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They should just make a law that says every car should have a volume knob and climate controls that are separate from the infotainment unit with knobs as well. I am okay with the recent trend to move to digital gauges as long as they dont make them like BMW but the overuse of touch controls has to stop! Also the old VW badge was much better then the new one.
"The control of capacitive buttons on the steering wheel is just bollocks." And there you have it, automakers! Even the most gentle car reviewer on TH-cam hates it enough to be blunt about it, so please stop! :D
@ The point of the Mk. 8 is to reduce costs over the Mk. 7 so cash can be freed up to continue investing in EVs; VW's job was to try and spin that reality as an upgrade to the consumer and what better way to do that than with inexpensive whizz-bang tech features like LCD screens and capacitive buttons? Fewer parts, less machining, less to break. I am pretty sure the next gen ID3 will be folded back into the Golf brand to give us the Mk. 9.
@ I think the Mk. 8 already is essentially a Mk. 7.75; the underlying platform is barely touched, the engines are barely touched, so it was basically just an exercise to reduce production costs of the interior and exterior elements. Did they even have to re-certify any of these powertrains for emissions?
@The Catmother Nah, VW had no idea a recession was coming and the development cycle for cars is too long for them to have prepared the Golf Mk. 8 for this COVID-induced event. Besides, they aren't reducing the price of the Golf for the consumer, they are reducing the price for them to build it because they need to squeeze as much profit as possible to fund their EV developments and their Dieselgate fines.
Transparency note: Autogefühl videos are independent and free from editorial influence on opinion and rating. But since manufacturers enable us to do the reviews in the first place, for legal reasons this video is marked as _advertisement_.
So you are saying VW give you car to review on the condition that your review will be generally favourable? Of course you will mention a few bad points, but perhaps inflate the good points as a thanks for them lending you the car?
I own an mk7 and keep trying to find a reason to upgrade. Frankly, I cannot. I don't like it at all, it's like the equivalent of BMW fans' hatred towards the new 4 series lol
I don't understand it, do automakers not research feedback from other brands? Honda had the touch capacitive control for volume, got a ton of crap about it, and replaced them the following year. Why would VW come out with touch capacitive controls after Honda learned its lesson?
I'm currently driving GTI MK7 Performance and do not feel convinced in any way to get the newer one. Good work Autogefühl after all, love your tests. Cheers...
Everything is cost-cutting now. Politics limit cars more and more, manufacturers do hard to keep their profit margins. Thats the result. Customer pays (literally).
I’m afraid all cars are going that route, and maybe it does cut some costs, but I see it as them making a more minimalist interior, for better or for worse
@@hmourad19 Maybe we just have to accept. But it's terrible. Turning the music louder (let's say there's no button on the steering) on a touch screen? I'd rather have that little knob I can touch. It's sad. Feels like although it's "more technology" you get less for your money the more the time moves on.
Kwiat 126p I was really considering upgrading from my Mk7 GTI. But watching this has put me off a little bit. I’ll reserve judgement for the R. If it’s in a similar mould i will just look at a A35/S3.
Never owned a Golf because they're boring but i must admit, the MK7 GTI is and was the best looking outside and in and it's the only one, i'd like to own
@@skfunk4550 I do agree about the boring part, that's why I changed it. i got it because it was a solid car and felt good quality, was one of the best cars in the segment. not this generation by the look of it.
Like Thomas said there was improvement hardware wise and the overall driving dynamics have improved... unfortunately VW fell flat on design and software. Cost cutting is expected coming from VW post Dieselgate.
Guessing Game: got it wrong! Gas strut excuse seems illogical. Some of its sisters (Audi A3?) have gas struts. "Just bollocks", and "poor user interface" - Thomas says it as it is! Well done Thomas. As always, many thanks for the great detail, driving and driving commentary. Best wishes.
Why are gas struts so important? I prefer simpler and sturdier solution. Gas struts fail eventually, imagine having your head under the hood when they fail?
zexxonije I’ve worked for VW group for over 10 years, time at VW and at Audi, and I’ve seen a massive drop in Quality with Volkswagen brand. Plastics inside etc.. The gas struts are just an example of cost cutting. I think it’s such a shame, and very short sighted of them, and the small things like this will genuinely put people off of the brand!
Thank you Thomas. I am a 7.5 GTI owner and I really enjoyed your “warts and all review” of an iconic car. The negative aspects of capacitive buttons and software clearly irked you. You are way more articulate and descriptive than most native English speaking motoring journalists. Keep it up.👍👍👏
The looks are actually not too shabby. I’m digging the new wheels. Driving experience seems to improve (more precise steering and improved suspension). They did incorporate a lot of new tech and features (folding side mirror, dcc setting for comfort ride, new digital cluster, start stop button, keyless entry, sportier looking seats, etc.) even for the base trim to make up for the cost cutting in other areas. I think once they work out the kinks on the infotainment system, bring back the buttons, and fix the lagginess of the software, people will start falling in love with it again. I admit I was skeptical too after watching the mk 8 golf review. Mk 8 GTI looks more promising in my opinions. Thanks for the detailed review!
No gas struts for safety reason!? No s..t Sherlock, I would say, trying to be as polite as I can. Are VW guys taking us for silly boys?! What do we need to understand? New Leon and Octavia don't give a s..t for safety but Golf 8 does? Come on! I think this is a bad joke similar to one they did with the whole Dieselgate.
