My mum told me this morning she wanted to get rid of our 12 year old prius and get a golf gti, spent all morning on the classifieds looking through them, dream come true! No more embarrassment!
To anyone that's thinking about getting a MK7, you should. I absolutely love mine. Its cheap, fun, and practical. I love cars, but I can't afford the Porsches and Ferraris of the world. All my friends have WRX's and I didn't want to go down that road. My first car was a 97 GTI and I Loved it! I have owned the Mustang Bullitt and a Boxster but both sucked in the snow. So I got this 2015 GTI and love every second behind the wheel.
I live in Smithfield, RI so I definitely know what you mean about this storm. But let me know how you and GTI make out. What color and trim did you purchase? I am thinking a four door, red, with manual transmission.
I got it back on July 5th, 2014. I got the 4 door Carbon Steel Metallic with the DSG. I wanted the manual myself but my wife can't drive them and said it had to be the DSG or no car.Part of me wishes I had waited to get the performance package but I just wanted this car ASAP so I just got one. Also looking back I wish I had gotten the SE instead of the S. I love the plaid seats but wish I had a moon roof. PS: This snow sucks!
Just picked one up this weekend. Love it. Recommend one to everybody lol. I'm coming from an '09 C350. The materials aren't as nice but the fit and finish really does rival the Benz. Feels quicker too. I just hope it's more reliable.
I hate people who just rate cars by their power. It's so useless. Stop focusing on that and enjoy a pure driving experience from this car that most of the competitors won't give you... The GTI is an amazing car !
100% agree. sorry to say but judging cars purely by power rating and 0-60 numbers, it's a bit like getting a HD truck when you have no use for one other than to compensate for something small. The GTI has been exactly what everyone says it is - it's good at everything. I think true car guys know to appreciate a good car like GTI and MX-5, etc, that don't have to have the highest power rating to appreciate a car.. not that there's anything wrong with cars with big power figures. And especially combined with the 6-yr 72000 mile "People First Warranty" in the US starting 2018 model year GTIs, it's dumb and juvenile to pass on the GTI in this class for ST or WRX just for the power figure.
pininfarina575 you couldn’t be more correct! I’ve always over looked the gti. Never cared for it. Owned high power cars, even a diesel for no reason other then I wanted a big truck(no I wasn’t compensating, I got rid of it). But I’ve always respected the mx-5 but not enough to give it a real chance. I finally gave the mx-5 a chance and loved it! Have a kid now and looking at a GTI as it’s the only all around answer for me.
I have a 2015 Gti and went on a drive with a few people. There was a Lamborghini 560-4, a v8 vantage, GT-R, 2015 M3, and a bunch of American muscle cars. It was super fun and in the real world I kept up with them in the front of the pack, at the checkpoints of the drive almost everyone was surprised of how quick it was and more so I could keep up in the mountains, on the straights they would destroy me but again in the real world your not going 150 mph the whole way we would be going about 80-100 in most parts and the GTI did flawlessly. I can't wait for the APR tune and some springs then really surprise everyone.
+Evan Sargent You made a great point here.I think there's not really a point owning a super car, you neither have the skill nor the roads to drive them to their full potential. A good mid-range power and torgue is what we need in a real world.
I took my car into a tight road in the hill country. And i do have springs, 034 motorsports rear sway bar, and Michelin Pilot 4S tires. A buddy with an E92 M3 struggled to keep up with me. Oh... I do have an APR tune
Chris, you are at the top of the pack when it comes to reviewing cars. What you say and how you say it, in such a philosophical way...you are the thinking man's journalist. Keen words, expert driving skills. Always a treat. Thanks.
You are truly one of the better car reviewers - always providing a balanced review with sufficient info (research) and also testing the fun side of the cars! Great work, I have subscribed and really love your work!!
This video is the is the reason I bought my GTI. Would've loved to have a performance pack model but couldn't find one. Mine is tornado red and came with a third pedal and stick with a golf ball on the end of it! Thank you Mister Harris, I really enjoy your videos!
cody ellis 4 years have passed, hows it like owning the gti? Any breakdowns or problems we should be concerned about? I heard VW starts breaking down after 100k miles
@@ibrokemyownheart4953 I kept the GTI for 5yrs 75k miles. No issues, regular maintenance and four sets of tires. I recommend the MK7 to everyone I come across. But I did trade it in two months ago for a Corolla Hatchback. Got a little scared wasn't sure what would come from all the scary looking wires and turbo piping in the GTI. Finally getting over it but I still love that GTI.
