I own a MK7.5 GTI, having replaced a MK6 a little over a year ago. Each was/is a DSG. A little background. I'm old as dirt. Been driving since 1964. You do the math. Until I bought my MK6 in 2013 I had always had at least one MT in the garage. The "delights" of commuting in horrendous Seattle traffic convinced me to try the DSG. When I replaced that vehicle in late 2018, I didn't hesitate to choose VW's dual clutch DSG again. I probably drive in pure manual mode about 60% to 70% of the time. The DSG holds a selected gear all the way to red line before automatically upshifting so I have almost all the "involvement" I would in an MT version with none of the annoyance of driving 0-30 mph on crowded freeways when I let the automated manual DSG do the shifting. Add quicker shifting and better fuel economy and it's a no-brainer for me. I have no quarrel with those who prefer the VW's excellent MT. It's just that the DSG gives me the best of both worlds with very little in the way of a compromise. MK7.5 vs MK8? I find that whenever an iconic vehicle is updated there are loud protests from current fans. I won't indulge in that. But I will say that I doubt I'll be in the market to replace my GTI when the MK8 shows up in the US in about a year from now. (Europeans always get new GTI's earlier and more different versions than Americans.) The superb EA888 engine is the same and while the MK8 offers a bit more stock HP than the current version, the difference is negligible in the real world. Furthermore, a Stage I ECU tune adds a significant increase in HP and torque with virtually no impact on reliability. (True for the DSG but with the MT a beefed up clutch is recommended.) And contrary to what is often said, third party tuning does NOT invalidate a warranty unless the tune can be shown to be the source of a warranty issue. Those who've never driven a GTI may not understand some of the intangibles that lead to so many fans. Last year when I replaced my (tuned) MK6 I did so in part because my teenage daughter would soon be driving and I wanted a vehicle with more up-to-date driver assistance, safety, and convenience features when she drove the car. I considered several alternatives including the Accord 2.0L turbo, the Mazda6 turbo, the KIA Stinger, and the current generation Camry as well as several compact hatchbacks. Bottom line? Several of those alternatives were impressive vehicles. But none combined the feel of the GTI with its versatility. There's no perfect vehicle that meets everyone's priorities but there are reasons that GTI owners are such a loyal lot.
Perfectly penned sir, I too am on the back nine and having owned far too many cars to admit publicly concur 100% with your conclusions. Just bought a ‘21 GTI S (love plaid) and couldn’t be happier, the only thing to complain about are the heavy wheels and subpar all season tires; OZ wheels and Michelin PS4 S’s on their way to sort that out. Wanted a GTI since the late ‘70’s, passing on them for various reasons but wishing now I’d not waited so long; there is pure goodness baked into this car. Thought long and hard about the reliability factor but stepped out of my comfort zone and to this point happy I did. Also looked at the competition you mentioned, all fine cars admittedly, but not a GTI for sure. Be well.
