2018 Volkswagen Golf GTI Review - Quick Drive
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024
- Volkswagen's GTI helped start the hot hatchback revolution in 1974 and now over four decades later the GTI is more modern than ever.
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Great review! I own that exact model but a 2016 and average 25-27mpg in a mix of city and highway driving. Currently have 20,000 miles on my car and only had 2 problems, defective passenger seat airbag sensor and defective battery both of which were fixed under warranty. Super fun to drive and easy to maneuver and park in the city but also great on long drives as well. Pretty versatile little car.
I leased a 2018 GTI... Despite the apparent higher pricing, my lease came in only $29/mo more than a Civic SI. Was an easy choice to take the GTI. Admittedly Mazda gave me the best offer on a Mazda6 but no manual option with the Turbo Trim... The new Tealish Metallic Green looks so good. With the red accents is kinda Christmasy... In pictures the car looks bland, but it's truly much more handsome in person...The Gas mileage is actually better than advertised... In Eco Mode I easily get 38mpg highway. And the "Think Blue" economy driving trainer kinda makes driving efficient engaging... When I have to drive slow with my daughter, I at least get to try and go for a high score. So far my best is 81/100 @ 40.13 mpg... I typically drive more on the aggressive side and combined driving I'm getting around 26mpg... Personally I'm super happy with it and it works perfectly for my family needs and my need for enthusiasm.. I have had zero issues so far, but I'm still glad I leased. VW includes maintenance and everything in their leases, including gap coverage. Having a German sports car with complete peace of mind is such a wonderful thing.
I average 19mpg in mine lmao
@@AlbertPerez-jw1ry Lead Foot! Lol!
I got rid of my 2015 5.0 Mustang for a 2018 Mk7.5 GTI. It's insane to see that a 25-26k VW has better build quality than my 43k mustang did. I've got no creaks, rattles, and no panel alignment issues with my GTI. Unlike my Mustang which developed a stupid rattle behind the gauge cluster at less than 500 miles. My mustang's A/C went out at 12k miles too, and from what i've seen in my mustang group Ford STILL hasn't fixed it for the newer models despite there being multiple part revisions. I also went with DSG (mustang was a manual) and the DSG is an amazing transmission. The DSG CAN still fall flat on its face sometimes, but when you understand how the DSG shift logic is then you can understand why it does things the way it does sometimes.
I dont miss buying gas every week either. The only thing I miss from the mustang is the engine note and sometimes the manual gearbox, but that being said the turbo 4 in the GTI doesn't sound half bad either for a 4 banger.
Overall, I'm very happy with my GTI. It's literally the perfect daily driver. The styling is subdued, the fit and finish is perfect, its plenty quick for the streets, great on gas (35-38mpg on the highway!), insurance is cheaper, the adaptive shocks in Comfort Mode feels amazing for daily driving, and my monthly is considerably lower.
Hey. I traded my 14 GT manual for a 16 GTI autobaun with performance pack and DSG and couldnt be happier. Like you I do miss that V8 rumble but this thing will out corner that mustang all day and is better as far as comfort goes to. I also put the JB4 piggyback which gave it a nice little hp bump.
How do you like the power compared to your 5.0? I traded in my 2017 5.0 for a 2014 Mazda6 in March because reasons. The Mazda6, especially in auto is so boring, and not as refined or reliable as I hoped. The AC in my Mazda went out at 35k miles, and many other problems. I had a 2011 Mustang 3.7 for 6 years before I got my 5.0, and I didn't have a single issue with either car. Funny how that works. My commute is so long that a fuel sipping commuter car like the Mazda6 was a bad idea. It's destroying my soul to not be able to shift and accelerate how I want.
I'm not VW fanboy, but we know the GTI has nothing to prove. It's the OG of hothach.
I don’t have a GTI but I do have a 2016 Golf SE. Excellent car in terms of build quality, refinement and driving dynamics. The 1.8T engine is peppy and frugal with fuel. I average 30-33 mpg overall and have hit over 45 mpg on the motorway.
Best all around car ever. Its very practical AND way fun to drive. The perfect daily driver for those who care about performance.
One of the reasons I went with the GTI was for better fuel economy without sacrificing fun. All of our older vehicles get below 20 MPG. Replacing one of them with this was a huge godsend.