Fantastic review, Chris! Thanks! Held great weight when I got my 2017 GTI in July. I got the DSG (like many, the wife didn't want to learn stick), and haven't looked back at all. My last car was a stick, but this is FAR more fun with the paddles and how quick the shifts are. And dead on: no reason to drive this in anything but Sport mode! I, personally, only drive mine in paddle/Tiptronic mode with the Sport mode steering and suspension. Responsive as hell, and a straight-up blast to drive. Cheers.
As far as car reviews go, yours are the best. but really understanding why yours out shine say the videos from Motor Trend or Everyday Driver comes from your recognition of who watches your videos. It became evident at the beginning of this video when you were trying to figure out how to review this car. Your attention to the audience and the details they want to know are spot on. Keep up the good work! I watch every vid you make.
In the US I bought a new SE which includes the lighting package, limited slip differential, upgraded brakes, 10 extra HP, leather and a moonroof for $26,800. It’s honestly more fun to drive than the M Sport 328 it’s replacing. Not as plush and power is not as smooth across the rev range, but it just makes me smile more often. Both great cars!
About the pricing, In America, A gti starts at $24395, already pretty well equipped, perf. pack is $1500 more. That's about the same as an equally well equipped focus st and around the same as a wrx. A m135 coupe starts at around $45000. So In the states this car's a bargain.
+dill doe Sure is. I'm getting into a 16 soon. I can't imagine the need for a fully donged Autobahn with everything, though. Stick, Lighting, and plaid seats are where it's at! These are seriously underrated from VW. Dyno tests are showing around 230 whp. I can't wait!
Bought my Autobahn with PP, LP and DCC here in the U.S. for $28,000. Very happy with the car - not sure that I would of pulled the trigger if it was $10,000 more though...
The MK7 Golf GTI is a fantastic car and the best golf gti so far. The release of the MK7 Golf r really overshadowed how good this car actually was. The introduction of the 4wd 300bhp golf r really stole the GTI thunder. These cars really don’t get the credit they deserve. A solid all round package and dam near perfect.
Just bought my third GTI, this time MK7 with 230 hp delivery in september ... cant say how much I long for it having in mind Chris pretty good review ... as Daniel says below Chris has brilliant reviews as always ...
No price problem in the USA. I just bought 17 GTI sport which has the performance pack and lighting package for 26000 usd. Very good value in my opinion
Yeah, I just got a 2017 GTI of significantly higher spec than the one in this video for $24.5K brand new. Keyless, Performance, and Lighting packages included. Nobody should be paying anywhere near MSRP on the GTI from what I've been seeing lately.
When you said that the Golf GTI plays in BMW M135i territory, I couldn't believe you. But then I checked the UK Volkswagen und BMW websites and you were right! A GTI with Performance Package and DSG cost as much as a basic M135i Manual. In Germany the GTI costs 7.100 GBP less! (32.000€ vs 42.000€). Buy your GTI in Germany and drive it to UK, its cheaper :DD
ThePorsche4life True, iv read so as well... The EA 888 which sits in GTI's & R are acually being engineered by Audi first off. You can check the Wikipedia! However we know that VW swapped CEO recently as it also owns Porsche. Since the head of Porsche now rules over VW, it would only be Logcal to see that Audi engine further Tuned by Porsche, as we know Volkswagen owns them all... (among others).
My dad always daily drove a GTI. He started with the Mark 1 when he was a kid, went astray for a number of years, then had a mark 4 when I started to drive and then 5, 6, 7. The Mark 4 was coolest to me because it was my first 'sleeper' moment. It doesn't look quick at all, but it blew away all of my friends v6 mustangs/camaros, civics, integras... and that turbo at 3000rpm just threw you into the seat. Mark 5 and 6 were kinda meh, but 7 was on a whole new level. More refined and comfortable. Audi-lite and my grandfather says.
To be fair, it does have Volkswagen's XDS+ Cross Differential System which uses the breaks to mitigate some of the wheel slip associated with an open diff.
Hubscharber I'm not sure what you mean to imply. There's large portions of the continent that aren't kansas. Atleast once a week I'll go on a mountain road blast and having driven an rsx for some years, I'm glad to have my Si's LSD.