@@danielfl.9347 No at all. Being far from being perfect cars, VW cars are a symbol, especially Golf. A lot of people still want to have a Golf. 7.5 was very close to be an amazing car. Let's always keep in mind that VW is not a premium car though. But, in this context when regulations are more severe almost every year. I don't own a Golf as it is too small for my needs, I own a Tiguan, but that doesn't mean I am not interested in how Golf phenomenon looks like. There are so much to talk around this compact car, but these following details indicate us, that something is wrong inside VW team (management and design as well): 1. One of the followers told us that he doesn't like the front design either, but the back front design is nice and he is more interested in how the interior look like. He has a Golf 8 Style trim. 2. He said also that he is about to get use with the features of the car in the interior, after several month. After several month? Definetely the guy is not dumb, as it can be told by the way he gave us all his feedback. My question to you all: Is this normal or we are too critical? The truth is that VW guys altered a symbol.
Love your videos. My husband in Japan introduced me to your channel. Any time I have a question about one of the cars I am considering to purchase, I always check your channel. I am now purchasing a GTI 380 SE manual. I will pick it up tomorrow. Thank you for your informative video even if it's a few years old.
Thats due to cost cutting measures at VW... Very sad, they are ruining their beautifull cars... They should rather cut the managers millions on salarys... Very very sad wwhats going on...
I think I'll stick with my MK7.5 GTI and skip this generation. I don't like the look of the front of the car and the new sliders/cap. touch buttons are horrible.
You have the same engine and chassis. I do not take it really as a new generation when they just updated the infotainment making it more complicated to use.
You all are jokers, right . I have a gti 7.5 and just ordered the 8 it might have the same chassis but drives completely different in interior design quality and more fun as mentioned by Thomas. Try a test drive first before complaining.
It’s only dangerous in the hands of stupid people to use the infotainment while driving, in which case you’re not fit for driving. If you really need to adjust something while in motion then use the voice controls.
@@antonthompson7838 Thats a stupid statement. Controlling the radio or AC shouldn't require you to take your eyes off the road. If it does thats shit engineering. Its something that every manufacturer seems to have figured out, even VW, but they chose to go backwards here for some reason. And voice activation is a fucking joke still. May or may not work, who knows. Give it a shot and see :D Put some fucking tactile buttons in simple easy to reach and memorize places. Thats all thats needed. Not some over engineered horse shit to make things more difficult for no discernible reason other than marketing gimmick.
I would like to comment on the review presentation rather than the car itself. By far and away the best review of this car. Other reviews by this presenter are consistently excellent. Thorough, evidenced and not silly like Matt what’s his name in Whatcar. And some others. Commendable presentation and no overkill: it sets a high standard for reviews.
@@AlfaGiuliaQV I also think that in this specification (colour and rims), the GTI looks pretty decent. There are certain colours that just don't work. Overall, the design is a bit underwhelming, but still better than a 1 series.
Clark was on Mk6 and Mk7, this new pattern is "Scalepaper." I think also that Mk5 had "Interlagos" plaid. Personally I think Clark was the best, it had that Mk2 retro feel. They also only gave Clark in the US on the base GTI, which leaves all high trim GTI and R owners envious of the base owners in a way.
12:25 Thomas sounds so sad and disappointed with VW. :( Sliders and touch sensitive buttons just pair well with a car. I heard or read somewhere that VW is concidering going back to normal buttons and knobs. And then they released Tiguan facelift with sliders for climate control! OK, decision for that was probably made before release of a new Golf, but who would think that this is a good idea? I soon will be looking to buy new car and was thinking about Tiguan, but I will look into Japanese cars instead. They may lacking in performance and technology department, but at least they don't have some weird ideas and are more reliable than German cars.
Many people disliking the design, but let's be honest the light strip on the front together with the fog lights are looking great and also the back looks pretty modern with the new light design.
"The control of capacitive buttons on the steering wheel is just bollocks." I loved that part so much that I actually repeated that part about 10 times before continuing to watch the rest of the review! 😂😂🤣
Another brilliant and thorough review, Thomas. It seems a fabulous car, the only downside being the interface. Can’t wait to see the R when it’s available.. Will it be worth the extra money (7.5 R vs 7.5 GTI definitely is), or is Mk8 GTI all the car you need?
Amazing choice of a Car for review. Am a die hard fan of the Golf that too GTI. Thanks Thomas and Autogefühl team for such an amazing review. Pure Audiovisual Delight.🤩
Capacitive Buttons is not the best but the customer will get use to it only after a week. I took a test drive and I can say it’s It’s a different in feel and quality to 7.5
VW management “how can we have more revenues”. Accountant “ I know, let’s make the user interface so bollocks we can have more crashes, so we can sell more spare parts at inflated prices”. Diess “Ok”
Great review as always, my favorite automotive channel. Definitely deserves my patreon and i hope more people will support this great content creator too
08:57 / 11:42 Our boy telling it like it is. When you're driving a performance-oriented car, you want all your controls - *especially the ones on your steering wheel* - to respond as fast as possible and for it to be _obvious which control you've used._ Capacitive buttons on a GTI _steering wheel_ is the exact opposite of a high-IQ move. They button shape they've used is very shallow. While that makes the slide funtions easier to use, it also makes the normal button presses easier to _miss,_ especially when driving... *enthusiastically.* Worse, there doesn't seem to be any haptic feedback on those buttons at all! It _just about_ works in a Range rover or luxury Audi, but in a GTI? Not this side of 2025 mate!
