I agree entirely with the review comments and findings. I have 34000 miles on my 2017 DSG Autobahn. No issues until 32000 miles, when the audio amplifier started to randomly turn off, but comes back on eventually and usually after a restart . Research has shown this is a common problem. Excellent economy (27 city, 35 hwy). Wish it was AWD, but the R was out of reach.
My wife has the six speed manual on her 2017 GTI. Cheaper maintenance for the transmission, and super fun to roll through the gears. These cars are meant for a stick, IMHO….
A very well presented road test. Many thanks! I only viewed it today because I still run a 2015 model and really love it. It has the manual gearbox and it does not have the starter button, so it is almost perfect! I am not too happy with the (common these days) stop/start economy function. I am learning to simply delete it every time I start the engine. Your comments on the operation of the DSG gearbox are spot on. Many journalists have come to a similar conclusion. I bought one with the Performance Pack beginning 2015 and could not live with it; fortunately the dealership helped me back into a manual shift. My car has leather seats, zenon headlights, sun roof, park distance control and (wonderful) dynamic chassis control.
I own a DSG equipped GTI and do not understand his conclusions about the transmission being "confused". I find the transmission to be excellent at adapting to my driving style. It's amazingly fast and smooth. I don't regret picking it over the manual.
@vr6gls - I picked up a lightly used GTI DSG a few years ago. I really needed to replace my old VR6 standard, but the only decent model available at the time was an automatic, so I went for it. I was floored by how much fun the paddle shifters were. Confession time: I drove the thing for *2 years* before discovering it had a "manual mode". I'd driven stick shifts all my life, and the dealer never showed me that ability when I took it for a test drive. Anyhoo, I wanted to chime in to say I've never had a problem with the confused transmission either. The video suggests he had this problem when driving IN SPORT MODE at a constant speed - which I guess makes a little sense; the right speed could make the high RPM mode overly sensitive to changes in acceleration, etc. For myself, I'd never keep the car in sport mode when driving a constant speed; I'd either change to full auto, or full paddle shifters. Just a guess though...
That gearbox can be slow if you brake with your left foot then immediately punch the accelerator to take off with the right foot. It just can get “ confused” for a few milliseconds (it feels like hours) before it moves sharply forward.
Jon Richt I have a 2011 Skoda Superb (I am in India) with a 7-speed DSG and sometimes while going over a hilly terrain in D mode, all I do is down-shift once WHILE STILL IN D-MODE and the car stays in that gear for just two minutes before reverting to full auto D mode. This man in the video doesn't seem to know his car, even after driving it for 7 months! Sad!
TrackWorthy team: You don't have to shift it to manual mode if you feel DSG Automatic mode is sluggish! Keep it in the Auto mode and use the paddle-shift DOWN to force the transmission to down-shift a gear for about 2-minutes. After 2 minutes, the DSG will go back to its original automatic mode. As simple as that! You can keep using paddle-shifters up or down while the car is still in Automatic setting. In my 2011 Skoda Superb (7-speed DSG), after two minutes, it reverts to D mode on its own.
I got this exact car but in the 6 speed. LOVE it.... but there are a few issues.... infotainment system does what it wants, when it wants, despite software upgrade. Panoramic roof was leaking, 3 trips to the dealer they finally determined the frame was cracked. And MAX 300 miles per tank kinda sucks after my last TDI. But, it's the most fun EVER to drive and I love it.
@J D I've put 100k on my Golf mk 7 GTI, a few trips to the dealer outside regular service which were always minor (must have been less than 2'500$ in the last 5 years). Treat it well and it'll be just as reliable as a Toyota ;)
I agree with that start/stop button and why I bought a red anodized ring that you can feel and know. That transmission I will not touch with a 10 ft. pole, 6 speed manual.
Glad mine does not have the stop/start. Thought I liked the dsg in sport mode because of throttle response but have found that just leaving it in drive requires a bit more throttle input but is much smoother and stays in the powerband much better instead of hanging up at redline which seems like forever in sport because the car falls on its face after 5k rpm.
I have same year, trim level and features. Enjoyed it very much although I've had issues with the infotainment unit (had to get it replaced after a number of cheaper fixes failed) and a sunroof kit replacement. Biggest gripe: relatively poor gas mileage around town. Surprised how thirsty it is, only get about 350kms and that's not even driving hard.
