My old man has always sworn by VW for the simple reason that they are classy, reliable, VERY well built and very well priced (although most people disagree...). He's 49 and sold his 6 month old Cummins just to get into an MK6 GTI Wolfsburg about 2 weeks ago (we live in Canada so we don't get the mk7 until the 2015 model year). Honda, Ford, and Mazda over hype their "sports" versions to get sales and seem to put any work into anything besides the engine and transmission. whereas VW only has to rely on the name they've made for themselves with the GTI. As you were saying in the video, the focus feels like it wants to pull off the road every time you put your foot into it. That's because the Focus chassis is solely built to be a cheap and economic car (same with the Honda, Mazda, etc.). When you add power to its chassis, its going to struggle to handle it. VW has been building GTIs for so long that they've gotten the whole "sport version" down to a science so perfect that you can drive around in one and feel like your in a $80,000 audi! And better yet, you don't look like a kid driving one! :) Great job on the video by the way! I enjoy the no BS, straight up kind of reviews you do! Subscribed!
AWE! You make me feel like I am driving the cars you are. That's how intuitive and the most informative. And when you smile and laugh it puts the biggest smile on my face. I feel your passion that's how well you review. Merry Christmas Bob
gene978 Thanks very much, I'm glad you like the videos. There's a top 10 one to come over the Christmas break, I hope that'll be good. Have a great time over the holiday!
:D Hilarious vid, Bob! Looks simple, short and no pros/cons stuff like others do, just pure driving enjoyment! Love it! When Golf 7 came out first thought was pensioners car - the end.. but no, it's been growing on me like nothing else and your "review" made me want it quite badly ;) Do you love it as much you think you'll change your Leon to this? And merry Christmas!
I love the GTI, but you didn't mention the most discouraging thing about VW, the price! I had 2x Golf in my life, a Mk2 and a Mk4, but the prices VW is asking since a few years are just crazy. When I calculated a well equipped GTI it came close to 40.000 Euro! That's just crazy for a bigger hatch back city car. The Focus ST you mentioned you can get for like 10.000 Euro less, with more power and more fun. The Astra OPC is even more powerful, but kind of expensive too. The Megane 265 is fast, but the interior isn't the best and the Mazda Speed3 is a good option too. The one thing that VW is great in is the quality feel of their a cars, especially the GTI and R models. p.s.: Your camera was really shaky this time, rough roads or suspension too stiff? And it was a bit dark, otherwise great review as always. Regards from Dubai.
Just picked up my 2015 4-door GTI SE today...it needs better rubber, but tons of easy speed and lots of toys. Manual tranny is nice, but I miss my DSG on my previous 2010 GTI. This one feels better balanced, rides better, and has better space for passengers...all rounder for sure. My previous gen 2 door got more looks though...weird. I think it looks better in this iteration though.
the performance package comes with more than just horse power you get ediff and bigger brakes! Which I think is definitely worth the price if you are a driving enthusiast.
Bob, I bought a mark 7 GTI and love it, BUT, my mate has a 2014 Focus ST which I have drove many times. Bottom line, the ST is FAST and is not Bonkers as you claim. Yes there is some torque steer but its manageable, and I think adds to the fun. I would be one to by the added power for the GTI as relative to the ST its noticebly down on power. Both the GTI and ST are fantastic cars - you cant go wrong with either!
Great video as always,in my opinion you are one of the best on RUclips Bob.Can you do a review of the new mazda3 Greetings from tax hell country the Netherlands
What about testing the GTD Bob or the 1.4 with the cylinder deactivation. Not many buy the GTI here and the GTD has a nice diesel and would be nice to see the 1.4 driven on Irish roads
Bob I've heard the extra money is worth it for the difference that the LSD makes to the car. I've even read one reviewer state is makes the car feel like it has 4 wheel drive, because the traction/handing was that good! See if you can get one for a test ;)
my last car was a golf diesel 1.6tdi dsg se 22k pounds with metalic black leather steering wheel ! leather wheel was an option ! clutch and gearbox probs right thru to 36k and getting rid at 3 years!mk 6
I'm in the Octavia RS or VRS, it's a diesel one and while it's as good as the Golf it doesn't have the nippyness of a 5 door hatch. The Octavia would probably suit my needs more than a Golf but I'd still want to have the GTI outside the door.
