WHY THE MK7.5 GOLF GTI PERFORMANCE IS THE BEST HOT HATCH!!

[@TheStoryMouse]

This is a great video - thank you so much for posting! I think I can shed some light on the red badge/silver badge question as it's true that some GTI Performance cars have silver badges... I recently read on a VW forum that very early Mk7 GTI cars had silver GTI badges front and rear, irrespective of whether they were Performance models or not. Then, after a few months, VW decided to differentiate between the base model and the Performance model with silver badges for the base and red for the Performance. Currently, you can only buy a Performance-spec car, so they all come with red badges. If anyone knows otherwise, please correct me! While I'm here, I have to say how much I LOVE my black Mk7 GTI Performance with manual transmission and a 3-door body. Of course, 3 doors are less practical than 5, but 3-door GTIs are (to my taste anyway) better looking than those with 5. Ultimately though, whether 3-door or 5-door; manual or auto, the MK7 GTI is a fantastic car (but then I'm just a bit biased!). Thanks again for a great video.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks TheStoryMouse, I knew I'd seen PP cars with silver but didn't know how widespread this was. It's a pity VW couldn't get this consistent but as you say, it's no longer a problem 👍

[@notorious3867]

TheStoryMouse got a performance mk7 gti and it has red gti badges, dealership said performance have the red and the standard gti has the silver

[@mcwendel8066]

I just bought a 2018 GTI SE 6sp about a month ago and the badges are silver front and back

[@iainboyd6]

You are absolutely correct mate. I had a 14 plate GTI Performance pack and it came with silver badges all round. My mate got one not long after me and his came with the red badges 🤓

[@Nyez]

From 2015 and up VW made the gti pp with red badges and the normal ones silver. So thats why there are some gti pp from 2014 who have the silver badging.

[@staycasual7203]

Proud to say I own this exact car, colour, gearbox, even the number plate is practically identical. I bloody love it.

[@r3dp3anut41]

So just for reference, something being nearly identical, does not make it exact. Apologies, that just frustrated the shit out of me. Enjoy your day.

[@staycasual7203]

@@r3dp3anut41 fair comment, I usually love a scrap on here but I’m going to concede defeat on this one. I think you know what I’m saying, but yeah, perhaps I didn’t use the best choice of words. Anyway, peace to you and yours ✌️

[@r3dp3anut41]

@@staycasual7203 On a separate note, KZbin comment Comrade! The GTI is a dream daily car for me, love to read that you’re enjoying yours. Also mk 7.5 over the mk 8 for me all day long!

[@staycasual7203]

@@r3dp3anut41 too bloody right. I don’t wanna drive a smart phone on wheels just yet. Mk 7.5 all day pal.

[@khizarusman4425]

Quick question, I’m looking to purchase one, how’s it like on fuel? Anything to look out for ?

[@jamessnelling7456]

Great video. I traded my 2015 Civic Type R FK2 in for a 2015 Mk7 GTI Performance 2 weeks ago. On the road it feels no slower, was very surprised with the Golf, especially the handling. It's far more playful than the Civic was. Of course on a trackday the Civic would destroy it, but i rarely do trackdays and the Golf is just a far superior everyday hot hatch. Far more usable and comfortable. The build quality is excellent and i enjoy driving it slow in Eco mode just as much as i do driving quickly in Sport mode. It's just a lovely car to drive in all scenarios. Plus i blend in when i visit National Trust locations while at the same time i can blend in at a car club driving event. Just a perfect hot hatch.

[@jacksmith-ok8tx]

hi mate did you get a dsg or manual? did you not consider the r at all?

[@randyzachary4399]

I really like what VW did with the front bumper redesign. Subtle changes, but visually, it amps up a more aggressive stance.

[@LITTLEbigREG]

Some say the Golf R is the perfect daily but I disagree. GTi PP is better on fuel and much more playful on b roads. Apart from accelerating from 0-60 the GTi trumps the R for me.

[@lewisratford2908]

R90 GTI yeah once rolling point to point there is very little in it. Golf R is better on paper of course but also 130kg heavier. I’m coming from a M135i and chose the GTI performance as felt that 245bhp with the diff has more usable performance day to day. I found with over 300hp it was hard to exploit all the performance apart from a straight bypass / carriageway The R is a great car though.

[@jp-xe9hi]

I had the gti and it's fabulous to drive , but I went to the dark side and purchased the R dsg , I find it glorious to drive and very civilized as a family motor , my opinion the R is the better car

[@sigi_9153]

Finally someone who choose my same 19” optional wheels

[@JimboJammy]

The golf gti is the perfect daily driver. It's just so perfectly balanced. You want to Potter to the shops, or commute to the office in comfort with the usual mod cons it'll do it in comfort and style, you want to show those pesky young boy racers who's boss, or you need to get out of trouble quickly, it'll do that too. It'll always be one of my fave ever cars, even over the R.

