You've got an excellent way to present/review cars! This is the way to create TH-cam videos to keep audiences interested the whole time. Never a dull moment!
Did this guy just say he wants touch sensitivity volume? Everyone despises those. Volume knobs are the most convenient, most simple and most functional way. Anything else is a gimmick that kills functionality. When you drive you feel and precisely can tune with a physical knob. With touch you have to listen to the sound to detect changes instead of feeling it first with your hand. That's hazardous and is a distraction.
Admiral Ackbar hahaha no no I'll always want a physical knob. I just want VW to fix it so the power icon in the center stays oriented upright. It's just an OCD thing
This, I want physical buttons and knobs. Its bad enough they made all the buttons on the head unit touch instead of push buttons. I want to be able to operate the radio while keeping my eyes on the road.
Volume knobs looks ugly. Functionality buttons are on steering wheel. I'm happy that I paid extra for 9-inches multimedia without kobs. 😆 looks stuning
Got my GTi (7.5) serviced yesterday at Hadwins, Lindal, nr Ulverston. Great garage, very professional and likeable staff. Any tiny quibble and the specific department manager/foreman will personally come and talk to you. Had the car 12 months now and like the gentleman in this film says "It is perfect" . Mine is exactly like the model he has demonstrated in met black, bar for plaid seats and manual box, which mine has.
The ~ 35-36K “Autobahn” VW GTI comes with more standard features than your typical $50K+ Luxury sports sedan. So to insist that the Top of the line / Autobahn GTI is somehow “too much money” doesn’t really make much sense. For ~35K you’re getting standard equipment typically reserved for automobiles costing over $10K more combined with a vehicle that is more fun to drive than many “sports cars” all the while providing luxury car like ride quality. This isn’t even to mention the outstanding premium Audi-like build quality inside and out. When one takes all into consideration the GTI Autobahn is one hell of a deal. Not one ~ $40K automoble matches the Autobahns combination of sport, comfort and utility. But your can get an STI, Civic Type R or Gold R for that price... STI? Sure great performance and when running balls to the wall around a rally course loads of fun... But here’s the thing how bout the rest of the time / 99.9% of the time you’re using the car as a daily driver? Yeah not so much fun anymore... Civic Type R? Much the same story as the WRX STI but is probably a bit better on a road course (in which 99.9% never use they’re daily driver’s for). The Civic Type R is probably easier to live with day to day but compared to the VW GTI Autobahn it’s simply no where close to being the total package of a vehicle. Golf R? Okay so this is a GTI with AWD and + 76HP / 22FT-LB TQ and all this does does by in large is produce a GTI that is a bit quicker (mainly do to AWD launch) but in actuality isn’t any more fun or rewarding to drive just more expensive and capable of a sub 5 second 0-60mph due to AWD launch if you’re into the “bragging rights” aspect... The AWD will be mostly a negative 99% of the time as it adds weight (something you feel 100% of the time) which ends up costing you more money to refuel. It as well affects how the car feels in general (not as light on its feet obviously) The extra power is again totally unnecessary as the GTI with it’s massively under-rated 220HP/258FT-LB TQ@ 1500rpm is more than adequate. More power would basically just mean more money spent on fuel, tires, brake pads, etc.. When you consider the actual “power to weight” ratio the difference between the GTI and Golf R aren’t as big. There’s a reason the Golf R doesn’t “feel” much if any quicker than the GTI. The actual power to ratio difference is very small so in most real world driving scenarios (20-60, 30-70, 40-80+,etc..) both cars will accelerate at a very similar rate. To me it makes more sense to go with the GTI Autobahn as its no less fun to drive (arguably more so) is not as expensive to begin with and is cheaper to maintain and insure.
I bought a new GTI S in 2019. It’s better than most cars I have owned in the past 60 years of driving. With the exception of my 1961 Porsche 356. My GTI makes me feel good, and that’s what matters at 77. RickGTI…..
I love the 2018 gti. I almost got the R but they only thing that stop me from getting it was that it didn't have a sunroof which I really wanted. Hate that we couldn't get the sunroof here in USA. Heck it'll be also nice if we could also get the gti clubsport model as well here lol
I have a 2017. It is a lot of fun to drive. My wife, on the other hand doesn't like the stiff ride. VW had to replace the transmission (auto) at less than 3000 miles. Dealer had the car a week, but I got a loaner, so no big deal. Other than that, no problems. If you are worried about reliability lease the car. There are really good lease option deals around now.
You say this is the Autobahn with 220 hp, the larger Golf R brakes and the VAQ limited slip diff, so is VW no longer putting the red GTI badges on performance pack equipped cars? If so, seems like a bad idea to not differentiate equipped cars versus those that aren't, already hard enough to tell the difference..
In the US there is no "performance pack" available for the 2018 GTI. Most of the features are included on all three trim levels and all features are included on the SE and Autobahn trims.
