On the clubsport your reviewing it doesn't have drift or special but on the specs sheet you show it says you get drift and special is that correct thanks
I mentioned this in the configurator video - VW have used the text for the R Performance Pack when describing the Clubsport Performance Pack - the Clubsport Performance Pack doesn't include a drift mode because I doubt a front wheel drive car can drift. As for special/ring mode, this was reserved for cars with DCC on the Mk8 version as you need to have DCC to have an authentic 'ring mode (although you can have it on the R without DCC which is utterly pointless). If it's included with the Clubsport Performance Pack again it's pointless without DCC (I don't think it is). The text you saw also says the Clubsport gets a larger spoiler with the Performance Pack which again is wrong because all Clubsports get the larger spoiler and there is no larger one. I'd naively expected someone at VW UK to pick up on this and sort out the configurator so they weren't giving misleading info to consumers especially as I emailed someone there about it ages ago but clearly nothing has been done and now the media info/spec sheets are contaminated with it too.
My local dealer in Victoria Australia had just three Mk8 in stock. Black GTI and White And Lapis Blue R. As for 8.5. Yeah, maybe next year sometime? His oldest buyer. 97! He asked me how many more Kms I will put on my Mk5 (100,500l) currently, before buying again. Told him I did not know. At 63 I don't feel the need like I used too. I am retired and feeling a little bit older. A long term health problem (36 years of jt) has taken its toll. Cheers Andrew.
Hi Andrew, thank you for your MK8 and 8.5 videos, I watched all. Based on your reviews and advices I ordered a pure white 8.5 CS (+ DCC, Estoril, Pano, etc.) in early September. My car is already in the country (Hungary), will exchange it for a MK7 GTI in two weeks time. I didn't like the idea of having DCC initially, but you convinced me. Thank you again!
Falking 💩 up wise the mk7 2014/15 DSG remains the hardest like Ducati bro Not unless they match the $900 bang and olufson sound system in audi I won't get one again. That shitt bangZ hard
I have a late Mk8 GTI the infotainment system has no glitches whatsoever the haptic steering wheel…yes very Occasionally you may turn on the heating, but other than that, what a super of car plenty of power for the UK roads I wouldn’t swap it for anything else….. mind you I am 62!!!!!
Paul, thanks for the feedback, I spent a lot of time with a Mk8 GTI in August driving it across Germany, into Berlin and all the way to the UK and it was flawless and I didn't manage to turn the heated wheel on (though it was maybe to warm to activate). Likewise with my 8 Clubsport, after the first few drives I never did it again.
Like everything else it just takes getting used to that eventually u don’t notice it anymore. Having said that my heated wheel automatically turns on when I start the car I’m assuming that’s based on surrounding ambient temps now that it’s colder? Haven’t had a chance to tinker with that but if so the threshold for triggering is kinda too low ie turns on when it’s barely cold so that I have to manually turn off.
I had the opportunity to test drive both 8.5 R and CS today and was surprised by the differences. I found the CS suspensions more composed, still firm but filtering very well and keeping a good amount of comfort. On the other hand I did found the R suspensions very harsh and giving an uncomfortable car. Also the precision of front axle and grip of the CS much better than the R. Honestly except if you are leaving in a very snowy area… to me the CS is a much enjoyable car for every day
I was eagerly awaiting your video Andrew, a great watch once again 👍 I have a new CS on order, to replace my 2021 MK8 CS. I was hesitant about ordering one, as my MK8 has been a very good car and it is still very fresh with low miles. But the little 8.5 tweaks and upgrades persuaded me to go for it! It certainly looks like they’ve addressed the main pain points from the MK8, and I always thought the exterior black bits should have been gloss black to mark the car out as something a bit more special than the standard GTI. Just a pity those horrid Richmonds are still standard and it’d have been nice if they put a Clubsport badge on it somewhere…
As the owner of a nicely modded MK7 GTI, I’m compelled to comment that I’m so glad I bought my GTI when I did. With all due respect, the cockpit and interface of the 8 & 8.5 are just so unappealing to me. I recently drove a new 8 Autobahn manual. Really liked the drive and the trans but I also inadvertently activated the heated wheel which I found really annoying. Love my 7 with simple analog gauges and a simple effective digital display in between. So classy and functional!!
Had a mk7 they are dated now compare to mk8 the mk 8 interior looks amazing especially at night with all the mood lighting etc and digital dash options way better.
Wow, the bug is so tiny! I wish the golf was 1,000lbs lighter. For me, FWD just can't cope with the power I'm going to put through it, so has to be the R, S3 or RS3. I had the S3 and modded it a bunch, and now have a GR Corolla, but I'll come back eventually to an S3 or RS3 most likely, then mod that...
My GTI mk8 Clubsport with DCC is the best car I've owned. It's so comfortable and really fun. Saying that, I would switch to the standard GTi with DCC next, as I like the styling tweaks and also the more understated look. Also, I really like the new warmenau allloys
I think that’s subjective but you are probably right and it’s better in material quality but @ as for how they are screwed together they are pretty similar. The fixed headrest seats are a bit racier in mk8 but the Up! had those because they were cheap so it’s a clever move to make them look like added value.
Great video, I’m a GTI fan after owning an R & a TCR, I’m going to hang on to the TCR for a bit longer because I know I’ll get seller’s remorse, but I think I’ll get a CS in the future. Never really fancied a red GTI but this spec look fantastic.
