I own a 2017 Focus RS, love the car but the Golf R is just so well done. Its by far the most refined and most livable of all the Hot Hatches. That interior, so nice. Respect.
Fantastic review. So glad you took a DSG out being a big DSG fan myself. The Golf R is perfect. Why would you need anything else? Performance, practicality and not supercar money. Great 👍
Darren Nice the amg is in a different league around 10K more. The rs is a good match for it although it doesn't have that sleeper factor every one that sees it will know it's fast
Thomasharoldsloan focus RS just looks nicer. It has couple liability issues. Also trunk space is poor. I like both, but I won't say one is "much nicer". With price of A45 I will go with m2, but if sticking with hot hatch I'd say yup for its price it's nicer, but not "much nicer". A45 breaks the feeling of "low profile, high perf", but it's awesome car I have to admit.
As a North American GTI owner, I spend a good part of my TH-cam surfing drooling over the Golf R reviews. I agree with f181234, this is my favorite review yet. The POV track run with the "pace car" was a very nice window into what it's like actually behind the wheel. My current/3rd GTI is old, 2012 - but it's the very first car I've EVER owned with an auto-transmission. When I bought the car, I didn't want a DSG at all, but the car was otherwise perfect (the right color, the right options, etc), so I decided to take it. I have to admit that it took me a full year to discover full-time paddle shifting; the dealer never showed me how to switch to it. I AM A COMPLETE CONVERT. The next GTI/R I buy will have the DSG. I saw that the second DSG run in this video allowed the driver to get up to 160+ kph, whereas I don't remember seeing anything higher than 140+ kph with the manual transmission. Awesome :)
I was looking forward to your review of the face lift Golf R and you haven't disappointed. Many thanks Thomas for the excellent in depth review and Benny's insight too. 10 out of 10!
I noticed on the manual transmission you were getting up to 160 Km/h on the fastest section and in the DSG 166 Km/h so you confirmed that you can be quicker with a dual clutch transmission. I like the way you go into great detail.
This is the superb review that got me hooked on a Golf 7.5 R about 3 years ago, decided on a 3 door manual in lapiz blue - just watched the review again (excellent work Thomas), and still loving driving the R
Germans are so good with car reviews... love this! thanks from Australia! Also Thomas, i much prefer the manual ! Also im very impressed with how good their English is!
I have owned a mark 7 for 5 weeks now and must it has been the best car I have ever owned. In respects for a daily driver it is awesome. It is superb in Eco mode as well as mental race mode. The car just makes you smile every time you move on to the slip road, or B road, because you know what's coming. Great track review, will defo buy a mark 8.
Immediately I noticed you were faster with the DSG than the manual. Manuals can be fun too, but when you have an automatic as a choice then I see a lot of sense with people going for DSG. Excellent video & keep up the great work.
Tomas, Thank you for your in depth review comparing the DSG and the manual. In the end I went with the manual and I have no regrets. This thing is a beast in the snow. Cheers from Canada!
Great job driving and commenting at the same time. I'd have a hard time concentrating on the road & the content of my dialogue at the same time. It looks well planted with the all-wheel drive.
One of your best videos yet, Thomas. The interior/exterior review is superb as always, and the hot laps were a real bonus treat. Would love to see Benny Leuchter featured on another video
Good review, but watching your gear changes I totally see why you prefer the DSG. Personally I have just ordered a manual, I think changing gear is one of the last skills left when driving a modern car and smooth/accurate gear changes are very rewarding for the driver (especially on the track).
Hi guys, nice review!! Thomas, i noticed for the first 13 mins or so, when you were reviewing the interior of the car, you have a really annoying static sound, and i checked with my other headphones, it's still there, and yes i checked on other devices and other videos there is no static noise, so maybe check into that guys. :) Anyway keep up the good work guys!
Another great review Thomas. DSG all the way for me. I love manual, but DSG just trumps it in performance. Also, turn off Front Assist when you are on the race track. Saw the collision warning come up a few times in your MFD when you got close to the pace car. It will slow you too much and get in the way more often than not.
Brilliant! I've been eagerly awaiting this one. Nice driving Thomas - you seem to be better matched to the DSG, and it's what I went with myself. Looks like in North America we'll miss out on the power bump, performance pack, and sunroof (still), so I jumped on a great 2017 deal. Couldn't be happier :)
Thanks for presenting the manual before they are all discontinued. manual is a lot cheaper to replace when it goes bad. dsg is incredibly pricey to replace.