The 18’ GTI Autobahn because it makes more than enough power and combined with the LSD and everything else that comes standard with the Autobahn its just a better deal IMO. The Golf R’s extra power and AWD would just mean more money (due to extra power and added weight) to maintain a car that isn’t really anymore fun to drive. Okay so its quicker to 60mph... And? Why does that even matter when the GTI is plenty quick as is? I personally don’t race my daily drivers for a living so its a rather mute point. The GTI Autobahn IMO is the best overall automobile you can get in the market in the 35-45K range IMO when you put things in proper context. I drove both a Golf R and the GTI Autobahn and left the dealer in a 2018’ GTI Autobahn / DSG without a single doubt I made the best choice. I had a budget of up to $50K and went with the GTI Autobahn. There is just nothing out there that offers a better combination of sport, comfort and luxury for ~35-45K. Was considering an Alfa Romeo Giulia or Audi A4 Quattro but couldn’t justify spending ~10K more after driving the 18’ GTI Autobahn. It would have made absolutely no sense would have been akin to pissing 10K down the toilet unless I was so insecure with myself and thought an “Audi” badge was worth 10K..
Private Eyes that’s actually not true. I used to live in rural Germany and I saw GTIs with detroiter rims, as well as the Golf R style rims everywhere.
Squirtly Dude oh I see what you mean. In the United States they call it Digital Cockpit. The new Jetta I reviewed has it, but no this GTI doesn't have it. Apologies for the miscommunication haha I get a lot of weird questions from people trying to troll so I wasn't sure what you meant at first. No active info display on the GTI for 2018. You have to get the Golf R for that here
I just don't love it... too mean looking. Don't beat me up for saying this.. I am waiting for the time when the look is less complicated and angular. I drive a boxy mk1
Lucky Wrench definitely can't knock your opinion! The mark 1 is iconic and likely always be my favorite. The styling on this mark7 is controversial even in forums. Send me a pic of your mark 1 and I'll put it on the Downshift Instagram! Thanks for watching and commenting!
either buy used or accept that the GTI is a kickass car for that price, that's around the average price of a car in the U.S and the average car is boring as shit.
You've got an excellent way to present/review cars! This is the way to create TH-cam videos to keep audiences interested the whole time. Never a dull moment!
Sai Nellore thanks so much! I'm glad you like it! Thanks for watching I hope to see you in the comments again!
i drove a 2004 carrolla for 10 years. switched to this car a month ago. love it!
Nice!
Won’t be as reliable 😂 but a lot more fun to drive
I'm getting mine this month and are thankful for your honest review!
Matt Cody awesome! Thanks for watching Matt!
Sorry mate, my lease is up in August so I can't wait! I'll be adding some performance parts to get a little more kick :)
Did this guy just say he wants touch sensitivity volume? Everyone despises those. Volume knobs are the most convenient, most simple and most functional way. Anything else is a gimmick that kills functionality. When you drive you feel and precisely can tune with a physical knob. With touch you have to listen to the sound to detect changes instead of feeling it first with your hand. That's hazardous and is a distraction.
Admiral Ackbar hahaha no no I'll always want a physical knob. I just want VW to fix it so the power icon in the center stays oriented upright. It's just an OCD thing
i bought a 2012 passat two weeks ago, and this rotating power icon pisses me off
I just took some carbon fiber vinyl and made a cap for both my power buttons so that they match and there is no directional power icon. Looks great :)
This, I want physical buttons and knobs. Its bad enough they made all the buttons on the head unit touch instead of push buttons. I want to be able to operate the radio while keeping my eyes on the road.
Volume knobs looks ugly. Functionality buttons are on steering wheel. I'm happy that I paid extra for 9-inches multimedia without kobs. 😆 looks stuning
Got my GTi (7.5) serviced yesterday at Hadwins, Lindal, nr Ulverston. Great garage, very professional and likeable staff. Any tiny quibble and the specific department manager/foreman will personally come and talk to you. Had the car 12 months now and like the gentleman in this film says "It is perfect" . Mine is exactly like the model he has demonstrated in met black, bar for plaid seats and manual box, which mine has.
Hahaha yes the three pedal format with plaid seats would be perfect. I more meant what the car is. Its the perfect daily driver
Really good video! Your channel is getting better and better
Michael Hantke Heyyyy thanks Curb! Appreciate the love my man! Check back this weekend for the new 2019 Jetta before it even hits lots in May😎
Just purchased a 2020 S in black looks like it means business from the back 👍🏾
How do you have dual-zone climate control? I thought that only came with the Autobahn trim. Did I miss something?
The ~ 35-36K “Autobahn” VW GTI comes with more standard features than your typical $50K+ Luxury sports sedan.
So to insist that the Top of the line / Autobahn GTI is somehow “too much money” doesn’t really make much sense.
