Mk8 VW Golf R vs GTI Clubsport - WHICH SHOULD YOU BUY?
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- Опубликовано: 8 апр 2021
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In this video, I take a close look at the two top Golfs with a view to helping you decide which one suits your needs best. Both have around 300 PS, 400nm torque and cost just under £40,000 but beyond these headline figures there are some significant differences that take a bit of time to unearth so grab a drink, sit back and enjoy this thorough review of these amazing cars.
Big thanks to Volkswagen UK for the loan of the Mk8 Golf R - this was my first VW UK press car and I couldn't have got this without your support. These loans have to 'paid for' by me through the creation of content like this so far from being a perk they actually absorb a lot of time and effort. The majority of this video was filmed on Easter Sunday because having had the car for a few days by then, I felt I'd got to know it sufficiently well to be able to confidently share my findings with you in this video. If you enjoyed, please don't forget to SUBSCRIBE if you haven't already and if you have, thank you so much.
Look out for Joe Achilles' Mk8 Golf R road and track review video that went live on 21/4/21.
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Part number for the wheel arch extensions are as follows;
Left front 5H0 807 823 9B9
Right front 5H0 807 824 9B9
Left rear 5H0 807 833 9B9
Right rear 5H0 807 834 9B9 
Авто/Мото
Great video mate, has taught me lots and will be sure to give you a shout out in my R review!
Thanks Joe, that would be awesome. Not sure why but this video isn't performing as expected which is a bit annoying considering time and effort consumed by it but I am sure you know from your early days, YT can be a cruel mistress. So any help appreciated 🙌
May be carry out your reviews on private land and not tail gate another car to get front end videos down a high risk country road at speed. Also launching and quite obviously speeding. It’s all going to end in a big accident one day, the professional reviews are carried out on private or closed roads when they want to drive at excessive speeds. Take it on a track not a public road!
@@volkswizard because it is shit
Everyone including VW likes the blue. I have a MK 7.5 GTI special edition, black with the red calipers and red accent trim. Blows the weak blue away.
I think the problem sometimes is that the content is too long.
No doubt the R is the best overall for British roads and weather conditions
only if you don’t appreciate the more agile handling of the cs
@@jonfrench7133 that's a fair comment, but for those of us who don't have the cash to have a "weekend car" & need a car that will do it, day in & day out, come rain, shine or snow, the R makes more sense. I can see where you're coming from though.
To be honest, I've always thought the R made even more sense as an estate....one car that really can do it all
Completely agree👍
@@jonfrench7133 Not appreciating it and not prioritising it are two very different things. Just because I choose to not get something doesn't automatically mean I don't appreciate it. For the vast majority of people who buy fast hatchbacks, they want something that's generally dosile, predictable, goes when you want it to and can have a bit of fun with in all weather conditions. Only get the CS if you don't appreciate the sure footedness that 4motion offers the R....is a ludicrous statement.
@@X22GJP looks like a raw nerve there Graham. Everyone to their own! For me delicacy of handling comes above surefootedness in damp conditions at 10/10’s.
Another great review - I expected you to say the Clubsport was the better car, to be honest! I think you completely nailed the difference between them at the end - I'd have the R, every time, but could easily see why someone like yourself would pick the Clubsport.
Re the compliant nature of the R: you touched on this in the review, but I'd think the fact the R was on 18" wheels & those Bridgestone tyres would make a significant difference? It would be interesting to see if an R on 19" wheels/35 profile tyres felt substantially different? I wonder if you were tempted to swap your Vossen wheels onto the R for a test🤣.
Thanks again for another informative & honest review - I can see why VW UK are giving you more cars to test 👍.
Just make sure they give you an Arteon R Shooting Brake to try out!!
I enjoyed the video.They are both great cars, i purchased the mk 8 golf r only because i had the mk 7 for four years and nothing went wrong with it , either mechanically or electrics wise(never had a car that reliable before). If i could afford them both i would get them both.
That's good to know, hope the Mk8 is just as good. To drive the 8 is so much better so if you like a 7R, you'll love an 8
bro can u sell the mk7 golf r to me,im from malaysia haha
Looking at getting the 2022 golf R right now, I know it's an old comment but wondering if you've had any issues? I'm always hesitant of getting the first model year of any car.
I will order the Mk 8 R just for it’s Uk all round weather capabilities, just over 4 seconds to 60, practically, relatively good economy blah blah 😀. I’ve had an 7R,S3 and a 7.5R so call me boring but it’s a good boring. 😀
I'm surprised that, if you had a 7.5 R, that you'd bother trading it for a Mk 8 just now? Suppose it depends on how old it is, I guess ...
I've a 7.5 R (the Estate) & have no desire to change it for a Mk 8 - it's less than a year old (20 plate) but seriously tempted to buy it outright at the end of the term...
