VW Golf R Mk8 vs Mercedes-AMG A35 vs BMW M135i | Who makes the best hot-hatch?

[@CARmagazineTV]

So, Golf R, AMG A35 or M135i? Which gets your vote? Let us know!

[@klasseneditor]

Golf R with Akrapovic and performance package :)

[@slen6293]

M135i for me! Would you recommend the smaller 18” wheel with the adaptive? Or are the 19s on the passive set up good enough?

[@jagayong9333]

Agree, the Golf R would be the pick, but if you put the R up against the Audi S3, the R’s non-identical twin, the S3 will win in looks.

[@TheHoosiers2008]

Golf R. And this is coming from a guy who has owned an e46 and e92 M3.

[@katetunstall8344]

Golf R all the way , Ive placed my order already with Performance Pack & Dcc etc , 18 Weeks wait now . Had an AMG 35 , high depreciation on the merc , Awesome car , never fancied a BMW at all

[@MarkEardley1968]

We’ve had the M135i for a month now and it really is sensational to drive. As he says, you can drive around town smoothly and quietly in Comfort mode when off to the shops, but get on a smooth flowing country road and put your foot down in Sport mode and it absolutely flies! The media system is great, and the manual controls for the aircon etc are easy to use. Very comfortable and supportive seats, great visibility and solid interior. I doubt I could live with the VW horrible interior and touch screen system, and the AMG is probably a bit too firm and focussed. We’re super happy with our choice of the BMW!👍🏻

[@user-ss7sy5jg1c]

Definitely prefer the interior of the 7.5 golf r unfortunately someone come in to the side of me otherday , so once payed out I think I’m gonna go for a M135i , as I’m not sure I’d want that stiffness all of the time

[@nadasaba]

Hated my m235 cc Got a gr Yaris amazing but issues made me buy a golf r BMW is not good inside , crap would and instruments Sounds crap inside Gr is fun Dash in bmw looks shit rev counter going wrong way Good power but auto not as good as golf Only got golf last week but enjoying it Gr nicer steering and feels lighter

[@1MrBryn]

The cabin of the beemer might not be the flashiest, but it's by far and away the most solidly put together. The BMW interior game is on par with Lexus at the moment.

[@almac9203]

Says who?

[@kash748]

Having day and driven a m135i I can say it's quality is way below the previous m140i and particularly plastic in many places.

[@sleepwalker31]

Very good review and unsurprisingly, the R wins again. The mk7 R was revolutionary

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks David!

[@backseatdriver8902]

Golf R's are amazing cars, so understated and underrated. I loved the mk7.5. So I can only imagine how good the mk8 is!

[@pete7523]

Which look do u like more based on pics?

[@backseatdriver8902]

@@pete7523 Right now mk7.5, but the 8 is growing on me!

[@hoagy_ytfc]

“Underrated” by whom? Every review I’ve seen says it’s amazing, infotainment system apart.

[@backseatdriver8902]

@@hoagy_ytfc By the average person, they assume it is just a basic small car.

[@BikerDude-tl9mg]

I could never buy one cos boy racers ruined golf's for me 😂 every one you see has its exhaust chopped off and it has every halfords badge they sell on it. I have even seen one with a BMW M5 badge on it and its not even a BMW 😂 I'd have to take the 135i

[@philippebeinaerts]

I actually own one of these cars (hint: it’s the most understated one 😜) and I can tell you it’s a fantastic daily car that goes like crazy - in all safety - when you’re in the mood. It all depends on what you’re looking for... Great review, as always

[@williamk1800]

Severely underrated reviewer and channel. Another great vid!

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks very much!

