VW GOLF GTI TCR vs GOLF R! Which is THE BEST hot hatch?!

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***PLEASE NOTE - AS OF 1/12/2020 I ALSO OWN A 2020 GOLF R SO ANY SUGGESTIONS OF BIAS TOWARDS MY OWN CAR (THE TCR) ARE A BIT POINTLESS (AS THEY WERE ANYWAY)***
In this unsponsored video I revisit a comparison of the utimate non-limited Mk7 (facelift/7.5) Golfs
I have owned both so there is no bias and I sell many Golf Rs so can not afford to be unduly critical. My circumstances today mean I prefer the TCR though I still harbour a lot of respect for the very capable Golf R and I was prepared to give it the win if stacked up. I don't want to bring magazine reviews into this as they don't influence my verdict but please bear in mind that the highly respected chaps at evo magazine rate the TCR more highly than the R.
The outcome has a lot to do with the tyres fitted but the R is as per factory spec and how many owners would have taken delivery of it. The TCR was on Goodyear F1s which are OEM for Golf 8 GTI, it would have left the factory on Bridgestones (18") or P Zero (19") (or semi-slick Michelin Cup 2), but definitely not Continental.
Likewise the TCR Is DCC and this is representative of a lot of the TCRs that were sold as you couldn't order 19s without it. Barely any Rs have got DCC though many are on 19s. Yes it would ride more comfortably on 18s but it would be knocked back on looks more than you'd gain in comfort. So again I feel the R is representative of a typical used R which is all you can get now the order books are shut.
Find out which one I crowned the best hot hatch in the video!
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[@TDS981]

Appreciate the efforts and your dedication to these cars but not sure I fully support the comments at the end regarding the understeer on those Contis, sort of leads you toward your conclusion and isn't something 99% of people have or will experience. At the end of the day it comes down to whether or not you like a bit more agility while on the move the TCR is a lighter car and therefore a bit more fun to throw down a lane. As you said earlier on, the R on the other hand has the ability to put it's power down in any weather, when the front pushes out you can apply more power and it pulls, and pushes you round there is some enjoyment to be had there especially in the wet. For me TCR is the more driver engaged hot hatch, but its problem is that it hasn't quite gone far enough, there are other hot hatches that fill this brief a little better. The R on the other hand is still the best all rounder in its class, nearly 7 years on! Ideally you have something special tucked away for a more engaging experience, but you buy the R because of its overall ability to pretty much be, or do everything in any weather. That counts for a lot, VW nailed it!

[@JoJo-en7bn]

I have given you a like even though I own the TCR

[@TDS981]

@@JoJo-en7bn sure you can guess which I own :) thanks TCR is a great car, review of the R on my channel if you are interested.

[@gaznelson8615]

@@TDS981 you can tell which is owned on this video though its pretty clear, sly remarks on the R's supposedly unhappy face, doesnt like the higher shade of alcantara seats in the mk7 R then slams the 7.5 R for been all black interior, jokes on the factory exhaust sound (forgets theres no golfr r tcr version so its basic exhaust like the standard gti or tick the option for an upgraded exhaust). Comments on changing the tyres from factory to better tires would make it unfair (basically it would compromise his conclusion) the R seemed to set up to fail from the start 😉 I'm not knocking the tcr its definitely the more driver focused track ready golf out the 2 but if i was looking for a track car I'd be considering focus rs/civic type r for the money 🤷‍♂️

[@TDS981]

@@gaznelson8615 yep agreed bit harsh on the R I think. 👍

[@volkswizard]

I've also owned Rs and sell them. The unhappy face was a joke, humour, I hadn't concluded how the car drove then but as it happens I'd have a very sad face if I had to swap my TCR for one. I said the R was the best looking Golf while the TCR looked like it belonged in Mcdonalds car park - did you miss that bit? The R and TCR have the standard exhaust - not sure what your point is there? You can get Akrapovic on both but neither had it. Magazines don't change the tyres on a car to get a better result, the car is tested as presented by the manufacturer. I went to great lengths to make sure the R was as representative as possible, OEM tyres, correct pressure, fault code scans, no mods. It's not my fault it performed like that. I wish it hadn't but the video is there for you to see. The TCR isn't a track ready car though it's better than the R as a fast road car hence why evo magazine rated it more highly and it's a brave man that argues with the verdict of the most respected performance car magazine in the UK (and no, I don't think they own a TCR to influence their judgement....)

[@zxyqwerty123]

I had a Mk 5 GTi and now have a Mk 7.5 R. Hands down for driving pleasure the GTi was better, it just had that special something about it. The R is a much better all weather car and much quicker but doesn’t come alive until you’re going much faster which is a bit of a problem on public roads.

[@butchmeister80]

Would have thought an R would wipe the floor with the dated mk5

[@butchmeister80]

@@andrewmontague2636 yes I had one was fun and an r32 mk4 now a gti7 that feels a bit slow and not much fun

[@butchmeister80]

@@andrewmontague2636 I had a red one , one of 42 was juicy sounded nice wish I had it now haha

[@karlbristow1223]

I sold my mk5 gti 7 years ago as it started to develop engine issues and I didn't want to keep paying VW out to find the issue they was failing to resolve. I still regret that decision to this day! Can't lie, every car I've had since has lived in it's shadow. It's the best car I've every owned for looks, fun and all round balance. The perfect hot hatch. Mine was black 3dr, monza 2s 18s, rainbow audio speaker and sub upgrades. Honestly I had it perfectly set up, even seeing it in the car park would put a smile on my face! Used to drive out just for fun. Probably sounds sad, but it was more than just a car, it was a passion!

