Review: 2022 Volkswagen Golf R (Manual) - Overhyped?
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- Опубликовано: 13 июл 2024
- I spend a week with the all-new 2022 Volkswagen Golf R with a manual transmission to see what it's like to live with. How my feelings developed over the week actually surprised me. The 2022 Golf R has a lot of great improvements like more power, a brand new torque-vectoring AWD system with a Drift mode and an active exhaust. But do all these things add up to an exciting driving experience? Yes and no for me. What do you think about the MK8 Golf R? Thanks to Volkswagen for providing this vehicle to review!
Time stamps:
0:00 Exterior
2:31 Interior
3:25 Initial impressions
5:53 First acceleration
7:26 Ride and handling
15:40 Highway driving and safety tech
18:04 Thoughts after a week
20:19 Fuel economy
21:45 Pricing and competitor comparisons
29:07 Final thoughts
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After market exhaust, weighted knob and short shift and a tune (when it matures) this thing will be a weapon worth having. I’m sticking with it! I need the awd and I’m not getting back into vaping for the Subaru, nor waiting for the sti cause I’m not in love with it.
they're absolutely ruined this generation's interior with the infotainment and lack of physical controls. It'll be interesting to see how the GR Corolla compares when it comes out for around $10k less and a better AWD system
@@trackntrail2869 and less power
@@PapiAndrey latest reports say it’ll be close to 300hp and will likely be lighter than the Golf R as well
@@trackntrail2869 supposedly will be fwd. hopefully they give it more power and the same awd system in the Yaris. 300hp is what the previous Golf R had, this one is about 350hp.
@@PapiAndrey it's going to have the same AWD system and rear suspension as the yaris. The names being thrown around at GR Corolla or Corolla GR-Four (for 4wd). I believe this new Golf R makes 315hp, not 350.
Thanks for the video review Matt. I recently got a 2023 Golf R which is the same car as the 2022. One thing I noticed in Race Mode is piped in noise that I did not particularly like. In Individual Mode I put exhaust in Pure Mode and seems to eliminate the piped in noise and just open up the natural sound of the exhaust from outside the car. I know the DSG is faster car but enjoy interacting with the 6 speed manual.
Been watching reviews on this car every day for the past 5 days! Love to hear your thoughts on it! Ill update when I’m done watching this! THANKS FOR THE REVIEW IN ADVANCE!
Thanks for watching!
Thank you Matt for another great review 👍!!! Really appreciate these kind of reviews on sporty compact vehicles that the average person can afford to own and insure. Thank you again!!!
Sad to see only 3 colors! The old R's had so many crazy color options! I understand it as a business decision I guess, but still. Still very excited for this car overall. Especially in stick! The driving dynamics in the GTI are definitely much improved and it sounds they are in this one is as well. Thanks for the review!
I appreciate how you actually spend a good portion of the video driving
Great review. I appreciate you providing reasonable alternatives as well.
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!
Thanks Matt, the only review with such detailed driving experience
The Golf R with a few mods and the fact it's AWD is the best in this category. A few mods and this is a 400hp killer, one that has a sleeper look and will age gracefully.
Pretty good video, I like that you drive it for a week to see how you really like it, and you really give a LOT of information about the car and the experience.
A few things on competitors: There is no comparable S3. It does not have the same amount of horsepower, it has 306. It does not have an available heated steering wheel, does not have cooled front seats or heated rear seats at any price. To get the model with wireless charging you're at $49k and then you have to add the sport package to get adjustable dampers and you're at $51k. And you still don't have torque-vectoring AWD at any price. The closest "comparable" S3 would really be around $53-54k and again, wouldn't have the features listed above.
The Mazda3 is really nice in the interior and the design is great, but not even in the conversation performance-wise. I drove one and it's much closer to something like an A3. It's not a performance car at all, just a fairly smooth cruiser. Also the interior is very cramped, especially in the back seat in comparison to the Golf R.
The Stinger is a cool car and a pretty good bargain as well, but that 4-cylinder model is going to be almost 2 seconds slower to 60, and even the GT version will be around the same 0-60. Also, as far as I can tell, you can't buy a new GT, only the GT2 package is available to configure on the website, and with AWD that is $55k.
The Elantra N is a good option, also missing a lot of heated elements, but for the money it is a great bargain, this is a good call if you live somewhere where AWD is not necessary.
