My thoughts exactly. With Audi and BMW introducing laser headlights, LED becoming the industry standard and HID being relegated to base model pickups and inexpensive cars, seeing Volkswagen still offering halogen headlights on the GTI is just dumb.
it's interesting to note that, for some reason, with the Golf Mk 5 generation, the GTI could ONLY come with bi-xenon HID'd, there was no halogen option for that gen. the Mk 6 and Mk 7 GTI then offered HID as an option with halogens as standard. the Mk 5 was introduced in 2004, backward much?
GTI guy True, not even my GTI Clubsport came with bi-xenons. But on the other hand it costed Exactly the same as a regular GTI here in Sweden. (Videos on my channel)
I like that you kept the off-road adventure in the video. I'm in love with my GTI (only 2013). Sad about the loss of the 3-door version here in the US, a life-long standard transmission guy who's now a solid DSG convert (full time paddle shifters? Who WOULDN'T), fantasizing about an R but probably will save the money to pay for rent. Great review!
Hey Tom. Great Review. Stuff happens. As many high powered rides as you test yearly, this is a minor snafu. If anything, this points out that a potential owner of a GTI might want to have winter tires.
I sincerely think you make the best reviews out there, Tom! A perfect balance between fun and accuracy. Keep up the good work, you have a true follower and fan from Québec, Canada. :)
Thanks so much for featuring this car. I just purchased one (although with the classic plaid seats/manual trans) about 4000 miles ago. Great fun to drive, whether to work, running errands or carting the kids around. Love the show, been a big fan since you were featured more often on the NYT webpage.
I have a 2017 Sport w/manual and love it. There are lots of plaid accessories around. Search Red Bubble for "I love Clark" among other things. So far I have a plaid license plate frame, phone cover and shopping bag. Yep. I am stylin'.
Tom?! I've owned a 2015 GTI S for two years meow, you know the one without the diff, and have never felt an ounce of torque steer! Great review none the less!
That GTI was equipped with Bridgestone Potenza S 04 Pole Position tires which are ultra performance summer tires. Even though they should perform well on wet roads, my guess is that because the temperature was probably cold (snow on the GTI toward the end), the sticky compound on the tires got hard which reduced your traction pretty significantly. I once owned a 2003 GTI (20th anniversary edition) with Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires. As long as the temperature was moderately warm, they handled wet roads quite well. I even drove it in the winter on cold, non-snow days but kept the speed down to a moderate pace. I even took it out on a couple of snow days but just around the neighborhood just to see how I could drive in it. Well, it was pretty bad but lots of fun as long as I allowed LOTS of room for braking! But I did cross that crazy experience off my bucket list. I wouldn't recommend it, however.
These are great cars. My 07 GTI has 280,000 km on the odometer and still going strong. It's my 3rd car now behind my S2 and Boxster S. If the GTI was still made in Germany I would have bought a 2016 model instead of my S3. Life goes on.
Test drove one recently (6MT with PP) and really enjoyed it. Great steering, so nimble and ready power, plus nice tech. For me--the seat bolsters seem a bit tight! Wish they were adjustable.
How is this a 2017 without the lighting pack? All models for this model year above S (Sport, SE and Autobahn) got the lighting and performance pack, but this one doesn't? Are you sure you didn't get a 2016 with just the performance pack?
Nice review! I have spent a lot of money on cars (and trucks) the past decade or so. Next fall I will have 2 kids in college for the next several years so I've decided to drive something a little cheaper for the duration. The GTI looks like the answer for me.
I love my 2016 GTI autobahn But after 25k the vehicle needs a new clutch? And VW 3-36k extended warranty is not covered? I am so let down by there lack of customer support and I can’t buy another VW after they can’t stand behind the customer after 6 new VW purchase
Good job on staying calm when crashing! Tip tho, learn the proper driving position when it comes to 'enthusiastic' driving. Especially that commanding grip on the steering wheel. The GTi is one of those cars that just stand out way beyond it's class. I understand what the Focus ST is but i want refinement on my daily drivers.
Would go the Port model, gets the performance bits and tartan seats. Think the light upgrade is worth having as well. Glad no one was hurt with off tarmac excursion, hope VW was okay with the offy.
