VW Golf GTI Performance review - Is it the best all round hot hatch?!

[@75Mdb]

Not a Gti, but I bought a MK7 Golf R in March to replace my MK7.5 Fiesta ST. I love how the Golfs look and they're definitely built better than Ford's, but after driving both cars back to back a few times into Wales the Golf had to go. It was much faster than the ST in a straight line, the brakes were stronger and the suspension was nicer for cruising around in slow moving traffic. When the road ahead was empty and I wanted to enjoy the drive the Golf just disappointed. It didn't like going into slow speed tight corners and it was never any fun to drive apart from the odd time that I'd need to pull out of a junction quickly when it would impress me with the acceleration. I'd come back from a drive in the Golf thinking it was alright and then cover the same ground in the ST and the ST would just blitz it in the fun factor compared to the Golf. It's a shame as I really loved the look of it, but it's all about the drive for me.

[@Hot-1LE]

i wonder if your opinion had been different with a GTI not the R. Most reviews say get the GTI its lighter, more nimble, more fun then the R.

[@75Mdb]

Yeah I may well have enjoyed a GTI more than I did the R, but I expect that I'd still find it a bit lacking in the fun department compared to the ST, It would probably be closer though.

[@boomerang2]

@@75Mdb fascinating as I keep toying with the idea of a f st (as a 2nd car) or a golf gti or r a few yrs down the line as a main car. I keep telling myself I want an auto (which pushes me toward the golf) yet your comments just reiterate the ST is so good at what it wants to be (and at a great price for an early plate, if you can suffer the suspension, hence 7.5 better)

[@socialising6037]

@@75Mdb get the clubsport

[@patw9175]

This is why I think the GTI will be perfect for me. I love to drive like a dickhead but I just don't get the chance anymore. I'd say 85-90% of the time I spend driving now is in some form of traffic and I just want a nice car that's quicker than an econobox.

[@peterwharehoka9842]

Love my gti. Understated, minimalist looks. Reasonably fast too.

[@lewisratford2908]

Interesting. I traded in my BMW M135i recently for a Golf Gti performance 7.5 and absolutely love it. The performance in the real world is actually not night and day and was surprised how quick the golf was. The reason I chose the golf like the M135i was because they are very under stated and i’ve grown out of wings and spoilers. The Golf is a brilliant everyday driver and is a lot of fun when you want it to be especially with the manual . In sport mode the car just tightens up but is not turned on to a stiff crashy mess like a lot of other cars. I find it beautifully set up for uk roads. I guess it depends what you want out of a car but in the real world I find the Golf to be perfect for me.

[@Alan-N]

The original & best hot hatch , simples 👍🇬🇧

[@lewiskidd3374]

Just bought one of these and think it’s a fantastic car, gearbox is exceptional and a lovely well built car, used to have a 66 plate focus red edition 1.5 ecoboost and can tell the difference in build quality, however, the volume button does my head in!!

[@mickl3008]

Obviously, its a warm hatch. They can't have it too close to the R, or there would be no reason to make an R. Ford do the exact same thing with the ST/RS

[@erikhaldeman5802]

Great review...on point. I have a 16 GTI with the performance pack that I just bought in February. I’m not sure what kind of tires you have on the car, but I just put on a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4s’ and I do not have a problem with understeer. I do enjoy the car :-) Thanks again.

[@Buck3366]

I think it’s a hot hatch in reality. The RS is now a mega hatch along with the A45 and Rs3 and even S3/Golf R.Put the GTI up against any respected old school hot hatch from yesteryear and they wouldn’t see what way it went but with it “only” having 230 bhp ( some dyno’d have shown 260bhp/ 275 lb ft)it’s seen as underpowered compared to the big contenders yet it’s consistently beaten the likes of the Focus ST etc in road and track tests. I think with the I30N coming along in this sector though and doing so well the new GTI TCR needs to up its game.

[@johnjackson12]

I can't help but think this car would benefit greatly from a stage 1 remap. 300bhp will defo make it hotter and maybe a little unruly but I quite like that in a hot hatch

[@socialising6037]

Would it need a new clutch

[@ap6584]

300 bhp is the sweet spot for hot hatches now

[@simontaylor3211]

Great video as always mate. I’m glad you got to take the GTi for a spin at last. I was really interested that it understeers even with the LSD. Love the interior. As good as the DSG is, I bet you still prefer a manual? 😊

[@mohammedbostan9467]

the original grown-up hot hatch a brilliant everyday car.

[@chrisjh1982]

Its a great all rounder. The DSG takes a lot of the fun out of it for me though. The manual gearbox is lovely.

[@RicViperskylogs]

If you want more excitement, unleash the beast with stage 1 tune

[@adambeaver1749]

Great review as ever bud!! 👍👍 Are the VAG vehicles slowly winning you over 🤔 ?? 😁😁 Really looking forward to the upcoming TTRS one !! Keep them coming....👍👍

[@s20ttv]

Prepare for the VAGs to come on start blurting a load of nonsense. I thought your review could have done with some more technical facts if your explaining them line the correct car colour, size of the brakes, cost of the extras on the car , total cost of the car but thought your review was very honest and fair. Nearly every review I watch is some KZbin star just saying a load of positive nonsense about cars. It’s total crap and doesn’t help anyone so Thank you for giving a good, honest review :)

[@vr6gls]

You say the car understeers, but did you ever stop to think that maybe it’s the tires. As the owner of an mk7 GTI, I can tell you that the chassis is more than capable with the right set of tires.

