VW Golf R 2021 review. Touchscreen madness & how does it compare to my GR Yaris?

The Volkswagen Golf R Mk.8 has just been launched and with more power than ever and a trick new 4WD system, I was keen to see how it compares to my GR Yaris.
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[@peterknight7880]

I'm a millennial, and I still agree that physical switches are more intuitive than screens. Lots of the time less is more.

[@paddymuppy]

Yes. BMW have got the balance perfect.

[@ryanhuang6838]

people who think millenials and gen z want cars with touch screens seem to be forgetting that millenials and gen z are putzing about in 10-15 year old hand-me downs or 2nd hand cars

[@alonzotheferrettamer7657]

LOL ok boomer

[@michaelshaw4226]

There is no doubt...

[@user-ht9fr6eh9u]

You define yourself via a moniker dreamt up my media and quasi social science. Melt

[@Malc180s]

It's OK Harry, you can say touch screens are shite, we all agree.

[@dragospahontu]

They're not bad when they work

[@sh-hg4eg]

They're bad when they work.

[@MrFoof82]

It’s not even that you have to look at a screen. It’s that between the animations and navigating the sub menus it takes SECONDS LONGER to change a setting compared to a physical button. Easily 20 to 50 times as much time compared to pressing a physical button!

[@nicofonce]

It has been investigated that touch screens are far more dangerous than playing with your phone (can't remember the source but it was a scientic correct study)

[@volkswizard]

You don't need to navigate the menus, you set a shortcut (if it's not already there) in the shortcuts menu, accessed by sliding down from top of screen. As an owner I can tell you categorically, when you learn its ways and set it up to suit your requirements, it's quicker, easier and safer than individual buttons scattered around the cockpit. On UK right hand drive Golf 7, the TC button is on the blind side of the gear stick so not ideal either.

[@connorPiper0]

Yes but it's very very cheap to have one screen for everything

[@HiroNguy]

@@volkswizard My shortcut = learn where the buttons are. And on my standalone car those won't change from the latest overnight "up" grade. Frakkin POS software turds!

[@jimginn7163]

@@nicofonce totally agree, they are a real pain to use and a bad distraction for drivers

[@sparky4878]

These screens are getting more convoluted than trying to enter a cheat code on a PS1.

[@andrewnorris5415]

It WILL cause some accidents.

[@deadkemper]

LOL I get that i wonder if i could remember a cheat by muscle memory on mortal Kombat

[@gartblaum]

Especially when driving at 70kmh on the road...

[@mr.airgun6921]

Manufacturers... please bring back knobs and switches, I couldn’t cope with this in the future 😣

[@GregsMowing]

100% agree

[@G4RY1159]

Off & On

[@iconicon5642]

Who cares about you we're the past.

[@johnsmith1474]

Anything you can use without looking is preferable, even voice. Try fiddling with a touchscreen for the defrost controls in a vicious snowstorm on the highway going 70.

[@MOSSFEEN]

@@G4RY1159 JOB DONE

[@fruhlingsbilder]

who ever thought touch screens belonged in cars needs get a license and see how bad they are for themselves

[@LOTPOR0402]

As well as most of the other useless gadgets and startrek dashboards

[@nicofonce]

Touchscreens are the #1 reason I won't ever buy a new car again. I would lose my s@@t if I have to struggle with some menu simply to change the climate control. Physical buttons FTW !

[@tedt7991]

Exactly, only appealing to 12 year olds

[@LOTPOR0402]

@@nicofonce You are not allowed to use your mobile whilst driving ,so what's the difference with that and an overly complicated dashboard .Messing about just to change the heater temp .What's wrong with the simple dial

[@GregsMowing]

@@LOTPOR0402 after driving a 2002 vw polo for a few days I was more relaxed driving with the few buttons for radio channels, a CD player, manual handbrake (no electric hold rubbish) no giant screen, no arrows telling me to change gear, no bluetooth etc was very nice! Then got into a new ford and ahhhh the giant screen and all the bongs etc, ok vehicles are safer for everyone which is ok but too sophisticated and touch screens aren't safe in my opinion

[@Irvine7214x6apc]

Loveliest and most interesting moment of the video: 15:48 when that fantastic sculpture of a car, that 8C, comes past.

[@64Alvis]

Surely 17:09 when the rubber nosed Midget streaks by!