Ive got a 2015 2 door S model. Already had some issues at 28k miles (water pump failed, leak in interior caused bad smell, some electronic issues with fuses. Love the car and its mature driving and looks (not for ricers) but I am worried about long term reliability. Thinking of trading for a Veloster N for the warranty, looks, and performance.
as a safety measure I suggest the car should not turn off the engine unless either you are braking or the car is under 10mph...needs a software update from vw to resolve.
The guy clearly doesn’t know what he’s saying. It’s not an AUTOBAHN, it’s an SE!! It has nothing that the Autobahn comes with standard. Also, after pressing the start stop button once, the car will give you a warning chime and a message on the gauge cluster that tells you “PRESSING THE START STOP BUTTON A SECOND TIME WILL SHUT OFF THE ENGINE”, that’s in addition to the chimes.... another false statement is that you have to pull over and park the car to turn it back on. That’s not true, you can just pop it into its neutral gear like EVERY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION EVER MADE, and restart it by pressing the start stop button... it’s by far the WORST review I’ve ever seen. I will make a video to prove it if anyone doesn’t believe me. Also, it doesn’t have DCC and that transmission noise is him not knowing how to drive because mine has never done any of that BS! 😡 These crappy reviews lead people to believe things that aren’t true.....
Johnan I am not sure where you are getting your information but I have a GTI SE 2018 and you definitely cannot just put it in neutral to start it up again. You must pull over and apply full break before the engine will go back on. Also, it is an autobahn edition you could tell by the dual zone climate control.
No, you can use regular in all GTI’s, in fact all tests by EPA on GTI’s are done with regular (87) gasoline. I have used regular for 60000K in my 2017 Performance GTI (220hp) over 7 years with no problems. I do use TopTier gasoline to keep the engine clean. Auto manufacturers including VW/Audi and AAA, and Consumers Reports recommend TopTier.
This is my home city! Looking to buy a MK7 gti right now as my MK6 was in an accident yesterday. Thinking of pulling the trigger. Any complaints on it?
Not quite sure I understand his comments about the dsg ? I've had 3 gtis with dsg and one golf r.. so I think I'm qualified to say I have no idea what's he taking about lol
This car does NOT have DCC (dynamic chassis control), if it did it would show a comfort mode in the driving mode screen and say DCC at the top of the screen!
I've got the 2017 Autobahn and it has the larger VW "R" brake calibers that say GTI, maybe I'm not seeing it but this car doesn't appear to have them, maybe it doe's I just didn't see it in any shot.
Mk7 DSG doesn't have its own dedicated shifter slot? That sucks, ergonomic wise. Putting the start/stop button next to the mode button also sucks. They should've stuck to the mk6 DSG layout
The reason the GTI in Europe has port injection (in addition to direct injection) is that tighter European emission regulations require it. In the US the less stringent EPA requirements leave it up to the tender mercies of the manufacturer, a situation unlikely to be changed until at least the next administration. As for the 7 speed DSG and other features available in Europe, I suspect VW would be happy to add those features if Americans were willing to pay $50,000 for a GTI, the going price in Europe.
I have the dsg, it's very predictable. When in D in order to go full throttle from partial, transmission drop 2 gears. In S, from partial throttle to full, transmission drop 1 gear. It hangs gear well in S on a track. DSG shifts faster than F1 driver, all shifts all day. Manual can never compete
vw list .1 second advantage in the dsg, but it is heavier meaning lower top speed and handling in theory, that is competing,, and it 1000 less and has much lower maintenence and repair costs. depending on driver on a good track either could win.
So basically get a manual. Problems solved. I’ve owned several GTIs and the MK VII 5 door is the best. Hard to believe, but it’s got 10% more cargo area than a Volvo V60 wagon. I would recommend this car to anyone.
Just get a manual transmission and don't fool around with the gimmicky dsg nonsense. Plus the manual will last and last. Why do auto makers offer junk auto shifters that cost you a fortune when they break (and they will).
My stock 2017 GTI is a beautiful looking piece of junk. Never buy a VW if you are looking for a daily driver. The geniuses at VW don't even know how to make their cars watertight!