[@Agoel747]

@@CARmagazineTV second that, very informative and as a mk8 R owner, agree with everything said

[@jamesrooum2752]

Very thorough review and very enjoyable, however not completely balanced . The price of these cars at the specs tested vary hugely and I can’t understand how it doesn’t get mentioned enough in these reviews . Am I the only person who cares about the showroom tax above £40, 000 !!! ? I went hunting for my next car months ago and I wanted a premium hot hatch with a few extras for under 40k . Off to Mercedes first after seeing pictures of how good the A35 looks inside and out . After asking the Sales executive a few questions I realised that a decent spec A35 would cost nearly £45,000 and nearly £500 in road tax .thanks but no thanks . Volkswagen was a similar story . I will be honest here , I think they have near ruined an almost perfect car when replacing the Mk7.5 Golf R . The looks , the heater controls that don’t light up and are dangerous to use while driving ( the main reason I sold my brand new Tiguan ) and again the fact that you want Lapiz Blue like every reviewer uses you are immediately over 40k . Then add the adaptive dampers , akrapovic exhaust and performance pack you are closer to 50k than 40 . And again nearly £500 road tax for the first 5 years . I had to wonder if a used NIssan GTR might be better value . Then not for the first time in my life I’ve ended up in BMW , although I’ve never actually bought one …. Until now . I fell in love with the drive of the M135i , it really made me smile . Back in the showroom I’ve managed to spec a White one with 19s , tinted glass , Harmon Kardon and reversing camera parking pack within the 40k showroom tax threshold . Add in the £3,250 discount I managed to get without too much hassle and the M135i seemed like a bargain . Having bought new VWs in the past that sort of discount on the R would have very difficult to imagine . £150 a year road tax also means I might even be able to afford to drive it properly every now and again . Only time will tell if I have made the right choice and I dare say that in my Twenties the decision would have been more emotional than financial , but now in my Forties and not spending much time Drifting , street racing or risking everything on track days I think the baby beemer will be just right . There is no right answer to which is the best of the three , its all about the matching the right car with the right buyer at the right price .

[@King-Chub]

BMW has the best cabin and thats why Iv just got one! Love all 3 of these cars though 💪🏽

[@petemayes1940]

Really enjoyable and informative this channel deserves more subscribers

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks Pete! Really appreciate that 👌

[@petemayes1940]

@@CARmagazineTV Well meant "car" hurry up and get in a bmw 128ti please !

[@bshah4831]

What about the highly unfriendly infotainment system if the Golf R?

[@johnedds2327]

As a biased VW owner I'd always go for the Golf. Thanks for the confirmation James.

[@EFerrorfile]

Amazing review. Golf 8R makes about 340 hp from the factory, or at least someone's new R did when they put it through a dyno. Feels weird to say this, but looks like the 8R's look has started to not look bad to me. I used to grin whenever I saw a video or a picture of it, but... Looks okay?

[@danilorodriguez4665]

Complaint about M135 lack of engine drama and also complaint when transmission kick in the back changing gears providing some sensation, bit contradictory

[@deenoc3622]

Nice review, keep these up and you'll definitely carve out your own niche. Personally would have liked some information on fuel economy (i know they are hot hatches but still) also cost of servicing and replacing consumables i.e. pads and discs etc. Then you'd definitely have your own informative niche on KZbin.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Glad you enjoyed - will keep that in mind!

[@apesco5]

Golf R for the win!!!

[@gheng7253]

The grin on your face when you drove the Golf R was sublime. Almost look you were about cry with joy. VW take my money now haha :) great review... really enjoyed it.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks Glenn - glad you enjoyed

[@Pete7.5R]

Great review and the Golf R clearly impresses (apart from the soulless cabin). . . be interested in your thoughts on how the new gen compares with the Golf 7.5R you tested last year?

[@cklam8722]

Wow! that must be a long day for James, without costume changed, tested and reported all three top models of hot hatch car currently on sale in that market segment. Very useful information provided here on each brand in less than 26 minutes. Taking unbiased, straight-to-the-point approach to test and review all engineering and aesthetic aspects of each car. But some of us may have noticed already that his facial expression says it all. One minute delighted, then frustrated the next. Quite enjoyable to watch as if I was sitting on the passenger seat all along. Indeed, as for all things in life, relationship in particular, when come to a point of choice, it is all about "feel" that portrays first impression right in the first ten minutes. Of course, there are exceptions - love at first sight!