To get the higher HP Ioniq 5 with AWD is actually around $49k, to get a comparably equipped Ioniq 5 you really would need to go to the Limited and then you're at $58k with AWD (and still wouldn't have heated rear seats).
All in all, I'm glad I started watching your videos, I will just ignore your advice on comps, which is pretty common with RUclipsrs I've noticed. For some reason the research there tends to be pretty lacking.
Great video! Really enjoyed the comparisons to the competition, even the out-of-left Ionic 5 one. Your rationale made complete sense for how people like me actually shop.
Thanks Jorge, I'm glad you liked it!
Love your vids man you inspired me!
Another great review, Matt.
This Gen looks really good! I like that they finally switched up the look
Really a strong review. You bring up many good points.
Thank you!
Appreciate the review - really thorough. I’ve got my Mk8 DSG coming in 2-3 weeks and your video has got me even more amped… even if you’re not completely sold on the VW. Either way thanks for putting this together
Thanks Joey and congrats on the incoming Golf R! I think you made the right choice with the DSG, probably will feel much better from the power standpoint.
I can’t even find one for sale. All dealers even said it’s not possible to get one. The orders are closed.
very nice review, thanks for sharing!
Thanks Diogo, I'm glad you liked it!
Very good and thorough review as always. I really enjoy your reviews Matt. I love the positivity and objective nature. I am currently in a Golf R MK 7.5 and was curious about upgrading. This review gave me a lot of things to think about. For the record on the hood weight? Yes, in the MK 7.5 the hood is so heavy I am scared to close it as it feels like it will break the car it slams so hard.
Thanks Greg, I'm glad you like the videos! That's funny that the MK 7.5 also has a heavy hood, not sure why they do that lol.
If you are tired of sitting low you can buy a CX-30 turbo for about 10k less and mod it.I was going to get a Golf R after selling a Stinger for a profit but they got them marked up and very few available--I also wanted a DSG--it was going to be at 50k--I paid 35k out the door for a premium Plus CX-30 and it is almost as fast as a GTI in a str8 line.I have 3k in mods set aside for it and have money to just rent a track or race car if I got a road course.Those low profile rims would get chewed up at a track and I want a more comfortable daily driver that can do multiple things good and not one or 2 great things.
Hood is heavy because Volkswagens don’t make shit vehicles.
Got the MK8 DSG Clubspoort and love it
Great review Matt!
Thanks Treigh!
Came here because of Race Car Friends, awesome video bro!
Thanks, welcome to the channel!
Another great review, Matt. Thank you! Me personally, if I was shopping for a VW Golf I would probably go for the GTI. Since I’m not interested in taking my car on track days, but instead having a little bit of fun while daily driving it to/from work, I don’t need 300+ HP and all those extra features that make this car cost so much. But again, that’s just my preference.
Thanks for watching Luis!
Hi Matt, what did you think about the all touch sensitive controls and infotainment?
The car I have been waiting for. Thanks SubaruWRXFan!
Mine arrives in a few weeks. Can’t wait. Not overrated.
Congrats on the incoming Golf R!
Did you manage to get it for MSRP Travis?
@@jameswillard1 yes, MSRP
TC kept intervening because that car was running summer tires. Gotta also remember that road temps are colder than ambient. 41f is low to mid 30's. That's why. Summer compounds are useless in the cold like this lol
Great review though. I'm hyped to see the tuning headroom for the MK8. Though I still can't stand the fugly designs VW went with and that godawful capacitive only interior. Oof
Haha came to the comments solely to say the same thing. AWD won't help if you're running on hockey pucks lol. I keep trying to get some of my friends to realize that fact, thankfully they haven't been bitten yet.
- Happy Memory - a Golf R was the first car i ever drove with a clutch years ago.😊 My Uncle had a Golf R, I just got my DL. He said if i can pull out with it without jerking, burning out or stalling he would let me drive it. I DID GOOD and he had to let me drive it in town😂😊😂😊
I know this video is old, but it solidified my decision to purchase a 2022 Golf R. I'm picking it up tomorrow and I can't wait! I opted for the DSG which is right up there with the Porsche PDK in terms of great DCT's.
Interested to hear a full review of the manual 👍👍 great pity Volkswagen decided only to give us the dsg here in the UK. . .will have to stick with the 7.5R MT for the time being. . . btw worth putting the car in ESC Sport for a more dynamic drive with less interference from the vw nanny bot! 👍😎
Is the manual as bad as on the older golf r? Im maybe spoiled by my s2k but when i tested a 2016 golf r in manual i was a bit surprised how bad it was in regards of feeling .