I would love to try an Arteon R Shooting Brake though - but don't fancy the price 🤣🤣
Just learned the differences between two performance golf models and what a Cornish Pastie is. Great video as always. You’re an awesome presenter!
Seems like the sub-optimal spec on the wheels/tires would have a noticeable effect on it’s steering. Also, ESC OFF will be the way to go if looking to get the back out, instead of being defeated by the TC system’s intervention.
Curious about the ride quality comment, were you in Sport and not Comfort setting? Every other review has praised the range of suspension softness vs. firmness.
Great video, thank you! I ordered GTI Clubsport MK8 a few months back and have a few questions:
1) Is it possible to order a Space saving spare wheel for this car, as it wosn't possible to check this option in VW configurator (Czech Rep.)?
2) Is there any option to cover the engine/DSG from beneth completely as the original Clubsport underneath engine cover is covering only small part of engine/DSG?
3) I ordered this car with 18'' wheels (Richmond) and DCC chasis. Do you think this configuration will comfortable for daily driving on B roads?
4) In Eco or Comfort mode, is the car noiser than standard GTI or Golf?
Thanks a lot for your answer
Ladislav
There's an extra water cooler in the R, that's why VW moved out the windscreen reservoir. This is exactly the same as with the Mk7 GTI and R.
Thanks, just surprised when the performance difference is so close, with Mk7 they were different engines.
@@volkswizard I saw some 'see through' schematics once, showing all those radiators and their function. With respect to Mk7 it made total sense as GTI was 220/230HP and R 300HP so a lot of additional thermal heat to be dissipated. For Mk8 the power delta is only 20 horses, so that cannot really explain the different set-up. What could be the case is that VW is very conservative with their 320HP number on R. Imagine that it's closer to 350HP, then a different set-up start to make sense again...
GTI TCR has an R engine
Absolutely fantastic review on both cars Andrew. But still for me it's the GTI. 👍🏻
Love the review great as always, not a fan of the aftermarket wheels on the clubsport. I wouldn’t complain if either were on my drive.
Mat from Carwow got 5.02 0-60 and 13.22 1/4 mile on the track in the clubsport.
Steering precision has a lot to do with the tires. My R Mk7 had a nice precision with the stock Conti Sport 3. The grip was pretty bad though. Sitting on Michelin Pilot Sport 4 now the grip is ridiculous but the steering never had that fine feedback around the middle position, it became kind of numb. The car lost some of its character.
Having owned both previous models I would go for the R as it makes so much sense for the U.K. climate. I enjoyed my GTI immensely but just can’t take the leap to an auto GTI.
The auto suits the R down to the ground and is just an absolute weapon in all weathers.
This is the best comparison i have ever seen of any two similar performance cars.
Could they have moved the bottle in the R to improve brake cooling?
I will ask, if you find the Bridgestone's a so so tyre what would have fitted for good grip , wear , comfort and the occasional run??????/
Great comparison Andrew - I think R and GTI CS buyers want different things from their cars but it’s definitely the CS for me - or even a base manual GTI for lowering the price of entry level motoring for hot hatch aficionados:) 👍🎯🏁🥇
Agree Malcolm would be a base manual GTI for me as I prefer manual cars if they did a manual r or club sport i would be there
VW manual boxes are shit, i know because i have a mk7 CS. It slips.
@@billx4266do you know the difference between a gearbox and a clutch?
Someone is going to get a 3.9 sec 0-60 time from that Golf R. Staggering.
Isn't it 🤯
Hi Andrew. Thinking of a GTD MK8 or BMW 120d xdrive.Any thoughts ? Thank you.
We’ve been waiting for this review for a while and it didn’t disappoint. Well done.
Thanks Stephen, very kind of you
I’m a fan of the GTI. 😀
Has the wash bottle been moved because the R has an intercooler/radiator on both sides?
That makes sense to me
Makes sense to me too, I guess it's got mower power and torque so needs a bit more but surprised they bothered for 20 PS, might explain why it's 340-350 when dynod!
The first 10 seconds of the video is enough to convince me that the R is the better choice
Life is not one big launch 😁
Both cars are perfect for practically and performance too bad about the Star Wars cockpit I will keep my mk7 golf r even though I would love to have have a mk8
Hi, you buy the R or the CS 45?
Hi there great video, Does the GTI also have the same engine code? If I tune my golf 8 gti to the same HP the CS puts out.. Will it cause damage in the long run or will it be like I have got a Club Sport engine ? SO nothing major just tuned to the same KW as the Clubsport
R/Clubsport have a different (bigger) turbo. Not sure of any other changes.
Where did u order the wheel archs from
How come that R didn't have Drift nor Special aka Nurburgring mode when you changed the modes?
