2021 Mk8 VW Golf GTI - Best GTI EVER?!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 พ.ค. 2024
- Update 10/11/2020 - In this video I state that the car has two stage non-adaptive dampers because in Individual Mode there is a 'Chassis' option that has 'Comfort' and 'Sport' settings.
I ran this by VW UK Press Office who did some research and stated that GTIs do not actually have 2 stage dampers and that this mode setting actually "does nothing" which is surprising on both counts. A contact at a dealer stated that the chassis setting affected the performance of the VAQ front differential and possibly other things but the steering has its own setting so not sure what else there could be.
Apologies for the confusion here but the bottom line remains the same - this car rides more firmly than I expected especially considering it was on 18 inch wheels, and this therefore means DCC is worth considering even more than on the older gen cars especially if you choose 19s. There is a chance that DCC even in its comfort setting may still be too hard for some especially if on 19" wheels. This because the spring rates are significantly higher than they were on Mk7/7.5 to increase agility. The magazine reviews don't help as Andrew Frankel from Autocar suggested it was only just comfortable on 19s and DCC even when in comfort mode while CAR in their recent group test described it as a 'plush GT' when in comfort mode.
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There had been a vague suggestion of a loan car from Volkswagen UK Press Office back in August but in the intervening 2 months I'd heard nothing. As this is easily the most important car ever reviewed on this channel I decided to take matters into my own hands and once again partner with VW Cheltenham to get behind the wheel. This is I suspect the first ever video review of a UK spec car and as a result reveals many things about this model that I'd not found out from any of the other reviews. I hope you enjoy watching it as much as I enjoyed making it.
I'd like to thank Mr. BMW, Joe Achilles for the inspiration to make videos like this 👊
/ @joeachilles1 - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
Great video buddy and thanks for the lovely words in the description! Hopefully see you soon ;-)
Thanks for the inspiration man 🙌🏻
MK 7 - 7.5 owner when they found this... “O look, another video where I can say my car is better” Lol 😂
Guilty
@Bryce Czirr yeah! They are great!
@Bryce Czirr 🤣🤣🤣 that’s the simple truth!
@@jack91xxxx this guy don t have GTI for sure to talk like that .
@Bryce Czirr What is your car ?
Its obvious that they've cut the budget on these cars. I still love my mk 7.5 Gti.
I know it’s not the same and VW is VW. And Hyundai is Hyundai.....but. Paid £28k for a I30N performance back in March 2018. Never looked back. Heated seats and steering wheel, nice power, lovely handling and sounds amazing. Turns heads all the time and is well, a little different. This mythical, magical place called the ‘interior’ of the car is absolutely fine too. Anyway, the only Golf I’d touch after having the I30N is the TCR which trumps that Mk8 in every department by a country mile (ok, not strictly a fair comparison). It looks like VW have kinda thrown in the towel here.
Diesel gate hit vag hard! They've been cost cutting ever since! Mk 7.5 is still the sweet spot for sure!
You’d have thought the last ever Golf would have been an all out amazing car, the best one yet and the one to own. But they really seem to have cut a lot of corners which is very un-Golf like.
@@JimboJammy Best comment of all...describes 100 pct my feelings...i miss the understated timeless and analogue cars...with ALL brands.. 😭😭😭
@@crocoman776 when my MK7.5 GTi dies, I will be looking at the i30N for sure. I find the MK8 don't look as aggressive.
Usually when new Golf GTI is released I think "Yeah, i`d like one of those..." but not this time.
@@DaleSteel i dont buy a car for tech thats cool now and a liability later
@@DaleSteel I’m about to lease a 3 series for less money than this GTI and I’m looking for any excuse to just get the GTI as I’ve always wanted to see what the hype is about but this one is just disappointing, doesn’t excite me at all.
My thoughts exactly
I’ve had 8 of them now... this one is horrible probably will give it a miss.
Maybe they can save it with an 8.5?
A technically good car spoiled by sprinklings of true 'new car' annoyance.
I’ll take Mk7.5 GTi anytime over this mk8 GTi, way better build quality and looks. Thanks VW!
The mk7,7.5 is gonna age very well
VW just lost a lot of sales with this MK8 design in and out. I don’t see the MK8 blowing up as an enthusiast car like the MK7/7.5 has.
@@jacobrodgers8146 I have a feeling that way too m8
@@JacesOwnWorld couldn't agree more 😂
@@JacesOwnWorld mk8 is the new mk5
Enough with those twisty-style rims already. They look like Halfords hub caps
🤣🤣🤣 this made me chuckle!!