[@Irvine7214x6apc]

@@64Alvis Second loveliest moment, I'll give you that :)

[@nickturner2813]

@@Irvine7214x6apc The Spitfire was lovelier.

[@Irvine7214x6apc]

@@nickturner2813 Matter of opinion, I guess. For me only one kind of Spitfire would be better, speaking as an aviation enthusiast as well.

[@davidthomas1424]

Great spot. Is the 8c from Harry's collection - for filming? Otherwise for me, the funniest moment was @7.20ish when I thought Harry was going to explode, and try to rip the screen out of the dash! I would have! ;)

[@matthewsmith2787]

Dials and buttons need to be here, they are essential.

[@southney7211]

Car manufacturers seem to have forgotten this in a quest for newness. It’s one of the reasons I like bmw’s (well the E30, 36 & 91 I’ve owned) they seem to actually get feedback from drivers or be built by drivers. As an enthusiast of the driving experience I relish simplicity. Our Fabia vrs is perfect; ac and power front windows, that is all. I’d even trade the power front windows for rears or full manual. When I talk to people who are not so much enthusiasts of the driving experience and perhaps more interested in newness and image, they can’t understand why BMW’s (3 series say) aren’t flash inside and consider them boring. As a driver they make sense and work. They feel quality and have enough technology without taking away the usability. I drove an AMG CLA at work recently. It’s a good looking car on the outside. It has nice seats and a flashy dashboard, but it’s the little things which let it down. The indicator stalk feels like it came from an 80’s Citroen AX. Whereas the equivalent bmw will be a quiet simple place to sit, but everything fells intuitive and well built.

[@lefroy1]

One of the things I appreciated most about Gordon Murray's approach to the T.50. That guy just knows!

[@freepadz6241]

They don't. Automatic CC, etc... Set and forget

[@drchunkybiscuit9973]

That clicking every time you press a button on the screen, would have my whacking my car with a branch like John Cleese did. 😠 Mega annoying!!!

[@Nickw8336]

I imagine (and hope) it can be muted in settings 🤔

[@aleksandaraleksic4067]

And when you change suspension instead of air conditioning: “Oh, spiffing! Absolutely spiffing."

[@michaelj7069]

This made me laugh hard because this literally plays in my head anytime I get angry at a car.

[@tompackage]

You can turn it off in the settings...

[@laurencerucker2585]

@@tompackage Same as previous model ...

[@71bassg]

i really couldnt be arsed with all the menu's.

[@lefroy1]

Those screen menus are not only annoing, they're dangerous. You can be sure many lives will be taken because of them!

[@1wibble230]

A million times this. Normally you can just reach across and turn the fan dial without taking your eyes off the road, you intuitively know where it is. Now you’re staring at a screen for 3 seconds and oops, just ran over a 6 year old child....

[@lefroy1]

@@1wibble230 Exactly!

[@andrewnorris5415]

I was thinking the same. They distract and also get the driver worked up. Take longer than you think, demand attention. It is many accidents waiting to happen. Worse than using an app on your phone whilst moving. How was this allowed to pass safety tests? Cars should be made to record if the screen was used prior to the use of the airbags. That would be revealing data.

[@sideast]

They made Mobile phone use illegal while driving. So what did the car companies do .... Stick a friggin ipad on the dashboard so you can do the job properly and cause a 15 car pile up on the motorway - Pure madness !

[@olubibabalola]

@@sideast i wish i could like this twice

[@ydnallah1541]

I always find it odd that they make cars as safe as possible in the event of a crash, yet add more and more distractions to the driver which will lead to more accidents.

[@Silvane911]

You nailed it.

[@nenadmomcilovic9133]

New drivers: "I don't like that road, too many turns. It's distracting." Direct quote from someone I know.

[@lambethlongshanks7990]

Spot on. This touchscreen menu madness represents a low point in design. I think history will not look kindly on it.

[@hondafanjames7150]

More accidents plays into the favour of the government, they'll eventually ban personal transport or make cars so expensive only the top 10% will be able to afford them.

[@craigwindle3642]

Cannot wait to (hopefully) see a review of that tvr cerbera in the background....

[@englishmaninfrance661]

All TVR's except the Sagaris will swap ends on you in a heartbeat . I had 4 , all the same , go into a corner 2 mph over what it could do and be very ready for opposite lock , or else

[@LOTPOR0402]

Thats what I thought forget that boring Golf and Toyota and get that TVR out

[@LOTPOR0402]

@@englishmaninfrance661 So ?