[@mrfizeg8661]

Nice review. Would be nice to compare it to the Golf R, if you can get your hands on one and review it

[@SamAustin]

Nice video and a great car alongside your much more entertaining Focus RS. Nice to see you compare them as the GTI is still a cracking car ! Very happy I bought a Golf R though as the GTI is too toned down.....If you can try the 40th anniversary gti in a manual that's a car which I think could trump the Golf R for fun and bring it closer to your RS however it's a fair bit more expensive than an R and even a used RS due to its rarearity and initial high sticker price.

[@hdmk213]

The GTI is definitely the best looking Golf (the red accents work better than the silver accents on the R). The R is definitely the car to have though - the price gap between the GTI and R is always such that it's worth saving up a little more to get the full package.

[@gaznelson8615]

4 exhausts is better than 2 😉 just personal opinion on looks there's not much in it for me quite like the chrome strips on the R You are right in price difference though, if buying used then no brainer go for the R the cost difference in buying is even less

[@hdmk213]

@@gaznelson8615 not when 2 of them are fake! The outer two exhausts on the R are just for show

[@gaznelson8615]

@@hdmk213 are they? You mean they are closed in normal mode and open up when in race/sport mode Owners get them coded open in all modes, I should know I own one 😂

[@hdmk213]

The Mk7 R estate had fake exhausts on the outside, this was fixed on the Mk7.5. But yes, not an issue on the hatchback as they are all real

[@gaznelson8615]

@@hdmk213 mines hatchback so all work for me, also the tips arnt removable on mk7 estates I think Still looks more of an animal than 2 exhausts like gti

[@RoadandRacetv]

A “Warm Hatch! Love it. You’ve invented a new category.

[@matts1083]

Of course it’s a hot hatch, hot hatch segment has 3 different categories pocket rockets as in fiesta st, Polo gti, corsa vxr, 208gti cooper s/jcw Audi s1 etc...then the mid range so Golf gti, Hyundai i30N, Focus rs, Golf r, Audi s3, Astra VXR then the hyperhatch audi rs3 & a45 AMG & m140i anything with 150bhp or less in my eyes is a normal car. 150-230 pocket rocket 230-360 mid range hot hatch 360+ hyperhatch? Anyone agree?

[@simontaylor3211]

I have to say that Audi have refined some of the fun out of my S1 so I know what Gary means. Still grinning everytime I drive it though.

[@williamjurgen1141]

focus ST is mid range the Focus RS is in the hyperclass the bmw m140i is borderline hyper

[@matts1083]

I know what you mean, my polo gti is DSG and it does take away the feeling of the drive that comes with manual. But nowadays DSG, dct, triptronic infact Automatics in general are faster than their manual counterparts. great review though 🤙🏻 love the fact you & your wife have two beautiful cars 👍

[@the___truth8038]

If you think the Fiesta st or Polo gti rival the Cooper s/JCW, then you are misguided. 🙄

[@matts1083]

The Mini Cooper s is exact same specs as fiesta st & polo gti lol? And the interior isn’t as good as the polo gti and the drive isn’t as good as fiesta st & the cooper jcw is .5 seconds faster with the same chassis? I don’t understand your logic?

[@sparkford04]

Does your wife's motor have the DCC option to enhance the ride on the 19" alloys? Did you spec and suggest it's purchase to the missus ? Get yourself into a similar year Rmk7 as a comparison now with GTIi and your Focus RS . Plenty of used 15 /65 plated about in VW dealerships as they have been shifting low mileage DSG and manual VW management cars. Some good deals to be had.

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Nice car the GTI with lots of pedigree mate.Great review buddy look forward to a TT review 😉🏁🍻

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Car Focused Looking forward to your opinion on a TT. Think you will be very surprised.Got mine drifting last night in the rain.Very strange experience I can tell you in a AWD car.🏁🍻

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Car Focused Yeah the RS is a pure beast! One day! The five cylinder sound is just amazing.Imagine the TT RS mapped 😳😍

[@blackflagpirate3444]

Car Focused Definitely a baby R8 mate 😉

[@HENRYHOBBS1]

Think it has around 260 torque..thats why it feels fast.its a great all rounder

[@HENRYHOBBS1]

@@CarFocused you certainly are.i have been looking at getting a mk7gti or a m135i next so found this interesting

[@MegaGecas]

Are you sure it understeers bit, or you should be more precise with your lines (with full respect) ?

[@b17blg]

What tyres is the golf on? Might explain some understeer?

[@randymarsh3636]

I can explain the understeer it weighs like 1400kg.

[@luisaraujobarros1]

The understeer is due to the 19 inches wheels..... I tested This car with 19" and hated the balance of the car, definitely too much understeer and too much rigidity...... but in 18"..... it is an amazing the car, easy to control and did feel any understeer... I couldn't believe how better the car was in 18".