Unfortunately they're purely for fuel economy and aerodynamics
Really great comparison, I own both a MK1 GTI and 7.5 Performance, I love both for very different reason. I’d agree with you that the new MK8 doesn’t look anywhere near as good and I also struggle to get excited by it for a long list of reasons....
Mk8 GTI doesn’t look ‘sporty’ whatsoever. It looks like a standard/mid range car, maybe it’s the colour (and the wheels of course). A huge downgrade looks wise, and £35k with no heated seats FFS! It may drive well, but surely many will not get that far due to the looks. So disappointed in it and then you factor in the touch screen crap and the cost cutting factors. So glad I went for the 7.5 PP.
Couldn't agree more, it's those wheels that make it look non-sporty, the 19s help somewhat but still... Meh!
Glad i still have my mk7 performance dsg with all the good bits, 18k and mint i love it just run in ! Had six services and worth doing as it as new!
@@justinevans1894 The 19's are ghastly. The 18's just as bad. They're the only 2 options at the moment!
i love the Front of GTI8, on of the Best🤩🤩🤩
@@jensleck547 yuck hahaha, the 7.5 gti front is so much nicer
I have a 2013 GTI MKVI, bought it new. 117K miles now here in the States. It's been absolutely perfect and it's still tight, fun to drive and looks nearly new. I'd buy another in a heart beat.
Update as of 3/28/24. I have put 100K additional miles on the MK6 GTI (217K) and now my son drives it. Still going strong! I bought a new MK8 380 GTI in Moonstone.
I guess im one of the 10 percent that loves the look of the mk 8 (not the wheels)
I’m still a bit confused by the new golf, I’d rather a used 18 plate for the money! The new car seems to cut so many corners regarding quality...
For me it really feels just like a "super face lift" of the 7.5
@@YHH_579Y it basically is, it shares more parts than is immediately obvious.
well you get what you pay for and its an entry level trim so yea dont expect much
Enough with those twisty-style rims already. They look like Halfords hub caps
As someone who recently bought an 18 plate gti, this makes me really happy XD
Looks and drives great to me - congratulations on a great review and thank you for the TCR comparison as it allows us to see how good the new chassis is in base spec :)
I saw a Mk 8 Gti the other day and in the flesh the standard wheels are even worse...😣
Great video again Andrew, I think I prefer the TCR out of the two, however the cabin is nice in the MK 8, at the end of the day it will sell well, like all previous GTIs
Whats mystified me most with this long awaited review of the new Mk8 Golf GTI...is seeing glorious sunshine in your video today Volks!!!!
It was cold but glorious, we had rain and wind too. The driving and walkaround were filmed the day before the intro and summary bit which were filmed on the day of upload. Took pretty much 48 hours solid to get car, learn it, film it, edit and upload. Still the weather could have been worse, bit of damp was fine but heavy rain would be a no no 👍
Just had a walk round a silver on 18s. Looked amazing. So much better than in pics. Changed my opinion on the car. Looked classy and the business.
The styling is ok. I like it. I’m just not a fan of all the touch buttons. It makes driving unsafe when you have to look away from the road to make sure your about to push the right button for something as simple as your volume.
I totally agree.. remove the buttons from the steering wheel and put them on the dashboard where they belong...
All new cars these days. Don’t use your mobile phone wHilst driving. Everything is buried deep in a touchscreen display all over the dash. Heating controls. Climate. Radio. Phone. Satnav. Car menus. Settings. Might as well just go on your phone it’s the same thing
Exactly.
All of those can be used with out going deep into the menus. They all have easy to use short cuts. I’ve had a 23 se for over a year now, it’s easy to use and drives great.
My 7.5 will sadly be my last GTI. The interior looks like it was full of cost savings. I can't find a single thing that I like more about this car and that very surprising from VW.
Wonderful video, thank you. I take delivery of my Mk8 on Tuesday next, so excited.
It seems like the Mk8 just smacks of cost cutting with the epitome being the blank engine cover. If I was to upgrade from my Mk6 it would be the 7.5 for sure.
Like how much did they save on that? Some bean counter got a bonus because now the engine cover can be used on a Jetta, ect.
Yeah its just rubbish.
Great video Wizard. I quite like the 8 GTi (except the wheels) and I think it will defo grow on me. That said, I absolutely love my GTi 7.5 Performance and won’t be parting with it any time soon.
Those wheels !! They are not nice !!
Wow! Didn’t see that coming , thanks for a great video . I guess reading below that the camp it truly split. For my halfpennys worth I think I’ll stick with the TCR for now and watch her grow old disgracefully 🤣.
