It was unbelievable that VW didn't illuminate the controls and stuck with haptic buttons for a few years. Not that I was a massive Golf fan, but it stopped me from looking at any VAG BEV.
Great review on what I think is a very nice looking Golf, especially in that blue. Does anyone know if they have blind spot monitoring in the door mirrors?
Been to look at one of these today, and I'm going to have one I think (Diesel, R-line DSG, that is). Currently have a Tiguan R-line (which I love) but don't need an SUV anymore. Thanks for a great review that has only contributed further towards my decision!
What a great review, amazing volkswagen car the features are amazing and, i like the way you introduced the car, thats amazing, I clicked on the image of video on thumbnail that looks perfect, keep it up
I have owned three Golf R s which I really liked and I think the boot is a bit smaller with the R. I also had an Audi S3 saloon ar the same time as a Golf R and preferred the golf which was much cheaper when it came to servicing.
That front quarter angle of the Golf in the initial introduction was amazing. That’s a pretty car. I have a Mk7 red GTI in pristine condition, but the Mk8.5 arguably is more good looking. I don’t like the weird new GTI logos on the front doors though.
I know i reminisce but in 1981 I owned a 2.0 opel manga that I thought was a peach then a mate bought a 1.6gti original golf gti. I went straight out and bought one. Best car and most fun ever had, hard to believe it was a 1600
The release of the MK8 started a new era of costcutting, lackluster UI and just overall downgrading in VAG cars for me. Whats sad is that after pointing out all the drawbacks and getting bashed by customers constantly VW was not able to " fix" most of the problems and furthermore rolled out these aweful concepts through their important EV lineup. Yes cars have long development cycles but even after years there hasnt been much meaningfull positive change to that whole dilemma...
Cheers Jimbo steering wheel same as my tiguan volume controls on L/H side of wheel golf all the more important as ford is stopping making the Focus thanks again mate 👍👍
Good to hear that the Golf is properly worthy of consideration again. VW certainly dropped the ball with the Mk 8 which was all the more evident because the Mk 7.5 was probably the best built Golf of all series. Personally I still prefer the Mk 7 styling which to my eyes less fussy than the subsequent model. VW are to be commended on offering such a great range of drive trains. Diesels may have got a bad name but they will still suit higher mileage drivers. It is fantastic that the electric range of the PHEV GTE has been extended to (a theoretical) 88 miles as this offers most owners the ability to use its electric range for most of their requirements. VW didn’t do themselves any favours with the cost cutting on the Mk 8, particularly at a time when more and more car buyers were being tempted by crossovers. But, whilst not the most sexy of cars the Golf is still a highly rational choice for many - especially couples or those with youngish children. Because hatchbacks are lighter they are more fuel efficient and sportier to drive. I only hope that VW will not be over ambitious with their pricing so as to ensure that the Golf is good value and cheaper than the perhaps premium draw of the Audi A3.
I’ve had lots of Golf’s and currently got a 7.5 GTD which is a great car. Not sure I’ll get another Golf though. Should have retained buttons / dials for volume and Aircon. Why no gas struts anymore on the bonnet. No longer a mini glove box on driver side. Don’t like the infotainment screen. Looks like somebody has glued an iPad on the dash. I’m sure the 8.5 drives well as all Golf’s do but I’m not convinced it’s a step forward.
I hope it is a dam sight better than the Golf 8! Both myself and my colleagues had nothing but trouble with them. We all needed new steering wheels. I had a new infotainment screen. The central locking didn't work properly and VW didn't know how to fix it. The lane keep assist was actually trying to pull me into an accident not save me from one. Needed new cameras and totally recalibrated and still didn't work properly I always switched the lane keep off. I was so glad to see the back of it. Worst car I had in 25+ years in the trade.
