I think you will enjoy driving this GTI a lot more than the bmw and also it will be as practical as the bmw so for me it's a no brainer. But at the end of the day it is up to you. Great review by the way.
Great camera skills my man. I personally own a 07 golf/rabbit and I really love it and it can be used for everything a suv can do. My friend needed a ride home in the rain with his full sized mountain bike and it fit beautifully in my trunk (with the back seats folded 60/40)
Nice house and cars! The Golf is king in Europe and many families of 4 often have only one car and the Golf is that car because it has a bit of everything (premium feel, quiet, comfortable, economical, has the right size...) and I don't see why it shouldn't be a good second car (especially the Gti!) considering, you also have a huge Highlander. And if it's also cheaper than the X3, it's a no brainer for me. After all, as some say, the Golf is the only car you'll ever really need in your life!
You should sell of the BMW X3 and get the golf GTi or Golf R because there no point having 2 SUVs together where one of then can do all the SUV thing that is required. Also try and Get the Golf R, the power is addictive ;)
Everyday Reviews VW are going to replace the main screen with an 8 inch version for the next model yr. (maybe they will change the usb connection with this new system.) I'd get the R as it gives you awd and a lot more hp. Shame they are not giving us the R sportwagen here in Canada...yet!!
+Daniel Tojcic Yes Daniel, I recently got rid of the X3. I was considering the GTI until I drove the Golf R. Here's my thoughts about it. th-cam.com/video/pSz4uro2V3E/w-d-xo.html My X3 was awesome btw, would have kept it but wasn't quite big enough to carry all the stuff needed with 2 small kids.
Like your review!!! Funny that I own the same set up, same X3, and the new highlander. I got 3 kids 8, 4, and 2. As I had the 2011 Sienna AWD before, and trade in for the highlander earlier this year. And living in Ontario. And I would say keep the X3 35i for the climate in Canada. Nice AWD for the winter and sporty all the way.
Looks like US golf GTI's have Bluetooth music playback like in UK. No need to use a silly aux cable to playback music using Spotify. The interface also allows you to skip and forward tracks, view playlists etc.
Great vid! Awesome to find a very local auto journalist like you on youtube from BC (there's simply not a lot of auto journalists from BC, or even in Canada in general), as I hail from the Metro Vancouver area as well. BTW, just curious, looking at 0:43 of your video, it looks like you're from Richmond? Some questions for you: 1) I'm seriously planning to get the 2016 MK7 GTI sometime early-mid next year, as I want the 8-inch MIB II infotainment system with CarPlay. As for fuel, I've been seeing a lot of conflicting reports on whether 91 premium gas is REQUIRED or RECOMMENDED. According to www.edmunds.com, the MK7 GTI is 91 recommended (meaning that I can still use 87 without affecting the life of the 2.0L engine). I've talked to a VW sales rep about this and he told me that if you use 87 gas on the GTI, it won't void the warranty. However, other websites and some forums mentioned that 91 is required. So, is 91 really required or is it recommended on the GTI? My dad drives a 2003 Acura TL and it says 91 premium is recommended, and he's been using 87 regular for over 7-8 years without any negative affects on the engine and the engine still runs really smoothly after 12 years. 2) Right now I'm driving a 2000 Honda Accord inline-4, and logging around 2100km per month, and I've checked online, the MK7 Golf GTI is considerably more fuel efficient than my Accord. How much are you currently paying on gas per month on your GTI? Because based on my calculations on the fuel costs, taking maximum mileage per tank and tank capacity into account, it sounds like the MK7 Golf GTI's (using 91) monthly fuel costs won't be too much different from my 2000 Accord (using 87). 3) The Euro version of the MK Golf GTI PP has eco mode on top of comfort, normal and sport modes. Does the North American version of the GTI PP get eco mode as well? I wonder how much of a difference is between the eco and comfort modes. 4) How's the reliability of the MK7 Golf GTI so far?