[@MikeyG1611]

You can make the dials slightly smaller when you have the nav on the cockpit display, just press the OK button and they reduce in size

[@ianchambers2731]

Similar arguments could be used to promote the M140i..... fun, moves around and could be driven by anyone (young or old).....just as long as you're not too loopy with your colour/spec choices.

[@tomgrant4581]

Having watched all your videos I can honestly say your advice and tips have helped greatly. I'm currently looking for a mk 7 GTI DSG and I've heard great things.

[@dddon513]

I've got one with the swapped golf r turbo, making about 400 horsepower on e85 blend fuel. It's an absolute riot.

[@93455Driver]

Have a 2017 GTI Sport, haggled and got a good deal but sometimes wished I waited for the 7.5 for the dash but also for the extra warranty.

[@muznick]

The new warranty is a great selling point.

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

The best all round car imo as well. You can drive one of these hard, for years , and when you sell it, youll get decent money, because of well earned reputation for build quality and reliability.

[@manjbains1977]

The Golf Gti will always be the hot hatch everyone looks forward too. As a iconic badge/car. Lot of competition tho when it comes to hot hatches now. Focus RS no way as too many problems with mechanicals and Ford reliability and awful customer service. Did drive the new Honda Civic Type R in August 2017 really enjoyed it. But too much in your face and looks like a car for youngsters. I have always had a thing for the Golf R tho everytime I see one get excited! Have to say still love my rare Golf R32 as fully loaded and not many good examples left now.

[@Robin-pj9qd]

Focus rs is not the golf gtis competition lmao. Those are 50 grand and awd, that’s golf R’s competition

[@TWOhype23]

@@Robin-pj9qd he probably meant the Civic SI and the Focus ST

[@lewisratford2908]

Great review. I’m picking my Golf Gti performance up at the end of October. Coming from a BMW M135i I was surprised how quick the golf was. I loved the BMW but thought the golf had more usable performance for everyday use. Plus the Golf doesn’t have the image that the BMW gives off! I looked at the rivals but always came back to the golf. People said ‘ why aren’t you going for the R? The Gti just suits me a lot better and once rolling there’s little to justify the extra price of the R. The only thing I didn’t like about the Golf was I chose a manual box but there is the kick down click on the accelerator for the DSG. Why when I have chosen the manual!

[@volkswizard]

I am sure there is a reason for that kickdown switch on the manual, you do get used to it so you soon won't notice it. The most annoying thing about the manual is the engineered in delay to the clutch pedal which you notice when doing really fast gear changes. But these are minor issues and I am sure you will love your GTI Performance :)

[@lewisratford2908]

volkswizard yes I did think it was a bit odd for the limited time I had on the test drive. Sure I will get used to it much like the BMWs off set pedals to the right. All cars have their minor idiosyncrasies ...! I found that 245bhp and a diff would be good usable everyday performance as I found with over 300bhp you couldn’t exploit it the vast majority of the time -especially on twisty English roads. I find once you’re rolling point to point and not doing 0-60 drag races that car channels are obsessed with theirs not to much to justify the extra cost of the R . The R is a brilliant car though ! It’s pretty much impossible to test drive a performance car for 10 minutes so did put a lot of faith in the reviews from car channels. I enjoyed my time with the car so can’t wait to get to know it better. I found your review to be very helpful along with the clubsport comparison . Cheers !

[@redarmy1778]

no doubt the gti is a fine car, i’ve driven a far few of them, but straight 6 rear wheel drive are the best hatches

[@jamiebishop9512]

After getting fed up with waiting for my new 128ti to be delivered, looking at used examples of these now. Having test driven a nearly new 128ti and a 20k miles version of the golf, I must say I am mightily impressed with the golfs ride and performance.

[@AM7151]

Hello mate, just wondering if you got the golf? im in the same situation my 128ti has been pushed back an extra 3 months yet again so im going to test drive the 7.5 gti performance tomorrow to see what I think.

[@TWOhype23]

@@AM7151 what’d ya think?

[@AM7151]

@@TWOhype23 Hello mate, full turn of events the 128ti was delayed months so I cancelled it.. I tested the golf gti it felt good but I wanted a bit more power I ended up getting a 2017 m140i fully loaded all the specs for cheaper than the golf. If you have any more questions I might be able to help you.

[@TWOhype23]

@@AM7151 ahh nice. I was just wondering because I own a 7.5 GTI and was curious to see if you would like it coming from driving and choosing the 128ti initially.

[@Henry-nt5zg]

I never noticed the front radar on my MK7 GTI PP until you mentioned it, now I find it such an eyesore and I want a 7.5....

[@slamminx3]

Hey you can shrink the dials down when viewing the map. Press the ok button on the steering wheel.

[@volkswizard]

Thanks, must go and try that, do you get full screen nav then?

