I agree with this. The mk7.5 will probably go down as the best GTI ever. However, I actually think the mk8, in the S trim, was a decent predecessor. I didn’t particularly like the styling and price of the mk8 autobahn & and I don’t think the new facelift is that appealing either.
I think they did great on the exterior redesign. There was too much going on with the old headlights. New wheels are clearly inspired by the Detroit wheels on the mk5 and mk6 GTIs which is great!
Absolutelly agree with you man! I absolutelly hate the “ipad style” infotainment, is there anyone who really want that? Why anyone should want sticking display from dash??
Seems like most brands are getting lazy with interior designs when it comes to the dash. A lot of companies just seem to slap an iPad on and call it a day.
This is why i would never consider those new hondas or genesis or cars with similar interiors like that. I hate the look of just shoving a tablet on the dash and calling it a day. Its so ugly to me.
I have a 22 GTI and living with the haptic buttons is much different than reviewing it. Wasn’t an issue and the rest of the car makes up for any lack of
💯. I've had mine for a little over a month only and it maybe took a couple of days to get the layout into muscle memory. I don't think I've ever hit any button accidentally after that. Plus once you are driving you don't really touch anything there except the volume / track skip sliders or activating the cruise control. Would I prefer actual controls for HVAC? Sure. Does it make the car any less enjoyable ? Hell nah
I owned a mk5 DSG as my first car/love for 9 years. Then, a mk7.5 SE manual for 2 years, absolutely loved it, and thought it was peak GTI. The LSD was a gamechanger compared to the mk5. Purchased a mk8 Autobahn manual 4 months, and trust me, this is peak GTI. Performance and driving dynamics are better than mk7.5, those who say mk7.5 was the peak have probably not driven a mk8 in manual. Technology and design wise, the mk8 is also better. The new touch controls are not as cumbersome as most reviewers claim, and the modern look they provide will keep the mk8 interior design relevant for the years to come. I believe they regressed with the physical buttons on the steering wheel. The ONLY downsides of the mk8, are the “laggy” infotainment interface, and the fact that it comes without an engine block cover.
As an owner of the 8 for the last 8 months, the capacitive buttons are fine. I personally really like them. Plus they’re multi functional, which makes life easier, not harder.
@katiecannon8186 I agree. I have owned my Mk8 since May of last year and I'm completely fine with the capacitive buttons. Since owning the car, I have never touched the heated steering wheel button by accident as well. The only thing that bothers me is trying to adjust the fan speed in the AC while I'm driving. Wished VW could have implemented that built AC controls much earlier. Other than that, I love my MK8.
I am a Porsche 911 owner and collector and I choose to drive a Mk8 GTI as my daily driver. My last daily was a BMW M2C but in reality, the GTI is a far better daily performance car. It flys under the radar and handles razor sharp. I waited to see the MK8.5 and then purchased my Mk8 GTI as the 13” talking screen is ridiculous in a drivers car like the GTI. I like the styling of the Mk8 larger dual headlights better and with the radar hidden behind the badge. I have no problems with the haptic controls on the steering wheel. Build quality might even be better in my 2024 GTI S than my 2020 M2C. Absolutely no rattling or creeks even in cold weather. The GTI feels so solid and well put together. I have other full size luxury vehicles from BMW in my collection but the DNA in this little GTI takes me back to my earlier air cooled 911 in it’s a drivers car that is pure German simplicity and oozes its German DNA. It doesn’t have vulgar silly wings in add-ons as other cars in the hot hatch category. It just works. Our last few Audi models from a RS3, S4, RS4, were nice but too heavy and rather expensive with annoying tech and mechanical issues always visiting the dealer. AWD might be faster off the line but heavy and less fun in general. The GTI climate control will freeze you out with its air AC and quickly heat up in winter. Set the GTI climate to auto and forget about it in all 4 seasons. Lastly, the GTi is a pure drivers car so once set up you don’t fiddle with the controls short of drive mode “Sport” or “individual”. That is the beauty of the GTI as it doesn’t need to be constantly adjusted like my BMW or Audis. It does what it does better than anything else in its class.
I hate that trend too. I always like that VW doesn't stamp the name in giant letters all over their cars. VW keeps reversing all the things I always admired about their brand.
You forgot to talk about the new Radar placement. It was integrated in the badge in the pre-facelift and now resides in the lower grill (like Audis & BMW)
The Golf has looked like it has a giant, goofy monobrow for a long while now. It reminds me of Ed from Ed Edd n Eddy. I cannot take that face seriously. 😂
I personally don’t like the new front or the big screen. But you’ll love it. The chassis & driving dynamics are a stark improvement over the 7/7.5. And I loved my 7.5.