As for the rear torque-vectoring not always acting up and sometime the ESC cutting the fun, did you tried to just disable the ESC to see how the rear torque vectoring would behave?
And thanks for an awesome comparison, you have a new sub!
Thanks for comment and sub🙌
Drift and special mode are only part of the Performance Pack spec which this car didn't have - the first batch of UK press cars didn't have this.
It's a fair point re ESC off and trying torque vectoring, I didn't switch it off because it shouldn't need it off to do its thing. Plus there is a point where it's not worth venturing when testing a car because the risk just isn't worth the reward (basically it's taken years to get a VW press car, don't want to damage it and my relationship with them)
I had booked a Performance Pack car but cancelled it as demonstrating its advantage over the normal R is tricky on the road. Oh well.
@@volkswizard Thank you for the quick reply! I wrote ESC Off but I mean ESC Off OR Sport :) The drift mode, for example, requires the ESC to be either in Sport or Off to allow the drift to more easily occurs apparently... Thanks again for a very good video. I especially appreciated your discussion on DCC since the Mk 8 is not yet available in Canada
Another excellent review, very informative. A fully loaded Clubsport might be the way to go, still works out cheaper then the base R here in Ireland
Not sure on how much it works out to (the CS) once loaded up but on my R I went with everything except the sunroof (personal thing don't like them).
Just over 70k Euro. VRT is killer. No wonder most people here drive an 06 Toyota Corolla
@@shiugen676 so fully loaded Clubsport is €60k, pan roof, DCC, Harmon Kardon, heads up…all except leather. Equivalent R was coming in about €71k, so just over €10k, not sure it’s worth that premium.
Another great video, very informative as usual. Both cars look mighty, would have either. The r looks like a definite licence loser. 👏
Thanks Alan! Yes having a licence is quite useful so CS better for keeping it ;)
Another great video! I Enjoy these in depth reviews, nice to see you go through the cars in so much detail and enthusiasm. Other videos on yt tend to drive for 10 mins and give a verdict, wouldn’t really consider them a review at all. But yours definitely are 👍👌 I prefer the CS, seems more special and seems more fun to drive IMO
Golf 8 R is the best one i have ever driven -> Golf V GTI -> Golf VI GTI Edition 35 -> Golf VII R -> Golf VIII R Performance .... yeah!
In the market for a Golf but honestly can’t decide between all the models…all I know is that it will be a Gti of some sort or an R but can’t decide if it should be a mk7 or 8….
One minute its the mk7.5 tcr next it the mk7.5 r then Im onti the mk8🤣
Help needed🤣
Hi Andrew on the subject of tyres, had the R been shod with a more up to date brand like mps4s or Goodyear F1 asymmetric 5 instead of the Bridgestones then it may have performed/driven better and when you took delivery of your CS what tyres were on it and did you change brands when you fitted your new rims. Thorough review, enjoyed it while drinking a couple of beers.
Hi Simon, CS was on actually delivered on F1 Supersports which were awesome as they are a PS4S rival, car felt so good on those but looked so awful on the standard 18s. So had go 19s and decided to go for F1 Assymetric 5s for a bit more comfort as they have a less stiff sidewall to not lose much comfort as stiff already and I'd had them on my TCR. As for R, TBH I've always said an R would drive well on bald remould tyres so it could move around a bit and the Bridgestones were pretty good in that it did squirm and wriggle occasionally trying to deploy that torque so actually they are well judged. It doesn't seem to slip doing a launch so I doubt there would be much to gain from a super sticky tyre apart from a broken propshaft and a bit of slip is actually useful for best time with launches.
Even on less stiff sidewall tyres, the CS feels a lot sharper in corners, so bushes, top mounts, geometry as well as shocks and springs are all honed to perfection with comfort a secondary concern. R is a little compromised there in exchange for a touch more long distance and high speed composure. It's still good though but to drive CS nails it.
The R is just too expensive (at least here in Germany were it's a 9.000€ difference)
Same here in Ireland, circa €10k difference...€65k for totally base R
Wow! It's weird that it's just £2000 more here, can't work out if CS is expensive or R is cheap. How much are they in Germany?
@@volkswizard the Clubsport starts at 41.000€ the R starts at 50.000€
@@user-xl7yf7pc7k wow 65k ?! It would be cheaper to import one from the UK
Brexit 🇬🇧👌
Still the CS for me. The front wheel drive VAG hot hatches are more fun to drive than the haldex equipped ones IMO. The only exception to that (again IMO) is the RS3 as the 5 cylinder has lots of character.
RS3 has a lot of character but it's so front heavy in comparison. Really excited to see what magic Audi has done to the new car to mitigate this
So when you comparing your clubsport vs a mk4 focus st? 💥👌
Get Ford to deliver one and I am up for it!
It wouldn’t be a fair competition 🧐
@@nickaf5262 why?