Thanks Thomas, great review with mentioning the right flaws. As a Mk 7.5 GTI Performance driver I am quite disappointed about the Mk8. I noticed another fun fact: They changed the "GTI" characters (Schriftart) outside, but forgot to do the same at the steering wheel. Still the old graphics from the previous models. Deutsche Gründlichkeit totally lost 😄 Its not really important I know, but I'm just wondering why nobody noticed that during the development and production process 🤔
I totally agree with you and all the commenters. Touch controls for air con and audio is far inferior to knob controls. The car itself looks like it drives excellent and performs well. Thanks for the very thorough review!
VW have gone too far too soon. Very disappointing. I've always loved vw's intuitive control panels with physical buttons that felt nice. Excellent review, thanks Tomas 👍
The 8th generation VW Golf GTI is a superb car in its driving dynamics from what I can tell from all its reviews that I’ve seen, and if the electronic software were fixed, as well as substitute all the controls to buttons and switches like in the previous generation, I think it would be just about perfect. Here in the U.S. we won’t have the GTI or the Type R until perhaps November 2021 but at least it will be German built so it should be of better quality than previous generations.
VW cut the costs to the bone to pay for diesel gate! Cheap plastics, no bonnet gas strut and piece de resistance, no physical buttons on the steering wheel 😂
They skimped on the gas struts ,but at least they put proper , real exhausts. I love the GTI digital display instrument panel.Pretty unique for the GTI. The seats are nice too. Too bad the infotainment system is so complicated and hard to adjust while driving . Still, the driving characteristics look great , so they make up for all that stuff. At the end of the day that's why you get a car like the GTI , for the driving experience, at least they nailed that . Great detailed review Thomas, super informative . That's why I keep watching you Thomas , keep it up man , Ciao Ciao !
If you remember couple of years ago I had one request about the camera position on the middle, and actually you listened and whenever the car has a glass roof we have better viewing angle. First of all In this video I realized different format is used for uploading or TH-cam itself changing something in the video converter engine which is great and I think now it is the time that we could have 4k HDR videos because sometimes in the car is dark and outside is really bright so we see over exposing problem, I really like the long videos and it's kinda relaxing to sit and see, your videos is not only about cars we actually love the scenes and atmosphere so recording with flat profile for example C-Log and color grading after it can solve the problem even you upload SDR for better compatability. I personally can't wait to to see all of your videos with better resolution and dynamic range. Regards
They've penny pinched everywhere on this car! No hydraulic bonet struts, cheap plastic exterior trims, interior is all cheap LCD screens rather than ergonomically crafted swtiches and the engine cover doesn't even have a VW logo. Everything screams cheap, how can they expect people to buy new models when they;re clearly cutting cost left right and center.
When they cut costs in one area, they put that money somewhere else. They’ve taken things out that most people won’t notice/care about, and replaced it with technology. However, I would still prefer the hydraulic struts, a sliding cup holder cover, and actual climate control buttons. Even the touch buttons in the new Arteon look nice. I think the physical knobs are starting to look a little dated. But that just my opinion.
A Yeah the GTI we’re probably looking at close to 30k for the base model. Hatchbacks always cost more than sedans, it will never be priced the same as the Jetta.
Yet another excellent review of a VW by Thomas. This is my next GTI. I have owned the MK 5, 6 and 7.5 now. My current GTI is a 2018 Autobahn. As much as I love my current vehicle, the body styling and performance handling capabilities of the MK 8, impress me enough to buy it next year. The one thing I re-reviewed in this vid was the disappointing software set-up as explained by Thomas. I too, hope that they are able to understand what he and other reviewers are saying about having to take your eyes off the road to change set-up for the DCC and other applications. Not a very well thought out design there. If they don't change this before dealership delivery...I may have to wait for the 2nd production run for which I'm sure initial production buyers will have raised concerns about. Enough to shake the software design engineers to correct things before buyers just say 'no'...because of this. VW; back to the design board and re-think options WRT software before this is sent out to worldwide dealerships. Not to mention the 'no gas strut' issue and other set backs.
@@deutsch-kanadier901 7.5 is the best they have made. This mark 8 is absurd with those capacitive steering wheel controls, the screen sliders, no buttons, the stupid front grill, the stupid one-piece seats, etc.
Great review Thomas - really interesting and indepth on a key car for 2020. A lot of British humour in this review as well and we can relate to being bullied by a Caddy! Thank you and well done
💯 under any car review nowadays you see this negative comments but just because it looks new doesn't mean it looks bad. You just have to get used to it
The front part of this new Mk8 golf is ugly. Mk7 Golf was way much accurate. And the Fog lights of this gen are really disgusting. And there's no reason to writt off the hood struts. Good review as always.
The ads on your videos have drastically increased in the last few months... I fully support your channel and enjoy the content but less ads would really be appreciated!
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Release date ?
Where do I get some Autogefuhl merch
They should just make a law that says every car should have a volume knob and climate controls that are separate from the infotainment unit with knobs as well. I am okay with the recent trend to move to digital gauges as long as they dont make them like BMW but the overuse of touch controls has to stop! Also the old VW badge was much better then the new one.
"The control of capacitive buttons on the steering wheel is just bollocks."