Another great and informative review Alex. To me, the GTI is much more than the sum of its parts. This car a great all arounder. With VW's new People First Warranty 7 years/72 k bumper to bumper, you can at least feel confident driving it throughout the warranty period.
Well, this GTI Quick Drive finally did it for me, Alex!
As none of the SoCal Acura dealers would budge a single dollar off MSRP for the new RDX - I switched gears and built a 2018 GTI (White/SE/Leather/DSG) on Edmunds and hit Request a Quote.
Within 48 100% hassle-free hours my new GTI was in my driveway (Thank you, Alhambra VW!)
Initial impressions:
• Quite satisfied with the ‘standard’ suspension (vs going with Autobahn for DCC) and our California High Desert roads are the acid test, believe me. Stiff, sure, but compliant - well balanced.
• DSG is smooth as silk - I think reviewers must be cut & pasting from old reviews when they write about it being jerky at slow speeds - I sense none of that at all - and the purported lag time from letting go of the brake and applying throttle is insignificant/non-existent. My manual-obsessed VW driving colleague drove it yesterday, “Man, this DSG is nice - I might have to get a DSG next time”.
• Build Quality/Fit and Finish is everything everyone says and more - significant cut above this price point. You really do have to spend some time in it to appreciate just how refined, solid and substantial it is. Not a single creak or rattle - feels like I’m in an Audi (was just in a friend’s new A6 and I’ve got to say if one closes ones eyes...). The doors are quite heavy. Cabin is quiet for this class. Road noise well controlled.
• Stock (non-Fender) Audio is better than I’d expected. Great to be able to load 24bit FLAC music files onto an SD card.
• Seats/ergonomics are very good (I’m 6’0”).
• My only real gripe is that darn translucent moonroof ‘screen’ cover - but I knew that going in (thanks to you). I’m going to heavily tint the moonroof with ceramic film. Would have been nice to option out of the moonroof - so it goes.
• Upshot: Nothing in this class, at this price point, ticks as many boxes for me as the GTI.
• Fun Factor: Very High
Thanks again, Alex - I’ve said it before, but your reviews are just superb - A/A is the Gold Standard.
How has it been after all this time?
@@SWEETVENOM100 Knock on wood: Flawless. Service amounts to scheduled oil changes. Rattle free. Still under warranty. This MK7.5 is a great iteration.
Hey Alex just wanted to say you do an outstanding job of really giving an informative review of Autos really helps in the decision making process for someone who is looking for a New vehicle awesome
You should've done a real mpg test. Apart from that, great video.
I just got 35mpg combines on a 600 mile road trip on '18 SE with DSG
Great review, still enjoying my 2016 GTI.
Love my MkVII GTI
Hi there, are you getting 18 mpg too? this fuel economy really scared me...
I'm getting around 23 mpg over the life of the car with a mix of city and highway driving. This is one thing that does disappoint about the car, I have never seen 33 mpg on the highway with the AC off, comfort mode on, and just cruising along at 60 mph.
mmm its really strange, if u check the video of the previous MK7 GTI Alex tested, it actually did very well on fuel economy, i wonder what is happening cuz this poor mpg may change my decision of buying it.
Have a bit over 2000 miles on my 2018 GTI/DSG. Mixed driving has yielded 29.9 mpg over the life of the car so far. And that includes climbing the Cascades a couple of times. My 2013 MK6 with an APR Stage I tune yielded an overall mpg of 25 mpg.
Always happy to see your reviews. Those mainstream magazines became more entertainment than fact with a clear "advertiser" bias. They always left out much real completion in the comparisons and slanted the tests so advertiser would always win.
Hi Alex, you should mention that VW dealers offer 3-5k discounts on GTIs, but you'd be hard pressed to find a Civic Type R available, much less pay anything close to MSRP with the 5k dealer mark-ups.
I cross shopped my GTI with the Type R and just couldn’t get over the immature looks of the Type R. Even on the test drive people wouldn’t stop weird staring
I cringe everytime I see one. Someone paid over $40k for a Civic that looks like an elementary drawing on wheels.
As someone about to purchase GTI (SE trim), this was an extremely helpful and informative video. great work!
I test drove an SE version recently. I love how the steering wheel felt. He car was solid, taut and nimble. Acceleration was plenty for me. I can’t imagine what the R would be like. Reliability issues, whether real or presumed, are the only thing that deters me from getting one.