[@slamminx3]

Unfortunately not full screen like on the Audi. But it still gives you a slightly better view of the map ;)

[@volkswizard]

Just checked and indeed they do go a bit smaller which is better but the Audi one set large is so much easier to view when driving. On the other hand I guess we shouldn't complain too much as it's still cool that it's there at all in a Golf GTI and it's not even an extra (for the UK market at least) :)

[@slamminx3]

Agreed! Yes for us UK folk we're quite lucky to get this as standard :)

[@aj63]

If you have the Nav pro version you can get both the map in the centre console at the same time as on the infotainment screen. No Nav pro = 1 map on one screen only.

[@steveburroughs7343]

I had more or less this exact spec car, but 5 door, and always regret having let it go. It had such fun handling and a real sense of occasion which my subsequent Golf R lacked (don’t get me wrong, the R is a fabulous car but it’s just brutally efficient). I used to take the GTi up on the South Downs for a blat quite often, and it was bliss.

[@volkswizard]

Great car

[@RickGTI2019]

I’m a new subscriber, and enjoy your videos and information. You’re right about no age limits for driving a GTI. I’m 78 and drive a 2019 MK7.5 DSG. It’s one of the best cars I ever owned, and I owned many, but this little pocket rocket is amazing ! Years ago, when British sport cars were popular in the US, we used to flash our headlights at each other. Now I’m noticing other GTI owners are flashing headlights to each other. It’s like a private club, I love it. Thanks, RickGTI…..🇺🇸

[@volkswizard]

Welcome aboard Rick and thanks for your first comment, great to read about GTI life from across the pond 👍👍

[@notniceprawn]

I'd love it if VW added an estate option for the GTI. It's available on the R and the GTD so it's not a huge leap. This omission has pushed me to the, actually rather good, Octavia vRS which has the GTI performance goodies (in 245 form) but with a mountain bike swallowing boot. But it's still not as nice as a Golf on the inside and the Golf estate is very close to the Octavia estate in size. Come on VW you're not leaving market for Skoda are you?

[@andrewmcivor42]

That would be my perfect GTi - complete with Dynaudio, DCC & those gorgeous Brescia wheels - best looking wheels on a performance Golf, imho - I prefer them even to the Spielberg wheels on the R.

[@SilverShamrock71]

don't know about those 19" Brescias, or 19" wheels period. I think my fave GTi wheels are the 18" Clubsport Belvederes, a little more resilient when it comes to potholes

[@HeyoAds0]

If you press okay on the active in for display when it's displaying the map.it shrinks the gauges and the nav is on both the touchscreen and active info

[@volkswizard]

Thanks for commenting. Is that on the standard navigation or the upgraded version?

[@HeyoAds0]

Standard navigation. It's not got as customisation as the Audi version but it allows you two switch between the large dials you show and small one's about half the size

[@hobbesyhobbit]

Great vid thanks, I have just picked up my 7.5 GTI performance with DSG and love it!!

[@volkswizard]

Great car, thanks for commenting hobbesyhobbit!

[@BS-ge4ne]

Difficult to find a GTI Performance with 19"s and adaptive dampers on the used market (especially in grey and 3dr!) Is it really a no-no without? Great and frank content as always 👍

[@johngraydon506]

B S I have a mint performance model in Pure White MK 7 though but fab, its fully loaded for time apart from a smaller sat na pc screen but had traffic for life, full vienna leather Heated Seats, adaptive cruise electric heated mirrors as it was ex demo managers car 5 months old, it was that good I went for it with the DSG its amazing, mine had the 5 door with adaptable DCC Suspension,19” santiago wheels, see round ( adaptive )corner Xenons, its a great car and only done 18k I have been offered £2500 more than a few weeks ago by we buy any car but to be honest they are so hard to find mint, thats why I have only seen the best going up at the moment, suggest if you get one buy a service plan from VW on line, its a good deal, Iam on my second plan, though to be honest its had more service than Madonna, would not go for grey.like red/black or white, they look nice in white with the darkened rear windows the front three are tinted.. good luck 😉

[@plato801]

The European car union has said that the reason Australia pays so much for luxury cars are because of all the import (5%) and tarrifs (30%) charges. Golf gti aud$47k. R is $61k.

[@nixodian]

Will be buying golfr, gti or civic typeR (dark blue or black, quietest colors for it) for family of 4, everyday driving with reliability, practicality and fun. Please do a comparison

[@volkswizard]

Hey Nixon, unfortunately I don't have access to a Civic but a word of warning about it is that it runs extremely low profile tyres which are very vulnerable to damage particularly on poor UK roads. EVO magazine were not amused when they got two punctures on one side of the car and were left immobile by the roadside due to a relatively minor surface imperfection (+£300 poorer once the tyres were replaced). So what's it to be, GTI or R? :)

[@Jon.O]

I would be interested to hear / see what you think of the golf gtd in comparison to to the gti. Obviously the gti will be “better” but I think the gtd can hold its head high on many levels. Keep up the great work 👍

[@SamAustin]

Nice video ! Although disagree with your comments about the R. It is the same chassis ultimately with a bit more weight and grip but with the traction off you can get it to move about at normal speeds........GTI looks great but if you owned one for quite a few years you'd regret not having an R particularly on 80% of UK days when it rains. Whereas I do like the GTI but I wouldn't see the point of stepping down from my R to get one......not sure what there is to gain? Everyone's opinion to there own though :-)

[@sparkford04]

Sam, love your new loyalty to your Golf R !

