Funny. I am also 64 years-old and have owned a 2013 GTI since new. It wasn’t out of warranty yet and I had a local tuner do an APR engine and DSG tune, cold air intake, 3” exhaust, and heavier rear sway bar. Car has 60,000 miles on it now and never missed a beat. No issues. Every time I consider selling it I balk because I cannot figure out what I’d like better? It still checks all the boxes.
I'm in my 50's and drive a 2016 Golf R 6-speed. I ordered a 2015 GTI and drove it for two years, and then replaced it with the R. I've owned a lot of cars, but I think the R is my favorite daily driver I've ever owned. It's fun, quick, and comfortable. Once you've experienced all four wheels putting power down, you'd understand why it's better than the GTI.
I bought a 2019 GLI manual during the height of corona for a steal. My wife hates it and cannot drive stick. I smile every time I drive it. My 6 year old and 3 year old always want to take daddy’s “white turbo car”. I put it in sport so we can “hear the turbo “. It will be forever our favorite car. I feel so defeated when I have to take the explorer.
I have this on order (white just like this one) and can't wait. Don't care if anyone calls me immature (I'm 71 years old and driving a 2019 Golf R right now); I just love this car.
They should have disclosed that they are not driving the American model of the car. This is significant because the exhaust on the car they are driving is equipped with the upgraded Akrapovič exhaust. The US is not getting the Akrapovič exhaust, which sounds better, looks better, and adds a little bit more power. The EU version also has cooler taillights.
@@mikeb1039 This is obvious. But someone watching this video does not know that. We know the MSRP of the car, and yet the car is being reviewed with an exhaust that does not come at that price point.
this is a really good point, also of note: I believe the US version standard exhaust might sound a bit louder because it won't have the required OPF Filter like the EU model is required to have which blocks some of the sound.
The Akrapovic doesn’t add anymore power, it’s an optional extra in the Europe. Also you’re better off just buying the Akrapovic aftermarket as VW charge you way too much and because if you come to sell the car you can just swap it back and sell the exhaust.
Me too. All that haptic baloney is gonna go over like a fart in an elevator with American buyers. European buyers already seem to hate it. I predict they'll fix it with the inevitable facelift in a couple of years.
@@Daniel-dj7fh Alas it isn't. But considering the markups I experienced when I looked at one of these in 2019, it's not that far off. They basically wanted S3 money for them and I think I'd opt for one of those despite it not being a hatch in the states. Definitely would opt for the RS3 if I had the additional $10k on top.
@@Daniel-dj7fh half a lamborghini engine, man. TTRS/RS3 is in another league; it's not even close. 620hp/565tq FBO and a launch control that lets it defeat more powerful (and more expensive) cars.
You mean half an Audi motor ;) I honestly don't care about how much power you can make out of an engine, if the car drives good I'm happy. If minor tweaks to the engine can be done to make it better, then so be it. Honestly in the past years I have realised that cars over 200hp are pretty pointless, you can't use any of it on the street anyway. And most people lack the driving skill to even handle sub 100hp cars. Like today I showed my grandma that even our 96hp vw polo does 60 in 2nd gear. In the city its no fun, it backroads you could at least wring out the rpm's in that car. I think I'll be goaling the gr86 when I have the money, hopefully toyota doesn't trash the line by then
I've owned many cars in my 43 years of driving and the two I regret selling? My 2003 BMW E46 M3, and my 2008 R32. The R was not the equal of the M3, but the sound of that VR6 was intoxicating. And the R32 is actually worth more in today's market than I paid for it. Can't say that for the M3. Like this new R, I'm a bit softer now too so I'm tempted to try it while we can still buy something that burns fossil fuel!
Comparison to my 7.5R: - torque vectoring - updated ea888 engine with more hp - bigger and cross drilled brakes - more aluminum chassis - larger/more aggressive wing, diffuser - subjective but reviewers are positive about the seats. Wish they have the cloth option though we don't get it over here. The 7.5r seat is uncomfortable after a couple of hours of sitting. - safety assists (I dont' care for it though), was an addon for 7.5r in my area - harman kardon speakers (previously fender/panasonic, I find these speakers to be "tinny" sounding and not rich enough) - hud (none before, tho I don't care for it) - wireless charging, 2 usbc ports (1 regular usb before) - wireless app connect, (none before) - memory seats/mirrors (none before) - heated and now vented front seats, heated rear seats (none before), 3 zone climate (instead of 2) - heated steering wheel (none before) - steel oil pan instead of plastic - 30 colours ambient light (instead of 1) - VW Car Net 3 year subscription (none before) - costs 3k more compared to my purchase of 2018 7.5 R Big Con: No physical buttons! but I think can live with it I'm leaning towards getting the mk8r, the resale market for my golf r with similar mileage is almost 90% of the original retail value. Based on other reviews the car overall is better than the 7.5r
Nice. Yea i feel like the 3k higher cost compared to the 7.5R is justifiable. Theyve added a lot as standard. Im trading in my tesla model 3 for the mk8r so i dont think ill be complaining much about all the touch buttons, minus the steering wheel.. i dont think im going to like it that much… lol oh well…
I would maybe wait for a Mk8 Facelift or the 9. I don't think they can make the car worse, you would only win from an exterior standpoint, and maybe they'll remove the touch buttons.
Dam! I have a 15 MK7 and that's a lot more options than mine. They were in such high demand back in 15' I told them I would pay the sticker price of something like 39,875$ no questions asked. What's the sticker on the 22'?
@@layoutman69 45k CAD and the only options are the 3 colours (included in price), yes/no to a sunroof (extra cost), dsg(extra cost)/manual. It's pretty optioned out compared to Euro spec, except we won't get the Akrapovič exhaust at all as an option. It seems in Europe they nickel and dime every thing. I saw in one video the reverse cam is an option!
@@845_Mk6 sure and that’s nice to hear…but the only major mechanical change is to the rear…many have surpassed the breaks, subframe (front/rear) verkline, bbk, control arms software hybrid turbo…so I can see exactly why they made those changes to the car and can imagine how it should drive.👌😎👍 If you can mount that mk8 haldex unit to the existing mounting points and driveshaft hookup then it should be hypothetically just a matter of software and saving quite a bit of money…but I’ll I’ll be test driving one to see if the sum all its parts is going to be worth the money.