[@CARmagazineTV]

Videos are always long days for everyone involved! Glad you enjoyed ☺️☺️💪

[@cklam8722]

@@CARmagazineTV Great team work! Salute!

[@lapamful]

This is a level of in-depth review we rarely get. Thank you James. As for the review, I think VW's refinement at this price point is hard to beat. The other brands are still best at the 100k price point. Personally, I still find it hard to associate Merc or Beamers with hot hatches. They just don't feel like the premium product (luxury saloons) those brands are known for.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@rivaterrier]

I subscribed to your mag for decades and was thinking that you had been overtaken as we have entered the video age. But this review is a great example of how you are making your way back to the front of an ever more crowded pack. Keep up the good work. And it’s nice to see some of the roads around here being put to good use.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks very much for the kind words. More quality videos on the way!

[@TheHoosiers2008]

Well done. I’ve owned an e46 M3, C6 Z06 corvette, (2) e92 M3, Mk7 GTI, and a C7 stingray. I’ve driven the F32 M3 and M2. I’ve found the e46 M3, GTI, and C6 Z06 as the best driver’s cars...modern cars are too big and heavy so this Mk8 really has my interest.

[@markrhoden68]

Im curious as to your findings regarding the m135i interior, you said "sitting in the m135i its hard to see your in the top model'' well isn't that true of pretty much all these cars interiors after all these cars are based on standard models only with more powerful engines and better underpinnings. You want colour add magma leather

[@GT-Diaries]

Great in depth analysis of this hot hatchbacks.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks!

[@joshyt46]

How does the s3 compare?

[@gordonjenoure5305]

R, I've had mine for a frw months and absolutely love it

[@w00t777]

that Golf R cabin is a real shame ... total deal breaker

[@krane15]

It reminds me of a military vehicle: Rugged, but totally utilitarian.

[@tiagocarvalho983]

Very good review. The problem with Golf is the cabine in terms of design and the quality it feels cheeper for a car that cost in my country 60 thousand euros.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks Tiago! And yes, you’re not wrong.

[@slen6293]

Very good review fair play! I’d have the m135i. The golf R is clearly an awesome drive, but that interior I couldn’t get over and would annoy me too much as a daily. A35 doesn’t interest me at all to be honest.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Good choice 👌👌

[@w00t777]

Yes BMW here for me too. The interior is just way better quality.

[@toshy160874]

Totally agree, BMW for me. Golf interior is awful !

[@9bar7and9bar8]

@@toshy160874 Totally agree. I had the mk8 GTI which was a great driving car however too many faults with the infotainment system ruined it for me. Now a happy 135i owner.

[@keithrichards4296]

The Golf grew up and nowadays it challenges MB and BMW. I miss the age when we said "hot hatches" and the Golf rivals were Escort, Peugeot 205, Clio...

[@benokanruzgar8863]

Merc is the way to go.

[@ChrisWalker-fq7kf]

Fantastic review, focussed on all the things that really matter on a car like this. That Golf looks great to me, unlike in all the photos I've seen. But that interior.... It's almost as if they have deliberately not made an effort to avoid stepping on Audi's toes.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks Chris!

[@skylinedrag]

The most beautiful outside: A35 The best design inside:A35 The best quality of interior: Golf R The fastest: Golf R Firm ride: honestly all of them I bought A35, because I dont visit track days and dont care about miliseconds of difference between Golf R, but I appreciate how it drives.

[@arifazar786]

Have I just witnessed one of the most thorough and well knowledged reviews.. I really enjoyed this review.. amazing reviewer.. I'm subscribed

[@Ginbaubabe]

Honestly what do you expect from a VAG interior apart from blandness

[@avuazahc1966]

Yeah! Golf R is been in the game than its rivals also the best all-rounder but I would go for the somewhat underrated M135i. It simply makes sense to me and I always like competition and not follow every one default hot hatch

[@krane15]

Really dude? I see twice as many BMWs as I see Golf or VW on the road. A Golf R is extremely rare.

