Awesome video guys! One correction though: The '16 and '17s don't come with push button start standard on all trims, I have a '17 GTI S and it has tradition key start.
You probably dont give a shit but if you guys are bored like me during the covid times you can stream all the latest movies on instaflixxer. Have been binge watching with my girlfriend for the last couple of days xD
Yeah if you want to keep the car stock for the next 6 years. Nope, not me. My warranty is void on my 2017 already haha. I don’t care. My car is paid off :)
Most likely they will only check if it has been tuned if there is an issue related like a blown engine or something. Have friends with tunes that have got warranty work done
Mr. Cameraman, please show the stuff that's in the talks... It's annoying to have to imagine the part they're comparing... It would be great if you show the 2 things back to back when they're being compared... 👎🏼
One thing you didn't cover is that the warranty from 2017 to 2018 has doubled from 3 years/36k to 6 years/72k. That is why the 2017's are so heavily discounted.
archaicprime not worth the extra price tag. I picked up a used 4 door 2016 with 20k miles with all the packages for less than the base bullshit of the new.
I really like GTIs and it is basically the only car I have owned since 1983. When my GTI gets older I buy a new one and use the last one as a winter car. This includes an 83 GTI, 88 GTI, 92 Corrado SLC (still own), 2004 GTI (totaled by lightning strike while doing 57mph), and 2006 GTI. The 2006 is a dozen years old and last year VW prices were low, so it was time to buy a new GTI. But I have been driving two door cars since the 1970s and just couldn't bow down to buying a four door GTI. So instead, for the first time in my life I bought a four door car - a Golf Sportwagen. If VW tries to make me buy an old man's GTI (which I am) instead of a sporty GTI, then I might as well buy a wagon.
I currently have my first GTI - a 2017 Sport - and I think the only times I miss being able to get a two-door instead are looking at it (I did not buy this car to look at it) and during a “shoulder check” before a lane change. The B pillar is in the way. But you made a great choice. My buddy has a standard Golf and really I think it rides soooo much better than my GTI so a wagon is getting you that great ride along with the extra space.
The 220 HP increase is a joke. The mk7s have been consistently dynoed at putting more than 220 to the wheel and 270 torque to the wheel all without the PP bone stock. When getting mine dynoed, shop owner said no difference between the PP and non PP in terms of hp. Which puts "crank" HP above 240hp. The LSD and bigger brakes are the biggest upgrades.
Tim Flohr I have a 2015 compared to the g35 coupe I traded in the Gti is slow as shit. I don’t believe that horseshit about vw under rat8ng their vehicles.
Tom D according to 0-60 times you're G35 should run 0-60 in 5.5 depending on Transmission and the GTI 5.7 depending on Transmission. So if you can notice .2 of a second and call that slow as Sh_t then you must have a real sensitive butt dyno.
I have seen as low as 5.1 for the 06 6MT G35 coupe, but in the real world the GTI being FWD has 0 traction in all situations so I believe it would be impossible to do 5.5 unless you were on a sticky drag strip in the middle of the summer. In any real life side by side I would have smoked a GTI to 60, but the real difference would be after 60. The lame unreliable audi 2.0T runs out of steam really quick. There is low end but nothing on the top. A G35 would destroy a GTI from a 50mph roll. God I miss my RWD car. The GTI is an unreliable POS but I guess it's biggest liability if you want "sporty" is the wrong wheel drive.
i never understood why car companies make it so you have to get leather with the more expensive models. i personally hate leather seats, i always find them to be less comfortable, and i don't like how you slide around more on them, and even if they're heated and cooled, you still get that initial shock of getting burnt or frozen depending on the weather. plus leather seats stretch out over time and you can see the previous owners ass imprint, which is never nice to look at
A case can be made for leather if you don't live in the South. We got black vtex in my wife's 2009 Jetta Sportwagen TDI. It feels better on the skin than leather. If doesn't have the issue of being too hot when left in the Alabama Sun. It doesn't have the problem of being cold in Colorado mountain winter mornings, and when we did the buyback with 140,000 miles of use it still looked new. Its hard to believe, but vinyl is now superior to leather!
I will be real honest.... I really miss the old TFLcar channel.... like "will Nathan fit", and that classic Nathan and Roman combo reviews.... now I feel like its just meh
Thanks for the comment. We appreciate the input and FYI Roman and Nathan will be driving the new Tahoe RST this weekend in Dallas so stay tuned for a classic TFL review over at TFLtruck. And yes Nathan does fit😀
I will never understand why American VW have trim levels for a trim level, the GTI is a trim level of it’s own and shouldn’t have a base to high end trim, the GTI is one trim level lower than the R, therefore should come already highly equipped like it does here in Europe. Also in Europe is 230hp for the standard GTI and 245 for the performance pack
Thank guys. I agree that right now is a good time to look at the 17's, however the new VW 70k warranty applies to the 2018's. That might be a better reason to buy the 7.5 version.