The noise is louder than I expected(for a $45k car). Really appreciate your review!
This is of course never gets old lol!
Thanks for the review! Does the manual have adaptive cruise control or is it on dsg only?
Manual still has adaptive cruise and lane keep assistance. This was also the case on the mk7.5 cars, and thankfully they kept it 👍
Pretty cool you are driving close to my house. Never realized you were so close. I have cut up that windy road many times in my gti and Mustang. I do have a question. I made a mistake by selling gti and getting a Jeep. I’m looking for a good deal on gti now. Am I going to hate the electronics in gti vs the mk7?
Good review Matt. 👍 I'd take the Mazda Turbo over this. How does the R compare to a four banger Mustang?
The wide profile of the seat looks like a throne. Probably a perspective thing. The hood comment made me chuckle. My GTI hood felt heavy as well but the struts offset that. VW not allowing 100% disabling of traction control was a small, contributing factor to me selling the GTI for another brand. For the money though, I like the R and that isn't something I would have said a few years ago. But my test is whether my wife would use it consistently, and I think the Mazda 3 turbo is a more likely choice for her.
Have you driven the DSG? If so, which one would you get?
I really think those summer tires negatively impacted some of your experience with the car. I originally received the MK8 GTI with the same 19" wheels and summer performance tires and they are hockey pucks in cold weather. The wheel hop was terrible. Putting on a set of winter tires made a huge difference in putting the power down.
That said, still a very nicely done review. One thing I would say is that the Golf GTI/R models were always about being a practical daily driver first with the added spice of an underlying sportiness that is ready to put a smile on your face when you want it. I think you are coming at this with a slightly flipped priority list and looking at it as a sporty car first. This is all the more evident by some of the cars you list as an alternative, like the Elantra N. The Elantra N is not in the same category at all when it comes to finish, features, and practicality. So yes, if someone is prioritizing a raw driving experience I can see that to some extent, but in terms of the genealogy of this car and what it is intended to do, I think they have different goals.
Well said, glad to see more than one person mention the summer tires. That makes such an ENORMOUS difference in how the car works and would be perceived.
I also agree (not specifically just about Matt) that it seems there are still a handful of reviews out there that give negative marks for the GTi/R not being aggressive enough or sporty enough when that is and has never been the goal of the GTi/R platform. I for one really like that Volkswagen still make hot hatches that still focus very strongly on being more well rounded as opposed to skewing more towards the sporty side of things. I prefer their approach and if I want more then there is always the enormous aftermarket where the sky is the limit.
As for cars that step across the line of leaning more towards sport than daily, the old Focus ST was a real gem. Terrible interior lol, but it was good fun to drive while being comfortable enough to be happy with. I still preferred (and bought) the mk7 GTi since the goal was a fun daily with more emphasis on the daily part. I have at least one other car for the pure fun stuff. A damn shame the ST isn't in the US anymore.
@@Kamukix That's why his 1-2 shifts were triggering a traction control response, was just thinkin that!
i havent driven this new Golf R but my guess as to why the traction control is always coming in is because of the really cold weather you are having there in that state and that car was delivered to you on summer tires. The soft summer tire compound isnt getting any grip so the cars computer is detecting slip and is constantly cutting power attempting to gain traction. Thats just my theory because every other video i've seen all are saying this new Golf R is really quick feeling. This is just my unbiased opinion, i have a 2019 Type R, just clarifying that im not some VW fanboy or anything.
It should be common knowledge by now that you can turn off traction control on the MK8, it is there primarily as a safety feature. Heck in the MK5 GTI from the the late 2000s that I drive you can turn off traction control.
It sounds so good
How does the suspension feel compared to the 22 WRX?
The Golf R manual is a special car in the American car market. It will be among some of the last performance cars that you will be able to buy with a gas engine with a manual driver centric transmission. Get this car new while you still can before everything goes to fully electric starting in 2025. Many of the last generation of manual sport cars will become future classics in the near future after everything goes to electric.
How did I not see this driving around the neighborhood?!?!!
Summer tires in 40 degree weather = loss of traction which = loss of power through your pulls. I don’t know if having summers on in January is giving the car a fair shake. Especially since I can see that it may have snowed a little during that week
Worth upgrading from an STi hatch?