Andrew, this was a timely review for me. My ‘13 MK6 is in the shop, just under 100k miles but I think time to upgrade. I was between a new GTI and pre-owned Audi tts Your video has helped me make the decision for GTI, still waiting for the 2025’s in the US. Cheers
I’ve always appreciated every VW that’s been produced. I much prefer my 7.5, simply because of the more automotive looking dashboard. The newer models look more like someone glued a laptop to the dash. Plus, I still have a traditional dsg shift knob. But that’s just one old guy’s opinion. Thanks, Rick….. 🌴
It is great that VW are giving us what feels like a last hurrah of hot hatches. The 8.5 GTI/R are surely the last ICE hot Golfs. Hopefully collecting my R Black Ed before Christmas, fingers crossed. It's gonna be tight, being built on the 18th Nov.
I really like the look of the 8.5 CS but I'm not really fond of the "blackish" tail lights especially with the red paint. I'd rather have simple dark red lights in the back
I have an Rline, and really fancy the new clubsport I think the R is a the better package no doubt all round, but for fun looks and the gti heritage the clubsport is more rare and better looking package… 😊 great vid wish you’d given your choice though Andrew which would you buy? Haha. Shame they’re so expensive might have to wait a year for used ones to filter through save a few k.
Well Butch that’s an expansive question. The R Black Edition is an amazing package and loving rurally the AWD may be useful if it snows but for the rest of the time it’s unnecessary weight and expense. Plus the R’s immense traction make you drive faster and I don’t need that temptation right now. It’s a tight one but CS is stronger now than before too and the better choice of colours just swings it for me
@ thanks I mean the standard Gti would save me money and be more than fast enough but I like the cs looks wheels and styling more ha an R is to much for our roads I don’t even use the power of my Rline anymore to much traffic and speed cameras etc .. hopefully prices will drop to mid 30s on used ones after a year or so.. when my warranty runs out :)
145 CS registered on the road today Go onto in the DVLA, I’m not making it up I’d rather have something exclusive and rare on the the road than follow the crowd
Great review as always Andrew. Would you pick the black edition R or a highly spec'd S3? Believe it or not the S3 with nearly every option in Ireland is approximately €84k and the Black edition R with paint, psn roof and wheel upgrade is the same price....
It’s tricky, the R is a cult car while the S3 is pretty anonymous but to drive they are very similar. The main benefit of R is ability to spec DCC on its own while on s3 it needs to be a vorsprung. But then countering that colour choice on S3 is huge while R has just 3 and interior is nicer on Audi. I honestly don’t know which makes me look at Clubsport which then makes me look at GTI 265 (and then I give up 😵💫)
CS for me although both are fun. I'd still be off to Racing Line for the better Air Filter/Hose mod and a Gas Strut. Still boring engine cover though..
in R they moved filler for the screenwash because R has additional coolant radiator on the driver side (have two on both sides). Clubsport has only one additional coolant radiator, Normal GTI does not have any (additional)
With mk7 R, dsg had a cooler each side under headlights while manual just had one. I’ve looked at my footage and can see an auxiliary cooler on right of CS and left grille looks solid so that would make sense. Wonder why they don’t just use the R filler location on single cooler cars?
For an unknown reason (cost cutting?), in the mk8 and mk8.5 they deleted the dsg cooler in GTI models. I have a Leon Cupra mk3 FWD dsg, and it has dsg cooler. The new mk4 Cupra Leon don't have it.
Hi, Andrew, I collected my 8.5 GTI last thursday, absolutely love it, I get the same feeling from it as I did from my Mk7, but I was disappointed to find that it does not have an oil dipstick, the tube is there, but it’s capped off! 😡, are the CS and R the same?? Presumably they are?
@@RandomAccessMemorylossindeed they have, it does look like the tube would simply accept the Mk8 dipstick, but I’d be worried to try without more research.
Glad you like it but dipstick is an odd one! Does it have a digital level display? You can always by a dipstick. I think the reason they go digital is because it only allows you to check the oil when it’s correct to do so. Many people overfill as they check when cold and level should be checked hot when oil has expanded.
@@volkswizard yes it does have a digital oil measure, but I’d like to be able to check myself if need be, the M135i was the same! Kind of annoying. 🤨 but I get why they do it as you say, it looks like the cap will simply unclip from the tube and a dipstick could be added, I’d just be nervous that something has changed and it might cause damage?! Would maybe need a bit of research first I guess.
Thanks for the review, Andrew! As far, as I understand, technically 8.5R in the same as 8R 20 years anniversary edition ? With 333 hp, anti-lag turbo, "emotional start", etc.. ?
Great video thank you Andrew Of the two what one would you drive home I would probably go with the R black. But in all honesty the 265 GTI has got to be the best all rounder bang for your bucks. Out of the mk5 mk6 mk7 mk8-8.5 of these what is your favourite nostalgic generation VDub :)
I’d go Clubsport 8.5, it’s so exciting and feisty, when the diff hooks up and both front wheels are just slightly over speeding it’s such a buzz! If I’m being nostalgic mk5 but older the better, Mk1 is such a charmer even if dynamically pretty flawed
@@whatthe6532 I'm a Mk7 golf r owner and with the mk8 I just decided to go stage 3 instead of upgrading the car as the interior was so disappointing. Now I was deciding for the 8.5 and it seems worse so I might just go S3 or rs3 instead.
Unfortunately vehicles in general have gotten too expensive. I'm replacing my 2012 S4 that I bought new for 57k on with an R because I don't want to spent 75k on a new one. The problem though is that the golf platform is inherently cheap. The door sound when opening and closing is disappointing. There is no handle on the inside of th rear Hatch to pull it closed. The steering wheel looks super cheap. Rear door cards are hard plastic... etc. It's not a 50k car... but there's not much in this price point that has this level of performance. So yours caught between a rock and a hard place.