This car is for someone who misses his 20's but needs the practicality of a small SUV / hatchback. If you are in your 20s, there are more affordable, more fun options, like the new BRZ, to bring an example.
Loved my MK7 GTI in my 20s. Went to get a MK7. 5 Golf R a few years back and struggled because at that price point, the VW really felt lacking in personality compared to peers. I couldn't get on board with the Type R styling and ended up coming home with a Giulia that's a blast to drive.
Totally agree with the warm hatch statement. I have had a 2016 RS since new and I've thought about replacing it, if the right hot hatch comes along, but doubt it will happen. I haven't driven the MK8 R but if its similar to the MK7, to me it just felt like a fast car, looks way too subtle and felt like a compromise. Granted I'm part of a demographic that actually takes their car to the track several times a year and willing to sacrifice a little comfort when going to work. The steering part that Dai and Zack discuss is very true. The car feels like it has such a slow steering ratio rack when compared to its modern counterparts - Type R, WRX, EVO X or RS. Future classic status of the Golf R - I doubt it. Its way too soft for that status.
I'm 57, drive a 20th Anniversary GTI, have chipped it, upgraded the suspension, and keep top notch Michelins on it and it is a fun car. Keep looking at the R and can afford it, just haven 't pulled the trigger. Will wait till I'm 60 and retire. If I stay where I'm at, I'll like get another sporty car; but if I move to Arizona, I may get a truck. BTW, I've had two MkIs, MkIII, and my MkIV. Also have a MkVII sportwagen. VW has been very good to me.
Im 53 and have a 2017 R ...I switched out the Turbo, DownPipe, intercooler, fuel pumps and had it custom tuned ..Car does the 1/4 mile in under 12 seconds with all season tires...0-60 in 3 seconds...still drives normal unless i stomp on it...looks stock. Best car I have every had dollar for dollar
I've driven and owned nothing but VW Golfs ALL of my life! I'm now 60. My first car in 1985 fresh out of college was a Mk2 GTI, then a 1995 Mk3 Golf, and my latest, a 2003 Mk4 GTI VR6 for 19 years now. 3 VW's over 36 years!
I've had about 17+ VW's starting in 1987 basic golf , then VR6's, then GTI's now currently 2019 golf R stick of course, best one yet, 44K miles, not a burp, not one spec of any problem...fantastic car...fun, comfortable and QUICK, solid, and great for long highways, 4+ hr drives i do routinely...off ramps at 65mph is fun, it want to do 90+ mph, don't even realize it is when doing high speed merges on tpk, etc, fantastic car all day long, ..my longest lasting one was a VR6 Jetta GLX, stick of course 316,000 miles,fun never stranded miles..NEVER touched the gear box, sticks rule,
@@cengeb Thanks for your post. I would love to get a Golf R, when and if I can get some extra cash (too many medical bills). For now, i'm content with the fact that my 24v VR6 is still as solid as the day I got it approximately 19 years ago! I just can't kill this super reliable engine! It still has the original timing chains too! Also, even the manual gearbox oil/fluid hasn't ever been changed all these 19 years! VW tells me that I never need to touch the manual transmission oil/fluid! Everyone I tell this to thinks VW (and me) are crazy!
And yes the dealer from who. I got all 17 plus vehicles..same desler..told me don't touch the manual gearbox...they where correct....they also told me how many auto trans they get in after people go to those quick lube joints and get talked into unnecessary fluid changes..do what vw says. And the stuff runs forever
The Type R is a Type R for adults. It has a very well sorted and comfortable suspension, reliable engine, the most comfortable seats in a car, lots of room, and is more fun to drive than the mk 7.5 golf R at least. Using a car to communicate your sophistication is the folly of a young person. If you like looks of the golf R, great. Getting it to just to project an image of maturity compared to another car is a juvenile thing to do. Get the car you like, looks be damned.
if you think the type r suspension is comfortable, then the golf r must feel like actual pillows. last type R i was in made my entire body shake down to the nipple... barely acceptable on anything but a smooth road (New York roads are insane)
@@guywheeler4225 or put just a little more and get an audi rs3 or a mercedes a45 or a bmw m2 (before the new m2 comes out). Or a fully specced bmw m245i
Likely the wisest choice is to get a sweet deal on a certified pre-owned golf R, and that way you'll have enough money left over to do some bolt on mods, while still having a great warranty! Best of both worlds!
@@Daniel-dj7fh Cars are expensive right now. I love my Mk7R, but I recognize that I'm in a very fortunate position to be able to afford one as a guy in his twenties.
These style of reviews are the best. I like seeing what a journalist then race car driver have to say about the car. Bummer for hot hatches leaving the USA market. :-(
Won't make it to the US because of our crash testing requirements. Basically need to yield 20 cars (forget how many in total) to be sacrificed for crash ratings. Because Toyota actually loses money on these cars (or very close to it) they don't want to sacrifice a few hundred thousand for testing as they are only going to make the minimum homologation amount. They sell out already so no real reason to waste the money to bring it to the US. But supposedly for 2023 model year (in 2022) we're getting a GR Corolla hatch most likely with the Yaris engine and AWD system with a little more power. Will it compete well against the Golf R and Civic Type R? We'll have to see if the GR Yaris plant is going to be building the GR Corolla as well.
Nice content!!! Very educating from beginning to the end, however business and investment opportunities are the best way to make money irrespective of your status and location
it's amazing seeing people making good recommendations out here about expert Ms Amelia Lopez. Trading in the forex market is indeed a great risk. one needs a certified broker to help manage these market risks..Ms Amelia , my broker just got me double my trading equity! when I look back at the car I bought just from a $2500 startup capital which went up by about 550% in a two weeks I’ve just been short of words
@@gisellcruz9116 I invest with Mrs Amelia too, she charges 20% on profit made after every trading. 80% profit are directly sent to your wallet address. As a first time investor I started trading with Mrs Amelia with just a thousand of bulks, my portfolio is much more than that now within just weeks of trading with her
I'm really glad you did a video on the new MK8 Golf R. Zack did a great job like always! I think his voice volume/level was a little low compared to the background music though so maybe try to make that a little better in the future! I think it was genius having Dai drive the car and let us know what he thinks since he has so much driving experience... makes this video very special! Thanks a lot guys!