I would to, if there was a place to place my hand. You know on 500 mile trips I don't drive at "10 and 2" the whole time. My MGB, Volvos, 2g VW golf, Rx-7, Miata, all are in my soul and where I put my hand.
@japanwatchconnection sour grapes about what? I’m into car design and discussing car design on a car design channel. I haven’t owned a car for about 15 years now, and the last car I did own was a MK4 GTI so if you’re trying to insinuate I’m a jealous MK7 owner, you’re wrong. My favourite GTI designs are MK1, MK4, and MK6.
I don't hate the update, however I prefer the 8 over the 8.5 headlights. Especially when it comes to the design of the daylight running lights. The 8.5 got rid of the ultra cool wrap around LED daylight running lights that swoop down and around the outer headlight. I believe these older headlights produced a more premium and sporty feel.
I have a 40th AE, and I have NEVER had an issue with the touch sensitive steering wheel. It's a frickin GTI, so I drive like a maniac, and still no issues. I get that some people may have a different experience with it, but I think too many people made a big deal out of it. The big screen in the middle looks ridiculous. I like a big screen, but the integration is really disappointing. The new stock wheels are nice, and the illuminated logo is kind of cool. I am not a fan of the new front grill, but as with all things, I am sure it will grow on me.
wow, what a privilege....I work for an automaker and I can't even afford their cheapest new car....so I drive a 25+ year old car that is almost as old as me 😅 They should give me a company car...they make cars afterall 😂
Just bought a 24 380-S GTI in Moonstone. The only thing I don't like about the buttons on the steering wheel is their glossiness. They look cheap, but the actual function is fine. Having an S model, I have a volume and tuning knob which I prefer over the other haptic buttons below the bigger screen on the SE and Autobahn models. After driving a MK6 DSG for 11 years I was excited to own a 6 speed manual. After a week of driving, I'm less excited about the manual, but only because I've owned better manuals in past cars. Since I thought my MK6 DSG was good, I'm sure the MK8 DSG would impress me even more but a change was in order and I decided on the 380. I'm currently averaging 31.2 mpg with the manual, a mixture of freeway and spirited driving. I'm sure I could hit 33mpg if I tried. The MK8 seems to have a smaller fuel tank than my MK6, but the range is about the same. This MK8 has some big shoes to fill as my MK6 2 door has been an absolute joy to own and drive. So good, I'm not even getting rid of the Mk6 after 215K miles. The only thing I'm a bit jealous of with the 2025 refresh is the more modern headlights and lower grill area, I agree it looks better.
At first when i heard the gli was gonna have the same haptic steering wheel i was pissed. But after using them they're really not thay bad. Atleast u have to put some force in order to trigger the button. Its not like a touch screen on the wheel its more like pressure sensitive. Of course i still prefer physical but its really not that bad imo
Agree completely that the giant screen looks ridiculous in this small hot hatch. And the death of the manual is no bueno. This car used to be so executed so perfectly. Now it’s a hodge podge on the inside. The simple but premium interiors have always been a selling feature. Not now
The haptic feedback buttons on the steering wheel are not nearly as bad as what everyone says. I actually like being able to swipe up and down to increase/decrease my speed. Or the volume swiping left and right.
The problem these days is that the expectation of regular new versions of products means that a new version ( be it a car or a phone) is not necessarily better then the previous one - just different. So you get the situation with this revised Golf where many of the ‘new’ features are actually correcting faults of the previous model.
Actually, that's always been the case. It simply hasn't been as obvious as it is today. Innovation doesn't automatically occur with the year change. In fact, I wish cars and phone would simply stop the fakeness.
@@Brian_Eugene_Lee I actually really like the capacitive buttons on the wheel. And while I’d prefer knobs for both sound & climate, I really don’t have a problem with the current set up. I never use the sliders for climate anyway. I just use the climate short cut, put my finger the line in the climate menu to whenever I want the temp. Easy peasy
Also, for volume I use the multi functional volume capacitive button on the steering wheel, which they’re getting rid of because reviewers just jumped on the band wagon of hating them without spending the time to understand the fact that they’re multifunctional & super easy to use.
I have never been blown away by the looka of the GTI.. I sort of like the Rabbit GTI of the eighties. Then some of the two door versions of the GTI. However none of them have that "WoW" factor including this 8.5. If i was in the market for one. I would go for the 2024 with a stick shift
I much prefer the current front, both the general shape and the fog lights, which both look cool & provide great lighting during night time driving. The straight upper line on the bumper just makes it look pasted on versus being interested into the body.
