VW Mk8 Golf R Review - The Best VW? - Test Drive | Everyday Driver

[@williamw9918]

The big problem with the golf R is the dealer markups. All dealers in my city were asking a $10k markup on the Golf R. Which pushes it to a $55-57k car. Which is ludicrous to be honest.

[@jamessephar9458]

I was interested in one, but they were askin $56,000 for a 6 speed. That did it in for me.

[@Dylanbforthree]

VW dealer experience is terrible, not worth investing into

[@modernbride]

We all should invest our money on Hyundai and Genesis in this price case 😉 Also there is no DSG in California and doubt it all manual buyers would pay over sticker anyway My lease is up March 2023 and by then or after extending it if my DSG and 20 years anniversary model be available I would pay $46750 for it otherwise I'm hoping the Hyundai Ionic 5 N would arrive because that should be a revolutionary car again to spice up the hatchback market. Also the upcoming Audi A6 Etron becoming a hatchback is so awesome

[@modernbride]

@@Mikey-tg8ns indeed and I'm sure the N lines of ionic will handle like Champ 🏆 💪

[@ReaversRespite]

Exactly. I ended up having to go for an M240i instead due to the crazy markups and forced options at the VW dealer.

[@Calvin-xp4qp]

I've purchased many VW's in my life with the last being an '88 Scirocco 16V. Three decades later, that '88 16V still remains as my favorite

[@geronimooo260]

Totally disagree with the infotainments critics. You operate when your at stand still, put everything on auto and go. Tweaks while driving are done via wheel controls, shortcuts (set in advance) or voice control. Nothing complicated here. You never have to dig into menus while driving, you never do that in any car as far as I know !

[@RedlineGaming007]

I'm waiting for a Golf R vs GR Corolla vs Civic TypeR comparison

[@bostonstrong6]

The real issue is that Golf Rs are being marked up to $65k in the northeast….I have a ton of choices at that price point.

[@thedadlife247]

woooo way to expansive

[@MRDARRENGER]

EVERYTHING is being marked up. It depends on how much. Sorry but this is the way the auto market is right now. Either wait it out or shop around or don't. Just depends on if it's worth it for you. Even I bought mine with a $5k markup and zero regrets.

[@nathanielsmith1892]

Might as well get a RS3!!! Don’t buy over 42K the RS3 is 53k so 10k mark up is a RS3 even the 5k mark will not make it worth it. 47k-52k is way to much for a golf with horrible infotainment! M2 is really close too.

[@axe2grind244]

That’s beyond belief. We are living in bizarro world.

[@crxtodd16]

@@MRDARRENGER There are some dealers that don't mark up new car prices, yes even for the Golf R and Audi RS3. Dealers would stop doing this if people didn't actually pay it. So, do yourself and everyone else a favor - don't ever buy a marked up car. Buy from a dealer that doesn't mark up, and pay to have it shipped to you, or just fly out there and drive the car back home. I've done this (ie shipped it) and it was a lot easier and cheaper than I anticipated.

[@Rainer19]

Good luck getting one for 45… I'm seeing some for as much as 65 such a bad deal

[@deejayimm]

That drift mode exists because unfortunately half of the world is a marketing exercise nowadays.

[@Stimm002]

I never understand why more manufacturers don't use a wheel aswell as a touch screen, like BMW and Mercedes aswell as some others. Its a cheap effective solution. It works so well while driving.

[@paulh6517]

I like the idea of the all the race tracks settings. It can be done, golfers have different course gps settings with slopes, courses, distance to hole ect programmed in so why not a specialized track mode for every course.

[@cayetano6547]

That infotainment should be called "The widow maker"

[@ymlccc]

Thanks for another great episode! Damn, the new car price is seriously out of control. For 44k 3 years ago, you can reach a bmw 340 base model.

[@sunnyvalentino]

Lol. The criticism from those who never buy new predictably present here. "I totally would have bought the last current manual hot hatch I've always wanted new, but it doesn't come with ". Excuse example - it's not brown, not a wagon, the drift mode I would never use doesn't work. Then they wonder why Ford doesn't sell them in North America.

[@clydefowler5560]

Paid 31k otd for my gti S. I’m happy with the amount of money I saved. You will never find a R for 45k now

[@genderlessyoutubefanperson]

46500 USD is the cheapest one I can find with DSG. I ordered 2022 MK8 GTI S with DSG in King's Red with a few options ...just under 33k. I had Mk7 R DSG before,( bought it brand new on sale for 37k USD, and I am tempted for this new R. The price is just too much for a small hatch.

[@cdpgbc-mw2kz]

Great review. The dash is hideous imho, and I can only imagine the cost if, and when, anything goes wrong with it. I am on my third VW so am not a VW hater.