[@butchmeister80]

@@karlbristow1223 I had a 3 door black one slammed on bbs chs was immaculate

[@MW_1981]

I was in two minds about these 2 cars last year. Test drove both and found the TCR a far more exciting drive. Plus in my opinion the Golf R looked a bit boring for a sporty hatch. So bought a TCR in Grey with performance pack and it has the Akra exhaust fitted. Looks far more sporty than the R and people often comment on how nice it looks. Plus you don't see many on the road. I've only seen one other TCR in White in the year I've had mine.

[@agarubyt2514]

true shit have tcr to

[@jimmyjt16]

The TCR being FWD is always going to be more exciting and quicker on a dry track, but as a daily that can put all of it's power down in all weathers and in perfect comfort the R beats the TCR hands down.

[@MrHidinho]

think everyone knows this mate

[@beardmechanix1642]

Until you install a wavetrac diff in the TCR. Still not instant traction like the R but puts the power down much better. That diff and a 100kg weight difference makes the R feel like it should be placed behind the TCR

[@beardmechanix1642]

@iNSTAGiB check out Regal Autosport. They can quote you.

[@st33fie]

If i had enough money, I'd buy a Golf R and transform the exterior to a TCR. the TCR simply looks better

[@TheSqueak99]

I think one thing to take into account is the drive of the R (for me) is so dull compared to FWD Gti, TCR etc. Much more exciting and engaging drive from the TCR

[@MarkEnriquez1971]

I like the TCR being that is a 2 door, 4 door R doesn’t look as sporty. But I don’t like the TCR all black rims. From a distance it gives the appearance of a spare tire.

[@alfsporturbo]

@volkswizard. Great video again. Thank you. I had a 7.5 PP GTI and an R and I found the GTI so frustrating as it would just wheelspin, then once you were going it would feel a bit flat. I guess something that you don't get with the TCR. I now have a Cupra 290. It fixes the performance issues of the GTI, but I feel I am missing the all wheel drive grip away from junctions etc. In this country where we seem to have damp roads etc I found the all wheel drive traction just so nice.

[@Buster-the-Bear]

As a TCR owner who upgraded from a Mk7 GTI Performance, the difference in performance and handing is incredible! It rides on 19 inch P-Zero and DCC. It just brings a huge grin to my face when I get in a drive it. I drove a Mk 7.5 R and then a TCR to compare. The R is a great car, but the TCR is absolutely brilliant. I went to purchase an R and bought the TCR within 2 min of driving in on the main road. A future classic possibly? All I know, is that I'll never regret my decision. Keep up the hard work Mr Wizard and I look forward to a comparison of the Mk7.5 TCR and the Mk8 Clubsport in due course.

[@MrDarrenNice]

Fantastic video. Really enjoyed this. Thank you for taking the time to do a proper comparison. As you know I own a TCR and absolutely love it. But the R in that spec (exterior I'm mainly referring to) is perfect 👌🏻

[@volkswizard]

Glad you enjoyed it Darren!

[@JPWest020]

I have a 7R with the same continentals. Before the R I had the 7 GTI Performance. Love both! But the comfort of the R really does it for me.

[@tan9640]

Currently own a 5 gti, love it. The steering feel, handling etc for what it is you can’t go wrong. I suspect that more modern variants won’t feel as good to drive even if they’re better cars. However, going forward if I was to stick with a gti it would only be the 7/7.5 gti or R.

[@karlbristow1223]

You'll be highly disappointed if you switch out for a newer GTI. They've lost the magic. Honestly you'll regret it! If you want something with a similar feel, the scirocco is the only way to go.

[@phyeap2022]

owned a mk5 gti too, simple decat and remap it can keep up with a new stock mk7/8

[@yerpster]

7.5 ftw

[@shifty277]

Lots of effort put into this. Much appreciated. Boy will VW group fans be glad of you sharing your very in depth knowledge of these cars in the years to come. If on the move and budget allows invest in a Zhiyun gimbal for smartphones. At £90 it will transform the quality if using a phone handheld. Apologies if you already have a gimbal for a gopro or dslr and use it.. Thumbs up.

[@frankiehenry8139]

Cool review. I have a lapiz 7.5R, you gotta black the mirror caps and the chrome grille strip, makes it look so much better

[@volkswizard]

Hey Frankie Henry, so glad an R owner enjoyed the review as both great cars and super hot hatches.

[@steveb2139]

The TCR is arguably a better looking car than the R but on English roads and English weather the R wins for me. (Ideally i'd like an R that looks like a TCR but one that was painted and not in grey primer 😜). Comparing one car with good tyres and another with mediocre tyres (even if it has 4wd) is never going to be fair comparison with regards to traction.. All you have to do is see tyre tests comparing 2wd cars on winter tyres with 4wd cars on all round tyres in winter conditions to prove 4wd does not automatically give better traction. Your quote 'it could all be down to the tyres" shows you really know why you experienced the issues you did and that your thoughts / results are ultimately flawed. How much understeer and traction loss would you get with a TCR with the Conti tyres i wonder.🤔 Excitement is also subjective. Part of my excitement when driving comes from going round corners as fast as a i can (for the conditions) without the car scaring me while you sound like your excitement comes from going round corners at slower speeds while experiencing 'a bit of fear'. I don't want to be scared by the car I'm driving on a public roads, I want to drive as progressively as i can in the conditions that allow in a car that just 'does what it needs to do'.

