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

In this in-depth, first-for South Africa video, our video guy Ciro De Siena and our race-ace Ashley Oldfield tests the latest Mk8 Golf R extensively on road and at the famed Aldo Scribante race circuit.
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00:00 Intro
01:05 Golf R price South Africa
02:08 Golf 8 R Akrapovic exhaust
02:15 Is the Golf R the most powerful Golf ever?
02:27 Golf R power and torque
02:58 Golf R 0-100km/h time
03:40 Difference between Evo3 and Evo4 Golf R engine
04:26 Golf 8 R driving modes
05:43 Golf 8 R on track
06:35 Golf 8 R vs Golf 7 R Nurburgring time
07:20 Golf 8 R Race mode
08:59 Golf 8 R new diff, torque vectoring and VDM
10:47 Exhaust sound
11:50 Ashley Oldfield on track
13:00 Racing driver opinion
14:32 bumper to bumper overview
15:00 Golf 8 R wheels and standard tyres are Goodyear
16:45 Interior overview, steering wheel, seats and instruments
17:55 infotainment system
20:40 Fuel consumption/economy
21:20 Golf 8 R vs Audi S3
23:20 Is the Golf 8 R a good daily?
24:04 Golf 8 R Price South Africa
Volkswagen South Africa afforded Cars.co.za an exclusive test drive of the all-new Mk8 Golf R and here is one of three videos we made while we had the car.
The Cars.co.za video team including race-ace Ashley Oldfield travelled to Gqeberha, which very much feels like the Volkswagen Capital of South Africa.
The new Golf 8 R has been significantly delayed in launching in our market. Volkswagen SA tells us they are facing major supply issues, with many woes caused by the war in Ukraine.
As such, the price of the Golf 8 R has not been revealed, and even though the Golf R media launch is taking place today, Monday 3 October 2022, the retail launch has unfortunately been pushed back to March 2023.
So, what is the price of the Golf R in South Africa? Well, we wish you could tell you, but it's like VW SA hasn't even settled on a price, given the volatility of world exchange rates and shipping issues. But as soon as we know, we'll share it with you.
In the meantime, we hope you enjoy this detailed and thorough review of the new Golf 8 R on local South African soil.
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[@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

[@ca9968]

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

[@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.

[@cheslynwesson8951]

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

[@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.

[@Maanyosi]

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

[@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.

[@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 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@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.✨✨✨✨✨✨

[@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

[@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 👍🏽

[@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?

[@wezloka6674]

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.

[@waynepettitt2000]

Thanks for a nice HONEST review….

[@rogerramjet1419]

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

[@SoftPorridge]

Hopefully I have a mils in my acc by the time they launch. Definitely buying 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.

[@ERNESTMAP]

I'm taking my Golf 8 back for this 🤞🏾

[@charlesphiri5639]

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

[@rayswartz]

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

[@michaelmeckies7072]

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

[@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

[@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....

[@winstonmace4865]

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

[@gcm747]

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

[@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

[@sandilemajiya7831]

What a lovely car

[@kevindreyer6710]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@benlecluyse]

Amazing Golf R !!

[@nawanekhomo3159]

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

[@CobusDerrenberg]

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

[@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

[@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😮

[@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

[@mosalah8166]

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

[@boikiledwaba7193]

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

[@boikiledwaba7193]

Are we getting the performance pack in SA?

[@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.

[@patrickdupont9482]

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

[@dna1238]

How hard is the ride relative to the previous model ?

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@musamathevula9139]

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

[@nealprinsloo8076]

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

[@svenboden68]

Happy to own the 7.5 R.....

[@nawanekhomo3159]

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

[@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

[@joshua4859]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@vashenmoodley3334]

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

[@langahlongwane2105]

The wait is over 🙌🏽

[@mattgraver3604]

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

[@mbulelogwili845]

Why is the check engine light on.

[@boitumelobee3994]

How will it. Hold up to a Ford Focus RS

[@ty-king9011]

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

[@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

[@mbizozo6271]

I’d rather get the M340i xDrive.

[@ep_king1996]

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

[@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 😎

[@musac1248]

Please do review on VW arteon sedan

[@Carscoza]

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

[@luthomehlwana6737]

This will probably cross the 1 million mark😭

[@dyondzaniksrikhotso2367]

Please do a review of the new Kia Sportage

[@svgs7310]

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

[@mtho3509]

I've seen the Golf 8R do sub 4seconds 0-100kmh times

[@samuelthabang86]

I AM BUYING IT

[@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 .

[@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!

[@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.

[@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

[@user-hn6om3zt8o]

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

[@patshes1951]

All wheel drive???

[@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.

[@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.

[@Don-pk2uy]

Took 2 years to get here, its old news now

[@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?

[@dirkdesouza5975]

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

[@paul-wynandtroskie1381]

Please review the new volkswagen polo sedan 🙏🙏🙏

[@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

[@tinashenyamande358]

Can you please review mahindra xuv700.

[@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!!!

[@kUNCHRIS]

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

[@dontdoit6403]

Mk 6 is my favorite

[@jaredhaynes71]

Price is high , wait for the car insurance quote lol

[@sibusisombhele3880]

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

[@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

[@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?

[@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

[@RonnyFL1]

Is it not 420Nm?

[@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

[@ashleygovender815]

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

[@ndoboalan1596]

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

[@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