You sure this is a 2017 SE and not 2016? The headlights don't look like what the Lighting Package has (standard on 2017+ SE), and Tom mentioned that the XDS will kick in on cornering, even though the 2017+ SE now has the Performance Package standard as well.
There is that possibility that it is a 2016 but it was my understanding that a 2017 was delivered. It would explain the lack of xenon lights. I'm trying to find the monroney but can''t locate it due to a kitchen remodel.
Hate the US Market doesn't get the 2 door Hatchback anymore. That gave it a sportier look for those who don't want or need 4 doors. VW bring back the 2 door GTI and Golf R..... Please.
Tyrane Lewis I can understand VW doing it - fewer variations for dealers to deal with. The 2 door looks good but I love the 4 door's practicality. The only real downside to me of the 4 door is that the B pillar is right by my head and makes a massive blind spot.
I came from a 2door Civic and yeah I never realized the Bpillar would be an issue but it's like right next to my head because I'm rather tall (6'5"). Oh well, maybe some day I'll get used to it :c
Paul Bell Your most likely correct... but they should poll and survey most single drivers that enjoy the driving characteristics and utility as well as appearance that 2 door has to offer that buyer. loved it better than the JCW Mini Coupe and Hatch for road stability and feel at any speed it was driven. but i guess what you say is what we US customers have to put up with. :-D
Only issue with the GTI honestly is that it (and the Golf R) are still massively under tired. The stock summer tires that come with the GTI are fine as far as road noise, ride quality, and replacing them if something goes bad. But once you put a really good set of summer tires on there the GTI comes alive, especially those with the Performance Pack. Budget for Pilot Super Sports folks!
I'm surprised the GTI went off the road at that speed. Both summer tires and all-seasons are not that bad in the rain, summer tires being better. Unless you had summer tires on it and it was cold outside? Stability control usually also works well around corners like that.
He does these reviews in the Pacific Northwest, which has a tendency to have a lot of cold, damp weather. My guess is that the summer tires weren't up to temperature when he hit the standing water.
Since I had an hour to assess the situation until the tow came I can tell you that heavier-than-usual rain for the NW washed a bunch of fine pebbles onto the road all through the turn. It was sort of like ball bearings. Not an excuse (I'm a firm believer that the driver is nearly always at fault) but a reason why it went off the road so fast at a low rate of speed. I could feel it immediately and knew there wasn't anything that could be done. Better this than the NSX I drive two weeks later.
Nicely done. Pretty much gotta stuff your hatchback or your doing it wrong. That was some crazy under steer though. Glad nobody was hurt but that was a pretty safe place to go off the road.
I just recently purchased a 2020 Base and it actually comes with pretty much most of the what the higher trims have now minus the leather seats, sunroof and bigger display but I’m not complaining it’s my first GTI
I was gonna go base model until I saw my company's VW dealer branch selling a brand new 2021 Tornado Red SE trim with the black 18 inch Pretoria rims, manual transmission, leather seats, and a bunch of electronic gizmos. It even came with rubber floor mats and all cargo bay accessories. It would have never happened if I didn't get the 13% employee discount.
Next update to the GTI should get Euro style moonroof, automatic climate control and performance pack as options across all trims. 2018 will see a new DSG (10 speed.)
Okeu Ragil I own the 2017 GTI Clubsport (seen on my channel) it have the 6-speed DSG, this is said to be more reliable then the newer 7-speed. Icant fully answer your question, but thought this might give you a better clue. As for my gearbox in the Clubsport, its been working flawlessly the 1 year of ownership iv had anyways.
Haha. Yes it would. Was hoping VW America would allow us to build the new GTI like I could my 2011. Plaid seats, Nav, sunroof. Now its no longer possible unless you want the top of the line Autobahn (with leather).
moehio Totally agree, every model including the R (plaid cotton not pleather!). That said, think AC seats options would be a nice upscale feature as well.
When I saw you uploaded that video today, I was so excited because I am thinking about leasing a GTI in the next few months. I still have to test drive the Focus ST and WRX (and maybe the upcoming Si) to make sure to at least test drive 3 different cars as you always say. ;-) Do you have any other suggestions for cars I should test drive?