@@Josh_0579 because Carwow Matt Watson did a run using the standard Mk8 GTI (and Octavia VRS) and it was faster than the more powerful ST; the CS would just obliterate the ST.
@@tcecoleshaw yes but the ST is closer to the Clubsport in power so it would be a more fair comparison. Also its the fastest front wheel drive Focus vs the fastest front wheel drive Golf
great video very refreshing and honest still difficult to decide which car thou
Brilliant review Andrew. The rolling acceleration times would be very interesting as this would represent real world driving conditions eg. overtaking and motorway driving. I suspect that the CS would be better or at worst the same. Good stuff. 👍
Thanks Ian. I am sure CarWow will do this video one day
100-200 times are the same according to automann video
Washer bottle location is due to a different wheel arch liner as the R is lower. No room on the R to locate it between the arch liner and inner wing.
Thanks for the part numbers. Do you happen to know if they fit on a Mk7 GTI?
Do I order them direct from volkswagon ?
@@davidbailey5892 Yes, these are just available, so doubt that you can find them on Amazon or Ebay
Great in-depth review as always. Any idea if the larger spoiler will be available as an after sales option for the R?
Good question, I doubt they will do that as the £2k is pretty cheap for the whole PP with 19s. Having said that, they shouldn't have flooded the UK with no PP 'launch spec' cars where people haven't been able to choose the spec. They should have an upgrade path for these cars to help sales, just as they should for the Clubsport and those awful Richmond wheels which would work as upgrade on GTE and other less models.
@@volkswizard Thanks for replying. Yeah the standard 18” wheels on both are grim. Great choice with the Vossen wheels for your Clubsport, completely changes the look.
No doubt the R is a nicer daily but looking a prices and current discounts (of course depends on region), the CS is kinda a steal.
Thanks for the thorough comparison between my favorite new cars! I’d be curious to see the new MY2021 Audi TTS which also has 320PS (maybe the R engine + setup + exhaust..?)
You definitely need paddle extensions for the Clubsport
Agree & TCU remap
@@richardcolman7645 I'd like the map but not willing to risk warranty.
On the matter of VED, it's my understanding from DVLA online, that when the £40k luxury tax is applied, it is based on the net figure of 40k before applying the first year road tax and first registration fee, essentially meaning you can go slightly over the 40k OTR provided it's £1 less than the combined first year road tax and registration fee above 40k, and not incur the luxury tax "penalty". The R's OTR of £39295 includes both the VED of £895 (as of April 2021) and the registration fee of £55; the net OTR without these two charges only (other OTR costs such as delivery costs still apply in the VED calculation) is £38345, giving you leeway of £1654 for blue Paint and DCC for instance, taking the net OTR to £39900, plus then the VED of £895 plus the first reg £55 totalling a gross OTR of £40850 (the price ceiling in this instance would be £40949 after which you'd pay the higher annual VED charge). In this circumstance you wouldn't be subject to the luxury bracket RFL for 5 years and you could spec the luxury blue paint and adaptive suspension extras if that's what you wanted without breaching the luxury VED threshold. As I understand it.
A lot of people have said that and I said it in a video too and was corrected. I checked it out and I was wrong then and correct now. To keep it simple it's actually the on the road price including VED that the LCT relates too. Crazy but true, so we are getting taxed more because of the first year tax taking the car over £40k.
@@volkswizard thankful for your reply and I understand what you mean. I read a Whatcar letter that indicates the LCT was based on the list price excluding VED and registration hence the confusion
www.whatcar.com/advice/buying/whats-included-in-a-cars-list-price/n19873
Perhaps you could get on your channel an interview with someone from DVLA to explain definitively.
Thanks Andrew for the detail and considered view.
Appreciated,the best real world review
My pleasure Keith, glad you enjoyed it
Great video Andrew. Really balanced. Both fantastic cars. The R just shades it for me as a usable daily that can thrill on demand.
Thanks Duncan, glad you enjoyed it and found it balanced. I'd quite like to try an R on passive dampers and see if it's a little bit sharper as if it is, it could shade it for me too 😎
Hi, I have a GTi TCR which I’ve just had APR stage 1 (engine and gearbox with R600 intake) did you want to do a video with it?
Hi Andrew, I’m also local to Cheltenham which is handy 🤣
How are you finding the gear box mod? I'm really keen on this for my TCR as on the track auto upshift is a right pain.
@@markchan702 I had the choice to have auto up shift on or off In manual mode, I actually chose auto up and downshift left on to safeguard any mistakes (not that I drive it hard or take it on track)
The shifts are now noticeably faster and the clamping pressure has been increased on the clutches so you can feel the shifts and it’s a much nicer feel (similar feel to the old 6 speed DSG)
@@haydensmith888 has it lost any of its drive ability? I actually think D mode is fine for casual driving on roads and sport maybe a little aggressive on downshifts (I tend to go manual If I want to driving more spiritedly) have the shifting points changed much? Apologies for all the questions.