6.5 seconds for 0-60? Ive seen the auto version hit 6.0 with amateurs using the launch control, and Randy Probst hit 5.7 with the 6 speed version, and owning the mk7 stick, I will attest to the much lower 0-60. It's almost scary once the motor hits full boost, the perelli tires just scramble for any grip possible.
An excellent review, though I have to disagree with Chris about the market niche for the GTI being usurped by BMW. The BMW 1-Series M is now gone. The 2-Series base model, the 228i, is $32,100 without any options here in the States. The GTI base model 2-door, the S, is $24,395. That's quite a difference. And the 228i is a coupe and doesn't have the hatchback utility of the GTI. I don't really think they're proper rivals. If you want a major bump in performance you'd have to go for the M235i, and that starts at $43,100.
In the UK the gti starts from £26,000, which is almost $40,000, the one he has here costs $43,000 (£28000), and there is a BMW 1 series hatch (which you don't get) with the engine from the m235i for $46,000 (£30,000) which is very close in price but much much faster and better built. thats the rival the gti should be worried about, its a shame you dont get that car in the USA though
Agreed. a lot of these comparisons don't work for us here in North America. models and prices of cars change quite a bit. however the BMW 235i is a stunning car to see on the road. without all the gaudy stickers of course.
Chris Harris you said the GTI is pricy, but you guys doing car reviews you are never talking about cost repairs. Go to repair a BMW you will check later if the GTI was pricy.
+James Baggaley in that case for any car you should not worry the first 3 years. And in case you want to lease the interest for BMW is much higher too.
buckyai upstate NY. I drove a RWD '02 bmw 530i with summer biased all seasons while living in Boston and making runs up to NH for skiing. If your a terrible driver it doesn't really matter what car you've got, if you know what your doing most anything will work (up to a point obviously).
bob g "If your a terrible driver it doesn't really matter what car you've got, if you know what your doing most anything will work (up to a point obviously)." couldn't agree more on that sir. my intended reply was that, a 2 wheel drive with a good set of winter tires will do just fine. loose/wet/splashy snow is "ok" to handle but tightly packed and mirror polished snow/ice? its a different story and that's when studded winter tires are ideal...from my point of view on where i live and that's why i prefer the wrx over the gti, now if i lived in FL, either will work just fine sir....
dont compare it to a bmw, it's worth what you make of it and i can say that true volkswagen enthusiasts see more in this car than in the bmw. plus you will save the difference in gas between the two
I think you hit the nail on the head when you say that most enthusiasts respect the Golf GTi...or any performance VW for that matter...but they don't drive one. I think that's because while they are well built, capable, etc, they are just a bit dull. They have a "German personality" i guess...lol. All the people I know who are VW enthusiasts are lovely people, but, just like the cars, they are very serious and slightly dull. The kind of person that corrects your punctuation, or turns up to a function at the exact time it says on the invitation to the minute. VW's correct your punctuation...lol
Eman Resu Yeah. I got my GTI and had to do quite a bit of customization. Wider/stickier wheels/tires, ECU tune, got a slightly louder muffler, stiffened up the transmission mount, and put racing stripes on it :)
Wouldn't normally comment on this, but this was really well shot. Some very interesting shots to go with a rather interesting test. Apologies for coming over all film student but this is a video site after all.
Chris you’re video is awesome as always I was a lifelong VW customer and after my last purchase 2016 GTI autobahn the clutch went after just 25k and they would not cover this repair on their extended warranty? Fool once shame on you fool twice shame on me. The end of my VW family purchase
I snatched a MK 7.5 before the ugly MK 8 hits the road in the US. Was able to find one in Tornado Red with 18 inch black wheels, front active differential lock, 8.5 inch touch screen, sunroof, self-adjusting LED headlamps, and a manual transmission. It was 100 miles away from me and had to get it delivered.
I own one as well except in manual. APR stage 1 tune, sticky rubber, apr swaybars, bilstein suspension. Its now a proper car, and haven't had any issues with it.
I can see his disdain for the MKIV. After owning (and still having) MKIV & MKV R32's and now a MKVII, I completely understand. The suspension on a MKIV was just way too soft in stock form. A set of coilovers, hell even a cup kit solved that issue for the MKIV. The MKV however, it took SO much more thrown at the MKV to get it to handle the way that you could get the MKIV to handle with suspension upgrades. Not to mention that it's a hefty 3600 lbs which is why it was dubbed the lead sled. It did look much more sophisticated though. It just had this buttoned down look about it. The MKVII is absolutely, hands down, the best R to date. The only thing missing is that VR6 growl. I also like the GTI's styling compared to the latest R.