I live in Canada, so the Civic Hatchback Sport comes with a manual, the center-mounted dual exhaust and the upgraded infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. I'll add it to my test drive list then!
You mention the S and its lack of performance package but fail to mention the Sport. The Sport sits between the S and the SE, being basically an S with the Performance Pack and the Lighting Package.
Thanks Paul. And as I've said before, I can't cover all angles on the car, otherwise these videos would be 20 minutes long. I assume the very smart people that end up here are wise enough to look into the car they want before they plunk down there money. Cheers!
Francis Fung The 2018 will have slight styling changes and bigger infotainment screen. No digital dash or power increase for the US GTI. Golf R and E Golf will get the digital dash and option for an even bigger screen. Now that the 7.5 is on the horizon the 2017s will be getting cheaper.
It can be EXTREMELY dangerous work though. I did a story years ago about how tough the job can be considering they work in heavy traffic and bad weather conditions. And often cars go into the ditch because belligerent drunks put them there. On top of that, few clients are in a good mood when they have to call a tow truck. A tip o' the hat to all you tow truck jockeys.
+Bryan T, two of my friends own towing companies, both have houses that are in the 6,000 sq.ft range, one even has an indoor pool in his house so yeah, it's definitely lucrative. That honestly shouldn't have been more than $100 to pull a car out of a ditch.
MrTONYTONYM I have the Bridgestone Potenza S001 (probably same as here, since they deliver those from VW factory) on my 2017 GTI Clubsport (seen on my channel)
I honestly like you crashed it. Some guy did it with a test camaro too. It lets people know that if your not on all of your toes this car can get ya. Thats why i drive performance cars.
Not sure what the big deal is about the little mishap...most of us are used to seeing VWs stopped on the side of the road. :) Seriously, this car is *so* appealing, but after the (lack of) reliability I've experienced with previous VWs, I just can't see myself pulling the trigger on another one, no matter how badly I'd like a Golf/GTI.
Take it from me, an office manager at a Euro premium car repair shop and the owner of a 2015 GTI SE Four Door with the Performance Pack and the dual clutch automatic. We see so many fewer 2008 and newer Volkswagen's in our shop than we do pre 2008 Volkswagens for repairs (we see a lot of post 2008 ones for modding because we're a Unitronic dealer). Its startling and can be directly attributed to a few things: -The EA888 motor, which is easily the best motor Volkswagen has ever made. So much more reliable than the EA113 turbo four that proceeded it. All issues with the EA888 (tensioner failures for the timing chain and turbo failures) have basically been ironed out since 2011. The engine is now capable of making massive power, especially in the MQB cars (MK7 GOlf/Audi A3). -The DSG (the dual clutch Tom discusses in the video) has been fully ironed out and is incredibly stout on stock clutch packs up to about a Stage 3 bolt on built (where you're pushing close to 500 torques). -All torque converter automatics that Volkswagen puts in their cars are made by Aisin, a subsidiary of Toyota. Previously they used to outsource to Renault for their non dual clutch/non manual transmissions and those trannies were pathetically unreliable (and hard to fix because we had to get the parts for them from France). The transmission in the MK7 Golf/Golf Sportwagen is the same transmission you'll find in a Toyota Camry, one of the most reliable vehicles on the road. Volkswagens still have their fair share of electrical gremlins but even those have been massively ironed out. They still aren't cheap to fix (the price of importing German parts) and you need the diagnostic know how to fix one (like any European car) but the days of Volkswagens being nothing but shop cars are far away in the rear view mirror.
You're welcome! I still wish though that Volkswagen would go the Hyundai/Kia route and offer a longer warranty. They don't have to go nearly as long as Hyundai/Kia but I think if they went four years/48,000 miles bumper to bumper and six years/72,000 miles on the power train they'd bring in a lot more customers, especially after the TDI scandal. A lot of people in my family see how happy they are with my GTI but they still see all the internet horror stories about pre 2008 Volkswagen reliability and won't buy one because of those stories (despite the fact that my mother and stepfather both drive Jeeps, which are known for their fair share of issues). A longer warranty would basically make all of them buy one.