[@dgw1970]

I've an a35. It has 306 not 302BHP. Why would a motoring journalist get that wrong? I like the Gold R but you spend the time INSIDE the car. My AMG does not feel like he says inside... I love the inside of this car.

[@CARmagazineTV]

We’re sure you’ll understand that there are many reasons we might get a figure slightly wrong David, but this is not one of those occasions. Your A35 AMG has 306HP, which translates to 302BHP. There is a slight difference between the units.

[@OA-nc2fc]

Some of the a35 actually run at 330ish bhp. You’ll be surprised if you run them on a dyno

[@ajmark2031]

@@OA-nc2fc Well then that is embarrassing when they do so poor at the recent carwow drag and rolling races against the Golf R Mk 8.

[@OA-nc2fc]

@@ajmark2031 well yeah the new golf R is quite clearly on the a45s level

[@krane15]

@@OA-nc2fc It also varies depending on fuel and climate. That why its an average. Top speed on the Golf R is 168 according to VW, but I saw one do 171 on the clock. Would you ask for you money back?

[@beaujeste1]

JD - the Michael Gove of motoring journalism, with the fashion sense of Val Doonican...

[@krane15]

Have you noticed how Doug dresses? Good thing they're not making men's fashion content.

[@bshah4831]

What about rear seat space?

[@thebeemovie9612]

Good review and I liked the Goldilocks analogy. I still think the Golf looks a bit dull, but maybe that’s a good thing too.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks!

[@goldenageofdinosaurs7192]

It definitely would be in the states. I’d bet the cops are a lot less likely to hit you with the radar gun, as there’s nothing shouting out that it’s a total hoodlum if it wants to be.

[@supermanlegend7]

One Love One AMG Life ❤

[@Pure-Luck447]

Just want the A35 be happy with any of them but will always want the Merc at the end of the day.

[@francisbegbie591]

Golf R.I hate the dash though, but i could learn to live with it.

[@mariosneocleous1418]

Great review. I've actually ordered the 1 series also in black but without the adaptive suspension and on the 18's. Do you think the ride will be too firm or just right?

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks! Passive suspension should be fine, especially with the 18s 👍

[@mariosneocleous1418]

@@CARmagazineTV thank you 👍🏻

[@AbhinavP-YouTube]

Is the new AWD in Golf R on-demand or full -time ? I feel like its the old Haldex unit from the Mk7or 7.5 but with a rear diff and updated ECUs ?

[@skyscrapesthetower]

It is active and telegraphs the power distribution based on road conditions and current speed (i.e. turnpike, hairpins, flat roads).

[@AbhinavP-YouTube]

@@skyscrapesthetower By active, did you mean permanent awd?

[@BobK5]

@@AbhinavP-KZbin no, it’s front wheel drive 95% of the time so you’re carrying around the equivalent of a big obese man in your car for the majority of the time for nothing.

[@AbhinavP-YouTube]

@@BobK5 oh, thats bad ! Thanks a lot for the info !

[@almac9203]

@@AbhinavP-KZbin the Haldex AWD systems are improving all the time. Very few small cars have permanent AWD systems but the newer ones switch to AWD much quicker than before.

[@kimsmith1483]

Got a mark7, had several beamers...... Would have to be exceptional to bother to change now

[@loganpadayachee6048]

Thanks for video Golf R anytime nobody engineers hatchbacks like VW

[@gcm747]

I cancelled my Golf R mk8 order after 1.5 years of waiting. I’m glad I did. It’s a boring interior that’s going to age terribly considering the mk8.5 update will change quite a bit.