For ~35K you’re getting standard equipment typically reserved for automobiles costing over $10K more combined with a vehicle that is more fun to drive than many “sports cars” all the while providing luxury car like ride quality.
This isn’t even to mention the outstanding premium Audi-like build quality inside and out. When one takes all into consideration the GTI Autobahn is one hell of a deal.
Not one ~ $40K automoble matches the Autobahns combination of sport, comfort and utility.
But your can get an STI, Civic Type R or Gold R for that price...
STI? Sure great performance and when running balls to the wall around a rally course loads of fun...
But here’s the thing how bout the rest of the time / 99.9% of the time you’re using the car as a daily driver? Yeah not so much fun anymore...
Civic Type R? Much the same story as the WRX STI but is probably a bit better on a road course (in which 99.9% never use they’re daily driver’s for).
The Civic Type R is probably easier to live with day to day but compared to the VW GTI Autobahn it’s simply no where close to being the total package of a vehicle.
Golf R? Okay so this is a GTI with AWD and + 76HP / 22FT-LB TQ and all this does does by in large is produce a GTI that is a bit quicker (mainly do to AWD launch) but in actuality isn’t any more fun or rewarding to drive just more expensive and capable of a sub 5 second 0-60mph due to AWD launch if you’re into the “bragging rights” aspect...
The AWD will be mostly a negative 99% of the time as it adds weight (something you feel 100% of the time) which ends up costing you more money to refuel. It as well affects how the car feels in general (not as light on its feet obviously)
The extra power is again totally unnecessary as the GTI with it’s massively under-rated 220HP/258FT-LB TQ@ 1500rpm is more than adequate. More power would basically just mean more money spent on fuel, tires, brake pads, etc..
When you consider the actual “power to weight” ratio the difference between the GTI and Golf R aren’t as big. There’s a reason the Golf R doesn’t “feel” much if any quicker than the GTI.
The actual power to ratio difference is very small so in most real world driving scenarios (20-60, 30-70, 40-80+,etc..) both cars will accelerate at a very similar rate.
To me it makes more sense to go with the GTI Autobahn as its no less fun to drive (arguably more so) is not as expensive to begin with and is cheaper to maintain and insure.
I guess Im pretty off topic but do anybody know of a good place to watch new tv shows online ?
I bought a new GTI S in 2019. It’s better than most cars I have owned in the past 60 years of driving. With the exception of my 1961 Porsche 356. My GTI makes me feel good, and that’s what matters at 77. RickGTI…..
The U.S spec is extremely odd. No active info display?
Here in the UK you get those rear lights on a standard 2017 onwards Golf!
I have a manual 2012 Golf and I love it. 2.5 engine and 5 cylinders, great on gas and very practical car.
New subscriber! I’m interested in the new GTI and this was helpful.
Seems a cool model. Thanks for the drive test.
Mercedes Mass happy to help!
" hear the induction sound really pulling you through the corner" ..... yea that sound helps handling.. lol
Pravusss s haha yeah misspoke. I meant it has a nice induction sound as you get back on the power to pull you out of the corner hahaha oops!
I understand that for fun this car is really good…
But for performance and track days..?
(Whether it's laps track or drag races)
I love the 2018 gti. I almost got the R but they only thing that stop me from getting it was that it didn't have a sunroof which I really wanted. Hate that we couldn't get the sunroof here in USA. Heck it'll be also nice if we could also get the gti clubsport model as well here lol
K Harris yeah I get that. The GTI is really fun and with a tune you can get close to R power. Just missing some R bits like AWD
I have a 2017. It is a lot of fun to drive. My wife, on the other hand doesn't like the stiff ride. VW had to replace the transmission (auto) at less than 3000 miles. Dealer had the car a week, but I got a loaner, so no big deal. Other than that, no problems. If you are worried about reliability lease the car. There are really good lease option deals around now.
Thanks for watching and good insight on the tranny!
good review thanks , love golf gti
I got my 2016 mk7 at hall too just 3 months ago
Nice! Those guys are the best!
good review..thanks
19’ GLI autobahn review coming soon?
I should be able to get one in the next month!
I've had both the 2018 and the R. Both great but the R edges it, just, the scary power.
Thanks for the honest review I have 2 MK7 GOLFs one is a GTI. Love them both.
is having 2 really necessary
The GTI MK7 that isn't a GTI is the wife's car, the GTI is his car. Boom-bada-bing.
You say this is the Autobahn with 220 hp, the larger Golf R brakes and the VAQ limited slip diff, so is VW no longer putting the red GTI badges on performance pack equipped cars? If so, seems like a bad idea to not differentiate equipped cars versus those that aren't, already hard enough to tell the difference..
In the US there is no "performance pack" available for the 2018 GTI. Most of the features are included on all three trim levels and all features are included on the SE and Autobahn trims.