It’s just such a shame that they cheapen them to save pennies...plastic a pillar covers, no gas struts for the bonnet...no proper headrests...such a shame.
A lot like our 2019 Jetta GLI, great bones but cheap, tacky interior with les and less every year
Great Video , Thanks for the review..... the more I see of this car .... the more I love my 7.5 PP Gti
I Don't think I will get used to the interior options , too many gestures
Great film Andrew, sounds like it drives well but like others I'm struggling with the looks. I think that grey and those wheels are a nightmare combination. Red with 19s looks okay-ish
This would be my perfect daily drive, always loved the GTI
I actually think the MK 8 looks better in person, upgraded wheels and all good, I like it I've just ordered one. Great video
I think the Polo GTI is now closer to the original idea .... maybe even the Up GTI. I've still got my Lupo GTI 🤣
Lupo GTI's are fun cars mate also going up in value as I said in another comment iv still got my mk4 gti with 350hp and a wavetrac diff I just love it for its analog feel.
Brilliant video. Thank you! I’m glad it has a TH-cam speedo.. ;)
I’m definitely glad I got my 7.5 and didn’t wait for the 8 though (on looks alone!).
Good video Andrew. 👍🏻
I'm sorry, but it just comes across as cheap. Looks like VW have been cost cutting. 7.5 looks and feels so much better. Perhaps VW are trying to cover their losses from dieselgate!
You've driven the mk 8?
Mike, I totally agree with you. The new GTI looks awful but I'm not sure it's a result of cost cutting. Perhaps the new GTI is the result of too many cooks spoiling the soup or maybe all of the suits are yachting in the Mediterranean instead of working. Volkswagen's headquarters was built by Zaha Hadid. It's a truly inspiring design so I don't understand why Volkswagen continues to make tepid Golf GTI's. Maybe VW should hire Johnathan Ive or Marc Newson to design the next Golf. Someone has got to light a match under VW's butts. Well, who knows, maybe Tesla will supplant the Golf's ubiquity once its lower cost electric car hits the streets.
More like they blew most of the budget on the interior tech...
I like the mk8 even less thanks to this video
I much prefer the interior of the old car as well, that new steering wheel is terrible and the front seats aren't great either. They look like real cheap wing backs
@lawress hall I checked, you’re absolutely right!!
Same, the 7.5 interior is much more sleek and nice
7.5>8
And i will never change my mind.
Far to many corners been cut by VW at the moment across all the ranges at this rate it’ll be a Skoda with the better quality and extras. I own a 7.5 performance and I’m sorry I won’t be upgrading/downgrading 🙁 great review though Andy 👍 atb Al
The 8 makes the you realise the 7 was really good. They've so done this on purpose too, to push people to the ID.3
Mk6 was the best one
@@matthewsmith2787 definitely not lmao the mk7 and 7.5 gti were miles ahead in every way (performance, interior, exterior)
Bit silly to canibalise your cash cow model
@@matthewsmith2787 Would agree that the switch gear and shifter were maybe more premium in the MkVI, but otherwise the VII seems better.
What makes you different from QAnon if you're gonna throw up some conspiracies like that bro?
Nice one bro,here at Australia the 8 arrives Jan Feb 2021 the GTI and R arrive 2022 bring it on.
Diesel gate still affecting vag! Definitely built on a budget. Mk 7.5 still the king I'd say. Compared to your tcr it's such a step back. Great review as always though. 😁😁
Thanks for a great video! I had a 7R and feel disappointed there’s been some costing cutting, no gas struts for the bonnet, exposed cup holder in the center console etc. They’re only minor things but just spoil it in my opinion but I am sure to drive it has moved the game on. Personally I’d rather pay a little more for it to feel better finished.
Just ordered one - very excited. Just the plain Jane version but I've not had a GTI for years so it will still probably blow my socks off. Plus I can still chuck the dogs in the back and tootle on down to the shops.
Great review. Thankyou.
Good video. You should try the Michelin Pilot sport 4s tyres on your TCR I have them on my Mk 7 and they’re fantastic I reckon that would cure any hint of understeer.
GTI TCR looks way better then than 8 GTI!
The sound is good. The sound from your TCR is better!
Mk 7.5 all day long! looks miles better and not any cheap short cuts on it good video
No spare wheel, god awful wheels, cheap interior, no bonnet gas strut, ill stick with my mk7 thanks, great review
My mk 5 had a gas strut 😂
Nice review keep going the good job. In my opinion the best gti is a gti with the looking of golf 7.5, power train of golf 8 and the quality of golf 6. But at the end I always prefer my golf 5.