And there you have it, automakers! Even the most gentle car reviewer on TH-cam hates it enough to be blunt about it, so please stop! :D
@ The point of the Mk. 8 is to reduce costs over the Mk. 7 so cash can be freed up to continue investing in EVs; VW's job was to try and spin that reality as an upgrade to the consumer and what better way to do that than with inexpensive whizz-bang tech features like LCD screens and capacitive buttons? Fewer parts, less machining, less to break.
I am pretty sure the next gen ID3 will be folded back into the Golf brand to give us the Mk. 9.
@ I think the Mk. 8 already is essentially a Mk. 7.75; the underlying platform is barely touched, the engines are barely touched, so it was basically just an exercise to reduce production costs of the interior and exterior elements. Did they even have to re-certify any of these powertrains for emissions?
I decided after driving a Tesla Model S that I’ll never ever buy a car that is too touch screen dependent for its controls.
Same buttons on ID3 steering... are they really that bad???
@The Catmother Nah, VW had no idea a recession was coming and the development cycle for cars is too long for them to have prepared the Golf Mk. 8 for this COVID-induced event. Besides, they aren't reducing the price of the Golf for the consumer, they are reducing the price for them to build it because they need to squeeze as much profit as possible to fund their EV developments and their Dieselgate fines.
9:01 Thomas says "Bollocks" and therefore becomes an honourary Brit👏
He's right though. You can't find capacitive buttons by feel.
He’d need a visa for that because he is from the EU
Absobloodylutely
@@lastnamefirstname520 He should get an honorary knighthood for being honest
Surely that makes him Australian?
You had me at “capacitive buttons are bollocks”!
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Release date
So you are saying VW give you car to review on the condition that your review will be generally favourable? Of course you will mention a few bad points, but perhaps inflate the good points as a thanks for them lending you the car?
And VW said: F...k all that ergonomics. Let's confuse them and put some blacked piano sliding capacitive buttons to see if they manage
ZoSo221 VW: hold my beer 😂
@ZoSo221 lmao savage
I think they are trying to copy tesla with the minimalist nonsense.
I’m so disappointed about the golf 8. Golf 7 looked way better, and the infotainment was really nice to use.
The interior definitely took a step down in quality.
The front definitely looks too much like an "old mans" car..
I own an mk7 and keep trying to find a reason to upgrade. Frankly, I cannot. I don't like it at all, it's like the equivalent of BMW fans' hatred towards the new 4 series lol
@@hamididdy That grill STILL gives me nightmares.. 😣😣😦😦😨😨😨
The front of the car looks like it’s disappointed itself as well
I don't understand it, do automakers not research feedback from other brands? Honda had the touch capacitive control for volume, got a ton of crap about it, and replaced them the following year. Why would VW come out with touch capacitive controls after Honda learned its lesson?
James E. They had to at least try...usually you can just feed us Germans all the bullshit you want and we’ll lap it up...VW knows this!
Vw is run by idiots
Because history must be repeated, until such time everyone learns.
I'm currently driving GTI MK7 Performance and do not feel convinced in any way to get the newer one. Good work Autogefühl after all, love your tests. Cheers...
Wojtek Lesniak Same here, so glad I got one. Fabulous car.
Cheers m8!
I feel the Mk8 Sounds a little better from the factory, but they have made no improvement elsewhere. Lets enjoy our Mk7’s!
Button-less interior. The deepest circle of hell. This is an obvious cost cutting measure and it's absolutely disgusting. 🤮
Everything is cost-cutting now. Politics limit cars more and more, manufacturers do hard to keep their profit margins. Thats the result. Customer pays (literally).
I’m afraid all cars are going that route, and maybe it does cut some costs, but I see it as them making a more minimalist interior, for better or for worse
@@hmourad19 Maybe we just have to accept. But it's terrible. Turning the music louder (let's say there's no button on the steering) on a touch screen? I'd rather have that little knob I can touch.
It's sad. Feels like although it's "more technology" you get less for your money the more the time moves on.
@@hmourad19 To each their own, but, if I wanted minimalist I wouldn't pay VW's prices for a compact, pseudo-sports hatchback!
@@4GuitarTrance agree with you
Well said Thomas regarding the capacitive buttons .
No gas strutt, no logo on key, no badging on engine cover, laggy UI, no cup covers. So much cost cutting......
Looks like a big step down
I i think they know they’re like Apple. At the beginning you complain about all that, then you buy VW Golf GTI
@@tony24-u9x what?
Kwiat 126p I was really considering upgrading from my Mk7 GTI. But watching this has put me off a little bit. I’ll reserve judgement for the R. If it’s in a similar mould i will just look at a A35/S3.
@@tony24-u9x agreed, keen on ID3.
*At least VW hasn't oversized the grille, just saying ;)*
Honestly the big grills don’t look bad
@@yes8032 on the 8 series and on the z4 it looks good but all other especially the 4 series look like crap.
Well said! 😆
Good one!! :D
Maybe they should have. Would have saved the design maybe.
I loved my MK7... this feels like many steps backwards.
What have they done?
you can see the cost cutting everywhere....
Never owned a Golf because they're boring but i must admit, the MK7 GTI is and was the best looking outside and in and it's the only one, i'd like to own
@@skfunk4550 I do agree about the boring part, that's why I changed it. i got it because it was a solid car and felt good quality, was one of the best cars in the segment.
not this generation by the look of it.
Like Thomas said there was improvement hardware wise and the overall driving dynamics have improved... unfortunately VW fell flat on design and software. Cost cutting is expected coming from VW post Dieselgate.