But if the Golf R and Gti were the same price would you get the R? ;)
Stay Tuned well yeah 🤣 always more power hahah
Downshift MKE I have a mk6 gti and absolutely love it but of course I’d go with the R too if I had the money 😄
The 18’ GTI Autobahn because it makes more than enough power and combined with the LSD and everything else that comes standard with the Autobahn its just a better deal IMO.
The Golf R’s extra power and AWD would just mean more money (due to extra power and added weight) to maintain a car that isn’t really anymore fun to drive.
Okay so its quicker to 60mph... And? Why does that even matter when the GTI is plenty quick as is? I personally don’t race my daily drivers for a living so its a rather mute point.
The GTI Autobahn IMO is the best overall automobile you can get in the market in the 35-45K range IMO when you put things in proper context.
I drove both a Golf R and the GTI Autobahn and left the dealer in a 2018’ GTI Autobahn / DSG without a single doubt I made the best choice.
I had a budget of up to $50K and went with the GTI Autobahn. There is just nothing out there that offers a better combination of sport, comfort and luxury for ~35-45K.
Was considering an Alfa Romeo Giulia or Audi A4 Quattro but couldn’t justify spending ~10K more after driving the 18’ GTI Autobahn.
It would have made absolutely no sense would have been akin to pissing 10K down the toilet unless I was so insecure with myself and thought an “Audi” badge was worth 10K..
Private Eyes that’s actually not true. I used to live in rural Germany and I saw GTIs with detroiter rims, as well as the Golf R style rims everywhere.
You should move the steering wheel to the right and drive on the left.
Great Video! Is this the SE model?
Oren L this one was the Autobahn trim with all the goodies like real leather, big info screen, and the full LED lights!
Thank you.
Oren L of course! Thanks for watching!
Oren L ))7
Great review 👍 I checked out your channel from Sofyan
SevenTwenty8IGHT thats awesome! Are you just a subscriber of his and saw my comment? Thanks for watching!
Downshift MKE yup
SevenTwenty8IGHT well welcome! Hahaha thanks for visiting!
how tall are you?
supra2k8 6' 1"
nice, thanks!
what color underwear are you wearing?
Andrei Stanescu none
lol
I just wish they had done something about the wheels. I never liked the Austins and these aren't much better
britshell they're not my favorite but I do like them better than the flower pedals on the previous gen. Thanks for watching and commenting!
I wish they had used something more similar to the Nogaros that came stock on the sport trim.
britshell I agree. Those are the best looking wheels for the GTI
Wtf no active info display?!?
Squirtly Dude you can option for a lateral G meter, tire pressure, and lap timer. Is that what you meant?
Downshift MKE you don’t know what active info display is?
Squirtly Dude oh I see what you mean. In the United States they call it Digital Cockpit. The new Jetta I reviewed has it, but no this GTI doesn't have it. Apologies for the miscommunication haha I get a lot of weird questions from people trying to troll so I wasn't sure what you meant at first. No active info display on the GTI for 2018. You have to get the Golf R for that here
Downshift MKE here in Germany you get it even for the polo lol
Squirtly Dude What?! The little Polo?! Side note: have you tried out the Polo GTI? Did they release that yet for you?
Good apparently costs dearly in a VW
Looks no different than the 15 model
stupid lol
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Looks very similar to the MK5 bodywise... but I still want one!
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I just don't love it... too mean looking. Don't beat me up for saying this.. I am waiting for the time when the look is less complicated and angular.
I drive a boxy mk1
Lucky Wrench definitely can't knock your opinion! The mark 1 is iconic and likely always be my favorite. The styling on this mark7 is controversial even in forums. Send me a pic of your mark 1 and I'll put it on the Downshift Instagram! Thanks for watching and commenting!
Downshift MKE. I would not refuse one if it came my way. They are slick cars
Guess what Golf I just purchased... check it out here... th-cam.com/video/AnCYHNO_xZE/w-d-xo.html
Wtf theres no manual golfs in the u.s anymore or what
Vladi 83 Dumb AF
There are. I drive a 17' GTI Sport with 6MT. A look of media seems to show off the DSG equiped GTIs..
Vladi 83 i saw one at the dealer yesterday.
The car is too damn expensive and its really disappointing. I want one but not for 32k.
padistedor buy used?
either buy used or accept that the GTI is a kickass car for that price, that's around the average price of a car in the U.S and the average car is boring as shit.
iifymbro i love the GTI, I will be looking for a preowned one for sure.
in my lovely country its price usd60k..damn
The S model is well under $32K.
I disagree
Greg Hohl don't disrespect me Craig😠
How tall are you?
6'1" 👍
Downshift is it comfortable if your 6’1”/6’2”? Do you have enough head room and legroom?
@@lildill3816 absolutely, I didn't even have the seat all the way back. Rear seat room is also decent!