Fantastic insight many thanks 👍👍👍
Glad you enjoyed it👍👍👍
Great vid lovely car !!
There's alot of negative comments here..... What on earth were VW thinking?!!
Hi Andrew, I just test drove the new GTI for a few hours. I was a little underwhelmed. The driving position is quite high for my liking, coming from an F20 BMW. It had the optional 19" Adelaide's but not the DCC. Even in comfort it felt a little stiff around town. My plan was to get the GTI Clubsport with DCC, Harmon/Kardon and 19" Adelaide's. Do you still think I should test drive the Clubsport, even though I feel the way I feel today? Thanks :)
Great review that
As long as these ads are, I hope you're getting paid!
2020 has a lot to answer for, sigh
Hey Wizard, do you feel like the mk8 is worth waiting for here in the USA? Or would you recommend a 7.5? Your review makes it seem like the mk8 is significantly better with the chassis and I believe that's where the money went. Do you feel like it's worth it over the 7.5 (standard gti models) given we do not get the TCR variants here in the states? Thank you!
Those callipers look the same as the ones on my mk3 vrs, 340mm but look similar to the 312mm callipers on my old Mk6 golf gti
Love your channel!
Thank you so much!
I have a 2016 white mk7 which is my favorite car and I love it. I’ll take a mk7 over mk 8 all day. But the 7.5 is the best of both worlds with style available because of the look and interior
great comparison!
Excellent and as comprehensive as always Andrew. Great to see the channel growing and links with Joe established. The new GTI has quite a bit of road presence from the front, I'm actually a fan of that lighting configuration. Hope all is well, all the best as always.
What’s the difference between using your phone when driving and fiddling with the touch screen?
It's a very good point. Too many makers making cars where everything is touchscreen. = eyes off the road. It's dangerous imo.
About £34,000
Another great review and video they just keep getting better! Picked up my mark 8 golf today (sadly not a gti) and I am very impressed although I have already had technical problems Iv had to have it rebooted 5 mins after I left the dealership! Keep these videos coming!
It's proper ugly. I'm sure it drives very well, but I'm not sure i could forgive it for looking so damn nasty.
It looks like a corolla from the front
That grille 🤮🤮🤮
no offense but the MK8 is damn ugly..
Couldn’t agree more. Especially as the mk7 was such a great looking car.
looks like a redesigned/updated MK6 to me
f*ing hate it.
other than the tech, i hate the interior too!!
Maybe in your preference it's _"ugly"._ But at the end it's always subjective. And in my preferential opinion; It's the best looking GTI ever made, period.
@@user-iz3nt9fd2t thats laughable... Its a gti by badge only at this point 😆😆😆😆😆
@@yamofranko8899 Yeah. Says you?
Looks better with time. A bit too many gadgets inside otherwise vw did a fantastic job
I just don’t get why they put gas struts on the new Skoda Octavia but not on the Golf?
Octavia has never had them..
Surely should be other way round. Unless the Skoda’s bonnet is heavier
There is a trim cover available for the split fold seat hinge, I put one in my Mk7, it was only a couple of pounds, bought from Brian in the parts dept at Inchcape cheltenham, the hinge looks exactly the same in the Mk8.
Do you have part number? Thx
@@germancarfan 5G0886197B
Another great video but think your sound quality is letting things down a bit
Not to sure about it think I will stick with my golf R 7.5 .
I certainly would - especially as my R 7.5 is an estate! The R makes a lot of sense as a daily driver, the traction you get with 4motion is just amazing, I don't think I'd want to ever go back to 2wd again
Great video and review Andrew👍🏻 very lucky to get behind the wheel so soon
Im just curious if it'll got the $40k price range here in the USA ..
Does it has adjustable chassis?
I ordered yesterday and I would like to know, that the standard GTI has the "mode" select button?
Thanks for the help ;)
Will you be doing a review on the R-line
Lovely, lovely. but damn the infotainment system is buggy. Sometimes freezes for several hours and as it is touchscreen there is no manual override
Have they fixed the thermostat/pump fault?
This wheels are just... No words
Nice!. But the MK8 has the Mk7.5 Performance Calipers ( only the GTI plate missing )and 340mm Discs!. On yours TCR you have the Clubsport S Discs...
Hi Andrew, I have recently purchased 2021 GTI MK8 19inch wheels and I am overall happy with car however quite disappointed with the noise coming from the wheels. It’s like rotational/ scrapping noise which is very annoying. Noise appears as soon as you accelerate 40km/h+ and when slowing down as well. What do you advise me to do get rid off the noise? I am thinking to take it back to the dealership to investigate this problem.