Just keep your 2012 S4! It's just run-in after all. Is it the model with the glorious naturally aspirated V8? VW Audi products run easily for 30+ years.
They’ve both got the same engine code so it’s the very same engine in 8.5 Clubsport and R. I’ve seen the DAP video on GTI & R differences and that was Mk7 but also GTI & R so not Clubsport/TCR engine vs R. So not relevant to these cars even if the differences in Mk7 are the same in 8.5
Back in the VR6 days the Golf VR6 was a bit of a sleeper and with the 1996 facelift looked like a GL (no arch trims of GTI) . Then we had the V6 4motion with its wood inlays. This gave VW the chance to make mk4 R32 sportier. But from mk5 the R32 was the only V6 and from then it backed off the swagger a bit. 6 was better but 7 avoiding lapiz blue was stealthy, I mean it had silver bumper inlays and no honeycomb which was only for GTI. For mk8 vw realised the profit potential from R models across the range and really pushed them but in marketing and hardware (drift mode) but the GTI Clubsport always looked better to me & got the spoiler that was optional on R.
Pity the club sport is in red as hard to pick out the frt grill red pin stripes The lapis blue in the r always suits these Biggest gripe is the horrible cheap looking steering wheel, defo find 1 in a caddy van
I paid £32k for my new CS in 2021 so I'm not inclined to spend £10k more on a basic 8.5 but I have to accept £32k is unrealistic 3 high inflation years later and with the 10-15% discounts readily available off these cars and the improvements that come with the facelift I could be tempted but keep on coming back to the 265 GTI which has improved quite a bit from 8 to 8.5
I love the way the Clubsport loses a bit of traction when you accelerate. It makes it more fun! Still loving my MK8 GTI Clubsport, but I think I'll have a look at getting a MK 8.5! All the small improvements appear to add up to a lot.
Totally agree! My theory was that the back doors should have a 'CUP' decal on them as the Clubsport was going to be called CUP almost until the time it was launched (the bumpers had hidden stickers on them that called them 'CUP' bumpers!). And Mk7 Clubsport had that on the doors so it made sense they'd do something similar with Mk8 especially as it doesn't say Clubsport anywhere on the car without it. However you'd think with the facelift they'd have sorted this out but no
I didn’t notice any difference in shift calibration. Both were super smooth during full throttle shifts. I don’t recall fan from R20 but it was nearly 2 years ago so might be me 😅
I try and keep my opinions objective as much as possible but it’s hard not to be impressed by the presence of the Clubsport on Warmenau 19s and an uplifting colour - R would be much more appealing if we could choose from more than the 3 most boring colours ever 🤷🏼♂️
Great video as always Andrew. Me and my 2 and half year old son had a great time watching and it must have been good as you can imagine he never sits down for 30 minutes normally!
The Clubsport is actually the better looking model. They should give the CS 4WD and can the R. I don't see the point of the R with a 4 cylinder engine.
If I had to choose a daily I’d honestly go for the clubsport, looks inside & out I prefer the gti, the R for top model really doesn’t do it for me especially on the interior design, literally no difference to a R line. Besides 20bhp & importantly 4wd it’s the only difference & someone that’s not too bothered about it & enjoyed mk7.5 performance I think the clubsport would do it for me. Gti for me is more fun. R very boring to drive.
I think it’s a fair bit stronger as 8.5 which I wasn’t expecting as engine ostensibly unchanged but more aggressive front & back, screen & wheel sorted inside and it’s very complete BUT needs DCC & 19s
Clubsport for me too. As an owner of a Mk8 CS, DCC, leather, pano, HK sound, the rarity of the CS is what I like. There are too many R’s and standard GTIs on the road
For that kind of money, nobody should be choosing a FWD platform. Even the Golf R, with AWD, is too expensive. To choose a FWD GTI for the same price is insane!! I don’t care how good it handles.
Why would you want seats that are too cold in winter and too hot in summer? So need addressing. And performance wise offer less hold ability grip. Not to mention looking like some Boris cuntry club.
I'd go the clubsport. Prefer 18" wheels and there seems to be a tad more 'involvement' in the driving experience. Hopefully less desirable to thieves also 😬
As a potential purchaser, I’m still confused. Sat through this whole painful review. Which one is the better all rounder?? I want a solid verdict!! No conclusion at the end - very frustrating. I’ll stick with Joe Achilles…
Don’t get 300bhp in a front wheel driven car, traction is terrible, just don’t get the gti when you can spend a couple more grand and get the r with 4 wheel drive, just no comparison, gti fan boys need to grow a pair a get the r, like me haha
Both are DNF engine code so differences will be ancillaries such as oil cooler, intercooler etc. I’ve seen the screenwash filler in different places on 7/7.5 with CJX, say Mk7 Clubsport & R but can’t remember why
@ having watched a video with the 7.5 golf R and 7.5 GTI they looked identical apart from certain materials seemed to be of better quality in the R or slight size differences. Maybe that’s the same here or maybe not knowing car manufacturers cutting costs so much lately
That's a good question! The CSS is manual so never feels as quick even though it probably is but speed doesn't equate to driving pleasure. Aside from that, on the road assuming 8.5 CS has DCC there isn't much in it. On the track it's a different story as the CSS is 1285 kg so that nearly the difference between the Mk8.5 Clubsport and the Mk8.5 GTE and if you've driven a GTE you will know that 200 kg makes a big difference. On the track you are moving weight around all the time and weight savings make a massive difference so CSS would be more pleasurable but 8.5 CS I am sure would still be good (my Mk8 CS was). I drove my CSS on track recently for the first time with its original lightweight Pretoria wheels rather than Racingline R360 wheels and it felt massively more agile. I am sure the new Warmenau wheels are a similar weight to Pretoria but the rest of the 8.5 will be discernably heftier. It's got bigger brakes which helps but they add weight too!