Relatively good improvement on the exterior although I think an integrated rear LED bar connecting the two rear lights would have been awesome. For me the rear diffusor needed some rework, maybe borrow something from Audi or something. As for interior I absolutely agree with you, gosh that infotainment screen makes my eyes sore 😭... I would have borrowed something close to a range rover tablet style nicely flat-curved on the dash. That would have been cool. And yeah A/C & fan control should be manual. I didn't see the backseat but I hope there are A/C vents and usb ports for the rear passengers. Overall I think VW should hold on production and pay due respect to this iconic vehicle, these so called updates except for the front of the car, are outstandingly crap 🚮 For me the model 7.5 still wins
100% Agree. The capacitive sliders for climate controls need to go. The infotainment screen is also obnoxious. Stop having design students come up with this stupid designs.
I like it, but no manual, no deal. I agree, new screen is not an upgrade. Styling is improved, and buttons are back, but that tacked on screen and no manual... Dang its like they WANT us not to buy it.
If my Mk 7 gets too many miles, it looks like I'm still trying to find another low mile old one. The steering wheel is much better here, but they made the digital dash worse. Give me back real gauges and lose the laptop glued to the dash. Touch screens and bumps don't go together.
I had the GTE, the buttons on the steering wheel needed some adjustment, but after 1-2 months of driving, it felt natural and the ability to slide on the buttons was great, i personally dont like the new 'buttons', i do however agree for the climate -control, that should be physical buttons
They keep it on the same schedule. It is just that in the USA car manufacturers use the marketing gimmick of selling a car saying is from the following year. The car is launched in 2024. Everywhere in the world is a 2024 model, in the USA, they call it 2025.
Screen is terrible. I also want a shifter not a little chip thing. I can drive stick, that said, I'd buy the automatic now or in 2025, but my eGolf is actually fun to drive. It has a shifter and it's fun to use the re-gen controls and it's also just a great place to place your hand. A shifter/lack of (not the missing six-speed) is what is costing VW my business. I'm 57, I have the $ to buy, but the car doesn't feel like a car without a shifter.
New side badges are another example of VW cutting corners to cut costs. They’re making more of the same badges they use for the back instead of making a bespoke badge for the side which actually looks nice. It looks cheap because it is!
I just feel people were making a fuss about the steering wheel, you could just buy an after market polo GTI steering wheel and put it on problem solving, no need to buy a new GTI you're welcome
The GTI has evolved since it s creation.....but not in good way sometimes. this new golf is nice to see but still don t keeps the GTI IDENTIDY....THE REAL ONE. nice redesign they eliminates the useless lines in the headlights but they are not what we are expecting from V W GTA. nice interior but without this FULL 4 K FLAT-SCEEN. i think that the idea behind the front bumper lights is coming from renault megane 4 RS.
Still in awe how bad the pre facelift standard GTI looks. Ugh. They did an good job on the Clubsport and R though. Facelift GTI now looks similar to those
Bravo for the new screen. It is so out of place. Its like you have a laptop on a mount. Disgusting darn it. I was gonna get it but this screen is so appalling, i dont know. Maybe the clubsports will look more intergrated? I hope
Before it looked better. Now it's probably better the style version without optionals like huge screen, lucid roof, led and so on.. maybe it's part of sale strategy to sell more basic versions
They tried to fix something that was way too broken to start with. I'm sorry but this is pathetic. As others have pointed out.. I am of the view that the Mk7.5 was peak GTI! Specifically in terms of looks.
I disagree about the front end. I think the dip makes it more three dimensional as if the core of the car’s volume is pushing forward stretching past the black bands. I think the new design is too flat and the R fangs are just too aggressive. The Golf R and GTI in Mk7 were amazing in how understated they came across. These give it all away. Lastly, I think the Detroit Mk5 wheels happened before Alfa? Thanks for a great video man.
Hated the rear lights before, no change there. The interior was fine before(looks wise at least if not in functionality) but now they plonked that hideous tablet on top..Ugly.
The infotainment usability is greatly improved. However, it is albeit overwhelming when not in use. The Tesla trend. The rear lighting is not unique or special.
A lot of the interior changes are way better but the exterior just seems... lazy. Honestly, current VW is moving away from the unique design elements that have always been present in the GTI generations. It really feels like the designers either don't care or actively dislike those elements and want to move away from them. I say, without those elements, it sorta just stops being a GTI. It's just a powered up Golf
Is it just me but the rear lights outline in the current generation is simply horrible????!!! And they didn´t fix it in the mid life cycle..At least they fixed the front lights design....I have 2 VW cars currently but I am pretty dissapointed with the current design language of the brand.
I think the lower front fascia is just too much. It looks out of proportion and cheap. All that black plastic. Yuck. Most everywhere else I think they improved it. I do hate those side GTI logos though.
Huyndai Ioniq 5 is everything, that Golf needed to be & look like - At least visually! I think VW in general are not doing anything exciting lately - In my opinion, they make cars for older people or try to please too much Chinese consumers. I mean, how else you can explain the uggly fabrics used for seats on R line, with crossing lines like an old mans suit jacket fabric.