Aurelio Duarte-Encinas get one. You wont be disappointed. Just follow the manual’s maintenance schedule, specifically the DSG transmission fluid change every 40,000 miles if you pass on the manual. If you live in the USA, VW offers a 6 year/70,000 mile warranty. You can also get a 5 year maintenance plan for about $900. Cheers! 😊
Such a nice little car. Great job as always Alex.
Glad to see VW hasn't screwed around too much with this winner of a hatchback that's still what it was - a hatchback first, a thrill to drive second. Backup light? Or did you mean backup camera?
Excellent review !!! A review with many comparisons, with many important details about the car's performance, behavior, equipment, with lot of meaningful technicalities, with reasonable explanation of pros and cons... One of the best reviews of Golf GTI available on TH-cam ! Great job, Alex !!!
i have to agree, the civic type R with wing is bad, i bet they would sell better without the wing or a much smaller wing. VW conservative styling wins out if your out of college.
Best auto reviewer on YT.
Volkswagen added a 6 yr or 72k mi warranty as an interesting change.
I literally just bought this car and brought it home to see this vid in my feed.. spooky..
Yeah, but the Type R looks the way it does, so Golf R for me. I’m willing to give up some handling prowess for an overall nicer package.
I can certainly appreciate that side, however for me it's no compromise to get the best driving dynamic possible.
Even as a Honda guy, I can get behind that statement. Though I would be worried about reliability with VW's.
@@ryanlittleton5615 Reliability is the ONLY thing that kept me from buying an '18 GTI. I ended up getting an '18 Honda CRV-EX L for the same price as a GTI S. I love GTI's, but they just don't have a good track record of reliability like Honda does. My local Alamo car rental place occasionally gets in a GTI. I rent one for a weekend of driving fun in the nearby Texas Hill Country twisties.
Type r is over styled.
@@RPE-Official LMAO!
Headroom is so good because the sunroof rolls back outside the car over the roof. The previous sunroof retracted under the roof which created the ceiling lump reducing headroom. This might create other problem depending on what type of roof rack you might have. I had a Thule with kayak carrier and the sunroof barely cleared it.
It's interesting that in your test of the 2018 Type R, it was only one tenth of a second quicker to 60 than this 2018 GTI. I wonder why you'd say the R Type was a half second faster now? That discrepancy aside this review is exceptional.
base gti is value out there... got mine new for $21k out the door.. cannot beat that
Stephen Wood add $5000 in the next 3 years for service and try to put a price on countless headaches spent at service dealer
actually i owned a mk6 for 6 years and only money i spent other than normal maintenance, was for carbon cleaning, pcv valve replacement, spark plugs, and coils which are considered pretty standard. so id say pretty reliable
Stephen Wood Same. I had a TDI Golf for six years and 100k problem-free miles. Two oxygen sensors and a tail light, all under warranty, and diligent regular maintenance. It’s the Swiss Army knife of cars and base manual with plaid seats, or the R, is the way to go.
LifeISMagix mk7 gtis are damn near bullet proof at this point there are guys doing a big turbo swap on stock internals and running them for longer than the warranty with no issues. These cars are awesome in the reliability department.
@@thegoodguysteve Just wondering, does the dealer do the carbon cleaning? Also, how much does the cleaning cost? I've been looking at these golfs for a while, but I am weary because they do not have multiport injection in the US.
You Cannot Walk Away From The GTI Because It Is Reasonable!!
the armrest will also move forward if you pull on it. I have it in the forward position in my eGolf, where I find it more comfortable.
I do a lot of highway miles. With 87 octane and in Eco mode I can get 40mpg.
Great review ! Well thought out and educational , keep up the good work.
Had a MkVI, missed it so much, got a MkVII. Like the plaid seats, but wish it came with the leather seats lumbar. For me, the GTI and Golf R are very close, if I was buying again, it would be a used Merc AMG GLA vs the Golf XYZ.
I get 37 mpg in my 2018 GTI SE with DSG
Wait... you said "red turn signal" but the blinker on the right was yellow/amber? Maybe I'm mistaken? Thanks for the review. My own personal experience with the MK5 GTI is that VW is notorious for reliability issues. Good thing they have doubled their bumper to bumper warranty to 6 years 72,000 miles.
Manual Transmission is the way to go if the fun factor is in your agenda.