I’ve got no idea what the average PCP deposit is but I think VW might have - that was the deposit figure they quoted in their example finance quote for the R Black Edition
But then again if you can use AWD properly say in the Alps or Scottish highlands especially with winter or all season tyres then R is worth the weight & price premium
@@volkswizard I love cs. It looks, is fast but I woild like to try new R with torque vectoring, I don't know why but prefer VW (golf) over any other rivals
On the clubsport your reviewing it doesn't have drift or special but on the specs sheet you show it says you get drift and special is that correct thanks
I mentioned this in the configurator video - VW have used the text for the R Performance Pack when describing the Clubsport Performance Pack - the Clubsport Performance Pack doesn't include a drift mode because I doubt a front wheel drive car can drift. As for special/ring mode, this was reserved for cars with DCC on the Mk8 version as you need to have DCC to have an authentic 'ring mode (although you can have it on the R without DCC which is utterly pointless). If it's included with the Clubsport Performance Pack again it's pointless without DCC (I don't think it is). The text you saw also says the Clubsport gets a larger spoiler with the Performance Pack which again is wrong because all Clubsports get the larger spoiler and there is no larger one. I'd naively expected someone at VW UK to pick up on this and sort out the configurator so they weren't giving misleading info to consumers especially as I emailed someone there about it ages ago but clearly nothing has been done and now the media info/spec sheets are contaminated with it too.
@@volkswizard I have left it with the dealer who is in contact with vw but dont think it will get me anywhere
Equipment details
GTI Performance package
Price Price
£3,280
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Alloy wheels 19" 'Estoril' with Black diamond-turned surface
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Electronic maximum speed limit inc to 270km/h includes driving modes 'drift & special' with larger spoiler
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R Performance 'Akrapovic' exhaust system, rear muffler in titanium
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Tyres 235/35 R19
My local dealer in Victoria Australia had just three Mk8 in stock. Black GTI and White And Lapis Blue R. As for 8.5. Yeah, maybe next year sometime? His oldest buyer. 97! He asked me how many more Kms I will put on my Mk5 (100,500l) currently, before buying again. Told him I did not know. At 63 I don't feel the need like I used too. I am retired and feeling a little bit older. A long term health problem (36 years of jt) has taken its toll. Cheers Andrew.
Mk5 still feels modern so I can understand the not feeling the need Philip. And with less chance of rust in AUS why buy a newer one?
Hi Andrew, thank you for your MK8 and 8.5 videos, I watched all. Based on your reviews and advices I ordered a pure white 8.5 CS (+ DCC, Estoril, Pano, etc.) in early September. My car is already in the country (Hungary), will exchange it for a MK7 GTI in two weeks time. I didn't like the idea of having DCC initially, but you convinced me. Thank you again!
i don’t know what it is, but i still feel like my Mk 7.5 Golf R is still peek VW
I can understand that but that clever rear differential on 8/8.5 is so much better than Haldex on 4-7.5
Falking 💩 up wise the mk7 2014/15 DSG remains the hardest like Ducati bro
Not unless they match the $900 bang and olufson sound system in audi I won't get one again. That shitt bangZ hard
I traded mine for RS3
That’s called cope 😂
I have a late Mk8 GTI the infotainment system has no glitches whatsoever the haptic steering wheel…yes very
Occasionally you may turn on the heating, but other than that, what a super of car plenty of power for the UK roads I wouldn’t swap it for anything else….. mind you I am 62!!!!!
Paul, thanks for the feedback, I spent a lot of time with a Mk8 GTI in August driving it across Germany, into Berlin and all the way to the UK and it was flawless and I didn't manage to turn the heated wheel on (though it was maybe to warm to activate). Likewise with my 8 Clubsport, after the first few drives I never did it again.
Like everything else it just takes getting used to that eventually u don’t notice it anymore. Having said that my heated wheel automatically turns on when I start the car I’m assuming that’s based on surrounding ambient temps now that it’s colder? Haven’t had a chance to tinker with that but if so the threshold for triggering is kinda too low ie turns on when it’s barely cold so that I have to manually turn off.
I had the opportunity to test drive both 8.5 R and CS today and was surprised by the differences. I found the CS suspensions more composed, still firm but filtering very well and keeping a good amount of comfort. On the other hand I did found the R suspensions very harsh and giving an uncomfortable car. Also the precision of front axle and grip of the CS much better than the R. Honestly except if you are leaving in a very snowy area… to me the CS is a much enjoyable car for every day
I was eagerly awaiting your video Andrew, a great watch once again 👍
I have a new CS on order, to replace my 2021 MK8 CS. I was hesitant about ordering one, as my MK8 has been a very good car and it is still very fresh with low miles. But the little 8.5 tweaks and upgrades persuaded me to go for it!