@@LiLgPnoy15 Until I bought my MK6 GTI in 2013 I had always had at least one MT vehicle in my garage over about 4 decades of driving. When I bought the GTI my wife sometimes drove it in the nightmare of Seattle daily commuting traffic that included creeping along at 3- 30 mph on the freeway and stop-n-go traffic on city streets every 300 ft or so. So I initially chose the DSG (dual clutch) version of the GTI in part to make it easier for her as an occasional daily driver. But that wasn't the primary reason. In the first place the VW DSG is not an automatic transmission with a conventional torque converter design. In effect it's a manual transmission that automates the use of a clutch when shifting. That has several implications. First, like an MT it enables a driver to select a gear and hold it all the way to the engine's redline. (If that's not good enough, a inexpensive ECU tune from APR holds the gear at redline and above.) Second both up and down shifts are faster and more consistent than a driver can accomplish. Period. That means a DSG GTI will be measurably quicker in acceleration and downshifting than any human being. And that contributes to better performance. A DSG equipped GTI is about half a second quicker to 60 mph than an MT and it does so flawlessly. Third, when I decided to upgrade the performance of my GTI with a Stage 1 APR ECU tune the first question the manager of the tuning shop (Achtuning in Redmond, WA, one of the nation's best tuning shops for German vehicles) asked me was whether I had an MT or a DSG transmission. When I said it was the latter his exact words were, "Great. That means you won't have to put in a stronger clutch and/or replace it on a regular basis." He was right. I drove my tuned MK6 for about 40K miles without a single sign of a slipping clutch much less the need to replace it. The DSG handled it beautifully. These factors meant that when I replaced my MK6 GTI with a MK7.5 version in 2018 I didn't hesitate to select another DSG version. It's not that I don't care to shift my own gears. In fact, I drive my GTI in manual mode at least half the time. And on a Sunday morning drive on backroads around Mt Rainier it stays in manual mode for the duration. But it does mean that when I'm stuck in urban traffic I don't have to constantly move from one gear to another. And all I give up with a DSG is exercise for my left foot and the "thrill" of manually downshifting to first gear when I stop at a light. (The transmission automatically returns to second and then first gear as I roll to a stop.) I have no quarrel with those who prefer a conventional manual transmission. The last MT vehicle I owned was a Mazda RX8 with a rotary engine and a 9000 RPM redline. Equipping it with a torque converter AT would have been a crime and a loss of about 50 HP at the wheels. It was a hoot to drive. An experience not unlike riding a 650 cc Japanese motorcycle where generating any appreciable torque required revving the engine to at least 6000 rpm. Great on mountain backroads and a dog in city traffic. And if I owned a Miata or a Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ I'd opt for a manual transmission simply because it fits the character of a vehicle descended from a British sports car. But there's a reason that more powerful sports cars and racing cars are fitted with dual clutch transmissions. And it's not because drivers of those vehicles aren't capable of driving a manual transmission automobile. From a performance standpoint a DCT is simply a better option. And for the versatility I get in a GTI it's a superior choice for my needs.
I love the GTI! Understated but so fun. I would definitely drive one of these. I’d have to go with a stick shift though. I think it’s great that VW includes all the safety tech with the stick too.
I ended up going with the automatic. Ive been very satisfied for the couple weeks I've had it and it still makes me smile when that boost sends you flying
I've owned 3 VW's over the past decade (2009 GTI, 2013 Toureg & 2014 GLI), so I'm obviously a Huge VW fan boy! I can't argue with you Nolan regarding the handling & performance of that hot-hatch, it's simply amazing! I prefer the DCT transmission because it's computer technology enables the transmission to shift faster the gears than humans could. Excellent review Nolan, keep um coming.
Great job Nolan! Glad to see your subs growing!!!! Personally I like this gen better than the new. In my middle age I would prefer the DSG. But in my earlier years gotta row your own. Stay safe and healthy,Sir!
DSG alllllmost every time. I've driven standard since the beginning but these dual clutches are so much faster now it doesn't make sense not too. Buuuuuut a 6MT always holds a special spot in my heart.
Ain't it something? I've owned scores of cars, and this one is perhaps the best combination of everything you could ask for. When you are ready, get a cold air intake, cat-back exhaust, and a stage 1 tune. You will get 300+ reliable hp at the crank and give to the car what is should have come with from the factory.
Great review. I love getting the last year of a model run. Nothing spoils the new car experience like having to deal with teething issues. Keep up the good work. I really enjoy your style as consistently seen in your videos!
I just bought a 2020 Mk7 GTI with a manual. I drove both and the manual made me smile, maybe I'm just old school but I like to be involved in the driving experience the way a manual involves you. I decided on the MK 7 after seeing the MK 8. I like how it looks better and I like having physical buttons for the controls, not to mention they are a good deal right now. Thanks for the review!
I used to work with a guy that was like 6'6", idk how tall exactly but real big dude. Idk what year he had either, but he fit in his golf shockingly well.
I own a ‘19 GTI SE I love my car to death. The Fender audio system is such a great OEM sound system. The way that subwoofer is designed to fit within the spare tire is genius!