I like it so much I am trading my TDI Golf in for the 2018 R, in blue, manual. I too was very disappointed that in N America we are forced to get ‘animal skin interior’ but in the end it’s a much superior car to the FWD GTI in snow and weather. Great review, you really are much improved as a race driver!
Was hoping you would review the new R Thomas! As usual, an excellent informative review. I've got a 3 door DSG on order and you will be pleased to know, no animal skin seats!! 😀👍🏻
Nice review this has to be my favourite yet! You guys should come to North America and test the new Volkswagen Atlas I would want to see your input on that.
Amazing review Tomas... The refresh Golf R look is awesome and the new upgrade put this car much more in the leading position of the hot hatch division! After what I see on this crazy video the DSG is clearly my choice, because it's so much faster in the track and like you said, it's more easy to be focus all the time on the race track... It's a very big advantage. I hope you gonna make more review like this one, it was so cool and fun to watch!!!
A really very entertaining Review - Many Thanks as always Thomas. Your Team is producing so many (great!) Reviews lately, I can't keep up! I am miles behind - it is fantastic what you do! Keep up the good work. You ask DSG or manual? Both, but the 7-speed DSG works so well wherever you're driving, is always so smooth and 'soft', always in the right gear, and changes very rapidly... Thanks again, Thomas and Team.
I always prefer the DSG over the manual. Nowadays, a DSG or automatic offers a more comfortable and faster driving experience. If I like to shift by myself, I can use the shiftpaddles behind the steeringwheel.
If you are concerned about fuel Consumption then this is not the car for your in either manual or dsg :D people who are really concerned about fuel consumption has a billion other models to choose from :D
Elmojito - Ferrari do not offer a manual. Lamborghini do not offer a manual. Porsche GT3RS is PDK. Every top level of motorsport car uses paddles. Yet you say an enthusiasts will always go for a manual. It's not true. When a DCT and a Manual are offered, the DCT outsells the manual 9 to 1. I am a driving purist yet I recognise the benefits of a DCT. It allows drivers to focus more on other aspects of driving. Just because you prefer a manual, please do not think you are entitled to speak on all enthusiasts behalf because although I'm sure some agree with you, not everyone does.
Update, new info: The Active Info Display is only standard equipment for the Golf GTI Performance (at least in Germany), it may differ from market to market though.
Thanks Thomas, a great review of a fantastic car. Enjoyed sharing the drives with you!!! Cannot help thinking that the surround for the virtual cockpit display is just too angular/square. It looks like something from the seventies... Best wishes m8
I remember driving my friend’s pre-facelift Golf R and I thought it was amazing. I wonder how much of a difference it is to this facelift here. How it feels.
Nice review. In US, no LED taillight, no wagon (combi), no performance pack, no variable steering, leather only interior. VW/Audi always holds out on us.
mfmf100 It's their mistakes that makes the sales not that great in the US. If they provided the same options then it would make more people happy. Just knowing that we're getting shafted makes me not want to support the company. It's too bad it's a great car, but they strip it out for us and still want a premium. Give us the goods and more will buy.
mfmf100 no led taillights because the didn't pass us regulations same thing with the sunroof and no wagon because no one will buy it. Vw/Audi isn't at fault it's the us laws and customer needs
Wagon,maybe you're right (unfortunately) but it's certainly possible to make a car with LED taillights and a sunroof available in the US, not to mention the other features.
mfmf100 I've read that part of the issue is that they'd have to raise the price well above what it is now to justify the extra cost of testing etc for N America. No idea if it's true.... In Canada the price with tax is nearly $50k already, meaning that if they raise the price they cannibalize Audi S3 territory, and I start thinking of getting a Porsche or Polestar.
I think its the best Review on you tube for Golf R for the moment , but i think you need a better driver to test car in the track , dont get me wrong, you drive good too (thats just my opinion) thank you
Thanks Steve! Ensure that you have activated the notifications for our channel (little bell next to the subscribe button) that you dont miss new videos!
Great Thom, I'll keep mine on order then.maybe look forward to another review on roads, with non performance kit, not in UK though! as in a dreadful state that makes DCC essential.
Autogefühl Please when you want to use hand gestures keep your hand AWAY from the screen, every single reviewer does what you just did and then they complain why it doesn't work, if you're going to put your hands that close you might as well use the screen it was designed to be used with your hand away....