Thanks for your efforts Jim ..the golf is way too expensive as are all German cars . I looked at a Merc sprinter yesterday. Brand new £88 k plus the dreaded immigration tax ...just ridiculous
New mk 8.5GTD? I’ve have had two GTD’s including the mk 8, good looks, economical and a sporty drive. Was hoping this option was included in the new range 🤞
I don’t think so, at least not yet. I dont think they’re forecasting a huge percentage of sales to come from diesels to are pushing the livelier Petrol and Hybrid stuff - GTD is a great car though eh 👍
Jim. A follower. Used jim10 for ALA gap insurance (£140, 3yrs, on recent purchase of nice 7 yrs old Merc), much appreciated. Was wondering what your thoughts were on extended warranty, given that ALA also offer this? BW, Keith
My extensive Golf ownership has ended with the MK7/7.5. Until knobs are re-instated then no more modern cars for me, unfortunately. I don't want my car to have 'mood' lighting and enormous dangerous tablets stuck on the dashboard requiring me to divert my eyes searching for essential controls, whilst driving my car.
What is the benefit (if there is one) of having ChatGPT in a car? I’ve just watched Bjorn’s 1000km drive of the new Q6 E-tron with it and all he could think of to use it for was to learn to count in German while he was driving…….
Where is a nice place to stop for food near me? Are they any antique shops nearby? What is the cheapest car park in Winchester, how many Police Academy movies are there etc.
The VW Golf is an automotive cornerstone. I bought an ex demo Mk7 DSG, ran it for 4 years, and got within £2k of what I paid for it on trade in. You can't hire or lease a car for £500 a year.....
You might need a rice pudding recipe on the M25. Seriously though, you could use it for restaurant recommendations, ask it for places of interest to visit etc - I can see a real use for it. I’d love aircon dials though.
Maybe an issue with the website - you are looking at the hatchback, right? I sat and watched a VW presentation on this very point at the launch, chatted with the product manager about it, and have the media pack in front of me so I'm very confident that my information is correct.
Do you know whether the extra electric range is at a cost if a smaller petrol tank or the same as before? ( I have a mk7.5) also, given the poor feedback VW got on the MK8, why would they come out with a new GTE which one option on wheels that are just disgusting!!
I would imagine so, it makes no sense to have extra fuel weight plus the battery weight and as the battery is so much more capable it’s giving you a lot of range itself.
I think I will keep my golf gti Mk 7. Real buttons and rotary switches. Replaced by an i pad. Never buy one, next car will be an Mazda 3 with buttons and rotary switches !!!
How you interact with a car is not minor or insignificant. When you want to do something that up to now you have done with next to no thought and you suddenly have to take your eyes off the road to prod something that doesn't behave as it shld then that's a massive issue. To turn a simple task into such a frustrating one is ludicrous.
Tough as they're quite different cars, the Golf is more a traditional hatch whilst the Civic is more a coupe feel. The Golf starts of a fair bit cheaper too. Out of the two I'd take the Civic right now but the Golf R might change that!
tbh.. the non illuminated controls is just people bitching and moaning.. i had a cupra formentor for 3 years, had exactly the same screen.. got to tell you that NEVER, at night, have I had any problems... volume was on the steering wheel so I always adjusted from there anyway and climate control was always on 21 or 22 Celsius, so I didn't need to fiddle with it at all. Overall, i prefer climate control like the golf 7
I felt the same way when they released the mk7-5 time , then on daily base seeing I got attracted, same way many panic when they saw the new version of fiesta now the same people who complain still running behind it
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It was unbelievable that VW didn't illuminate the controls and stuck with haptic buttons for a few years. Not that I was a massive Golf fan, but it stopped me from looking at any VAG BEV.
👍
@@mikadavies660 find it absolutely insane how the controls were not lit! What were they thinking
Awesome review, this car is absolutely stunning.
Thanks a ton!
Great review on what I think is a very nice looking Golf, especially in that blue. Does anyone know if they have blind spot monitoring in the door mirrors?
I can’t remember to be honest
not my cup of tea but a massive shout out to VW for making a TDI version in 2024!
👍
Been to look at one of these today, and I'm going to have one I think (Diesel, R-line DSG, that is). Currently have a Tiguan R-line (which I love) but don't need an SUV anymore. Thanks for a great review that has only contributed further towards my decision!
Thank you!