@@wulfstein1 some hardware is also many steps behind, like the fact there are no physical knobs and the steering wheel (as Thomas says) is Bollocks...
His cheeky laugh when he dusted the "bully from behind" was perfect. 😂
😂
Guessing Game: got it wrong! Gas strut excuse seems illogical. Some of its sisters (Audi A3?) have gas struts. "Just bollocks", and "poor user interface" - Thomas says it as it is! Well done Thomas. As always, many thanks for the great detail, driving and driving commentary. Best wishes.
Brothers* 😆
Why are gas struts so important? I prefer simpler and sturdier solution. Gas struts fail eventually, imagine having your head under the hood when they fail?
zexxonije I’ve worked for VW group for over 10 years, time at VW and at Audi, and I’ve seen a massive drop in Quality with Volkswagen brand. Plastics inside etc.. The gas struts are just an example of cost cutting. I think it’s such a shame, and very short sighted of them, and the small things like this will genuinely put people off of the brand!
Thomas, full HD, full screen, full length, lets go... always love that!!! Best reviewer of cars ever you are m8
Thank you Thomas. I am a 7.5 GTI owner and I really enjoyed your “warts and all review” of an iconic car. The negative aspects of capacitive buttons and software clearly irked you. You are way more articulate and descriptive than most native English speaking motoring journalists. Keep it up.👍👍👏
Welcome to new 'Dieselgate Interior' - what a shame, I owned a Mk7 GTD from new and the quality and ease of use was exceptional.
GTD? Are you portuguese?
So after panoramic sunroofgate, VW will have no interior..lol
Like the VW Thing.
A challange for VW: please convince pilots (rally and any formula) that the future of the buttons is to pinch and slide some doubtful surfaces.
Love hearing you get more opinionated Thomas - your views are insightful.
👌
Thanks VW, my wife will be happy. I won't be upgrading my R next year.
A few of these are going to be crashed by drivers looking for right settings on their air cons and stereo system while driving
Luckily the autonomous emergency brake is standard
A lot
Yes and my old Saab '88 900T is way more ergonomic than this crap. They should angle this shit towards the passenger so they can do this nonsense..lol
If anyone tries to change the air con or stereo with anything other than voice while in motion then they shouldn’t be driving!
The looks are actually not too shabby. I’m digging the new wheels. Driving experience seems to improve (more precise steering and improved suspension). They did incorporate a lot of new tech and features (folding side mirror, dcc setting for comfort ride, new digital cluster, start stop button, keyless entry, sportier looking seats, etc.) even for the base trim to make up for the cost cutting in other areas. I think once they work out the kinks on the infotainment system, bring back the buttons, and fix the lagginess of the software, people will start falling in love with it again. I admit I was skeptical too after watching the mk 8 golf review. Mk 8 GTI looks more promising in my opinions. Thanks for the detailed review!
Technical discussion on steering wheel buttons is one for the 2020 Highlights Reel - never a truer word spoken !
No gas struts for safety reason!? No s..t Sherlock, I would say, trying to be as polite as I can. Are VW guys taking us for silly boys?! What do we need to understand? New Leon and Octavia don't give a s..t for safety but Golf 8 does? Come on! I think this is a bad joke similar to one they did with the whole Dieselgate.
What?
The introduced this Touchbutton crap also because of safety reasons ;-)
You are being too critical.
@@danielfl.9347 No at all. Being far from being perfect cars, VW cars are a symbol, especially Golf. A lot of people still want to have a Golf. 7.5 was very close to be an amazing car. Let's always keep in mind that VW is not a premium car though. But, in this context when regulations are more severe almost every year. I don't own a Golf as it is too small for my needs, I own a Tiguan, but that doesn't mean I am not interested in how Golf phenomenon looks like. There are so much to talk around this compact car, but these following details indicate us, that something is wrong inside VW team (management and design as well):
1. One of the followers told us that he doesn't like the front design either, but the back front design is nice and he is more interested in how the interior look like. He has a Golf 8 Style trim.
2. He said also that he is about to get use with the features of the car in the interior, after several month. After several month? Definetely the guy is not dumb, as it can be told by the way he gave us all his feedback.
My question to you all: Is this normal or we are too critical?
The truth is that VW guys altered a symbol.
@@l.e.i.4111 I own a Golf, and yes they have made a lot of cost cutting on the MK8, but it is still a very good car for what it is.
Love your videos. My husband in Japan introduced me to your channel. Any time I have a question about one of the cars I am considering to purchase, I always check your channel. I am now purchasing a GTI 380 SE manual. I will pick it up tomorrow. Thank you for your informative video even if it's a few years old.
Hopefully VW can fix this Golf in a few years with a facelift.
Unfortunately, most brands tend to make the facelift look worse than the original these days.
@@nealp885 BMW F20 is the exception
There will be no new Golf.
@@visker81 Do you mean the F20 looks better than it's predecessor or worse than it's successor?
@@imnotusingmyrealname4566 F20 facelift looks better than original
The user interface and lack of buttons is awful. Does not make sense. Honda learned that, and switched back to a volume knob in the Type R.
Thats due to cost cutting measures at VW... Very sad, they are ruining their beautifull cars...
They should rather cut the managers millions on salarys... Very very sad wwhats going on...
Nobody needs a volume knob in combination with a wheel with volume control
+Ed Stark Evidently you’re wrong.