At last! I'd been waiting for your updated test of a GTI. Ultimately, I couldn't wait and last month purchased a new Autobahn DSG for $32,043 + TTL. That's nearly $6000 off MSRP . And that's the difference between MSRP comparisons and real world pricing. I was unable to find an "R" at any dealer within 500 miles of my location (Seattle area) without a second sticker that added several thousand dollars to the $41,000 MSRP. Likewise, finding a Civic Type R is almost impossible in the Pacific NW and for the few examples available, the second sticker added $5000 or more to the MSRP. Thus, the difference between what I paid and either of the competitors was about $10,000 or more. An Audi? Not on this planet. Even the least expensive model means I could buy a Honda Fit in addition to the GTI for the price. I realize, of course, that Alex can only go by MSRP figures but in the real world there can be a huge difference.
Having driven the R on several occasions, it's a magnificent machine. But it's significantly heavier and not nearly as nimble as the GTI. If the real world difference was, say, $4000, I'd have considered it. But not for a $10K difference. As for the Honda, I'm a fan of the brand having owned an ultra-reliable and great driving Prelude in the nineties. But I simply don't like the thought of driving a car with the styling of a Hot Wheels slot car. Maybe if I was 16 again. But I couldn't afford it if that were the case. Ah, well...
After 1200 miles of mixed driving my (verified) mpg is 29.9 with a recent 200+ mile road trip on back roads to the coast of 36.3 mpg. My previous vehicle was a 2013 MK6 version with an APR I plus tune that averaged 24 mpg over the 10,000 miles after the tune, down about 2 mpg from the untuned version. I'll eventually add the tune to the new car but I have to say that "seat of the pants" impression is that the untuned MK7.5 is nearly as quick as the tuned MK6.
Can't speak to reliability of the MK7.5 at this point but my MK6 required nothing but gas, oil, and new tires at 48,000 miles. Service was complimentary for the first 3 yrs/36,000 miles on the MK6 but hit hard at 40K service, mainly because of the scheduled service for the DSG. No free maintenance on the new car but the 6 year/72,000 bumper to bumper warranty on the new car compensates in terms of peace of mind, at least. And my local trusted mechanic can provide verified warranty service at a fraction what a dealer charges. Of course, personal anecdotes and friend of friend stories aren't worth much but VW appears to have improved reliability significantly in the last few years and the extended warranty coverage speaks to that. The bottom line, I think, is that European brands are simply more prone to minor issues and more expensive to maintain than their Japanese and Korean counterparts. When you buy a European car, you bear that penalty.
And then there's the question of "Dieselgate." Can't pretend it didn't matter to me. And I have a good friend who won't purchase any VW as a result. But the several billion dollar hit VW has taken for their dishonesty seems (imo) a reasonable penalty and a good lesson both to VW and to others tempted to cheat. Further punishment for those not responsible for that dishonesty doesn't seem reasonable.
@Stephen Hendricks - Excellent post. Loved reading your honest opinions. Congrats on your new Autobahn!
Makes me miss my 2008 VW Rabbit.
Amazing review as always, Alex. Any chance we'll see a Buick Regal GS review in the future? Would really love to see you compare that to the Kia Stinger GT.
Autobahn has pricing around 31.5k - 32.5k depending on the transmission in the mid-atlantic states. If you can afford the financing or to buy it outright, that's not bad considering the feature set and the mature stance of the GTI.
The Civic Type-R, while a statistics monster and likely a true driver's vehicle, is a design abomination outside of enthusiast circles -- it makes the WRX STI look tame by comparison. A controversial statement, I know, but as a Honda automotive owner for nearly a quarter century, I feel like I can comment on their current offering legitimately.
First you say the GTI is not a direct competitor to the Type R. Then you say if you had to pick it would be between the Type R and the GTI. Wouldn’t the comparable decision be between the Gf R and the Type R? I’m gonna say it until the cows come home. Total legroom is about as useless as a bag of bowling balls in a swimming pool race. You’re VERY thorough though and we really appreciate that. 🍻
You mention that the rear turn signals are red but they seem amber in your video
I have a 2017 S it's awesome with the DSG
Is it reliable I'm thinking of getting one soon
As a fellow Texan and Fort Worthian, please tell me you didnt move to Cali when it seems everyone there is fleeing to Texas? Anyways, great detailed review..seems the 3 just keeps getting better!