[@paulgoode9362]

Great review. I have just traded my mk8 Golf R in for a BMW m135i. I went for the M Suspension with 19" wheels and finding the ride far too hard and uncomfortable over most surfaces. It drives well, the cabin and infotainment system is way better than the Golf but the ride spoils the driving experience. With hindsight go with the adaptive suspension and 18" wheels.

[@DryMouth-p9i]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@VladRadu-tq1pg]

am a bmw fan , but I d never EVER tke the m135 over the r or golf gti clubsport

[@AntFragale]

As an owner of an Mk8 R, I’d take that all day. Interior to me is outstanding. I’m a big tech guy so it’s sleek and modern to me. It looks plain to some but to me, it looks “clean.” Other cars get too busy by having a thousand buttons. To each their own on the styling, I’m not going to change anyone opinion but the quality of the interior, styling aside, is very good. That’s definitely apparent if you get in one and truly look. I’m not just talking about materials, yes there’s some hard plastic in non meaningful spots, but it doesn’t creek, rattle, squeak, it looks nice and feels great. Superb daily.

[@9bar7and9bar8]

Had the mk8 GTI and couldn't wait to get rid of it after multiple issues with new steering wheels and errors constantly popping up on the dash. A real shame, a great driving car ruined by poor in cabin experience. I now have the "grown up" car you describe in your piece......with buttons !!

[@johnnylima9632]

And how are you enjoying it if you don’t mind me asking? After 5yrs of owning a f80 m3 and it being a garage queen I’m ready for a lesser car, but one that I can use as a daily. Im currently looking at a late Golf 7.5 R or newer Golf 8 Gti or the M135i. Been driving BMW’s for 10yrs now and they’ve always served me well. So I don’t really want to move away from the brand, as they’ve always given me excellent after-sales service as well. But it’s all down to best value for me nowadays. I’m older now and comfort and easy of use is more important to me now at this stage in my life than outright performance. Would like to hear your thoughts on your experience with the car so far, assuming you use it as a daily drive…

[@9bar7and9bar8]

@@johnnylima9632 I am very pleased with the 135i. It’s pretty potent in acceleration compared to the gti, in fact it’s no contest really. The fit and finish is at another level too. I’ve been VW all my days but the mk8 has left a sour taste with me because of its shabby infotainment system. I’m a new customer to BMW and so far the customer service and driving experience has been excellent. It took me a week or two to get used to the 135. I just daily drive it in comfort mode and i find that appropriate for me now as I am older. Sport mode I find a bit too aggressive. A bit lower to get in and out of I’ll say that so something to bear in mind if you have any back trouble. Once your in though, the seats to me are the best I’ve ever sat in and I would have no problem going on long journeys. The heated seats are the quickest heaters I’ve ever had, heat in your back in about 45 seconds from switch on. The infotainment system is slick and is a joy to use. Hope that helps.

[@johnnylima9632]

@@9bar7and9bar8 wow thanks for that write-up. It’s more than I was expecting really and gives me a great sense of perspective from an owner. Seems like it’s spot-on for what I’m looking for. Hope the car gives you many happy miles and smiles. Thanks again

[@adams7405]

The BMW is missing a 6 cylinder engine..maybe they can do a M140i with about 370 BHP and returned the 4WD setup,as it stands the Golf looks a great all rounder

[@vollcare4076]

Maybe they can tune this 4cylinder to 370 bhp and call it M140 - but it will never get an inline 6 as the M140 was

[@krane15]

All of these auto makers have 6 cylinders. In fact, the VR-6 used to be a staple in the Golf R.

[@1979leighton]

You must of had a crap example of the merc. My A35 doesn’t squeak or rattle in any shape or form.

[@critic3001]

Good productions. Can't understand the relatively low subs compared to others less professional who seem to only show off expensive fantasy vehicles. Work on your tags maybe, and bring in some bling, road trips, special events etc.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Glad you enjoyed!