I owned a 6-speed 2017 Golf R for a couple of years and man I still miss it! What a car, I often when to track days on Sunday and drove it to work the next day and it equally good at both
Haven’t had a VW since a hand me down MK1 GTI. This looks very appealing to me. I never buy 1st year cars and maybe by the 4th model year they will have reinstalled some buttons and switches!
Agreed. I have a 2016 R and Ive done the ecu/tcu tune along with rear sway bar, intake and turbo inlet and the car is so much better to drive now and its a little rocket.
I'm 51 years old and I have 400hp mk7 gti which is hilarious to drive, and aside from being 1" lower, looks completely stock. I'll keep it a few more years and then probably go for a used mk8 golf r. I miss having the rear wheels involved.
No doubt a brilliant car, and a better car for many, but the fact that it’s still being compared to the Civic TypeR that is 7 years old speaks volumes of the quality of the latter.
While I love my mk7 and looked at the 22 R, my biggest complaint is how it looks like basically every other golf. Feels like I’m driving a civic at times there are so many GTIs/Golfs where I live. The popularity speaks to the practicality and great overall driving experience, but I really wish the R looked significantly more aggressive or different. I ultimately went with a Mini Countryman JCW to stand out a bit over the R.
I see consistently that it pulls 0-60 in 4 seconds and 1/4 mile in about 12.5 111mph. Take off the steering wheel, pull apart the wires to the circuits, and disconnect the buttons that you don't use. Put LED lights behind the rear view mirror shining down onto the center stack.
I can't get a read on the chemistry between Zack and Dai. 1. They don't really like each other 2. Zack gets car sick when Dai is track driving. 3. They are both trying way too hard to be professional when they just want to joke around. I think somewhere between 2 & 3...
Tremendous automobile! I haven't driven the MK 8 (did drive the 7 GTI, loved it!), I've seen it in person though, my issue is it's a little too big for golf...what do you guys think?
SUVs are so ubiquitous today that the punk counterculture move is a minivan. The minivan guy doesn't care what the SUV establishmentarians think. 😀 Love the Golf R too. You've got me craving a return to my hot hatch roots.
As a focus ST owner, I just can't bring myself to buy anything else. Hot hatchbacks are so practical and useful, i don't understand why manufacturers say no one wants a hatchback.
VW needs to bring the Golf R, Audi S4, and Audi S6 wagons to the US. For the adults who want something fun but now have kids and can't afford an E63 AMG wagon, RS6, or Porsche Panamera
I have a Golf R and I really enjoy it, but it will never put a smile on my face like my 1290 Super Duke does. Just something about two wheels. I just turned 50 and I could not see myself in a Civic Type R.
You're welcome! My 2019 golf r is a 6spd. It's also literally the most comfortable car I've owned that is fairly quick. I'll be selling it to get a c8 but i know i will miss it.
@@vroomgc i live in FL so weather days don't really matter much. But practicality is gonna be a huge hit, AND the fact that these little beasts are so discreet. Never had a cop even look my way.
@@kurumatt473 ya thats a good point , it looks too much like a normal golf. well your new c8 should solve the discreet part and will also be quite fast too. Good for you!
Guess we're a bunch of old guys...I'm 59 years old and just sold my Mitsubishi Evo. I'm looking for a replacement, and was considering the BMW M3, but changed my mind and put a deposit down for the new 2022 Golf R. It won't be a daily driver, so I'm getting the manual transmission. The manual is a little slower, but I missed it as my Evo has the fast shifting SST.
Wasn’t sure if the GTI clubsport was sold in North America. I wonder if the AWD and 15+ ponies, along with that torque vectoring make up for the price difference
Back in 2011, my coworkers were working on an MKV Golf R. They didn't understand it, and I explained that it was like having a somewhat less hardcore WRX or EVO. Back then, they still had a NA VR6 instead of a turbo 4. I compare the Honda Civic R more closely to the VW GTI. I still dream of getting an Evo X Final Edition.
Awesome to see Zack on the channel and the content is excellent. Loved the format here and the track segment was actually informative while still fun to watch.
I’ll take my entertainment controls, AC controls and zero navigation all in separate modules with knobs and real buttons. Oh wait…that serviceable vehicle was 10 years ago.
the only thing that turns me off about the Golf R is the electronics, and complicated maintenance (subjective). When the Evo was quite more than what most people need, and is simple.
Much respect to VW for giving us the manual and great job to those of you here in the US who actually bought the previous manual and did not just talk about it. Sorry Europe. Actually, we get the Golf R in a manual and the 911 with a manual. Nice! I used to own a 1981 VW Rabbit diesel. That thing was slow, smelly but it had plenty of torque, and as long as I was not driving next to anyone else it felt faster than it was. I now have my future collectible a 2019 Honda Civic Type R but I have mad respect for those out there who are also rowing their own gears. Get these cars while you can because in the all-electric future manuals will be very hard to come by.
