VW Golf 8 R Review on Road and Track - Is the most powerful Golf ever worth the hype?

[@BKayBKay]

Nevermind me, just watching videos of cars I can't afford

[@khensanimashego6671]

Cheers brother.. Feeling is mutual.

[@sharingfamspace3156]

Wish you all the best in the future bro never stop Dreaming 😊

[@lomsomthethwa5537]

🙋🙋

[@benlecluyse]

🤣

[@patrickmpho8107]

Lol yeah 😅

[@thapeloramorwalo7748]

This car has been on sale for over 2 years in other parts of the world...VW SA needs to take us very seriously, we never wait this too long when it comes to latest BMWs & Mercedez

[@musac1248]

Very true, I have watched video reviews about the car 2 years ago and a year ago on carwow. Same with new Isuzu, they took some time to bring it in SA. It's not right

[@mrhowmuch]

VW has a large following in SA, I also don’t get why they took so long to bring it here.

[@ozemsadventureofrandomstuf252]

I think BMW and Mercedes have their own planes and boats to bring the cars 🤣😂

[@tetobdub9097]

Very true their even face-lifting it already in Europe

[@DinovanderMerwe]

And we won’t be buying that overly used excuse of the “chip shortage” blah blah blah

[@moh2502]

Amazing how the golf has evolved from being affordable to a premium niche.

[@sizweshongwe331]

They pushed it up to accommodate the polo.

[@dzat]

Just get the normal golf...its still affordable....the R is the halo golf

[@gazg00]

@@dzat "Normal Golf" mk 8 not available in this country.

[@macdonaldmakoro5556]

Tell me about it😢

[@CantThinkofaCoolOne]

Superb vehicles. I had the simpler 5 and 6 TDi's and they were so great to own. I can only imagine how nice a GTi or R version must be.

[@ca9968]

All the hi-jackers in Jozi are licking their lips in anticipation for the launch of this car...

[@loganpadayachee6048]

Polos are high risk bro not the golf research it

[@namexwithheld]

That's why I like to carry my firearm 😊

[@LeRouxEnslin]

Under 8l / 100km is seriously good for a car of this caliber. It almost sounds like the sensible mid life crises car. Awesome honest review.

[@justindaniel5959]

All the tuners cannot wait to get their hands on it!

[@lesh1974]

Especially because the ECU's have just been cracked. So this is definitely the perfect time for them to get it.

[@cheslynwesson8951]

The perfect statement to conclude - the best golf but not the best hot hatch experience

[@shaglioni]

2nd time watching this review while I wait for my white, 20th anniversary, dsg R and I have to say, outstanding job man.

[@Carscoza]

Thank you very much! Wishing you many happy miles in your new ride

[@Getouttahere78]

I had a 1984 GTI and that one was still the most fun on four wheels ‼️ These things are so expensive nowadays that you don't even want to pull it out of the garage 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@JaimieSigamoney]

Great review as always 👍🏽please could you guys consider investing in an external stereo microphone with a wind muff to capture the correct exhaust notes. It would make a huge difference in your videos surprisingly many watch their videos with headphones.

[@CiroDeSiena]

Hey there, thanks for watching. Recording car sound is notoriously tricky and do our quite a lot of effort in on shooting like this, with a series of internal and external microphones. What I can say on this particular video is what you are hearing is very true to what the car sounds like in real life, it is quite a muted exhaust tone compared to 7 R.

[@JaimieSigamoney]

@@CiroDeSiena thanks for your response 😁 it's pretty disappointing to hear that fastest production Golf sound so restrained. I know VW SA understands the sentiments of "Golf" fan boys I hope they do something about it 👍🏽

[@SuperOle2011]

SA motorsport legend, Generaal Sarel vd Merwe, once said that motorsport use to be 70% driver skill and 30% car performance, but in modern times, it's about 80% car with a 20% puppet behind the wheel, just to make sure the car doesn't completely do its own thing. As a 30 year old, you'd think that I would be all for modern tech, but sadly, just like modern cars, motorsport racing drivers have become soft because of the tech doing most of the talk on track.

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

In Europe, in addition to the hatchback, we get a wagon version too. Australia also gets it.

[@JohnnyMavuso]

I can assure you, no one would buy the wagon version in South Africa. We are an anti-wagon country, we just never liked them because they look like hearses

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@JohnnyMavuso There are some performance wagons available in South Africa eg the Audi RS4, Audi RS6 or Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo, but those are bigger more expensive vehicles.