Have you heard of people having to pay 60k for replacement batteries on these Ioniq evs? They won't be selling many of them once more people are aware.
It’s interesting because in South Africa, it’s weird if you don’t get the DSG version of the GTI. Everyone wants to hear that “fart” on the upshifts and you don’t get that on the manual. You can’t even get a manual GTI (Golf 8) in South Africa because no one wants it
The new generation wants everything to work as easy as their smartphones and tablets. They will never understand the joy of going around a curvy mountain changing your own gears. Once you experience this you might understand.
MK 7.5 is peak GTI
I have had 3 7.5’s and they have all been brilliant cars
Thanks
I agree with this. The mk7.5 will probably go down as the best GTI ever.
However, I actually think the mk8, in the S trim, was a decent predecessor. I didn’t particularly like the styling and price of the mk8 autobahn & and I don’t think the new facelift is that appealing either.
Not from a driving dynamics perspective it’s not, mk8 is far better
MK8 S trim is the best spec. I love mine!
I think they did great on the exterior redesign. There was too much going on with the old headlights.
New wheels are clearly inspired by the Detroit wheels on the mk5 and mk6 GTIs which is great!
I agree the mk8 headlights looked way too Kia for me. These updated lights look better!
@@Ryan57GarrThe old headlights looked nothing even remotely close to Kia. But what’s wrong with Kia? Their designs are stellar rn.
The new wheels are copies from Alfa Romeo.
Absolutelly agree with you man!
I absolutelly hate the “ipad style” infotainment, is there anyone who really want that? Why anyone should want sticking display from dash??
Right. Like tiping on a phone is forbidden. But touching a 15 inch display while driving is better for your awareness 😂
Exactly. It looks like it belongs to a different car, like a Model 3 or something.
That screen is horrific. It's like they just glued a tablet to the dash. The old one was miles cleaner.
Seems like most brands are getting lazy with interior designs when it comes to the dash. A lot of companies just seem to slap an iPad on and call it a day.
This is why i would never consider those new hondas or genesis or cars with similar interiors like that. I hate the look of just shoving a tablet on the dash and calling it a day. Its so ugly to me.
The new one looks like when you max out the distance between the eyes slider when creating a character
Hilarious dude 🤣🤣🤣
I have a 22 GTI and living with the haptic buttons is much different than reviewing it. Wasn’t an issue and the rest of the car makes up for any lack of
💯. I've had mine for a little over a month only and it maybe took a couple of days to get the layout into muscle memory. I don't think I've ever hit any button accidentally after that. Plus once you are driving you don't really touch anything there except the volume / track skip sliders or activating the cruise control.
Would I prefer actual controls for HVAC? Sure.
Does it make the car any less enjoyable ? Hell nah
I owned a mk5 DSG as my first car/love for 9 years.
Then, a mk7.5 SE manual for 2 years, absolutely loved it, and thought it was peak GTI. The LSD was a gamechanger compared to the mk5.
Purchased a mk8 Autobahn manual 4 months, and trust me, this is peak GTI.
Performance and driving dynamics are better than mk7.5, those who say mk7.5 was the peak have probably not driven a mk8 in manual.
Technology and design wise, the mk8 is also better.
The new touch controls are not as cumbersome as most reviewers claim, and the modern look they provide will keep the mk8 interior design relevant for the years to come. I believe they regressed with the physical buttons on the steering wheel.
The ONLY downsides of the mk8, are the “laggy” infotainment interface, and the fact that it comes without an engine block cover.
Nobody is talking about the drive when saying 7.5 is peak. Its the looks mate
Is also the quality
Golf 7 & 7.5 will go down as the best GTI’s in history.
I much rather prefer my mk6 but i would still agree 😅
Mk5 Golf GTI is the Best
Totally agree, I have owned MK3, MK5, MK7 and MK7.5 and the MK7 was the best. By a TON. The MK7 was perfect balance of old and new technology.
Mk4, mk1, mk7 are my top 3
Mk2 mk1 mk7
The old front had the dip to integrate the number plate. The new one has the number plate just tacked on.
True, but there is more simetry in straight horizontal lines of the updated front end. The dip created unnecessary lines.
See what you mean. The number plate looks like it's hanging
As an owner of the 8 for the last 8 months, the capacitive buttons are fine. I personally really like them.
Plus they’re multi functional, which makes life easier, not harder.
I also think they're much better. I've activated the steering wheel heat twice by accident. Oh no :(
@@nicholasduncan1606
I did it once when I was stopped and trying to get something from the back seat. It destroyed my life 😉
@katiecannon8186 I agree. I have owned my Mk8 since May of last year and I'm completely fine with the capacitive buttons. Since owning the car, I have never touched the heated steering wheel button by accident as well. The only thing that bothers me is trying to adjust the fan speed in the AC while I'm driving. Wished VW could have implemented that built AC controls much earlier. Other than that, I love my MK8.