Brilliant car. Thank god racing drivers don’t define the suspension on normal road cars, otherwise the R would be way too uncomfortable. Also, this way there would be room for a Golf RS :)
Zack, nice video, but I would have liked some mention of the drift mode on the track. I have a mk7r and this is the one feature that is making me interested in a mk8
After watching the recent RS3 embargo being lifted, those rims are similar to the 8R, just blacked-out. These are some nice wheels, especially if they arrive in all black but I hope they’re not as brittle as the Pretorias. The 2pot front brake calipers painted in blue are a nice touch. I still wish VW designed the front headlights to be more aggressive, but the LED bar looks nicer and nicer. I would probably shift the R to the Left or Right. The quad tips look a bit thick, like triple walled tips but somehow the quad style looks just right on the 8R. I don’t think the center stack style tips would look right on this generation, but maybe? Just being nitpicky - the engine cover looks a bit plain compared to the MK7. It’ll be interesting to test out drift mode on the 8R. Somehow I feel like it’s just playing catch-up to the FoRS in terms of their performance AWD system, from which I read, already has a similar torque distribution schematics. The seats are growing on me. The MK7 seats was a huge disappointment IMO. I remember the MK4 R32 and how special attention to detail they put into R specific models. In a way these seats are a good way to differentiate the interior, although the GTI shares the same seats. After seeing the new Audi A3 + lineup, I wonder why VW went all digital with their controls. Meanwhile Audi went a hybrid of touch and tactical buttons. Ambient lightning is a “must” for this decade, and I’m glad VW did not disappoint. I love the fact that the lighting extends to rear passenger doors as well. For almost $45k, that’s a steep price for the new R. But that’s a fair price to pay for an almost fully loaded, euro-spec’d R. If VW kept the pricing below $40k, there probably would be no sunroof, ventilated seats, memory settings, no spoiler extension, limited ambient lightning, possibly different headhunt - we get the point. Still, for that price some might start cross shopping the R with the competition. Or vice versa - potential Type R owners might start considering the VW for all its tech, performance, quality, practicality, and AWD.
I'm 64 years old and have a 2019 Golf R. I love it and never think about being "immature".
The golf R is the last car whch is sporty one can call immature. It's a nice suttle sportscar
Legend
Funny. I am also 64 years-old and have owned a 2013 GTI since new. It wasn’t out of warranty yet and I had a local tuner do an APR engine and DSG tune, cold air intake, 3” exhaust, and heavier rear sway bar. Car has 60,000 miles on it now and never missed a beat. No issues. Every time I consider selling it I balk because I cannot figure out what I’d like better? It still checks all the boxes.
I'm in my 50's and drive a 2016 Golf R 6-speed. I ordered a 2015 GTI and drove it for two years, and then replaced it with the R. I've owned a lot of cars, but I think the R is my favorite daily driver I've ever owned. It's fun, quick, and comfortable. Once you've experienced all four wheels putting power down, you'd understand why it's better than the GTI.
Respect. 👊😎👌
I must say, adding Dai to the production is very smart. Whoever thought of it is a genius
The gloves though? I think that’s a bit ridiculous. It’s a fucking Golf R, cmon man!
Amen 🙏 to this. Did you watch him when he drifted?
Agreed. His expectations may be a bit high though lol
If only they had Randy Pobst
That part of the segment made the video from a 7 to a 9/10
I bought a 2019 GLI manual during the height of corona for a steal. My wife hates it and cannot drive stick. I smile every time I drive it. My 6 year old and 3 year old always want to take daddy’s “white turbo car”. I put it in sport so we can “hear the turbo “. It will be forever our favorite car. I feel so defeated when I have to take the explorer.
That is the essence of owning fun VW
@@JesseDishner Its the essence of owning a fun car. If it puts a smile on your face when you drive it, that's all that matters.
I appreciate Hagerty for starting this channel - great work
“A backpack you can sprint in,” I like that, that’s a cool analogy.
If the GTI is a backpack, the Miata is a fanny pack.
I have this on order (white just like this one) and can't wait. Don't care if anyone calls me immature (I'm 71 years old and driving a 2019 Golf R right now); I just love this car.
They should have disclosed that they are not driving the American model of the car. This is significant because the exhaust on the car they are driving is equipped with the upgraded Akrapovič exhaust. The US is not getting the Akrapovič exhaust, which sounds better, looks better, and adds a little bit more power. The EU version also has cooler taillights.
@@mikeb1039 This is obvious. But someone watching this video does not know that. We know the MSRP of the car, and yet the car is being reviewed with an exhaust that does not come at that price point.
this is a really good point, also of note: I believe the US version standard exhaust might sound a bit louder because it won't have the required OPF Filter like the EU model is required to have which blocks some of the sound.
@@specops Also a good point.
The Akrapovic doesn’t add anymore power, it’s an optional extra in the Europe. Also you’re better off just buying the Akrapovic aftermarket as VW charge you way too much and because if you come to sell the car you can just swap it back and sell the exhaust.
@@jryalls Don’t think you can buy the akrapovic for cars in the US; just for motorcycles.
Love my Mk7.5 2019, so glad I got the model without all the touch controls everywhere.
In a perfect MK8 world, it would have the new A3 + headunit and tactile buttons layout! And a more aggressive headlight design and a boosted VR6
@@ilimit I miss my R32 still even though I've got a GT350 that sounds just as good
Very true, but if I had the money, I wouldn’t mind having the Mk8 😁. Happy to see that VW made one and that it’s manual.
Me too. All that haptic baloney is gonna go over like a fart in an elevator with American buyers. European buyers already seem to hate it. I predict they'll fix it with the inevitable facelift in a couple of years.
same! I have a ‘19 gti and am not really digging the mk8 interior
Golf R with a tune and an exhaust, perfect "affordable" daily, choice of transmission, this should be a winner.
Only if Audi's RS3 was at that priceleague
@@Daniel-dj7fh Alas it isn't. But considering the markups I experienced when I looked at one of these in 2019, it's not that far off. They basically wanted S3 money for them and I think I'd opt for one of those despite it not being a hatch in the states. Definitely would opt for the RS3 if I had the additional $10k on top.
@@Daniel-dj7fh That Motor alone is 15-20k lmfao. The 5 pot is phenomenal in its own right and does command that 60k price tag quite reasonably
@@Daniel-dj7fh half a lamborghini engine, man. TTRS/RS3 is in another league; it's not even close. 620hp/565tq FBO and a launch control that lets it defeat more powerful (and more expensive) cars.
You mean half an Audi motor ;)
I honestly don't care about how much power you can make out of an engine, if the car drives good I'm happy. If minor tweaks to the engine can be done to make it better, then so be it.
Honestly in the past years I have realised that cars over 200hp are pretty pointless, you can't use any of it on the street anyway. And most people lack the driving skill to even handle sub 100hp cars.