[@JohnnyMavuso]

@@DaveDVideoMaker they may be available in South Africa, but only a few buy them. Most people buy RS5s instead of RS4s. Just like I said, wagons don’t sell well in South Africa

[@DaveDVideoMaker]

@@JohnnyMavuso Unlike here in Europe. We will get the M3 Touring unlike South Africa or North America. And plus, not many people buy performance vehicles anyway.

[@van_der_lindeDA]

To be honest I have been sitting thinking of a replacement for my current 2019 typeR for around the same money or a bit more... there is nothing that I can think of that can give you the thrill and driving experience of a manual typeR in its class, it may be slow off the line but in gear it's a weapon. The golfR is a great daily and a better all rounder than any other hot hatch....but there are people like me that can appreciate the recipe honda has been following. Might have to save up and go for the new typeR....

[@rogerramjet1419]

Tiguan R will be a beast SUV of note. Awaiting the arrival patiently.

[@themoonfamilyofficial]

Hey man, love the videos, I just have one request can you please show more of the interior and exterior of the car in your vids, thank you so much.✨✨✨✨✨✨

[@kevindreyer6710]

Great review Golf is still the original hatchback the competition is stiff... But Vw golf is still the greatest

[@Drwezloka]

Sad that this cars facelift is almost due. And we just getting the R now. Also there's a new faster version available of the 8R.

[@BM-235]

I must say I completely disagree with the comments about noise. Having had a Mk 7 R and how an 8, I think the suspension is more compliant generally, and there's less noise coming into the cabin from it and tyre noise is much lower - maybe a result of the tyre brand. Overall I think it feels a step up in relative sophistication over the previous model.

[@BM-235]

Should have added, great and entertaining review thanks.

[@WaseemKhan-iu4bh]

i'd rather get the S3, exterior and interior especially is much nicer. Not forgetting i won't have to worry nearly as much about getting hijacked

[@dzat]

Yup...but S3 is more expensive

[@WaseemKhan-iu4bh]

@@dzatFor the first time the R sits above the S3 now hence why it has more power and drift mode which the S3 doesn't have. So i think the R should be a bit more expensive this time

[@loganpadayachee6048]

Audi has poor resale value same like BMW and Mercedes

[@mosalah8166]

This is perfect for someone who has never driven a Golf.

[@rayswartz]

Ashley Oldfield... IS. A. GUN!!! What a driver - phew!🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@charlesphiri5639]

Point of correction..Formally known as Qheberha and previously known as Port Elizabeth.

[@Under_Construction100]

For those who dearly love music, to me the performance Golf variants (GTI/R) is like listening to a track featuring your favourite artists & one of your not so favourite artists performing the last verse of the song. Golf 8 for me is like that last verse performed by my least favourite artist & I stopped listening to the song after the 2nd last favourite artist, which was the G7.5. Ciro always putting out the beat reviews

[@winstonmace4865]

Great review Ciro... Think a few other motoring journos could learn a thing or two when it comes to reviewing a car....

[@patrickdupont9482]

I'm so in love with this car but u never know dreams come true 😂

[@emreemre369]

Greetings from Turkey, and great review mate, really liked the way you think about and present cars, it is pretty visceral and feels very real. So... what is the present day pinnacle of a hot hatch experience, available these days in your opinion?

[@michaelmeckies7072]

What a wonderful review 👏, can't wait for the new RS3 review.

[@matthewharris1592]

The golf R was always supposed to be the raw and crazy Golf of the range. No doubt it's fast, but honestly whats the point over a standard GTI now? You'll save a ton of money and still have a massive smile on your face.

[@TheYORK21]

agree, if I'm more drawn to the Tiguan R. Its faster than the Golf gti and it comfortably carry the entire family with their luggage. We can only dream😅

[@pornokid333]

4wd....comparing a gti to an R is like comparing chalk and cheese.

[@matthewharris1592]

@@pornokid333 if your going to be using the car on the racetrack then yes. Otherwise no

[@ghost_lukh]

Looks good, but geez we've been waiting. It also makes one wonder if getting BMW 340 over this wouldn't be a better buy. My MK7 might be the last Golf to buy - this car fully specced will definitely be over a million.

[@cajunbrownsugar1869]

Subscribed. Not just for the excellent content presentation but this has got to be the cutest presenter on yt 😅

[@Carscoza]

Welcome aboard! We'll be sure to let Ciro know

[@mlulekideandladla]

Correct me if I'm wrong. The Torque vector takes 50% of the engines power to the putter while, which can be distributed at 100%. Meaning that the 117, 5 kW can be shifted to the right wheel or left wheel, depending on the condition. Halex system or front transversal engine awd cars can't never send 100% of its power to the rear wheels.