[@therealm3]

Cool car but good luck finding one and it being anywhere close to 44k. I went to two different dealers and was told 10-15k over msrp when they finally get one. With a gti autobahn 6spd you can at least get one for msrp

[@myemailiscool]

i agree, they glossed over this part when comparing prices. i can actually go get a GTI autobahn for $40k. i cannot for the life of me just go and get a Golf R for MSRP. Availability matters.

[@jdipietronh]

Typical reviewer oversimplification and inability to look at these things from real world buyer perspectives. I mean, they even got the MSRP to MSRP price difference wrong, which is more like $5.6k rather than 4-5k. If anyone wants to send me six thousand dollars because it's an immaterial of money (which is the price difference in the first year after taking into account the price difference between 87 and premium fuel) I'm happy to provide my Venmo. 😛

[@thebrassbandit]

Man I only recently found out you guys in the US get fucked on MSRP. Here in Canada, I'm going to pay just about $41,500USD for this car. And that includes front PPF, lifetime windshield chip repair, battery heater (Canada is cold) and the muddy buddy mats all around. And that's for the DSG. 6spd is about $1000 USD less.

[@forrestjenkins5793]

Watching Todd’s hair sway in drift mode. 😂

[@Jorge_Magallon]

So now the question is where does a bare bones GTI stack up? It’s lighter, it’s cheaper, and I believe you may even get some physical controls back? Hope you guys do a comparo with that GTI. Either way, great video as always!

[@AntFragale]

Stack up in terms of what? I believe the base S does get a manual knob on the radio. Is it a better value? Depends what you’re looking for out of the car. The R is a completely different animal though if you plan to use it closer to the limit.

[@clydefowler5560]

I have a S dsg for 31k I’ll buy exhaust wheels tune. Huge savings. The R is close to 60 with markups. There’s a lot of vehicles I would buy for 50 and 60 they wouldn’t be a R

[@JohnnyBitcoin]

Tuned GTI is amazing 🤩

[@robertwoolner9120]

These guys are the best. They are real and know what they are talking about!!!!

[@Loopsrainforest]

I never thought I'd say this but I wish it had rev matching. As someone who has only bought manuals in the last 30 years & suffered a terrible ankle injury a few years ago I can't heel & toe anymore.

[@mqbr22]

That’s exactly why I went with the MK8 R. Spending $41,000 for a GTI is a hard pill to swallow. Especially if you live where it snows a lot and love the 0-60 mph acceleration the R is the way to go

[@stories1984]

And also the reason many of us that have a Mk8 probably bought a base trim. $31k for the base GTI seems like a solid price

[@mqbr22]

@@stories1984 Yes that seems like a solid idea. I had a 2015 GTI SE back in the day. Bought it with 11k miles for $22,000 but that was a long time ago

[@AntFragale]

Love my 8R as well. AWD was a must for me and it’s a much stronger foundation when tunes and mods start to become available.

[@mqbr22]

@@AntFragale Yup I’m done with spinning second gear and wheel hop haha

[@AntFragale]

@@mqbr22 yeah that would be so frustrating. It’s one thing to spin from excess power (though still inefficient) but it’s another to be subjected to physics that fight against you lol.

[@thatpersiandude7386]

These things are like 85k in Australia !!!! might as well get a low kms Rs3 that actually has some character and personality thanks to that 5 cylinder.

[@AntFragale]

Ironically many think the RS3 is even more bland. The engine is wonderful but everything else is tasteless. So I’m told anyway.

[@thatpersiandude7386]

@@AntFragale not gonna lie Rs3 isn't the most engaging/ driver's car out there but the sound it makes is a masterpiece ! This freaking mk8 sounds same if not worse than a cheap old mk5 gti

[@genderlessyoutubefanperson]

@@thatpersiandude7386 I had MK5 GTi...trust me the new MK8 GTi is on a different planet better .

[@gymclasshero88]

In Aus they desperate to now get rid of them lol can now get $65k on road

[@latte1648]

"Clima" is climate in German... kind of like Volkswagen translates to the people's car.

[@josemontano7767]

I can’t find a Golf R anywhere in this country. And these guys say you can buy it now. WHERE?!

[@stevemartegani]

Its just too bad you can't get one if you want one, they barely import any of these every year

[@crxtodd16]

I always enjoy a drive up the cottonwood canyons. Thanks for the review!

[@PD-nz5rk]

The Ring covers all types of corners, surfaces and speeds. So if it will work there, it will cover 90% of tracks and mountain roads. If you have driven the Ring, then you know….

[@TestDriveVideos]

We’ve driven the ring many times. In fact we lead a trip and take drivers every year. Thanks for watching!

[@RB12377]

Snow tires

[@93455Driver]

Long time, multi GTI owner......I cannot get my head around the new UI :(, even though this Golf R with at trick rear drive is awesome. Thinking of just spending money on updating my Mk7 suspension.