Kyle Goodman Totally agree about the warranty...the fact that they used to have a 4/48 warranty and REDUCED it to 3/36 was crazy. Their biggest problem in the US is the reputation for poor reliability...a. decent warranty goes a LONG way towards remedying that issue, whether it's real or not
Well, companies have to live with their legacies, don't they? GM makes great reliable cars these days but many consumers don't understand that. It takes time.
Hi Kirk, I said "it makes 220 hp on premium fuel", because running it on standard grade gas drops it to 210. I did not say "required" because, as you note, it does not.
Respect for admitting to the error and not editing out the accident clip.
This is probably the review Volkswagen is most proud of. Went into ditch, and STILL loved the car.
GTI really needs the Lighting Package. Really weird to see this car with halogen headlights.
My thoughts exactly. With Audi and BMW introducing laser headlights, LED becoming the industry standard and HID being relegated to base model pickups and inexpensive cars, seeing Volkswagen still offering halogen headlights on the GTI is just dumb.
William K in europe we don't have the halogen headlights. only xenon. and the new facelifted mk7 has led headlights.
it's interesting to note that, for some reason, with the Golf Mk 5 generation, the GTI could ONLY come with bi-xenon HID'd, there was no halogen option for that gen. the Mk 6 and Mk 7 GTI then offered HID as an option with halogens as standard. the Mk 5 was introduced in 2004, backward much?
GTI guy True, not even my GTI Clubsport came with bi-xenons. But on the other hand it costed Exactly the same as a regular GTI here in Sweden. (Videos on my channel)
I like that you kept the off-road adventure in the video.
I'm in love with my GTI (only 2013). Sad about the loss of the 3-door version here in the US, a life-long standard transmission guy who's now a solid DSG convert (full time paddle shifters? Who WOULDN'T), fantasizing about an R but probably will save the money to pay for rent.
Great review!
Tom I really enjoy the work you and your friend put into your videos, I know it's never easy sometimes as it seems but y'all do good.. Thanks!
Thanks keri! Yup, it takes a lot of time but I can think of a lot of other things that take effort and are a lot less fun.
Hey Tom. Great Review. Stuff happens. As many high powered rides as you test yearly, this is a minor snafu. If anything, this points out that a potential owner of a GTI might want to have winter tires.
I sincerely think you make the best reviews out there, Tom! A perfect balance between fun and accuracy. Keep up the good work, you have a true follower and fan from Québec, Canada. :)
Thanks so much for featuring this car. I just purchased one (although with the classic plaid seats/manual trans) about 4000 miles ago. Great fun to drive, whether to work, running errands or carting the kids around. Love the show, been a big fan since you were featured more often on the NYT webpage.
I have a 2017 Sport w/manual and love it. There are lots of plaid accessories around. Search Red Bubble for "I love Clark" among other things. So far I have a plaid license plate frame, phone cover and shopping bag. Yep. I am stylin'.
Tom?! I've owned a 2015 GTI S for two years meow, you know the one without the diff, and have never felt an ounce of torque steer! Great review none the less!
Have had several GTIs, fantastic cars in all respects. Nice video as always!
I own a 2015 GTI MT and I love it. Reliability is okay (2 minor issues in 2 years but still), except that, I'm having plenty of fun with it.
That GTI was equipped with Bridgestone Potenza S 04 Pole Position tires which are ultra performance summer tires. Even though they should perform well on wet roads, my guess is that because the temperature was probably cold (snow on the GTI toward the end), the sticky compound on the tires got hard which reduced your traction pretty significantly.
I once owned a 2003 GTI (20th anniversary edition) with Michelin Pilot Sport summer tires. As long as the temperature was moderately warm, they handled wet roads quite well. I even drove it in the winter on cold, non-snow days but kept the speed down to a moderate pace. I even took it out on a couple of snow days but just around the neighborhood just to see how I could drive in it. Well, it was pretty bad but lots of fun as long as I allowed LOTS of room for braking! But I did cross that crazy experience off my bucket list. I wouldn't recommend it, however.
These are great cars. My 07 GTI has 280,000 km on the odometer and still going strong. It's my 3rd car now behind my S2 and Boxster S. If the GTI was still made in Germany I would have bought a 2016 model instead of my S3. Life goes on.