Matt what neighborhood was you testing that Golf R on those winding roads at? Looks familiar but a lot of Pa does
This is in the greater Pittsburgh area.
Good review here. Everyone notices different little details so thanks for going in depth. I think the button-less interior and touch sensitive steering wheel buttons are a deal breaker for me.
Unless you live in the snow belt or just a snowy climate in general, AWD is not a necessity. Most of the time, it just adds weight and doesn't necessarily translate to better cornering performance on a racetrack or back road, with the benefit of being slightly quicker in a straight line. A proper set of winter tires is much more important to get you through the cold months.
Subaru is clearly going in a different direction and if you're like me, you need a manual. The GR Corolla will definitely be interesting but it looks like the new Civic Type R will be extremely impressive. If you haven't driven the current car, don't write it off because it's FWD. It's excellent and shames every car in its segment and then some. Punches way above it's weight class across the board, is more ergonomic than the Golf, has a superior chassis and manual trans, and actually has intuitive physical controls 🤯. And it's still plenty quick in a straight line. If you're in the market and you can wait, I think it'll be more than worth it.
Absolutely agree on the button less and touch sensitive interior, but more importantly I agree on the climate awd weight issue.
@@BobK5 Yeah that was a huge oversight. They didn't need to make that leap so abruptly. Hopefully, VW will address some of these issues for 2023 due to the complaints. I don't really have an issue with the weight though. The manual comes in at 3,417lbs which is admirable.
Yes, but also remember that not everyone was happy with the infotainment volume part of the CTR and it was revised in the 2020 model. Also, AWD is important on a traffic light take-off. The CTR launch from a stop is absolutely sluggish, even without the torquesteer. And 99% you drive the car, you wont be at the track.
@@karmahunden it hasn't been fixed for 2023 though. That kind of interior is the future for pretty much every automaker, but the way it was done in this case was poor and clumsy.
I''ve owned a CTR and now have an Elantra N. Both of those cars have way better front ends, steering, and manual transmissions than the Golf R, among many other things. I don't care about AWD takeoffs, I'm not drag racing at every traffic light. I'd rather have a chassis car that knows how to take a curve and stay planted. Not that the VW doesn't do that, but the cars I mentioned are sharper and offer much more tactility and feel.
If you've ever driven a CTR or Elantra N, you'd know the only way to get torque steer is to drive it like a moron. They're plenty quick. They are fwd and need to be driven like fwd cars to get the best out of them. This is coming from someone coming out of a '16 M2. That car wasn't a stoplight hero either. The Elantra N does so many things better. It's truly that good. Plus, the Golf R is a bit overpriced for what it is and offers.
These are my preferences and what I value in a sports car driving experience. I totally get that other people have different priorities, but straight line pace isn't the only thing that matters. Especially when it comes to cars in this segment.
Thanks for your review, Matt. I think you offered a comprehensive and reasonable assessment based on your experience and access to vehicles. I'm not even close to being a new car for myself, but I have absolutely no idea where I would want to go if I actually had the opportunity to do so. The Golf R is definitely a nice car, but it's at that price where I think there is a lot more to consider and the R's allure gets watered down.
With the car market these days it’s hard to make that call. In a normal market, I would say a highly-optioned 2017+ GLA45 is a far better car for the same money as a new Golf R.
@@JoJoJoker By chance are you a listener of Everyday Driver? I do believe that the GLA45 is an amazing alternative to so many cars. Do you have one?
@@franzvanjulio5523 I don’t have a GLA45…huge fan of the A45, to the point of seriously considering how much land one needs to own down in Mexico to buy one haha. I have a fully-loaded (same options as a loaded Golf R except Nav & Climatronic) 2016 GTI Performance 2-door, an extremely rare find in these parts.
Very interested to see the color offerings in the future R models and wondering if spektrum program will return. The 8R looks good in all 3 colors. Aggressive in black. Simple and clean in white. And the lapiz blue looks amazing as always. The center console area looks very plain, imo. Especially around the shifter. Good job with the seats. Remember the MK4 R32? Those were some exclusive R seats. Nice to see sporty seats making a return in GTI R models. It’s also very interesting how the stock airflow is routed in these new MK8s. The vent in front of the air box is still closed off. There is a block off plate with a flapper design from factory to route air from the passenger side but also allow air into the engine bay. Really want to get myself in the new R but need a bigger vehicle nowadays. Doesn’t mean I’m not digesting every R video out right now! Great review 👍
Thanks, I'm glad you liked it!