[@KC-lg8qf]

I have seen a few review shat say the mk 7 is better. Also factor in the cost cutting and such.....im wainting on mk9 to replace my mk 7.

[@93455Driver]

@@KC-lg8qf Maybe they do what Honda did and speed up the mid gen update, an 8.5 with better UI (knobs and buttons) and the R would be awesome.

[@KC-lg8qf]

@@93455Driver yeah I'm hoping they do that as well. Seems like they are great cats otherwise. I would also like they to bring back things like the gas struts for the hood and improve other areas where they cheapest out.

[@93455Driver]

@@KC-lg8qf Agreed. Currently thinking about sway bars for my Mk7 or just going to a different brand......had my 7 for 5 years, been great.

[@cayman9873]

No thanks. Hate the clutch and shifter. You think its acceptable ? I do not. Was in the car 3 weeks ago. Very unimpressed.

[@chrishenry571]

Nürburgring mode is just race, guys. Why overanalyze it? Soft suspension, go mode for everything else makes tons of sense for every day fun driving. You guys are trolls on this one!

[@jdipietronh]

Reviewers: Android Auto and Apple Carplay should be standard features in any car built today. Also reviewers: OMG I had to make a single press on a touch screen at eye level in order to change the fan speed, we're all gonna die in a fiery crash!! 😲

[@synapse1able]

Because of the infotainment system I decided to buy a 2019 MK 7.5 golf r Which has a fantastic infotainment system the acceleration of the golf r doesn’t compare to the GTI

[@BIGEUROtv]

Have you guys seen Rivian, Tesla, Fisker controls? The infotainment is fine.

[@chparkjr]

You have to turn off Traction Control AND ESC when you go to Drift Mode.

[@pekeqpeke]

You didn’t turn off traction/stability control to drift.

[@keithjackson4985]

Very nice car that I know I would enjoy driving. The haptic controls, are just to asinine for me. I'll wait for the next refresh.

[@mattjubie]

Nope no next year refresh in 2024. And if you wait until 2025 refresh there’s a good chance no manual. I’m ordering my 2024 regardless

[@2k3familytv80]

Is the golf R roomy?

[@saviordream]

I've always really liked the Golf R, and it was a finalist when I was considering a new daily back in 2018. Never did get one then and probably wouldn't now simply because of the infotainment system. If they managed to fix that, I'd take another look at it if/when shopping for a new daily car that is also fun (separate from a fun, weekend car).

[@AntFragale]

I haven’t watched the vid yet but if you have questions about the infotainment, let me know. I can almost guarantee this video is going to make something seem way harder than it really is. There’s shortcuts all over the interface.

[@saviordream]

@@AntFragale Thanks, but not needed right now. My wife just picked up a 2007 Saturn Sky for her fun, weekend car and I just bought a 2022 Camaro 2SS 1LE for a weekend car for myself, and we already have a 2021 Honda Ridgeline for a "daily" (we both work from home so none of the cars gets driven much). By the time we're in the market for a new daily vehicle, I'm sure the market will have drastically changed.

[@AntFragale]

@@saviordream oo a sky? Haven’t heard about one of those in a while haha. Cool though, nice pick ups. The Camaro is a great car to be honest. Really solid chassis.

[@ShadowF305]

Been seeing R’s going for $46-48k

[@ricktrue8441]

What does this all matter when the car is going to have carbon build up issues on the intake valves for lack of port injection. Why does no one mention this? Completely clueless about some of the most important issues.

[@MilindSabarad]

It's easier to drift in the dsg variant

[@ddavideo]

While on the topic of touch screen...Tesla? VW is not the first to do this.

[@oldkid6]

Every car reviewer that I've seen absolutely hates the infotainment system, without a doubt a deal killer for most buyers because of this fact. The question remains whether or not VW is listening and if they change it for 2023-24, because you know it will take VW forever to redesign, then release anything new again, as history has shown they are always delayed with any kind of new release or update. The worst thing I could imagine would be to buy this version and in two years they've updated it with knobs. On the other hand they'll probably discontinue it and come out with an EV Golf R, ya can't win.

[@oldkid6]

@@Mikey-tg8ns I hear ya, I have an MKIV R32 with 28K miles so I'm content with that. I'd love to have the newer Golf R next to it, but even the used one's are insanely priced. If you look on autotrader or wherever, these fools want close to 60K and the car already has 20 thousand miles. I've yet to see one in the wild and the 7.5 models are still overpriced, so I'm just going to enjoy my old school R32.

[@redrosevisuals]

Have a manual R MK8. So fun. Find a dealer that isnt a piece of shit. Got mine at msrp. 🤷‍♂️ called like 20 shit bag mark up dealers. Found one that was amazing.