Yep,@@LordStaind The issue isn't the steering wheel controls... it's the climate control and lack of ESC buttons!!
@@LordStaind
I love my car so much it makes my husband jealous 😮
lol. The GTI is just such a great car.
Wish we got more cool small cars in America.
I am a Porsche 911 owner and collector and I choose to drive a Mk8 GTI as my daily driver. My last daily was a BMW M2C but in reality, the GTI is a far better daily performance car. It flys under the radar and handles razor sharp. I waited to see the MK8.5 and then purchased my Mk8 GTI as the 13” talking screen is ridiculous in a drivers car like the GTI. I like the styling of the Mk8 larger dual headlights better and with the radar hidden behind the badge. I have no problems with the haptic controls on the steering wheel.
Build quality might even be better in my 2024 GTI S than my 2020 M2C. Absolutely no rattling or creeks even in cold weather. The GTI feels so solid and well put together. I have other full size luxury vehicles from BMW in my collection but the DNA in this little GTI takes me back to my earlier air cooled 911 in it’s a drivers car that is pure German simplicity and oozes its German DNA. It doesn’t have vulgar silly wings in add-ons as other cars in the hot hatch category. It just works. Our last few Audi models from a RS3, S4, RS4, were nice but too heavy and rather expensive with annoying tech and mechanical issues always visiting the dealer. AWD might be faster off the line but heavy and less fun in general. The GTI climate control will freeze you out with its air AC and quickly heat up in winter. Set the GTI climate to auto and forget about it in all 4 seasons. Lastly, the GTi is a pure drivers car so once set up you don’t fiddle with the controls short of drive mode “Sport” or “individual”. That is the beauty of the GTI as it doesn’t need to be constantly adjusted like my BMW or Audis. It does what it does better than anything else in its class.
Those GTI letters under the side mirrors wtf.Why?
I hate that trend too. I always like that VW doesn't stamp the name in giant letters all over their cars. VW keeps reversing all the things I always admired about their brand.
Hideous, but at least they can be easily removed
Looks very aftermarket. I think a lot of owners would remove them.
Also moving the acc radar back into the lower grill is a backward step
Moving the acc radar is most likely more cost cutting. @@wynhughes9072
6:59 they remind me more of the wheels on the Mk6 GTI. They had a similar circular shape
Mk5 too
You forgot to talk about the new Radar placement. It was integrated in the badge in the pre-facelift and now resides in the lower grill (like Audis & BMW)
It’s the ugliest part!
Mk.7 early ones had it there too.
Badge integration is so much better in my opinion
Not possible with illuminated badges like this one
The Golf has looked like it has a giant, goofy monobrow for a long while now. It reminds me of Ed from Ed Edd n Eddy. I cannot take that face seriously. 😂
And a gopping great mouth. Still ugly at the front, boring the rest of it.
100%!!!!
Same! That's all I see.
😂😂😂😂
I’m pretty happy with it. I’ll be picking up a 2025 gti at the end of the year
Ok mein fuhr
I love it. Actually mimdblown if anyone doesn't. Looks night and day better
I personally don’t like the new front or the big screen.
But you’ll love it. The chassis & driving dynamics are a stark improvement over the 7/7.5.
And I loved my 7.5.
I would to, if there was a place to place my hand. You know on 500 mile trips I don't drive at "10 and 2" the whole time. My MGB, Volvos, 2g VW golf, Rx-7, Miata, all are in my soul and where I put my hand.
VW definitely lost their way with the MK8 design. Still hate the sloping front end.
Can't impress everybody.
@@RazzmanMK8 you can't please everyone, but I think the MK7 design pleased a lot more than the MK8.
@japanwatchconnection sour grapes about what? I’m into car design and discussing car design on a car design channel. I haven’t owned a car for about 15 years now, and the last car I did own was a MK4 GTI so if you’re trying to insinuate I’m a jealous MK7 owner, you’re wrong. My favourite GTI designs are MK1, MK4, and MK6.
I don't hate the update, however I prefer the 8 over the 8.5 headlights. Especially when it comes to the design of the daylight running lights. The 8.5 got rid of the ultra cool wrap around LED daylight running lights that swoop down and around the outer headlight. I believe these older headlights produced a more premium and sporty feel.
I have a 40th AE, and I have NEVER had an issue with the touch sensitive steering wheel. It's a frickin GTI, so I drive like a maniac, and still no issues. I get that some people may have a different experience with it, but I think too many people made a big deal out of it.
The big screen in the middle looks ridiculous. I like a big screen, but the integration is really disappointing.
The new stock wheels are nice, and the illuminated logo is kind of cool.