It certainly looks like they’ve addressed the main pain points from the MK8, and I always thought the exterior black bits should have been gloss black to mark the car out as something a bit more special than the standard GTI. Just a pity those horrid Richmonds are still standard and it’d have been nice if they put a Clubsport badge on it somewhere…
As the owner of a nicely modded MK7 GTI, I’m compelled to comment that I’m so glad I bought my GTI when I did. With all due respect, the cockpit and interface of the 8 & 8.5 are just so unappealing to me. I recently drove a new 8 Autobahn manual. Really liked the drive and the trans but I also inadvertently activated the heated wheel which I found really annoying. Love my 7 with simple analog gauges and a simple effective digital display in between. So classy and functional!!
Yeah. The interior is rediculous looking.
Had a mk7 they are dated now compare to mk8 the mk 8 interior looks amazing especially at night with all the mood lighting etc and digital dash options way better.
@@GethinJamesno it not it’s huge upgrade.
Huge upgrade golf 8 is the best
Wow, the bug is so tiny! I wish the golf was 1,000lbs lighter. For me, FWD just can't cope with the power I'm going to put through it, so has to be the R, S3 or RS3. I had the S3 and modded it a bunch, and now have a GR Corolla, but I'll come back eventually to an S3 or RS3 most likely, then mod that...
My GTI mk8 Clubsport with DCC is the best car I've owned. It's so comfortable and really fun. Saying that, I would switch to the standard GTi with DCC next, as I like the styling tweaks and also the more understated look. Also, I really like the new warmenau allloys
The club sport looks so much better inside and out 😊
I'm a tiny minority but..... I still think the interior of the 7.5 is better quality, more stylish and attractive. 🤔🤷
I think that’s subjective but you are probably right and it’s better in material quality but @ as for how they are screwed together they are pretty similar. The fixed headrest seats are a bit racier in mk8 but the Up! had those because they were cheap so it’s a clever move to make them look like added value.
@volkswizard oh, and thank you Andrew, much anticipated compare. Still second half next year I think before they are released down under.🇦🇺.
The 7.5 is peak Golf, particularly in 3 door form.
You're not in the minority at all. I'm in the same camp as you!
It’s not. Definitely not
Great video, I’m a GTI fan after owning an R & a TCR, I’m going to hang on to the TCR for a bit longer because I know I’ll get seller’s remorse, but I think I’ll get a CS in the future. Never really fancied a red GTI but this spec look fantastic.
Andrew, this was a timely review for me. My ‘13 MK6 is in the shop, just under 100k miles but I think time to upgrade. I was between a new GTI and pre-owned Audi tts Your video has helped me make the decision for GTI, still waiting for the 2025’s in the US. Cheers
I’ve always appreciated every VW that’s been produced. I much prefer my 7.5, simply because of the more automotive looking dashboard. The newer models look more like someone glued a laptop to the dash. Plus, I still have a traditional dsg shift knob. But that’s just one old guy’s opinion. Thanks, Rick….. 🌴
It is great that VW are giving us what feels like a last hurrah of hot hatches. The 8.5 GTI/R are surely the last ICE hot Golfs.
Hopefully collecting my R Black Ed before Christmas, fingers crossed. It's gonna be tight, being built on the 18th Nov.
👍
always a spot on review i'v brought two GTI's now and use andrew's vids as a referance 10/10
I really like the look of the 8.5 CS but I'm not really fond of the "blackish" tail lights especially with the red paint. I'd rather have simple dark red lights in the back
Gotta be the Clubsport for me, R's are everywhere
I have an Rline, and really fancy the new clubsport I think the R is a the better package no doubt all round, but for fun looks and the gti heritage the clubsport is more rare and better looking package… 😊 great vid wish you’d given your choice though Andrew which would you buy? Haha. Shame they’re so expensive might have to wait a year for used ones to filter through save a few k.
Well Butch that’s an expansive question. The R Black Edition is an amazing package and loving rurally the AWD may be useful if it snows but for the rest of the time it’s unnecessary weight and expense. Plus the R’s immense traction make you drive faster and I don’t need that temptation right now. It’s a tight one but CS is stronger now than before too and the better choice of colours just swings it for me
@ thanks I mean the standard Gti would save me money and be more than fast enough but I like the cs looks wheels and styling more ha an R is to much for our roads I don’t even use the power of my Rline anymore to much traffic and speed cameras etc .. hopefully prices will drop to mid 30s on used ones after a year or so.. when my warranty runs out :)
@@volkswizard after seeing a blue R in the showroom today I think the R is now my fave
still gonna keep my tcr dont want an i pad stuck on my dash good comparason
As long as you like the video that’s ok with me👍👍
145 CS registered on the road today
Go onto in the DVLA, I’m not making it up
I’d rather have something exclusive and rare on the the road than follow the crowd
Nice cars. How do you find the ground clearance of the mk8 gti? Any problems on ramps, speed bumps and potholes? How it compares to the regular golf?
It’s probably a bit lower but compared to my GT4 it feels like a monster truck 😅Seriously it’s fine 👍
Great review as always Andrew. Would you pick the black edition R or a highly spec'd S3?
Believe it or not the S3 with nearly every option in Ireland is approximately €84k and the Black edition R with paint, psn roof and wheel upgrade is the same price....
It’s tricky, the R is a cult car while the S3 is pretty anonymous but to drive they are very similar. The main benefit of R is ability to spec DCC on its own while on s3 it needs to be a vorsprung. But then countering that colour choice on S3 is huge while R has just 3 and interior is nicer on Audi. I honestly don’t know which makes me look at Clubsport which then makes me look at GTI 265 (and then I give up 😵💫)
@volkswizard yeah the S3 has a way more premium feel and a few buttons! Although it's missing the front badge with is the strangest decision...