[@SamAustin]

Thanks Keith ! :-)

[@volkswizard]

Thanks for commenting Sam. I didn't even think of turning TC off on the GTI and it didn't seem to intervene even when having fun. Possibly a different story in the wet when an R might be more playful. I don't think the R is better than a GTI or vice versa, it's all down to personal taste but the GTI's lighter weight makes it feel more agile and alert. This review nails it uk.motor1.com/reviews/177216/volkswagen-golf-gti-versus-r/ There has also been a new issue of EVO published since my video was made which has Golf R vs Civic Type R vs Megane RS 280 and this also suggests that for 'the thrill of driving' the Golf R isn't the benchmark and specifically says it's hard to enjoy it at sane speeds on the road (or words to that effect). But for all weather usability the Golf R is clearly the winner, great to have a choice isn't it? :)

[@sparkford04]

Interesting: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJfLqGNtgLSdpdk

[@SamAustin]

No worries. I have seen that Video as well and shows how capable the Golf is in general. If I'm honest with you if there was a clear price difference / economy difference a Golf GTI would be hard for me to question against owning ahead of the Golf R but they are really too close in both those areas for me. Also I love the GTI 40th edition, less power than your S but same looks / back seats, which us lighter than a Golf R and for me the aggressive looks look fantastic compared with a standard GTI and even my R. Again its a shame the 40th is soooo pricy !!Weight is a huge part of a fun hot hatch and I feel the Golf R is definitely borderline being too heavy (hence my 3 door / manual / no-pan roof - Trying to be as light as possible lol) but for road use its truly epic.Like you say great to have so much choice but maybe if you have a check out of my channel I might be able to change your mind on the qualities of a Golf R :-)Thanks for replying and keep up your videos ! :-)

[@jamesrichardson4604]

Superb as always. Totally agree with you got is simply the best hot hatch. I've owned my modified mk4 golf gti for 15years and still puts a smile on my face. 😁

[@volkswizard]

Thanks James :)

[@drm9979]

Just bought a 2018 GTI SE (middle here in the States between S and Autobahn) and am completely impressed by it. I really enjoyed this review. Must I mention the one thing I disagree with? Yes! 18s look more in proportion and better on the GTI than 19s. Nonetheless, I am glad you spoke to it because I was wondering if 19s (like on the R) impact ride quality. My 2006 Vauxhall Monaro (Pontiac GTO) shares a very similar tire sidewall ratio, 40 on 18s, 35 on 19s, but I did go to 19s on it because they look better, and yes, it impacted the ride. Fortunately for me, my eyes like the 18s better on the GTI proportions.

[@drm9979]

GTO is still a wonderful riding car with 19s, but it was a noticeable difference from 18s.

[@SPIKE-0000]

Was waiting for another of your GTI vids, and this impresses further still. You just can't fault Golfs period..Looks/Performance-wise anyway....Staying withing the German-Metal-VW-Family, you can't go far wrong with the past 10yrs-worth of SEAT-Leon FR-170's/Supercopas/K1-BTCC's. Especially the 2.0 TDI versions. Bundles of smooth torque and power to be milked from them..style/performance/economy'ish....

[@mordechaileviyitzchak6738]

Only just seen this! But the Golf continues to be the best all rounder. Maybe, and this thought came to me while watching another excellent video, thank you Andrew, that the guys at VW should revisit the original reasons for the genre in the first place, and look again at why they made the Mk1. Keep up the good work my friend ! Best regards

[@leighwhitehouse6912]

Enjoyed the video! One point I will make - you say at the first quarter of the video that you can only tell it’s the Performance by the GTI on the callipers, there is another way to identify, that’s on the front & rear GTI badges. One the standard GTI they are silver on the Performance, red.

[@volkswizard]

I didn't know that! Thanks for letting me know :)

[@leighwhitehouse6912]

volkswizard great video though, not enough on KZbin in relation to this exact model. I found videos to be rare when I was researching, before buying mine. It’s an amazing car.

[@suhaybbhatti6563]

Strangely on my mk7 they're silver and not red. Maybe it's different on a 7.5?

[@leighwhitehouse6912]

Suhayb Bhatti does your 7 have the Performance Pack? I have the 7.5 Performance, the GTI badging front & back are red, on the standard they are silver front & back.

[@suhaybbhatti6563]

@@leighwhitehouse6912 mine is the mk7 not 7.5 and its silver front and back. Tornado red paint. Maybe that's why? Red on red.