Hey Matt, great honest review. I noticed you said traction control kept cutting the power on acceleration. After watching other reviews of this car, you have to go in and turn the ESC completely off and it will not interfere or cut power under hard acceleration.
Thanks Marcus, I'm glad you liked it! Yeah turning ESC off would have fixed it, but I feel like it's crazy to have to turn off everything every time you want to have a fun redline shift from 1st to 2nd. Other cars I'm reviewed don't require that.
@@MattMaranMotoring Could it be the temperature, and the tires? You said it was 40, and summer tires. Not optimal temps for them.
@@MattMaranMotoring Still better than FWD. Of course summer tires are crappy in the cold.
You need to put the esc in sport mode
So out of the Type R, Subaru Sti, the golf R is really the bang for buck? It’s Either Fwd or AWD I’ll choose AWD I’ve been FWD all my life lol
I'm looking into an AWD daily driver this year, and if the next STI is a dog like the next WRX is, this might be an option next to the GR Corolla and Audi RS3.
I was looking for something else like but I like it.
LOL these cars are fast for the money matt. Actually, fast period. Very impressive car, surely best at the moment for everyday driving under $100k......and that is coming from a 911 GT3 owner. Take care.
Awesome review, did you try doing some pulls with the traction control off and the car being in R mode?
Excuse me. Didn't think I would bump into you here lol
@@QueTheChaotic Lol come on brother from another mother, you know we're pretty much interested in the same vehicles, I bet you saw this review and started turning your nose up even more at the Golf R lol! I think I'm the only person cross shopping a Golf R with a Camaro SS 1LE lol.
@@RaceCarFriends 😆😆😆 I’m just now watching. I opened the tab earlier. I’m interested in Matt’s remarks
@@QueTheChaotic Yeah I like Matt he's one of the more humble, down to earth, and honest RUclipsrs out there, I value his opinions as well.
Thanks! No I left traction control on all week.
Im sure in the summer you wouldnt have that traction control issue you are talking about , driving on summer tires in the winter its trying to keep you in check. Thats not a bad thing imo
The R is now a better option than the S3, since it gets a sunroof and new trick rear diff. Still…VW added some performance and cool features while further removing their famed German build quality. Since Dieselgate VW sped up decontenting the US Golfs. 2016 was the peak year for US Golfs in terms of quality/variety. The Mk6 was more solid but we didn’t get all the features from Europe until 2016.
The rear visibility isn't great with the big headrests. I put the Audi ones in my 7R so I can see much better. Also the 235 tires could be wider than other with that number, check tire rack for specs.
Very comprehensive review. I'm a fan of the Golf/GTI, but I feel like they missed the mark with the price and many of the interior choices. Given the tire choice and winter season, I wonder if you would have liked the car more during warm weather and possibly with the DSG.
Thanks! DSG definitely would improve it, but I think reviewing this one in winter made it feel as fast as it possibly can thanks to the "boost weather" temperatures.
Summer tires + cold temps (
Actually, he probably did not turn off Traction control at all. Most likely left it with whatever settings are set in the drive mode selected.
I hope the after market updates the manual feel situation, with rev match, better clutch feel, shorter faster shifts, and less traction control interference, if they could have given the manual seven gears and updated it once in the last 10 years, it would have been perfect by now, instead they updated the dsg like 5 times, and let the manual stagnate, even with 50% take numbers many places. and optimized it for that.
this is one reason the civic si and type r has such great manuals, they are optimized for it, as is the miata.
Personally I feel that the golf MK7 / 7.5 will become known as the best versions of the gas powered lineup before we move to all electric. Volkswagon always limits the full potential of their cars. Just think of the Golf GTI MK5 that was sold new getting 197 hp. In reality with a bit of tuning you can get the MK5 to 300 to 330hp before the engine fails. People will certainly mod the MK8 to get more performance out of the engine and transmission in the future.
@@Superbustr true same with Honda sine is emissions other for long term durability and service and maintenance concerns.
@@Superbustr I agree I saw a manual short shift mod, clutches, and an uocoming real helical mechanical lsd
Hey Matt, nicely done and thanks for the detailed coverage, but I do have slight issue with your pricing complaints.
$45k does seem steep, but something like a BMW M340i is $60k. The new car market has skyrocketed in price - even in 2015 at 38k this was $10-12k cheaper than the BMW 335i or Audi S4 competition. Cars have gone so crazy and I think this represents a good value.