I recently purchased a 2020 GTI S and I’m growing to appreciate this car more every drive. I’ve driven manuals since 99 and would love this one in 6 speed but I went DSG because I live in Chicago which is filled with dense traffic and on top of that I’m an older Gen X :) so all the shifting in traffic definitely gets tiresome.
I feel like that vibration you heard last time that was "taken care of" is definitely something that is the most interesting part of the entire video.... And you did a skirt skirt right around that shit
I have a 2015 golf R. I am 6 foot 5. I I really appreciate not having the sun roof. Te VWs have always been good to tall people.I like the AWD, I wish I could have optioned for 18 inch wheels.
A great car Nolan and tornado red has been a VW colour from around the 1990's. Just counting back I have owned 4 Golf and 2 Jetta models over the years. Solid cars, especially the ones made in Europe. :-)
Thanks for the great review of the GTI. Have considered one of these in the past. A friend that owned a late 2000s GTI cautioned me in regards to quality (electronics) issues. So ended up with my previous Buick Regal GS. LOL Oh and 7 speed DSG for me man.
Just got the last 2021 GTI S. Simple and non pretentious. Have never owned an automatic during my years of owning an MK 2 through 6 but the duel clutch is amazing. It has memory. Porsche inspired. Still intrigued by the MK 8 but can't deal with infotainment issues. Seems like they got ahead of themselves. Before I die, I'll get one, just to say...
The only reason i would not get a '21 is the touch screen in place of knobs and buttons for things like a/c and heat. I'll keep my '18 GTI SE 6sp, now an APR stage 1, and love it long time. As well, I believe that 7.5's will become more desirable solely because of the new MK8 touch screens.
Curious about the new GTI, though generally I try to avoid purchasing a new model in its first year of production, what with the greater probability of “teething problems” and all.
Rock solid. Atleast the two I've had. I owned a 2018 and just purchased a 2020 because I wanted the last year of the mk7.5. The GTi is the best car that VW makes. Best daily car in the world imo... Fun, looks good, and practical.
There are plenty of USED mk7's and 7.5's out there now.. you can get a great car at a great price. Don't buy one of these new at this point. Heck, you can even get a used mk7 Golf R for less than a new GTI, i'd definately consider that as well.
MK8 interior is wack. 7.5 interior was solid, classy, and less tacky. They should’ve experimented with the other models but left the GTI as is and with conservative refinements - like it has always been doing. Hence why it has such a big fan following. But with the MK8 - they f***ed it up real good. And whats with the front hood. 🤮
I own a MK7.5 GTI, having replaced a MK6 a little over a year ago. Each was/is a DSG. A little background. I'm old as dirt. Been driving since 1964. You do the math. Until I bought my MK6 in 2013 I had always had at least one MT in the garage. The "delights" of commuting in horrendous Seattle traffic convinced me to try the DSG. When I replaced that vehicle in late 2018, I didn't hesitate to choose VW's dual clutch DSG again.
I probably drive in pure manual mode about 60% to 70% of the time. The DSG holds a selected gear all the way to red line before automatically upshifting so I have almost all the "involvement" I would in an MT version with none of the annoyance of driving 0-30 mph on crowded freeways when I let the automated manual DSG do the shifting. Add quicker shifting and better fuel economy and it's a no-brainer for me. I have no quarrel with those who prefer the VW's excellent MT. It's just that the DSG gives me the best of both worlds with very little in the way of a compromise.
MK7.5 vs MK8? I find that whenever an iconic vehicle is updated there are loud protests from current fans. I won't indulge in that. But I will say that I doubt I'll be in the market to replace my GTI when the MK8 shows up in the US in about a year from now. (Europeans always get new GTI's earlier and more different versions than Americans.) The superb EA888 engine is the same and while the MK8 offers a bit more stock HP than the current version, the difference is negligible in the real world. Furthermore, a Stage I ECU tune adds a significant increase in HP and torque with virtually no impact on reliability. (True for the DSG but with the MT a beefed up clutch is recommended.) And contrary to what is often said, third party tuning does NOT invalidate a warranty unless the tune can be shown to be the source of a warranty issue.