[@ianprice7776]

Thank you for the video I've literally just bought a 2019 model in the same colour - picking it up Saturday :-)

[@edhothersall3330]

You made a video about the mk 7 R version with all its inherent issues. Is this mk 7.5 GTI, a better car in terms of fit finish and reliability do you think?

[@coolelbow123]

I have a mk3 Octavia VRS 230 (same to the performance pack, LSD etc.) with a stage 1, 300bhp. Absolutely love it as it just beats the GTI imo with practicality.

[@tomliamkins]

What are you thoughts on the 7.5 GTI Performance in manual rather than DSG?

[@neilpidgeon8317]

great review, I'm looking to get a used 2018 model this year with 18's so do you think dcc is necessary with the smaller rims?

[@welshy8216]

See its fitted with Dynaudio sound system, is it worth the extra over the standard system ?

[@volkswizard]

Good question. I'm not really and audiophile but Dynaudio does seem to have a following - when it took a few months for it to become available on Mk7 R many people were a bit annoyed so on that basis I'd say yes!

[@GTI_CHHA]

Nice review! No more DSG farts on 7.5 because of emission legislation and particle filter (beyond the standard ceramic catalyst)... Glad I still have to 7.0 version... ;-)

[@relaxmore444]

Great video! Picking up my new 2018 MK7.5 GTI today. Really excited about it. 😁

[@OH-em6yo]

@volkswizard I have 15k to spend on a GTi... Do I go a low mileage 7 perfomance or a high mileage 7.5 normal? Any help would be much appreciated loved the video.

[@TheMr3742]

What did you go for??

[@jamesbutler606]

Do to have a way with analogies, not laughed at a youtube video in a while! Just invested in a 65 plate GTI PP, really looking forward to getting in in a week, not looking forward to the fuel bills though!!

[@tomkendell92]

Im 19, having originally lusted after a gti or an r (currently have a mk6 golf) I decided to jump ship and I ordered an m140i shadow edition a few months ago, collecting it in September! cannot wait

[@JimboJammy]

Tom Kendell you won't be disappointed! Just get yourself used to rwd before misbehaving too much 😁

[@volkswizard]

I blame Joe Achilles :)

[@alexb2612]

You must have a good job or are your parents paying for it? 😉

[@Chrissy-H]

You mentioned nobody using a GTI on a track, is that because it wouldn't be much good at it? Where would it fall short? I'm thinking of getting one as it's the only hot hatch that can legally tow my motocross bike and still be a good laugh. If I'm doing more than 3 or 4 track days a year, would you recommend getting the clubsport version instead?

[@volkswizard]

Hi Chris, the Mk7 GTI Performance/PP would be OK on track for sure but I just never see anyone using one. A Clubsport Edition 40 would be better as it has more power but apart from that there isn't much in it unless you order the bucket seats. A Clubsport S though would be awesome (and I do know people who track those)

[@Chrissy-H]

volkswizard thanks for he reply, good to hear from someone familiar with these cars. I do track days in my Exige and I've never seen a Gti at a track either! I do love the bucket seats of the clubsport, but doesn't seem worth it for the extra premium over the PP. Also a remap takes it all the way up to 300bhp straight away, which seems very easy power gains.

[@Peakwanderer]

Nice in depth review, I'd have never picked out the differences, still very boring looking to me and especially so in grey.

[@grahamwoolley1449]

Really enjoy your videos thanks! Have you compared back to back the Mk7 GTI Performance 230 Vs Mk7.5 GTI Performance 245? Is the extra 15bhp and Virtual Cockpit worth it?

[@solobellimino2356]

The 3 dr is more aggressive and purposeful looking.

[@Saboda53]

Agreed. I won’t consider a GTI because 3-door is no longer available in the States. 😞

[@JTheAndroidFreak]

Nice video Andrew. I am happy to hear that in comfort mode it's very nice and comfy car to be in. I am also very surprised when this Performance Pack 245 PS GTi was actually matching your club sport Golf GTi (315 PS) off the line and actually did keep up with it for a long time. Goes to show how Launch Control and a well optimised engine can make a huge difference to a much smaller weaker engine.

[@volkswizard]

Hi J! You are being very diplomatic as the GTI Performance 245 PS beat my Clubsport S at Bruntingthorpe for the CarWow drag race due to traction issues and quite possibly driver skill issues ;) It got its own back in rolling race though :)

[@JTheAndroidFreak]

volkswizard Yep I did see the whole bit Andrew and rolling race was definitely interesting lol but nevertheless competitive. If I change camps in a couple of years time then VW Golf GTi and Polo GTi will definitely be high on the agenda along with the budget considerations. Would love to own the bigger Golf GTi if I can get a PCP for around the £250 mark.

[@ramarakeshv]

Hi Andrew. Good review. How is the dsg 7 speed any better than the past?