Great video again. The mark 8 looks far better in GTI guise.
I have finally seen one TCR in my home state of Victoria. It's $59k with Pan Roof! Down under. Not far off a Golf R $62-$64k. We won't see golf 8 until next year. We have only just got out of 3 months of stage 4 lockdown. Second wave. Not sure of the looks on golf 8. Corner/Cost cutting.
I was hoping to get a cheap 2016 R in a few years, i bet they will be more expensive in 10 years than a 2021 R. Unless they fix everything when a face lift comes out but would it be a face lift if they need to go change it to what it was before?
Great video Andrew, can’t wait to drive one now! The’s 18’s are truly hideous, thankfully the Adelaide’s save it and like the more aggressive look in general. The fact that it handles better than a TCR is big words! Did the engine feel the same or slightly more restricted due to emissions?
Thank Tom. Hard to comment on engine too much as still fresh but it felt strong, not TCR strong but listen to it rev out in the audio bit and at the end of the driving bit (before TCR), it’s pretty enthusiastic👍
Good one Andrew.
Thanks Keith 👍
@@volkswizard You are welcome Andrew, very informative as always.
Common! When you put them side by side in same color, you can clearly see that the new design is much more progressive and you already feel it in your gut, that you will like it better when it will "grow on you". People, just admit finally, that the new Golf is better looking! :D
C'mon. No. Putting it sode by side with a mk7.5 makes it more obvious how they screwed the front end specifically. The bumper can be OK (on the GTI, not the R) but they really messed up the grill and headlight change. I'll bet the front end changes a good bit when the mk8.5 rolls around
The wife has 3 Golfs, a mk5 GTI 6spd manual, Mk4 highline and a Mk2 Country Syncro. I don't think I will be in a hurry to replace any.
love the detail in the vid, looking forward to the clubsport video!
since its lockdown , it would be nice to do a video on edition 45
The *_new(est)_* GTi always is the *_best_* GTi, isn't it? 😉 Great vid btw., mate! 👍😎
And those OEM rims look ridiculous imho. 😁
If I wanted or needed a new car, I would most likely buy the new GTI. I HATE the old tartan. The new tartan is better but I’d rather have the leather. The lane assist on the mk7.5 r is extremely intrusive.
I have to disagree there. The old Mk7 Clubsport S still seems far a better package. This basic trim level GTI seems incredibly boring! If a grey exterior wasn't drab enough, you get a grey interior as well -- yowzah.
@@TassieLorenzo Yes Sir, absolutely correct! But you can't compare the extreme and limited "Clubsport S" with a normal GTi. That's not fair. 😉
How do you put it in manual mode?
Excellent review! I like the addition of the pops and crackle to the exhaust. Do you normally disable the fake engine sounds in your personal GTIs?
I do! TCR has it switched off by VCDS, I think the 8GTi was filmed in individual model with Engine Sound in Comfort apart from the external audio bit which was Sport I think. I think it’s very TCR with pops & bands, only other GTI t do this was Clubsport S. It’s indicative of the fact VW have gone a bit hardcore with this new GTI. Sadly the ride is too...
Can you please tell me how to disable the front light bar un the GTI?
I’m absolutely hate it!
Finally pick up my R line tomorrow morning great video mate 👍
It looks like it needs a facelift. I’m keeping my 7.5 performance because that’s a beautiful car. This is not for me.
Also, what the hell with the non telescopic bonnet strut?
hello
Well done for providing this well balanced overview with relevant pros and cons. Having just sold my Mk6 that i have loved for 11 years it was an incredibly difficult decision as to what hot hatch back to purchase. This video will help many people. Best wishes.
Will choose old one…anytime any day 👍🏼
Its no suprise that costs have had to be cut.Dieselgate And Electric car development costs is proving a big millstone.Tbf its a good effort given the budget slashing.
I was excited to move from my MK6 GTI to the MK8, not so much now..
Great review Andrew as always..Clubsport should awesome if the base GTI drives this good. Do you know how the suspension tune will differ between them? Cheers mate.
Thanks Paul, no idea re suspension tune differences but all I can say is that if DCC is an option on Clubsport, they 100% cannot make the passive damper car any harder than this one. I hope they make it 19" and DCC as standard but Co2 emissions may mean 18s. Now I've done the base car I'm going to geek out on Clubsport which I bet will arrive sooner that you might think as GTE is here, GTD is close so it's next.