So refreshing to come across a video where they don't blabber on for 10 minutes about nothing.
"dsg is fantastic except it's never in the right gear" ??????????
I agree entirely with the review comments and findings. I have 34000 miles on my 2017 DSG Autobahn. No issues until 32000 miles, when the audio amplifier started to randomly turn off, but comes back on eventually and usually after a restart . Research has shown this is a common problem. Excellent economy (27 city, 35 hwy). Wish it was AWD, but the R was out of reach.
I have a 2017 GTI S with 6-spd manual transmission and I love it. I had to have those beautiful Clark Plaid Sport Seats.
Before the stupid ad finishes I'll just say that my 15 gti with jb1 has lasted 50k miles with zero issues
How about now:) I’m looking to get one soon
5k miles is long term ? Wow
i know right? thats like 3.5 months for me
😅😂
5k miles is not long term. It's barely broken in. Long term would be minimum of 20k miles.
I think for the average review where they may only take at most a week with, this would be considered long term
Haha! I was thinking the exact thing.
My wife has the six speed manual on her 2017 GTI. Cheaper maintenance for the transmission, and super fun to roll through the gears. These cars are meant for a stick, IMHO….
A very well presented road test. Many thanks! I only viewed it today because I still run a 2015 model and really love it. It has the manual gearbox and it does not have the starter button, so it is almost perfect! I am not too happy with the (common these days) stop/start economy function. I am learning to simply delete it every time I start the engine. Your comments on the operation of the DSG gearbox are spot on. Many journalists have come to a similar conclusion. I bought one with the Performance Pack beginning 2015 and could not live with it; fortunately the dealership helped me back into a manual shift. My car has leather seats, zenon headlights, sun roof, park distance control and (wonderful) dynamic chassis control.
4:21 the guy runs like Roger from American Dad lol
I own a DSG equipped GTI and do not understand his conclusions about the transmission being "confused". I find the transmission to be excellent at adapting to my driving style. It's amazingly fast and smooth. I don't regret picking it over the manual.
sure, but with a manual you got less ppl to lend it to ;)
David A very good point, I like your thinking :).
@vr6gls - I picked up a lightly used GTI DSG a few years ago. I really needed to replace my old VR6 standard, but the only decent model available at the time was an automatic, so I went for it. I was floored by how much fun the paddle shifters were. Confession time: I drove the thing for *2 years* before discovering it had a "manual mode". I'd driven stick shifts all my life, and the dealer never showed me that ability when I took it for a test drive.
Anyhoo, I wanted to chime in to say I've never had a problem with the confused transmission either. The video suggests he had this problem when driving IN SPORT MODE at a constant speed - which I guess makes a little sense; the right speed could make the high RPM mode overly sensitive to changes in acceleration, etc. For myself, I'd never keep the car in sport mode when driving a constant speed; I'd either change to full auto, or full paddle shifters.
Just a guess though...
That gearbox can be slow if you brake with your left foot then immediately punch the accelerator to take off with the right foot. It just can get “ confused” for a few milliseconds (it feels like hours) before it moves sharply forward.
Jon Richt I have a 2011 Skoda Superb (I am in India) with a 7-speed DSG and sometimes while going over a hilly terrain in D mode, all I do is down-shift once WHILE STILL IN D-MODE and the car stays in that gear for just two minutes before reverting to full auto D mode. This man in the video doesn't seem to know his car, even after driving it for 7 months! Sad!
Love the review. Very fun car to drive. Love my GOLF GTI, I've had it for a year and I am in love with it. Yes. It's awesome.
Thank you!
I own the stick shift version and have to say my favorite car ever! And how can you argue with a guy who wears a Rolex Explorer II 😉
Thank you, and thanks for the shoutout on the watch!
Maby a rolex from bodrum turkey
TrackWorthy team: You don't have to shift it to manual mode if you feel DSG Automatic mode is sluggish! Keep it in the Auto mode and use the paddle-shift DOWN to force the transmission to down-shift a gear for about 2-minutes. After 2 minutes, the DSG will go back to its original automatic mode. As simple as that!