But most GTI owners don’t keep the car stock, and when tuned it will void the warranty. If your someone that will tune the car, get the MK7 because you won’t pay $$ for a warranty you won’t benefit from. If you plan to keep the car stock for the first 6 years of its life, get the 2018
Usually when somethings going to break it'll be in the first 15k, my 16 GTI went through 2 coils and an injector in the first 3k km. now I'm at 37k km and haven't had a problem since. Theres tons of aftermarket tuners out there buying another ecu is an option but not an economical one. I'd recommend a JB-1 plug and play ecu, just unplug your stock unit and put the JB-1 in and good to go if you have a problem you can swap them out in minutes and no ones the wiser.
@@2qwik4u Hmm, I did have to replace the starter around 130K, I had a coolant leak that I fixed when I did a carbon clean up and I have to refill the AC the last two years. The car is now at 188K. . The car I think always leaked coolant even under warranty but it was when out of warranty they said it leaked but the whole time I maybe used 1 jug the whole time. Compared to my Civic Si its not as reliable but I id does feel better built, very little rattle or creaks
This is more the kind of thing I was hoping for with the Renegade buyer's guide. This was good. The Renegade guide was just reading off everything on the Jeep Build and Price page.
This is THE FIRST 2018 Golf review in the US I have seen. Perhaps we are getting close to a release?!?!? Well done @tflcar. Looking forward to a more in depth review. Can't believe VW gave a press car out.
Just bought a 2016 2-door with every option available (quite rare, $35K MSRP) . So all the Autobahn features in the 2-door body (DCC, adaptive cruise, lane assist, etc.) which was a 1-year thing.Just can't get myself to buy a 4-door so the 7.5 is out.
The 2018 Golf R was very late to arrive to the US and dealers would not allow test drives and offered zero discounts from MSRP, so I bought a loaded Audi S3 for only $4K more than a loaded Golf R.
I just to let you guys know that many of these features and materials used in the base 2018 model, were implemented in the base 2017 model. 2017 MK7’s got more features standard, than the 2015-2016 models. So if your gonna get a MK7 model, get the 2017 year
One huge difference with the 2018 models that no reviewer mentions: 2018 models come with standard 7 yr/70K warranty package. So, considering how "less than reliable" the previous models have been, that alone is something to consider.
I honestly don't think the Mk 7.5 is worth it. If you're like me with a 2015 Mk 7, keep it and wait until the Mk 8. It's believed that one may have up to 300hp when it comes out, hopefully a standard LSD as well to handle all of that power. The newer features of the 7.5 simply aren't justified in terms of cost. My local dealer is listing SE models at $37K, that's just nuts, you may as well get an R at that point. And I don't even think the R is worth it, given that it's heavier. Keep it simple, Mk 7 with a manual gearbox, performance pack for the LSD if you want, but the car is plenty good without it. Also, ditch the all-season OEM rubber as soon as you can. Those standard tires really hold the car back, go get yourself some stickier summer rubber. I got a set of Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s and the car has been massively improved, feels like a completely different car, and a set of 4 only cost me $600 bucks including installation and an alignment.
Here in Germany the mk7 gti started at 2013. The basic model has got 220 HP and the performance one 230. The 7.5 basic model comes with 230 hp and the performance one with 245... Why though? Maybe you've got other gasoline or something and the engine's software is different because of that?
Awesome cars! I have a 2017 sport edition, with the VAQ dif, and the Golf R brakes! I have really enjoyed mine, not much better for the money. I drove the SI too, and that didn't feel anywhere close to as refined!
Thanks guys, I find it odd that I can ask to VW salespeople the questions you guys answer here and none of them will know the answers. Watching this just saved me 10 more trips to car dealerships. I have learned to completely stop listening to them and will simply tune in to you guys from now on.
Where does the 2016 fall into this? I thought there were a few changes even after 15? I want to pick up a used gti se. I can swing a 2016 but if there is no difference I could save some money and get a 15.