Mine just got got released for production. 4-Door / Deep Black Pearl / SE / DSG / Perf Pack / Lighting Pack. Only decision I struggled with with was gear box. Hope I made the right decision on DSG. Want it now!
I would have loved if you tested the one with the performance pack! Why didn't you, I was really looking forward to hearing Chris's opinion on the new diff.
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Man, this guy is LEGIT. He knows how to translate the driving experience into words.
My mum told me this morning she wanted to get rid of our 12 year old prius and get a golf gti, spent all morning on the classifieds looking through them, dream come true! No more embarrassment!
A mother prius owner running towards the light and buying a GTI, never thought I would live to see the day.
bob g There is hope on the horizon...
your story brought a tear to my eye...there is a god!
Trading economy and reliability for short term fun. Can't blame you.
You're mother made a good choice. Prius gets 48 mpg? And has 120 hp? The GTI gets 35 mpg and has 320 hp with a tune.
To anyone that's thinking about getting a MK7, you should. I absolutely love mine. Its cheap, fun, and practical. I love cars, but I can't afford the Porsches and Ferraris of the world. All my friends have WRX's and I didn't want to go down that road. My first car was a 97 GTI and I Loved it! I have owned the Mustang Bullitt and a Boxster but both sucked in the snow. So I got this 2015 GTI and love every second behind the wheel.
Where do you live? I am in New England and winters here are pretty bad.
I live south of Boston. I put some Blizzak snow tires on it. So far so good with those but we'll see with this storm we're getting tonight!
I live in Smithfield, RI so I definitely know what you mean about this storm. But let me know how you and GTI make out. What color and trim did you purchase? I am thinking a four door, red, with manual transmission.
I got it back on July 5th, 2014. I got the 4 door Carbon Steel Metallic with the DSG. I wanted the manual myself but my wife can't drive them and said it had to be the DSG or no car.Part of me wishes I had waited to get the performance package but I just wanted this car ASAP so I just got one. Also looking back I wish I had gotten the SE instead of the S. I love the plaid seats but wish I had a moon roof. PS: This snow sucks!
Just picked one up this weekend. Love it. Recommend one to everybody lol. I'm coming from an '09 C350. The materials aren't as nice but the fit and finish really does rival the Benz. Feels quicker too. I just hope it's more reliable.
Analyzing cars like a fine wine...gotta love Chris Harris
I hate people who just rate cars by their power. It's so useless. Stop focusing on that and enjoy a pure driving experience from this car that most of the competitors won't give you... The GTI is an amazing car !
Even if you do care about power, the GTI can be easily tuned to get quite a bit of power.
100% agree. sorry to say but judging cars purely by power rating and 0-60 numbers, it's a bit like getting a HD truck when you have no use for one other than to compensate for something small. The GTI has been exactly what everyone says it is - it's good at everything. I think true car guys know to appreciate a good car like GTI and MX-5, etc, that don't have to have the highest power rating to appreciate a car.. not that there's anything wrong with cars with big power figures. And especially combined with the 6-yr 72000 mile "People First Warranty" in the US starting 2018 model year GTIs, it's dumb and juvenile to pass on the GTI in this class for ST or WRX just for the power figure.
pininfarina575 you couldn’t be more correct! I’ve always over looked the gti. Never cared for it. Owned high power cars, even a diesel for no reason other then I wanted a big truck(no I wasn’t compensating, I got rid of it). But I’ve always respected the mx-5 but not enough to give it a real chance. I finally gave the mx-5 a chance and loved it! Have a kid now and looking at a GTI as it’s the only all around answer for me.
Hate is a big word bruh
Can confirm
I have a 2015 Gti and went on a drive with a few people. There was a Lamborghini 560-4, a v8 vantage, GT-R, 2015 M3, and a bunch of American muscle cars. It was super fun and in the real world I kept up with them in the front of the pack, at the checkpoints of the drive almost everyone was surprised of how quick it was and more so I could keep up in the mountains, on the straights they would destroy me but again in the real world your not going 150 mph the whole way we would be going about 80-100 in most parts and the GTI did flawlessly. I can't wait for the APR tune and some springs then really surprise everyone.