Thomas Blue looks cool! , big fan of hatch back, can't wait to see the GLA 45 review. Good presentation as usual, should be called "The Thomas Car Reviews" :D
That exhaust is a lot nicer than the one we get in the states, I also prefer those cloth seats, another thing not offered in the states. Drilled rotors? Although 45,000 EURO is 51,000 USD and you can buy a GOLF R in the states for $41,000 (or less) so I not complaining.
i prefer the manual gearbox no question about it. more involvement and control, fully connected with the mechanics of driving the machine, lighter, more robust and better tuning potential with manual gearbox. and the manual gearboxes in the Gti and R are really smooth and precise... comes down to what you are looking for in a performance car.
Your reviews Thomas are the complete package. You’ve helped me decide on a golf r with performance package. Hopefully they come to the land down under. Subscribed 🤙🏻
One of the problems with front wheel drive has always been that the front axles already have to cope with the mechanics of steering, which means ball joints which, in turn, means that there's a limit to how much you can safely put through them without the car becoming unwieldy. From a purely physics-based perspective, front wheel drive is always going to suffer in comparison to rear drive, because the natural tendency of a car whose driver has run out of talent is to plough straight on no matter where he points the wheels, whereas rear-drive oversteer can be corrected by flicking the wheel in the direction of the skid. Of course, in terms of steering and suspension and final-drive dynamics it is possible to have the front-drive car handle more power than it would with just a conventional set-up, but even so, there's a limit to that whereas all the rear-drive architecture has to concern itself with, essentially, is whether the prop- and half-shafts and the gearbox can handle the output of the engine.
Great review,sharp image, i realy love the new seats and the new datch display. Is it just me or the fake sound in the cabin is kind of Honda-ish ....it doesn't sound like a turbo engine. The Akrapovic are superb.
When it comes to German cars the Golf stands alone as unique small compact reliable and comfortable car. Plus, no animals skin seen in this version. On the racetrack the Green Golf showed an insane acceleration that prompted me to guess that the driver had a speed shift on the steering wheel while Thomas used the manual shifting. I simply can't imagine the sensations you feel while driving this nervous Golf Sport.
Thomas, late to the party, but as usual a superior fun review. Your evaluations are always entertaining and fun. As usual thank you for your top notch professional work. Having a tough time deciding between the r, M2 or 997 Targa4S. Must be a manual, but leaning toward M2 as the "just right" compromise. What do you think for all season driving pleasure (with a 987.1 already in the garage)?
Thanks Tomas , I can't wait to change my Scirocco R and get the Golf R , great review, going this weekend to VW garage lol and see the car , I love the new exhaust but I think well cost too much , , What do you this is better Tomas Audi RS3 or Glof R ? Please your opinion is important to me , thanks
I prefer the new facelifted golf R over a45 or any other hot-hatch just for being a special car, for having that unique styling options and for having that natural 4 cylinder sound with pops. The problem with the a45 is that it feels way too artificial and besides it is way too overpriced. In Europe you can get the new a45 for 60-70k where is the golf R only worth 40 to 50k and you get a perfect and practical car for that money.
The new Akrapovic-exhaust is the best improvement in comparison to the predecessor of the Golf R! It sounds great and it is an absolute must-have! I also love the R-blue 😍💪 Nice Impressions =)
I prefer analog gauges and a manual. For me, the tuned MK7 is a better car. With a basic tune and no parts at all added, you can be at 350 HP no problem.
This is a very nice car, and manual is the way to go w/o a doubt. Love it all, but in the USA... you drive fast, you get ticket. The police are not stupid. I rented the DSG in Germany and it was too wonderful to explain for my two week experience, but that was Germany. For my preference again the manual has a better feel and enjoyment for the vehicle and it's cheaper. I'm a fan. Now this is not a race/sports car. This car was build for daily driving, not for the race track, but I understand you have to push this hatchback to its limits. I enjoy this car for "The Anything, Anytime, Anywhere" qualities. Now since America seems to wait on the full amenities of the vehicle compared to Europe, i.e. 310 hp in manual model, I will just wait to purchase it.
Thomas, When do you get your hands on the New Honda Civic type R, that would be a good 3 way comparison with your recent reviews on Focus RS ,this Golf R MK7.5 and the latest Honda Type R . Look forward to that. How do you compare the R Facelift with Audi RS3 Facelift, if you have driven both?