That se is nice. I have a 2012 GTI base model. I got it in 2016, so it was used, but I made the mistake of paying blue book price at the dealership for it. It came out to 15k on the sticker, but 21k after financing. I'm almost tempted to trade it in on a newer GTI at this point and refinancing the loan
One item to nit pik is you glazed over the 2018 tail lights. My question about tail lights is (to me) very important. The pre face lift GTI has RED turn indicators which I hate, what about the 2018? Are they still RED? Or did VW switch to amber turn indicators?
They actually are cheaper in ‘18 on SE and Autobahn since they have Performance Pack and Lighting and the Autobahn has Driver Assistant Pack and Adjustable Damping standard
I picked up a ‘17 GTI SE with the performance pack and leather seats a few months back and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! Do you guys know of any GTI clubs or VW clubs in the Denver area?
That 2018 in the video is an SE i believe. the larger media display, the red accented headlights and the wheels. The 2018 S has no red headlight accents, the same Austin wheels you have on yours and a smaller display i believe.
If you going used, get a 2016 if you can over 2015, it has the MIB 2 head unit with android auto. Unless you really want to drop $800 or whatever on aftermarket.
The 210 and 220 hp figures are misleading, as VW underrates the GTI quite a bit. All MK7 GTIs make around 220hp and about 270tq to the wheels or so, so they're really closer to 250hp and 300tq. What you're really getting with the PP is the bigger brakes and VAQ. The extra 10hp is just fluff to keep consumers happy and justify the upgraded purchase.
I thought Volkswagen used more leatherette compared to true leather, I know the new VW Atlas has real leather as an option, however does that carry over to the GTI?
Hi guys, great review. Would you recommend 19" Austin alloys as compared to the 18" standard Austin alloys? How do they compare and impact the ride? Thanks
Can someone tell me what the guy mentioned about his car being delivered with those styrofoam cubes on the suspension. I want to know what that is called ... because I feel weird suspension sounds in mine
Considering how long VW has been making the Golf, a 2015 really isn't all that old. You boys should do a thing comparing all generations of the GTI. Now that would be interesting.
I've had two gtis...both fell apart around the 5th year. I miss the fun driving, but couldn't keep up with or justify the cost of, constantly fixing them.
Bought my '17 GTI S at the beginning of January this year for around $5500 off MSRP. It was too big of a deal to justify the dealer's Mk7.5 models at full price.
Hey guys, I am on the fence right now, I am a bigger guy also wide mid and shoulders, I like to man spread when I drive legs spread apart, is there lots of room for that as a driver? Thanks again for the great vid!
For what it's worth, I believe the 2018 wheels are actually called Dallas and not Houston. Also, you guys didn't mention that the headlight and tail lights are now LED (not the cool Rest Of World LED tails but LED nonetheless) and that the headlights are no longer HIDs. I believe on 2017's the optional DAP gave you ACC but from everything I've researched, ACC will only be available (standard) on the Autobahn. Also, they removed Fender audio from the SE. So yes, you can get the Clark plaid seats and a sunroof finally, but to get the top audio, you have to spend $35-$36k (and get leather). You guys probably missed the biggest thing that people care about though: the People's warranty. Gone is the 3/36 bumper to bumper replaced by a 6/72k mile warranty. A warranty for 6 years at 1000 miles a month, 5 years at 1200 miles. That's huge. Granted, VWoA will probably be more stringent than ever with regards to modifications, but still. For me personally, I'd probably go for a slightly used 2018 Autobahn (not in the market quite yet). I love the Clark seats, but it's tough to swallow $30k without getting a decent stereo system and ACC when the new 2018 Accord Sport 2.0T 6MT is ~$30k, won't have the depreciation most likely as these cars do (thanks Dieselgate), is a full size larger, AND has the full safety suite standard including ACC.
Very intresting to see the North American markert vs the European market. Some of the things the 2018 model has, mine has in (2013 model) as standard that the 2015 here doesn't have. No standard leather or sunroof here. But then 220 BHP on base model, and 230BHP for performance pack. I had the USB (not that it does much as the ampage is so low it'll take 20 days to charge your phone) and line in on my 2013. I spec a few options on mine, so I probably am mistaken on what is actually standard these days and what isn't!
nice video guys but it would have been useful as "the ultimate buyers guide" if you went on &bout the mechanical changes of the phase 2 car to improve the reliability issues over the phase 1. Some more technical i_nfo as well. Is the DSG box on the phase 2 same as on the phase 1. For info the the Ph1 it was the old DSG6 carried over from the mk6 due to torque issues on the DSG7 from the mk7. Etc.
And hot. Try to get back into the seat in shorts after it was parked somewhere in the open in California. People will hear the screams across the parking lot.