[@sandilemajiya7831]

What a lovely car

[@langahlongwane2105]

The wait is over 🙌🏽

[@NThabethe]

VW doesn't respect us

[@Wiseman_RSA]

Well, not really. It will go on sale next year March so we wait for another 6 months

[@ghost_gaming4476]

I would buy it but It's a BIG HIJACK ME!!! car, maybe if I lived in another country I would buy Polo's

[@ERNESTMAP]

I'm taking my Golf 8 back for this 🤞🏾

[@Obsessed_ZA]

Waiting patiently for 2024 to buy it 2nd hand at around R700K🙌🏾😅

[@gladwin6403]

well this didn't age well

[@Obsessed_ZA]

@@gladwin6403 then 2026 it is😅

[@loganpadayachee6048]

They have good resale value like GTI

[@FastRedPonyCar]

Dealers here in the US are currently marking these R's up by $10,000~$15,000... absolutely insanity.

[@KP-xi4bj]

At least you get Golf Rs in the US. Here in Canada, Golf Rs are rarer than unicorns. No dealerships have them and the waiting list to get one is 1.5 years.

[@andresstamile8371]

@@KP-xi4bj I just found one in Alberta. It's on its way from Germany right now. No idea how I got one. They are currently marking them up around 4k. Especially for the new 20th anniversary edition.

[@KP-xi4bj]

@@andresstamile8371 Did the dealership have one to test drive? In Toronto, no dealerships have any available for a test drive. According to the dealers, it could take up to 2 years for your exact build to arrive in Canada. Thanks, but no thanks.

[@andresstamile8371]

@@KP-xi4bj Nothing in stock at the moment. I just bought one without test driving it! The dealership somehow managed to find one in Germany. Did a bunch of research with potential resale value etc. Got a solid price so I had to act! That's a long time to wait 😞

[@KP-xi4bj]

@@andresstamile8371 Mind if I ask what you paid out the door on the road?

[@philippienaar2065]

It will be a R900 - R950k incl a few options by the time it launches in SA. Looks like a great all rounder, but just can’t get used to the front styling of the Golf 8, so sticking with the 7.5 R as my Golf swan song…not ready for electric at all.

[@michelle_0891]

who's even ready for electric though?😂no one is,those things don't have souls. I'd also stick to the 7 or the 7.5 R too.

[@loganpadayachee6048]

I switched from 7.5 to 8...8 is better in everyway possible design, technology, power and fuel economy

[@boikiledwaba7193]

This Golf 8 R in this white colour is nice🙆🏾‍♂️🔥🔥🔥

[@nazmo_za9654]

Good review. but Ill rather take something fizzier. GR Yaris/Corolla. Civic R, Megane trophy for me

[@brilliantradience]

Or get a flared body kit with a bigger wing, noisy BOV and a snap crackle pop exhaust tune

[@nazmo_za9654]

@@brilliantradience you explained most gtis In cape town. Software. Downpipe. Chinatown spoiler

[@Akeelc]

I think You didn't enjoy it on the track because you need to switch the drive mode into "Special" which configures the car for track driving. Would be nice if you could test it again and see if you get a different feedback from the car. The R mode you used is specifically for straight line driving.

[@waynepettitt2000]

Thanks for a nice HONEST review….

[@abm5707]

Show off Ciro, you keep, pronouncing (properly): Gqebera 😎, Beautiful car u r testing.

[@CiroDeSiena]

I try my best :)

[@shaunm8692]

No such place as "Gqeberha". The name of the city is Port Elizabeth.Thank you, PE resident.

[@abm5707]

@@shaunm8692 Lol 😎

[@pollaboba1091]

Just wondering, of what I've seen from other videos, you guys didn't mention the drift mode, or weren't you allowed to drift an unlaunched car?

[@iamthebe_m]

The Drift Mode is only available with the “Drift Package” which is an add-on. I think when watching the Auto Trader review they were given a normal R and Rory had to ask again for one with Drift Mode.

[@Carscoza]

The car we drove was not fitted with the feature unfortunately

[@CobusDerrenberg]

AWESOME REVIEW AS ALWAYS ! BRILLIANT WORK ✨👍😎 The Golf R ... 🤔...🤨... little boring..😑..

[@jaredhaynes71]

Price is high , wait for the car insurance quote lol

[@luthomehlwana6737]

This will probably cross the 1 million mark😭

[@vashenmoodley3334]

If you want a car with golf1 dynamics buy a swift sport. It’s a proper hot hatch for golf 6 prices.