The Golf makes for a great family car, plus the gti and R are super fun and great performance cars. In Canada I would go for the golf r though, because it's useable the whole year. Go get it ;)
Great review.. I'm looking for a car with some power. My only problem is I'm 6'2 and am currently driving a 2009 VW Jetta and with the kids in car seats in the back I have to pull the seat so far up my knees are in the dash. I want the power but need more room.. I guess I'm just out of luck :(
Has to be manual with performance package. Get the climate windscreen option too, helps de ice of demist windscreen too, we get the electronic handbrake in Britain but would rather have the manual handbrake you get stateside. We also have standard xenon hid headlights
Bro, how did you get a sunroof with cloth seats? I thought the SE trim only had the sunroof and this the leather seats. So how did you get a S version with sunroof?
Great review! Which configuration is this car? I have been searching everywhere for the SE or Autobahn with Performance pack that also has the plaid seating...thanks again for a great review.
In Canada, this is just the 5 door GTI with performance pack. Runs up to about $37,000 cdn. GolfR is about $40,000 so it would be a tough call. $3000 more for AWD and 80 more HP.
We have the same life (2 kids, etc). I'm debating btw this and the WRX (DSG/CVT so my wife can drive it). I know you might be partial to the GTI since you reviewed it, but what do you think about the WRX?
If I'm honest, I'd much rather the GTD than the GTI, I don't know if you get that in the US, but everyday driving (here in the UK), it's way more usable and faster
The gtd is frugal and has loads of torque that's why it feels fast.The gti though is faster and much more refined here in Europe.The all round winner though is the R as it has it all!!
All that matters is not a GTI but fuel price - list; you in USA/CANADA have the cheapest in the world , so no question GTI is a good option. The rest of the world say NO;)
no. no no.. *NO* *WAY!!* - That IS *not* at all (you?americancarbuyers..) *ANY* kind of 'hothatch'. - but.. (doNOTworry..there;) 'cos. - Well, yes *:))* *THIS* one.. ( *V.A.G.* group cars: vw, audi, skoda *and..* *SEAT:))* ..the MOST certainly *IS.* - ' New Seat Leon ST Cupra 280 FULL REVIEW test driven 2015/2016 - Autogefühl ' (on youtube - *inc.english text,too..* 'or, sort of'..;)) - *CHECK* it *OUT* - *..IF* *you* are Looking: ' The veryBESToftheBEST(european;)) *HOT* Hatch' on the *MarketToday* :)) ..4u?
I think you will enjoy driving this GTI a lot more than the bmw and also it will be as practical as the bmw so for me it's a no brainer. But at the end of the day it is up to you. Great review by the way.
Great camera skills my man. I personally own a 07 golf/rabbit and I really love it and it can be used for everything a suv can do. My friend needed a ride home in the rain with his full sized mountain bike and it fit beautifully in my trunk (with the back seats folded 60/40)
Nice house and cars! The Golf is king in Europe and many families of 4 often have only one car and the Golf is that car because it has a bit of everything (premium feel, quiet, comfortable, economical, has the right size...) and I don't see why it shouldn't be a good second car (especially the Gti!) considering, you also have a huge Highlander. And if it's also cheaper than the X3, it's a no brainer for me. After all, as some say, the Golf is the only car you'll ever really need in your life!
the perf pkge does not monitor chasis movements it adds a limited slip
my 2016 has a usb plug. and rear view camera is now standard on all models too
same with my 2018 Golf S TSI ...
You should sell of the BMW X3 and get the golf GTi or Golf R because there no point having 2 SUVs together where one of then can do all the SUV thing that is required.
Also try and Get the Golf R, the power is addictive ;)
abhishek jha That's exactly what I was thinking. Hoping to try the Golf R soon.
Everyday Reviews VW are going to replace the main screen with an 8 inch version for the next model yr. (maybe they will change the usb connection with this new system.) I'd get the R as it gives you awd and a lot more hp. Shame they are not giving us the R sportwagen here in Canada...yet!!