[@shepardman993]

Such a massive Pity it’s absolutely horrible looking and interior is very plastic seat are nice and as for that boy racer diff totally missed the mark by a massive amount I’ll be keeping my Mk7 R thank you !

[@BIGGIEBAG-XL]

It’s alright, just say that you’re jealous that it smokes your MK7 in every way. I bet you’ve never sat in one, but shit on the interior because some reviewer you watched said that

[@JacesOwnWorld]

Horrific interior. Let’s hope the lack of sales of the MK8 GTI/R will make VW re-evaluate their interior decision. Kind of sucks the interior is so bad because the rest of the car is actually pretty sweet. The performance over the MMK7/7.5 is much better.

[@AntFragale]

The interior isn’t bad at all to be honest man. I love it and it’s very easy to use. Quality is about the same as the previous gen except you get way more options as well. I mean I get if it’s just a styling thing you don’t like, of course that’s your call. But sales as of now certainly aren’t an issue. In the groups I’m in the interior is never a topic of discontent.

[@davekizerian]

Lack of sales? They’re selling everyone that shows up in the US market…

[@JacesOwnWorld]

@@AntFragale you bought the car, so of course you’re invested into making a positive review about it because it doesn’t make sense for you to not like it after spending as much as you did for it. It’s bad dude. Almost every reviewer agrees. They’re making objective arguments about it. You’re coming at it subjectively, which means bias. Some reviewers have said it’s not a bad interior, when you’re parked. I can agree with that. But the moment you start driving, it’s horrible, and the ergonomics are the worst a VW Golf has ever been…

[@tedjones403]

@@JacesOwnWorld Short answer No - long answer No!

[@Ripperx121]

They want too much money for that. It's a GTI with AWD. It's like we are supposed to be in awe and grab our wallets? No...

[@AntFragale]

It is most certainly not. Software alone (as in excluding the various modes and 15 dampen settings, etc) it has a stronger fuel system, bigger turbo, stronger rods, pistons, almost all the suspension, yes the AWD obviously, bigger intercooler, etc. I mean it’s obviously faster and has AWD but it also has a much higher ceiling for modding on stock internals. They are much more different now than even in previous gens.

[@Ripperx121]

@@AntFragale I am not a hater that came over here to slam a VW. I am 53 and have owned 4 VW's. GTI is of course in there. I didn't mean to offend you. I want that Golf R. I just can't get past the price. But man I just looked at the regular GTI's and they are no joke either price wise.

[@ronaldov09]

911 of hot hatchbacks?...oh that's right, you yanks dont get the RS3 sportback ;P

[@DanS949]

I went for the base GTI due to the outrageous markups on the R in my area. Happy with the decision as the base is really well equipped and the suspension without DCC is already good. No issues at all with infotainment so far either but could see how not having knobs in higher trims could be annoying

[@garysandhu5082]

They need to offer the akrapovich exhaust in North America.

[@tedjones403]

Just put it in Nurburgring and smile... love my 2022 manual - no issues with infotainment and no issues period!

[@psiturbo]

lol, yeah right. Just google "mk8 R issues", VWVortex forums or "Golf R Gremlins", VWroc forums, pages and more pages of system issues.

[@loganpadayachee6048]

Enjoy bud

[@re14437]

Drove this on the Nurburgring last weekend. Excellent car!

[@mattjubie]

I believe you bc you spelt Nuremberg correctly

[@thescavwithnothingtolose1224]

The infotainment is definitely very different from anything else going on in cars right now. It's designed to use a lot of shortcuts, living with it, using voice controls and not putzing with it while you drive haha. it's awesome when you live with it. Also, the Golf R series even the R32, has always been designed to be subtle. For the Mk8 being subtle, it's still the flashiest of the R's to date.

[@jeffk464]

Vioce controls, like - Call work - Navigating to Anchorage

[@slyguyaction]

I have the same infotainment system in my 2021 VW ID.4 and love it. Granted, I live in the fiery low deserts of California and it's hot AF right now so I have the "Clima" set to 72 degrees and "Auto" so that invokes only A/C and Recirculation. Never have to touch it. For the Audio, I use the haptic steering wheel controls and they work well. Easy to use and super intuitive for me, but I can't speak for everybody.

[@AntFragale]

I have an 8R and I do the same thing. My infotainment is completely lag and trouble free. It’s given me no issues and I think it’s great. Everything is responsive and you don’t need to look at anything really. It’s clean.

[@mikenb3461]

Reading this makes me happy. I have a Golf R on order and my only worry is the infotainment system. I've been driving VW for over 25 years now and the salesman I've dealt with all this time says he got used to the new infotainment interface quite quickly in whatever his dealer-provided car is. And the fact that I'm pushing 60 means that it's pretty much set it and leave it there for the next few years.