[@volkswizard]

Excitement and fear are closely related otherwise why do you have to do it as fast as conditions allow? Surely that because you getting close to a speed where conditions won't allow it and that exciting? As I said if a car goes around tight corners at 60mph and it doesn't offer any excitement because it's well within it's grip 'envelope' i.e. on rails, you go faster and faster until it does and suddenly you are at 80 mph which isn't clever. As I've said before I didn't choose the tyres, VW did and they never fitted them to the TCR probably because it's not 10% worse on Co2 emissions because it's lighter than R as it doesn't have AWD. Magazines don't swap tyres around cars to affect the result so that's a ridiculous suggestion. I don't want to have to point this out but f you don't like my result, have a look at "The Knowledge" at the back of evo magazine where TCR beat the R by half a point 4.5 vs 4.

[@steveb2139]

@@volkswizard I personally get excitement with speed alone and not because i''m getting close to the limit especially when on a public highway.. For me, on a public road simply going round a corner 'on rails' at a progressive speed in complete safety is enough for me. I understand that some people consider the R a little dull because it is so good at what it does. I understand that point of view i really do. However I think the vast majority of owners would disagree and if the car was actually considered generally un-excitingI doubt it would have sold in the numbers that it has. So much of your comparison revolved around the tyres on the R and you also seem to intimate that you also acknowledge that fitting better tyres (and DCC) to the car would likely also change the driving experience. I would imagine that Evo would likely have come their scoring conclusion after also driving the two cars on track and I have no doubt that a TCR is a more nimble or even exciting car in that environment, especially in the dry. It's been an annoyance of mine for a long time however when magazines continuously judge a road car by its track ability however.

[@Beardchanics]

Nice video, I prefer the R personally but both great cars.

[@karlbristow1223]

I'm always banging on about my love for the mk5 and my disappointment with the mk7 driving feel (too refined, steering lacked weight). However I've never had the pleasure of trying the TCR or the R, I'd love to see if they're more engaging than the standard performance pack GTI mk7. I really disliked that car! I'm sticking with Sciroccos until VW restores my faith in the Golf driving experience.

[@supposedly6991]

Clubsport S is a dream to drive. I've luckily had that opportunity to drive it this summer. It's by far the most precise car I've felt and I've driven mk7 gti performance pack, focus st 2013, bmw m3 e92 with stage1 tune, golf 7r , porsche panamera turbo, was a passenger in ferrari 488 gtd... A friend of mine in Podgorica has been so nice to allow me to drive all these, his father and him are wealthy car dealers. Clubsport S has impressed me the most. From my experience it handles like a supercar, absolutely lovely. Even though all of these were short drives 😆 I still managed to get a very good impresion of what they feel like because I drove them on a twisty road. Clubsport S I drove through Kotor and Niksic on a twisty road and was really really impressed. So wish I could buy it...

[@karlbristow1223]

@@supposedly6991 I've heard the s is amazing. I saw one at a dealership and to be fair it looked the part. I don't have long work commutes anymore, so the next hot hatch I get should last me forever, as long as the gov doesn't ban us from driving petroleum cars altogether!

[@vukkukulicic2507]

@@supposedly6991 nisam znao da imamo clubsport S-a u cg

[@karlbristow1223]

@@andrewmontague2636 mk5 felt more alive to me. I saw someone else say this in a review and I had to agree with them. Went along the lines of "the mk5 is the girl you have an office fling with, the mk7 is the dependable steady housewife". I got exactly what they meant after driving it. Even the turbo whoosh was removed from the mk7, I loved that sound!

[@butchmeister80]

Gti drives better than a rocco

[@whoisgoogle]

Golf R. Full throttle take off from standstill at t-junctions or roundabouts in any weather, which is important in UK . In the GTi you just get 2 wheels spinning everywhere from standstill in anything other than dry road

[@fatwalletboy2]

Wheres the fire though?

[@samcourt6228]

More to life than the traffic light Grand Prix though.

[@whoisgoogle]

@@samcourt6228 it matters in the daily commute for a start. As the roads get busier and busier it's the difference between being able to pull away safely and confidently and not sit there wheel spinning waiting to be tboned

[@samcourt6228]

@@whoisgoogle really? I’ve never had any issues in RWD cars with more power / torque at junctions in the UK.

[@whoisgoogle]

@@samcourt6228 in that case a GTi suits you just fine

[@ianbarnard7682]

Be nice to see the R reviewed with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S. Transforms the car.

[@volkswizard]

Dear Michelin, send me some tyres! In fact the car that lift off oversteered was on 4S, remember it clearly so you are not wrong Ian. I think it might even be on a video somewhere!

[@gaycha6589]

Indeed. Mine (7.5) came with Contis from factory, but the addition of PS4S tyres does transform wet and dry handling, feel, grip and traction.