[@frederickdibakoane8633]

I thought the golf 8 R sends 50% of the power to the rear wheels and can send all that power(50%) to one wheel if the other wheel looses traction

[@ozemsadventureofrandomstuf252]

Lovely review..personally since I have a vw now I wouldn’t wait for a new golf r with more power I would gladly buy a previous R for cheaper get vw themselves to flash it and il probably have same power for less money…but when you buy these machines it’s truly a cult😮

[@nealprinsloo8076]

VeeDub Golf 8R really becoming a dream to own, what a car!! Its beautiful but it can moer you.

[@joshua4859]

For the price of this I'd rather take a mint F82 M4.

[@DeanFriederich]

Is that the real exhaust note of the car that you guys have added in? It sounds very similar to the exhaust note you guys use in quite a number of your other videos. Just an 'observation' 😇

[@CiroDeSiena]

Hey there, nope the car noise was recorded over the course of the shoot using a few microphones placed around the car. Thanks for watching!

[@nawanekhomo3159]

R already but only have seen the Mk8 maybe once or twice this year. Polo GTi on the other hand very popular

[@CathyVerm]

My friend and I use to race each other in the very late 80s. Golf mk1 GTS vs Ford XR3. With those cars, you could easily lift the rear wheel of the golf, and whack the XR3 around a corner feeling like it will never roll. It was pure adrenalin and madness. An experience lost in today's techno robots. Yawn!!!

[@ramrod102]

About the new Golf 8 GTI !!!1 thing you forgot to "mention",does it come in manual mode,because I just saw an Automatic transmission,nothing more was mentioned

[@kratos9223]

I just noticed that I'm unable to spec/order one online in Aug 2023, 4 months after it's initial launch in SA! Is this a sign of the Golf 8.5 coming? What a shambles.

[@Tanohowusu]

In Europe the price in Rands is around R800k. Could you do an RS3 review, cause if this is over a mil here, I would rather get an RS3 instead

[@JohnnyMavuso]

I really don't think you know how this pricing thing works. It's not the matter of simple currency conversion. South Africa charges 60% for import taxes and some other teriffs bundled with emission taxes. You'll notice that cars are overpriced in South Africa and the Competition Commission is sleeping on a job.

[@benlecluyse]

Amazing Golf R !!

[@Don-pk2uy]

Took 2 years to get here, its old news now

[@calvindison7612]

In all Honesty looking at the Golf R and its broh Tiguan R one could say that the Golf R isn't necessary the Tiguan R is all one needs to have a Hot Suv that sounds like the Gold R and looks more stunning and bigger and better

[@gcm747]

Is SA going to get the MK8 R 20 Year model? Curious as to when availability might be.

[@033Fritz]

Great car, still love my tuned 7.5. Have a great one, lookin out for all the VW R/GTI drivers to embarrass some v8’s here in the states!

[@dirkdesouza5975]

Nürburgring mode, AKA "beast mode" is fantastic....

[@mbulelogwili845]

Why is the check engine light on.

[@cheaterspartan3775]

I mean you’re completely wrong A golf R will remains VW it’s subtle and streamline very quick but low key it’s always been like that. Golf R isnt suppose to be flamboyant, it’s job is to make normal people do easy good driving and it complete its task best golf R yet

[@dna1238]

How hard is the ride relative to the previous model ?

[@shaunm8692]

It is not "formerly" Port Elizabeth, it is Port Elizabeth. Thank you, PE resident.

[@itsibzz4770]

It is not Port Elizabeth

[@shaunm8692]

@@itsibzz4770 This isn't "Azania" .The people renaming structures never initiated them and have thus zero renaming rights.Cultural theft ANC style.No-one is interested in their stupid fake WOKE names.

[@shaunm8692]

@@itsibzz4770 SA is not a Woke Marxist Azania republic - thank you. Naming rights come with the people /people group who established the town.

[@svenboden68]

Happy to own the 7.5 R.....

[@musamathevula9139]

Correct me if I'm wrong I watch another in America is this snow supposed to be at clubsport

[@nawanekhomo3159]

So it the same engine from the Mk6 with upgraded software?

[@geminierica4077]

I think these cars need to be tuned at least stage 1 for that pinnacle hot hatch experience.. there is a lot of unrealized power in the engine

[@NkosinathiMakwabe]

I have just watched this video now, I believe you know price by now

[@ty-king9011]

Nice review but I just didn't understand why there was rock music playing while you where talking

[@boikiledwaba7193]

Are we getting the performance pack in SA?