Like today I showed my grandma that even our 96hp vw polo does 60 in 2nd gear. In the city its no fun, it backroads you could at least wring out the rpm's in that car.
I think I'll be goaling the gr86 when I have the money, hopefully toyota doesn't trash the line by then
I hear Zack's voice and I'm instantly hooked. Zack is such an underrated voice in car culture.
Thanks! I'll send you the $20 posting fee in a bit.
Go home, Zack's mom. You're drunk!
Now that you mention his voice. It sounds familiar. Is it the guy who hosts a podcast with Matt Farrah?
@@zackklapman3569 or maybe I should ask you
@@amg863 Yes it is. Or, he is. Or, I am. Am I speaking in the fifth person?
Anyone else notice no more music over the exhaust on the driveby shots? Thanks to the production team for killing it as always!
I've owned many cars in my 43 years of driving and the two I regret selling? My 2003 BMW E46 M3, and my 2008 R32. The R was not the equal of the M3, but the sound of that VR6 was intoxicating. And the R32 is actually worth more in today's market than I paid for it. Can't say that for the M3. Like this new R, I'm a bit softer now too so I'm tempted to try it while we can still buy something that burns fossil fuel!
Really loving this series. Zack and Dai are great hosts.
Transformer held up half way through changes….. actual lolz 😂😂😂
Comparison to my 7.5R:
- torque vectoring
- updated ea888 engine with more hp
- bigger and cross drilled brakes
- more aluminum chassis
- larger/more aggressive wing, diffuser
- subjective but reviewers are positive about the seats. Wish they have the cloth option though we don't get it over here. The 7.5r seat is uncomfortable after a couple of hours of sitting.
- safety assists (I dont' care for it though), was an addon for 7.5r in my area
- harman kardon speakers (previously fender/panasonic, I find these speakers to be "tinny" sounding and not rich enough)
- hud (none before, tho I don't care for it)
- wireless charging, 2 usbc ports (1 regular usb before)
- wireless app connect, (none before)
- memory seats/mirrors (none before)
- heated and now vented front seats, heated rear seats (none before), 3 zone climate (instead of 2)
- heated steering wheel (none before)
- steel oil pan instead of plastic
- 30 colours ambient light (instead of 1)
- VW Car Net 3 year subscription (none before)
- costs 3k more compared to my purchase of 2018 7.5 R
Big Con: No physical buttons! but I think can live with it
I'm leaning towards getting the mk8r, the resale market for my golf r with similar mileage is almost 90% of the original retail value. Based on other reviews the car overall is better than the 7.5r
Nice. Yea i feel like the 3k higher cost compared to the 7.5R is justifiable. Theyve added a lot as standard. Im trading in my tesla model 3 for the mk8r so i dont think ill be complaining much about all the touch buttons, minus the steering wheel.. i dont think im going to like it that much… lol oh well…
I would maybe wait for a Mk8 Facelift or the 9.
I don't think they can make the car worse, you would only win from an exterior standpoint, and maybe they'll remove the touch buttons.
If you can spend more money the rs 3 is also a good option
Pros: physical buttons, cooler engine
Cons: no manual
Dam! I have a 15 MK7 and that's a lot more options than mine. They were in such high demand back in 15' I told them I would pay the sticker price of something like 39,875$ no questions asked. What's the sticker on the 22'?
@@layoutman69 45k CAD and the only options are the 3 colours (included in price), yes/no to a sunroof (extra cost), dsg(extra cost)/manual. It's pretty optioned out compared to Euro spec, except we won't get the Akrapovič exhaust at all as an option. It seems in Europe they nickel and dime every thing. I saw in one video the reverse cam is an option!
Zack reviewing the new R without Matt in the driver seat. Can’t wait to watch this!!
Does Matt know that Zack is spinning tricks on the side?
Matt really is a shitty passenger, isn’t he? 😅
@@TML34 well having a 400 plus pound passenger really hurts performance
@@iHaveTheDocuments 400 plus 😂😂 270 tops
I think he is good on his own
zack is one of the most relatable and informed automotive reviewers, i'll watch any video he's in. good job hagerty
I LOVE the MK8R! Its such a stellar driving car.
Me too,, but lmk when you figure out how straight forward a Haldex 8 gen swap on the 7.5 is gunna be 😎…
Is it truly night n day difference to a mk7.5
@@845_Mk6 and almost $50k too…🤦♂️
@@845_Mk6 sure and that’s nice to hear…but the only major mechanical change is to the rear…many have surpassed the breaks, subframe (front/rear) verkline, bbk, control arms software hybrid turbo…so I can see exactly why they made those changes to the car and can imagine how it should drive.👌😎👍
If you can mount that mk8 haldex unit to the existing mounting points and driveshaft hookup then it should be hypothetically just a matter of software and saving quite a bit of money…but I’ll I’ll be test driving one to see if the sum all its parts is going to be worth the money.
So bland. My 2018 GTI was okay, but I love my 2021 Stinger.
Zack, I love the new light hearted comments and jokes! You and Dai make a great team, I really like the format now where you do a ride along with Dai.
Zack is definitely the best Rated host! Bravo Mr Klapman! Dai is just as fun to watch as Leh was!
“This car is a car you can buy in your 20’s.”
Unfortunately, not many 20 something year olds can afford a car that starts at 45k.
🤔......well if HIS/HER parents are RICH no PROBLEMS
This car is for someone who misses his 20's but needs the practicality of a small SUV / hatchback. If you are in your 20s, there are more affordable, more fun options, like the new BRZ, to bring an example.
it starts at 28
@@pickle9927 😆..... RIGHT
Bought a used GTE Golf 2018 for 24k at 19 :D (loan heh)
That bit about the steering was priceless, cheers for the review!
"Looks like a transformer held up mid-way through phase changes" XD LOL. That's so true about how the civic type R looks
Loved my MK7 GTI in my 20s. Went to get a MK7. 5 Golf R a few years back and struggled because at that price point, the VW really felt lacking in personality compared to peers. I couldn't get on board with the Type R styling and ended up coming home with a Giulia that's a blast to drive.