Well I found the Golf R more comfortable for taller people and also suspension wise. 5 cyl-engine is cool yes with the RS3, but I'd take the Golf for better price/performance and more comfort
Thomas, thanks for your opinion. Your are obviously a DSG fan, while me living in the countryside in Wiltshire England with lovely Twisty but quick A &B roads , then my R mk7 manual is a more fun driving experience. I have owned both 6speed manual hatch and a DSG 6speed Variant both Cracking cars to live with day to day.
Like the brother, GTI, the 7R invented the hot hatch AWD that other manufacturers followed. I hope like the Audi, VW will keep the tradition of producing the 7R Variant/Estate
The best of its kind. The fact that VW keeps the styling conservative and quality superior is the best part.
Yes thats why i love my GTI Clubsport
7 years on and this still looks modern🤩
I own a 2017 Focus RS, love the car but the Golf R is just so well done. Its by far the most refined and most livable of all the Hot Hatches. That interior, so nice. Respect.
Fantastic review. So glad you took a DSG out being a big DSG fan myself. The Golf R is perfect. Why would you need anything else? Performance, practicality and not supercar money. Great 👍
thanks darren !
Darren Nice a45, focus rs they are just so much nicer...
Darren Nice the amg is in a different league around 10K more. The rs is a good match for it although it doesn't have that sleeper factor every one that sees it will know it's fast
Thomasharoldsloan focus RS just looks nicer. It has couple liability issues. Also trunk space is poor. I like both, but I won't say one is "much nicer". With price of A45 I will go with m2, but if sticking with hot hatch I'd say yup for its price it's nicer, but not "much nicer". A45 breaks the feeling of "low profile, high perf", but it's awesome car I have to admit.
The 7R Variant/Estate
As a North American GTI owner, I spend a good part of my TH-cam surfing drooling over the Golf R reviews. I agree with f181234, this is my favorite review yet. The POV track run with the "pace car" was a very nice window into what it's like actually behind the wheel.
My current/3rd GTI is old, 2012 - but it's the very first car I've EVER owned with an auto-transmission. When I bought the car, I didn't want a DSG at all, but the car was otherwise perfect (the right color, the right options, etc), so I decided to take it. I have to admit that it took me a full year to discover full-time paddle shifting; the dealer never showed me how to switch to it. I AM A COMPLETE CONVERT. The next GTI/R I buy will have the DSG.
I saw that the second DSG run in this video allowed the driver to get up to 160+ kph, whereas I don't remember seeing anything higher than 140+ kph with the manual transmission. Awesome :)
Excellent no-BS review, as always.
👍😎
I cant believe you still do not have a million subscribers, yet many terrible review sites do.
Never mind, keep up the great work.
Tell your friends and we'll hopefully grow =)
I was looking forward to your review of the face lift Golf R and you haven't disappointed. Many thanks Thomas for the excellent in depth review and Benny's insight too. 10 out of 10!
thanks keep following us!
I noticed on the manual transmission you were getting up to 160 Km/h on the fastest section and in the DSG 166 Km/h so you confirmed that you can be quicker with a dual clutch transmission.
I like the way you go into great detail.
great observation! Would be even more interesting to time a lap time comparing each :)
This is the superb review that got me hooked on a Golf 7.5 R about 3 years ago, decided on a 3 door manual in lapiz blue - just watched the review again (excellent work Thomas), and still loving driving the R
🤘
that blue is just perfect
It is, but it's impossible to figure which blue it is... looks like Lapiz Blue but not quite... Somebody knows?
Germans are so good with car reviews... love this! thanks from Australia! Also Thomas, i much prefer the manual ! Also im very impressed with how good their English is!
cheers m8 !
I have owned a mark 7 for 5 weeks now and must it has been the best car I have ever owned. In respects for a daily driver it is awesome. It is superb in Eco mode as well as mental race mode. The car just makes you smile every time you move on to the slip road, or B road, because you know what's coming. Great track review, will defo buy a mark 8.
thanks glad u enjoyed!
Manual or DSG?
DSG, the best box i have had, suits the car perfectly
Andy Tiller does it have automatic rain sensing wipers??
yes it also has the tech pack
Immediately I noticed you were faster with the DSG than the manual. Manuals can be fun too, but when you have an automatic as a choice then I see a lot of sense with people going for DSG. Excellent video & keep up the great work.
thannks pal keep joining us!
