Cost cutting / reduced quality vs the mk7.5 it replaces: -Manual stick strut for bonnet -Exposed key barrel on door handle -No glovebox lining, just hard plastic -No cover plate above pedals, just a huge hole into the innards of the dash -Front A pillars hard plastic - no fabric lining -Cheap feeling plastic on centre console -No cup holder cover -No sunglasses holder -No sill/door entry lighting strip or scuff plate -No cubby draw by steering wheel -No underseat draw -Standard rearview mirror, not frameless like in pre-2019 mk7. -Digital cockpit screen smaller than previous mk7.5 -Digital cockpit surrounded by large amounts of gloss black plastic, right up to the screen - looks cheap and too many reflections -No knobs or real buttons for frequently used controls (climate control etc)

Guido, first of all nice to see you make more reviews. The POV review is nice to switch things up a bit, but your regular reviews are more enjoyable in my opinion. Funny thing is that because of you and Chris Harris, I also started to review cars. But my biggest challenge are the boring roads with crazy restrictions here in the Netherlands.. Greetings and stay safe! P.s. my W205 C400 review will be online today.

I think the Mk7 is nicer looking. But I'll need to see it in person. This particular spec would have looked better with a black interior.

POV is an interesting change. I like being able to see the roads you're driving better, as far as scenery. I always loved the Golf as a car in general. Not as a paragon of driving, moreso what it has stood for and how much it can be personalized. A solid simple style with good ergonomics. I've purchased a couple of sixth generation GTI, enjoyed them for the reason I bought them. However after moving to Germany, it's the Polo that I find myself appreciating consistently. It seems to fit on the road and in parking spaces much better. I suppose its dimensions match better with the earlier Golf which I've always been fonder of, particularly the MK2.

Great job. I didn't even know these were out yet.

Pov is making me sick a little! Yeah, interior does look cheaper than the previous models 🤔

Nice review again Guido! Mach weiter so! :)

Good to see you Getawayer.

Love your reviews. Love my MK7 and not so sure I can get behind the digitization of the interior. I hope at some point we get an option package to give us basic elegant interiors. I wish there was a more popular market for simple controls with no screens, no weird touch controls.

Excellent review! Loved how you allowed us to view the driving experience as if we were in the drivers seat. Gives a much better perspective of the driving experience.

Thanks Mr. Guido for this POV Sunday Drive 😋👍🏻 conversation in / about the car, the market during current conditions. Change of pace is good 😌

Thanks for the review!

good to see your back to making more videos consistently...i was a fan of yours and was missing your work...i am an owner of a 2019 mk7.5 golf r manual and hope to see you review an mk8 r and gti in the hopefully near future...it seems we are not going to get the golf here in the states but was still interested in your thoughts as it gives me some idea of the potential that the r and gti will have.

Welcome back

I think they went too far with the tech. Haptic feedback and gesture control doesnt seem to work as advertised.

I tried this car not very long ago (as of 2021) and I went from a Volvo v60 2018 model to this and holy cow what a different feeling it is, the clutch is just butter smooth the gearbox just flows very nice when shifting (it almost feels like it isn't in gear when shifting to a gear) and it makes driving a heck of a lot comfortable, now I am having thoughts of trading in my old car to Golf 8.

No draws under seats, no glove box lock, no overide on rear view diming mirror,small draw on drivers side gone, no cover on centre consul draw,slide over cup holders gone, only 113 p on 2.0 ltr diesel,cheaper plastics, no knobs ,look i have had electrical and software problems on all my golfs, info screen dose not work on cold mornings,front radar dosent work on cold mornings, so i would not want to rely on all that tech screen stuff,you mentioned two problems you had in a brand new demo drive,vw have lost the plot,

Wow, thanks so much for this video!! The US isn’t getting an MK8 Golf for a while, so this is very interesting to me!!!

I think its beautiful it’s gonna be my first car.

Very excited to hear your views. Does it have auto rev match on downshifts?

I Liked your Video Mr.Guido. It's a joy to Drive it

It's Christmas! I do prefer non POV for part when you're talking about interior and POV for driving

I wonder will the sports suspension option in the style make it the same set up as th R line version.

Die POV Kamera ist definitiv interessant und mal nen cooler Mix up zu deinem sonstigen Stil :)

Never clicked so fast

Good to have some more of your content - love the thoroughness of your commentary. Keep it up! Agree that Golf 8 has tried too hard to be the ‘Apple’ of the hatchback world and got it slightly wrong. The 7 is a more complete package. Also, the drop in quality is disappointing, though it does allow greater differentiation with Audi but less so with Seat/Skoda.

I just post to give my respect. You are reviewing a German car (the most famous German of all times actually), you are German your self if i am not mistaken and even so you give 100% honest review! I wanna thank you so must you have been very helpful. Greetings from Greece (even if you Germans hate us as hell unfortunately). I will consider seriously buying this Golf.

I hit the 👍🏼 before watching.

Hi Guido , great video ! How does the 1.5 perform on the autobahn? I own a seat 1.4 ACT which is also 150 hp and when I take it on the autobahn I feel like the best cruising speed is around 170 km/h . I can go faster without a problem but I'm under the empression that the engine doesn't seem to like it..