[@ianbarnard7682]

@@gaycha6589 Similar. Done the last 3 years on PS4 after 2 years on contis. Totally different.

[@LustralYT]

I have the Mk7 on PS4S with DCC , compared to the factory P-Zeros the ride is so much more softer and more useable in the wet.

[@ianbarnard7682]

@@LustralYT Better in all conditions I reckon. Quieter too.

[@neilhibbert5201]

Hi I have just bought a golf r 2015 .I have worked in the trade for over 40 years.also have letter after my name for training and course been on. All I have to say is that with your rose coloured glasses on your golf is best and that's why you brought it. But I my mind and view the golf r is best ,but no one is wrong that's why vag make some of the best cars of all time? Please keep up the good work👌

[@kingjulian595]

The Golf R on Bridgestone RE050's or RE003's in my experience is definitely unstoppable. Never had understeer. Pirelli P Zero's on our 7.5 GTI are also understeer resistant IMO. I also agree that the 7 speed DSG is a lot smoother and a big improvement on the 6 speeder, which sometimes gets confused what gear it's in, especially when you do some rapid downshifts. If you do a stage 1 tune you don't need to tune the DSG on the 7 speeder, but the 6 speeder feels like its clutch is slipping with a tune.

[@michaelglisson8240]

Great video! I think the TCR is more R than the R! The TCR looks more like you'd expect an R to look like both in and out. The TCR drives more like you'd expect an R to drive like in almost every situation. So swap the R badge onto the TCR or just remove the TC and you'd have the perfect R! Though it's really a GTI and an awesome one at that! Happy driving and be safe! (but have fun doing it!)

[@MrRonan3]

It's a real hard one this.i have owned 2 golf R's and currently own a TCR. the second R i had was tuned. i loved it. off the lights rapid. it shocked so many driver's who tried to keep up with it. the TCR does not give me the same thrill as the R but looks more special!,

[@LustralYT]

Still going strong with my R (Mk 7) over 4 years of ownership from new. Having a look at both the new Mk8 GTi and awaiting the actual pricing of the R. However I feel the cost to change will not get me any more than what I currently have. The R is too safe driving at pace on almost any condition. The GTi , assuming is a lot more playful (although I have never driven the GTi). Also I see a lot less GTi on the road as well.

[@samcourt6228]

The very very aggressive lease deals shifted loads of R’s in the early days. They were so cheap at one point it was pretty much rude not too!

[@LustralYT]

@@samcourt6228 Yeah I heard it was a really good deal on them. Maybe they can do something on the Mk8 R , but highly highly doubtful.

[@samcourt6228]

@@LustralYT at one point they were less than £200 per month to lease! Admittedly not on many miles but at that kinda cash.

[@ianbarnard7682]

I'm looking at both MK8s too. Waiting for first R reviews to come in

[@jspesh]

I have a TCR but don't like it because it costs me a fortune to have it sat on my driveway. I barely drive the thing. It's quite fun but too expensive to run. I should have got an early MK7.5 GTI and saved myself a lot of money but at the time I had no idea we'd be in lockdown, etc.

[@butchmeister80]

Whats expensive the cost of it or fuel mpg etc

[@jspesh]

@@butchmeister80 both! Fuel isn't too bad I suppose but the cost to buy was high. Also tax is like 450 a year

[@butchmeister80]

@@jspesh 450 def wont be buying one then

[@soufiane5711]

@@jspesh And you still have it now? Hows te running cost? Thinking myself buying an r or tcr. Or maybe the new golf 8 clubsport

[@jspesh]

@@soufiane5711 Sold it.

[@Modshmockers]

I bought a 7.5 Gti over the R as it just felt more special when you sat in it. The red accents and the aluminium steering wheel made it feel like a hot hatch. The R is just dreary inside

[@leethompson2947]

I've got a TCR and I love it. Looks so much better than the R. It has the performance pack and the Akrapovic exhaust. More exciting and more of a driver's car. Got P zeros on front but putting Michelin PS4s on when they need exchanging. In tornado red❤it has a better interior in the TCR. Golf Rs are common as muck ten a penny see them eveyday. I've yet to see another golf TCR on the roads.

[@davidjones9060]

Interesting comparison. I recently got a set of Goodyear F1’s and was impressed with the wet grip for their price.

[@volkswizard]

Not sure if I said it but that’s what the TCR was on. Rewatched the videos of the understeer and the difference is remarkable

[@stevesje71]

Hi I’m confused in your comparison between the r32 and gti. You made an excellent review of these two a while back where you couldn’t draw a conclusion between the two and you very much liked the R32. Now in this video you say the gti beats the r32 in every way. The r32 is marginally faster and in my view having owned both it is a better car with more character. Anyway, keep up the good videos and the calendar is excellent. All the best

[@sosabanks9769]

I think the tcr will be a better future classic plus you just don’t see that many of them about personally I’d go for a tcr

[@pault477]

The GOLF R which I own beats out the GTI based on all the comments.

[@davidhayes4814]

An interesting video. From a financial point of view, I anticipate that the residuals will be quite a bit higher in the TCR. High end variants of GTIs ... Clubsports etc have kept their value well and they are relatively rare. The Golf Rs sold (or were financed) in huge numbers which has affected residuals adversely.