[@AntFragale]

@@mikenb3461 don’t stress about it man, seriously. If you have any specific questions I’ll gladly answer them but for me as far as climate is concerned, I legit just set it to a temp and it makes it comfortable for me. Changing temps is quick and simple and no menu needs selected. Really isn’t something that fights you.

[@modernbride]

Everyone will get used to it rapidly Enjoy your EV . I'm waiting on the GTX or a Golf R 2023 updated version here in Los Angeles

[@jeffk464]

@@modernbride Yes, I would love to replace my GTI with an ID3 GTX. I don't believe they are bringing to the US though.

[@ShanerHulk]

I have 2017 mk7 stage 2 setup, these cars can make redicklous power and be crazy fast. That EA888 motor is a work of art. DSG is beast as well.

[@TheTexican05]

#facts - fellow Mk7 Stage 2 owner & lover ❤✌🍻😎

[@psiturbo]

Work of art?, engineering marvel I would say, they take a beating all day and the more you give them, the better they run (as long as all other maintenance boxes are met: timing chain, tensioner at around 110k, fresh oil every 3-4k, dsg fluids every 40k, walnut carbon cleaning every 80k) Is true there was a hiccup in the mk5/mk6 version, but all that has been resolved. I have opened them up at junk yards, drivers have let them run starved in oil, cylinder head is toast, but the crank and rods are unmolested, not a scar.

[@thaprofessor33]

How many miles and is the mk7 still holding up well? Looking at the R in next few months since they are back to $45-50k now near me.

[@SilverScarletSpider]

If Honda built an AWD “Golf R” by giving SH-AWD to their 306hp Civic Hatchback, then it would probably cost $45,000 to $50,000 MSRP. By not offering an 10speed automatic option or AWD option for the Type R they are giving up market share. This why Toyota’s GR Corolla AWD is so exciting. The 250hp Mazda Mazda3 Turbo AWD Hatch was a step in the right direction but expensive. Subaru has already abandoned the AWD Hatchback segment by killing their WRX and STi.

[@AndrewBeveridge461]

The GR Corolla is so low-production that it may as well not even exist. Which is a huge bummer.

[@AntFragale]

Ok…I’m not sure why a drift mode test is done from a standing still like you’re just trying to do a donut. That was… incredibly weird to base your review off of. Literally no other reviewer, track driver, or anyone has done that. It’s certainly not a magic mode that turns your golf into a rwd muscle car or something but it can certainly do a lot more then you’re showing. Of course it doesn’t know you want to drift. You’re not even moving yet. Also really disappointed you jumped on the “hats to adjust fan speed” type of argument. “Your eyes are off the road for at least 5s.” That is complete and utter hyperbole. Not even remotely true. Even with buttons you glance at least for a fraction of a second to make sure your finger goes to that specific button. This is no different at all, assuming you’re not just using auto which is even easier. It’s literally two presses. It can be done very quickly and very easily. It’s totally fine to prefer buttons, like I get that. But this is blown way out of proportion. It takes as long to “look” for the button as it does to glance to see the name of an artist of a song playing.

[@TestDriveVideos]

We hope you noticed that both guys started their drift section from a stop to see what the car would do, and then proceeded to do multiple passes and attempts at speed. The drift assessment was not based on a donut start. And we understand that anyone can get used to the touch screen interface. But they do take long to interact with than buttons, and studies are being done to demonstrate that. We shall see what VW decides to do. Thanks for watching.

[@AntFragale]

@@TestDriveVideos appreciate the reply. Yes they did some tests “at speed”… greater than zero but it was still just a mild turn around. All I’m saying is that if they took it to a proper track and actually took a corner with it, it would absolutely feel more tail happy. Again it’s not going to win any drift competitions and I know the drivers understand what the car is but, I just think it’s a little presumptuous to call it a gimmick or just a marketing ploy. It does in fact induce quite a lot of oversteer, especially compared to the previous gen. I’d argue they don’t take longer to interact with. What studies are you referring to? They have a learning curve absolutely. Much like was said in the video with the phone analogy. But how does a press on a screen take longer than a press on a button? When I want the car cooler, I just make a tap or two below the screen. It’s very simple. Again, I get the appeal of physical buttons for some. They’re tried and true. But it’s just tiring to get reviews on them and their functionality when the people aren’t owners. They don’t use it day in and out. They’re not used to it. Like when (not you guys) the copious amount of people berated the design for being extremely convoluted to turn ESC off when it’s really one swipe away. Or turning heated seats on when it’s literally one press away, etc. At full familiarity, I’d wager it’s no easier or harder than older designs.

[@jonbzo4]

@@TestDriveVideos I was just wondering, after putting it into drift mode, did they go back into traction control and turn it off completely? Because it’s not completely off just by only putting it into drift mode.