I am not a fan of the new front grill, but as with all things, I am sure it will grow on me.
I had a MK8 GTI and loved it. Only relinquished because I got a company car. It drove great and the tech never bothered me.
wow, what a privilege....I work for an automaker and I can't even afford their cheapest new car....so I drive a 25+ year old car that is almost as old as me 😅
They should give me a company car...they make cars afterall 😂
@@fortheloveofnoise I thank my blessings every day, it’s a huge savings on gas and payments, nevermind insurance and property tax
I do not understand the dramatic reviews about the tech. It keeps the car relevant and modern.
Just bought a 24 380-S GTI in Moonstone. The only thing I don't like about the buttons on the steering wheel is their glossiness. They look cheap, but the actual function is fine. Having an S model, I have a volume and tuning knob which I prefer over the other haptic buttons below the bigger screen on the SE and Autobahn models. After driving a MK6 DSG for 11 years I was excited to own a 6 speed manual. After a week of driving, I'm less excited about the manual, but only because I've owned better manuals in past cars. Since I thought my MK6 DSG was good, I'm sure the MK8 DSG would impress me even more but a change was in order and I decided on the 380. I'm currently averaging 31.2 mpg with the manual, a mixture of freeway and spirited driving. I'm sure I could hit 33mpg if I tried. The MK8 seems to have a smaller fuel tank than my MK6, but the range is about the same. This MK8 has some big shoes to fill as my MK6 2 door has been an absolute joy to own and drive. So good, I'm not even getting rid of the Mk6 after 215K miles. The only thing I'm a bit jealous of with the 2025 refresh is the more modern headlights and lower grill area, I agree it looks better.
At first when i heard the gli was gonna have the same haptic steering wheel i was pissed. But after using them they're really not thay bad. Atleast u have to put some force in order to trigger the button. Its not like a touch screen on the wheel its more like pressure sensitive. Of course i still prefer physical but its really not that bad imo
No mate, in a few years the pre facelift will be much more appreciated
That interesting dip makes the front looked designed with the grill built in versus slapped on.
Yes....the GT badge is not in right place. seems added in the last minute.
I like the bump up power to 262hp and cool wheels but i don’t like the big screen interface it’s laptop screen 😂..but
Agree completely that the giant screen looks ridiculous in this small hot hatch. And the death of the manual is no bueno. This car used to be so executed so perfectly. Now it’s a hodge podge on the inside. The simple but premium interiors have always been a selling feature. Not now
The haptic feedback buttons on the steering wheel are not nearly as bad as what everyone says. I actually like being able to swipe up and down to increase/decrease my speed. Or the volume swiping left and right.
The problem these days is that the expectation of regular new versions of products means that a new version ( be it a car or a phone) is not necessarily better then the previous one - just different. So you get the situation with this revised Golf where many of the ‘new’ features are actually correcting faults of the previous model.
Actually, that's always been the case. It simply hasn't been as obvious as it is today. Innovation doesn't automatically occur with the year change. In fact, I wish cars and phone would simply stop the fakeness.
I hate the huge screen. That’s the only thing I agree with you about
@@Brian_Eugene_Lee
I actually really like the capacitive buttons on the wheel.
And while I’d prefer knobs for both sound & climate, I really don’t have a problem with the current set up. I never use the sliders for climate anyway. I just use the climate short cut, put my finger the line in the climate menu to whenever I want the temp. Easy peasy
Also, for volume I use the multi functional volume capacitive button on the steering wheel, which they’re getting rid of because reviewers just jumped on the band wagon of hating them without spending the time to understand the fact that they’re multifunctional & super easy to use.
@@Brian_Eugene_Lee
I’d give up buttons in exchange for integrated screens versus giant tv screens with wheels attached 😉
S trim might be the way to go for the smaller screen, not to mention the cloth plaid seats!
@@joepage5000I agree but I need my sunroof.
Been waiting on this one, since the event lol. I was starting to believe you were going to skip it.
I have never been blown away by the looka of the GTI.. I sort of like the Rabbit GTI of the eighties. Then some of the two door versions of the GTI. However none of them have that "WoW" factor including this 8.5. If i was in the market for one. I would go for the 2024 with a stick shift
I love when you do redesigns! More!
Having a MK8R no need for a volume knob at all. I just dont understand why journalist focus on this.
agree with you, entertainment screen doesn't match the interior, I prefer the last screen
I much prefer the current front, both the general shape and the fog lights, which both look cool & provide great lighting during night time driving.
The straight upper line on the bumper just makes it look pasted on versus being interested into the body.
Relatively good improvement on the exterior although I think an integrated rear LED bar connecting the two rear lights would have been awesome.
For me the rear diffusor needed some rework, maybe borrow something from Audi or something.