[@shadowswan]

This seems a little like a review on the tyres and DCC. I wonder how it would be different on a R with DCC and the same tyres? Not knocking as it’s interesting to see either way but feels like it would be a fairer test and counter both of the negative points in the final scoring. I do agree the TCR looks better, if a little boy racer on the exterior and miles better on the interior. The R interior is very dull and has those awful ‘carbon’ fabric seat centres.

[@volkswizard]

I was expecting that but this is how VW supplied the car when it was new so it would be unfair to fit better tyres to it wouldn't it?

[@shadowswan]

This is true! Need to persuade Continental to sponsor you!

[@steveb2139]

@@volkswizard Not really as most people will ditch the OE tyres at the earliest opportunity. Compare an R with DCC and decent tyres to your TCR then you will have a truly fair test.

[@majinsbo]

Compare the S3 with dcc then

[@volkswizard]

So all magazine reviews using OEM tyres on every single car are invalid?

[@davidcupra4913]

In real world 99% of driving the R is the better car hands down. For track the tcr.

[@eliseocortes0228]

The difference in both are engine internals

[@gtiak274]

TCR the best GTI ever made!

[@samcourt6228]

Clubsport?

[@jamesedwards5700]

Your TCR has aftermarket tyres on it put some Michelin pilot PS4s on the R game changer.

[@dsummers8191]

Good video. For me what is best is dependent on type of use. GTI TCR more the fun hot hatch and the R more the all-weather GT. Perhaps an interesting topic could be discussing suspension improvements to better deploy the R's performance. This could even be combined with a tyre and brake talk. Adding performance without adding power as it were. A Volkswizard edition R package.

[@lewisratford2908]

I think a good ( subjective ) analogy would be the R is James Bond in a tux and the TCR is JB in his combat gear. Similar cars that offer fun but in different ways. Love the TCR - journalists seemed disappointed on release, but I think it’s a complete gem.

[@nirvanpillay]

I couldn't agree more... and nice analogy 😂

[@lewisratford2908]

@@nirvanpillay I am fairly pleased with the analogy 😂 and feel this is a safe space for such experimentation. There are people out there whom think the golf is boring...I’m telling you now lol

[@Birmingham_racing]

Fwd will always be more fun if set up correctly. Unless your running huge power I would stick with fwd

[@paultaylor9652]

Lovely Jubbly, for me I'd have a low mileage 55 plate GTII.

[@arich9124]

I felt the complete opposite from the R to you. Both amazing cars but the 4wd on the R makes it amazing to drive on UK roads, I’d pick that

[@AudhaX]

I'm looking for a manual Mk 7.5 Golf at the moment. Would you go for the R or the GTI performance ? Price difference is not important.

[@norfolkbroadslim]

Really good, thorough and informative video Andrew 👍

[@darrencottrell5541]

I guess following your journey for some time now Andrew, I could have placed a safe bet on the TCR ticking the boxes over the R for you. As always, fair, honest and professionally executed content. The one liners keep giving too... "the inner workings of a Rolex as opposed to a Timex" - class. Take care.

[@conormcanallen1342]

I have an R and personally prefer the racier looks of the tcr or clubsport s. They stand out more , the R is a great looking car but just too understated. Looks like a gtd unless in lapiz blue... however in ireland with the dodgy roads and weather the R is by far the more capable and faster car due to its ability to use all of the power all of the time. Safer too. But if i lived in spain id have a tvr or clubsports s for sure. Great review . Ive never had any understeer issues even in the wet, its like witchcraft the way it can tear round a wet roundabout. Pity all golfs from mk6 onwards sound terrible

[@remfanuk1970]

i have watched this video a number of times and wondered whether you felt the 7.5 R was a better car than the similarly aged Audi S3 Andrew? I had a Mk7 GTi and felt underwhelmed so bought 2019 S3 and felt a little bit the same about that one...considering whether a TCR has a character that I might enjoy better than a Golf R.

[@ponymadgirl]

I just love the TCR, dream car along with an edition 35 😍

[@cliveweir]

Love these videos - keep it up! Your TCR Is awesome btw :)

[@davefletcher339]

Well I’ve go mps 4s tyres on my golf r and it’s like it’s on rails

[@samcourt6228]

I personally much preferred the GTI / TCR to the R. It looks much better for a start and did more for me (but not enough as I didn’t buy one 😂). To be honest, I’d pick the R32 over all over them. The noise is worth it alone especially with a cheeky Milltek.

[@MrHidinho]

but that thing is slowww and oh yeah can't forget those eye watering costs 😭

[@berntfors3426]

Thank´s for a very interesting video! I'll go for the TCR! Love that grey paint and the black alloys. Take care Andrew and have a nice weekend! :-)

[@malcolmscott4150]

Great insight Andrew into mk7.5 R and the TCR - I know which one I’d prefer to own despite my age and aversion to shouty wings graphics etc the TCR is a true hot hatch and the best mk7 imho

[@easyerc2226]

golf R for an alrounder, you simply cannot beat it

[@nubtubbert]

it gets beat on a dry road

[@terryshields7931]

Swap the wheels / tyres - TCR to R and vice versa and do the roundabout test again

[@volkswizard]

It's a decent idea Terry but I don't see evo magazine doing that when say a TCR on P Zeros gets spanked by a Megane Trophy on Michelins. The R was presented for test as it would be if it was a press car with OEM tyres on all for wheels and pressures checked and in top order mechanically. OK the TCR isn't on its original tyres but F1s are just a normal performance road tyre. The key difference I think is that the VAQ front diff on TCR has much more influence in corners than the rear drive of the R as I've never noticed an R ever drive its rear wheels to quell understeer, Audis do this a lot more.