[@aroundomaha]

I got tired of Nannie’s I couldn’t turn off. Loved my Mk7 GTI but they lost me here.

[@hardykornfeld1733]

The ‘Ring mode wasn’t designed just for that gargantuan track, it’s designed for driving fast on any imperfect road.

[@HotHatchTV]

You have to put ESC OFF completely to drift it, you had it in ESC SPORT.

[@tomg.4287]

That's what I was thinking as I just watched.It took me a while to figure out the quickest way to disengage ESC fully the first time I did some launches after 1 k miles.

[@bartgugelot5788]

Lol, 45 grand, you Americans have it easy… in the Netherlands the Golf R is 70k plus depending on options, and that’s euro’s…

[@jean-francoisdupras2357]

VW is increasing the price here in Canada.

[@christianheinbockel1537]

Can we all agree that it won't be long before they discontinue great cars like this because poor sales related to supply chain issues and extremely egregious dealer markups? Nobody is asking for a discount or a free car...we just want to pay MSRP. Being quoted $10k-$15k as a markup feels like robbery and in the end everyone loses when car stealerships cause the death of all the cars we love. Essentially "this is why we can't have nice things".

[@klavier285]

I'm expecting an 8.5 R to be it. After that it will be too close to these electric mandates going on in various western countries. So maybe a 2026 golf R will be the last year?

[@The_Stick]

This is the review I've been waiting for. Nice job guys! Will there be a RS3 video in the future?

[@ldawson103]

Starting to see this channel as the old man nitpick review. Unfortunate.

[@TestDriveVideos]

We discuss pros and cons in every car we drive. Sometimes the guys get hung up on something, but often little things are what drive owners crazy. Meanwhile plenty of positives we mentioned here, we hope you noticed those as well. Thanks for watching.

[@ldawson103]

Thanks for the reply I can appreciate that.

[@JDubbs07]

Rounding the corner at 17:17 .....that was close!

[@davidk2891]

And at 7:51 I was like, "Paul, the road!" till I realized he was pulling over.

[@jayhova1776]

😆 I saw that too! Front right wheel probably holding on by the nub on the tire.

[@sphaera3809]

I always liked the Golf style, I had a ‘02 manual, my first new car… But if I was in the market for a car in that group, I’d probably go for the WRX.

[@JAP917]

Since the 'Ring is a rougher track, does the "special" mode make it a good California backroad mode?

[@AntFragale]

Absolutely it does. Special mode has higher shift points, higher idle, doesn’t auto upshift in manual mode (DSG things obviously) and is essentially in race on everything but suspension. That’s softer and it’s a wonderful mode for cruising backroads. It’s a favorite amongst the owners for sure.

[@larryhouse3776]

Has trouble finding a reason for the R over the GTI.... hint: drive them in the snow

[@joespittle1]

Sorry but you can't have a drift mode and no manual hand brake.

[@Evinrudeeee]

I bought one last year (and I paid just the MSRP). The drift mode works much better if you disable the traction control under the brakes menu. But it still doesn’t act as a real rear traction.

[@MrRenobaseball]

A couple simple questions. Does the golf r 22/23 have remote start? Does the golf r 22/23 has power folding mirrors when car locks? Does the golf r 22/23 auto lock when you walk away from the car?

[@MajesticMalice]

@@MrRenobaseballyes to all except power food mirrors offered on 24+ models

[@malcolmar]

Great review. I am glad to see VW keeping the hot hatch alive especially seeing the Veloster N is no more. If we are only going to have 2 versions of the Golf so glad it is the GTI and the R. I am also very happy to see VW still offer the R in a 6-speed manual. Bravo VW!

[@malcolmar]

@@Mikey-tg8ns Agreed! For some, they will not realize how good it is until it is gone.

[@beyondcleon]

I wish they’d make the R styling much more unique. Especially the interior. I get theyre targeting a “mature” crowd but it’s so bland all over. The R deserves to be special.

[@mattjubie]

Then paint a racing stripe on your R

[@adamg6849]

Take one look from behind and you know it’s special. The quad pipes and diffuser are bad ass. The seats are possibly most comfortable on any car I have driven. The massive drilled breaks. There is enough special to those that need to know. It’s why it’s such an awesome car. These sell themselves. No test drives. Just give credit card number. Run to get the one available. Drive home with massive smile.

[@scotts6702]

now then.... if only you could find one..... good luck

[@Exploring-The-Way]

Sometimes I wonder if anyone at the companies actually DRIVES the cars first

[@grigorioschristodoulou5229]

Yeah, looks like infotainment systems are setup in a static mockup, by people without even a drivers license. And then right before start of production, they go "oh, the person using the touchscreen actually has to drive?"

[@malikcbarnett]

Reminder: Most people complaining about the price of this car (and infotainment) have not driven nor bought it.