Those who've never driven a GTI may not understand some of the intangibles that lead to so many fans. Last year when I replaced my (tuned) MK6 I did so in part because my teenage daughter would soon be driving and I wanted a vehicle with more up-to-date driver assistance, safety, and convenience features when she drove the car. I considered several alternatives including the Accord 2.0L turbo, the Mazda6 turbo, the KIA Stinger, and the current generation Camry as well as several compact hatchbacks. Bottom line? Several of those alternatives were impressive vehicles. But none combined the feel of the GTI with its versatility. There's no perfect vehicle that meets everyone's priorities but there are reasons that GTI owners are such a loyal lot.
Perfectly penned sir, I too am on the back nine and having owned far too many cars to admit publicly concur 100% with your conclusions. Just bought a ‘21 GTI S (love plaid) and couldn’t be happier, the only thing to complain about are the heavy wheels and subpar all season tires; OZ wheels and Michelin PS4 S’s on their way to sort that out. Wanted a GTI since the late ‘70’s, passing on them for various reasons but wishing now I’d not waited so long; there is pure goodness baked into this car. Thought long and hard about the reliability factor but stepped out of my comfort zone and to this point happy I did. Also looked at the competition you mentioned, all fine cars admittedly, but not a GTI for sure. Be well.
You grabbed an automatic over standard transmission??? You must have a very strong reason to do so. I couldn't do it.
@@LiLgPnoy15 Until I bought my MK6 GTI in 2013 I had always had at least one MT vehicle in my garage over about 4 decades of driving. When I bought the GTI my wife sometimes drove it in the nightmare of Seattle daily commuting traffic that included creeping along at 3- 30 mph on the freeway and stop-n-go traffic on city streets every 300 ft or so. So I initially chose the DSG (dual clutch) version of the GTI in part to make it easier for her as an occasional daily driver. But that wasn't the primary reason.
In the first place the VW DSG is not an automatic transmission with a conventional torque converter design. In effect it's a manual transmission that automates the use of a clutch when shifting. That has several implications. First, like an MT it enables a driver to select a gear and hold it all the way to the engine's redline. (If that's not good enough, a inexpensive ECU tune from APR holds the gear at redline and above.) Second both up and down shifts are faster and more consistent than a driver can accomplish. Period. That means a DSG GTI will be measurably quicker in acceleration and downshifting than any human being. And that contributes to better performance. A DSG equipped GTI is about half a second quicker to 60 mph than an MT and it does so flawlessly.
Third, when I decided to upgrade the performance of my GTI with a Stage 1 APR ECU tune the first question the manager of the tuning shop (Achtuning in Redmond, WA, one of the nation's best tuning shops for German vehicles) asked me was whether I had an MT or a DSG transmission. When I said it was the latter his exact words were, "Great. That means you won't have to put in a stronger clutch and/or replace it on a regular basis." He was right. I drove my tuned MK6 for about 40K miles without a single sign of a slipping clutch much less the need to replace it. The DSG handled it beautifully.
These factors meant that when I replaced my MK6 GTI with a MK7.5 version in 2018 I didn't hesitate to select another DSG version. It's not that I don't care to shift my own gears. In fact, I drive my GTI in manual mode at least half the time. And on a Sunday morning drive on backroads around Mt Rainier it stays in manual mode for the duration. But it does mean that when I'm stuck in urban traffic I don't have to constantly move from one gear to another. And all I give up with a DSG is exercise for my left foot and the "thrill" of manually downshifting to first gear when I stop at a light. (The transmission automatically returns to second and then first gear as I roll to a stop.)