Are you not being a wee bit too snooty wanting a vw over as a skoda, you are a slave to the marketing guys in vw. Will the review for the rs octavia be up soon. ?
Paddy Brady I'd be the least snooty person I know. The PR people for Skoda are the same people as VW so it's not that. Might just be a better, more desirable car! There's a top 10 video coming out in the next couple of days that features the Octavia, I'm not saying where is ranks yet.
Thanls bob. Will be taking a look at the top video. Keep up the good work and have a good xmas and hope the big fella is the red suit is good to your family.
Does the mark 7 Golf handle as well as the current Ford Focus ?? ,,,,No Bob "neeeeeerlee" wont do . And you have to go high-spec on the Merkle-mobile before discovering the joys of independent rear suspension , the flipping Ford has offered this generally throughout its range since day one of the Mark one !!
The Golf 7 handles daily life much better than a Focus, try a speed bump in both of them and you'll see. The ST and GTI are nowhere near each other, the ST is manic and uncomfortable and the GTI isn't. It's the GTI on test here not the standard Golf but even so the Golf is better than the Focus in all the ways that matter.
Bob Flavin And the same can be said regarding the Focus. + the Focus ST comes in Estate/wagon flavour as well :-) Sorry Bob IMO VW Golf in any flavour, for me is about as exciting as kissing my sister.. I must add the test GTi you reviewed seemed as loud as an old tractor roaring down the road.
Carl Warmington the Focus and more importantly the Focus ST don't handle anywhere as good as the Golf. Driving the ST is like trying to control a football hooligan at a match after 10 pints of red bull and a tattoo. It's also as hard as a rock so normal driving it's teeth jangling. The Golf has none of these problems and if you don't get excited by driving the Golf GTI on a back road you're not trying hard enough.
hehehe, what I was shocked about when first watching your videos is that you're not a Ford fan as most UK reviewers are. To most a Focus is a piece of ambrosia compared to Golf. Glad to see someone else giving them the middle finger! I became dissatisfied with a Focus when I compared the interior of my 2001 Focus Ghia to the 2012 Mark III. THE OLD ONE WAS BETTER .... BY MILES!! And what pissed me off and finally put me off was the way you lay the rear seats flat. The people designing that system should be shot in the face! Not only it's completely useless, but they failed to improve upon it for more than 10 years ... now that is some serious focus deficiency!!
"The scumbags, you know people from less than well to do housing estates" - sure dont hear that on Carbuyer! Charming!! Also, is it really necessary to say "bloody" in your reviews, or is this to emphasise a point of view - nope sorry I dont get it!
Авто/Мото
My old man has always sworn by VW for the simple reason that they are classy, reliable, VERY well built and very well priced (although most people disagree...). He's 49 and sold his 6 month old Cummins just to get into an MK6 GTI Wolfsburg about 2 weeks ago (we live in Canada so we don't get the mk7 until the 2015 model year).
Honda, Ford, and Mazda over hype their "sports" versions to get sales and seem to put any work into anything besides the engine and transmission. whereas VW only has to rely on the name they've made for themselves with the GTI. As you were saying in the video, the focus feels like it wants to pull off the road every time you put your foot into it. That's because the Focus chassis is solely built to be a cheap and economic car (same with the Honda, Mazda, etc.). When you add power to its chassis, its going to struggle to handle it. VW has been building GTIs for so long that they've gotten the whole "sport version" down to a science so perfect that you can drive around in one and feel like your in a $80,000 audi! And better yet, you don't look like a kid driving one! :)
Great job on the video by the way! I enjoy the no BS, straight up kind of reviews you do! Subscribed!
AWE! You make me feel like I am driving the cars you are. That's how intuitive and the most informative. And when you smile and laugh it puts the biggest smile on my face. I feel your passion that's how well you review. Merry Christmas Bob
gene978 Thanks very much, I'm glad you like the videos. There's a top 10 one to come over the Christmas break, I hope that'll be good.
Have a great time over the holiday!