What a great review, amazing volkswagen car the features are amazing and, i like the way you introduced the car, thats amazing, I clicked on the image of video on thumbnail that looks perfect, keep it up
😁👍
I have owned three Golf R s which I really liked and I think the boot is a bit smaller with the R. I also had an Audi S3 saloon ar the same time as a Golf R and preferred the golf which was much cheaper when it came to servicing.
👍👍
Great review and nice to see the return of backlights and buttons.
Thanks for watching!
I really enjoy your videos, Jim.
Brilliant, thanks very much 👍
I drove a clutch less manual, years ago, it was the NSU Ro 80. Amazing vehicle.
👍
You can control the stereo voloume from the lovely new buttons on your steering wheel
Yes
King of hatchbacks ❤
👍👍
Not the cars they used to be
That front quarter angle of the Golf in the initial introduction was amazing. That’s a pretty car. I have a Mk7 red GTI in pristine condition, but the Mk8.5 arguably is more good looking. I don’t like the weird new GTI logos on the front doors though.
Yeah it’s a looker 👍
Thanks we've ordered a 1.5 150ps r line in ice crystal blue can't wait to get it
Enjoy 👍
I ordered mine (1.5 150ps R Line) in Moonstone Grey 🙂 It will be my third Golf.
Nice review! I hope to get an R next year if they are available ❤
Me too 👍
😅One of the cars I'm thinking of buying think your video might have swung it for me bloody good down to earth review cheers
Thanks 👍👍
I know i reminisce but in 1981 I owned a 2.0 opel manga that I thought was a peach then a mate bought a 1.6gti original golf gti. I went straight out and bought one. Best car and most fun ever had, hard to believe it was a 1600
👍👍
Was great...did 200,000 miles in mine from 1982,110BHP and 800kgs it is still quicker than my current company 1.5 TSI
The release of the MK8 started a new era of costcutting, lackluster UI and just overall downgrading in VAG cars for me. Whats sad is that after pointing out all the drawbacks and getting bashed by customers constantly VW was not able to " fix" most of the problems and furthermore rolled out these aweful concepts through their important EV lineup. Yes cars have long development cycles but even after years there hasnt been much meaningfull positive change to that whole dilemma...
hence 8.5 was born
Cheers Jim, in my mind they’d sell a lot more a GTi estates than R estates so think they missed a trick there too!
👍👍
Great review Jim, keep up the great work
Thanks a lot Dale 👍
Very good video Jim 😁 I would love to see an updated BEV Golf
Thanks mate, I just hope they go restricted modern with it when it does arrive.
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru Same, like you mentioned something in the same ethos as the R5
Good review and video. The hybrid has useful range for day to day local use.
I think the PHEV will do very well for them
Cheers Jimbo steering wheel same as my tiguan volume controls on L/H side of wheel golf all the more important as ford is stopping making the Focus thanks again mate 👍👍
Cheers Dave, buttons are so much better than haptics
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru absolutely 💯
Good to hear that the Golf is properly worthy of consideration again. VW certainly dropped the ball with the Mk 8 which was all the more evident because the Mk 7.5 was probably the best built Golf of all series. Personally I still prefer the Mk 7 styling which to my eyes less fussy than the subsequent model. VW are to be commended on offering such a great range of drive trains. Diesels may have got a bad name but they will still suit higher mileage drivers. It is fantastic that the electric range of the PHEV GTE has been extended to (a theoretical) 88 miles as this offers most owners the ability to use its electric range for most of their requirements. VW didn’t do themselves any favours with the cost cutting on the Mk 8, particularly at a time when more and more car buyers were being tempted by crossovers. But, whilst not the most sexy of cars the Golf is still a highly rational choice for many - especially couples or those with youngish children. Because hatchbacks are lighter they are more fuel efficient and sportier to drive. I only hope that VW will not be over ambitious with their pricing so as to ensure that the Golf is good value and cheaper than the perhaps premium draw of the Audi A3.
Great comment
The reason they werent illuminated was to force you to use voice control, which in some models was a remote activated optional extra.
Bad idea
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru Thats why they stopped doing it.
I know 😉
fantastic review, i have a 8.5 style on order!