@@markchan702 hi Mark, no problem at all with the questions!
Shifts points are similar, I mostly drive in D and I find it to be much more comfortable, even on a spirited drive D works really well as very fast gear changes and they change lower down the RPM which on UK roads (with not a lot of space) it works well. I find S mode to hold onto the gears too long but if you really want to get moving it obviously works well! But I like the way the gearbox feels in D and often I will use manual mode which I find to be very engaging, you can also control to some degree how much overrun you get from the exhaust in manual mode as you can leave it in that sweet spot where is pops and bangs the most like a hooligan!
It’s worth noting I also had the Racing Line R600 intake installed with the APR turbo elbow, you get some really nice turbo sounds and often you can hear the pressure release value on the turbo opening
Really interesting and detailed review much appreciated, like you say there is no bad choice between these two hot golfs, both with very different characters . . . I know you rate the CS8 as the best driver's GTI ever, better than your outgoing TCR, but is the 8R the best driver's Golf R ever - would value your unbiased opinion of the real world driving dynamics in a direct head to head with the 7.5R - maybe one for a future video and I'm sure there would be a lot of interest in a direct comparison. . . .
Hey Peter, yes indeed! Really miffed I don't have 7.5R pics in my usual location to compare with Mk8! A video comparison of the two would be good. I found 7 and 7.5R a bit boring, fast but not much else. Mk8 is a lot better as it's got more character inside and out (well with PP), exhaust noise is decent now even with OPF, more interesting chassis behaviour than before which was pretty dull. And somehow it's much faster, really easy to tell the difference! So easily best drivers R so far, just needs PP, 19s and DCC and it's a solid performer and looker. But not cheap..
@@volkswizard Cheers Andrew thanks for reply, must admit the 8R does sound a compelling package as a drivers car. . .there's a few higher spec examples starting to appear on Autotrader, if you've got a spare £50k lying around (which I definitely haven't!). . .will keep an eye on the used market, more real world reviews and of course test drive when we're allowed - want to be absolutely sure that leaving my 3 door manual 7.5R behind would be the right thing to do. . . .
its more like 4wd or fwd
Another great review. Love your unbiased car reviews as a BMW driver 👍🏻
Thanks! 👍
Very comprehansive comparison, well done.
Thanks Jarek
It would be the Clubsport for me! A fantastic and superbly detailed video, you really are the source of all mk8 knowledge and you appear to be learning on the job and feeding back all the time. Shame this didn’t get more views. Also shout out to VW UK Press Office for finally lending you a car to make content with
Andrew, does the mk8 R kickdown if your in manual mode like the 7.5GTI PP when its floored? Also I was wondering can you lock the mk8 R in manual mode (like pushing the gear selector to the left in a Mk 7.5). Thanks.
Sadly unless you buy the Performance Pack and use 'ring mode, the R still kicks down, there is a distinct kickdown point.
There is no manual lockout on shifter but the paddles remain live for much longer depending which mode you are in, it's easy to find yourself in too low a gear many minutes later. On the older cars it would revert after about 30 secs or so. BUT it's still not full manual mode with Performance Pack. This is an example of how VW are using software to add value and charge more, clever really but then Microsoft have been selling 'just' software for decades.
@@volkswizard Thanks mate. Yeah didn't think there was a manual lockout on the mk8 like my mk7.5 GTI PP. Atleast it holds manual mode for longer as thats been a pain for me. I wonder if Ring mode could be copied into individual then tweek it just like you showed when you copied Race mode? Something to look for if you ever get a loan of a PP mk8 R. Thanks again for such a detailed review, my nearest dealer is 14hrs by ferry in Aberdeen (I live in Shetland) so this helps greatly. I need to find out now if a Mk8 R will run on 95 octane as thats all we have up here. Brilliant channel Andrew, thanks.
you need to live in germany to get the best out of an R or a cs golf , driving flat out on the autobahn daily would give you a better perspective of these cars. germany is far better for thrashing cars like this, anyway good review
I agree, if I lived in Germany I'd go R as it's going to take some serious scalps!
I live in Germany and I got bored of the Autobahn fairly quickly. Driving fast in a straight line is fantastic if you're in a hurry but I don't find it particularly thrilling just to do it for fun.
I'd much rather drive on a winding road that snakes through the forest. I think the CS would be the better option in that case.
I'm possibly in the market for a VAG hot hatch so my question is this: how would you compare the in-gear shove of the Golf R mk8 to a mk7.5 Golf R, Golf TCR or a mk8 Clubsport? Does it have enough thump to worry a tuned Mk7 golf r or even an Rs3 facelift? "Butt dyno" is more important to me than actual performance figures
You make great content by the way, appreciate the effort!