Elantra GT Sport hatchback is only 3 inches longer, the 11 inches longer one you're referring to at 2:39 is the Elantra Sport sedan.
Interesting... European version of the Golf (even the cheapest trim) is equipped with Electronic Parking Brake and also Glove Box is padded with felt-like material.
Yes, I immediately noticed that "old school" parking brake, plus that my Golf GTI Performance (and I think all German GTI) has e.g. a sliding cover over the drink holders, and you also get the digital dash (full TFT screen) as standard on all 2018 (Golf 7.5) GTI here. Plus the dynamic rear turn signals. Seems the US customers get a bit shafted, probably to bring the price down. The Golf starts at a much higher price here in Germany.
freibier Chalk up to no dynamic rear turn signals because of outdated rear lighting standards in the United States.
I had to recheck that he is indeed reviewing 2018 model. The drink holder area looked especially outdated and low end
And the European engine has direct and port injection. We dont.
This looks like utter crap compared to the current European version. Why does VW do this to North America? Nobody else does this. It's offensive! There's no excuse not to have our model year's specs in sync with Europe's. They really don't give a darn about us, and the feeling's mutual!
The Civic Type R is hideous at best. Definetly not a car ypu want to look at without eye protection. Only 13 year old Honda fan boys drive them. I personally love the size and styling of the GTI and Golf R. Would definelty only get the manual transmission option though as it really brings the entertainment as the DSG is too clinical.
Great review Alex..
Question: Your graph comparing vehicle lengths .. If the Elantra Sport GT is 11 inches longer, why is it so close to the GTI on your graph, while the Honda Civic Type R is 9 inches longer but it is shown as much longer than the GTI on your graph?
And should the comparison on the graph be Honda Civic Si, and not the Type R, like your audio?
VW GTI AUTOBAHN or VW GOLF R?
WICH WOULD YOU TAKE OF THE 2?
Actually 2018 is the refresh! Also the Golf R dsg can do 0-60 in 4.5 with LC.
Steven Froese that's a bit optimistic. It doesn't feel that fast when I ride in it
Cole Lockridge Many people have done it, it launches hard. There are many factors that will determine this though.
Steven Froese really? Oh well it is vw, and God knows how hard the 911 launches. So yeah i guess they put some Porsche DNA in that thing
What roads were these it looks fun to drive on with a GTI ?
Firstly, love your videos! I watch them all the time - especially the cars I like. What draws me in is the extent and detail you show. What keeps me are your opinions on the industry and your preferences for hybrids and CVTs. Btw, which form of transmission is the most reliable?
Love your reviews! Lease is almost up on my ‘16 SE. I’ve had no issues at all with the car-don’t understand all the comments about poor reliability.
My only criticisms come to the DSG always lugging the engine and going for top gear as fast as possible in normal driving, and the ride is just a bit too stiff for me. Great for canyon carving but not ideal for the poor roads here in New England. I was surprised by you A- score for ride. As far as fuel economy I’m around 28MPG overall with 30k miles.
Chris Auletta I think you got lucky. My ‘16 SE suffered from the leaking sunroof, defective adaptive headlight, and a dead turbocharger at 18k. I still love it though...
Wow. Is yours DSG? I hate how it’s programmed to upshift so quickly. And sport mode is too much in normal driving. There needs to be a medium setting. I’ve heard some guys get the DSG tuned. I think if I ever got another one I’d get the manual for this reason because I cant get into using the paddles. I’m sorry you’ve had so many issues.
Chris Auletta I couldn’t agree more. Luckily it’s easy to switch between normal and sport.
Uh, are you unaware of "manual" mode that enables shifting at will using the gear shift rather than the paddles? And yes, if you insist on using the DSG in automatic mode, APR offers a tune that alters the behavior of the DSG. Works well and even provides a readout of the gear you're in while allowing the DSG to do the shifting. Try shifting with the gear shift rather than the paddles on your SE, it's easy.
Yes I’m aware, but for whatever reason, unlike a manual, these “manual” options just don’t appeal to me. If I was to keep the GTI at end of lease I’d do the tune, but I’m excited to try a different car. That’s the appeal to leasing, you get to get a new and different car every 3 years :-)
Awesome new shirt.
how is it possible doing 5.7 on 0 - 60? I tried several times with launch control and I got only 6 seconds and my mk7 is unitronic stage 1tuned running on Michelin PS A/S 3+ tires.