[@olliehall6080]

Can’t say ive ever seen a maccies crew sport a TCR 😂 I get what you’re saying though, it looks a bit gnarlier, but thats how a hot hatch should be imo.

[@ChrisBrown-dy8ts]

Only c Fiesta ‘s and Focus ST’s in McDonald’s never a Seen a TCR

[@MercSLRFan]

Hi, could you please share the link to the VAQ article? Also, have you had the dealer refusing to change the VAQ oil? Thanks

[@colinw1591]

Two auto-only hot hatches? Can't get excited by either where driver involvement is concerned.

[@colinw1591]

My thoughts exactly......

[@volkswizard]

Yaris GR is an exciting car but it's not practical enough and doesn't ride well enough according to the majority of reviews so fails on the comfort stakes even if it's a bit more exciting. It's a great car but it's a long way from being the best hot hatch in the eyes of the typical hot hatch buyer. Don't believe the hype.

[@colinw1591]

As a Golf fan myself, there is little doubt that it's one of the best packages out there. Just a shame that the majority of buyers want dsg in what are supposed to be VW's most driver focussed models. I would only consider a more standard GTI as a result.....

[@johnwjeromejr]

I have had my MK7 R for 5 years. My previous car was an 08 Mazdaspeed 3 (AKA Speed 3). The Speed 3 was FWD and notorious for torque steer even though it didn't really bother me. Torque numbers on the two cars were an identical 280 ft lbs even though the R had 29 more HP. The code name of the Speed 3 was "Wild Child" and it lived up to that moniker. The Speed 3 felt noticeably faster than the R which bothered me initially after the nearly 40K invested in the R. Then I found out that the dealer's tuner shop could fix any perceived power deficit and I jumped on the opportunity. Two weeks after taking delivery of the R, the ECU was reflashed, giving me an additional 62 HP which leapfrogged it past the Speed 3. I am now at APR Stage 2 with 95 more HP and 129 more FT LBS torque than I started with. Problem solved!

[@ginoderdaele9293]

The new 8 GTI Clubsport vs. the new 8 R would also be very interesting.

[@Dung8aj]

TCR will surely be more desirable in the future suggesting stronger residuals?

[@OnTheRob]

Love these comparison videos!

[@idealsketch3778]

Hi Andrew, thanks for the review. In the TCR, Is the clock on the infotainment a default when it's switched off? Doesn't do that in my 7.5 gti

[@peterpan6821]

It's an option in the menu settings, which you can turn on or off.

[@volkswizard]

What Peter said!

[@terryshields7931]

When you switch off the infotainment system, keep pressing the button for a few seconds until the clock appears. If you don’t, the screen just goes blank

[@idealsketch3778]

Awesome, cheers guys

[@chrisstoker92]

Really suspect the tyres on the R are the problem with understeer. Been there and done that with mine. Ended up returning to the original spec Potenzas on my mk7r as I knew they worked well. However I drove my pals Leon cupra (similar spec to tcr) and found the rear end very unstable at high speed compared to the r with awd.

[@agood1280]

I really enjoyed the video and a good comparison I moved a year ago from the golf R 310 BHP to the TCR TCR much more enjoyable to drive Of course I would love to have had the option to spec a manual Looking forward for you to do a comparison between the new TCR mark 8 and the golf r mark 8 when they arrive

[@volkswizard]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Rotciv1929]

Could you do a Mk7 GTI buying guide? Like you did with the Mk5

[@volkswizard]

Good idea. I'll try and get a list together but there isn't that much yet. Water leaks to rear are a new one though (all Mk7s)

[@nathans1318]

Really insightful review. Thank you. The TCR looks and sounds the business. The R is great too but I think they could have added a bit more character to it.

[@gardupgti4609]

You might be being a bit harsh with the scoring? If these are 12 and 14, what would you be driving to get, say, 17? And what would an UP! GTi score if in the same frame? Just asking. I really enjoy the videos.

[@volkswizard]

Up! GTI is nowhere near the best hot hatch ever, it's fun in a flawed kind of way like a classic car. The scoring was an experiment which worked in that context but might need rejigging. I'd give it 4 for comfort (ride is hard and it bangs and crashes) and 6 for thrills (the tyres are so bad its exciting much like the R).

[@gtiak274]

Sound on the TCR is so much better than the R.

[@lsimicek]

Does anybody have the experience, how much stiffer is the susspension of Golf GTI Clubsport over the standard GTI? Is it still OK from comfort of riding perspective for every day driving? Thanks

[@d.kashani]

i would’ve never traded the CSS for this. It’s not my car and i’m disappointed. If anything the CS version with a tune.

[@steveo8533]

R for me then GTI not digging the TCR but that might be an age thing.

[@junkoandnigelwates403]

Owned the R looking at TCR AND 40 EDITION now

[@butchmeister80]

Having to service the tcr diff every 2k what a ball ache think id avoid both get the 7.5 gti performance manual

[@MW_1981]

You don't need to change the oil every 2000 miles. Maybe if you were track driving every weekend, but certainly not under normal driving conditions.