You can keep using paddle-shifters up or down while the car is still in Automatic setting. In my 2011 Skoda Superb (7-speed DSG), after two minutes, it reverts to D mode on its own.
I got this exact car but in the 6 speed. LOVE it.... but there are a few issues.... infotainment system does what it wants, when it wants, despite software upgrade. Panoramic roof was leaking, 3 trips to the dealer they finally determined the frame was cracked. And MAX 300 miles per tank kinda sucks after my last TDI. But, it's the most fun EVER to drive and I love it.
John F Sounds like you need some new acquaintances. Both my 2013 MK6 (100K+ miles) and my 2018 GTI have been without issues of any kind.
@J D I've put 100k on my Golf mk 7 GTI, a few trips to the dealer outside regular service which were always minor (must have been less than 2'500$ in the last 5 years). Treat it well and it'll be just as reliable as a Toyota ;)
I can attest to the fact that this car kills it with snow tires on.
Did anyone ask you to?
DSG works “extremely well”..except when it doesn’t?
I agree with that start/stop button and why I bought a red anodized ring that you can feel and know. That transmission I will not touch with a 10 ft. pole, 6 speed manual.
dsg seems good, what’s your gripe with it?
Glad mine does not have the stop/start. Thought I liked the dsg in sport mode because of throttle response but have found that just leaving it in drive requires a bit more throttle input but is much smoother and stays in the powerband much better instead of hanging up at redline which seems like forever in sport because the car falls on its face after 5k rpm.
I was freaking out as well with the sound of the transmission when I went over bumps at slower speeds.
I can’t imagine the start stop being good on the turbo and not letting the turbo cool a bit
I have same year, trim level and features. Enjoyed it very much although I've had issues with the infotainment unit (had to get it replaced after a number of cheaper fixes failed) and a sunroof kit replacement. Biggest gripe: relatively poor gas mileage around town. Surprised how thirsty it is, only get about 350kms and that's not even driving hard.
I got the S model so all of the minor gripes you spoke of shouldn't really affect me at all.
Ive got a 2015 2 door S model. Already had some issues at 28k miles (water pump failed, leak in interior caused bad smell, some electronic issues with fuses. Love the car and its mature driving and looks (not for ricers) but I am worried about long term reliability. Thinking of trading for a Veloster N for the warranty, looks, and performance.
thank you for your honest opinion ..i wish these cars were more reliable cuz i would def love to buy one
as a safety measure I suggest the car should not turn off the engine unless either you are braking or the car is under 10mph...needs a software update from vw to resolve.
Fastfitnesstips i disagree, should be able to turn the car off at any speed as a safety measure
The guy clearly doesn’t know what he’s saying. It’s not an AUTOBAHN, it’s an SE!! It has nothing that the Autobahn comes with standard. Also, after pressing the start stop button once, the car will give you a warning chime and a message on the gauge cluster that tells you “PRESSING THE START STOP BUTTON A SECOND TIME WILL SHUT OFF THE ENGINE”, that’s in addition to the chimes.... another false statement is that you have to pull over and park the car to turn it back on. That’s not true, you can just pop it into its neutral gear like EVERY AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION EVER MADE, and restart it by pressing the start stop button... it’s by far the WORST review I’ve ever seen. I will make a video to prove it if anyone doesn’t believe me. Also, it doesn’t have DCC and that transmission noise is him not knowing how to drive because mine has never done any of that BS! 😡 These crappy reviews lead people to believe things that aren’t true.....
Johan Santiago you can tell it's an Autobahn from the dual zone climate control
Johnan I am not sure where you are getting your information but I have a GTI SE 2018 and you definitely cannot just put it in neutral to start it up again. You must pull over and apply full break before the engine will go back on. Also, it is an autobahn edition you could tell by the dual zone climate control.
Just a quick question, does it need premium 91 grade fuel? I used to put midgrade in my 2015 golf gti. It's the best fun car. Love it!
I have a 2017 gti same one as in the video and yes I use premium fuel I mine I was told by the dealership too
No, you can use regular in all GTI’s, in fact all tests by EPA on GTI’s are done with regular (87) gasoline. I have used regular for 60000K in my 2017 Performance GTI (220hp) over 7 years with no problems. I do use TopTier gasoline to keep the engine clean. Auto manufacturers including VW/Audi and AAA, and Consumers Reports recommend TopTier.