Additionally, the S3 is NOT $3k more - if you compare feature-set, an equivalent S3 is $54k, and it has smaller brakes and lacks the rear LSD. Price it out!
Thanks Scott, I had this debate over the S3 with someone else and priced it out again, and it is 49k still comparably equipped. The Prestige or the tech package on a Premium Plus S3 gives you stuff beyond what the Golf R has. I agree if you want the absolute best performance, Golf R is better with the AWD, like I mentioned in this video.
Any plans to test the DSG also?
I'm definitely open to it if my press fleet gets one in, but no plans yet.
Pretty sure the traction control coming on is just the fact that you were running on summer tires in below freezing temperatures, those tires aren't meant for that
Great review as always Matt. These are the same price as a loaded miata. Purely from a fun perspective which would you take?
I definitely had more fun in the ND2 Miatas.
What Miata costs 45 grand?
@@frumpd63 in Canada an RF GT is exactly 45k. So is the Golf R.
Yeah here in the States a loaded Miata is like 10k less.
@@MattMaranMotoring I think we're getting a deal on the golf R up here as opposed to the other way around. Though it's super difficult to find either car at the moment.
Was the traction control coming on because of summer tires and 40 degree air temp, or was it an unfortunate decision by VW to limit their liability?
I'm surprised you didn't mention the haptic buttons on the steering wheel. I heard a couple times from people they are really annoying, like your hands hit buttons while steering? maybe I missed you talking about it? I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.
I talked about it in the interior review posted earlier this week.
The Golf R is definitely one of those cars to where if you are not a Volkswagen enthusiast. Or, are already in love with the Golf R and its history, its competition is slightly better and that is coming from a Golf R owner
Which transmission did you get >? Do you find yourself wanting the other tranny?
@@nenadmomcilovic9133 dsg. Follow it on IG sub_zro400
im a veloster n driver , but that looks nice , interested in trying it
How do you like the shifter? Coming from an Si that’s the only thing I’m hesitant on about the N, haven’t had the chance to try one yet
Elantra N FTW
No one wants Mazda it has no cool factor
Kia singer is failed... Let it go
@@gorgonismztruth1551 Are you arguing with yourself?
Hey Matt! Excellent video. I currently have a 2021 Civic Type R and I’m currently debating if I want to sell it and get the Golf R. Seeing how you’ve driven the new Golf R with the manual, does the power seem about on par with the Type R? Which one would you rather drive? Thanks and have a great one!
You can literally Google the specs. The golf R is significantly faster in a straight line.
I compare how they drive in this video, but yeah power is pretty similar manual vs. manual. I personally enjoyed the Type R a little more thanks to its better adaptive dampers and better shifter feel (plus auto rev-matching).
Type R spins to much
@@D-AVGGamer Yeah, but the Type R is much more fun to drive and would kick the R's arse on any track. And on a long track like the Ring, it's not even close. Do you wonder why most car reviewers and auto journalists call it the best and funnest hot hatch in the segment?
@@D-AVGGamer Nope not true manual vs manual
Is there no way to turn off traction control 100%?
Yes.
What an interesting and odd take away... This car, in dsg form on paper, in europe, traps over 110mph in the 1/4 mile. That is significantly faster than every 'competitor' you list. It seems the ea888 on the mk8 gti and r have a significantly smoother powerband so it may not feel as fast. Hell, I can say the same thing about the last gen rs3 - it was so smooth that it didn't feel as fast it was. The reality is VW significantly improved the power, the handling, added a sunroof, and still has a package that is by far the best daily driver of any car in this range. The tech inside has clear, crisp displays, and has all the modern safety systems. Additionally, If you actually SHOP these cars, like a real buyer... I don't believe it has a competitor. S3 similarly packaged is $3000 more? No, the similar packaged s3 with adaptive cruise and all the same features is $55k (premium plus). I'm a vw homer, but if you're looking for something that does everything and flies under the radar, I can't really find something at this price point. Not everyone wants a jack of all trades, but if you do, this is it.
This is the perfect response. It's $3k more than the previous but it has a panoramic roof, memory seats, ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, updated safety systems, more power, bigger brakes, and torque vectoring AWD instead of halidex (plus drift mode). There is no other car on the market that delivers everything the way this car does, unless you spend 55k+ for things like the S3, M340i, ETC. This car punches far above it's weight. I can't wait for mine. I have a deposit on a white with DSG. I received my vin and was told it should be here towards the end of February or early March.