What's your altitude?
If they could make a version of the GTI AWD I would have no hesitation buying one. I don’t need the R model.
The Elantra GT Sport is only 170" so the GTI is 2" shorter NOT 11"
Didn’t you get the same 0-60 in the R as well?
Why do most cars nowadays have the lock/unlock buttons on both driver and passenger side of the door. Is this some sort of cost saving trick?
Outstanding Alex.
Hi Alex, you seemed to give this GTI driver seat a high praise, but why does it only get 8/10? which one would get 10 in your judgement?
I refuse to buy a car without a sunroof, so no Golf R for me, hello GTI!
For the price you pay ANY manufacturer for a sunroof you can have it installed at any reputable sun/moonroof dealer and get more dependable quality and a lifetime warranty against leakage. VW has had some problems with some of their sunroofs the last few years. It seems to be random too. The frames around the sheet metal on the roof crack in some models. Otherwise, VW's quality is excellent in my experience.
But I agree... the extra dollars spent for an R is not worth it. Personally, I like the GTI better anyway. I will take more "sport" over more "luxury" any day. If one can call any VW true "sports" cars, the GTI beats the crap out of the R in those areas... styling wise. The R is more plain in appearance to me than the GTI. I know, plenty of peeps would disagree, but that's my take.
Money was not an issue for me, but I chose the GTI over the R.
Hello Alex, my wife and I are buying a second car. We have a VW 2018 atlas. That’s for the family. She drives that most of the time. I want something sporty and practical. We are torn between the VW gti 2018 se Dsg with leather and the Kia stinger base model rwd. I will be driving it most of the time and I like the gti but she is not a fan of the gti and says it has no style. She likes the stinger. But we are all looking for a practical second car. Currently I drive a 2007 vw rabbit with 17xxxx miles on it. I love it that’s why I want to go for the gti but she is kinda not happy with it. Pls advise me.
Try the Mk.8th Gen. GTI and then we will hear some real love.
How does this handle vs mazda3? You make it sound like it's 10x better handling then a mazda3
When will you review Golf R?
The major complaint I have with VW as a whole is there dealer maintenance costs - WAY too high!
quietguy VW has prepaid service plan now. 5year 50k mile all services included for only $900.
-TheManInDboX - Unless it’s computer based problems, I agree.
How about a Review of the Golf R
The pricey Autobahn, explains the Fender sound system which is only way to get now.
it's well known those power figures are at the wheels
Great review!
Plaid seats are the only proper upholstery in a GTI. The end.
If you're looking at the Autobahn trim, you probably should just go find an Audi dealership. :)
Just be prepared to add $10K-$15k to the price.
I just bought a GTI Autobahn for just under $32,000 - about $5,600 off MSRP. You can get heavy discounts on the GTI so there’s good value even on the highest trim.
Why, though? I won’t be able to get all the options with a base Audi.
What would the Audi do better, besides slapping a luxury badge on the front/rear? (Near the same price range.)
The Autobahn trim is perfect for those of us who want a great car with all the options, but don’t care for any luxury badge.
@@yakuza1970 did your autobahn have a sunroof? And wondering which dealership you went too.. if you don't mind me asking. Thanks!
James Lim yes, all Autobahn and SE trims come with a sunroof. I went to Serramonte VW.
18 mpg? You must be flogging that thing within an inch of it's life. I have a 2019 and am averaging over 32 mpg in normal driving, with occasional spirited bursts. And I believe you said the DSG gets better mileage than the manual, but the inverse is true. Nice review though.
How’s has it been? Any issues to know about?
Still snow on the ground and it's almost July. 😮😮😮😨😨😨😬😬😬
Is your graphics wrong as focus st is shown as bigger as Elantra gt?
I know they don't compete against each other but a non-optioned BMW 2 series costs a little less than the autobahn GTI. The 2 series is faster, rear wheel drive, and more fun. The entire point of a hot hatch is to be cheap, fast, and practical. This car is fast and practical, but not cheap.
Grusilag MPG SUCKS
The keyword in your comment is "non-optioned." To comparably equip the BMW 2 to match the Autobahn GTI results in an MSRP of $46,325. And that doesn't take into account the dealer discounts available on the GTI that don't exist for a BMW. If you want to compare "non-optioned' models, try the base GTI at $10,000 or so less than the BMW.