Tomas, Thank you for your in depth review comparing the DSG and the manual. In the end I went with the manual and I have no regrets. This thing is a beast in the snow. Cheers from Canada!
awesome, congrats =)
Great job driving and commenting at the same time. I'd have a hard time concentrating on the road & the content of my dialogue at the same time. It looks well planted with the all-wheel drive.
thanks! It's the practice :)
One of your best videos yet, Thomas. The interior/exterior review is superb as always, and the hot laps were a real bonus treat. Would love to see Benny Leuchter featured on another video
love to hear that. Keep recommending us!
Good review, but watching your gear changes I totally see why you prefer the DSG. Personally I have just ordered a manual, I think changing gear is one of the last skills left when driving a modern car and smooth/accurate gear changes are very rewarding for the driver (especially on the track).
I drove one of these cars on the Mt Cotton track in Brisbane last Thursday & absolutely enjoyed every moment I was behind the wheel.
Hi guys, nice review!!
Thomas, i noticed for the first 13 mins or so, when you were reviewing the interior of the car, you have a really annoying static sound, and i checked with my other headphones, it's still there, and yes i checked on other devices and other videos there is no static noise, so maybe check into that guys. :)
Anyway keep up the good work guys!
It more and more comes that the cars give some sound radiation with internet devices ...
Much better driving skills than a year ago. Nice job, Tomas!
thanks jan!
Fantastic review, thank you. This makes me seriously consider the latest Golf R.
appreciated!
Brian Nmezi get it, you wont regret
Thanks for reviewing the manual version, really appreciate it. Great review as always.
thx keep tuning in!
nothing better than 2 germans talking to each other in english in that accent
=)
i did not mean in an offensive way !
:)
nice video from Australia!
Good review of a German car by a German guy . Good job Thomas
Another great review Thomas. DSG all the way for me. I love manual, but DSG just trumps it in performance. Also, turn off Front Assist when you are on the race track. Saw the collision warning come up a few times in your MFD when you got close to the pace car. It will slow you too much and get in the way more often than not.
Brilliant! I've been eagerly awaiting this one. Nice driving Thomas - you seem to be better matched to the DSG, and it's what I went with myself. Looks like in North America we'll miss out on the power bump, performance pack, and sunroof (still), so I jumped on a great 2017 deal. Couldn't be happier :)
yeah indeed :)
Best review of the Golf R i have seen so far
thanks pal !
Thanks for presenting the manual before they are all discontinued.
manual is a lot cheaper to replace when it goes bad.
dsg is incredibly pricey to replace.
you re welcome!
And dsg is comparatively boring.
I like it so much I am trading my TDI Golf in for the 2018 R, in blue, manual. I too was very disappointed that in N America we are forced to get ‘animal skin interior’ but in the end it’s a much superior car to the FWD GTI in snow and weather. Great review, you really are much improved as a race driver!
+acchaladka thats too bad! Still thanks and enjoy!
i think in every day driving dsg is better, if u have the chance to go on race track then the manual is the way to go . btw, a new great video
thanks bogdan!
Was hoping you would review the new R Thomas! As usual, an excellent informative review. I've got a 3 door DSG on order and you will be pleased to know, no animal skin seats!! 😀👍🏻
awesome =)
Sorry to break it to you but the “leather” in Volkswagen’s is not from animals
Nice review this has to be my favourite yet! You guys should come to North America and test the new Volkswagen Atlas I would want to see your input on that.
Exactly that we ll do this week :) Brian and Michel will do that!
.. hahaha ..
Hey, make sure it's the 3.6l VR6. ;)
f181234 yhh
Amazing review Tomas... The refresh Golf R look is awesome and the new upgrade put this car much more in the leading position of the hot hatch division! After what I see on this crazy video the DSG is clearly my choice, because it's so much faster in the track and like you said, it's more easy to be focus all the time on the race track... It's a very big advantage. I hope you gonna make more review like this one, it was so cool and fun to watch!!!
will do :)
Manual all the way!!! As a tall guy with big feet I have always appreciated VW’s pedal spacing!!!
😊
the launch control is better than before ,awesome.