I thin in all models, CRV now has audio and heating controls with knobs.
@@edstark5764 haha, bollox. I hate steering wheel controls. Often much slower than the dash knob and with less control in the regulation.
The full touch infotainment and even light "switches"... WTF
The MK7 (and MK7.5) was the last great generation of GTI.
I think I'll stick with my MK7.5 GTI and skip this generation. I don't like the look of the front of the car and the new sliders/cap. touch buttons are horrible.
Scott DC good idea 7.5 is the best looking, they nailed it, then killed it lol
You have the same engine and chassis. I do not take it really as a new generation when they just updated the infotainment making it more complicated to use.
Same for me..
I agree I have the 7 Gti and will get the 7.5 Gti next. The wheels look terrible as well.
You all are jokers, right . I have a gti 7.5 and just ordered the 8 it might have the same chassis but drives completely different in interior design quality and more fun as mentioned by Thomas. Try a test drive first before complaining.
I feel like all of the controls integrated into the electronic screens are dangerous. I'd rather have buttons.
It’s only dangerous in the hands of stupid people to use the infotainment while driving, in which case you’re not fit for driving. If you really need to adjust something while in motion then use the voice controls.
@@antonthompson7838 Thats a stupid statement. Controlling the radio or AC shouldn't require you to take your eyes off the road. If it does thats shit engineering. Its something that every manufacturer seems to have figured out, even VW, but they chose to go backwards here for some reason. And voice activation is a fucking joke still. May or may not work, who knows. Give it a shot and see :D Put some fucking tactile buttons in simple easy to reach and memorize places. Thats all thats needed. Not some over engineered horse shit to make things more difficult for no discernible reason other than marketing gimmick.
The previous GTI steering wheel is better
and the gas strut; I just open the hood to appreciate the strut now
@KC indeed mk 6 steering wheel was goat
I agree
I like to call it the "MQB sport" steering wheel since all the sporty MQB VW models had it
I hope VW realizes that capacitive touch surfaces are a dumb idea and don't implement them in any other new cars.
They do realise that. But the only thing thats in their head is cost saving!
I like the capacitive buttons except for controlling climate!
I would like to comment on the review presentation rather than the car itself. By far and away the best review of this car. Other reviews by this presenter are consistently excellent. Thorough, evidenced and not silly like Matt what’s his name in Whatcar. And some others. Commendable presentation and no overkill: it sets a high standard for reviews.
Highly appreciated!! Keep tuning in 🙂
Fog lights look cheap and awful. Alloys don't look great. Interior looks cheap and probably is. This is progress apparently.
Looks rather fussy and awkward the design. golfs were traditionally, Simple and elegant
That fog light led will be very expensive to fix =.=
noobwow2009 Anything that needs fixing, is always costs a lot on VAG cars
I love all of it. looks ace to me!
@@AlfaGiuliaQV I also think that in this specification (colour and rims), the GTI looks pretty decent. There are certain colours that just don't work. Overall, the design is a bit underwhelming, but still better than a 1 series.
VW must be thinking they can dig themselves out of Dieselgate hole with all these ridiculous cost-cutting measures.
They have the panoramic sunroof class action now.
Imagine your new VW getting destroyed by water.
Damaging electrical too.
What a disaster.
:(
I'd be interested in a manual review. Maybe months down the road to see if they update the infotainment system.
Than you for being honest, Thomas. I am glad to hear about the slow screen and bad buttons. You are the best reviewer on youtube.
9:22 In the UK we would call this pattern "Tartan" but I believe VW now refer to it as ‘Clark Plaid’
Volkswagen UK have also referred to it as Jacara cloth upholstery.
Clark was on Mk6 and Mk7, this new pattern is "Scalepaper." I think also that Mk5 had "Interlagos" plaid. Personally I think Clark was the best, it had that Mk2 retro feel. They also only gave Clark in the US on the base GTI, which leaves all high trim GTI and R owners envious of the base owners in a way.
I'd call it waffle, and in my honest oppinion, never liked it :P
Plaid is an American term for Check. Tartan is a specific type of check fabric.
The best car reviewer! Thank you for your honest, objective and very précise reviews.
Government: Don’t use phone while driving.
Car manufacturers: Let’s make 10 touch screens and touchpad steering wheel.
I gave up waiting and bought an AMG A35. Simply brilliant.
The buttons are “ Just Bollox “ 🤣 I love it .
This is by far the greatest car video I've ever came across
Highly appreciated! Join us for more reviews!
12:25 Thomas sounds so sad and disappointed with VW. :( Sliders and touch sensitive buttons just pair well with a car. I heard or read somewhere that VW is concidering going back to normal buttons and knobs. And then they released Tiguan facelift with sliders for climate control! OK, decision for that was probably made before release of a new Golf, but who would think that this is a good idea? I soon will be looking to buy new car and was thinking about Tiguan, but I will look into Japanese cars instead. They may lacking in performance and technology department, but at least they don't have some weird ideas and are more reliable than German cars.
I wanted to write "slider and touch sensitive buttons just don't pair well with a car". Not that they do.
@@MateuszMarek yeah. they look fancy but the old models were more ergonomic. I like my "manual" climate control from leon mk3.
Go toyota
I have a 2010 GTI with 6 speed manual. Maybe in 10 years I will be able to afford one of these. I LOVE the new design. Great job on the review.