At $46K you wouldn't match the Autobahn GTI you would crush the Autobahn GTI. $46K gets you an M240i which would rip the GTI to pieces. The point I'm trying to make is simple. The Autobahn GTI is severely overpriced. Its so much more expensive than its actual competitors (Si, WRX etc) that it approaches cars that are better than it in every single way. You shouldn't have to compare a GTI to cars like a base BMW 2 series or Civic Type R, both of which are in another league and yet here we are making the comparison (Alex himself compares the Autobahn GTI to the Civic Type R multiple times in the video which was a head scratcher until i realized he's going by price). The GTI is a good car if it was $25-29K. At $36K you would be a fool not to get a better car.
I could have purchased a new SE trim level of the GTI for $26,000, so I guess it's a "good car." Instead, I opted for the Autobahn trim at $32,043, about $8000 less than the second sticker on the Civic Type R at the dealers I investigated. Frankly, I think the Civic is probably worth $40K but I didn't want to drive a car that looked like a Hot Wheels refugee.
The review couldn’t have come at better time. I am looking at getting a GTI or R next year. I am leaning more toward the GTI...I am getting the feeling the R is not a good value for the price...thoughts?
Kurtis Bishop I made this decision and both are epically good cars. I’d choose between the base GTI in manual, or top-trim R. Think of the R as a re-badged Audi S3 and it makes sense. If you live in snowy climes, AWD is interesting, but otherwise the R may have non-usable power for your daily use.
GTI dealers will negotiate. Forget that with a Golf R-which makes actual transaction prices much higher for an R. I’d go with a GTI for that reason. If you want more power look to a tuner like APR. My GTI has been excellent in snow with winter tires (if you were considering the R for better traction).
2019 should see the GTI get the digital cockpit like the new Jetta if that is something that interests you
Can't wait for the Veloster N
Alex we need to have a talk about this whole "quick drive" title Lol
Lol! Leave Alex alone and let him rest now... it's obvious he was born to review!
Alex, I think you really dropped the ball by not mentioning VW’s perverse promotional stunt featuring monkeys in glass bubbles being forced to inhale VW’s “clean” diesel fumes. I think many people would like to know what they are silently supporting when they buy a VW product. It certainly would have affected my 2017 purchase of a VW group car.
VW has announced that they will be phasing diesels out and going electric.
leojsayta That wasn't a promotional stunt per se but an experiment conducted by an American lab that was funded by VW and other German automakers. It was incredibly flawed and shown to be rigged. If your going to blame VW, then you should blame the others as well.
Pinochle of Virtue My understanding is that is was intended to be a marketing or promotional stunt to “prove” how “clean” the diesel exhaust of a late model VW was supposed to be. But you’re right in that BMW and Mercedes were complicit in originally creating and subsidizing the diesel industry group that commissioned the promotion. However, it was a VW diesel automobile that was used to pump diesel fumes into the glass containers which contained the monkeys.
Leojsauta, I understand where you're coming from, but personally I think they are all complicit. Had VW alone been the one to fund the project and hire the lab to carry out campaign then I would have no problem with pointing out VW. They all funded it and, I assume, they all agreed to the campaign. Just because they agreed to let VW be the one to 'get their hands dirty ' it doesn't mean that they should be kept in the shadows. Besides, all 3 are still pumping tons of pollutants into the air in Europe. which then gets washed into the waterways and eventually to the oceans. What happens in one part of the world will eventually make it's way to the rest.
Alex, did you find the adjustable suspension could provide a softer more comfortable ride when desired?
The "comfort" setting on my 2018 GTI provides a noticeably less stiff ride. I typically drive in the "custom" setting with "comfort" suspension and other settings on "sport."
Thanks for the feedback, Mr. Hendricks.
Golf R next please
I just got a 2019 gti rabbit. 7k miles $23k try finding anything like this for that price
You're cool, literally covered everything about the car
Golf R. > Civic Type R all damn day
Strange - the Type R is way more expensive than a GTI in the UK. And looks ridiculous.
It's also "way more expensive" than a GTI in real world US prices. Here in the Pacific NW Civic Type R's have second stickers of $5000 or more. I just purchased a GTI Autobahn for nearly $6000 off MSRP.