+Evan Sargent You made a great point here.I think there's not really a point owning a super car, you neither have the skill nor the roads to drive them to their full potential. A good mid-range power and torgue is what we need in a real world.
I took my car into a tight road in the hill country. And i do have springs, 034 motorsports rear sway bar, and Michelin Pilot 4S tires. A buddy with an E92 M3 struggled to keep up with me. Oh... I do have an APR tune
always great review from Chris. The GTI always has a soft spot in my heart.
Best review of this car in the world. Says it all. Treats the car for what it is.
I’ve owned my Mark V GTI since I bought it new in 2006. I still enjoy driving it every day. A great car.
Chris, you are at the top of the pack when it comes to reviewing cars. What you say and how you say it, in such a philosophical way...you are the thinking man's journalist. Keen words, expert driving skills. Always a treat. Thanks.
You are truly one of the better car reviewers - always providing a balanced review with sufficient info (research) and also testing the fun side of the cars! Great work, I have subscribed and really love your work!!
Chris is still my favorite auto journalist. Just wonderful the watch. Articulate and relatable. Love him. Keep it coming.
This video is the is the reason I bought my GTI. Would've loved to have a performance pack model but couldn't find one. Mine is tornado red and came with a third pedal and stick with a golf ball on the end of it! Thank you Mister Harris, I really enjoy your videos!
He's on top gear now! So deserved and much better than Chris Evans
cody ellis 4 years have passed, hows it like owning the gti? Any breakdowns or problems we should be concerned about? I heard VW starts breaking down after 100k miles
Yeah the dsg is fucking shit :( I would literally do anything to be back in my 01 vr6 right now but the timing chain is toast :((((
@@ibrokemyownheart4953 I kept the GTI for 5yrs 75k miles. No issues, regular maintenance and four sets of tires. I recommend the MK7 to everyone I come across. But I did trade it in two months ago for a Corolla Hatchback. Got a little scared wasn't sure what would come from all the scary looking wires and turbo piping in the GTI. Finally getting over it but I still love that GTI.
Fantastic review, Chris! Thanks! Held great weight when I got my 2017 GTI in July. I got the DSG (like many, the wife didn't want to learn stick), and haven't looked back at all. My last car was a stick, but this is FAR more fun with the paddles and how quick the shifts are. And dead on: no reason to drive this in anything but Sport mode! I, personally, only drive mine in paddle/Tiptronic mode with the Sport mode steering and suspension. Responsive as hell, and a straight-up blast to drive. Cheers.
From a pure review standpoint, this is the very best car review I can remember ever watching. Just fantastic.
Chris the way you describe cars is brilliant. I couldn't click on this video fast enough, keep them coming, you're my favorite journalist!
Buying myself a mk7.5 gti this week and i have wanted one ever since the day I saw this video.
Just ordered mine with the performance pack. Can't wait!!! Love your work Chris.
How is it? Was it? Thinking of getting one
Now this was really informative and pleasant to watch, nothing was overdone, great job! Excellent review Chris!
As far as car reviews go, yours are the best. but really understanding why yours out shine say the videos from Motor Trend or Everyday Driver comes from your recognition of who watches your videos. It became evident at the beginning of this video when you were trying to figure out how to review this car. Your attention to the audience and the details they want to know are spot on. Keep up the good work! I watch every vid you make.
The best reviewer. No shitty background music, no stupid jokes. Just great car noises and intelligent reviewer. Well done as always.
Oh wait a few years haha. Top gear changes all that sigh.....
Chris, your thoughts are always so spot on! Im looking right hard at a GTI for a all-around-the year right now :)
callmekitt I just ordered a GTI Clubsport (290HP on overboost) with DSG, DCC & few other options. Cars being built in November! :)
callmekitt, I got one a year ago. Great all year car for a family of four. My wife drives it because I've got a led foot.
Always a pleasure, Chris! The only guy worth watching on /DRIVE!
A really good review! One of the best I've watched.
In the US I bought a new SE which includes the lighting package, limited slip differential, upgraded brakes, 10 extra HP, leather and a moonroof for $26,800. It’s honestly more fun to drive than the M Sport 328 it’s replacing. Not as plush and power is not as smooth across the rev range, but it just makes me smile more often. Both great cars!
a very well-done review
Very on-point thoughts about the the GTI and its identity in the first 2 minutes. Thanks for a well done review.