@@davidbrady1551S3 if same price for the interior.
Great review Andrew the clubsport suits Kings Red so well So glad VW are Continuing with their performance vehicles
Thanks Jay, amen to that 🙏
CS for me although both are fun. I'd still be off to Racing Line for the better Air Filter/Hose mod and a Gas Strut. Still boring engine cover though..
in R they moved filler for the screenwash because R has additional coolant radiator on the driver side (have two on both sides). Clubsport has only one additional coolant radiator, Normal GTI does not have any (additional)
With mk7 R, dsg had a cooler each side under headlights while manual just had one. I’ve looked at my footage and can see an auxiliary cooler on right of CS and left grille looks solid so that would make sense. Wonder why they don’t just use the R filler location on single cooler cars?
@@volkswizard no idea..., maybe to balance the car?
For an unknown reason (cost cutting?), in the mk8 and mk8.5 they deleted the dsg cooler in GTI models.
I have a Leon Cupra mk3 FWD dsg, and it has dsg cooler. The new mk4 Cupra Leon don't have it.
Great review! The front of the R is mean. I like that! The GTI CS looks great, greater maybe in black!
Thank you for making this Video. Your enthusiasm in the Clubsport says it all I think 😎.
Hi, Andrew, I collected my 8.5 GTI last thursday, absolutely love it, I get the same feeling from it as I did from my Mk7, but I was disappointed to find that it does not have an oil dipstick, the tube is there, but it’s capped off! 😡, are the CS and R the same?? Presumably they are?
What the …? They copied bmw??
@@RandomAccessMemorylossindeed they have, it does look like the tube would simply accept the Mk8 dipstick, but I’d be worried to try without more research.
Glad you like it but dipstick is an odd one! Does it have a digital level display? You can always by a dipstick. I think the reason they go digital is because it only allows you to check the oil when it’s correct to do so. Many people overfill as they check when cold and level should be checked hot when oil has expanded.
@@volkswizard yes it does have a digital oil measure, but I’d like to be able to check myself if need be, the M135i was the same! Kind of annoying. 🤨 but I get why they do it as you say, it looks like the cap will simply unclip from the tube and a dipstick could be added, I’d just be nervous that something has changed and it might cause damage?! Would maybe need a bit of research first I guess.
New Tiguan petrol engines are the same - it has an electronic oil level display tho
Thanks for the review, Andrew! As far, as I understand, technically 8.5R in the same as 8R 20 years anniversary edition ? With 333 hp, anti-lag turbo, "emotional start", etc.. ?
Agreed about the similarity with the R20, forgot about the emotional start gimmick!
Great video thank you Andrew
Of the two what one would you drive home
I would probably go with the R black.
But in all honesty the 265 GTI has got to be the best all rounder bang for your bucks.
Out of the mk5 mk6 mk7 mk8-8.5 of these what is your favourite nostalgic generation
VDub :)
I’d go Clubsport 8.5, it’s so exciting and feisty, when the diff hooks up and both front wheels are just slightly over speeding it’s such a buzz! If I’m being nostalgic mk5 but older the better, Mk1 is such a charmer even if dynamically pretty flawed
Over 40k and no bonnet struts , what a joke
The front of the R version is awful. The cs looks much nicer.
I’m sure others will disagree (but I don’t 😉)
All VW look the same😂😂😂
VW designers have lost their minds. They just keep piling lipstick on a pig. Yours sincerely a mk7 owner.
@@whatthe6532 I'm a Mk7 golf r owner and with the mk8 I just decided to go stage 3 instead of upgrading the car as the interior was so disappointing. Now I was deciding for the 8.5 and it seems worse so I might just go S3 or rs3 instead.
@@gimmegaming5345rock and a hard place. Unfortunately current Audi3 dash is blocky. Not their best work.
Good review….as a resident of North Oxfordshire…I can relate to the “crappy B road” comment!
Great video and lovely cars - thank you Andrew. I think the R edges it for me...just
Brilliant video Andrew! Really enjoyed that one. Would love to see some R estate content if you can get your hands on one!
I'm curious would you take either of these over the facelift a35h?
Both are fantastic and very sharp looking cars!
Unfortunately vehicles in general have gotten too expensive. I'm replacing my 2012 S4 that I bought new for 57k on with an R because I don't want to spent 75k on a new one. The problem though is that the golf platform is inherently cheap. The door sound when opening and closing is disappointing. There is no handle on the inside of th rear Hatch to pull it closed. The steering wheel looks super cheap. Rear door cards are hard plastic... etc. It's not a 50k car... but there's not much in this price point that has this level of performance. So yours caught between a rock and a hard place.
Just keep your 2012 S4! It's just run-in after all. Is it the model with the glorious naturally aspirated V8? VW Audi products run easily for 30+ years.
You can see where VW cut more corners in the interior, which is a shame as I was highly expecting the 8.5 to be a perfect option for me
Nice one! :), hope my mk85R will be fun tomorrow 🤩
What amazing timing ! Hope this keeps you satisfied until the real thing tomorrow. ENJOY!
@@volkswizard Yes!, will go early to bed today! 🤣
I would love to move into a Clubsport at some point in the future.
the engines do not only differ by software.
the r engine has a different alloy used in the cylinder head and the pistons.