I have a 2017 focus RS. If your hot hatch isn't trying to kill you, it's only a warm hatch. Seriously though, this VW is a really nice car too.
Totally agree with the warm hatch statement. I have had a 2016 RS since new and I've thought about replacing it, if the right hot hatch comes along, but doubt it will happen. I haven't driven the MK8 R but if its similar to the MK7, to me it just felt like a fast car, looks way too subtle and felt like a compromise. Granted I'm part of a demographic that actually takes their car to the track several times a year and willing to sacrifice a little comfort when going to work. The steering part that Dai and Zack discuss is very true. The car feels like it has such a slow steering ratio rack when compared to its modern counterparts - Type R, WRX, EVO X or RS. Future classic status of the Golf R - I doubt it. Its way too soft for that status.
I'm 57, drive a 20th Anniversary GTI, have chipped it, upgraded the suspension, and keep top notch Michelins on it and it is a fun car. Keep looking at the R and can afford it, just haven 't pulled the trigger. Will wait till I'm 60 and retire. If I stay where I'm at, I'll like get another sporty car; but if I move to Arizona, I may get a truck. BTW, I've had two MkIs, MkIII, and my MkIV. Also have a MkVII sportwagen. VW has been very good to me.
Im 53 and have a 2017 R ...I switched out the Turbo, DownPipe, intercooler, fuel pumps and had it custom tuned ..Car does the 1/4 mile in under 12 seconds with all season tires...0-60 in 3 seconds...still drives normal unless i stomp on it...looks stock. Best car I have every had dollar for dollar
I've driven and owned nothing but VW Golfs ALL of my life! I'm now 60. My first car in 1985 fresh out of college was a Mk2 GTI, then a 1995 Mk3 Golf, and my latest, a 2003 Mk4 GTI VR6 for 19 years now. 3 VW's over 36 years!
I've had about 17+ VW's starting in 1987 basic golf , then VR6's, then GTI's now currently 2019 golf R stick of course, best one yet, 44K miles, not a burp, not one spec of any problem...fantastic car...fun, comfortable and QUICK, solid, and great for long highways, 4+ hr drives i do routinely...off ramps at 65mph is fun, it want to do 90+ mph, don't even realize it is when doing high speed merges on tpk, etc, fantastic car all day long, ..my longest lasting one was a VR6 Jetta GLX, stick of course 316,000 miles,fun never stranded miles..NEVER touched the gear box, sticks rule,
@@cengeb Thanks for your post. I would love to get a Golf R, when and if I can get some extra cash (too many medical bills). For now, i'm content with the fact that my 24v VR6 is still as solid as the day I got it approximately 19 years ago! I just can't kill this super reliable engine! It still has the original timing chains too! Also, even the manual gearbox oil/fluid hasn't ever been changed all these 19 years! VW tells me that I never need to touch the manual transmission oil/fluid! Everyone I tell this to thinks VW (and me) are crazy!
@@AudiophileTubes yes I never touched the timing chain or glide asy..never opened it up..never replaced shocks ...316 000 great miles..
And yes the dealer from who. I got all 17 plus vehicles..same desler..told me don't touch the manual gearbox...they where correct....they also told me how many auto trans they get in after people go to those quick lube joints and get talked into unnecessary fluid changes..do what vw says. And the stuff runs forever
The Type R is a Type R for adults. It has a very well sorted and comfortable suspension, reliable engine, the most comfortable seats in a car, lots of room, and is more fun to drive than the mk 7.5 golf R at least. Using a car to communicate your sophistication is the folly of a young person. If you like looks of the golf R, great. Getting it to just to project an image of maturity compared to another car is a juvenile thing to do. Get the car you like, looks be damned.
if you think the type r suspension is comfortable, then the golf r must feel like actual pillows. last type R i was in made my entire body shake down to the nipple... barely acceptable on anything but a smooth road (New York roads are insane)
Dai driving for hagerty is a legendary move for this channel
So now that I'm in my 40's, I guess it's time to let go of my GTI and get an R?
The R, if you can stomach the money, is the move.
@@guywheeler4225 or put just a little more and get an audi rs3 or a mercedes a45 or a bmw m2 (before the new m2 comes out). Or a fully specced bmw m245i
Likely the wisest choice is to get a sweet deal on a certified pre-owned golf R, and that way you'll have enough money left over to do some bolt on mods, while still having a great warranty! Best of both worlds!
@@christophersparkman That's exactly what I've done with my GTI. 300+ hp, 350+ torques! 0-60 in 5.0s (got 4.95s once). Just love the platform!
Mk8 has grown on me so fast. Honestly love the way it looks.
"Ya nevah call front wheels" lol. I agree though, same issue on my MK7 R, better tires (ps4s) kinda help with the issue.
Lighter wheels on my mk5 r32 made a noticeable difference
Agreed 😎
Yup, it's a lot to do with the tires. Good summer tires on my 2016 R made a world of difference.
Owned the MK7 in my twenties, and still into my thirties. Now with twins, I still feel immature, but not because of the *R*
By twins, do you mean you bought another Mk7? 🤣
Legit none of my friends who are now in their mid 20's, even those who are working now instead of taking the Uni route could afford a newer gti or r
@@Daniel-dj7fh Cars are expensive right now. I love my Mk7R, but I recognize that I'm in a very fortunate position to be able to afford one as a guy in his twenties.
I enjoy your videos also
While I know that looks are subjective but he must be the first person I've heard that prefers the looks of the Type R.
These style of reviews are the best. I like seeing what a journalist then race car driver have to say about the car.
Bummer for hot hatches leaving the USA market. :-(
VW only selling the enthusiast versions? Toyota should take notice. BRING US THE YARIS GR
Brand it as a Mazda even I don't care I'll trade in my Si for one
Won't make it to the US because of our crash testing requirements. Basically need to yield 20 cars (forget how many in total) to be sacrificed for crash ratings. Because Toyota actually loses money on these cars (or very close to it) they don't want to sacrifice a few hundred thousand for testing as they are only going to make the minimum homologation amount. They sell out already so no real reason to waste the money to bring it to the US. But supposedly for 2023 model year (in 2022) we're getting a GR Corolla hatch most likely with the Yaris engine and AWD system with a little more power. Will it compete well against the Golf R and Civic Type R? We'll have to see if the GR Yaris plant is going to be building the GR Corolla as well.