Test drove one recently (6MT with PP) and really enjoyed it. Great steering, so nimble and ready power, plus nice tech. For me--the seat bolsters seem a bit tight! Wish they were adjustable.
That was quite a calm look for sliding off the road. Bravo.
That was an amazing review ha. Very well produced down to the mud! Subscribed.
My favorite car and favorite reviewer! Ahhh! Still have my 09 fit sport with 125K...until then Vdub, until then.
Of course. Just got one. It's my third one. Best car IMO
How is this a 2017 without the lighting pack? All models for this model year above S (Sport, SE and Autobahn) got the lighting and performance pack, but this one doesn't? Are you sure you didn't get a 2016 with just the performance pack?
Glad everything went well in the end. Keep up the good work!
WoW! you skid off the road! What an adventure.
Nice review! I have spent a lot of money on cars (and trucks) the past decade or so. Next fall I will have 2 kids in college for the next several years so I've decided to drive something a little cheaper for the duration. The GTI looks like the answer for me.
Thank God it was not a big accident.Like always, thanks for the awesome review.
This is why I prefer rwd, I don't like to see what's coming when I mess up.
I love my 2016 GTI autobahn But after 25k the vehicle needs a new clutch? And VW 3-36k extended warranty is not covered? I am so let down by there lack of customer support and I can’t buy another VW after they can’t stand behind the customer after 6 new VW purchase
Man, the swirls in that paint
Thank you!!! I’m glad I wasn’t the only one that saw that. That image gave me anxiety lol
Good job on staying calm when crashing! Tip tho, learn the proper driving position when it comes to 'enthusiastic' driving. Especially that commanding grip on the steering wheel. The GTi is one of those cars that just stand out way beyond it's class. I understand what the Focus ST is but i want refinement on my daily drivers.
Would go the Port model, gets the performance bits and tartan seats. Think the light upgrade is worth having as well. Glad no one was hurt with off tarmac excursion, hope VW was okay with the offy.
You sure this is a 2017 SE and not 2016? The headlights don't look like what the Lighting Package has (standard on 2017+ SE), and Tom mentioned that the XDS will kick in on cornering, even though the 2017+ SE now has the Performance Package standard as well.
There is that possibility that it is a 2016 but it was my understanding that a 2017 was delivered. It would explain the lack of xenon lights. I'm trying to find the monroney but can''t locate it due to a kitchen remodel.
Understood. It'd be worth to check if you can review a proper 2017 with the VAQ differential!
Awesome review as usual, good job 👍👌
Hey Tom if you don't mind, can you tell me please if that is black or charcoal, I'm gonna order a leftover '17 and save some change.
Were you driving with Bridgestone 001 tires in the rain? If so, not a good idea...
Hate the US Market doesn't get the 2 door Hatchback anymore. That gave it a sportier look for those who don't want or need 4 doors. VW bring back the 2 door GTI and Golf R..... Please.
Tyrane Lewis I can understand VW doing it - fewer variations for dealers to deal with. The 2 door looks good but I love the 4 door's practicality. The only real downside to me of the 4 door is that the B pillar is right by my head and makes a massive blind spot.
I came from a 2door Civic and yeah I never realized the Bpillar would be an issue but it's like right next to my head because I'm rather tall (6'5"). Oh well, maybe some day I'll get used to it :c
spending many years in Germany.. i know they the better cars and features than they allow here. i miss it...
Paul Bell Your most likely correct... but they should poll and survey most single drivers that enjoy the driving characteristics and utility as well as appearance that 2 door has to offer that buyer. loved it better than the JCW Mini Coupe and Hatch for road stability and feel at any speed it was driven. but i guess what you say is what we US customers have to put up with. :-D
tis why i went and got the 2015 3 door hatchback. sportier and in a way unique since all other GTIs i see are 5 door now
i hit black ice 4 years ago in my smart on a turn, hit a jeep head on, only $1800 in damage. Tom, we all have our "bad days", you're forgiven :)
What rubber (tires) did that GTI have?