In theory the R and CS should be the same as power to weight ratio is close but there is something about the mapping of the R, torque delivery feels richer probably due to the fact the AWD can take it. It feels subjectively quicker than all those, second would be 8 CS, 7.5 TCR and 7 R last of all. I've driven tuned 7Rs and they are quickly but never really feel as sorted as this does. RS3 facelift is 400 PS but heavier and quite nose heavy so should be close in a straight line but I'd rather manhandle the R than the RS3 around corners. The FL RS3 has similar torque vectoring and needs it!
Just watched you video excellent as usual, do you think DCC is worth it in the R then with you saying there’s not much difference between race and comfort
I think R should have DCC seeing as it's only £785 and you are less likely to forgive a firm ride in that than a GTI. Race mode is not totally awful on UK roads while Comfort mode isn't a massively comfortable. It's weird with all the adjustment possible they seem to have reduced its scope but I think the firmer springs are to blame as the dampers can only do so much. Also if you order Performance Pack without DCC you get the 'ring mode without the adjustment to the dampers which is a missed opportunity.
A very balanced and in depth review from a gti fan. 😜
I feel the R offers loads more in the way of performance, looks and usability in all weather.
I heard your CS's tyres squeeling when you launched it and that would always bug me. Plus the R looks so much more upmarket. Although that could be the silver on the CS.
Awesome video as always and I'll look forward to the drag race 👍🏽
Real world fantastic all weather car 👌
Another great video, Andrew. I love the detail you go into down to barcodes under the bonnet.
Thanks Arran, goes back to the Mk2 Golfs that does!
cool vid. thanks
Great vid! Being the nerd I am, timed it at about 4.0 0-60 (obvs with room for error).
that sounds about right John, top nerding!
What about the GTI CS? I am still yet to find a video with an accurate 0-60 time in ideal conditions with nice warm tyres.
Awesome cars. Any regrets buying clubsport instead of waiting for R?
I wanted to keep my opinion out of this as my needs are bit niche but you asked so here goes :)
There are a lot of gimmicks with the R which I suspect will eventually lose their initial appeal, even the outright speed will get boring. While the CS gives a pure driving experience I never expected to get in a VW and this has a more enduring appeal to me. So no, if anything I feel more vindicated. I expected the R to be a little more natural to drive with a consistent slight push from back but Haldex doesn't work like that. Facelift RS3 does very similar things when it senses understeer and it's better than nothing but I didn't realise the R would just be this very clumsy way of driving the rear wheels. Any rear action is better than none but CS is just more resistant to understeer in the first place anyway.
@@volkswizard thanks for the honesty. I currently drive a 7.5 GTI performance, which I love but have ordered the mk 8 R. Probably influenced by some of the reviews particularly the drag races. , which at my age I should know better! Hope I have made the right decision. Wanted 4 wheel drive experience this time around. Had some reservations around the switches or lack of them as love the cockpit of my GTI. Also the cheap engine cover and lack of gas strut on bonnet. Seems a wrong move for VW. Think I have made the right decision for my needs but do have an element of doubt now seeing the clubsport.
@@davidjohnston9870 why didnt you consider S3? Has a 4 wheel drive, cheaper than R and has gas strut :)
@@andrzeja3027 hi. To be honest I didn’t give much thought to S3 Had an image of being a little reserved which I see is wrong having seen the recent comparison on Carwow. Impressed by the quality and really liked the interior. I have wanted a Golf r for a while now and although I struggled to like the Golf interior dash, overall I believe the driving experience should make up for it. I have spec’d Laois blue, performance pack, adjustable dampers, head up display, Harmon Kardon upgraded sound system, reverse camera, front / rear traffic cams, winter pack. Should have went for sunroof but too late now as order made. There are some great cars out there as reviewed here on this channel but I have come to conclusion to be positive about my choice. Thanks
@@davidjohnston9870 given the long lead times for factory builds you might have time to add the sunroof if you speak to the dealer. Unless you've already tried of course.
U bought the wrong car bro 😕
Good review mate
Very good review, enjoyed watching. I think they've really moved the performance and chasis on with the both. Shame security will be a major factor in owning an R though....they will be highly prized as a stolen vehicle no doubt.
That is true Ritchie, the R works best where there are no speed limits, Germany, being chased by the police or as a police car it would be awesome.
I think a faraday pouch is essential for the key and I believe you can turn keyless entry off? (Andrew, can you confirm?) or £449 you can get a fully installed Ghost system. A small price to pay to protect your property.
@@andrewmontague2636 upon installation you choose a PIN of your choice, this could be a combination of buttons or use the paddles etc, without this PIN, the engine is blocked. You can't clone a key or mess with the ECU and it's also undetectable through diagnostics. Plus, it'll lower your insurance premiums as it is approved by TASSA.