Enjoy 👍
I’ve had lots of Golf’s and currently got a 7.5 GTD which is a great car. Not sure I’ll get another Golf though. Should have retained buttons / dials for volume and Aircon. Why no gas struts anymore on the bonnet. No longer a mini glove box on driver side. Don’t like the infotainment screen. Looks like somebody has glued an iPad on the dash. I’m sure the 8.5 drives well as all Golf’s do but I’m not convinced it’s a step forward.
👍
I hope it is a dam sight better than the Golf 8! Both myself and my colleagues had nothing but trouble with them. We all needed new steering wheels. I had a new infotainment screen. The central locking didn't work properly and VW didn't know how to fix it. The lane keep assist was actually trying to pull me into an accident not save me from one. Needed new cameras and totally recalibrated and still didn't work properly I always switched the lane keep off. I was so glad to see the back of it. Worst car I had in 25+ years in the trade.
I think that’s why we now have an 8.5 👍
Quietly came 75th in the latest JD power survey...out of 75 cars
@@adams7405It was also the last placed car in the recent Auto Express Driver Power survey 2024...
Very good review 👏
Thank you! 👍
Thanks for your efforts Jim ..the golf is way too expensive as are all German cars . I looked at a Merc sprinter yesterday. Brand new £88 k plus the dreaded immigration tax ...just ridiculous
Jeez!!! £88k for a van is pretty ambitious eh!
New mk 8.5GTD? I’ve have had two GTD’s including the mk 8, good looks, economical and a sporty drive. Was hoping this option was included in the new range 🤞
I don’t think so, at least not yet. I dont think they’re forecasting a huge percentage of sales to come from diesels to are pushing the livelier Petrol and Hybrid stuff - GTD is a great car though eh 👍
Which would u prefer the new golf r-line 1.5etsi DSG with some 18 inch alloys or the new audi a3 35tfsi s line without a reverse camera???
Maybe the Golf actually (first time in a while that I would have said that)
Jim. A follower. Used jim10 for ALA gap insurance (£140, 3yrs, on recent purchase of nice 7 yrs old Merc), much appreciated. Was wondering what your thoughts were on extended warranty, given that ALA also offer this? BW, Keith
I've got the ALA warranty on my Seat Mii Keith, I hope that speaks for itself. Just make sure you comply with the terms of it if you go ahead 👍
Another excellent review cheers 👍
thank you!
It looks like a very nice car
👍
My extensive Golf ownership has ended with the MK7/7.5. Until knobs are re-instated then no more modern cars for me, unfortunately. I don't want my car to have 'mood' lighting and enormous dangerous tablets stuck on the dashboard requiring me to divert my eyes searching for essential controls, whilst driving my car.
fair enough 👍
What is the benefit (if there is one) of having ChatGPT in a car? I’ve just watched Bjorn’s 1000km drive of the new Q6 E-tron with it and all he could think of to use it for was to learn to count in German while he was driving…….
Where is a nice place to stop for food near me? Are they any antique shops nearby? What is the cheapest car park in Winchester, how many Police Academy movies are there etc.
So generally no real use as a lot of tech stuff is there just to sell a product, phones the same@@DefinitelyNotAGuru
The VW Golf is an automotive cornerstone. I bought an ex demo Mk7 DSG, ran it for 4 years, and got within £2k of what I paid for it on trade in. You can't hire or lease a car for £500 a year.....
You can't strategically place a pandemic either though to be fair
What's the colour of the car you demonstrated ps loved the video 😊
Anemone Blue
Is there any news about the 4motion 2.0 TSI?
Not that I know of
why do i need chat gpt in my golf - i need aircon control buttons! vw has lost the plot
You might need a rice pudding recipe on the M25.
Seriously though, you could use it for restaurant recommendations, ask it for places of interest to visit etc - I can see a real use for it.
I’d love aircon dials though.
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru Ask it where the Pubic Triangle is in Edinburgh and so on.
Have you seen the amazing lease deals on Nissan leafs in America $500 upfront and then $20 a month for 2years?
No way! can you send me a link?
Ok ,thanks for replying.