[@AntFragale]

Very true. I love mine.

[@malikcbarnett]

@@AntFragale As do I, once you're adjusted to the infotainment it's easy enough to use

[@grigorioschristodoulou5229]

That's a bit of a lame excuse. All older cars I've driven were easy to use and with no adjustments needed

[@malikcbarnett]

@@grigorioschristodoulou5229 It's not an excuse at all. Journalists and influencers are complaining about VW using haptics and the new MIB interface, but saying nothing about Audi (using the same system with different graphics), BMW, and Mercedes adopting the same tech. It's nice that all the old cars you've driven haven't had a learning curve, but the MK8 Golf is brand new. My point is, it's easy for people who have limited seat time with a car to form a negative opinion, as opposed to someone who lives with one every day. Not saying MIB3 is perfect, but its not nearly as bad as most people claim.

[@AntFragale]

@@grigorioschristodoulou5229 lame excuse? It’s completely fair. That’s like complaining when the iPhone came out because it’s new tech and saying “well none of my other blackberries needed any relearning!” Of course not, they had minimal tech and the same button style used for decades. The system is intuitive and has many shortcuts to alleviate or circumvent much of the hassle reviewers make up to make it seem more convoluted than it is. It’s dishonest. It’s not without fault or perfect but I can do anything in that car easily. It’s like when every reviewer under the sun made it sound like turning off ESC was an act of congress when it’s actually one swipe away. They just don’t understand it and don’t even try to.

[@danny2607]

I hate that the clubsport has more of an enthusiast look. Do love the R though overall. Should also have a sunroof delete option though. I hate sunroofs. R and GR86 are probably my 2 favorite enthusiast cars. But i think i’d still choose the GR86 over the R unless i needed the more daily friendly option

[@alfredharrison8190]

Seems “drift mode” and “launch control” are marketing tools for sales that are maybe used once or twice during ownership but totally useless for a fun daily driving…

[@shijima_ending]

you and many reviewers blow the whole distractions because touch screen thing way out of proportion. it's seriously not that big of a deal if you know how to use a touch device. i can understand complaining about it because of the decreased material quality, but stop acting like you're grandmas that need to adjust their reading glasses every time they need to look at a screen

[@StefanStefantt]

It's resisting drifting because you have ESC in sport instead of it being off..🤦🏻 also this is not a haldex system, you should at least do some basic research (one of the most important updates in the 8th gen R is the new magna rear diff) before making a car review and knocking it unfairly just because of your lack of knowledge.

[@240fxst]

I'm glad I purchased a 2019 R with DSC, navigation and a third pedal. It's a fun car to drive that includes a 7 year factory warranty with dealer maintenance. Thanks for the ride!

[@AB-nv7bz]

U got taken for a ride with that warranty.

[@davereiland9921]

How so?

[@AB-nv7bz]

@@davereiland9921 cause dealers buy the same warranty you can buy from a 3rd party (the manufacturer doesn’t sell the warranty) for about double the price. It’s one of the top ways they make profit. Never buy it from them. If u want a warranty get it directly from the supplier

[@davereiland9921]

@@AB-nv7bz he said it’s a factory warranty. I take it you’ve never been in the business.

[@AB-nv7bz]

@@davereiland9921 cpo don’t offer 7 year warranties. He said factory because they told him it’s the same coverage as a factory warranty. It’s not from vw. Dealer maintenance is usually a good deal though but make sure ur actually getting all the maintenance and not just oil changes.

[@MRDARRENGER]

Okay seriously with the infotainment, drama queens...? After owning mine for over 3 months, I'm not looking back to all the physical buttons. Oh! And BTW, you forgot to mention, voice-activated commands. This is the safest and easiest to use car I've ever owned. End of the day... If you can't accept that you can't getting past using the old Blackberry, then it's not for you. But sorry to tell you, ALL auto companies are trending toward the nonphysical buttons. Good luck! 👍

[@brekdown29]

Can you use voice control for recirc?

[@sshhddoo9892]

That drift mode is like for someone who doesn't know what drifting is, and the sensation of oversteer and a little tire squeal is a "drift"

[@AntFragale]

It’s not going to compete in a drift competition but it can actually sustain a slide. It just doesn’t oversteer and bounce back immediately. I feel you that it’s not truly authentic but it’s a fwd based car so… Check out throttle house’s video. Tom is a track instructor and shows what it can do. He loves the mode. It’s also great in snow/ice races but I suppose that’s a tangent :P

[@jeremy9467]

You guys are spot on!!! Hilarious review! Thanks

[@Vayetsii]

So what you're saying is get an Audi S3🤔

[@bassandtrebleclef]

Ha, exactly. Same price as the R but now you get a better interior, sales/service experience and an Audi badge. Vw messed up on pricing the gti and R too high for what you get.