"It's just bollocks" - 😂😂😂😂😂
Never before has one man been so upset about steering wheel controls. Cheer up, Thomas
Many people disliking the design, but let's be honest the light strip on the front together with the fog lights are looking great and also the back looks pretty modern with the new light design.
Thank you Thomas, Jonas, and Autogefühl for exemplary automotive journalism!
26:15 shows quite well, how the settings distract you from driving. Thomas goes slower and slower ...
"The control of capacitive buttons on the steering wheel is just bollocks."
I loved that part so much that I actually repeated that part about 10 times before continuing to watch the rest of the review! 😂😂🤣
So get an MK 7,5 GTI and be happy with it... Golf 8 looks so cheap in comparison
Prefer the Rear of the 8 to the 7. But the front is rather ugly. Said the same about other things before.
@Daniel Murillo No way the mark 7s are way better than the 5s and 6s in every way. I have owned all 3.
Looking more like a Kia Ceed from the front. Making everything touchscreen is so wrong, looks tacky to me.
@@desjon6012 Gti versions? Or base?
@@415-t1k GTis, had a 1.4tsi mark 6 and a mark 4 v5 as well. Currently have a manual 7 GTI and looking to upgrade to 7.5 GTI with DSG.
Keep using that microphone, its looking very professional and the sound is top notch
Another brilliant and thorough review, Thomas. It seems a fabulous car, the only downside being the interface. Can’t wait to see the R when it’s available.. Will it be worth the extra money (7.5 R vs 7.5 GTI definitely is), or is Mk8 GTI all the car you need?
I love that this guy is still using a conventional wireless microphone 🎤 haha there’s still a charm to it
The Homer "mirror" Simpson joke was damn fine !
B CM-N7 mirror goes up...
Greetings from Springfield mass u. s .a lol
Amazing choice of a Car for review. Am a die hard fan of the Golf that too GTI. Thanks Thomas and Autogefühl team for such an amazing review. Pure Audiovisual Delight.🤩
Renaultsport lights in the bumper 🤣😂
Capacitive Buttons is not the best but the customer will get use to it only after a week. I took a test drive and I can say it’s It’s a different in feel and quality to 7.5
VW management “how can we have more revenues”. Accountant “ I know, let’s make the user interface so bollocks we can have more crashes, so we can sell more spare parts at inflated prices”. Diess “Ok”
And more lawsuits, even after panoramic sunroofgate..lol
Great review as always, my favorite automotive channel. Definitely deserves my patreon and i hope more people will support this great content creator too
08:57 / 11:42 Our boy telling it like it is. When you're driving a performance-oriented car, you want all your controls - *especially the ones on your steering wheel* - to respond as fast as possible and for it to be _obvious which control you've used._ Capacitive buttons on a GTI _steering wheel_ is the exact opposite of a high-IQ move. They button shape they've used is very shallow. While that makes the slide funtions easier to use, it also makes the normal button presses easier to _miss,_ especially when driving... *enthusiastically.* Worse, there doesn't seem to be any haptic feedback on those buttons at all!
It _just about_ works in a Range rover or luxury Audi, but in a GTI? Not this side of 2025 mate!
Maybe VW needs to hire ergonomic Saab engineers.
Lol
Amazing review, I'm considering a new GTI and this review was very helpful in making my decision.
Don't
Thanks Thomas, great review with mentioning the right flaws. As a Mk 7.5 GTI Performance driver I am quite disappointed about the Mk8.
I noticed another fun fact: They changed the "GTI" characters (Schriftart) outside, but forgot to do the same at the steering wheel. Still the old graphics from the previous models.
Deutsche Gründlichkeit totally lost 😄
Its not really important I know, but I'm just wondering why nobody noticed that during the development and production process 🤔
interesting ! =)
I totally agree with you and all the commenters. Touch controls for air con and audio is far inferior to knob controls. The car itself looks like it drives excellent and performs well. Thanks for the very thorough review!
VW have gone too far too soon. Very disappointing. I've always loved vw's intuitive control panels with physical buttons that felt nice. Excellent review, thanks Tomas 👍
Made me chuckle when he pulled out that super old-timey measuring stick. Haven't seen one of those in a while.
That's commonly used here in Germany
Long story short: The predecessor is better in pretty much every way.
speedhead42 I mean he did say it drove better than the mk7 so...
speedhead42 er no it is not
speedhead42 I drive a 7.5 GTI and while I don’t dig the lack of physical buttons I’d be willing to give it a chance...we’ll see 👍
The 8th generation VW Golf GTI is a superb car in its driving dynamics from what I can tell from all its reviews that I’ve seen, and if the electronic software were fixed, as well as substitute all the controls to buttons and switches like in the previous generation, I think it would be just about perfect. Here in the U.S. we won’t have the GTI or the Type R until perhaps November 2021 but at least it will be German built so it should be of better quality than previous generations.
VW cut the costs to the bone to pay for diesel gate! Cheap plastics, no bonnet gas strut and piece de resistance, no physical buttons on the steering wheel 😂
They skimped on the gas struts ,but at least they put proper , real exhausts.
I love the GTI digital display instrument panel.Pretty unique for the GTI.
The seats are nice too.
Too bad the infotainment system is so complicated and hard to adjust while driving .
Still, the driving characteristics look great , so they make up for all that stuff.
At the end of the day that's why you get a car like the GTI , for the driving experience, at least they nailed that .
Great detailed review Thomas, super informative .
That's why I keep watching you Thomas , keep it up man , Ciao Ciao !