👍
Out of spec reviews, was the TH-cam channel,
👍
It's part of the VA Group so it will develop an untraceable, intermittent ECM fault
👌
👍👍👍. Thanks Jim
Thank you 🙏
Also, do you 100% know that the front light bar with also come with an illuminated VW logo in UK ? ( GTE) 👍🏼
@@latin105fm yes it will do if it is bought either with performance headlights or matrix lights which also come with different back lights
what he said
I think style trim come with illuminated grill as standard and black edition does too
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru got a golf mk8.5 on the way so I am questioning these kinda things too 😂
The PHEV has a range of 62 miles, not 82! That's on the fugly 17" wheels (my A3 Etron's 15 spoke Turbine wheels look better than those I think).
Not according to VW media pack "between 82 and 88 miles of EV range"
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru I just went on the VW Uk configurator to look😬
Electric 14.7 kWh/62mi
Electric Range City 114 mi
Electric range Combined 88 mi - I just saw the top figure! I don't understand this....
Maybe an issue with the website - you are looking at the hatchback, right? I sat and watched a VW presentation on this very point at the launch, chatted with the product manager about it, and have the media pack in front of me so I'm very confident that my information is correct.
Top one is highway (anything electric is much more effiient at lower speeds)
Do you know whether the extra electric range is at a cost if a smaller petrol tank or the same as before? ( I have a mk7.5) also, given the poor feedback VW got on the MK8, why would they come out with a new GTE which one option on wheels that are just disgusting!!
I would imagine so, it makes no sense to have extra fuel weight plus the battery weight and as the battery is so much more capable it’s giving you a lot of range itself.
I think I will keep my golf gti Mk 7. Real buttons and rotary switches. Replaced by an i pad. Never buy one, next car will be an Mazda 3 with buttons and rotary switches !!!
👌
How you interact with a car is not minor or insignificant. When you want to do something that up to now you have done with next to no thought and you suddenly have to take your eyes off the road to prod something that doesn't behave as it shld then that's a massive issue. To turn a simple task into such a frustrating one is ludicrous.
👍
👍👍👍
👍👍👍
So is it the Golf or the Civic for you ?
Tough as they're quite different cars, the Golf is more a traditional hatch whilst the Civic is more a coupe feel. The Golf starts of a fair bit cheaper too. Out of the two I'd take the Civic right now but the Golf R might change that!
Golf better resale value
Vehicle holds its resale value I have Golf 8 GTI hardly lost its value its almost 3 years old
Is it enough of a premium over a n Octavia?
Depends on the person
Nearly 35 grand for the diesel plus extras and there’s a lot of those.
Yep, new cars are very expensive these days
Most people just lease them...250 month or there abouts
@@adams7405 for me they quote 200£ per week with insurance, service and road tax
Just over 30 grand for the cheapest R line without extras !
Yep, it’s a new VW, they’re not a Dacia (not that they’re even that cheap these days)
Are we not going to mention the rubbish boot space on the eHybrid/GTE?
It seems you have
tbh.. the non illuminated controls is just people bitching and moaning.. i had a cupra formentor for 3 years, had exactly the same screen.. got to tell you that NEVER, at night, have I had any problems... volume was on the steering wheel so I always adjusted from there anyway and climate control was always on 21 or 22 Celsius, so I didn't need to fiddle with it at all. Overall, i prefer climate control like the golf 7
👌 I think if it’s something that frustrates you then the moaning is fair. If they’d come up with something better there would be less of it.
Interesting that they’re still making a diesel, wonder who’s going to buy that?! The GTE must be the best option here.
It'll still sell I'm sure, just in much smaller volumes these days.
Telefonica another Jim
Cheers Glen
Why did you say shekels???
Why not? I just mean pence/cash - just a turn of phrase
It’s a real shame, Golf GTI is used to look exciting, they just look bland now. Real shame this of course is my personal opinion only.
👍 this isn’t the GTI by the way (just incase you thought it was)
That’s a bit ugly to me
What about the car?
@@DefinitelyNotAGuru 😂
I felt the same way when they released the mk7-5 time , then on daily base seeing I got attracted, same way many panic when they saw the new version of fiesta now the same people who complain still running behind it
@@joyantonygunasekara5232 nope still ugly
I have Golf 8 GTI it gets toxic attention 😢