[@volkswizard]

It's definitely the smooth auto I've ever driven for fast changes so I'd say that was yes

[@MLife1972]

Great video. How does the Golf GTI compare to the new Polo GTI. I'm torn between the two.

[@leighwhitehouse6912]

Mark Rocque how can you be torn between the two, it should be a no brainer mate...

[@MLife1972]

I live in a Whitehouse Thanks for the reply. My question is because the site has tested the Golf GTI and Polo GTI recently. Where I live, in Australia, the Golf GTI is considerably more expensive (about 11,000USD) so I'm wondering if the Golf GTI is worth the extra outlay. Also the Polo is a brand new model compared to the updated Golf which is 6 years old.

[@leighwhitehouse6912]

Mark Rocque oh, I see. In that case I’d go for the Polo GTI, from what I’ve read and seen - it’s an excellent car!

[@ghowells5433]

Great review but having had a Mk 7 GTI PP, then moving to a manual 7.5 R as my daily overall for the UK with wet and slippy roads (maybe not at the moment) it is my favourite car. Both of them are head and shoulders as overall package compared to Tyoe R or Focus RS, particularly if you are over 40

[@Mistyfire]

I think the resale value on this will be less because it doesn't have 5 doors

[@SampleTracks2224]

Great car and possibly more usable than a Golf R. But there is this association with extreme violence that I can't get out of my head - something that used to belong to BMW (think lowered, South London) but has now migrated to VAG cars. Just not sure.

[@edwardgreen6116]

Hello, i noticed in the video you have got the Dynaudio option, is it much better than the standard stereo system?

[@volkswizard]

Hi Edward, I'm no expert on these matters but as I've said before there was upset amongst Golf R buyers back in 2013/14 when it was announced without Dynaudio so it clearly has a following so I'd say yes it is much better.

[@ChandrinKatuwawala]

I use my Mark 7 Golf GTI in anger on the track!

[@waynesworld6020]

I have a 2019 gti performance 5 door model in issac blue dsg. Panroof .Vienna leather. Dyno audio upgrade. Key less . With santiago 19inch alloys. What does everyone think about 18inch to 19 inch alloys. Without dcc????? And another issue I heard is about the problem with cracking panroof surround happening.

[@quickdraw1216]

Great video as usual😀👍🏾, I am happy to have a Golf 7,5 gti Performance but with an h pattern shifter😀😀😀, great fun 😀

[@TheWorldsWorstMan]

Enjoyed the review. Looking forward to my new GTI Performance arriving in October 😃 This video made me feel like I've made the right choice

[@markturner-smith5309]

Interesting - you mention don't see Golf GTI's on track not something you would see on track much. Well if I could have a Golf GTI I would use on track (do 2 days a year) & as my daily road vehicle. I only do VW/Audi group track days even in as I have now a Polo BlueGT 150ps 1.4TSI or past Jetta's. That's the trick of the Golf or Polo GTI can be normal on road/be practical or put/driven hard into fun mode, VW totally missed all that off on MK4 Golf GTI/MK3 GTI.

[@TheKwaze]

Great video, very informative. I am thinking of buying a GTi Performance, but am testing the competition first. How do you find the DSG Box? I tried a Merc A250 and was not impressed by the jumpy auto box when in traffic. Almost impossible to pull away smoothly, so I am wondering if the GTi is smoother, or is it "snatchy" from standstill like the Merc?

[@volkswizard]

Not driven the Merc but modern DSG is smooth as silk, try it. I hate jerky boxes but the 7 speed wet clutch DSG (on the more powerful cars like GTI R etc) from 2017 is incredible.

[@TheKwaze]

Thanks for the fast response. I tried an Audi A3 and it was smooth as silk, but only a 1.5 engine, so not really like for like. I have just read that the DSG is the same as the S Tronic which explains the silky smoothness of the GTi and the Audi. In any case the Audi was far superior to the Mercedes in every respect, which is incredible given the age of the Audi design compared to the "new" Mercedes. Just the GTi to try out now...when this plague has ran it's course...

[@moustafaelzokm7329]

@@TheKwaze hi it been two years :), i am doing the same comparison between A250 and GTI 2019, which car did u buy and what is ur review. Thanks

[@TheKwaze]

@@moustafaelzokm7329 I went for an A3 Black Edition 1.5 2019 in the end, but have to say after 6 months I find the suspension too firm for someone of my advanced years.

[@moustafaelzokm7329]

@@TheKwaze thank you i found a good 2019 Gti yes its also bit firm but i am trying to get used to it coming from a comfy golf :)

[@ethanbriggs9329]

This guys driving my dream car so casually

[@alanmcquilton3085]

Really enjoyed the Vid. I am picking up my 5 door mk7.5 performance, deep black with manual gearbox at the beginning of next month (trading in a 16 plate GT TDI). Really looking forward to it. I've heard that the manual gearboxes will become obsolete, is this correct. If so, the re-sale value should be fairly good when it is time to trade it in. I am keeping the standard wheels but unsure if I like them or not. I like the 19" but refuse to spend £900 on wheels.