[@musac1248]

Please do review on VW arteon sedan

[@Carscoza]

You'll find it on our channel from a few years ago :)

[@svgs7310]

Not too sure about the new R badge 😅… a great review though 🤝

[@gideonvisser1968]

So between now and next year they not gonna sell any or will the price drop lower the the GTI by the official official price launch

[@craigjenkins3854]

The Volkswagen South Africa Golf 8 R just gets better with every generation. The Golf 8 R punches far above it's weight. Though for all of this there's a price to pay.

[@van_der_lindeDA]

Just loses every review when compared to the new type R, so good car just can't beat a type R overall.

[@samuelthabang86]

I AM BUYING IT

[@sibusisombhele3880]

Nice review, some of us will see this car after the rich boys are done with it at 60000 km, 3yrs time. 😂😂😂.

[@ep_king1996]

Do a review on the new Toyota Corolla Cross GR-S

[@kUNCHRIS]

Trick diff control, Basically a Lancer evolution from 20 something years ago he he

[@kratos9223]

The interior quality is not close to that of any bmw, tech is comparable but that's about it, the new golf has a polo like interior, in fact, it's inferior to that of the golf 7, I've owned a g6 gti, g6 r and g7.5 r, so read "fan boy" but I would rather go for a 128ti than a g8 gti, the test drive I had with the g8 gti left much to be desired, it's a miss, sorry vw. Perhaps the g8 r will change my mind when I get a chance behind the wheel, for now, I'll stick with my M2.

[@MrMartinHattingh]

Indeed. I have a 7.5 GTI and won’t be getting an 8 simply because of how plasticky the interior feels. The door cards and handles for example feel like Polo-level and very far from premium. Pity.

[@Don-pk2uy]

Yep interior quality gone down big time

[@sr7002]

Comparing vw and bmw... Makes sense

[@kratos9223]

@@sr7002 in response to the reviewer comparing the interior to a bmw 3 series, did you watch the review? Besides, the golf GTI and R fits into the price range of some bmw's, i.e. the 128ti, m135i, 3 series etc. So yes, it does make sense.

[@ndoboalan1596]

The Million Rand Golf! I'm sure small dealerships will inflate the prices. Telling us about skipping wating lists

[@mbizozo6271]

I’d rather get the M340i xDrive.

[@loganpadayachee6048]

Poor resale value all BMW's

[@mbizozo6271]

@@loganpadayachee6048 Lol... I don't care man. Need that B58!

[@Griffitas]

While the rest of the world can buy a Golf 8 in various specs and engine sizes in SA you do not get the latest version except for a gti and R version why?

[@dontdoit6403]

Mk 6 is my favorite

[@arthurgumbochuma9730]

A Golf is still a Golf

[@boitumelobee3994]

How will it. Hold up to a Ford Focus RS

[@deniedbwayi2477]

would it be a similar experience with the Tiguan r line 2022 ass well ?

[@MrSWW]

No won’t be the same feeling when you push it towards limit .

[@deer8120]

Aaah ha, finally - this is the 8th Generation of "check engine light "

[@patshes1951]

All wheel drive???

[@colbyzurlini8740]

I test drove a golf r a few weeks ago and was disappointed. There a bit disconnected if that makes sense. I then drove a friends old wrx and thought it was raw and great and athletic. Weird. It’s a shame as I had not heard set on the R and the wrx is old tech and uses a lot of fuel

[@dyondzaniksrikhotso2367]

Please do a review of the new Kia Sportage

[@oomstu]

price i reckon R895K ish... once spec'd and financed, maybe R1.1mil ish

[@rosequartz2290]

The price will drop significantly by the end of next year. It's expensive now because of supply chain issues. So it'll eventually be sitting at R650k to R700k brand new

[@Bahle_Gaji]

@@rosequartz2290 never 😂 You seen polo and golf GTI prices? I reckon they won’t drop that much. But we can check in in a year and see

[@rosequartz2290]

@@Bahle_Gaji Have you seen the fact that we're in a global recession? Everything will face the forces of deflation

[@johannesletsoalo1711]

It would be great if it was stick..... The flappy paddle thing just makes it less sporty for me. No wonder you didn't mention much about the gearbox.

[@ashleygovender815]

Sounds like an Evo and a golf 7.5 r had a baby

[@fortunentokozo839]

That's gonna be an expensive "R" vacuum cleaner here in SA in my views if you want fun just get the previous generation of the 7.5 R