[@glennturnbull8568]

@@englishmaninfrance661 You didn’t have a Tamora then!

[@Jhonno16]

@@englishmaninfrance661 rubbish. They will bite but go into a corner too fast and all they will do is understeer, until you do something stupid. At 8/10 they are superb, at 10/10 they are a handful, but very rewarding.

[@zlatanmorrison8182]

£53K for a Golf...I must have entered an alternate dimension....

[@Guuggel]

I was messing around with mercedes german sites configurator and managed to get the new C300 85k€. How is such a thing even possible?

[@adamwest5625]

£53k can buy you a lightly used C63s Coupe. I know what I'd rather have...

[@patricksheringham5965]

Think I'd have an M2 Competition!.....

[@dragospahontu]

@@adamwest5625 that's a used car which is something else. Brand new I'd rather have a Kia Stinger GT V6 rwd, which is actually cheaper and has a 7 year warranty!

[@G4RY1159]

Extracting the urine

[@CarterTristan]

Long sleeve shirt... gillet... proper watch... distinguished look... knowledgeable and truthful... Harry is a total legend.

[@AQUAHOLIC]

£40K+, and you have to prop the bonnet open with a stick! 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@masonseymour2455]

That’s nothing, you can pay £300-400k for a Ferrari with manually adjustable seats. (Big fan of your channel by the way)

[@Dixilyn]

We should all go to VW dealers and open the bonnet, then let it drop saying - Oops, no strut!

[@johnv4866]

Who cares about having to prop the bonnet with a stick? It's simple, it's light, and one less potential problem. Every "improvement" suggested by an engineer should be analyzed carefully in terms of weight, reliability/long term durability, and ease of use. Manufacturers are failing miserably in these terms

[@AQUAHOLIC]

@@masonseymour2455 Thank you! 🙂

[@AQUAHOLIC]

@@johnv4866 Because VW (used to) sell on being a quality car. Open the bonnet of a Mercedes and it glides up on gas struts. Open the bonnet of a Ford Fiesta and you heave it up and prop it with a stick. VW used to be good at this stuff, I had an 09 Golf, that has gas struts to hold the bonnet open and many other nice touches that set it apart as a well resolved quality item. Unfortunately VW has realised that most people but on 'brand image' these days rather than the quality of the product. It's a short term view though - make a car to the same standard as a Ford and you'll soon end up with the brand image of a Ford...

[@jms211]

Time was the heater had three dials i) Speed ii) Temperature iii) Direction. Life was easier back then.

[@markemsworth4235]

...time was..the dashboard featured a manual choke. 😀

[@gkan1042]

Time was the dashboard had a face and ears

[@IDBuzzSteve]

I’ve got an ID3 and and EQC and they’re both great ..... but with these I’m convinced if these manufacturers made an analogue version of their hot hatches they’d sell like hot cakes! Touchscreen for everything drives me mad!

[@MOSSFEEN]

@@markemsworth4235 and an ASHTRAY

[@BillCarrIpswich]

Time was most cars had three knobs that you turn all to the right for windscreen defogging, that way you don't have to look. Things have very much gone backwards.

[@carllynch8798]

Mk2 oak green Golf 16valve with big bumpers stunning 😍

[@arobinson1122]

Agreed, except it must be 2 door... so no R for me.

[@peterjones7782]

I was a 205 GTI owner in the 80's both 1.6 and 1.9 variants (preferred the former), but always thought the Mark 1 Golf GTi in Lhasa Green was, and still is, the best looking of them all.

[@Chriswizzv12]

@@peterjones7782 sold my Lhasa green campaign 10 years ago now, got 3.3k for it, I dare not look what it would be worth now!!

[@itisjustacomment]

Vr6 is even better .

[@chantalslut]

@@itisjustacomment God... i had a VR6. What a piece of crap that was. lol. The front felt so heavy.

[@JonTruelove]

I think now that you’ve painted the wheels on the Yaris we’ll need another 20-minute review on the Yaris on your “better bits of road.” Love watching you enjoy that car.

[@AdeJohnson]

I have a 7.5 R and after watching this and seeing that interior and screen set up, I'm mighty glad I have!!!!