There are some areas they cheaped out on though, like the passenger side doesn't get memory seats or fully powered seats. A lot of the materials are hard touch plastic. It would've been nice to actually have buttons for the steering wheel and the infotainment.
@@mistamaog I completely agree. I'm not a fan of the touch "buttons" on the wheel and infotainment but I'm sure I'll get used to them. The Mk7 didn't have full power passenger seat either so I'm used to that already. I've owned my Mk7.5 for 2 years and I've had passengers in the back a total of 6 times. I'm not too worried about the back seat door trim. I still think it's incredible value for money.
Like I said in this video, I have no doubt the DSG version is impressive in a straight line, I'm reviewing the manual here and calling it how I see it. As for the competitors, I detailed several and the ways they're both better and worse than the Golf R. I'm not sure where you're seeing an Audi S3 for $55k but the highest they go on their configurator is $51.5k for a Prestige, and the Premium Plus with ACC in the U.S. is listed at $47,700.
55 k is bmw m340 money and damn near model 3 performance money as well. It is alot of money for what it is. Rs3 starts at 58k and is 2x the car this is. I beileve the s4 is also in this bracket it is alot of money for what is effectively a 4banger (albeit a great one especially if you love tuning or modifying
Matt, can you get a hold of a new Santa Cruz for us?
I reviewed one back in September, here's the link: ruclips.net/video/Llct-7SRugc/видео.html
No normal mold?
Great review! Not my favorite Golf R generation that's for sure. That piped in engine/exhaust noise is nauseating even through the camera :/
All car prices are going up this year because of the economy and I think the extras that this new version has (way too many to list) it should be getting a price increase. Its a much better car (outside of the complaints ppl have with the infotainment setup) than the mk7
You must be confused between the mk8 gti and the mk8 R. The mk8 R is more or less an all round package with most extras being built into the base car while the mk8 gti has been left as the model that can be optioned up. Volkswagon has not increased the price much as they know that by doing so they can corner the hot hatch market and get get more sales.
@@Superbustr When I said extras I meant the extras it has as compared to the mk7 version
The Golf R might be the one to get now with the better AWD system (compared to MK7 R) over the GTI. We’ll see how the new STI is. The interior definitely is a disappointment compared to the MK7. Great video!
Matt, out of curiosity, which car's acceleration made you the giddiest, out of all you've driven?
Looks nice, but still only D.I few thousand miles and the valves will get cooked. VW needs to focus on reliability. Bit pricey for what it is. But they are nice quick as well
Some bolts-ons and a good tune would make these new R’s a weapon, especially from a dig. I had a type r for a while and all the spinning ruined it for me, it really needs awd.
Agreed. If you live where I do where it's hilly and wet, FWD sucks.
They… they are AWD… GTI’s are FWD. This is one of the only few AWD options on the market for this type of car.
The Honda Type-R is FWD. Not AWD. He was talking about the Type-R, not the Golf R.
It is not turbo lag, it is two clear powerbands 🤛😑👍
What's a better drive, Golf R or Elantra N?
I compare them in this video, but I had more fun in the Elantra N.
Looks pretty cold where you are. Meanwhile I'm in Auckland, New Zealand, 11pm as I type this, and would be about 23 degrees Celsius outside. Shorts and T Shirt weather.
New Zealand is beautiful! I'd love to visit someday.
I wonder how often the guy that lives in the white home at 6:15 says, "Well there goes Matt again."
It's a cool car but pretty niche audience. The GTI is already so good for a daily and at this price I'd be inclined to spend a little more on something better
Maybe things might be different when the MK8 Golf R gets its mid-cycle refresh in 3 years and things get added and maybe more power comes along. 15-20hp extra would be reasonable.
You know, I remember as the car was coming out, it was said that the car had 310lb-ft of torque for both the manual and the DSG and then VW comes out and says the manual has 280lb-ft and the DSG has 290lb-ft. My question is why isn't it concise on both transmissions at 310lb-ft like it was originally officially announced before the car even arrived in the North American market when Europe already got it before we did?
I can't/don't speak for you by no means, but if I had to guess, I'd say the torque not being balanced out with its horsepower is what killed it for you. You just got to wait on the mid-cycle refresh in 3 years to see if the things you said about it that holds it back for you gets corrected.