So beyond a (very) few cosmetic changes why in the heck are you comparing these two cars which are the virtually identical? A 10bhp difference is basically the only performance difference. And why compare an S to a loaded SE? What you should be comparing is the 3 year warranty vs 6 year warranty.
Hah! Getting ready to trade in my 2017 GTI DSG Autobahn for a 2018 Golf R DSG DCC w/Nav ;-) And I live in Colorado Springs! Where are you fellas from? Maybe we should have Golf car meetups in Castle Rock or Denver? Just a thought. And do you guys have a Facebook page?
Honestly, the facelift is not that significant. The car performance of the 2017 Golf GTI is still one of the best. I love my Golf GTI. Best daily driver car out there.
Thanks for Watching! You can also watch Mike's Long Term GTI review Here: th-cam.com/video/LP3Jwq4_Mv4/w-d-xo.html
Awesome video guys! One correction though: The '16 and '17s don't come with push button start standard on all trims, I have a '17 GTI S and it has tradition key start.
You probably dont give a shit but if you guys are bored like me during the covid times you can stream all the latest movies on instaflixxer. Have been binge watching with my girlfriend for the last couple of days xD
@King Camdyn Yea, I have been watching on InstaFlixxer for since november myself :D
Best new standard feature... 6 year/72,000 mile warranty for 2018.
yeah, that would be nice
Yes! I can finally get one, drive it for 4 - 5 years and get rid of it before it starts fallling apart.
Unlimited bumper to bumper warranty for 6years /72,000 miles
Yeah if you want to keep the car stock for the next 6 years. Nope, not me. My warranty is void on my 2017 already haha. I don’t care. My car is paid off :)
Most likely they will only check if it has been tuned if there is an issue related like a blown engine or something. Have friends with tunes that have got warranty work done
"I'm pointing at things that my camera man isn't showing you"
Mr. Cameraman, please show the stuff that's in the talks...
It's annoying to have to imagine the part they're comparing... It would be great if you show the 2 things back to back when they're being compared... 👎🏼
One thing you didn't cover is that the warranty from 2017 to 2018 has doubled from 3 years/36k to 6 years/72k. That is why the 2017's are so heavily discounted.
I've owned 2 GTI's in my life. The mechanic and I had joint custody.
michael tipton what model year of GTI?
Headlights and tail lights are now LED which is huge IMO not just shaped different
archaicprime not worth the extra price tag. I picked up a used 4 door 2016 with 20k miles with all the packages for less than the base bullshit of the new.
That86guy Patrick yeah but a 2018 golf se with dsg is now found for $27k and I will pay that price with that warranty
I really like GTIs and it is basically the only car I have owned since 1983. When my GTI gets older I buy a new one and use the last one as a winter car. This includes an 83 GTI, 88 GTI, 92 Corrado SLC (still own), 2004 GTI (totaled by lightning strike while doing 57mph), and 2006 GTI. The 2006 is a dozen years old and last year VW prices were low, so it was time to buy a new GTI. But I have been driving two door cars since the 1970s and just couldn't bow down to buying a four door GTI. So instead, for the first time in my life I bought a four door car - a Golf Sportwagen. If VW tries to make me buy an old man's GTI (which I am) instead of a sporty GTI, then I might as well buy a wagon.
a lightning strike?!? whoa.
Better than a golf r?
drwisdom1 tell us about that lightning strike! That's unique. Good thing you are still around.
I currently have my first GTI - a 2017 Sport - and I think the only times I miss being able to get a two-door instead are looking at it (I did not buy this car to look at it) and during a “shoulder check” before a lane change. The B pillar is in the way.
But you made a great choice. My buddy has a standard Golf and really I think it rides soooo much better than my GTI so a wagon is getting you that great ride along with the extra space.
For next video, i want to see the car when the guy is talking, not the guy precisely
I have a 2018 GTI SE MK 7.5 and I love it . Also mine is exactly like the one you showed .
The 220 HP increase is a joke. The mk7s have been consistently dynoed at putting more than 220 to the wheel and 270 torque to the wheel all without the PP bone stock. When getting mine dynoed, shop owner said no difference between the PP and non PP in terms of hp. Which puts "crank" HP above 240hp. The LSD and bigger brakes are the biggest upgrades.
Tim Flohr I have a 2015 compared to the g35 coupe I traded in the Gti is slow as shit. I don’t believe that horseshit about vw under rat8ng their vehicles.