Chris keep it up, love your videos and how you approach your reviews!! my humble opinion as a true car enthusiast!
About the pricing, In America, A gti starts at $24395, already pretty well equipped, perf. pack is $1500 more. That's about the same as an equally well equipped focus st and around the same as a wrx. A m135 coupe starts at around $45000. So In the states this car's a bargain.
+macaron3141592653 a fully loaded gti is 35k. That's some serious coin for a GTI
+dill doe Sure is. I'm getting into a 16 soon. I can't imagine the need for a fully donged Autobahn with everything, though. Stick, Lighting, and plaid seats are where it's at! These are seriously underrated from VW. Dyno tests are showing around 230 whp. I can't wait!
Cool hope you enjoy it
Bought my Autobahn with PP, LP and DCC here in the U.S. for $28,000. Very happy with the car - not sure that I would of pulled the trigger if it was $10,000 more though...
+Charles Mallory prove it
The MK7 Golf GTI is a fantastic car and the best golf gti so far.
The release of the MK7 Golf r really overshadowed how good this car actually was.
The introduction of the 4wd 300bhp golf r really stole the GTI thunder.
These cars really don’t get the credit they deserve. A solid all round package and dam near perfect.
Just bought my third GTI, this time MK7 with 230 hp delivery in september ... cant say how much I long for it having in mind Chris pretty good review ... as Daniel says below Chris has brilliant reviews as always ...
Excellent review as always from Chris Harris.
I test-drove the GTI last thursday, I'm definitely thinking of buying it. Will go for the base 3-door though.
the best review possible
thorough review. very satisfying compliance to detail
I just love how this guy introduces this Vid/Car, # Well done man.
my old golf 1.8 GTI 8 valve 1998 still Thrills me
This guy is great at reviews
Great beard Chris! I like the camera angle you guys used, showing the larger cockpit view.. gives a great view of the driving experience..
Very good review, thanks Chris.
No price problem in the USA. I just bought 17 GTI sport which has the performance pack and lighting package for 26000 usd. Very good value in my opinion
Yeah, I just got a 2017 GTI of significantly higher spec than the one in this video for $24.5K brand new. Keyless, Performance, and Lighting packages included. Nobody should be paying anywhere near MSRP on the GTI from what I've been seeing lately.
did you get a se? dsg or auto? ive had emails with 4500 off msrp, but if i can get closer to 6k, ill pull the trigger
yienmaster04 Agree completely,got mine for $24,250, sticker was over $29k.
Expect over 5k off of sticker.
Yeah i just got my ‘17 gti se with lighting package for 23k
Wow. This guy gives great reviews.
Great video. Great to see Chris in a car that I can afford haha. But don't stop with the hyper cars!
Thanks Chris, another great review.
Golf R one day, please?
When you said that the Golf GTI plays in BMW M135i territory, I couldn't believe you. But then I checked the UK Volkswagen und BMW websites and you were right! A GTI with Performance Package and DSG cost as much as a basic M135i Manual. In Germany the GTI costs 7.100 GBP less! (32.000€ vs 42.000€). Buy your GTI in Germany and drive it to UK, its cheaper :DD
gLu3xb3rchi same with the USA.
Where's this guy been? On vacation? Way to go Chris, another great review.
Beautifully shot video.
do a review of the mk7 golf R!
What's the Porsche engineers name who worked on the MK7? I can't seem to look him up.
Buck Angel
ThePorsche4life True, iv read so as well... The EA 888 which sits in GTI's & R are acually being engineered by Audi first off. You can check the Wikipedia! However we know that VW swapped CEO recently as it also owns Porsche. Since the head of Porsche now rules over VW, it would only be Logcal to see that Audi engine further Tuned by Porsche, as we know Volkswagen owns them all... (among others).
My dad always daily drove a GTI. He started with the Mark 1 when he was a kid, went astray for a number of years, then had a mark 4 when I started to drive and then 5, 6, 7. The Mark 4 was coolest to me because it was my first 'sleeper' moment. It doesn't look quick at all, but it blew away all of my friends v6 mustangs/camaros, civics, integras... and that turbo at 3000rpm just threw you into the seat. Mark 5 and 6 were kinda meh, but 7 was on a whole new level. More refined and comfortable. Audi-lite and my grandfather says.