Have a look: www.ghostcarimmobiliser.co.uk/?gclid=CjwKCAjw9r-DBhBxEiwA9qYUpdoPKzs-3M0XTDh22jdXV34sq1mxsEWocrxZkifzuz-POWdGO_cEdBoC5FoQAvD_BwE
Ive spec dilema on a CS, im not keen on those std 18s but 19s probably means you need the DCC. Cant afford 19s and DCC. Do i stick with 18s and DCC, or just 19s and no DCC. Adding both is pushing budget
18’s and DCC
This comparatif is like a Bmw 330d and a 335d. I prefere driving pleasure, for me the CS.
What's the sound system like, would you choose the harmon kardon or pan roof on R?
Standard audio is fine but both options are good value so for the R I’d spec them
29:55 I know it may been intended to be a little satirical, mcdonalds comment included but I love seeing this kind of energy on camera!
Glad you enjoyed it 👍
@@volkswizard If only everything in life was as reliable as Mc Donalds..ha ha...
Well done informative comparison video. Just want to comment on your take of the handling of the Golf R. You said that it’s not a nimble as the on the twisty bits and maybe the Germans made it to cruise at 155 all day on the Autobahn. But what about VW having racer Benny Leuchter help to develop the Nurburgring Nordscheife Mode. I can hardly wait till someone breaks the VW golf R record there.
Very good video, debating on the clubsport and r and I found this video
Glad it was useful! So which did you go for ?
great video really enjoyed , what a shame vw used the door cords from the 2007 vauxhall astra, and the seats from a vw up..... rather turbo a 32 i think
Nice! this helped me made up my mind on trading up my 7R to the 8R!
Just to check, did u mean the R sits lower by 20mm than the GTI clubsport rather than vs a normal golf?
R is 5mm lower than Clubsport 👍
Thanks mate, so much better a review than others have done this far, keep it up!
Thanks for your indepth knowledge and great video.
Glad it was helpful Paul, thank you for your views and comments :)
Can i ask where you got the wheel arch extenders?
Well done Andrew and a great video highlighting the differences between the r and club sport both great golfs in their own right how are you getting on with your club sport
Thanks Daniel. Clubsport is doing just fine, will have to do a catch up video soon on what's it's been like.
i woud chose clubsport over r its more off a drivers car
Looking to purchase those wheel arch extenders myself, Anyone know where to find them with the part number?
dsg cooler in the R
Brilliant review , The one ive been waiting to watch all week!!! Nice to see a Guest appearance by Alan. I choose the R and hope to have mine on my drive in a few months
Thanks NGA! There is an Alan for all occasions I think. Great choice with R, bet you can't wait.
@@volkswizard Yea keep looking at different options
Hey Andrew, any reason why you didn't spec DCC on your Clubsport, I know with the Mk7 and 7.5 you always said it was a must have option.
Add some camber and caster up front and it drastically changes the the front end grip and overall driving dynamics of these cars (in the best possible way). The CS probably drives slightly better because for some reason they add more camber on the CS than on the R, which is very odd if R is supposed to stand for "race". Stock sucks, if you want the ideal handling you have to do some modifications. The good news is with some relatively simple and low cost suspension modifications you can make the R handle far better than the CS, or even a Type R for that matter.
What would of happened on that 2nd gear round about if you had the DTC/DSC turned off? We really have yet to see how effective that rear diff is on sustained heavy dry track use. If you really want to make a video that will go viral, make a video showing that. No one has done it yet and that is what the true enthusiast really want to see so what are you waiting for? If you wait to long there will be all sorts of track videos on this car and then it will be to late, so chip chop chip and get on with it.
Oh and if you want to see how the CS and R compare on acceleration why not go see Matt? Apparently you already lent him your car at least once so... I am sure he would love to put those two together through his typical test videos.
Fantastic review! Love the wheels on your car btw.
Thanks Daniel, and glad you like the wheels too 👍
Love your videos, very thorough! My only complaint is the lack of sound check for the GTI CS exhaust. Considering the regulations that are now in place, other videos showcase the exhaust with pops and crackles. Are you able to do a video which includes the exhaust note in its sportiest setting with some stand still revs and maybe a drive by? I am looking to get the GTI CS in September on the 71 plate.
Fair point, I think in the original Clubsport review from 2021 there might be some footage of it. They are pretty similar to be honest, both are full of character in their raciest modes and quiet when they aren't.
Try this >>
ruclips.net/video/cTBvy3amJo4/видео.html
@@volkswizard It looks like you caught me out, this is clearly one of the videos I missed! Thank you for taking the time to link it to the specific time, it does sound amazing. Do you think its worth waiting for the "45 Edition" with the Akrapovic exhaust as standard, 19" Unique wheels and de-restricted top speed? (It still doesnt come with DCC though).