+Everyday Reviews Did you ever sell the X3? GTI owner here looking at upgrading to a Golf R, or possibly an X3 and keeping my current modified GTI
+Daniel Tojcic Yes Daniel, I recently got rid of the X3. I was considering the GTI until I drove the Golf R. Here's my thoughts about it. th-cam.com/video/pSz4uro2V3E/w-d-xo.html
My X3 was awesome btw, would have kept it but wasn't quite big enough to carry all the stuff needed with 2 small kids.
+Everyday Reviews Does the Golf R come with the much needed 4 doors?
I'd absolutely buy that as your personal/family car, very good choice.
Great job. Excellent video quality. Lots of hard goes into these video's!
Like your review!!!
Funny that I own the same set up, same X3, and the new highlander. I got 3 kids 8, 4, and 2. As I had the 2011 Sienna AWD before, and trade in for the highlander earlier this year. And living in Ontario. And I would say keep the X3 35i for the climate in Canada. Nice AWD for the winter and sporty all the way.
Looks like US golf GTI's have Bluetooth music playback like in UK. No need to use a silly aux cable to playback music using Spotify. The interface also allows you to skip and forward tracks, view playlists etc.
Get the GTI it would be a great second car that's sporty and fun. Plus don't really need two suv's if the family fits. :)
Wait for the new chevy volt? Or get another Ev? Leaf, soul ev, i3??
this is probably late but I recommend the golf sport wagon I believe it has more space
Great vid! Awesome to find a very local auto journalist like you on youtube from BC (there's simply not a lot of auto journalists from BC, or even in Canada in general), as I hail from the Metro Vancouver area as well. BTW, just curious, looking at 0:43 of your video, it looks like you're from Richmond?
Some questions for you:
1) I'm seriously planning to get the 2016 MK7 GTI sometime early-mid next year, as I want the 8-inch MIB II infotainment system with CarPlay. As for fuel, I've been seeing a lot of conflicting reports on whether 91 premium gas is REQUIRED or RECOMMENDED. According to www.edmunds.com, the MK7 GTI is 91 recommended (meaning that I can still use 87 without affecting the life of the 2.0L engine). I've talked to a VW sales rep about this and he told me that if you use 87 gas on the GTI, it won't void the warranty. However, other websites and some forums mentioned that 91 is required. So, is 91 really required or is it recommended on the GTI? My dad drives a 2003 Acura TL and it says 91 premium is recommended, and he's been using 87 regular for over 7-8 years without any negative affects on the engine and the engine still runs really smoothly after 12 years.
2) Right now I'm driving a 2000 Honda Accord inline-4, and logging around 2100km per month, and I've checked online, the MK7 Golf GTI is considerably more fuel efficient than my Accord. How much are you currently paying on gas per month on your GTI? Because based on my calculations on the fuel costs, taking maximum mileage per tank and tank capacity into account, it sounds like the MK7 Golf GTI's (using 91) monthly fuel costs won't be too much different from my 2000 Accord (using 87).
3) The Euro version of the MK Golf GTI PP has eco mode on top of comfort, normal and sport modes. Does the North American version of the GTI PP get eco mode as well? I wonder how much of a difference is between the eco and comfort modes.
4) How's the reliability of the MK7 Golf GTI so far?
The Golf makes for a great family car, plus the gti and R are super fun and great performance cars. In Canada I would go for the golf r though, because it's useable the whole year. Go get it ;)
Great review.. I'm looking for a car with some power. My only problem is I'm 6'2 and am currently driving a 2009 VW Jetta and with the kids in car seats in the back I have to pull the seat so far up my knees are in the dash. I want the power but need more room.. I guess I'm just out of luck :(
Nice review and I agree it looks better than the two door. Actually I don't understand the point of making the 2 door. They should ditch it.
Very good review
Great review!