[@stephengriffin4990]

Love the R

[@krane15]

What do you think of the sports seat with integrated head restraints. I mean they're fine if you intend to use the car just at the sport track. But I can't see that they make much sense in a production car intended for many types of drivers or as a daily driver. What do you do on long trips? Use a different car? The also block out the entire forward view from the rear. Making the rear area seam claustrophobic.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Didn’t really notice to be honest! They’re so common now we’ve got used to them. Points you make are valid, though. 👌

[@PercyPoppins72]

Great review, thanks 👍

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks!

[@Tracertme]

For me the golf is very much the "Plain Jane" of the bunch and even if its faster comes stone last out of these 3.

[@markjohnston712]

I think your mistaken "Plain Jane" For "Wolf in sheeps clothing"

[@MrTARIQSs]

It's the best to drive tho

[@peterbennpan7288]

Can this Torsen limited slip diff be turned on and off through the infotainment system on the M135i?'

[@ckneasel]

How do the 3 of these compare money wise...?

[@IMP3TIGO]

I don't care how great the DSG is, it's just sad that they don't offer a MT option for their halo hot hatch. At least, outside of NA they don't.

[@gurgenmakaryan4428]

If I'm not mistaken, mk8 Golf R has an 6 speed manual

[@shaglioni]

@@gurgenmakaryan4428 Only in North America and maybe Canada. Everywhere else is DSG only.

[@gurgenmakaryan4428]

@Mark Snyder i think the only difference is in torque, 285 (manual) vs 315 DSG In my opinion, it's just to keep safe functioning of the clutch

[@shaglioni]

@@gurgenmakaryan4428 yup, for the manual it is 280 torque, but same horsepower rating.

[@gurgenmakaryan4428]

@Mark Snyder right, personally i love manual. I have had tuned evo x gsr, and still miss it

[@final_mile_music9713]

In the US the R comes fully loaded with performance pack and you can get it in manual 😉

[@krane15]

Its also detuned from the European version. It also doesn't come with the sequential light either. Tell the whole story Timmy.

[@imranjaved4425]

And you drive on wrong side of the road….. plus americans are usually quite fat so they need it loaded with all the options

[@shaglioni]

That is hilarious! Well, for the folks who were born in the U.S., it sure is the correct side of the road to be on. And weight has no bearing on anything here, but I am very glad these R's come fully loaded instead of a la carte style.

[@final_mile_music9713]

@@krane15 detuned? Er I don’t think so. Please elaborate. In detail with references. Please and thank you.

[@fireblade6756]

4.2 for 0-60 easily, have done it, pro timed!!!

[@justinevans1894]

Extremely good review, this guy's good 👍🏻

[@computerscience6579]

Golf R has really lost its edge thanks to so many younger drivers flocking to it. Now it just blends into traffic and looks like any other car on the road. BMW all the way

[@wd9165]

The look has become an eyesore across the range for BMW…

[@I_am_Monty]

Fantastic review! Very detailed. VW have done a fantastic job with the new Golf R to remind everyone that they can still build one of the best hot hatches. Truly a master piece👌 My M135i has the initial bmw software which has pops and bangs/burps on upshift and after fitting and exhaust, lowering the car plus a tune, the car feels and performs a lot better than stock!

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks!!

[@AIBETTSYIA75]

Looking to buy secondhand and leaning towards the BMW. Merc is gordy and I couldn't live with that Golf interior with the dumb buttons. Cupra Leon is the same.

[@daysofgrace2934]

Are haldex cars still understeery?

[@quadcoreQ]

great detailed review thanks

[@richiebtime489]

You'll need a lead-lined bunker with ravenous Dobermans to keep hold of a Golf R here in Birmingham

[@CARmagazineTV]

😳

[@Sooka_Phatwon]

I've just had my 7.5 nicked in Liverpool! So obviously ordered myself the 8, see how long this lasts.

[@almac9203]

@@Sooka_Phatwon did you get the car back or did the insurance just pay you out?