[@volkswizard]

Hi Alan, thanks for commenting! You will love it, it's an incredible package. I've not heard anything concrete about manual gearboxes becoming obsolete apart from on the Golf R. New Polo GTI is available with a manual now (in Germany for the moment) though they do mean higher emissions when tested so if it happens that will be why. It would be a strange move for a GTI to be auto only but the Golf GTI TCR has already gone that way though being a limited edition tribute to an auto only racing car might be why they decided to do that. Enjoy it. PS If you haven't got DCC I'd stick to 18s ;)

[@alanmcquilton3085]

@Michael Brathwaite Enjoy!!!

[@michaelbrathwaite7019]

Alan Mcquilton got yours yet?

[@alanmcquilton3085]

@@michaelbrathwaite7019 I picked it up 3 weeks ago, love it, I got it home and said to the wife, want to go for a drive and she said.... No, devastated!!

[@robertmarsh3588]

Great car and nice review but honestly those visual enhancements that make it look "more attractive" won't be noticed by anyone but a fast Golf geek. Also, you're welcome to the 19" wheels if in the UK. I'm sick and tired of paying out for new tyres and alloy repairs due to potholes... Lovely, competent and a nice shape but not really exciting visually despite all those styling cues. Might be nice to have something beyond those boring. traditional GTI colours, how about some of the blues and greens from late Mk2? Still at least we're not faced with that awful p*ss colour yellowy green of normal Golfs 😂😂

[@JovanKorica1]

This dsg is now 7 speed right? Or is it just for the 7.5 R that gets the extra gear?

[@volkswizard]

Definitely seven speed on Mk7.5 GTI Performance

[@JovanKorica1]

@@volkswizard good good. might buy one when good spec ones drop below 20k

[@antonbless]

It actually can just take ClubSport S of the line with DSG 😳

[@tredfxman]

Anton Bless What? An ordinary GTI 7.5? I own the normal Clubsport quite well equipped! Check my Channel! 😊

[@volkswizard]

Anton is referring to the CarWow drag race when a Mk7.5 GTI Performance DSG just beat a GTI Clubsport S over the 1/4 mile. In this case you can blame the driver and the fact that 310 PS through the front wheels is very hard to dish out with a manual box and it was getting wheelspin in 3rd gear. If you watch the footage, the Clubsport S got a good start but span in 2nd and 3rd. In the rolling drag from 30 mph in 2nd gear, the Clubsport S annihilated the GTI Performance :) Oh and it was me driving the Clubsport S (badly) in the CarWow video.

[@antonbless]

volkswizard definitely the the driver I know deep down the ClubSport S is a more powerful GTI and also on rolling stat it left the performance GTI unfortunately no B road test 😊

[@antonbless]

3DFX nice 👍🏼

[@NiceGuyAidey]

Is Keyless and Start Button an option then Andrew?

[@carllynch8798]

I’m hoping they do another track focused golf ? Like the Clubsport s or Clubsport. Never owned a golf ! I did try and get one on finance when I was 22 ! Golf VR6 highline in purple. I had no credit rating so I got refused lol. Got a A3 1.8T a few years later then got a S3 then a B5 RS4 which I still own 12 years later.

[@awolandy]

Does anyone have the 19” wheels without the dynamic chassis control? Looking at some 2018 cars that have the wheels but don’t seem to have the suspension option. Not driven one yet so keen to hear other people’s views of the suspension upgrade is really necessary. I do like the 19s! Thanks

[@themadnessgti9079]

In my opinion gti mk7.5 is the best one for doing performance things that gold R

[@DarrenJMHughes]

GreAt video. I work if a Mercedes-Benz garage and one of the salesman knows I have a MK43 GTi and he says GTi have the best fwd handling chassis! That’s got to say something. This new GTi performance model you can now only buy, can you order it with a man 6 speed box for those that like using their left leg?

[@volkswizard]

Manual is still available, for the moment! It's only the 290-310 PS hatches that seem to have gone DSG only so far... :)

[@ashneel]

VW has been unusually quiet with the TCR.. what's up with that?

[@volkswizard]

I spoke to a representative of VW UK last week about it and they don't expect much to happen this year, the marketing etc should all start in early 2019.

[@ashneel]

@@volkswizard Thank you mate

[@Charkatak]

Thanks for this video! This summer, I am due to get a new lease on GTI and was thinking to get the one with DCC. Quick question: does DCC really make a difference compared to normal GTI without Dynamic Chassis Control? Is it worth the upgrade price?

[@Charkatak]

@@MementoMori-xx5qo instead of GTI, I went for Mini cooper s with the tech similar to DCC, just is called dynamic damper control and I do feel the difference! Thanks

[@midnightboost]

Nobody ever talks about how the gti is only fun for an average of 80k miles until parts like sensors and multiple leaks start occurring 🙄

[@andrewdavis6226]

Bought one. Amazing car.