I have no quarrel with those who prefer a conventional manual transmission. The last MT vehicle I owned was a Mazda RX8 with a rotary engine and a 9000 RPM redline. Equipping it with a torque converter AT would have been a crime and a loss of about 50 HP at the wheels. It was a hoot to drive. An experience not unlike riding a 650 cc Japanese motorcycle where generating any appreciable torque required revving the engine to at least 6000 rpm. Great on mountain backroads and a dog in city traffic. And if I owned a Miata or a Toyota 86/Subaru BRZ I'd opt for a manual transmission simply because it fits the character of a vehicle descended from a British sports car. But there's a reason that more powerful sports cars and racing cars are fitted with dual clutch transmissions. And it's not because drivers of those vehicles aren't capable of driving a manual transmission automobile. From a performance standpoint a DCT is simply a better option. And for the versatility I get in a GTI it's a superior choice for my needs.
All I will say is 👏
The gearing on the MT surprises a lot of people. 2nd gear alone goes between 60's and 70 mph
Amazing car for the money. Solid build, excellent handling, looks good. I'm not sure I like the looks of the next generation yet, but maybe in time.
I definitely wanna test drive his car. I've always wanted a fun hatchback for the price. Sounds reliable also
I love the GTI! Understated but so fun. I would definitely drive one of these. I’d have to go with a stick shift though. I think it’s great that VW includes all the safety tech with the stick too.
Definitely! Even though it’s been around a while it still has its own appeal for sure!
I ended up going with the automatic. Ive been very satisfied for the couple weeks I've had it and it still makes me smile when that boost sends you flying
just bought mine. 2020 Se. I was not crazy about the 8th gen style so I decided to pull the trigger now. I love it!
Thirty different ambient colors is insane. I would go crazy trying to decide which color to use.
I've owned 3 VW's over the past decade (2009 GTI, 2013 Toureg & 2014 GLI), so I'm obviously a Huge VW fan boy! I can't argue with you Nolan regarding the handling & performance of that hot-hatch, it's simply amazing! I prefer the DCT transmission because it's computer technology enables the transmission to shift faster the gears than humans could. Excellent review Nolan, keep um coming.
That’s awesome to hear. Can’t go wrong with the speed of that transmission, it would be my choice too. Thank you very much!
Great job Nolan! Glad to see your subs growing!!!!
Personally I like this gen better than the new. In my middle age I would prefer the DSG. But in my earlier years gotta row your own. Stay safe and healthy,Sir!
Thank you Lance! Cant blame you for the DSG, is pick it too lol. You stay safe and healthy too, I appreciate it!
DSG alllllmost every time. I've driven standard since the beginning but these dual clutches are so much faster now it doesn't make sense not too. Buuuuuut a 6MT always holds a special spot in my heart.
Just bought the 2020 GTI se . Wow what a fun car to drive!
Ain't it something? I've owned scores of cars, and this one is perhaps the best combination of everything you could ask for. When you are ready, get a cold air intake, cat-back exhaust, and a stage 1 tune. You will get 300+ reliable hp at the crank and give to the car what is should have come with from the factory.
Great review. I love getting the last year of a model run. Nothing spoils the new car experience like having to deal with teething issues. Keep up the good work. I really enjoy your style as consistently seen in your videos!
Thank you very much! Definitely agree with you about last year models...should be as predictable as possible that way! 😁👍
I just bought a 2020 Mk7 GTI with a manual. I drove both and the manual made me smile, maybe I'm just old school but I like to be involved in the driving experience the way a manual involves you. I decided on the MK 7 after seeing the MK 8. I like how it looks better and I like having physical buttons for the controls, not to mention they are a good deal right now. Thanks for the review!
I used to work with a guy that was like 6'6", idk how tall exactly but real big dude. Idk what year he had either, but he fit in his golf shockingly well.
I own a ‘19 GTI SE I love my car to death. The Fender audio system is such a great OEM sound system. The way that subwoofer is designed to fit within the spare tire is genius!