[@Sooka_Phatwon]

@@almac9203 Admiral insurance paid out after a week and the car's still unrecovered!

[@Loopsrainforest]

Is the golf the only car thats available in a manual transmission?

[@justinevans1894]

It's DSG only

[@Loopsrainforest]

@@justinevans1894 mk8 Golf r is available in a 6speed manual in North America at least.

[@MrTARIQSs]

@@justinevans1894 it has a manual for the US market

[@jamiebagala1897]

I like this reviewer. He’s also great in the new Peter Rabbit movie 😀

[@CARmagazineTV]

Peter Rabbit?!

[@jamiebagala1897]

@@CARmagazineTV Dad joke. The reviewer reminds me of the main male character in the Peter Rabbit movies - that’s to say, they both speak extremely well and annunciate their words perfectly lol

[@CARmagazineTV]

Hahaha we get you! There are worse things to be compared to 😉

[@famrue527]

In 2016 i bought a brand new lci m135,and i never regreted it.2months after i picked Up the m135 at the dealer the m140 came out.at first i coulnd care less because it was only 15 hp stronger and i thought it was the same engine,it sucked when i figured out it was the b58 engine in the m140 and that it was way more capable and tunable.but Hey thats life. No way i would replace it with the latest model... There is just no 2.0 4potter that can match the n55 6banger... My second car is a 2017 gti clubsport so i know what im talkinng about. The n55 is so much smoother and the sound i way beter than the 4cilinder To be fair i wouldnt buy Any of the 3 tested hot hathes...

[@Lollakuk]

Nice review! You got my sub.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks very much :)

[@MiniEggs1999]

Did the Golf infotainment crash on you ?

[@CARmagazineTV]

It didn’t during our time with it. But it is slow to boot up. And we have experienced crashing on other VW Group infotainment systems.

[@klasseneditor]

No 19" no performance package no Akrapovic.. Sad

[@jamesstanley7263]

I’d take the... Megane Trophy

[@jamesvaile6916]

I was so ready to buy a golf R, but the interior is so dull and what is wrong with buttons! BMW it is for me I think. Test drive coming up soon.

[@krane15]

As right as VW got the engine and drive train, they did the opposite with the interior. Whoever signed off on that, should get demoted to second class.

[@rahimkamarudin5926]

would like try golf R...

[@vette6600]

Can’t get on with the A35 AMG; a firm ride in all settings is at odds with the fact that it’s a daily driver. At that point, there are plenty of other options in this price range if I’m looking for a weekender in which I’d be alright to sacrifice some comfort. And, potential functionality aside; the rear wing looks rubbish

[@JonasRosenven]

It's really strange to me that car manufacturers still push hard riding street cars. It's totally unnecessary that a car should have a harsh ride when it has different modes on the dampers. At least one of them should and can be comfortable with the electronic dampers. It's particularly silly since most people that buy these cars will never track them. And also because a harsh ride in a street car doesn't have a lot to do with how it handles on the street.

[@juliantaylor8777]

The ride issue is infuriating, most of the time you are just driving. A ride that is harsh and uncompromising is literally a pain in the arse. I bought a 330 d M Sport and sold it after 8 weeks because the ride was so bad. I have a 7.5 Golf R and with adaptive dampers it has a great ride. The nurburgring obsession is crazy when developing road cars.

[@JonasRosenven]

@@juliantaylor8777 The impressive lap times don't translate well at all when you actually drive the cars. It's just fluff. Ford are guilty of this in their R models and BMW especially so in their performance cars. They just feel so over dampened. I only tried two but they felt unnecessarily harsh even on good roads. They didn't grip the road over bumps but rather bounced really fast. Another thing that is crazy is people's obsession with performance. It usually hasn't got much to do with actual driving pleasure.

[@toddstevens8506]

Can you not have the DCC in comfort and the shifter in sport like in the mk7.5?