Excellent review Bob, to the point, informative and entertaining. Nice one!
Great video Bob! Your reviews always make me smile.
Mad Bad & Brilliant. That's just about sums it up and I love Golf GTi for the same reasons.
:D Hilarious vid, Bob! Looks simple, short and no pros/cons stuff like others do, just pure driving enjoyment! Love it!
When Golf 7 came out first thought was pensioners car - the end.. but no, it's been growing on me like nothing else and your "review" made me want it quite badly ;)
Do you love it as much you think you'll change your Leon to this? And merry Christmas!
I love the GTI, but you didn't mention the most discouraging thing about VW, the price! I had 2x Golf in my life, a Mk2 and a Mk4, but the prices VW is asking since a few years are just crazy. When I calculated a well equipped GTI it came close to 40.000 Euro! That's just crazy for a bigger hatch back city car. The Focus ST you mentioned you can get for like 10.000 Euro less, with more power and more fun. The Astra OPC is even more powerful, but kind of expensive too. The Megane 265 is fast, but the interior isn't the best and the Mazda Speed3 is a good option too. The one thing that VW is great in is the quality feel of their a
cars, especially the GTI and R models.
p.s.: Your camera was really shaky this time, rough roads or suspension too stiff? And it was a bit dark, otherwise great review as always.
Regards from Dubai.
You are right.
after 5 years you get twice as much for the gti as for the st.
Just picked up my 2015 4-door GTI SE today...it needs better rubber, but tons of easy speed and lots of toys. Manual tranny is nice, but I miss my DSG on my previous 2010 GTI. This one feels better balanced, rides better, and has better space for passengers...all rounder for sure. My previous gen 2 door got more looks though...weird. I think it looks better in this iteration though.
"the scumbags", wtf, that was funny.
the performance package comes with more than just horse power you get ediff and bigger brakes! Which I think is definitely worth the price if you are a driving enthusiast.
Bob, I bought a mark 7 GTI and love it, BUT, my mate has a 2014 Focus ST which I have drove many times. Bottom line, the ST is FAST and is not Bonkers as you claim. Yes there is some torque steer but its manageable, and I think adds to the fun. I would be one to by the added power for the GTI as relative to the ST its noticebly down on power. Both the GTI and ST are fantastic cars - you cant go wrong with either!
Hey Bob, it sounds awfully noisy inside the cabin from the video, is this true from your test drive?
Great video as always,in my opinion you are one of the best on RUclips Bob.Can you do a review of the new mazda3 Greetings from tax hell country the Netherlands
How would you compare the Guilietta 1.4 multi-air 170 TCT to the equivalent Golf?
I like your style rob youre a gas man, im hopping on the band wagon
What about testing the GTD Bob or the 1.4 with the cylinder deactivation. Not many buy the GTI here and the GTD has a nice diesel and would be nice to see the 1.4 driven on Irish roads
Hey Merry Christmas, GTI looks lush, can you try to review the Audi S3 early 2014.
Bob, I'm watching this right now and thinking about the Cupra ;-)
Nice review!
Thank you!
All smiles here at the closing comment!
Is the interior half leatherette half cloth?
Laughed at your reference to scumbags. Funny comment. :-)
Bob I've heard the extra money is worth it for the difference that the LSD makes to the car. I've even read one reviewer state is makes the car feel like it has 4 wheel drive, because the traction/handing was that good! See if you can get one for a test ;)
Martin Jones yeah, LSD makes all the difference
Bob are you going to be testing the GTD?
Either way, another good review.
Yes, next year I'll be in the higher powered GTI and the GTD. I'm hoping to do a test that features both cars against each other.
my last car was a golf diesel 1.6tdi dsg se 22k pounds with metalic black leather steering wheel ! leather wheel was an option ! clutch and gearbox probs right thru to 36k and getting rid at 3 years!mk 6
great review but can you review the Toyota argo. :)
Volkswagen Golf GTI vs Audi A3 sportback ... which one is better?
vs BMW M135i
Good review bob. But would the new skoda octavia vrs be a better alternative ?
I'm in the Octavia RS or VRS, it's a diesel one and while it's as good as the Golf it doesn't have the nippyness of a 5 door hatch.