Congrats! This video got mentioned on top gear Finlands article
thanks for the info :)
A really very entertaining Review - Many Thanks as always Thomas. Your Team is producing so many (great!) Reviews lately, I can't keep up! I am miles behind - it is fantastic what you do! Keep up the good work. You ask DSG or manual? Both, but the 7-speed DSG works so well wherever you're driving, is always so smooth and 'soft', always in the right gear, and changes very rapidly... Thanks again, Thomas and Team.
always appreciated!
This looks so nice 👍🏻 I love the face lift and the new interior
I always prefer the DSG over the manual. Nowadays, a DSG or automatic offers a more comfortable and faster driving experience. If I like to shift by myself, I can use the shiftpaddles behind the steeringwheel.
Carlos G. And better fuel consumption
I like the driving engagement I get with a manual but truthfully for performance sake a DSG or Auto is better and keeps one focus on driving.
Carlos G. agreed!
If you are concerned about fuel Consumption then this is not the car for your in either manual or dsg :D people who are really concerned about fuel consumption has a billion other models to choose from :D
Elmojito - Ferrari do not offer a manual. Lamborghini do not offer a manual. Porsche GT3RS is PDK. Every top level of motorsport car uses paddles. Yet you say an enthusiasts will always go for a manual. It's not true. When a DCT and a Manual are offered, the DCT outsells the manual 9 to 1. I am a driving purist yet I recognise the benefits of a DCT. It allows drivers to focus more on other aspects of driving. Just because you prefer a manual, please do not think you are entitled to speak on all enthusiasts behalf because although I'm sure some agree with you, not everyone does.
Update, new info: The Active Info Display is only standard equipment for the Golf GTI Performance (at least in Germany), it may differ from market to market though.
Thanks Thomas, a great review of a fantastic car. Enjoyed sharing the drives with you!!! Cannot help thinking that the surround for the virtual cockpit display is just too angular/square. It looks like something from the seventies... Best wishes m8
cheers!
I remember driving my friend’s pre-facelift Golf R and I thought it was amazing. I wonder how much of a difference it is to this facelift here. How it feels.
Dsg for me thank you Thomas! I have a Tiguan 118kw dsg and it's so much more drivable.
Nice review. In US, no LED taillight, no wagon (combi), no performance pack, no variable steering, leather only interior. VW/Audi always holds out on us.
mfmf100 It's their mistakes that makes the sales not that great in the US. If they provided the same options then it would make more people happy. Just knowing that we're getting shafted makes me not want to support the company.
It's too bad it's a great car, but they strip it out for us and still want a premium. Give us the goods and more will buy.
mfmf100 no led taillights because the didn't pass us regulations same thing with the sunroof and no wagon because no one will buy it. Vw/Audi isn't at fault it's the us laws and customer needs
Wagon,maybe you're right (unfortunately) but it's certainly possible to make a car with LED taillights and a sunroof available in the US, not to mention the other features.
ye wrong decisions.
mfmf100 I've read that part of the issue is that they'd have to raise the price well above what it is now to justify the extra cost of testing etc for N America. No idea if it's true.... In Canada the price with tax is nearly $50k already, meaning that if they raise the price they cannibalize Audi S3 territory, and I start thinking of getting a Porsche or Polestar.
legendary Thomas is back 👍
Best video on TH-cam. Love the car and the music it makes.
thanks pal keep joining us :)
Great manual shifting there on the race track, Thomas. I can not shift that fast.
always the best Tomas
in your service!
Danke :)
I think its the best Review on you tube for Golf R for the moment , but i think you need a better driver to test car in the track , dont get me wrong, you drive good too (thats just my opinion) thank you
thanks man! Also try to join us at the fan meeting! goo.gl/forms/EOQun7oxekRcFhBE3
Definitely DSG.
You are fast. Nice laps, Thomas!
thanks nick!
Great review, and nice touch with the interview at the end.
thanks join us for more!
really nice review. Your stuff is always very complete. Wish the station wagon would come to the states.
Thanks Steve! Ensure that you have activated the notifications for our channel (little bell next to the subscribe button) that you dont miss new videos!
+1. .. Get out of town ..... Herr Thomas nice drifting @ 0:02 .. Too much fun the VW GTI ! .. The DSG / PDK gearboxes are very, very responsive. ..
Great Thom, I'll keep mine on order then.maybe look forward to another review on roads, with non performance kit, not in UK though! as in a dreadful state that makes DCC essential.