[@CARmagazineTV]

You can, yes. But you’ve only got one individual mode. So you need to choose between Sport and Race (with firm suspension) or Comfort (with the Eco engine mode). Because of the way the standard modes are assigned, you ideally want a second individual mode. Or at least we thought so!

[@toddstevens8506]

@@CARmagazineTV Hear you, would be nice to have a 2nd individual mode but I find running Comfort with the DSG in sport is pretty good for hustling on rough roads. Are you Brits willing to pay 40-50K Pounds for this car? Think this car is going to be pretty expensive in CDN Dollars when it arrives.

[@CARmagazineTV]

Most new cars sold in the UK are on finance or lease, so very few customers here really see it as £40-50k. They see it as x amount out of their bank account every month. And considering how well the old one sold, this one should also shift in healthy numbers.

[@edgarhenrique1167]

Golf R... Edgar Henrique 🇧🇷.

[@derricktan6146]

Without watching 1) golf r 2) amg35 3) m135 Am I right?

[@markrhoden68]

Why don't we talk about ultimate cost, once you have a few options which is likely most buyers will want these cost go over that £40,000 tax threshold. Dealers never mention this, even with discounts trade in or deposit the tax is still calculated at the ultimate price the car would cost. So just beware as to not get caught out £490 to tax a year for five years can be a bit of a shock if not prepared 🤔

[@krane15]

Simple, because that varies for each individual. Even though base price is not totally equal either, its the closet apples-to-apples any comparison can get.

[@hondacar]

The opening introduction of the video shows Golf R looking very ordinary, With all the performance it offers, VW could've chosen a better wheel design to look the part.

[@krane15]

You could say that about some of the fastest and most expensive performance cars in the world. But I get it, drivers nowadays expect more, and manufactures from Korea, are giving it to them.

[@jrushen4235]

Absolutely brilliant review. Top job. VW engineers are something else. Thanks.

[@TheJoStephan]

Great comparison review, thank you! Best interior & quality of styling (and materials) definitely go to the BMW, but hands-down I'd go for the VW Golf R, by far!

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks Johan!

[@krane15]

True, but in this group that's not really saying much. They're all pretty pedestrian. But the VW is just plain bland.

[@malcolmc5964]

Yet another "review" that makes no mention of passenger space or boot capacity, seems hot hatch buyers don't have any friends or use the boot!

[@latlak]

Can you tell me what you exactly mean with low seating position? I mean, you need to see out of the window and the seats are adjustable. I don't really understand what is good and bad here.

[@shaft6980]

Bmw needed to keep previous 140 6cyl b58 engine and mate it with 4wd now that would be awesome.

[@krane15]

Government mileage regulation. Same reason the Golf R 86ed the VR6. You have to step up to ultra BMW or Audi for that. Even then, its not a major difference.

[@TechHead03]

I thought this was a drag race, woops 🤭

[@vollcare4076]

I‘m a BMW fan(boy) - but this 4 cylinder front wheel drive platform is NOT a BMW The old M140 F2x would be the choice over this F40

[@nicholassare1365]

Golf's the best 🔥👑🔥

[@loganpadayachee6048]

VW are the king of hatchbacks

[@seinsmeld13]

Cheerio mate!!!!!!!!!!!!😆

[@adamchase1517]

Golf R is a beast the m135i is the biggest disappointment

[@krane15]

Because Ultimate Driving Machine?

[@parvindermander5664]

Top review

[@CARmagazineTV]

Thanks Parvinder!

[@hithere8699]

Agree with the M135i kick back comment, test drove one the other day and yeah, it does feel wierd, when the salesman asked me how it was - all I could say was 'strange' - I just didn't feel connected wit the drive at all. I guess it is BMWs first venture in to FWD bias car hot hatch so I guess they will learn and improve for the second gen. I was disappointed - it certainly didn't make me smile with any element of fun factor.. And it looks as dull as dish water. nothing outstanding with it at all IMO.

[@alistairwilson5890]

Pish mate the BMW is far far better the golf r just looks like an ordinary golf