That's a pretty cool azz car and it looks extremely fun to drive. The red suits it well. Love your review Nolan 👍
Thank you Key! 😁👍
I recently purchased a 2020 GTI S and I’m growing to appreciate this car more every drive. I’ve driven manuals since 99 and would love this one in 6 speed but I went DSG because I live in Chicago which is filled with dense traffic and on top of that I’m an older Gen X :) so all the shifting in traffic definitely gets tiresome.
I feel like that vibration you heard last time that was "taken care of" is definitely something that is the most interesting part of the entire video.... And you did a skirt skirt right around that shit
I have a 2015 golf R. I am 6 foot 5. I I really appreciate not having the sun roof. Te VWs have always been good to tall people.I like the AWD, I wish I could have optioned for 18 inch wheels.
Great video, making me miss my Mk7 GTD now haha
I got rid of my Mk 7 for a Lexus IS earlier this year
A great car Nolan and tornado red has been a VW colour from around the 1990's. Just counting back I have owned 4 Golf and 2 Jetta models over the years. Solid cars, especially the ones made in Europe. :-)
Very cool to hear...that’s awesome. I’ve heard about that solidity from others as well! Take care Andrew!
The quality of your videos is superb. Thanks for the review!
Thank you so much!
Thanks for the great review of the GTI. Have considered one of these in the past. A friend that owned a late 2000s GTI cautioned me in regards to quality (electronics) issues. So ended up with my previous Buick Regal GS. LOL Oh and 7 speed DSG for me man.
Thank you Stacy! Ah that’s a bummer about the electronics, but I hope you enjoyed the Regal! 👍
Just got the last 2021 GTI S. Simple and non pretentious. Have never owned an automatic during my years of owning an MK 2 through 6 but the duel clutch is amazing. It has memory. Porsche inspired. Still intrigued by the MK 8 but can't deal with infotainment issues. Seems like they got ahead of themselves. Before I die, I'll get one, just to say...
Nice video. I used to have a 2018 Golf R. Fun car to drive, but I thought the head unit was looking rather dated.
Thank you! That’s awesome, I can only imagine what those are like compared to this GTI!
Nice hp for this little car. I like hatchies
The only reason i would not get a '21 is the touch screen in place of knobs and buttons for things like a/c and heat. I'll keep my '18 GTI SE 6sp, now an APR stage 1, and love it long time. As well, I believe that 7.5's will become more desirable solely because of the new MK8 touch screens.
21 is still mark 7 5
Very nice. That color is hot. :).
Curious about the new GTI, though generally I try to avoid purchasing a new model in its first year of production, what with the greater probability of “teething problems” and all.
Excellent review.
Thank you Randy!
How reliable is the GTI in long term? Thinking of getting this 2020 model in coming years.
Rock solid. Atleast the two I've had. I owned a 2018 and just purchased a 2020 because I wanted the last year of the mk7.5. The GTi is the best car that VW makes. Best daily car in the world imo... Fun, looks good, and practical.
New and shiny isn't always best. I wish I have it more time before purchasing my first new car, which has aged like milk.
Don't they both have water ingress issues ??
There are plenty of USED mk7's and 7.5's out there now.. you can get a great car at a great price. Don't buy one of these new at this point.
Heck, you can even get a used mk7 Golf R for less than a new GTI, i'd definately consider that as well.
When the spare tire is actually a subwoofer!!!
The subwoofer fits inside the spare.
Golf r: screw u front wheel drive
Golf gti: hold my fun
nice car...thank you
I'd go with the MK8 if the interface was not trash
I think it will work just fine for my seasonal dog poo pickup serviced
MK8 interior is wack. 7.5 interior was solid, classy, and less tacky.
They should’ve experimented with the other models but left the GTI as is and with conservative refinements - like it has always been doing. Hence why it has such a big fan following. But with the MK8 - they f***ed it up real good. And whats with the front hood. 🤮
Mk8
The correct answer is neither, MK6 all the way! Lol
Great Car - but not the Mexican made one that we get in US
The Gti Mk8 is UGLY the Mk7 and 7.5 are the best looks
Definitely a manual. The driver engagement necessary with a manual keeps your focus on the road instead of your #@& phone!