Tom D according to 0-60 times you're G35 should run 0-60 in 5.5 depending on Transmission and the GTI 5.7 depending on Transmission. So if you can notice .2 of a second and call that slow as Sh_t then you must have a real sensitive butt dyno.
I have seen as low as 5.1 for the 06 6MT G35 coupe, but in the real world the GTI being FWD has 0 traction in all situations so I believe it would be impossible to do 5.5 unless you were on a sticky drag strip in the middle of the summer. In any real life side by side I would have smoked a GTI to 60, but the real difference would be after 60. The lame unreliable audi 2.0T runs out of steam really quick. There is low end but nothing on the top. A G35 would destroy a GTI from a 50mph roll. God I miss my RWD car. The GTI is an unreliable POS but I guess it's biggest liability if you want "sporty" is the wrong wheel drive.
133 80
G35 is not 270 lol. And to make it fair you should add 600 worth upgrades then compare.
Agent. K. What can you possibly purchase for $600 to make it fair ?
i never understood why car companies make it so you have to get leather with the more expensive models. i personally hate leather seats, i always find them to be less comfortable, and i don't like how you slide around more on them, and even if they're heated and cooled, you still get that initial shock of getting burnt or frozen depending on the weather. plus leather seats stretch out over time and you can see the previous owners ass imprint, which is never nice to look at
A case can be made for leather if you don't live in the South. We got black vtex in my wife's 2009 Jetta Sportwagen TDI. It feels better on the skin than leather. If doesn't have the issue of being too hot when left in the Alabama Sun. It doesn't have the problem of being cold in Colorado mountain winter mornings, and when we did the buyback with 140,000 miles of use it still looked new. Its hard to believe, but vinyl is now superior to leather!
I’m pretty sure 18 and up (mk7.5) all have the lsd diff... (so as the R brakes)
I will be real honest.... I really miss the old TFLcar channel.... like "will Nathan fit", and that classic Nathan and Roman combo reviews.... now I feel like its just meh
Thanks for the comment. We appreciate the input and FYI Roman and Nathan will be driving the new Tahoe RST this weekend in Dallas so stay tuned for a classic TFL review over at TFLtruck. And yes Nathan does fit😀
You guys r good... But Roman and Nathan r the best.
And Tommy, stop looking at his face when he's talking. You look stupid when u do that... 😜
I bought a 15 gti 6 spd manuel gti s with 23k miles for 18k and I love it. Definitely an improvement from my mk2 gti and mk3 vr6
I will never understand why American VW have trim levels for a trim level, the GTI is a trim level of it’s own and shouldn’t have a base to high end trim, the GTI is one trim level lower than the R, therefore should come already highly equipped like it does here in Europe. Also in Europe is 230hp for the standard GTI and 245 for the performance pack
Europe calculates HP differently than we do
aka properly
Thank guys. I agree that right now is a good time to look at the 17's, however the new VW 70k warranty applies to the 2018's. That might be a better reason to buy the 7.5 version.
But most GTI owners don’t keep the car stock, and when tuned it will void the warranty. If your someone that will tune the car, get the MK7 because you won’t pay $$ for a warranty you won’t benefit from. If you plan to keep the car stock for the first 6 years of its life, get the 2018
For my Ram truck...I just bought a second ecu with a tune. Can't you do the same? I'm not yet familiar with the GTI tuner options besides the Cobb.
Usually when somethings going to break it'll be in the first 15k, my 16 GTI went through 2 coils and an injector in the first 3k km. now I'm at 37k km and haven't had a problem since. Theres tons of aftermarket tuners out there buying another ecu is an option but not an economical one. I'd recommend a JB-1 plug and play ecu, just unplug your stock unit and put the JB-1 in and good to go if you have a problem you can swap them out in minutes and no ones the wiser.
Just wanna add a little detail, the start button does not for every trim in 2016 models. Mine is 2016 S model and have key start.
Earlier SE's (my 2015) came with leather, sunroof, and Fender audio.
3 Things I absolutely wanted.
i got one too. im at 170K miles now
@@bucknut2000 Any major issues during that time?
@@2qwik4u Hmm, I did have to replace the starter around 130K, I had a coolant leak that I fixed when I did a carbon clean up and I have to refill the AC the last two years. The car is now at 188K. . The car I think always leaked coolant even under warranty but it was when out of warranty they said it leaked but the whole time I maybe used 1 jug the whole time. Compared
to my Civic Si its not as reliable but I id does feel better built, very little rattle or creaks
@@bucknut2000 thanks for the detailed reply
This is more the kind of thing I was hoping for with the Renegade buyer's guide. This was good. The Renegade guide was just reading off everything on the Jeep Build and Price page.
