliant review as always - no one better. I had a GTI Mark 7 PP myself on 19 inch Santiagos. Amazing all round car but with DCC it would have been perfect.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Jim, you are too kind! I did have a 7 PP a couple of years ago also on Santiagos and it was a bit stiff admittedly but like the black car in the vid, you could get used to it even if the passengers never did :)

[@andrewjohnston2901]

Looks like the DCC swung it but I'd always go for the pp model .chopped it for the tcr now realy love that

[@volkswizard]

TCR is a great car, did you get DCC on that? The key change with TCR was that you couldn't spec 19s without DCC, don't think I've driven a TCR on passive dampers and 18s but I'd imagine it's still quite firm

[@andrewjohnston2901]

@@volkswizard its passive two tone, decals ,audio, and climate screen it's not going on a track soo dcc not needed really

[@andrewjohnston2901]

@@volkswizard its firmer than the pp for sure but superb in the corners, but having had a mini and a A1 it's fine!

[@chrismc1977]

I drove a DSG 230 as a loaner a few years back & I was left somewhat disappointed. The chassis was decent but the DSG-box mapping was insistent on changing-up SO early in the rev range (even in sport mode!). Great in our 7speed GTD, but I felt it really dulled the experience & fun in the GTi, because it became very all or nothing To extend it & be able to drive swiftly & progressively I had to use manual mode. I think a manual mapped performance would be a much better proposition- diff & nearly 300hp…

[@Pete7.5R]

Great watch Andrew, keep up the excellent work showcasing these brilliant cars👍so in summary. . .you need DCC on 19's 😎

[@oily4545]

Started looking at the 230 as I’m looking to buy in the next 3 months and the performance models tend to be a little out of reach price-wise at the moment.

[@stevedavey82]

I’ve just bought the white one .

[@volkswizard]

Really? Well done, that is a lovely car and my pick as you probably saw :)

[@stevedavey82]

Yes it’s lovely I pick it up on Wednesday from aps . Your review was great 👍

[@jessj8313]

Manual GTI PP with DCC is the car to have - it's just brilliant. Couldn't live with the 19" Brescias if I didn't have DCC. Wish I'd ticked the Dynaudio option, though.

[@volkswizard]

Might be my choice too that 👌🏻

[@brendandevoy8178]

Here in Ireland 🇮🇪 the new civic type R is €78000 which is £67000 I think 😢

[@philipguacci6452]

I feel like my MKV is under equipped. No DCC. No Diff lock. And a underpowered engine. compared to those Mk 7.5. And my tiny 17 inch wheels. The technology has moved on. Still use my CD player though. The options I got, Leather and Bi-Xenons. They cost $3300 and $2800 so costly. The sunroof and reverse sensors not fitted to my car were $1800 and $800. Sat nav was $4k.I don't have that .The car was in dealer stock I did not order it. Remember when you could walk in and find something to buy?. Those days hey Andrew. Cheers from winter Melbourne.

[@volkswizard]

Hi Philip (from sunny Warwickshire), the MkV did move things on a lot and Mk7 really only improved efficiency/emissions and rust resistance (though all still to play for). Just think in 2006 you could buy a Mk5 Edition 30 with 230 PS and in 2018 you could still buy a GTI with 230 PS and they even had the same size brakes and wheels and tyres and multilink rear suspension! 17s on the Mk5 are what VW designed the car to work with in the UK, they actually came here as part of the development programme. On the road there would not be a lot in it and it with the lightweight option which develops as a Mk5 gets older (aka rust) it might even be quicker!

[@philipguacci6452]

@@volkswizard hopefully no rust in Melbourne. Thanks for your reply. From Philip.

[@nathalielaporte8866]

I will beat those two with my polo gti!! For sure

[@Thomasmoney96]

Is there much difference between the 6 speed dsg and 7 speed dsg in terms of mpg and reliability?

[@fidelcastro8136]

7dsg is economical i guess

[@cinquedue52]

I have a 2019 GTI Performance. I love it, but it has been riddled with interior noise and rattles from the dash and doors since I got it last year. I really need to find a solution soon because I don’t want to part with it.

[@volkswizard]

Sorry to hear that Sean. Has it been apart in the past maybe?

[@jspesh]

Are you still selling cars? Google says temporary closure & the website redirected here 😢i did look at these cars on the site you mentioned but man are they asking a lot of money for old rope

[@volkswizard]

I'm not selling cars unfortunately, I just buy and sell to a specific good dealer. Mk7.5s are really holding their money thanks to Mk8 mainly being so poorly received but also because they are unlikely to be eclipsed in any significant way by what's coming down the line between now and 2030. Look at the silly Golf R 333 for example at £60k+

[@jspesh]

@@volkswizard That's a shame. I know what you mean about prices holding strong. It's crazy out there. I had a TCR for a bit and panic sold at the start of 2021 with the uncertain economy. Regret it massively!

[@chrismitch1854]

I have read that the Mk8 could be the last Golf made 😢

[@simonehayes4911]

Performance pack on 18’s is the sweet spot The VAQ diff and bigger brakes are a no brainer Extra power is a bonus. Non pp cars struggle to sell. Each to their own but I wouldn’t entertain looking at a non pp myself

[@volkswizard]

I can see that perspective too Simone 👍🏻

[@chroniccrypto75]

I still love my Ed35 but if I had to change I’d only get the ed40

[@real2gone]

Excellent head-to-head review, Andrew. Looking forward to your upcoming blat around, 'the Green Hell".

[@vr6280]

Is the 17 plate a non OPF car and the 68 plate could be an OPF car ?

[@shane6115]

Imagine not paying the meagre amount of extra money for the higher bhp golf 😢, very interesting video, thanks dude.

[@tdmtam]

I treated myself to a mk7 GTI DSG Performance pack with Dynaudio 19” Santiago’s and leather at end of last year and I love it. Wanted a 7.5 but my budget just wouldn’t get me the car I wanted. I’m glad I went for the performance. Interesting to see the difference in the 2 models and the difference on 7.5. My only disappointment with mine is the exhaust note ( though my 16 mk7 does do the DSG farts) I would have liked it valve like the Golf R.

[@Kskdoru]

So the reason they put 225/35 instead of 235/35 R19 was purely for emissions?

[@volkswizard]

Knowing VW there is probably a cost saving too but emissions is highly likely to be part of it. Why else with Mk8 when emissions testing had calmed down and the new Gen 4 engine was more efficient and cleaner would they go to 235 35 19 on the optional 19x 8J rim for the Mk8 GTI base model which has 245 PS just like the 7.5 GTI Performance?

[@Kskdoru]

Hmmm...interesting...anyway, I put 235/35 8j on my mk7 PP...but it's a bit on my mind because it's not an oem setup, the rest of the car being stock

[@rasherbasher8203]

Great video Andrew Thank you..

[@volkswizard]

Thanks as ever Rasher👍🏻👍🏻