As for interior I absolutely agree with you, gosh that infotainment screen makes my eyes sore 😭... I would have borrowed something close to a range rover tablet style nicely flat-curved on the dash. That would have been cool.
And yeah A/C & fan control should be manual. I didn't see the backseat but I hope there are A/C vents and usb ports for the rear passengers.
Overall I think VW should hold on production and pay due respect to this iconic vehicle, these so called updates except for the front of the car, are outstandingly crap 🚮
For me the model 7.5 still wins
The fog lights are gone, despite one of your pictures
100% Agree. The capacitive sliders for climate controls need to go. The infotainment screen is also obnoxious. Stop having design students come up with this stupid designs.
It seems like stricter emission regulations is what’s killing the manuals…
I think a 24 gli autobahn with the 25 gti steering wheel and vents in the rear would be a perfecr car for me.
The new GTi looks really good outside. Inside, the screen is too big and clunky. Sad about the missing manual.
I like it, but no manual, no deal. I agree, new screen is not an upgrade. Styling is improved, and buttons are back, but that tacked on screen and no manual... Dang its like they WANT us not to buy it.
If my Mk 7 gets too many miles, it looks like I'm still trying to find another low mile old one. The steering wheel is much better here, but they made the digital dash worse. Give me back real gauges and lose the laptop glued to the dash. Touch screens and bumps don't go together.
Still lack of physical knobs and buttons to operate main functions, and those horrible high gloss black shiny plastic inserts...
Will you be able to retrofit the 2025 steering wheel with the button controls on a 2023 or 2024 GTI?
It's called haptic, captive, or touch-sensitive. Every button is tactile if you know the definition.
Capacitive, and maybe by tactile he means touch not press
how do you talk about the front end and leave out the massive step back with the sensor in the lower grill again.
You like the Alfa telephone dial wheels? I call that copy-cat.
I had the GTE, the buttons on the steering wheel needed some adjustment, but after 1-2 months of driving, it felt natural and the ability to slide on the buttons was great, i personally dont like the new 'buttons', i do however agree for the climate -control, that should be physical buttons
The screen is a part from another car ID no?
i hated the mk8 grille but this one looks really nice
James on Throttle house just bought the precious spec and now this got announced. I do wonder if he's punching a metric ton of air by now
we waiting for you to talk about new facelift for Chevy Tahoe and suberban
Its the 2024 GTI in Europe. It sucks that they don't keep North American on the same schedule.
They keep it on the same schedule. It is just that in the USA car manufacturers use the marketing gimmick of selling a car saying is from the following year. The car is launched in 2024. Everywhere in the world is a 2024 model, in the USA, they call it 2025.
@@lucasdos3497 Thanks, I can't say that still doesn't suck a little!
中控屏幕真的太突兀了， ID那一套语言毒害了高尔夫
Screen is terrible. I also want a shifter not a little chip thing. I can drive stick, that said, I'd buy the automatic now or in 2025, but my eGolf is actually fun to drive. It has a shifter and it's fun to use the re-gen controls and it's also just a great place to place your hand. A shifter/lack of (not the missing six-speed) is what is costing VW my business. I'm 57, I have the $ to buy, but the car doesn't feel like a car without a shifter.
I can guarantee people will be debadging the GTI on the doors.
Touch buttons aren’t tactile right? (I am not a native speaker). Think they are more like the opposite of tactile. Otherwise great video!
New side badges are another example of VW cutting corners to cut costs. They’re making more of the same badges they use for the back instead of making a bespoke badge for the side which actually looks nice. It looks cheap because it is!
Dude its not the same badge. It would not fit. The surface om the side has another curve than the back if you know what a mean
The new screen blocks road view a bit. But ok.
Does it have fogs?
The new front looks like this: 😬
I just feel people were making a fuss about the steering wheel, you could just buy an after market polo GTI steering wheel and put it on problem solving, no need to buy a new GTI you're welcome
Nice! You should analyze the GTI Clubsport MK7 on my channel! 👍
VW designers: “Lets fuck around and find out”.
GTI stans: 🤦🏻♂️
Dont like the tail light wish the changed that the tail light from golf 7 and 6 was better.
The GTI has evolved since it s creation.....but not in good way sometimes. this new golf is nice to see but still don t keeps the GTI IDENTIDY....THE REAL ONE. nice redesign they eliminates the useless lines in the headlights but they are not what we are expecting from V W GTA. nice interior but without this FULL 4 K FLAT-SCEEN. i think that the idea behind the front bumper lights is coming from renault megane 4 RS.
Still in awe how bad the pre facelift standard GTI looks. Ugh.