I miss VR6
Ditto
I'm 67 and stilling a 2020 GTI with manual.
Wow this actually looks alot better than the mk8 GTI
Looks great. But I wish they didn’t destroy the interior. Yawn. The MK7.5 interior is so good.
Agree....
Nice content!!! Very educating from beginning to the end, however business and investment opportunities are the best way to make money irrespective of your status and location
I tried trading on my own once and blew up my account don’t know if anyone here have had similar experience, I’m just so afraid
it's amazing seeing people making good recommendations out here about expert Ms Amelia Lopez. Trading in the forex market is indeed a great risk. one needs a certified broker to help manage these market risks..Ms Amelia , my broker just got me double my trading equity! when I look back at the car I bought just from a $2500 startup capital which went up by about 550% in a two weeks I’ve just been short of words
I've heard a lot about Mrs Amelia Lopez. Pls how save are the profits
@@gisellcruz9116 I invest with Mrs Amelia too, she charges 20% on profit made after every trading. 80% profit are directly sent to your wallet address. As a first time investor I started trading with Mrs Amelia with just a thousand of bulks, my portfolio is much more than that now within just weeks of trading with her
@Tymek Hunter Pls how do I contact Mrs Amelia?
The presenter did an amazing job! So clear, pleasent to listen to, touched the most important points. Love the car.
Pleasantly surprised to hear Zacks voice! Wish we could see Dai using drift mode.
Every time the volume knob is abandoned, it is a mistake. You cannot improve on real knobs and switchgear.
I'm really glad you did a video on the new MK8 Golf R. Zack did a great job like always! I think his voice volume/level was a little low compared to the background music though so maybe try to make that a little better in the future! I think it was genius having Dai drive the car and let us know what he thinks since he has so much driving experience... makes this video very special! Thanks a lot guys!
I owned a 6-speed 2017 Golf R for a couple of years and man I still miss it! What a car, I often when to track days on Sunday and drove it to work the next day and it equally good at both
Finally a white coloured Golf R
So great that the manual is still available
Zack is one of my favorite auto journalist. Glad to see him on Hagerty.
Zack is a future legend in the automotive journalist landscape - great review! Would be a tough decision between this and the next gen Type R for me.
If the next CTR adopts a more mature design language, less sharp edges, less boy racer, less angry teenager, I’m all in
@@PigglyWigglyDeluxe looks like that’s what they’re going for
I think the Golf R is not as polished on the track as the Civic, but a better daily driver. Especially on long road trips.
Haven’t had a VW since a hand me down MK1 GTI. This looks very appealing to me. I never buy 1st year cars and maybe by the 4th model year they will have reinstalled some buttons and switches!
Loved my 2015 Golf R... always a great base to start from!! And then the ECU / TCU aftermarket software brings this car to a whole new level!
Agreed. I have a 2016 R and Ive done the ecu/tcu tune along with rear sway bar, intake and turbo inlet and the car is so much better to drive now and its a little rocket.
I'm 51 years old and I have 400hp mk7 gti which is hilarious to drive, and aside from being 1" lower, looks completely stock. I'll keep it a few more years and then probably go for a used mk8 golf r. I miss having the rear wheels involved.
I wish my dad was into cars like this hahahah
No doubt a brilliant car, and a better car for many, but the fact that it’s still being compared to the Civic TypeR that is 7 years old speaks volumes of the quality of the latter.
The Mk8 has quite a few improvements, but the interior and driver interfaces? A real step back from the Mk7.5
While I love my mk7 and looked at the 22 R, my biggest complaint is how it looks like basically every other golf. Feels like I’m driving a civic at times there are so many GTIs/Golfs where I live. The popularity speaks to the practicality and great overall driving experience, but I really wish the R looked significantly more aggressive or different. I ultimately went with a Mini Countryman JCW to stand out a bit over the R.
Not a Golf R fan but I'd like to see more Zack & Dai in your future car reviews if that is possible.
If Dai says he likes it, then you know your doing it right!!
I see consistently that it pulls 0-60 in 4 seconds and 1/4 mile in about 12.5 111mph. Take off the steering wheel, pull apart the wires to the circuits, and disconnect the buttons that you don't use. Put LED lights behind the rear view mirror shining down onto the center stack.
I can't get a read on the chemistry between Zack and Dai.
1. They don't really like each other
2. Zack gets car sick when Dai is track driving.
3. They are both trying way too hard to be professional when they just want to joke around.
I think somewhere between 2 & 3...
I only get sick in the right seat if I'm trying to read a book or edit a video.
@@zackklapman3569 Keep up the great work man. Love watching all your videos.
I think this format makes the Rated show much much better than the one before
Quality review of the MK8R, honest and to the point.
Zach is such a great auto journalist. Love watching you and matt on The Smoking Tire.
If they only had real buttons. I wonder if you could swap the steering with an older one ?
Tremendous automobile! I haven't driven the MK 8 (did drive the 7 GTI, loved it!), I've seen it in person though, my issue is it's a little too big for golf...what do you guys think?
SUVs are so ubiquitous today that the punk counterculture move is a minivan. The minivan guy doesn't care what the SUV establishmentarians think. 😀
Love the Golf R too. You've got me craving a return to my hot hatch roots.
It sucks but most people just want convenience and space and that makes sense.
great review! Don't worry I'm 38 with 3 kids and I daily a mk7 lol. I rarely feel immature driving it.
Golf R, Type R, Subaru STI 2022, Which one should i buy?
As a focus ST owner, I just can't bring myself to buy anything else. Hot hatchbacks are so practical and useful, i don't understand why manufacturers say no one wants a hatchback.
Ya Zack Klapman! Always a pleasure to receive your insight on automobiles, glad to see you on the Hagerty bus!