They’ve both got the same engine code so it’s the very same engine in 8.5 Clubsport and R. I’ve seen the DAP video on GTI & R differences and that was Mk7 but also GTI & R so not Clubsport/TCR engine vs R. So not relevant to these cars even if the differences in Mk7 are the same in 8.5
I had no idea that the front looked so average on the R and so aggressive on the CS
Back in the VR6 days the Golf VR6 was a bit of a sleeper and with the 1996 facelift looked like a GL (no arch trims of GTI) . Then we had the V6 4motion with its wood inlays. This gave VW the chance to make mk4 R32 sportier. But from mk5 the R32 was the only V6 and from then it backed off the swagger a bit. 6 was better but 7 avoiding lapiz blue was stealthy, I mean it had silver bumper inlays and no honeycomb which was only for GTI. For mk8 vw realised the profit potential from R models across the range and really pushed them but in marketing and hardware (drift mode) but the GTI Clubsport always looked better to me & got the spoiler that was optional on R.
Pity the club sport is in red as hard to pick out the frt grill red pin stripes
The lapis blue in the r always suits these
Biggest gripe is the horrible cheap looking steering wheel, defo find 1 in a caddy van
Nice review but none of them anymore, they are too expensive now. Both of them....
I paid £32k for my new CS in 2021 so I'm not inclined to spend £10k more on a basic 8.5 but I have to accept £32k is unrealistic 3 high inflation years later and with the 10-15% discounts readily available off these cars and the improvements that come with the facelift I could be tempted but keep on coming back to the 265 GTI which has improved quite a bit from 8 to 8.5
I love the way the Clubsport loses a bit of traction when you accelerate. It makes it more fun! Still loving my MK8 GTI Clubsport, but I think I'll have a look at getting a MK 8.5! All the small improvements appear to add up to a lot.
I don’t understand why the decals don’t extend to the rear doors on the Clubsport - looks odd
Totally agree! My theory was that the back doors should have a 'CUP' decal on them as the Clubsport was going to be called CUP almost until the time it was launched (the bumpers had hidden stickers on them that called them 'CUP' bumpers!). And Mk7 Clubsport had that on the doors so it made sense they'd do something similar with Mk8 especially as it doesn't say Clubsport anywhere on the car without it. However you'd think with the facelift they'd have sorted this out but no
Very split on these two, I’d love to have either one.
Are the shifts in the R “more aggressive” like in the 20 years edition?
I didn’t notice any difference in shift calibration. Both were super smooth during full throttle shifts. I don’t recall fan from R20 but it was nearly 2 years ago so might be me 😅
from what I've heard from the review, shifts are not aggressive in manual mode like it was in R20. In automatic - they're the same standard ones.
Excellent content Andrew - CS with 19s and adjustable damping for me 🥳🎯🏆🏎
Good choice sir 😎
Seats in the Cs don’t look great either a bit dull prefer the tartan or clubsport mk7 seats they did
Would have liked to have seen a bit of the estate that was in the background
Filler position between GTI & R is same on the Mk7 - not sure why it's different though.
I agree with you Andrew I’d go with a nice spec club sport looks better 👊🏻👍🏻👍🏻
I try and keep my opinions objective as much as possible but it’s hard not to be impressed by the presence of the Clubsport on Warmenau 19s and an uplifting colour - R would be much more appealing if we could choose from more than the 3 most boring colours ever 🤷🏼♂️
I know it’s not your thing but would love to see you do a video and drive of a classic Beetle, a nice well maintained original example
I’ll drive & review any VW. It’s just a question of time and practicality. I can ask if I can drive that very Beetle, you never know 😎
Cant wait for my 8.5R blue ❤
Great video as always Andrew. Me and my 2 and half year old son had a great time watching and it must have been good as you can imagine he never sits down for 30 minutes normally!
Wow that is a stern test keeping the attention of a 2.5 year old! Glad you both enjoyed it 👍
Is better to Waite for golf R 2025 than buy 2024 in US as we not have the club version in US , what you think ?
hi you enjoy your info; does anyone know if USA get same specs or if there are major changes (usually to the less:
The front bend of the new GTI looks over designed to me. The hooks in the grille are strange
Hope they will make an Clubsport Version of the R in 2025
The Clubsport is actually the better looking model.
They should give the CS 4WD and can the R.
I don't see the point of the R with a 4 cylinder engine.
If I had to choose a daily I’d honestly go for the clubsport, looks inside & out I prefer the gti, the R for top model really doesn’t do it for me especially on the interior design, literally no difference to a R line. Besides 20bhp & importantly 4wd it’s the only difference & someone that’s not too bothered about it & enjoyed mk7.5 performance I think the clubsport would do it for me. Gti for me is more fun. R very boring to drive.
Very boring? Surely best hatch on market hardly boring drive a focus 1.6 that’s boring
Superb video, thank you!
My pleasure, thank you for watching & commenting Thomas 🙌🏻
Back in the days the r used to look good on front now it's the other way around
Does the clubsport sit higher than the R? whenever I see one especially on 18’s it looks odd compared to an R on 18’s with stance.
good question - they generally say 'lowered by xmm' but not seen that with these cars - could be a difference with and without DCC maybe.
Hi Andrew. Can we get an 8.5 GTE review sometime soon. Shame it only comes with 17” Richmond in the UK. Can get it with 18” Catania in Europe.
Yes Jonathan! I reviewed GTE on the same day, video goes live Friday all being well👍
Excellent. Looking forward to it.