Great review. Clearly says everything of interest. Thanks!
I just can't imagine this car with an open diff, an LSD should be standard on a GTI.
To be fair, it does have Volkswagen's XDS+ Cross Differential System which uses the breaks to mitigate some of the wheel slip associated with an open diff.
Doctor Ferdinand At least in the US, the performance package does come with an LSD
I can reasonably assure you there's virtually no public roads in North America where you'd use an LSD as it's meant to be.
Hubscharber I'm not sure what you mean to imply. There's large portions of the continent that aren't kansas. Atleast once a week I'll go on a mountain road blast and having driven an rsx for some years, I'm glad to have my Si's LSD.
The GTI Sport has LSD.
6.5 seconds for 0-60? Ive seen the auto version hit 6.0 with amateurs using the launch control, and Randy Probst hit 5.7 with the 6 speed version, and owning the mk7 stick, I will attest to the much lower 0-60. It's almost scary once the motor hits full boost, the perelli tires just scramble for any grip possible.
what a majestic beard Chris. kudos.
Good video man, keep them coming :-)
An excellent review, though I have to disagree with Chris about the market niche for the GTI being usurped by BMW. The BMW 1-Series M is now gone. The 2-Series base model, the 228i, is $32,100 without any options here in the States. The GTI base model 2-door, the S, is $24,395. That's quite a difference. And the 228i is a coupe and doesn't have the hatchback utility of the GTI. I don't really think they're proper rivals.
If you want a major bump in performance you'd have to go for the M235i, and that starts at $43,100.
In the UK the gti starts from £26,000, which is almost $40,000, the one he has here costs $43,000 (£28000), and there is a BMW 1 series hatch (which you don't get) with the engine from the m235i for $46,000 (£30,000) which is very close in price but much much faster and better built. thats the rival the gti should be worried about, its a shame you dont get that car in the USA though
He mean M135i not 1M ....
actually thethe235 will kill this gti andso will the228
Agreed. a lot of these comparisons don't work for us here in North America. models and prices of cars change quite a bit. however the BMW 235i is a stunning car to see on the road. without all the gaudy stickers of course.
RIP squirrel at 2:34
+mercguy658 aint no squirrel anywhere..
Keep it coming Chris, you're effing awesome.
Fabulous car review. I look forward to more. :)
Chris Harris you said the GTI is pricy, but you guys doing car reviews you are never talking about cost repairs. Go to repair a BMW you will check later if the GTI was pricy.
Don't have to worry about cost of repairs for the first 3 years to be honest.
+James Baggaley in that case for any car you should not worry the first 3 years. And in case you want to lease the interest for BMW is much higher too.
Hasco De La Vega fair point
Volkswagen is german so parts wold still be pretty pricey but BMW charges more because they know their consumer base is rich :/
FINALLY INDEPENDENT SUSPENSION ALL AROUND! :D About damn time.
Eisen Heim What do you mean? mk5 and mk6 had independent suspension.
Chris is one of the most adorable journalists I've ever seen! Perfect.
Oh, and the GTI is pretty good:)
The day has come! A Golf and Chris. Thank you God
GTI or '15 WRX? What would you choose?
i see snow longer than green grass here where i live so i'd take the wrx. it comes down to PERSONAL preference mate.
buckyai A GTI with winter tires and a LSD is pretty damn good in snow. You've got an engine sitting over the drive wheels.
bob g sir bob g, may i ask where do you live?
buckyai upstate NY. I drove a RWD '02 bmw 530i with summer biased all seasons while living in Boston and making runs up to NH for skiing. If your a terrible driver it doesn't really matter what car you've got, if you know what your doing most anything will work (up to a point obviously).
bob g "If your a terrible driver it doesn't really matter what car you've got, if you know what your doing most anything will work (up to a point obviously)." couldn't agree more on that sir.
my intended reply was that, a 2 wheel drive with a good set of winter tires will do just fine. loose/wet/splashy snow is "ok" to handle but tightly packed and mirror polished snow/ice? its a different story and that's when studded winter tires are ideal...from my point of view on where i live and that's why i prefer the wrx over the gti, now if i lived in FL, either will work just fine sir....