I bought a GTI. And then I bought a GTI. Now I have two and life is good!!
What year and were they reliable?
@ Both 2017 and no unfortunately they were not.
It’s a electronic limited front slip differential.
Maveric073 electronically controlled LSD as opposed to using brake for simulating LSD.
Thinking of buying a 2018 S with manual. Great driving car
Yes. Get the manual. You'll get the best driving experience of the GOLF GTI. Mine is manual and I LOVE IT.
This is THE FIRST 2018 Golf review in the US I have seen. Perhaps we are getting close to a release?!?!? Well done @tflcar. Looking forward to a more in depth review. Can't believe VW gave a press car out.
awesome vid guys! just picked up a '17 S manual, absolutely love it
The new wheels are actually Dallas', not Houston and these will only come on the SE and above, where the S (base), still comes with the mk7 Austin's.
The thumbnail makes it look like the new one is supposed to be on the right, when it's on the left.
Just bought a 2016 2-door with every option available (quite rare, $35K MSRP) . So all the Autobahn features in the 2-door body (DCC, adaptive cruise, lane assist, etc.) which was a 1-year thing.Just can't get myself to buy a 4-door so the 7.5 is out.
The 2018 Golf R was very late to arrive to the US and dealers would not allow test drives and offered zero discounts from MSRP, so I bought a loaded Audi S3 for only $4K more than a loaded Golf R.
I just to let you guys know that many of these features and materials used in the base 2018 model, were implemented in the base 2017 model. 2017 MK7’s got more features standard, than the 2015-2016 models. So if your gonna get a MK7 model, get the 2017 year
One huge difference with the 2018 models that no reviewer mentions: 2018 models come with standard 7 yr/70K warranty package. So, considering how "less than reliable" the previous models have been, that alone is something to consider.
I honestly don't think the Mk 7.5 is worth it. If you're like me with a 2015 Mk 7, keep it and wait until the Mk 8. It's believed that one may have up to 300hp when it comes out, hopefully a standard LSD as well to handle all of that power.
The newer features of the 7.5 simply aren't justified in terms of cost. My local dealer is listing SE models at $37K, that's just nuts, you may as well get an R at that point. And I don't even think the R is worth it, given that it's heavier. Keep it simple, Mk 7 with a manual gearbox, performance pack for the LSD if you want, but the car is plenty good without it. Also, ditch the all-season OEM rubber as soon as you can. Those standard tires really hold the car back, go get yourself some stickier summer rubber. I got a set of Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s and the car has been massively improved, feels like a completely different car, and a set of 4 only cost me $600 bucks including installation and an alignment.
I have a 2016 S and I still don’t have push button start. You said push button start is standard on all times for 2016.
5:22 Why doesn't the US market have the 2014-2016 Gti LED rearlights like Europe? I prefer them over any other rear light for MK7 / 7.5 Gti.
The 2018 pebbled steering wheel hub is a particle trap; crumbs, hand oils, and effluvia that just seems to float around in a car.
Here in Germany the mk7 gti started at 2013. The basic model has got 220 HP and the performance one 230.
The 7.5 basic model comes with 230 hp and the performance one with 245... Why though? Maybe you've got other gasoline or something and the engine's software is different because of that?
Guys great video - thank you for an in-depth review.
I wish there was a non optioned out base GTi. No Power windows, locks, etc.
Why?
pquin77 people are weird
Simple. Fun. Less crap to break. Cheaper purchase price.
I agree wholeheartedly with you about the wheels. The new ones would look right at home on a mid 80’s Pontiac.
Awesome cars! I have a 2017 sport edition, with the VAQ dif, and the Golf R brakes! I have really enjoyed mine, not much better for the money. I drove the SI too, and that didn't feel anywhere close to as refined!
Thanks guys, I find it odd that I can ask to VW salespeople the questions you guys answer here and none of them will know the answers. Watching this just saved me 10 more trips to car dealerships. I have learned to completely stop listening to them and will simply tune in to you guys from now on.
Is it a mechanical or electronic limited slip differential?
Where does the 2016 fall into this? I thought there were a few changes even after 15? I want to pick up a used gti se. I can swing a 2016 but if there is no difference I could save some money and get a 15.
Idk why you'd pay for the Autobahn when you could just get a golf r
My only guess would be sun roof lovers if that’s needed some people feel closed in or claustrophobic like without it
That se is nice. I have a 2012 GTI base model. I got it in 2016, so it was used, but I made the mistake of paying blue book price at the dealership for it. It came out to 15k on the sticker, but 21k after financing. I'm almost tempted to trade it in on a newer GTI at this point and refinancing the loan
One item to nit pik is you glazed over the 2018 tail lights. My question about tail lights is (to me) very important.