Ditch the x3 & get the Gti, shame you don't get the LED rear lights that we get here in UK as standard
Has to be manual with performance package. Get the climate windscreen option too, helps de ice of demist windscreen too, we get the electronic handbrake in Britain but would rather have the manual handbrake you get stateside. We also have standard xenon hid headlights
So the red calipers & the paddle shifters make it the performance package? Cus I bought mine used & im not sure if it's got the "performance package "
You should get the GTI it's a nice little hot hatch..
From the guy who saw you at TNT.
I'm seriously considering it. Good meeting you. Small world. Thanks for watching!
Always liked your reviews keep it up 👍👍👍👍👍
Does it have auto rev match?
what is your current occupation?
So did you buy a gti? How is the owner experience?
Bro, how did you get a sunroof with cloth seats? I thought the SE trim only had the sunroof and this the leather seats. So how did you get a S version with sunroof?
Great review! Which configuration is this car? I have been searching everywhere for the SE or Autobahn with Performance pack that also has the plaid seating...thanks again for a great review.
In Canada, this is just the 5 door GTI with performance pack. Runs up to about $37,000 cdn. GolfR is about $40,000 so it would be a tough call. $3000 more for AWD and 80 more HP.
If you could get the Golf R with 4 doors then for the extra money I think it'd be worth the extra outlay over a loaded GTi
We have the same life (2 kids, etc). I'm debating btw this and the WRX (DSG/CVT so my wife can drive it). I know you might be partial to the GTI since you reviewed it, but what do you think about the WRX?
Does anyone know what trim this is? I was under the impression you could not get cloth seats with a sunroof.
It might be that this is a Canadian car and sometimes the cars are specd different from one country to another.
If I'm honest, I'd much rather the GTD than the GTI, I don't know if you get that in the US, but everyday driving (here in the UK), it's way more usable and faster
We don't have the GTD on this side of the pond. So many things we are missing out on including the scirocco.
The gtd is frugal and has loads of torque that's why it feels fast.The gti though is faster and much more refined here in Europe.The all round winner though is the R as it has it all!!
I like it more, I've always thought bmw shouldn't bother with suv's but that's not a popular opinion.
Get the GTI and throw an APR tune on it.
Just get that the 2016 golf r then ur right back at 40,000 or more! Weeeeee!
4:05 - I see bare metal door frames in the interior. I don't consider that a very nice thing for a car with that price tag.
Ah that's a trim piece....bare metal door?? are you serious?
theripper121
That's not trim. It IS bare metal from the door frame. Oh boy, and people pay alot of money for this car...oh dear, oh dear.
Keep the x3
keep it :D!
All that matters is not a GTI but fuel price - list; you in USA/CANADA have the cheapest in the world , so no question GTI is a good option. The rest of the world say NO;)
well down
Some of your information is inaccurate.
get rid of the highlander
I like electric cars
no. no no.. *NO* *WAY!!* - That IS *not* at all (you?americancarbuyers..) *ANY* kind of 'hothatch'. - but.. (doNOTworry..there;) 'cos. - Well, yes *:))* *THIS* one.. ( *V.A.G.* group cars: vw, audi, skoda *and..* *SEAT:))* ..the MOST certainly *IS.* - ' New Seat Leon ST Cupra 280 FULL REVIEW test driven 2015/2016 - Autogefühl ' (on youtube - *inc.english text,too..* 'or, sort of'..;)) - *CHECK* it *OUT* - *..IF* *you* are Looking: ' The veryBESToftheBEST(european;)) *HOT* Hatch' on the *MarketToday* :)) ..4u?
lol... replacing the BMW with a VW? BMW is superior and it has AWD.
Buck Futter Nobody cares about AWD, because the GTI is more fun to drive.
***** You'll need the "R".
***** Getting a WRX, now that's something I can understand. But a BMW lol. Matter of taste I guess.
dump the beemer !
eGolf