[@duncanidaho7494]

Keep it . It is one of the best generation

[@YasumotoUS]

I tried to buy a gently used 7.5R here in the States; the dealer wouldn't negotiate, so I ended up not buying it and picking up another car entirely. I wish that I had been able to make the deal, but I love what I ultimately bought. Enjoy that 7.5!

[@tim-schnitzler]

What did you get?

[@YasumotoUS]

@@tim-schnitzler '20 WRX STI. Love it for many reasons.

[@michael_houghton]

I’ve got a mk3.5 Leon and I just can’t see the attraction to change it for the new Leon or Golf.

[@toysandgameswithesmeeandis4096]

No one going to mention the Red Alfa Romeo 8c at 15:48? Great video as always.

[@jinxjenkins5143]

A real car with 100% driver control and no electronic safety nets.

[@treyquattro]

just checking if anyone else had remarked before I mentioned it!

[@toysandgameswithesmeeandis4096]

@@jinxjenkins5143 beautiful noise too

[@alexk.9952]

And @17:03 the group of 3 old convertibles

[@johnsmith1474]

Numbers of people have mentioned it.

[@MoultrieGeek]

I just finished watching Iain's channel on the BMW 3.0 CSi and now a new Harry's. I love Sundays.

[@joaoserraoliveira3767]

So did I!

[@porkster5924]

Snap!

[@richardburnell4869]

17:00 The Spitfire, Pagoda SL, Midget drive by was by far the highlight of the video...

[@drivingthought5983]

It’s so refreshing to see an honest review of this car, for me this new R displays the exact problems with a lot of new performance cars. It’s too expensive, too complicated, and most of the time too fast to enjoy at sensible speeds. Another numbers battle with other manufacturers rather than making something that’s genuinely engaging.

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

Love how he calls the Golf "dull" - summed it up in 1 word!

[@Dave-gl6jb]

Boring Golf R but it's fast lol. If they released a manual version and just stop doing touch screens then would be a ok car. It's not a f--king iphone it's a car. PS Stick with my GR God yes.

[@johno222f8]

I would use a similar word to describe someone who’s hobby it is to post a negative comment on every Golf R review on the internet.

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

@@johno222f8 doesnt change the fact its dull - seems to be the general opinion on these!

[@antonoat]

Totally agree about the infotainment screens being a major distraction, just give us knobs or sliders for things like heat! They all spend a huge amount making cars safer then take our eyes off the road when we want to change anything, go figure! Great review Harry as always. PS it's easy to see why the police struggle when chasing these things!

[@rejoicerone3176]

Spot on! It's a joke! If ur doing a touch screen make it intuitive and fast like Teslas or else give us buttons for basic, quick to assess functions! Golf 7.5 R was the right balance of interior buttons and tech imo

[@p.k7191]

They have to make it pass the regulations, not safer to drive

[@samcourt6228]

That’s the best thing that BMW are getting right on their interiors; maintaining buttons and the idrive wheel. So much better and more practical than touchscreens, tough pads and haptic buttons.

[@rejoicerone3176]

@@samcourt6228 agreed! The 3 series interior is prob one of the best modern interiors!

[@russcattell955i]

Totally agree except on point, I know a British cop that only drives unmarked cars, his favourite of the fleet is the Golf R.

[@mmmbilly]

Maybe the confusing screens are to keep the thief on your driveway a few seconds longer, when it’s inevitably stolen.

[@hellatightdude]

Nowadays you could do just the same with a manual transmission. Shame those aren’t offered anymore.

[@user-ht9fr6eh9u]

Shitebania here it comes

[@r6ymy]

Harry has created a new word, "heptactic controls", I think that means as in heptathlon, it's a haptic control that takes seven goes to make it work!

[@4444aliraza]

15:48 Alfa 8C!! Wow!!

[@richardmahoney9415]

Been waiting all day on the Harry’s garage to drop

[@stevenbennett3922]

If I had to choose between the VW and the Toyota. I'd have the red one.

[@kevinwilliams1421]

I’ve never seen Harry get a cob on before...thought he was going to take a hammer to the screen

[@nielscopier761]

wow that blue TVR 😍😍

[@mitodanilo]

Do a video on the TVR Harry

[@markcompton6750]

Imagine the sound....