[@darrentyler6656]

TCR has better brakes + Better tyres + 'better' suspension + R is a heavier car = worse performance... Fit some of the parts you have on your specific TCR to the R and that would transform it. To add to this my Leon Cupra SC 300 is a beast in the wet, the Diff does its best but when I test drove both the R 7.5 and Cupra, the R felt safer and the traction off the line, exiting damp roundabouts etc mean't it was easier to drive quickly.. Only difference is Lease costs at the time made me choose the Cupra. My next car would be a TTS or S3 3dr would be my choice. TTRS is a bit outside my budget!

[@sleepwalker31]

As a side note, what make of tyres did your TCR come with from factory? I only ask because in the video you said you're now running Goodyear F1's which I incidentally am also running on my mk 7R. Never had a problem with understeer on mine as you can imagine so I'd say the tyres are compromising the driving experience. Also, as you said you tried to grab a oem version of the R, I'm sure you are aware the standard car comes with 18 inch cadiz alloys which are not to everyone's taste but I quite like mine. I do like your videos and I find them fairly honest, liked and subscribed!👍🏽

[@T29RAG]

Great video, the TCR is very much on the list as my next car

[@soppingclam]

Can't say ever had an understeering problem with my 2015 'R'. Does your car launch control or does it bounce around? Maybe it is running FWD only and needs a flash update.

[@volkswizard]

If you find the limit of grip in an R you aren't going to be oversteering so understeer is the only outcome, maybe you need to push harder? The driven wheels don't do much on 7R (8R is better) so you never feel it counter understeer with a shove from the back. Haldex failure is very common on Mk7/7.5 R (a flash update won't fix this, a new pump will) though this one was working fine - as I said the rear wheels even when powered won't have much of an effect on the car's line in corners.

[@l2icksta]

This gentleman should have way more subs

[@volkswizard]

You are too kind Ricky👍Unfortunately doing just VWG sort of limits my appeal (I am sure there are other factors too!)

[@andrewmcivor42]

Interesting video - like your last TCR v R video, I totally get why you've come to the conclusion that you have & I also would go for the R for exactly the same reasons! I wonder if your aquaplaning incident was affected by your R being on passive dampers (which I think you mentioned)? I know from having a Mk7 GTD on 19" wheels & passive dampers that the DCC makes a huge difference. I've DCC on mine & I've never experienced that - I have Continental tyres on my 19" Spielberg wheels & it's never been anything other than rock solid - in fact, accelerating round roundabouts is good fun🤣. I also wonder if the extra weight over the back (mines an Estate) helps with standing water as well? I far prefer the understated styling of the R (apart from the lack of a honeycomb grille at the front, but that's just a minor quibble) - I also LIKE the quieter exhaust, it still emits a bit of a burble, without sounding like a boy racer... McDonald's car park, like you said! I'm not a fan of "popping exhausts" either, but each to their own! I do think the TCR has a bit more interior colour, although I prefer the GTi PP tartan cloth seats to the Art Velour (I think it's called?) in the TCR - probably because I'm Scottish 🤣🤣. As I've said before, I think the fact that you can get the R in an estate puts it in a whole different class of car - like a cheap BMW 3 series Msport tourer, or a fast Audi A4 Avant. It's a rock solid, fast & comfortable GT car, great for covering large distances. Which isn't really a "Hot Hatch" to be fair. I'd argue that the R makes more sense as an estate than a hatch.... although I'm biased🤣. As for your garage? I'd have that lovely R32 if I had the space & the cash - yes, the Mk5 GTi is better, but the sound of that engine.....

[@ChrisBrown-dy8ts]

Great video, I like the R but I’d go for the TCR , lighter and its rarer than the R and I prefer the interior and the exhaust layout .

[@Spocksgoat]

Great video. Loved my R but I love my TCR more. It’s more fun a ‘lower’ speeds and looks mint even though I’m too old for McDonald’s car parks!

[@justmejustme3042]

I drive a Golf R and it's simply awesome. Once you are used to all wheel drive you can never go back. Full power wet road, no problem. High power front drive just annoys me

[@nubtubbert]

well yeah, wet road 4x4 best. dry road fwd faster

[@philipmartin4341]

I JUST BOUGHT THE TCR CANT WAIT MY OTHER CHARIOT IS A DS 5 ANIVERSARY MOD E L LOVE CITROEN TOO

[@JoJo-en7bn]

Both great cars,I own a TCR but also like the R.You would like to think the R would have better grip in the wet but the one your we’re driving seemed slightly dangerous with that tyre set up. Great review

[@peterbooker1995]

Superb video as per Andrew. The R is great, but there is just something about a GTI for me.

[@sv_cheats1970]

As long as its a mk7 or 7.5 I don't care. F**k the mk8

[@gazzab70]

Great review, and a fair assessment. I'm middle-aged and on my second 7.5 R DSG. Happy with the R because of its subtlety and general overall ability, but I can't help looking at TCRs without feeling more than a little bit envious. Sorry for being a viewer of many of your videos who hasn't subscribed - have now put that right!

[@stobsie]

I’d say if you’re experiencing the TC light flickering you’ve possibly got a haldex issue rather than a tyre issue.