No tornado red option for this generation?
If you remember couple of years ago I had one request about the camera position on the middle, and actually you listened and whenever the car has a glass roof we have better viewing angle. First of all In this video I realized different format is used for uploading or TH-cam itself changing something in the video converter engine which is great and I think now it is the time that we could have 4k HDR videos because sometimes in the car is dark and outside is really bright so we see over exposing problem, I really like the long videos and it's kinda relaxing to sit and see, your videos is not only about cars we actually love the scenes and atmosphere so recording with flat profile for example C-Log and color grading after it can solve the problem even you upload SDR for better compatability. I personally can't wait to to see all of your videos with better resolution and dynamic range. Regards
They've penny pinched everywhere on this car! No hydraulic bonet struts, cheap plastic exterior trims, interior is all cheap LCD screens rather than ergonomically crafted swtiches and the engine cover doesn't even have a VW logo. Everything screams cheap, how can they expect people to buy new models when they;re clearly cutting cost left right and center.
I have the Mk7 GTI and it's sad to see that
I Knowww, and they charge you like 5000€+ than previous generation because it has more technology (which is just a software update) .
I’d be ok with it if it’s priced the same as the Jetta in the us but it’ll probably be 30k and above like the previous generation
When they cut costs in one area, they put that money somewhere else. They’ve taken things out that most people won’t notice/care about, and replaced it with technology. However, I would still prefer the hydraulic struts, a sliding cup holder cover, and actual climate control buttons. Even the touch buttons in the new Arteon look nice. I think the physical knobs are starting to look a little dated. But that just my opinion.
A Yeah the GTI we’re probably looking at close to 30k for the base model. Hatchbacks always cost more than sedans, it will never be priced the same as the Jetta.
Yet another excellent review of a VW by Thomas. This is my next GTI. I have owned the MK 5, 6 and 7.5 now. My current GTI is a 2018 Autobahn. As much as I love my current vehicle, the body styling and performance handling capabilities of the MK 8, impress me enough to buy it next year. The one thing I re-reviewed in this vid was the disappointing software set-up as explained by Thomas. I too, hope that they are able to understand what he and other reviewers are saying about having to take your eyes off the road to change set-up for the DCC and other applications. Not a very well thought out design there. If they don't change this before dealership delivery...I may have to wait for the 2nd production run for which I'm sure initial production buyers will have raised concerns about. Enough to shake the software design engineers to correct things before buyers just say 'no'...because of this. VW; back to the design board and re-think options WRT software before this is sent out to worldwide dealerships. Not to mention the 'no gas strut' issue and other set backs.
Dude, keep that 7.5.
@@GUITARTIME2024 Ya figure? Just outta curiosity...why do you say that?
@@deutsch-kanadier901 7.5 is the best they have made. This mark 8 is absurd with those capacitive steering wheel controls, the screen sliders, no buttons, the stupid front grill, the stupid one-piece seats, etc.
Thank you for review
Insightful review, thank you.
Appreciated!
They managed to mess even with the engine cover. 🤦🏿♀️
Yes, it looks like shit.
Maybe they had to hire a bunch of cheap, young designers and yes men.
.lol
Thank the lord is not a hybrid as they were speculating, kudos to VW for giving us an actual exhaust note and manual transmission
it's brand new but needs a facelift already.
Maybe VW had a ton of mk7s to sell.
This car will achieve that..lol
Great review Thomas - really interesting and indepth on a key car for 2020. A lot of British humour in this review as well and we can relate to being bullied by a Caddy! Thank you and well done
Just beautiful like every old golf Gti. Many people disliking, will change their mind with time 🤷♀️
💯 under any car review nowadays you see this negative comments but just because it looks new doesn't mean it looks bad. You just have to get used to it
No.. it’s bad, cost cutting and not half as good as previous versions yet it’s more? Vw love people like you who would buy anything 😂
@@Hazzer20 yep
This car is bad because of the cost cutting they’ve done EVERYWHERE to this car. This mk8 just made the mk7.5’s jump in value
Thomassss you are the man!!!!!!! Best car reviews on TH-cam
10:24 pump it up y’all! 😂😂😂
Love it. The touch sensitive button is definitely a pain but not a deal breaker and hopefully will update the software soon.
Whenever a new GTI comes out I feel like I like the previous version even better.
Great review, presentation and content as always - thank you Thomas. The buttons and UI would put me off - seems like a step back
cheers m8
The front part of this new Mk8 golf is ugly. Mk7 Golf was way much accurate. And the Fog lights of this gen are really disgusting. And there's no reason to writt off the hood struts. Good review as always.
The ads on your videos have drastically increased in the last few months... I fully support your channel and enjoy the content but less ads would really be appreciated!
wtf they ripped off Renault with the oversized DRL / fog light on the lower grill
Thank you very much for this video! Waiting for the 2022 GTI here in the states...
"Just bollocks" exactly Thomas, just technology for technology's sake. Who makes these terrible decisions??
As always a great review but I will definitely be sticking with my current Mk 7.5
No gas strut LOL 🤣
They got to find ways to boost their margins somewhere!
Always enjoy these reviews
👌
So disappointed by the new interior! Looks like I'll be buying a mk 7.5 when they start to cheapen up after the mk 8 launch.
Very well presented, Thomas.
No wonder they fired their head of software development - best to buy this car after 2 years, once they've dealt with all software cliches.