This is definetly the spec I would buy this model in.
Yes, mine is 2018..sound like you just left the axle behind when ran over a pothole; otherwise awesome performance.
You mean yours?
This is my home city! Looking to buy a MK7 gti right now as my MK6 was in an accident yesterday. Thinking of pulling the trigger. Any complaints on it?
I'd strongly advise you to get the Golf R, there is such a huge difference for really not that much.
Haha I actually just bought a golf R. They sold the GTI I was looking at and just bought one. Picking it up Monda!
Not quite sure I understand his comments about the dsg ? I've had 3 gtis with dsg and one golf r.. so I think I'm qualified to say I have no idea what's he taking about lol
Brian Reardon golf r vs golf gti~ comparison?👍
its his first and he is used to the clutch and always choosing his own gear, there is an adjustment period.
This car does NOT have DCC (dynamic chassis control), if it did it would show a comfort mode in the driving mode screen and say DCC at the top of the screen!
If it is a 2017 Autobahn the engine should be 220whp, not 210..??
P8ntballa mine does
Not in Canada. Only in the United States all trims above the S come with PP and LP standard for 2017.
I've got the 2017 Autobahn and it has the larger VW "R" brake calibers that say GTI, maybe I'm not seeing it but this car doesn't appear to have them, maybe it doe's I just didn't see it in any shot.
Manual for sure
5000K miles is NOT a long term period 🙄 And the DSG shift issue was fixed with a firmware update.
Mk7 DSG doesn't have its own dedicated shifter slot? That sucks, ergonomic wise. Putting the start/stop button next to the mode button also sucks. They should've stuck to the mk6 DSG layout
Still waiting for the Gti in USA to receive multi port injection, 245hp, and 7speed dsg
Love Like a Hurricane dude, what is this awesomeness you speak of?
I Use No Blinkers the awesomeness that the rest of the world gets but USA does not.
The reason the GTI in Europe has port injection (in addition to direct injection) is that tighter European emission regulations require it. In the US the less stringent EPA requirements leave it up to the tender mercies of the manufacturer, a situation unlikely to be changed until at least the next administration. As for the 7 speed DSG and other features available in Europe, I suspect VW would be happy to add those features if Americans were willing to pay $50,000 for a GTI, the going price in Europe.
I have the dsg, it's very predictable. When in D in order to go full throttle from partial, transmission drop 2 gears. In S, from partial throttle to full, transmission drop 1 gear. It hangs gear well in S on a track. DSG shifts faster than F1 driver, all shifts all day. Manual can never compete
vw list .1 second advantage in the dsg, but it is heavier meaning lower top speed and handling in theory, that is competing,, and it 1000 less and has much lower maintenence and repair costs.
depending on driver on a good track either could win.
You can start the car in Neutral while it's still rolling omg , why people don't know this is beyond me.
Long term...5k miles... really dude
Cool! Thanks for the info.
Love it.
Ncvj
Das Auto ,The best auto :-)
lmao wut just put it in neutral and you can turn the car back on
Does the engine burn oil ?
We did not experience that.
no
All engine's burn a film of oil
At only 5k miles, they haven't driven it enough to know.
Barrie!
Why is it called DSG, you mean auto.... lol
you havent been around GTI's very long......lol
So basically get a manual. Problems solved. I’ve owned several GTIs and the MK VII 5 door is the best. Hard to believe, but it’s got 10% more cargo area than a Volvo V60 wagon. I would recommend this car to anyone.
How much do you want for it? I’m sure you guys are looking for new cars to test and need to get rid of this one. Let me know!
Just get a manual transmission and don't fool around with the gimmicky dsg nonsense. Plus the manual will last and last. Why do auto makers offer junk auto shifters that cost you a fortune when they break (and they will).
Brian Fogg DSG can handle more power on the stock clutches than the 6 speed can IIRC
What a joke. This is a brand new car
This is not a long term review. Trash.
Gti lol so slow
My stock 2017 GTI is a beautiful looking piece of junk. Never buy a VW if you are looking for a daily driver. The geniuses at VW don't even know how to make their cars watertight!