[@jonsmith8582]

You're going to be in soo much trouble with the Mrs , thrashing and dissing her car ! apart from that it looks a very capable car ?

[@chriselse515]

Great video again. I looked at a golf gti last year and really liked it but I just prefer my fast Ford's over anything else. Although I know you can get a manual it does suit the car much better having the dsg and I would always have it with the dsg. Next review m140i?

[@MIGerlag]

Great video mate. I personally can’t wait for the new Mk8 Focus ST and probably much later in its life cycle the next RS. Ford is the only way for me, VW’s are great cars but they’re too clinical and boring for my taste. In my opinion VW really needs to spice the look of the next golf, it’s a very boxy boring shape, especially next to the new focus. But I suppose some people like it that way. Anyways, great video man, cheers.

[@powellj27]

Great video as always. Pleased you managed to finally do a review of the golf. I was torn between the golf r and the RS and I’m pleased I choose the RS but I do agree the Gti is a good car and is an easy car to live with as a daily driver. Your need to drive the R now to compare it with the RS. 🙂

[@powellj27]

Car Focused that’s true, however has to be be exciting than the gti? Anyways, I still have my RS. Being used more now since my wife’s car was scrapped, due to failed MOT.

[@woody2woodster]

I have a new focus RS myself mate, I agree with you on most of the stuff you say. Don't forget the RS is built in Germany as well. Maybe that's why it seems so well screwed together. Good video.

[@MC-ir2zy]

@@CarFocused American owned and built in Germany. Not British like most people in the UK believe... Great video, though!

[@abdulwahaab9026]

People always slate the gti but name me one other hot hatch that is more of an all rounder than this, i'll wait

[@abdulwahaab9026]

Car Focused the gti is a car thats not exceptional at one thing but okay at everything that's why its good

[@markc9274]

Chicken Sandwich Civic Type R FK2 the race car for the road and probably most underrated and underestimated car of recent times! A lot fast than a gti and in most scenarios runs rings around a Focus RS Mk3 if truth be told!!! You also get a load of technology for the money. Usable daily, however harsh ride but in reality a good all rounder with a whole load of performance!!!

[@abdulwahaab9026]

Mark C what about mpg

[@MrDohotaru]

Why would you look at the nav screen when you have an mfd to tell you where to go, never bothered me as its common throughout VAG family the position and this is why you have a projection next to the dials.

[@martinarscott3524]

I have a remapped Focus ST which I absolutely love, but sadly my wife wants an automatic due to bad arthritis in her feet and shoulders, no auto option in the ST so considering the GTi with performance pack as an alternative, test driving in 2 days' time but this was a helpful review, thanks ! (tried an Audi S3 which was awesome but the high pedals crippled her feet....)

[@martinarscott3524]

ah I didn't realise that, thanks will check that out :)

[@martinarscott3524]

Cheers !

[@arek-jjj8039]

Omg I use to hate this sat nav power bottom it use to drive me insane 😂😂😂

[@x4aronK]

Current have a 420d m sport with a stage 1 map so about 230bhp and I’ve been looking at a GTI for a while, but not sure to take the leap, could anyone help me? Thanks!

[@x7wolverines7x]

you cant compare this to the Focus RS they are two totally different cars

[@jakehammond7972]

What’s the mpg

[@mrparkuksmith1311]

Mk7.5 has 7 speed dsg and 245ps? Not strictly the same as your wife's car?

[@mrparkuksmith1311]

@@CarFocused Good call. Enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work.😎

[@klasseneditor]

It's the old model..

[@owenchappell4504]

you should do a review of the a45 vs rs

[@MLife1972]

Sorry to sound like a Nana, but you're going pretty fast on a public road, with oncoming traffic, talking to a camera and you take both hands off the wheel (13:20). If you really want to test the upper limits of a car, maybe you should be on a track?

[@sotonjoe]

Don’t give up your day job.

[@and2rew]

A slapped cat!

[@Ukgamer7724]

I never understand why the Golf Gti is so popular. Its So overpriced and boring to look at.

[@Hot-1LE]

have you driven one? That;s why its so popular, its just a lot of fun, and I have a 2015 Mustang GT. Here in the u.s. you can get 5-7k off easy actually making it a bargain hot hatch. great cars

[@slags83]

Joe hit the nail on the head. It does everything well in a very livable, fun package. And they're not expensive at all here in the states. I paid $20k USD for mine new.

[@x0rbian]

Joe Marano +1

[@greengrass9572]

Finely engineered autoshite for the masses. I had a 'mighty Golf GTI' mk 4 20v turbo and it was seriously boring and unreliable, but it was well screwed together which made DIY repairs difficult.

[@jasonjay7650]

@@greengrass9572 you needed the mk5 gti then.

[@randymarsh3636]

But it's just so boring.

[@a-w429]

Why I see this junk of a car everywhere ffs

[@charles-davidberube1174]

Because it's a perfect all round car.

[@a-w429]

@@charles-davidberube1174 perfect my ass I rent them a lot fucking pos