Only issue with the GTI honestly is that it (and the Golf R) are still massively under tired. The stock summer tires that come with the GTI are fine as far as road noise, ride quality, and replacing them if something goes bad. But once you put a really good set of summer tires on there the GTI comes alive, especially those with the Performance Pack. Budget for Pilot Super Sports folks!
This is a S, not a SE. Notice no sunroof or lighting package. But with leather?
is this the 7.5 version? i thought it has full digital dash
The '17 SE doesn't have the lighting package?
Really fun car to drive. Gets really good gas and its turbo charged! Best car I've ever driven.
Wish it had LED daytimes though. Everything else checks out, however.
GTI is KING.
Also, I think you could've fit 15 packs of TP in there!
Nope. Not without really scrunching it in. And that would be cheating.
I'm surprised the GTI went off the road at that speed. Both summer tires and all-seasons are not that bad in the rain, summer tires being better. Unless you had summer tires on it and it was cold outside? Stability control usually also works well around corners like that.
He does these reviews in the Pacific Northwest, which has a tendency to have a lot of cold, damp weather. My guess is that the summer tires weren't up to temperature when he hit the standing water.
Since I had an hour to assess the situation until the tow came I can tell you that heavier-than-usual rain for the NW washed a bunch of fine pebbles onto the road all through the turn. It was sort of like ball bearings. Not an excuse (I'm a firm believer that the driver is nearly always at fault) but a reason why it went off the road so fast at a low rate of speed. I could feel it immediately and knew there wasn't anything that could be done. Better this than the NSX I drive two weeks later.
Well, at least the GTI didn't flip over and you didn't hit a cow ;). You're OK and that's the most important thing. Cheers.
Nicely done. Pretty much gotta stuff your hatchback or your doing it wrong. That was some crazy under steer though. Glad nobody was hurt but that was a pretty safe place to go off the road.
I did the same thing in my civic. Only it wasn't a field, it was a dirt embankment. $2600 later its back on the road
Ouch.
This is the old model..?
I just recently purchased a 2020 Base and it actually comes with pretty much most of the what the higher trims have now minus the leather seats, sunroof and bigger display but I’m not complaining it’s my first GTI
I was gonna go base model until I saw my company's VW dealer branch selling a brand new 2021 Tornado Red SE trim with the black 18 inch Pretoria rims, manual transmission, leather seats, and a bunch of electronic gizmos. It even came with rubber floor mats and all cargo bay accessories. It would have never happened if I didn't get the 13% employee discount.
@@Dcc357 now that sounds like you got a deal !
Great review, and glad you & the car were okay!
It IS it.
I own a 2015.
Fantastic all arounder.
The day tome running lights are about 7 years too old.... everyone else has led!
Sweeet! And off road review! ;)
Few few outlets have reviewed the off-road capability. I give and give.
If I could only have 1 car, I'd get a Golf R for the AWD.
$30K is slightly on the high side since you can get a comparable Focus ST for $4-$5K less and get 40 more ponies in the process.
Turco949 the interior quality of the GTI is way higher, and it’s quicker despite the hp disadvantage
The Focus is ugly, cheap and as always- a Ford. No resale value, either.
Next update to the GTI should get Euro style moonroof, automatic climate control and performance pack as options across all trims.
2018 will see a new DSG (10 speed.)
Nope...it's a 7 speed.
How do you typically get dealers to let you borrow a car for review? I have been wondering for my own channel. Thanks!
I get press cars from the manufacturers, not from dealerships. Most major cities have agencies that represent the manufacturers. Best of luck!
Great video Tom! Are you planning on doing the S4?
Probably the S5, Audi is holding the launch in my back yard I believe so I should be able to snag one.
is this 2017 gti still habe problem with its dsg transmission?
Okeu Ragil I own the 2017 GTI Clubsport (seen on my channel) it have the 6-speed DSG, this is said to be more reliable then the newer 7-speed. Icant fully answer your question, but thought this might give you a better clue. As for my gearbox in the Clubsport, its been working flawlessly the 1 year of ownership iv had anyways.
a regular person yes but us enthusiasts, especially the ones that like to get sideways, would want a RWD car. Maybe the gt86 or mx5 would be awesome
I like a rear drive car as much as the next guy (I own a Miata) but this is a front driver I could be happy with. And many enthusiasts agree.