They did an good job on the Clubsport and R though. Facelift GTI now looks similar to those
Bravo for the new screen. It is so out of place. Its like you have a laptop on a mount. Disgusting darn it. I was gonna get it but this screen is so appalling, i dont know. Maybe the clubsports will look more intergrated? I hope
1 step forward, 2 steps back 🤦♂️
The MK8 is trash. MK7/7.5 will live on as the best generation.
Before it looked better. Now it's probably better the style version without optionals like huge screen, lucid roof, led and so on.. maybe it's part of sale strategy to sell more basic versions
The screen is annoyingly big
That's the trend nowadays. I'd definitely option for the standard display. But blame Tesla.
No manual or 2 door option. That's not a gti
Both are dead and they won't be coming back. Manuals have no practical advantage anymore. Except for nostalgia.
Please no with the screen. The current SE screen is perfect size.
Honestly I like the old way better
How to destroy an unbeatable classic design ...
Especially that LCD tv that looks like an after thought...
No manual....jeez ....
I agree. They just made my decision much easier. I will be getting the current 380 S with a manual for my next one.
Brilliant thank you
Getting rid of a manual transmission in the GTI, they might as well get rid of the freaking car. It is NOT a GTI without a manual. Sorry.
THE WHEELS ARE A THROWBACK TO THE GOLF MARK 6
They tried to fix something that was way too broken to start with. I'm sorry but this is pathetic. As others have pointed out.. I am of the view that the Mk7.5 was peak GTI! Specifically in terms of looks.
I disagree about the front end. I think the dip makes it more three dimensional as if the core of the car’s volume is pushing forward stretching past the black bands. I think the new design is too flat and the R fangs are just too aggressive. The Golf R and GTI in Mk7 were amazing in how understated they came across. These give it all away. Lastly, I think the Detroit Mk5 wheels happened before Alfa? Thanks for a great video man.
Hated the rear lights before, no change there. The interior was fine before(looks wise at least if not in functionality) but now they plonked that hideous tablet on top..Ugly.
The infotainment usability is greatly improved. However, it is albeit overwhelming when not in use. The Tesla trend. The rear lighting is not unique or special.
Im so pizsed they changed the design from the 7.5 so much. This mk 8 version looks hideous. Like an astra wtf was the design team thinking
Is ridiculous that the MK7 and MK8 GLI still have 228hp 😂😂
Sedans just don't sell that well.
Is the MK8 GLI even announced yet?
A lot of the interior changes are way better but the exterior just seems... lazy. Honestly, current VW is moving away from the unique design elements that have always been present in the GTI generations. It really feels like the designers either don't care or actively dislike those elements and want to move away from them. I say, without those elements, it sorta just stops being a GTI. It's just a powered up Golf
Is it just me but the rear lights outline in the current generation is simply horrible????!!! And they didn´t fix it in the mid life cycle..At least they fixed the front lights design....I have 2 VW cars currently but I am pretty dissapointed with the current design language of the brand.
That lower grill is still a big gapping mess.
Really? What do you think of Lexus, and Genesis?
I think the lower front fascia is just too much. It looks out of proportion and cheap. All that black plastic. Yuck. Most everywhere else I think they improved it. I do hate those side GTI logos though.
New one looks better.
Facelift not redisign
Next year.
Some subtle exterior changes, but they work, and fix some of the earlier criticisms. The interior is much better.
Nice 👍
Rip original gti’s mk1 to mk7.5, mk8 is not a gti anymore.
Only things better are more hp, new wheels, and steering wheel buttons, everything else looks worse especially the giant tacked on ipad.
Huyndai Ioniq 5 is everything, that Golf needed to be & look like - At least visually! I think VW in general are not doing anything exciting lately - In my opinion, they make cars for older people or try to please too much Chinese consumers. I mean, how else you can explain the uggly fabrics used for seats on R line, with crossing lines like an old mans suit jacket fabric.
Have you heard of people having to pay 60k for replacement batteries on these Ioniq evs? They won't be selling many of them once more people are aware.
50k & no hood damper. Lol
50k? Wrong video unless you are outside of the US. It starts at around 32k here.
@@jpizel1070 40.9k base model. GTI Clubsport 46.4k. GTE 42K. Respectively in € here in Germany.
German engineering in da house
I still prefer the MK7.
That screen looks stupid
It’s interesting because in South Africa, it’s weird if you don’t get the DSG version of the GTI. Everyone wants to hear that “fart” on the upshifts and you don’t get that on the manual. You can’t even get a manual GTI (Golf 8) in South Africa because no one wants it
you get the farts on the manual R. Its ok, at least its real sounds. The DSG, I found didnt pick the right gear.
The new generation wants everything to work as easy as their smartphones and tablets. They will never understand the joy of going around a curvy mountain changing your own gears. Once you experience this you might understand.
I like big screens, HOWEVER< in this Golf it needs to reduced to the JEEP Wrangler size!
Looks less depressed now.