I’ve never seen Zack so scared lol
VW needs to bring the Golf R, Audi S4, and Audi S6 wagons to the US. For the adults who want something fun but now have kids and can't afford an E63 AMG wagon, RS6, or Porsche Panamera
Hell if they had an RS3 hatch here it would sell like HOTCAKES
Really enjoyed this - Zack is the best and the Golf is a cool car.
Wow great review. Clear, concise, no time wasting, excellent vid. Thank you
I have a Golf R and I really enjoy it, but it will never put a smile on my face like my 1290 Super Duke does. Just something about two wheels. I just turned 50 and I could not see myself in a Civic Type R.
You're welcome! My 2019 golf r is a 6spd. It's also literally the most comfortable car I've owned that is fairly quick. I'll be selling it to get a c8 but i know i will miss it.
Yes you will miss the praticallity of it and awd too on certain weather days
@@vroomgc i live in FL so weather days don't really matter much. But practicality is gonna be a huge hit, AND the fact that these little beasts are so discreet. Never had a cop even look my way.
@@kurumatt473 ya thats a good point , it looks too much like a normal golf. well your new c8 should solve the discreet part and will also be quite fast too. Good for you!
Guess we're a bunch of old guys...I'm 59 years old and just sold my Mitsubishi Evo. I'm looking for a replacement, and was considering the BMW M3, but changed my mind and put a deposit down for the new 2022 Golf R. It won't be a daily driver, so I'm getting the manual transmission. The manual is a little slower, but I missed it as my Evo has the fast shifting SST.
Día is the man. Thumbs up for that alone
The production quality elevates this channel well above most. Dang, I subscribed off of this one vid
Wasn’t sure if the GTI clubsport was sold in North America. I wonder if the AWD and 15+ ponies, along with that torque vectoring make up for the price difference
Is it just me or did Zack sound exactly like Robin Williams when he did that joke about never calling?! 👍👍
Back in 2011, my coworkers were working on an MKV Golf R. They didn't understand it, and I explained that it was like having a somewhat less hardcore WRX or EVO. Back then, they still had a NA VR6 instead of a turbo 4. I compare the Honda Civic R more closely to the VW GTI.
I still dream of getting an Evo X Final Edition.
Wrong comparing the civic R to a gti as it’s better on the track than a golf R so the the GTI Ia class down
Awesome to see Zack on the channel and the content is excellent. Loved the format here and the track segment was actually informative while still fun to watch.
I’ll take my entertainment controls, AC controls and zero navigation all in separate modules with knobs and real buttons.
Oh wait…that serviceable vehicle was 10 years ago.
The Mk8 is the "How do you do, fellow kids!" of the hot hatch world!
the only thing that turns me off about the Golf R is the electronics, and complicated maintenance (subjective).
When the Evo was quite more than what most people need, and is simple.
i guess i'm a 40 year old child then, because i like my Type-R
Much respect to VW for giving us the manual and great job to those of you here in the US who actually bought the previous manual and did not just talk about it. Sorry Europe. Actually, we get the Golf R in a manual and the 911 with a manual. Nice! I used to own a 1981 VW Rabbit diesel. That thing was slow, smelly but it had plenty of torque, and as long as I was not driving next to anyone else it felt faster than it was. I now have my future collectible a 2019 Honda Civic Type R but I have mad respect for those out there who are also rowing their own gears. Get these cars while you can because in the all-electric future manuals will be very hard to come by.
Why does Euro get the manual? The car leaves Europe anyway.
The transformer that got held up 😂😂😂
Brilliant car. Thank god racing drivers don’t define the suspension on normal road cars, otherwise the R would be way too uncomfortable. Also, this way there would be room for a Golf RS :)
Zack, nice video, but I would have liked some mention of the drift mode on the track. I have a mk7r and this is the one feature that is making me interested in a mk8
"This bumpy road"
Here in the UK that looks like something the Queen would drive on.
Zack works for hagerty now too? Dang. Awesome work.
Glad to see you folks going around to different tracks. Hey, High Plains Raceway! My local track!
This capacitive buttons though. It’s like they grilled a Grade A steak, then put ketchup on it, I just don’t want it anymore.
Love the manual.
Hagerty really needs to invest in 4k cameras.
After watching the recent RS3 embargo being lifted, those rims are similar to the 8R, just blacked-out. These are some nice wheels, especially if they arrive in all black but I hope they’re not as brittle as the Pretorias. The 2pot front brake calipers painted in blue are a nice touch. I still wish VW designed the front headlights to be more aggressive, but the LED bar looks nicer and nicer.
I would probably shift the R to the Left or Right. The quad tips look a bit thick, like triple walled tips but somehow the quad style looks just right on the 8R. I don’t think the center stack style tips would look right on this generation, but maybe?
Just being nitpicky - the engine cover looks a bit plain compared to the MK7. It’ll be interesting to test out drift mode on the 8R. Somehow I feel like it’s just playing catch-up to the FoRS in terms of their performance AWD system, from which I read, already has a similar torque distribution schematics.
The seats are growing on me. The MK7 seats was a huge disappointment IMO. I remember the MK4 R32 and how special attention to detail they put into R specific models. In a way these seats are a good way to differentiate the interior, although the GTI shares the same seats.
After seeing the new Audi A3 + lineup, I wonder why VW went all digital with their controls. Meanwhile Audi went a hybrid of touch and tactical buttons. Ambient lightning is a “must” for this decade, and I’m glad VW did not disappoint. I love the fact that the lighting extends to rear passenger doors as well.
For almost $45k, that’s a steep price for the new R. But that’s a fair price to pay for an almost fully loaded, euro-spec’d R. If VW kept the pricing below $40k, there probably would be no sunroof, ventilated seats, memory settings, no spoiler extension, limited ambient lightning, possibly different headhunt - we get the point.
Still, for that price some might start cross shopping the R with the competition. Or vice versa - potential Type R owners might start considering the VW for all its tech, performance, quality, practicality, and AWD.
Quality?
Yeah this video sorta pushed me towards the Type R. That one is almost a wagon in trunk space, as big as the MK7 Alltrack trunk.