[@nielscopier761]

@@markcompton6750 Rover V8 ❤️

[@MrFozzie22]

Sundays and a new video from Harry,well worth looking forward to

[@JonTruelove]

Love seeing exotic McLarens and such but I do find it refreshing to see cars I can afford such as this R and the GR Yaris. So appreciate the variety, Harry!

[@edlakota]

It's great seeing Harry review a modern car in his classic style!

[@darrylweathers6764]

Saw a MK8 R the other day, still havent warmed to the design yet, I think the MK7.5 is a much nicer looking car. Not that my opinion matters 😂 this car will still fly out of the showrooms

[@flush_entity]

Well, thats the great thing about being a car enthusiast, your opinion is yours and we can have fun debates about it. Yet, we can be both wrong in another's eyes!

[@jondonnelly4831]

At the lower end of spec, the Merc A class is now selling better than MK8 Golf. Merc improved the quality, VW reduced it and customers have noticed.

[@tensevo]

Electric steering and touch screen control panel. I am not interested in this car.

[@darrylweathers6764]

@@tensevo think all that touchscreen gubbins is just something else to go wrong, its just so unnecessary

[@tensevo]

@@darrylweathers6764 agreed, the lag is terrible and so distracting for the driver.

[@gerards8930]

And people wonder why drivers are distracted from driving, while driving, these days...

[@diopsidem5]

I love how that Red Alfa Romeo 8c just casually passes by at 15:48. Never seen one driving on the road in my life. Lovely vid Harry

[@roryoconnor6724]

Harry sounds so annoyed and frustrated 😂😂 I don’t blame him!

[@Marko_Horvat]

@@MT-kx2uc No, it's for young farts.

[@MP-Fin]

That TVR in the background!! :) :)

[@jamest5149]

The squiggly cover on the engine is both for sound deadening and to meet pedestrian impact protection

[@patdwyer6274]

Best reviewer out there. Cheers Harry!

[@BubuBarong]

People have been bragging about Porsches having too many buttons and still that's the way to go, you can use each of them without looking for menus on screens...

[@CHARVA929]

Those Golf wheels really are gopping!

[@blitzpixgarage3319]

The GR YARIS took me by surprise...your (hopefully first) review of it is one of the very best on YT (if not the best) I ordered mine at the beginning of feb. and have still no delivery date (here in germany) :-( Can't wait to drive it through the nearby eifel mountains :-)...I ordered mine also in red and it will come with different wheels...

[@benjaminanonsen1546]

Golf bag, all clubs included. Perfect 18 hole in one car. Harry is top 3 reviewer of cars . Insightfully, no nonsense. I want me a Golf R now! 🥰

[@hellohellohello6847]

Loving the shirt Harry :)

[@rupertorgan7749]

Iain Tyrrell and Harry's Garage make for a perfect Sunday evening's viewing.

[@jinxjenkins5143]

Add to those two Retropower.

[@K1lostream]

And the jewel in the crown every few months is when you get all those and a new Project Binky!

[@JOHN-km8dh]

Sunday morning in Honolulu.

[@K1lostream]

JOHN Showoff! I can just imagine your smile as you think of us here, with leaden, grey skies from horizon to horizon, seeping like a rancid dishcloth. How I hate you!

[@JOHN-km8dh]

@@K1lostream Oh, but please don't. There are so many wonderful things there in your lovely England. You are very much admired by Americans. Also. I grew up in Wisconsin, which has three good weather days per year. :)

[@PipeOPhile]

"my GR Yaris" ? Congatulations!

[@tillyfoxtrotter]

Indeed - When did Harry acquire that? Sensible car to put your own cash into. Residuals will be very firm. The Golf - damned with faint praise. I'm with Harry - I'll take the GR.

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

Hes had it a few months - he knows a thing or two about fast hatches

[@stevefinch2839]

Wonder if Lichfield will tweak it for him lowered seat needed apparently .

[@stevefinch2839]

The mk5 was the best gti , they Sony seem that special anymore just expensive .

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

@@stevefinch2839 seating is fine, unless you are tall. Harry drove the Litchfield car but hasn't got them to mess with his so guessing its staying stock

[@jeremyjs8863]

Best Yaris body/wheels colour combo I've seen !

[@sde7169]

You can get it past the management indoors! Great line and great review as always👍🏻

[@rjnation5042]

Really nice colour combo on the GR Yaris Harry, I've had a black one for almost 6 months now, TVR video next please, Rj in Oz

[@TheAgwarn]

TVR lurking in the background! 😍

[@jimmybroom]

Great video Harry.