+crackerboxpal - Agree, UK road surface state is dreadful. Agree, I personally think DCC is a very nice extra on an MQB platform car.
Great review, keep up the good work.
I have a question though: Do you think it is good enough to worth the upgrade from the 2016 Golf R?
glad u enjoyed! Nah for sure not
I really like the racetrack, very nice sporty Golf car!
Good job Thomas!
thanks pal!
finally noticed the sunroof on the second view of this review. Now I will buy one!!
I especially like the "pump it up yo" system. I also have it in my gti clubsport
=)
Thanks for very professional review!
appreciated!
Manual transmission for sure. Thanks for all your reviews!
appreciated!
Autogefühl
Please when you want to use hand gestures keep your hand AWAY from the screen, every single reviewer does what you just did and then they complain why it doesn't work, if you're going to put your hands that close you might as well use the screen it was designed to be used with your hand away....
Thank you Thomas for another great review. Can I ask why you prefer automatic over a manual please?
thanks! Seen both racetrack parts? :)
Thomas Blue looks cool! , big fan of hatch back, can't wait to see the GLA 45 review. Good presentation as usual, should be called "The Thomas Car Reviews" :D
=)
That exhaust is a lot nicer than the one we get in the states, I also prefer those cloth seats, another thing not offered in the states. Drilled rotors? Although 45,000 EURO is 51,000 USD and you can buy a GOLF R in the states for $41,000 (or less) so I not complaining.
i prefer the manual gearbox no question about it. more involvement and control, fully connected with the mechanics of driving the machine, lighter, more robust and better tuning potential with manual gearbox. and the manual gearboxes in the Gti and R are really smooth and precise... comes down to what you are looking for in a performance car.
Your reviews Thomas are the complete package. You’ve helped me decide on a golf r with performance package. Hopefully they come to the land down under. Subscribed 🤙🏻
👌
great review. i love a manual shift, but the practicalities of dsg are hard to walk past. i have dsg in my current car and its great and very fast.
Wow car looks fab Thomas keep up the excellent video's
thanks marc!
One of the problems with front wheel drive has always been that the front axles already have to cope with the mechanics of steering, which means ball joints which, in turn, means that there's a limit to how much you can safely put through them without the car becoming unwieldy. From a purely physics-based perspective, front wheel drive is always going to suffer in comparison to rear drive, because the natural tendency of a car whose driver has run out of talent is to plough straight on no matter where he points the wheels, whereas rear-drive oversteer can be corrected by flicking the wheel in the direction of the skid. Of course, in terms of steering and suspension and final-drive dynamics it is possible to have the front-drive car handle more power than it would with just a conventional set-up, but even so, there's a limit to that whereas all the rear-drive architecture has to concern itself with, essentially, is whether the prop- and half-shafts and the gearbox can handle the output of the engine.
Great review,sharp image, i realy love the new seats and the new datch display. Is it just me or the fake sound in the cabin is kind of Honda-ish ....it doesn't sound like a turbo engine. The Akrapovic are superb.
+Ian Touzel thanks m8!
When it comes to German cars the Golf stands alone as unique small compact reliable and comfortable car. Plus, no animals skin seen in this version.
On the racetrack the Green Golf showed an insane acceleration that prompted me to guess that the driver had a speed shift on the steering wheel while Thomas used the manual shifting. I simply can't imagine the sensations you feel while driving this nervous Golf Sport.
Markus Deep VW is far from reliable, its just average.
ivan zubak i had 3 vw's in my life and i had no problems.
That doesnt indicate that others didnt. I know people with Fiats that never had problems.
ivan zubak of course not, but the mk7 golf is very reliable. the mk6 had problems that's true.
wait till a water pump fail see how much that will cost you, as much as like a golf R parts prices are not worth it at all
I like the manual bcuz I just like it. It’s fun to shift for me. I like the challenge of trying to catch the perfect shift
Thomas, late to the party, but as usual a superior fun review. Your evaluations are always entertaining and fun. As usual thank you for your top notch professional work. Having a tough time deciding between the r, M2 or 997 Targa4S. Must be a manual, but leaning toward M2 as the "just right" compromise. What do you think for all season driving pleasure (with a 987.1 already in the garage)?
great u fand that too =)
sounds "reasonable" for an all-season fun car =)
I'm quite impressed on how decent this car sounds with the optional exhaust :)
Best reviewer on TH-cam (Chris Harris good too)
thanks man, love to hear that!