The Octavia would probably suit my needs more than a Golf but I'd still want to have the GTI outside the door.
Are you not being a wee bit too snooty wanting a vw over as a skoda, you are a slave to the marketing guys in vw. Will the review for the rs octavia be up soon. ?
Paddy Brady I'd be the least snooty person I know. The PR people for Skoda are the same people as VW so it's not that. Might just be a better, more desirable car!
There's a top 10 video coming out in the next couple of days that features the Octavia, I'm not saying where is ranks yet.
Thanls bob. Will be taking a look at the top video. Keep up the good work and have a good xmas and hope the big fella is the red suit is good to your family.
Paddy Brady same to you Paddy, have a great Christmas!
Does the mark 7 Golf handle as well as the current Ford Focus ?? ,,,,No Bob "neeeeeerlee" wont do . And you have to go high-spec on the Merkle-mobile before discovering the joys of independent rear suspension , the flipping Ford has offered this generally throughout its range since day one of the Mark one !!
The Golf 7 handles daily life much better than a Focus, try a speed bump in both of them and you'll see. The ST and GTI are nowhere near each other, the ST is manic and uncomfortable and the GTI isn't.
It's the GTI on test here not the standard Golf but even so the Golf is better than the Focus in all the ways that matter.
www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison-test/a15115073/2015-volkswagen-gti-vs-2013-ford-focus-st-comparison-test/
at this money 5 series A6 and E class become available!all of which are fitted with leather and all the toys !
Sweet reviews
Well said
The sound is artificial as I found out VW and Audi uses a device called Soundaktor.
AND WE LOVE BOB! ;)
And I love you too!
Ummmm, actually the GTI does have a Sport mode...really? Bob, you might want to actually read the owner's manual BEFORE driving the car. Damn dude.
MAD - BAD - and BRILIANT :D
With the golf and a3 just few hundred quid difference, there is no reason why not buy the a3 over it....
the reason is because A3 ain't any better then a Golf AT ALL! you pay the few hundred quids solely for Audi's Badge....no thanks!
I'm getting the impression you quite like a Golf..?
Yes, very much. There's something for everyone in the range
Bob Flavin And the same can be said regarding the Focus. + the Focus ST comes in Estate/wagon flavour as well :-) Sorry Bob IMO VW Golf in any flavour, for me is about as exciting as kissing my sister.. I must add the test GTi you reviewed seemed as loud as an old tractor roaring down the road.
Carl Warmington Can we see a picture of your sister..!
Carl Warmington the Focus and more importantly the Focus ST don't handle anywhere as good as the Golf. Driving the ST is like trying to control a football hooligan at a match after 10 pints of red bull and a tattoo. It's also as hard as a rock so normal driving it's teeth jangling.
The Golf has none of these problems and if you don't get excited by driving the Golf GTI on a back road you're not trying hard enough.
hehehe, what I was shocked about when first watching your videos is that you're not a Ford fan as most UK reviewers are. To most a Focus is a piece of ambrosia compared to Golf.
Glad to see someone else giving them the middle finger!
I became dissatisfied with a Focus when I compared the interior of my 2001 Focus Ghia to the 2012 Mark III. THE OLD ONE WAS BETTER .... BY MILES!! And what pissed me off and finally put me off was the way you lay the rear seats flat. The people designing that system should be shot in the face! Not only it's completely useless, but they failed to improve upon it for more than 10 years ... now that is some serious focus deficiency!!
"The scumbags, you know people from less than well to do housing estates" - sure dont hear that on Carbuyer! Charming!! Also, is it really necessary to say "bloody" in your reviews, or is this to emphasise a point of view - nope sorry I dont get it!
Add mark zuckerberg to that list lol
Next time drive on better roads and get better microphone.
Hot hatches now need 4wd they have too much power
al bundy Which hot hatch has 4wd? Here's my list that don't. Focus, Golf, Fiesta, Cupra. The one that does, Audi S3.
I doubt the scumbags will drive golfs lol
Mad Bad & Brilliant. That's just about sums it up and I love Golf GTi for the same reasons.