Clubsport ❤
I think it’s a fair bit stronger as 8.5 which I wasn’t expecting as engine ostensibly unchanged but more aggressive front & back, screen & wheel sorted inside and it’s very complete BUT needs DCC & 19s
Clubsport for me too. As an owner of a Mk8 CS, DCC, leather, pano, HK sound, the rarity of the CS is what I like. There are too many R’s and standard GTIs on the road
I prefer my 2024 GTI 6speed manual 👍🏻. That new screen is enormous…. The systems in my car work quick and flawlessly…..
Really good "real world" review. Both look amazing cars :) :) Are you tempted enough? ...
Solid comparison
Thanks so much 👍
For that kind of money, nobody should be choosing a FWD platform. Even the Golf R, with AWD, is too expensive. To choose a FWD GTI for the same price is insane!! I don’t care how good it handles.
The Gold R is a bargain compared to other German AWD options...
Hey, from what I've heard the akrapovic exhaust that you can get in performance package can be louder after some mileage. Can anyone confirm this?
Yes, it is
Why would you want seats that are too cold in winter and too hot in summer? So need addressing. And performance wise offer less hold ability grip. Not to mention looking like some Boris cuntry club.
so you like fabric seats in Golf R ?
Is there no front fog lights on these 2 cars compared to the standard GTI
Not in the honeycomb, like standard MK8 and 8.5 GTI
Never had a VW, but what a magnificent dilemma to have
Agreed 👍
I'd go the clubsport. Prefer 18" wheels and there seems to be a tad more 'involvement' in the driving experience. Hopefully less desirable to thieves also 😬
I’d be well happy with either maybe one day I would own my first Golf
It’s a good time to start Lee😎
Wow you so fast, with content, i love this. Thanks 🔥
No problem, glad you like it. Often to be fast you have to compromise but only compromise with this video was my sleep (which is fine 😅)
As a potential purchaser, I’m still confused. Sat through this whole painful review. Which one is the better all rounder?? I want a solid verdict!! No conclusion at the end - very frustrating. I’ll stick with Joe Achilles…
None of them starting prices at £45,000 & £42,000 no thanks
Agreed at RRP but discounts are back, have a look at Drive the Deal
What about Golf R Clubsport Andrew?
Don’t get 300bhp in a front wheel driven car, traction is terrible, just don’t get the gti when you can spend a couple more grand and get the r with 4 wheel drive, just no comparison, gti fan boys need to grow a pair a get the r, like me haha
Golf R 👍
I’m pretty sure they are different engines some parts more uprated in the R ?
Both are DNF engine code so differences will be ancillaries such as oil cooler, intercooler etc. I’ve seen the screenwash filler in different places on 7/7.5 with CJX, say Mk7 Clubsport & R but can’t remember why
@ having watched a video with the 7.5 golf R and 7.5 GTI they looked identical apart from certain materials seemed to be of better quality in the R or slight size differences. Maybe that’s the same here or maybe not knowing car manufacturers cutting costs so much lately
@@volkswizard The complete engine code have 4 letters , not 3. You're missing the last letter. That says there are different engines.
How does your clubsport s feel compared to the mk8.5 clubsport in pure driving pleasure?
That's a good question! The CSS is manual so never feels as quick even though it probably is but speed doesn't equate to driving pleasure. Aside from that, on the road assuming 8.5 CS has DCC there isn't much in it. On the track it's a different story as the CSS is 1285 kg so that nearly the difference between the Mk8.5 Clubsport and the Mk8.5 GTE and if you've driven a GTE you will know that 200 kg makes a big difference. On the track you are moving weight around all the time and weight savings make a massive difference so CSS would be more pleasurable but 8.5 CS I am sure would still be good (my Mk8 CS was). I drove my CSS on track recently for the first time with its original lightweight Pretoria wheels rather than Racingline R360 wheels and it felt massively more agile. I am sure the new Warmenau wheels are a similar weight to Pretoria but the rest of the 8.5 will be discernably heftier. It's got bigger brakes which helps but they add weight too!
Clubsport looks much better in that spec.. Bridgestone tyres are the worse..
Weirdly these were not even the Bridgestone Potenza Sport tyres which are pretty good and up there with F1 Supersports / PS4S
Some incorrect information shared , maybe some things you have said about Clubsport are only applicable to UK Versions.
Had a good look round the 8.5 R Black edition at Wolfsburg last week. Looks really good and so much of an improvement over the melted face of the 8.
Glad we concur, it's definitely a subtle but effective facelift, particularly the slimmer headlights
R is too heavy. If clubsport had 3 doors and light seats was perfect
Is that the motor heritage centre at Gaydon I've been there before?
Yes indeed, brilliant location though quite busy as was half term
That tab centre console just looks awful . It looks like they forgot to do it and making it bigger looks worse . It definitely needs to be integrated!
Did I hear PCP example with £9000 deposit lol? Could have been more relatable with that
I’ve got no idea what the average PCP deposit is but I think VW might have - that was the deposit figure they quoted in their example finance quote for the R Black Edition
would you buy R or CS? Between those 2
Me I’d buy CS because lighter is always better
But then again if you can use AWD properly say in the Alps or Scottish highlands especially with winter or all season tyres then R is worth the weight & price premium
@@volkswizard I love cs. It looks, is fast but I woild like to try new R with torque vectoring, I don't know why but prefer VW (golf) over any other rivals
My Golf 8 R looks better from the front than the facelift. More aggressive
truth. 8.5R in front looks even less aggressive than 8.5 R-Line.
I don't like these huge open grills now. They look like a recipe for radiator damage from stone impacts?
"Everyone loves his own wife" Arsene Wenger
Do you miss the manual?
Not as a daily driver
Take the R in red.
IF ONLY ❤️
Audi RS3