[@brianiswrong]

Nicest integration of the cruise radar sensor I have yet seen👍

[@alexg2150]

That screen is a red flag to buying this car!!

[@russcattell955i]

I won't buy robot transmission, parking brake, suspension, hvac, entertainment, noise and dials. Also they can stick their puncture repair kits up there Khyber's.

[@robotstobor3388]

Good review Harry. I have the GR Yaris as well and would say there is a raw edge to it. Which to me is more desirable, maybe the Golf is a bit too sensible. The Yaris appeals to the inner child, with the right amount of technology/safety kit added.

[@dmax-ux6sn]

Love your reviews. keep it up!

[@shandyholliday]

The last shot in the show sums the car up perfectly.

[@rescyn1190]

Gloss steering wheel buttons would annoy me every time I sat in it. I'll never own one so all good there I guess. And can we have the Mk6 wheels back please?

[@visionist7]

I liked my MK6 dials a lot, and I only had the GTD. All the information I needed and classic analogue needles.

[@WiseGuy02]

The mk7 wheel is also better than that gloss look. That looks cheap.

[@angushume2054]

Agreed. Gloss buttons and those wheels are awful. I have mk6 with Detroit’s.

[@khia2805]

Borrowed a standard Mk8 Golf for work a couple weeks ago. I can completely sympathise with your grumbles about the infotainment and wheel buttons. The screen also froze for long periods several times over the 2 days I had it. Bring back BUTTONSSS!!

[@ArcofZen]

Love that Harry is reviewing a current, tech filled hot hatch but everyone wants to hear about the TVR with zero tech from the 90s! And probably hear it too!

[@mikoajkurek349]

I love '"touchscreen screen" sentence. Pure Harry :)

[@dj_paultuk7052]

My SAAB 9000 Aero 2.3T does 0 to 100mph in 10.5 seconds, and its 25yrs old. So the new Golf R is as quick as a 25yr old SAAB. Great stuff.....

[@colinpaton3770]

Good one - what's the hp on the Saab?

[@64Alvis]

Is that going down Beachy Head?

[@dj_paultuk7052]

@@colinpaton3770 311bhp. 1250kg.

[@hellobooom]

@@dj_paultuk7052 Gotta love those B2XX engines! Miss my Saab

[@sirsportscarcollectorlancs9447]

Nice but I see a new addition to the garage! 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇬🇧

[@SamAustin]

Great review harry as always! Nurburgring mode with the performance pack means manual mode will not change up automatically and it will bounce of the limiter! I've tested this a bit in a review on my channel 👍

[@garymcnally2744]

Love the Triumph club passing by

[@chriskelly9361]

"How manufacturers continually try to keep your eyes off the road"

[@Peter-Oxley-Modelling-Lab]

Great vid, (as always) Harry! 👍🏻 But regarding the car: Stupid iPad menus to operate basic functions have NO place in such a performance car! Gear selector looks absurd, hate the touch screen non-sense! Give us a BUTTON! 🤬

[@paulclark4426]

by 6min into the clip I already was turned off by the Golf - silly dash and menu system and no reversing camera. Thank you Harry as usual for the indepth analysis.

[@barrysheldrick2704]

Looking forward to seeing that Cerbera in a future video...

[@ianmuir7746]

Nice TVR in the background

[@markcompton6750]

Imagine the sound....

[@nickfoord712]

Wasn’t keen on the GR but now I realise Toyota can still pull one out of the bag with this.. will be a appreciating classic like all the old Toyota performance cars.

[@adamholland9935]

Looking forward ,to another long road trip in the lambo 👏🏻👏🏻

[@shinhoshi]

This weekend I had the pleasure of driving an old Jeep XJ 2.5TD. All rocket-switches, no electronics at all, no power assist and a long-travel Gear knob... Hell, it felt good driving again.

[@Thecrazyvaclav]

I'm guessing the Yaris is better, golfs are just dull whatever engine is in it, and it looks awful

[@iwaswrongabouteveryhthing]

I wonder how many accidents the touch screen era will produce? How is it any different from taking your eyes off the road to play candy crush on your phone If you spill your drink on the start button in the console will you not be able to start your car?