Thanks Tomas , I can't wait to change my Scirocco R and get the Golf R , great review, going this weekend to VW garage lol and see the car , I love the new exhaust but I think well cost too much , ,
What do you this is better Tomas Audi RS3 or Glof R ? Please your opinion is important to me , thanks
i like the Golf R for its everyday comfort, the RS3 is way stiffer
Autogefühl thanks Tomas , all the best
That looks like so much fun.
I'd take the DSG in real life. But in a game or on a race track I'd like to try the manual as well.
Assetto Corsa is pretty good. And it's the only way most people can drive exotic cars in any way. Or really any cars other than their own.
Chris Till congrats you found another excuse to say “as well” lol
If you want to kick the ass out a bit Thomas, you have to turn of the TCS and ESC. Gives you a good bout of lift throttle oversteer. :)
Your best review yet! Greetings from Australia.
greets!
Thomas is king. Though I would have classified this colour as "Thomas blue" before he mentioned otherwise.
=)
As a daily driver I'd have the DSG paired with more conservative color wheel and trim options.
As a 2nd car: manual w/ flashier setup
As ever a very good review, worth watching ALL your video's great job.
Great review! Would love to see it in white.
Good review. Really hope VW decides to add some of the aggressive bodywork shown on their R420 concept, on the next R edition!
Hi Thomas, great review! Which did you think is the better car, the Leon 300 AWD or this Golf R 7.5?
+Luke Mills thx! Both come close
LOVE that yellow color on the R! I wish it was available here in the States.
Should become available with the update soon
I prefer the new facelifted golf R over a45 or any other hot-hatch just for being a special car, for having that unique styling options and for having that natural 4 cylinder sound with pops. The problem with the a45 is that it feels way too artificial and besides it is way too overpriced. In Europe you can get the new a45 for 60-70k where is the golf R only worth 40 to 50k and you get a perfect and practical car for that money.
good point
The new Akrapovic-exhaust is the best improvement in comparison to the predecessor of the Golf R! It sounds great and it is an absolute must-have! I also love the R-blue 😍💪
Nice Impressions =)
enjoy :)
I prefer analog gauges and a manual. For me, the tuned MK7 is a better car. With a basic tune and no parts at all added, you can be at 350 HP no problem.
This is a very nice car, and manual is the way to go w/o a doubt. Love it all, but in the USA... you drive fast, you get ticket. The police are not stupid. I rented the DSG in Germany and it was too wonderful to explain for my two week experience, but that was Germany. For my preference again the manual has a better feel and enjoyment for the vehicle and it's cheaper. I'm a fan. Now this is not a race/sports car. This car was build for daily driving, not for the race track, but I understand you have to push this hatchback to its limits. I enjoy this car for "The Anything, Anytime, Anywhere" qualities. Now since America seems to wait on the full amenities of the vehicle compared to Europe, i.e. 310 hp in manual model, I will just wait to purchase it.
Nice review - Manual for me but I can see why other people would prefer the dsg.
great review as always , and thanks for doing it in manual .
+Nima Abbasi 🏁🏁
Thanks Thomas, enjoy your reviews
thanks keith!
Thomas,
When do you get your hands on the New Honda Civic type R, that would be a good 3 way comparison with your recent reviews on Focus RS ,this Golf R MK7.5 and the latest Honda Type R . Look forward to that.
How do you compare the R Facelift with Audi RS3 Facelift, if you have driven both?
Well I found the Golf R more comfortable for taller people and also suspension wise. 5 cyl-engine is cool yes with the RS3, but I'd take the Golf for better price/performance and more comfort
Thomas, thanks for your opinion.
Your are obviously a DSG fan, while me living in the countryside in Wiltshire England with lovely Twisty but quick A &B roads , then my R mk7 manual is a more fun driving experience. I have owned both 6speed manual hatch and a DSG 6speed Variant both Cracking cars to live with day to day.
Great driving!
thx rafael!
That's a nice colour, really suits the car, great review Thomas!
sure is :)
Like the brother, GTI, the 7R invented the hot hatch AWD that other manufacturers followed. I hope like the Audi, VW will keep the tradition of producing the 7R Variant/Estate
22:40 Automatic start stop will ruin that engine. It was just pushed at a racetrack and didn't even let the turbo cool Down.
Great car, it would be a dream to own one! Great review, thanks!
thanks keep following us!