The pre face lift GTI has RED turn indicators which I hate, what about the 2018? Are they still RED? Or did VW switch to amber turn indicators?
They actually are cheaper in ‘18 on SE and Autobahn since they have Performance Pack and Lighting and the Autobahn has Driver Assistant Pack and Adjustable Damping standard
I picked up a ‘17 GTI SE with the performance pack and leather seats a few months back and I couldn’t be happier with my purchase! Do you guys know of any GTI clubs or VW clubs in the Denver area?
VW introduced in the 2018 GTI a 7-speed DSG. FYI!
What do you guys think of the vw golf 2017 base model ? Any issues ?
im preety sure its a ELSD not a mechanical one cause you can adjust it to run open diff or limited
That 2018 in the video is an SE i believe. the larger media display, the red accented headlights and the wheels. The 2018 S has no red headlight accents, the same Austin wheels you have on yours and a smaller display i believe.
In have a 2020 SE and i think they all get the limited Diff now and 228HP
How is reliability with recent GTI’s?
im at 170K 2015
If you going used, get a 2016 if you can over 2015, it has the MIB 2 head unit with android auto. Unless you really want to drop $800 or whatever on aftermarket.
The 210 and 220 hp figures are misleading, as VW underrates the GTI quite a bit. All MK7 GTIs make around 220hp and about 270tq to the wheels or so, so they're really closer to 250hp and 300tq. What you're really getting with the PP is the bigger brakes and VAQ. The extra 10hp is just fluff to keep consumers happy and justify the upgraded purchase.
I thought Volkswagen used more leatherette compared to true leather, I know the new VW Atlas has real leather as an option, however does that carry over to the GTI?
Hi guys, great review. Would you recommend 19" Austin alloys as compared to the 18" standard Austin alloys? How do they compare and impact the ride? Thanks
what is the best year of the gti to buy because I am trying to get it as a first car.
note for people looking for good deals on the 2017, reason they are so cheap is because they only get the 3 yr warranty vice the new 6yr.
Why us get lower HP power? In EU you get one engine option it's 245hp on newer models and 230hk on before 2017 model
Can someone tell me what the guy mentioned about his car being delivered with those styrofoam cubes on the suspension. I want to know what that is called ... because I feel weird suspension sounds in mine
I like my 2017 GTI and Golf both are the S. I like that neither has a sun roof and also cloth seating.
Considering how long VW has been making the Golf, a 2015 really isn't all that old.
You boys should do a thing comparing all generations of the GTI. Now that would be interesting.
My question is how you even got an 18. They aren’t even on the website yet.
I've had two gtis...both fell apart around the 5th year. I miss the fun driving, but couldn't keep up with or justify the cost of, constantly fixing them.
Dan B you had 2 mark 7 gti ?
Four door Gti's still looks weird to me. Id rather have a 2 door.
Euro GTI PP's have 245 hp and a 7sp DSG if you so choose.
I cant find the info anywhere, does the 2018 SE have the fender sound system in it? or is that only on the autobahn now?
I bought my 2016 S last year with $5,000 off sticker. I just wish I got the PP and that awesome new warranty.
Bought my '17 GTI S at the beginning of January this year for around $5500 off MSRP. It was too big of a deal to justify the dealer's Mk7.5 models at full price.
Hey guys, I am on the fence right now, I am a bigger guy also wide mid and shoulders, I like to man spread when I drive legs spread apart, is there lots of room for that as a driver? Thanks again for the great vid!
For what it's worth, I believe the 2018 wheels are actually called Dallas and not Houston. Also, you guys didn't mention that the headlight and tail lights are now LED (not the cool Rest Of World LED tails but LED nonetheless) and that the headlights are no longer HIDs.
I believe on 2017's the optional DAP gave you ACC but from everything I've researched, ACC will only be available (standard) on the Autobahn. Also, they removed Fender audio from the SE. So yes, you can get the Clark plaid seats and a sunroof finally, but to get the top audio, you have to spend $35-$36k (and get leather). You guys probably missed the biggest thing that people care about though: the People's warranty. Gone is the 3/36 bumper to bumper replaced by a 6/72k mile warranty. A warranty for 6 years at 1000 miles a month, 5 years at 1200 miles. That's huge. Granted, VWoA will probably be more stringent than ever with regards to modifications, but still.