The stock clutch is weak in these cars. If you tune it, the clutch will slip. That’s why TQ is at 280.
Another reason aside from the one provided is, because they have a higher octane access in the UK.
@@skyscrapesthetower Do they? 93 AKI in the US is equivalent to 98 RON in the UK.
@@clipsncasts1 Also, the fuel compression ration differs..which is why they have a different output.
Matt, .....my thoughts.....Audi S3 seems like a better choice; too bad Golf R is so expensive. Ioniq5 looks nice--looking forward to the video on that one. Matt, did you set up your residence for electric charging of vehicles?...."29:15.... you say about the GolfR....."I wish the exhaust were louder." Good grief, my neighbors have Porsches and I wonder why it has to be so loud.....maybe when porsche electric vehicles come out, a whole new clientele as the previous clientele might be buying it for the cacophony. One thing that is strange is the reason peopled used to buy standard transmissions is that you saved money on gasoline; otherwise people preferred automatic transmission. Turns out that some people think it is fun to drive a standard transmission.
I don't have an EV charger at my house. I don't drive the press cars enough to need more than the slow standard charger, which typically can get me 30 miles or so of charge overnight.
Save the Manuals ! I get the "understated" vibe that has been the charm of this car but that front end is simply yawn inducing. What happened to the interior guys ? Hilarious comparison Matt mentioned in "Not Honda good" . Basically he is saying the 6MT in the "Dudd" was an afterthought. No idea why no one can make a manual like Honda. Worst and Best part of owning a Honda is the manual. It ruins you for other cars. Wait ! What was I talking about ?
Mazda's MX-5 6MT is certainly Honda good, if not better.
I just speccd a like for like Audi S3 and it definitely was not only 3K more, it was close to 55K.
A Premium Plus with the tech package adds more features than the Golf R has, same with the Prestige trim. A Premium Plus without the tech package on the 19s is 49k.
Love the R and the Type R but not sure I want to go in that price range, I’ll buy the Elantra N instead after seeing your review on the Elantra N I’m sold lol
Haha yeah if it were my money I'd go Elantra N too. It's more fun for 10k less.
Waiting on the new Subaru WRX STI. These are my 4, Civic Si, Golf R/Gti, WRX Sti. Hoping the Subaru drops a bomb! Great Review!
Why are you considering the SI and not the Type R, it will probably be cheaper than the Golf R and on par with the STI
Not even giving Hyundai a chance when they're the only one making cars with SOUL other than Mini Cooper.... Typical uninformed car buyer lol.
Civic SI is a joke with 200hp. Doesn’t even come close to competing with GTI let alone the R. Check out the N offerings from Hyundai
Coming as a WRX owner, take a look at Elantra N.
All these cars have outrageous mark ups. Around my area , Miami, FL, they want 5k over MSRP plus dealer added crap for Golf R, so it’s close to 50k.
GTI same, autobahns going for 42k
SI - 4K over MSRP. Used TYPE R going for upper 40’s. It’s insane. I bought my G70 3.3t for 42,800 in early 2020 when everyone was on lockdown. I took advantage. I would never pay close to 50k for a Golf or Type R.
Elantra N has great performance and I’ve seen them for 1500 over MSRP but that’s a ugly ass looking car, that damn black front bumper, WTF! Only the WRX is uglier.
If you’re getting into 50k territory, look at M240i Xdrive. That’s my next car, B58 engine , all wheel drive with a ZF8. It will smoke this Golf, Type R, Elantra N and there’s not mark ups, Atleast Around my area.
I think this guys is the literal last youtuber to have reviewed this car 🤣
DSG All day | also the VR6 R32 is still the king .
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My wife as I mentioned in you and Beth's video lived her 2 door VW GTI (Mark 6) and would love to get back into one, but with 4 doors now that she has a 3 year old son. You already know if I had 45k and had to spend it on a car and not my dream truck in the Colorado ZR2, it would be that Kia Stinger GT. 😎
Always a fan of the Golf R but not at that price or power level. Great review as always
so glad i got an elantra n
Volkswagen Gold R is a totally different machine bro.
Hi Matt, can you say honestly, does it feel faster then your mustang or no? :)
Definitely felt a lot slower than my Mustang, but it should considering my Mustang has an extra 165 hp :)
gti and civic si if you dont need awd and extra power but do need a manual. $10,000-$20,000 less