[@volkswizard]

Not sure what I said but even when understeering the TC light didn't illuminate (check the footage, should be in shot). This is interesting because I've got a 2014 Mk7 R manual with dead Haldex (next video is how I fix it) and this was pretty understeery on same roundabout which made me test the haldex and it was indeed knackered. With the test car, I checked that and the tyres before decided it was OK to test, it doesn't illuminate TC. I was expecting the Haldex to drive the back wheels to quell understeer but I am not convinced it does. On Audis it most definitely does often quite abruptly. The TC definitely sees a lot of TC but oddly it doesn't seem to hold it back much. In the summer a 2016 R on PS4s liftoff oversteered on that roundabout because the front tyres bit impressively so when I lifted off the back came around, bit of a shock but wasn't due to the haldex as was off the power

[@ThEtEcHnOsAm]

Part of me wishes I found this channel sooner, I had a MK7 Golf GTI PP until Friday when I traded it in. The car had awful steering feel and the diff seemed to do very little, I took it to numerous garages but they could not find anything loose or wrong with the car, but I think it may have been a combination of the diff never being serviced and those bushing in the rear of the subframe that are bad for going. However I am over the moon with my new car, drives 100% how I imagined it and is a much more driver focused car, think the Golf left a sour taste in my mouth towards VW with the condition the car was delivered in.

[@butchmeister80]

What did u buy

[@sodjas]

Pirelli P Zero or Michelin Pilot Sport 4? if you have a 800 eur per set budget?

[@volkswizard]

Yes but a £35k hot hatch should come on some decent rubber from the factory!

[@LeighParkin]

Excellent vid. I have a 7.5R and find the gearbox quite jerky. Especially pulling away from a stand still and a thunk 1st to 2nd. Would you say this is normal for the 7 speed dsg? You look to have driven many with that transmission 😎

[@Julia-xz7vb]

What a cool video - 100% correct ! (only just seen it ! )and what a mega car (the TCR) 🥰

[@honestreview1043]

If the list price of a car is over 40k is the extra annual car tax passed over to a second owner?

[@honestreview1043]

@@andrewmontague2636 do you know how to check if the car your looking to buy will cost you the extra tax? I would imagine these cars would be harder to sell.

[@Cous1nJack]

@@andrewmontague2636 the bill will show what was paid. The tax class is based on list price plus options. Even if you did a deal to £39999.99 you would still pay higher rate of tax.

[@Cous1nJack]

@@richardsealey3626 I stand corrected

[@kevinperree7764]

Without getting into which one is best. I think if any of us had either car, they would be double delighted. I have the TCR and over the 7.5 performance which I had previously, it’s on another level. I’m sure if I’d plumped for the R, I would be equally delighted. All I would say is that with the TCR being front wheel drive only, the fuel cost saving will be noticeable over the R. I’ve just done a 700 mile round trip to Scotland on a tank and a half, admittedly driving nice and steady. So yes, the TCR is loads better than the R.......whoops, couldn’t help myself 😀😀

[@michal2089]

I would suggest to get a better MIC since the audio is rather poor...

[@washa2624]

What the name of the rim on the 7r? Pretoria’s?

[@nirvanpillay]

Yes. It's the Pretoia

[@JoshHarrisPOV]

This jus seems to be a very biased review from someone who clearly prefers the TCR (which there is nothing wrong with preferring it) doesn't seem like a genuine review of the R, you're argument for the r being less fun around corners is abit weak imo, going the same speed around a corner in the R and TCR yes the R will probably feel boring because of how solid it is, but the point is you can push around that corner much faster and that's where the added fun comes in, the issues you're having seem to just be down to the tyres and tbh who buys a hot hatch and doesn't put good tyres on it, in the last few years I've bought two new bikes and with each one put new good tyres on it the second I got it, factory tyres are usually good enough to get you to the nearest garage. There's nothing wrong with having an opinion on which car you prefer, and I think that is what the title of this video should be, not which is best, because best is subjective to the context, rolling start, standstill start, cornering speed, lap times etc.

[@ruairicorbett1]

Completly agree with this review. I went from a mk6 manual gti to a mk7 R with dsg. Dsg was probably the most disappointing aspect of the R. Gti is so much more engaging and exciting. Golf Rs are boring 😴

[@Pete7.5R]

mk 7/ 7.5 R manual?

[@ruairicorbett1]

@@Pete7.5R I had a 5door mk7 R with dsg. Sold it within 3 months. I'd consider a 3door golf R but it would have to be manual. I'm never buying an automatic hot hatch again

[@Arsenic71]

I'm 50 and I drive a grey TCR with Reifnitz wheels... can't complain and people absolutely love it.

[@MattTurvey]

Great work as ever Andrew. I agree that the GTi often feels more exciting - good to see the roundabout tests, brings back good memories of going round that roundabout when I used to work in Wythall in my Clio before I joined the VW club 😊

[@c4eroyaltyentertainment151]

I would Honestly go for the TCR....but I kindly suggest that next time use 2 cars that are not yours bcs on this one it looks like you are defending your TCR not comparing the 2.

[@volkswizard]

That's funny because I own an R as well

[@honestreview1043]

You could put the TCR wheels on the R and the R wheels on the TCR then take them back out to see what the grip is like.

[@terryshields7931]

Best idea yet. I think you will find the R would be far better than the TCR on the roundabout test