For me personally, I'd probably go for a slightly used 2018 Autobahn (not in the market quite yet). I love the Clark seats, but it's tough to swallow $30k without getting a decent stereo system and ACC when the new 2018 Accord Sport 2.0T 6MT is ~$30k, won't have the depreciation most likely as these cars do (thanks Dieselgate), is a full size larger, AND has the full safety suite standard including ACC.
There's comparisons of the gli vs Accord sport and they chose the gli.
Very intresting to see the North American markert vs the European market. Some of the things the 2018 model has, mine has in (2013 model) as standard that the 2015 here doesn't have.
No standard leather or sunroof here. But then 220 BHP on base model, and 230BHP for performance pack.
I had the USB (not that it does much as the ampage is so low it'll take 20 days to charge your phone) and line in on my 2013. I spec a few options on mine, so I probably am mistaken on what is actually standard these days and what isn't!
What is the expected release date for the new Golf Family? I am looking to purchase one of the new R's. Haven't found an official date yet.
Alex Sheridan Late December
Got a 2015 GTI used for under 15k. I wouldn’t personally buy a MK7.5 unless you get a serious discount.
That 10 HP difference between engines is clearly just via an ECU tune. Save the money and put a real tune on the stock engine and come out ahead.
You mean in the US. The Mk7 Golf was already available in the EU in 2013.
nice video guys but it would have been useful as "the ultimate buyers guide" if you went on &bout the mechanical changes of the phase 2 car to improve the reliability issues over the phase 1. Some more technical i_nfo as well. Is the DSG box on the phase 2 same as on the phase 1. For info the the Ph1 it was the old DSG6 carried over from the mk6 due to torque issues on the DSG7 from the mk7. Etc.
Does the 2018 Golf GTI have sequential amber turn signals on the back like the euro models have?
americanstylefreak No sequential turn signals.
Correct me if I’m wrong but wasn’t 2015 the last year they were built in Germany?
Last GTI's built in Germany were 2013. However, since there was no 2014 model many were sold as 2014's.
Either loosen your watch starp or drop some weight. The watch looks like its cutting ur blood circulation.
the 18' and up cars have an electronic LSD, not the mechanical LSD from the MK7 cars.
Great review. Has the mk 7.5 been released in the US?
Great video guys!!!
A few small errors, but nicely done. A minimum of nonsense, which is now rare on TH-cam.
Nice Review. But strange for us i Europé;)... Why do you not get the Active info display?
Simple, it's $$$
Good video. I do want to know if the 2018’s taillights are halogen or led. And are the turn signals independent from the brake lights?
LED
That would be tartan seats? Electric handbrake yet?
They all make the same power, which has been dyno shown to be ~225-230 at the WHEELS.
No mention of the new warranty that double in length of time??
Now if we could get a damn release date. VW is being quiet about it. I want to buy one!
I don't know about the US, but in Canada you can order one right now and they'll have it in 7 to 10 days.
Yeah no news here in the US. Not many 2017's around either. Very hard to get one. Wonder what VW is up to.
Yeah, leather sucks in cold climates.
And hot. Try to get back into the seat in shorts after it was parked somewhere in the open in California. People will hear the screams across the parking lot.
For the winter get heated seats and stop wearing your daisy dukes!😂
LOL, I liked the pleather since I live in my car,I need to wipe away the sand, crumbs, coffee, etc..
Patricia, have you considered a van? I can imagine the back pain after sleeping in a GTI for a few nights.
So beyond a (very) few cosmetic changes why in the heck are you comparing these two cars which are the virtually identical? A 10bhp difference is basically the only performance difference. And why compare an S to a loaded SE? What you should be comparing is the 3 year warranty vs 6 year warranty.
Holy shit is this video made for me? My lease is up on my 15 GTI and I am looking at a great deal on a 17 Sport or a 18 S. Thanks guys
Isn't it a 7 speed auto? Or is that only on the 19s?
MeltingRubberZ28 only the 19
Nice review guys!
Great video. Convinced me to buy an 18 Autobahn.
Hah! Getting ready to trade in my 2017 GTI DSG Autobahn for a 2018 Golf R DSG DCC w/Nav ;-) And I live in Colorado Springs! Where are you fellas from? Maybe we should have Golf car meetups in Castle Rock or Denver? Just a thought. And do you guys have a Facebook page?
Honestly, the facelift is not that significant. The car performance of the 2017 Golf GTI is still one of the best. I love my Golf GTI. Best daily driver car out there.
So the 2018 is in the US soil is that right?