[@UhOhUmm]

Considering the fact that people still use their phones, write emails and do their make up on the road I would say that one touchscreen isn't going to do much. Especially because you don't actually need to change anything on it when you're moving. The only actual problem with new VAG infotainment is that it lags and crashes. If it worked well then the touchscreen part wouldn't be a problem.

[@BronchoGillespie]

Loads of really good shortcuts for most of the essential things, once you’re used to the system it’s easy to use, I got a new one a couple of weeks back and the system is easy to use to be fair.

[@31276965lmm]

Drove the car with the performance pack and akrapovic exhaust package, the larger roof spoiler is also a must in my opinion. The car I drove was CHF 66,300 ( I live in Switzerland ) It’s a stunning drive but the steering is a bit limp… the exhaust sound is amazing with the akrapovic system but yes definitely very expensive. I’m a tech savvy 52 year old and found the tech, screens and menus etc to be intuitive and a doddle to navigate and use. All in all a superb effort from VW was my opinion. It’s one for my wife, she has had an R32, Audi S3 and Mini C.Man JCW and we are shortlisting the Golf R… will probably go for an S3 … another great review Harry 👍

[@sage11x]

I’m noticing a trend with these reviews on the most recent cars- tech just dominates the experience now and it’s a real shame. Hope the new 86 doesn’t saddle itself with all this nonsense.

[@robertcook2572]

I think cars these days are just so good that tech is the only way they can differentiate themselves

[@Trendyflute]

2022 86/BRZ looks thankfully low tech and reasonable! Looking forward to it, especially without GR Yaris and GTI Clubsports and other cool stuff coming to the US.

[@peppemberton9948]

Sorry harry that's the last new car review Im going to watch, will stick with classics, bikes and the far more interesting farm videos

[@armedferret]

Harry thank you so much for showing me why I should just keep my MK7 GTI instead of moving up to the MK8. Way too many things I would NOT be happy to give up just to have the newest one.

[@stevenswann3254]

You and me both. VW can stick their digital UI where the Sun don't shine.

[@Trendyflute]

Mk7's gonna be a minor classic me thinks...they really got it right all around. May be biased since I own one too :P

[@rob_lightbody]

Agreed! Just got a three year old GTi 7.5 and will be sticking with it infinitely. It will never be replaced with a golf 8 that's for sure.

[@jamesward7425]

Absolutely spot on with the lack of specification options. I’d be in a Golf R if I could have green and no privacy glsss!

[@twagn]

My 84 GTI made me fall in love with VW. Would love to own this vehicle

[@adams7405]

Great balanced review as ever Harry,unlike some who rave over it just because it is quicker in a drag race.I bagged a 7 R on lease for circa 250 a month,actually a red one and I remember rather more colour options.I think if I had spent 40K the lack of gas struts and the cheapo interior would possibly annoy me.The squishy engine cover is for pedestrian head protection, far cheaper than engineering a pop up bonnet I would wager.Anyway it was a great daily and I haven't found any similar deals yet.And I am in my thirties, and would greatly prefer a radio knob and simpler heater controls as well.

[@Franksey180]

The touchscreen faff / clumsiness I think in VWs probably started with the RNS-510 Navigation units from late MK5/early MK6 Golf era. To change radio station have to get off the navigation/map (presuming you are viewing the map usually) by pressing "Radio" and then you are shown the station you are listening to but no other stations, so you either skip up or down the presets or press the screen again to finally actually see the preset list. MK4 Golf? Radio preset physical buttons 1-6 always ready for instant radio station change. Progress eh?

[@volkswizard]

If you slide down from the top of the screen, you get a shortcuts menu which by default should have the start/stop system shortcut in it and on a VW UK press car, the one for traction control. This is configurable so you can have a few of your most used functions there, just a slide away. TC takes 3.6 seconds to toggle via that method and is easy to do while driving. The instruction manual is available via the infotainment system and the search function means you can find topics quickly.

[@thedrivebygg]

Great video Harry, love the interior but you can keep the touch screen

[@DanJHayes]

I wanted a GR, but with a dog and a child I went for a 5 door 2017 (pre-GPF) manual Golf R 7.5 instead, and I don't regret it, the car does it all and with a res-delete sounds great too.

[@pdalia]

Impressed with the artificial steering feel in such top tier Golf , it seems VW never intended to fix that well from the previous gen MK7 , great all rounder. Agreed on the distracting amount of screens and no buttons sillines . Great vid for an after lunch Sunday!