[@edwardgreen6116]

Just found your channel tonight & thought that was a great video that I really enjoyed! I’ve got a boring question for you though, I’m looking at getting a Golf GTi mark 7 or 7.5 with DSG. Roughly what mpg figures do you get, is it anywhere near the claimed 44mpg? Just thinking about the cost of running one, thanks. Look forward to watching your other videos!

[@leighwhitehouse6912]

Edward Green no it is certainly not anywhere near as good as the claimed 44. This is a GTI with 245ps, it screams “faster” - if you average 30-35mpg, you’re doing well. That’s what mine achieves after 2000 miles (mixed driving).

[@damianmkv]

Edward Green I'm averaging 36mpg in my 7.5 DSG which I picked up in March this year and now has 7000 miles on it. When I was running it in, I averaged 40 but I'm driving it a bit harder now. As I guide, I averaged 45.7 over 72k in my mk7 GTD manual.

[@Alan-N]

Nice review, top of my wish list . Old school GTi fan , leave the R for the kids 😁🇬🇧👍

[@desjon6012]

Leave the R for the kids and the thieves!

[@dazza9859]

Tartan cloth seats are looking very dated.The leather or art velour cloth is a better choice.

[@sammad1632]

Nice vid, but u can make the dials smaller

[@boomerang2]

Volkswizard, how would you rate it against the R ? Is the R not worth the compromise? (weight, space, cost). Rgs.

[@volkswizard]

I bought an R brand new 1/3/14. It was OK but it never excited, hard to get close to limits of grip on the road and it's touching those limits (as in the video) that gives you a buzz and that's a lot easier in a GTI. They do feel heavy too (because they are). I just think the GTI is more characterful and a lot cooler than the over exposed R. GTI should work out cheaper whether bought or leased now so if that's the case it's an easy win for the GTI. Not sure I'd pay more for a GTI though as was the case with those crazy lease deals which have flooded the market with 1000s of zero spec used Rs.

[@volkswizard]

EVO magazine have pretty much said the same about the R in the current issue (which came out after my video I am pleased to say!)

[@boomerang2]

volkswizard ..great minds! Tks Andrew, happy driving.

[@MegaHollywood1971]

Sweet intro with Gloria Tells!

[@volkswizard]

Not sure where I got that from but no copyright issues so thanks Gloria!

[@samsmith2390]

Audio is very muddy and difficult to understand the presenter. Otherwise, good video.

[@bruts82]

What’s ure opinion in the mk 8

[@aldocabrera9603]

I love that intro music 🎶

[@sparkford04]

Andrew, Good on your mother - good one but I love my Golf R mk7 & mk7.5 for different reason. This is from a guy who had one of the very 1st mk1's in the UK. Originals had a 4 speed box. Plus had mk2 etc. I'm waiting for my UP GTi Clubsport S please VW.

[@privacyiskey83]

4 motion and 60 bhp more is a no brainer

[@simeonselmon8318]

What he is not mentioning is it drinks fuel so it's not practical car to own so it's not your every day car and in uk you can't do that type of speeds on uk roads because there is speed cameras everywhere

[@volkswizard]

40+ mpg is pretty good going isn't it?

[@simeonselmon8318]

@@volkswizard there is no way you are getting 40 mg in a fantasy world

[@mbardos]

Khm... Seat Leon Cupra? khm... Has 19" wheels, dynamic chassis control and the LSD as standard equipment and lots more horses (using the Golf R engine, with bigger IS38 turbo). It even looks better, IMHO... Guess which one I bought :D

[@WeThePeople018]

Navigation system is an option! Not for free!

[@volkswizard]

For the UK market, navigation was standard on Golf GTI 7.5 and R. IIRC it was standard for the last year of production of the Mk7s too.

[@I_am_Jesus_though]

Love those exhausts

[@johnadams6569]

VW has discontinued ALL 2 door Golf cars. Also, VW is discontinuing this Gen 7 Golf (GTI) as the new Gen 8 is releasing in October 2019. The Gen 7 is obsolete.

[@lethal__3355]

It sounds like a diesel with no dsg farts

[@mateuszmaterynski]

Great content you make man! Please keep it up, you've just made me purchase the car!

[@volkswizard]

Thanks so much! I still have a lot of respect for the 7.5 Performance even though that video was filmed years ago. ♥

[@xlewis1209x]

Of course , and the Audi A3 S-Line is better than the S3 🤔

[@jamesphilipson1289]

The DSG farts are gone? 😔 So the 7 maybe over the 7.5 then? They really bring something to the table

[@Sam-ex8oj]

DSG

[@jr4ff3]

Top class video. one of the best gti reviews on here in my opinion

[@volkswizard]

Thanks Ell. thanks very kind of you to say :)

[@TheLILCJ15]

what do you think about Polo GTI?

[@robotboy5990]

I would take a golf r over a gti any day of the week