R u driving on side roads by river road in puyallup?
The plaid interior should be an option on EVERY model.... doesn’t feel like a GTI without it.
I kind of agree with you but have to believe leather would look odd with a plaid print...
Haha. Yes it would. Was hoping VW America would allow us to build the new GTI like I could my 2011. Plaid seats, Nav, sunroof. Now its no longer possible unless you want the top of the line Autobahn (with leather).
moehio Totally agree, every model including the R (plaid cotton not pleather!). That said, think AC seats options would be a nice upscale feature as well.
Exactly! I want the SE with plaid but it's a no go. Only leather :(
The Cafe Chaser Get a GTI Sport. It has the performance and lighting packages with the plaid seats. No Fender audio but that is about it.
Love the GTI. I really think though dual zone climate should be standard on SE and above trims, especially for the price paid.
I agree totally
When I saw you uploaded that video today, I was so excited because I am thinking about leasing a GTI in the next few months. I still have to test drive the Focus ST and WRX (and maybe the upcoming Si) to make sure to at least test drive 3 different cars as you always say. ;-) Do you have any other suggestions for cars I should test drive?
Try the Civic Sport Hatchback in addition to the Si. Sadly you have to go with the base model to get the six-speed manual. It's great fun though.
I live in Canada, so the Civic Hatchback Sport comes with a manual, the center-mounted dual exhaust and the upgraded infotainment system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. I'll add it to my test drive list then!
My next dream vehicle right here.
You mention the S and its lack of performance package but fail to mention the Sport. The Sport sits between the S and the SE, being basically an S with the Performance Pack and the Lighting Package.
Thanks Paul. And as I've said before, I can't cover all angles on the car, otherwise these videos would be 20 minutes long. I assume the very smart people that end up here are wise enough to look into the car they want before they plunk down there money. Cheers!
I like my 2017 Sport very much so I am a bit biased :)
It's all fun and games till someone thinks he's driving a Golf Alltrack. :D
Love my MK7...
Goodbye alignment
Do you think Golf R could have gotten out of the mud?
First thing I'd do is ditch those rims. The last gen's were even fuglier.
Love this episode.
About reliability: About 3 years and 110k Kms..no worries so far.
So stylish and nice. .....sure want one. ...R that is.
Why buy this when the 2018 model is at the door step with much better features?
Francis Fung The 2018 will have slight styling changes and bigger infotainment screen. No digital dash or power increase for the US GTI. Golf R and E Golf will get the digital dash and option for an even bigger screen. Now that the 7.5 is on the horizon the 2017s will be getting cheaper.
Every '18 comes with the Performance Pack standard - essentially a 10hp bump in power.
Not to mention 2018 models will come with a 6 year 72000 mile bumper to bumper warranty.
also the blind spot detection, standard with the 2018 SE is priceless, love my GTI so much
2:58 or a Tiguan or Alltrack.
Lmao had this guy knew toilet paper would have been in short supply 3 years after this video would have come out. Can’t wait to get my mk7 gti.
amazing car
Do Wrx review
Looks like I finally found the guy who bought all the TP at the local supermarkets.
Damn, $260 for something as simple as that. The towing business is where it's at.
It can be EXTREMELY dangerous work though. I did a story years ago about how tough the job can be considering they work in heavy traffic and bad weather conditions. And often cars go into the ditch because belligerent drunks put them there. On top of that, few clients are in a good mood when they have to call a tow truck.
A tip o' the hat to all you tow truck jockeys.
+Bryan T, two of my friends own towing companies, both have houses that are in the 6,000 sq.ft range, one even has an indoor pool in his house so yeah, it's definitely lucrative. That honestly shouldn't have been more than $100 to pull a car out of a ditch.
you are the best!
Bridgestone Potenza?
MrTONYTONYM I have the Bridgestone Potenza S001 (probably same as here, since they deliver those from VW factory) on my 2017 GTI Clubsport (seen on my channel)
ELR cameo!
Guess I was lucky to get my mk7 GTI in a 2 dr.. stinks they aren't bringing anymore over here.
jtkent28 3 doors look weird on the mk7..imo
Love mine!