[@AntFragale]

S3 has an inferior AWD, fake vents on the outside, and is a little slower in practice. Also not a hatch obviously. They don’t compete in my opinion. There’s a vid comparing the two very thoroughly.

[@puga4202]

S3 is significantly more expensive with options, while the R is just top of the line out of box.

[@KC-lg8qf]

You dont need DCC. Get the base GTI with the DSG.

[@mattjubie]

I need a manual to have fun

[@thenet9537]

Basically drift mode turns the car into a Mazdaspeed 6

[@RB12377]

Madza 😂😂😂 I don’t 😂😂😂

[@aloha_from_bradley]

The infotainment is not that bad.

[@KS-ro6in]

don't really care about "drift mode"......

[@Accurize2]

Oh my goodness…two people doing a car review together?!? The Straight Pipes are going to be so irrationally pissed. You might think everything is fine now…but just wait until you pass them in subscribers. Then the passive aggressive insecurity bombs will start dropping. 😂

[@TestDriveVideos]

This is our second channel, our first has been around for 15 years. We were the first outlet to do dual hosted car reviews. The Straight Pipes guys are well aware of us. We’re glad you found us!

[@StreetCruizer]

Love the video. You referenced the Focus RS for drift mode. But you didn't say if it was executed better in the Ford... so is it?

[@TestDriveVideos]

The Focus RS drift mode is "better" than the Golf R. Drifts are easier to do in the RS, but it still doesn't feel quite right. Both are forcing a FWD platform to execute a RWD characteristic. Thanks for watching!

[@petertoronto5487]

@@TestDriveVideos Hi guys - loved this video; in theory, should we expect the GR Corolla to exhibit similar FWD-platform characteristics in its “Sport” mode, which uses a difference in gearing like the Focus RS to induce RWD “bias”?

[@jimiverson3085]

@@petertoronto5487 IIRC the torque split Toyota used in the GR Yaris was more flexible - may be a mode that sends most of the power to the rear. If the Corolla gets that option, it may behave differently.

[@craigyBow]

brilliant review as I have come to expect from you guys. Did you get the chance to try the DSG, and what did you think of it?

[@AntFragale]

If you have a specific question about the DSG, let me know. Mine has it.

[@craigyBow]

@@AntFragale thanks for the reply. I was just thinking with 300 bhp+ that DSG may be a better option for ultimate control at speed.

[@junobd]

I have a DSG R, and I feel like it’s the right transmission for the car, it really is an impressive transmission

[@AntFragale]

@@craigyBow for sure. Dyno results show it’s closer to about 340bhp and once tunes come out, preliminary tests show it to be in the mid 400’s very easily. The DSG also got upgraded clutches in it compared to the 7’s variant despite being the same fundamental transmission. Launch control ensures zero slippage during acceleration and unless you must have a manual (I get it, my trans am is 6sp) the DSG is just a far better performer. Fits the car perfectly.

[@Nissannx2000svg]

I bought the 7.5 Rabbit edition and paid $36k for it due to how rare it is and love it

[@davidhunternyc1]

I love GTIs. If I bought one, however, I'd buy an all analog GTI, built before computers and infotainment screens. This tech gives me a headache. I just need to pick up a gallon of milk.

[@dirkdesouza5975]

Infotainment fine, there are pull down shortcuts. Problem for us Canadians, we have ordered the R, but have been waiting for almost 2 years, forced to take a GTi instead.....

[@richardhughes601]

ME: Golf R mk7.5 Stg 2 IE ecu, intercooler, injen cold air, ie inlet and downpipe, nue speed exhust, BOV...my R is wicked fast.

[@paulmccoy6431]

It’s great to watch this after getting a GTI 40th Anniversary edition based on the S with DCC. For 33K!! Totally agreed that in the 40s might as well go R

[@g_p_3431]

You guys are kinda wrong about comparing the value of the GTI and the R. Making it seem like the GTI starts at 40k. Yes that’s the Autobahn, and not much people opt for that trim anyways. This generation’s S (base) model is the most equipped it’s ever been and starts at 30k. Autobahn only gets you Adaptive suspension, headlights, sunroof, leather and different wheels. Most buyers go for the base this time around especially since it comes with the plaid seats and has buttons on the infotainment for the whiners. 2023 base models will even start coming with the SE and Autobahn headlights.

[@bucknut2000]

one thing to note is the mpg difference. the GTI uses regular gas and gets about 6 to7 mpg better which could be like 5K less over 100K miles.

[@AB-nv7bz]

So we r gonna complain about the ui but immediately throw our phone in the wireless charger and use wireless apple carplay?

[@modernbride]

Why is everyone at volkswagen dealers here in Southern California are running around like chickens 🐔