[@Z-u-m-a]

That screen, and those controls and noises would slowly drive me nuts! Death by a thousand cuts. Found the previous gen R (and GTI) the same too re inert steering and interfering DCT. So close to being great.

[@laurencerucker2585]

Some of these setting are the same as previous model and the media system is brilliant and actually once you learn how it works along with the steering wheel controls and dash it is far better them knobs and switches. Also what I love is you can set settings for different drivers which even have driver seat positions, radio channels etc. etc. Nothing worse then getting into car after wife has been driving and have to change everything before you drive off... This like the previous is a real 'sleeper' and brilliant to take for a spirited drive and still brilliant for the day to day commute ... Some of the options are a bit expensive and I have heard more colors will come in the future, but does not worry me as like the Lapiz Blue. The cost of the exhaust is a joke (over $3,000 in Oz but will not arrive here until 2022). Also not having Dual injection was a big mistake. Then different options etc. for different countries is annoying as well. Will be interesting to see what the first Special Edition will have on it... I have the last of the MK7.5's 2020 Final Edition great car... another review on the MK8 is interesting from a USA perspective. The R is a very underrated motor vehicle... kzbin.info/www/bejne/o4S2p396r6-tnaM

[@dqwaszx]

Lovely trio in the opposite lane at 17:04

[@lewisjeans8794]

Yaris wheels look great 👍

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

They should be given their price tag - £1600 per wheel 😎

[@sq1rlsqu4d]

The whole Yaris looks great (apart from the colour to these eyes) :)

[@visionist7]

@@relentlesspursuit6894 you'll never be able to park the thing anywhere :-0

[@relentlesspursuit6894]

@@visionist7 I know - that's why I dont 🤣

[@visionist7]

@@relentlesspursuit6894 you can probably pick them up with a finger

[@crashbox7130]

Even my 1.4TSI Mk7 has gas struts for the bonnet. Clearly some cost-cutting going on.

[@-DC-]

Dieselgate 🤪

[@RRSmurf]

My friend's new golf 8 GTI is also pretty creaky compared to his previous 7.5. Dash, door panels... He is pretty disappointed in the feel..

[@crashbox7130]

@@RRSmurf From what I've been reading on the Mk7 Forum there are very obvious cost-cutting measures on the 7.5 from the 7, so doesn't bode well for the 8. Think I'll stick with my 7.

[@Cous1nJack]

I don’t get the obsession with struts. Real men lift the bonnet with one hand and the other naturally gravitates to the stick and knows intrinsically where it goes.

[@crashbox7130]

@@Cous1nJack Purely a sign of extra money and thought spent by the manufacturer. I own several classic cars, including a 90-year-old vintage two-seater with a non-synchromesh 'crash' gearbox that requires far more muscle to engage gear than it does to lift a bonnet on a modern car. It also requires a lot more muscle to bring the car to a stop using its cable operated brakes. All good fun 😎

[@abuhamza1970]

Best bit of the vid was seeing the Spitfire, Pagoda and MGB blasting down the road in the opposite direction. That’s more to do with the subject matter and not Harry’s video style. Would love to see Harry do vids on those three beauties 😛

[@adrianpeters2413]

This road is north of burford, go find it, I did ,great in an lancia integrale , but I am from the cotswolds , ha ha

[@TheSassyman]

I audibly laughed when he said "No cameras on this car" ... That hidden camera is actually so cool. lol

[@englishmaninfrance661]

I've got electric steering on my Alfa Romeo Mito Turbo . It's excellent

[@pjclark8624]

Powered by Microsoft it seems, judging by the spinning cursor deep in a menu. Meanwhile the lights have changed and the Yaris is out of sight. Switches and knobs for needed controls on the move is a must, no question. Menu of lesser changed controls is fine while stopped. Great car though, honest review.

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Hello Harry, I was listening to BBC Radio 4 last night. At 2100 hrs there was a programme entitled "Dare to Repair." To my mind it sums up the gadgets in this auto. Fine for a few years I agree but then....

[@richardcarter1000]

Great review as always Harry. The dash would drive me mad. Unless you have a 12 year old passenger to operate it, I just couldn't be bothered. I'm very tempted by a GR Yaris, the Golf is too dull to get excited about for me.