I honestly like you crashed it. Some guy did it with a test camaro too. It lets people know that if your not on all of your toes this car can get ya. Thats why i drive performance cars.
at the moment i can only own 1 car. And the 2018 GTI PP *245 hp / DSG* is it.
YES a BIG yes it is my only car at this time.
"$260 later", and let that be a lesson to you young man! wonder where all that T.P. was when you needed it!
mark 6 best car I ever owned
Not sure what the big deal is about the little mishap...most of us are used to seeing VWs stopped on the side of the road. :)
Seriously, this car is *so* appealing, but after the (lack of) reliability I've experienced with previous VWs, I just can't see myself pulling the trigger on another one, no matter how badly I'd like a Golf/GTI.
Take it from me, an office manager at a Euro premium car repair shop and the owner of a 2015 GTI SE Four Door with the Performance Pack and the dual clutch automatic. We see so many fewer 2008 and newer Volkswagen's in our shop than we do pre 2008 Volkswagens for repairs (we see a lot of post 2008 ones for modding because we're a Unitronic dealer). Its startling and can be directly attributed to a few things:
-The EA888 motor, which is easily the best motor Volkswagen has ever made. So much more reliable than the EA113 turbo four that proceeded it. All issues with the EA888 (tensioner failures for the timing chain and turbo failures) have basically been ironed out since 2011. The engine is now capable of making massive power, especially in the MQB cars (MK7 GOlf/Audi A3).
-The DSG (the dual clutch Tom discusses in the video) has been fully ironed out and is incredibly stout on stock clutch packs up to about a Stage 3 bolt on built (where you're pushing close to 500 torques).
-All torque converter automatics that Volkswagen puts in their cars are made by Aisin, a subsidiary of Toyota. Previously they used to outsource to Renault for their non dual clutch/non manual transmissions and those trannies were pathetically unreliable (and hard to fix because we had to get the parts for them from France). The transmission in the MK7 Golf/Golf Sportwagen is the same transmission you'll find in a Toyota Camry, one of the most reliable vehicles on the road.
Volkswagens still have their fair share of electrical gremlins but even those have been massively ironed out. They still aren't cheap to fix (the price of importing German parts) and you need the diagnostic know how to fix one (like any European car) but the days of Volkswagens being nothing but shop cars are far away in the rear view mirror.
Thanks for the insight Kyle. I've heard similar things, that this generation is much more trouble free.
You're welcome! I still wish though that Volkswagen would go the Hyundai/Kia route and offer a longer warranty. They don't have to go nearly as long as Hyundai/Kia but I think if they went four years/48,000 miles bumper to bumper and six years/72,000 miles on the power train they'd bring in a lot more customers, especially after the TDI scandal.
A lot of people in my family see how happy they are with my GTI but they still see all the internet horror stories about pre 2008 Volkswagen reliability and won't buy one because of those stories (despite the fact that my mother and stepfather both drive Jeeps, which are known for their fair share of issues). A longer warranty would basically make all of them buy one.
Kyle Goodman Totally agree about the warranty...the fact that they used to have a 4/48 warranty and REDUCED it to 3/36 was crazy. Their biggest problem in the US is the reputation for poor reliability...a. decent warranty goes a LONG way towards remedying that issue, whether it's real or not
Well, companies have to live with their legacies, don't they? GM makes great reliable cars these days but many consumers don't understand that. It takes time.
GTIs do not require Premium gas. He said it three times, but no, they don't .
Hi Kirk, I said "it makes 220 hp on premium fuel", because running it on standard grade gas drops it to 210. I did not say "required" because, as you note, it does not.
VW should take notice of your little "adventure" and switch there global rallycross car to the Golf instead of the Beetle!
I wonder if my civic would've slid off of the road like that. Probably not....
No, it would be the Touareg. You barely ever see it on the road and it's a discount Porsche Cayenne.
Those halogen lights look so pathetic!! And a handbrake, how quaint 😂 we get a great spec in the UK 🇬🇧👍🏻😀
V good...I like that
Bridgestone potenzas SUCK in anything other than bone dry road conditions
You don't need another car, it drives forever
14 bundles of TP, nice, I could use that....I like to triple fold
Next time use Michelin tyres!
4:50 2020 flashbacks