Chris is underestimating the love of the golf. the BMW is ugly as hell
Oliver Paton yeah they're so overrated. I'll spend all kinds of money on an R any day before I get a new BMW
An exceptional analysis. He is the best of the bunch of car reviewers. As it happens, the GTI is the best of the bunch too!
Great review as always.
The Golf R is a better rival to the M135i
67 Mazda Speed3 owners are mad.
great review as always
I love how the red stripe at the front goes through the headlights. Looks good.
is this really 2 yr old video???
rzorNvme four years now!
5 Years now
12 years now! (i'm from the future)
Coming up on 8 years....
Chris harris looks like he gets randomly selected at airports
The bearded hoonigan strikes again. Always good stuff Chris!
Fantastic, quality review.
dont compare it to a bmw, it's worth what you make of it and i can say that true volkswagen enthusiasts see more in this car than in the bmw. plus you will save the difference in gas between the two
I think you hit the nail on the head when you say that most enthusiasts respect the Golf GTi...or any performance VW for that matter...but they don't drive one. I think that's because while they are well built, capable, etc, they are just a bit dull. They have a "German personality" i guess...lol.
All the people I know who are VW enthusiasts are lovely people, but, just like the cars, they are very serious and slightly dull. The kind of person that corrects your punctuation, or turns up to a function at the exact time it says on the invitation to the minute. VW's correct your punctuation...lol
Eman Resu Yeah. I got my GTI and had to do quite a bit of customization. Wider/stickier wheels/tires, ECU tune, got a slightly louder muffler, stiffened up the transmission mount, and put racing stripes on it :)
Nice review, picking mine up Wednesday. Reflex Silver SE 6 speed. Lighting Package, roof, mats, and roadside assistance options. $6750 off MSRP. Stoked !!!!
Outstanding reminiscence of a great car!
amazing review, once again.
Wouldn't normally comment on this, but this was really well shot. Some very interesting shots to go with a rather interesting test. Apologies for coming over all film student but this is a video site after all.
Finally, been waiting for this review so i can go buy one now.
Great review and the end of the video made me laugh! :DD
Great review, but please Chris, more out takes, they're funny as hell! The expression on your face- hilarious!!
Chris you’re video is awesome as always I was a lifelong VW customer and after my last purchase 2016 GTI autobahn the clutch went after just 25k and they would not cover this repair on their extended warranty? Fool once shame on you fool twice shame on me. The end of my VW family purchase
I snatched a MK 7.5 before the ugly MK 8 hits the road in the US. Was able to find one in Tornado Red with 18 inch black wheels, front active differential lock, 8.5 inch touch screen, sunroof, self-adjusting LED headlamps, and a manual transmission. It was 100 miles away from me and had to get it delivered.
Tune it 😈
Looks great. Love all of the new VWs.
Agreed. Even I've been doing that since '09. It's a good view for controls/driving but also for the road ahead.
I enjoyed this review i thought it was pertinent to the vehicle and provided some insight into how the average driver might use it.
I own one as well except in manual. APR stage 1 tune, sticky rubber, apr swaybars, bilstein suspension. Its now a proper car, and haven't had any issues with it.
Gollum made this episode awesome-er. A back to back review on this with the DSG gearbox and the M series 1 would be awesome!
This was a genuinely good review
I can see his disdain for the MKIV. After owning (and still having) MKIV & MKV R32's and now a MKVII, I completely understand. The suspension on a MKIV was just way too soft in stock form. A set of coilovers, hell even a cup kit solved that issue for the MKIV. The MKV however, it took SO much more thrown at the MKV to get it to handle the way that you could get the MKIV to handle with suspension upgrades. Not to mention that it's a hefty 3600 lbs which is why it was dubbed the lead sled. It did look much more sophisticated though. It just had this buttoned down look about it. The MKVII is absolutely, hands down, the best R to date. The only thing missing is that VR6 growl. I also like the GTI's styling compared to the latest R.
PLEASE continue you use the "camera in passenger seat facing forward" angle in future reviews, love it!!
Once again, great video.
Mine just got got released for production. 4-Door / Deep Black Pearl / SE / DSG / Perf Pack / Lighting Pack. Only decision I struggled with with was gear box. Hope I made the right decision on DSG. Want it now!
I love the GTI, I am getting an R32 next week, this video made me happy
Great review!!
I would have loved if you tested the one with the performance pack! Why didn't you, I was really looking forward to hearing Chris's opinion on the new diff.