Speaking of honda DSG why was it only used on the tsx and ilx if its so good. Seems like a waste of resource and engineering
Wait a minute I think I missing something here I thought the GTI was 250 horse now and the golf R was like 290?
Timboslice, I’ve heard the mk 8 will be 250+ for GTI and 350 Golf R. But for now GTI still rated at 220.
GTI's for sale in Europe and Australia are rated at 245 HP, I believe. The HP deficit in North America has been going on for some time.
Traditional handbrake? The USA is surely different...
I dislike the new headlight design.
I think you have things backwards. The higher price tag is what gets you all of the Old Man comforts, the Old Man comforts are not a compensation for the high price. Dismal fuel economy makes this a foolish choice, not helped by the "worn out baby bootie" styling.
If I was in the market I’d be tempted, but I’m so sick of VW “Americanizing” (decontenting) their product here I don’t want to reward it.
Of course VW could offer the same features in the US as in Europe and charge an additional $15,000 to match the European price.
Snow?
Joe Reagan Pretty good, but the Golf r is better at snow.
why pay 35 k for gti authbahn if u can add 5 more k and get gold R.
Several reasons. First, in the real world (here in the Seattle area), the price difference between a GTI Autobahn and the Golf R is not $5k. When I was shopping at the end of May 2018 I purchased an Autobahn GTI/DSG for about $32,000 plus tax. Among the six VW dealers I explored, I could not find a single dealer that did not add a second sticker of at least $2000. (A month later I did find one dealer willing to sell the only "R" on the lot for MSRP, but even then, the difference would have been about $9,000.)
Second, while the R is a great car, its advantages over a GTI are debatable. First, the Golf R is about 300 lbs heavier than the GTI. That's like permanently carrying around a pro linebacker in the R. The GTI is noticeably more agile, especially when driven on roads with curves.
Second, the weight difference is due to the R's 4Motion AWD. While it's undeniably an advantage in harsh winter conditions, it's not all time AWD. It's predominantly an FWD system with rear wheel engagement (up to 50%) only when wheel slip is detected. So what it amounts to is that most of the timeyou're carrying the weight burden of AWD while still driving only the front wheels.
Third, and this is a personal preference, there is no sunroof available on the R. And living in the Seattle area getting all the light available in the (very dark) interior is a real advantage on the GTI. YMMV.
Finally, the HP and torque advantage of the R is obvious. But the real world performance difference is mainly significant in DSG equipped versions of the two cars. And if HP is important to you, APR offers an ECU tune that results in a verified 300 plus horsepower at the wheels. Of course, the R can be tuned, as well. But unless you're looking for extensive track work, it's doubtful that even a tuned R can utilize the performance that's theoretically available.
What color is this?
It's called "Boring"
Nice hobby there going around leaving stupid comments... Get a life.
Hot hatch? first time i have ever heard this term.
Wow. You really need to read more.
Do not buy this car. It will ruin all other cars for you forever. VW grossly underrates the engine - every dyno pull I've seen is 220 hp at the wheels which is 250 hp at the crank. Which happens to be the same as the 252 hp engine you get in the Audis.
I rented a new A4, that motor is definitely stronger than the one in my GTI. And the 7 speed dual clutch is a lot smoother than the 6 speed in the GTI.
Chris A222 Yeah A4 runs 0-60 in 5.2 seconds. It obviously makes around 300 hp. Those Germans and their low-ball hp figures.
Ficon those Germans and their low ball emissions figures hahaha 🤣
Dave O Hahaha. Those cheating Germans at Jeep, Chrysler, Nissan and Renault. Also this pertains to diesels which this is not.
If you're looking at an S or SE trimmed GTI, Audis aren't even comparable in price. Even a base A3 is at least $4k more and doesn't include CarPlay, the safety features, or keyless, all of which the GTI SE has. So if you want those you'll be paying at least $8k more in the A3. GTIs also lease way better. The A3 isn't a bad option by any means, but it makes no sense to compare the two cars without taking pricing into account.
It's still the most fun and connected feeling car until you move up to Porsche.
I own a 2017 GTI Sport as my daily and a 991 gen 911 for the weekends. Having the 911 has not tempered my enjoyment of the GTI one bit. It’s a great little car.
Lol!
You need to drive a Alfa Romeo Guilia, one of the most connected cars you can drive.
I agree, the type R looks to much like a ricer for kids.
Cruzing RXS lol