I wish we received the Clubsport in the US.
oh well, manual R is pretty special
Great review ! the R is undoubtedly the king of UK roads but a certain Toyota would make an interesting comparison although the R would still beat it to 60
Love to see both together on a track one day ;)
Oh and can you do a GTD Review for us old folks ?? Pleeeese
Thanks for the review! Hello from the States 😊
Has the Soft Limiter been removed on the Clubsport 45?
It’s mechanically the same as a Clubsport so no
Brilliant content as usual, Andrew👍🏼🙂
Thanks man 👍
That was a great review, pity you couldn't get the standard GTI in there as well!
Thanks! Standard GTI is actually quite a nice car but for the extra the Clubsport is a no brainer
@@volkswizard i actually went for a Moonstone GTI with the 19's, leather and Harman, no DCC though! Sort of regret it now hearing what you have said about the ride in your previous GTI video i've just watched, but It should be here this week so looking forward to seeing it!
You need to change your alloys on your club sport, archie hamalton ordered the perfect alloys for his golf and you should of gone for something similar
I like mine thanks
@@volkswizard great video thanks. Keep it up 👍
incredibly assumptive
Good review. I was torn between these two cars. However i did order the R because of it being alot more better in wet conditions. Cant believe how long the orders are taking though its crazy.
I’ve got the R on order and opted for the performance pack and DCC. However after watching this I’m wondering if the DCC is worth it and would be off swapping this for the pano roof instead, what do you think Andrew having experienced both?
For £785 I'd buy it as with 19s you may need it more and with PP you get 'ring mode and without DCC that's a bit pointless. If I had to choose, it's tough but not having driven a non DCC car I'd pay safe and go DCC (or both)
Yeah fair point.
I’m right that without DCC although you have the different modes it’s only with DCC that the ride will change?
Was too keen to have it in order that I was to wait and go test drive it to feel the ride 🤣
Pano roof adds weight where you don’t want it, up high.
@@volkswizard do you foresee to test and compare a golf R without dcc to a one with dcc?
Very thorough, thanks. 👍
Glad it was helpful Graeme, thanks for commenting
@@volkswizard but alas.... will have to make do with my MY19 Golf R for a little longer yet....😐
We are still waiting on any MK8 release down here.🇦🇺😡
I enjoyed your video very much. The performance on paper between the two isn’t huge, it’s the drive, the handling which interests me. I think the R could get you out of trouble very easily whereas the CS would perhaps make you ensure you don’t put yourself in that position in the first place. I also think in a couple of years time CS may be a little more exclusive. As you say it’s like a refined Clubsport S and for that reason, the CS would be my purchase ...... I think😂. Got to drive both. 👍
It’s closer than ever now and there is no bad choice. IOU are correct, the CS is an edgy car, much more so than TCR, it’s not safe at all costs like Golfs were previously, just hope ESC is up to the job 😬
I own a 2017 scirocco r which has dcc in it and is a front wheel drive. Just wondered why they ain't bothered with the club sport?
You can pay extra for DCC on the Clubsport. It was weird how VW gave it to Scirocco free in the early years when on Golf it was an extra. At least then the Golf got a hydraulic bonnet strut when Scirocco didn't :)
@@volkswizard they definitely held the scirocco r back on other things ie bhp it is more than capable of more than they gave it being it's got an s3 engine in it. The games they play!
Didn't the TCR have the red wheel stripe vs the current CS?
I really like them both, I do agree about the standard black plastic trim on the GTI and GTI CS, on my current GTI even with ceramic coating and good washing I do notice some fade/out of contrast. You can treat it to get the contrast back but still.
The R is undoubtedly the better car. I would not even consider the GTI. No comparison for me.
Different strokes for different folks. I guess it depends how you define better. No bad choice
As always a great review from Volkswizard, I have an R32 and would love to own a R however, not at 40K+ and most of a deal breaker for me its only available in 5 doors
@@andrewmontague2636 Andrew I intend to keep it, it’s going in for both wings and a touch up next month. I may do a little tuning but at 54 I’m not going to do anything drastic mainly poly bush things and tidy up the suspension with OEM. I’m undecided as what to buy in addition, strangely an S3 on a 14 plate seems better value than a R of similar year but I don’t know if I can defect.
@@andrewmontague2636 cheers Andrew, I had a Mk7 gti performance with DCC as a company car, it was probably faster and obviously newer but nothing beats that v6 sound.
@@andrewmontague2636 I’d love one, with Pretoria’s and a panoramic roof, best looking R by a mile. Much better looking than the mk8. Jealous.
Brilliant review Andrew, great content as all ways 👍🏼
Thank you Sam👍