Nice video. I like the format, but a second or third camera would be nice. Sometimes it is easy to get motion sick because of the moving around. I haven't driven the new golf yet because I'm in the US. I heard that we won't be getting the mk8 base golf. Just the gti and R. I will say that the styling is not growing on me. Most new cars that I find bad looking usually start to grow on me within a few months, but not this one. I just don't like the back and the drooping front nose. Idk, maybe more time is needed. In regards to the amount of views you are getting. I suggest that you should start posting KZfaq polls and ask to see if people have seen your videos or if people are receiving notifications. And ask some fun questions so that people can see this channel is becoming more active again.

I'm looking forward to seeing the MK8 GTI in the metal. Won't be considering the MK8 before 2023 or 2024 as my present GTI is barely broken inn.

Have you got any insight to the Golf R or R Plus mk8 yet . Can't wait to get my hands on one or at least here from you about the car, as I really respect your opinion before I commit to spending my £s. However, this review gives a good insight into the new model mk8. Will you be getting into a GTi mk8 soon? as it will be good to see the progression towards the R.

DSG + 1.5 TSI would definitely be the ideal daily. Perhaps when /with an r line pack is available /added, specifically for the better interior materials they come with. Alternatively since Formula E is trending, (perhaps VW needs to ditch the Golf GTD completely) for a sporty GTE 😎 or e-Golf Sport which would make the most sense.

Is it just the angle (polarization or something) that makes all the icons in the infotainment screen the same shade of blue? Are they all the same blue with black stencil icon?

I fully agree on assitant systems -- blind spot warning, cross traffic assist and parking sensors are smth every car should have. Also would be great if car would remember start-stop and lane assist settings (I know it is not allowed by law)

Hi Guido....I am German but live in California. I own a 2015 Porsche 981 GTS and also a Hyundai Elantra GT sport, which is a Korean Golf. My first car was a VW Golf, so whenever there are news about a new VW Golf, I am interested to see how my first cars developed throughout the decades. The fact that I still drive a "hot hatch" may let you know that I still have a weakness for a nice hatch. I do have to say, that build quality of Hyundai for U.S. cars is far superior to what VW is offering. My Elantra is truly build in Korea, not in Eastern Europe like the European Korean cars, and this truly shows. I have nice black leather even with RED stitching in build quality is superb. I think you know what Porsche charges for the red stitching, aka communication package. Also choice of materials and fit and finish of the Elantra, as well as the ride quality is very good and even fun, except of a very noticable understeer at higher cornering, which is something that every Porsche driver must dislike.

You have progressive steering?

Dream would be a Gti, with no ambient lighting, no sunroof, no screen, nothing like that, just the add-ons like DCC and power

TheGetawayer, have you managed to get your hands on a GolfR mk8 Manual /Stickshift for the USA Would love to see you review against the DSG variant. Cheers, Keith

We just picked up a 2019 Mk7 and it honestly feels better quality than the Mk8. I did prefer the drive of the Mk8, though.

Is vw even making cars there (de) in 2023? I don't see any 2022 or 2023 reviews

The relfections off the air vents and head up display protector are really noticable on the windscreen and that would annoy me.

Which colour is this ??

Great info and review! Just not liking the POV, please bring back traditional camerawork!

What is the sound insulation like, is there much road and tyre noise ?

small turbo engines are fine on paper but they really are inefficient when you push them. I have my name down for a GTi and patiently waiting for its availability. Not only is it way more powerful but when driven easily it is just as economical because of its vast torque curve - and I am basing that on the previous model. Also equipment and content way better.

Love the POV style. I do find it weird that no one seems to be talking about the Golf 8 that much. It’s a shame to see the cost cutting. A VW should be about quality first and foremost, even if they don’t have all the gadgets. It’s not a fucking Peugeot. I’m super excited about getting my first car, a Golf 7 GTI Performance (2013, no facelift) as a daily that I can also have some fun with. Even if the interior feels a bit dated, it’s super solid.

Great review, thanks. I have just bought a new 7.5 R-Line after deciding not to wait for the Mk 8 to land here in Australia early next year. I think that the 8.5 may be worth waiting for, but the 8 just strikes me as being rushed out to market without having been properly thought out. The plastics look cheap, and the gadgets seem glitchy - eg your media centre taking ages to start up and the gesture controls being buggy. All those touch controls are ridiculous in a daily driver, and some of them are unlit which is unforgivable. It's a little thing, but I think that the centre console cup holders sum it up - instead of the premium feeling, roller door holders of the 7.5, now there are just cheap looking open plastic items - just like everybody else. In Australia, the main reasons for buying a Golf were the great ride and handling, and the premium cabin - you could then overlook the higher prices and dodgy reliability. Well, some of the opposition have pretty well caught up with the ride and handling (Toyota Corolla and Mazda 3), and one or two now better the 7.5s cabin (Mazda 3). As a bonus they are reliable, if also pricey. However, if the USPs for buying Golfs are negated in the 8, why should I buy one? So no, I'll enjoy my last of the line 7.5 and wait to see what the 8.5 has to offer. Or maybe this is all just a plot by VW to get me into an ID3...

I have been one of the first to go to south koreans, pro ceed in 2008. Switched to sportage in 2014. In 2008. kia ceed was comparable to golf 5 and in many aspects better when it comes to space and everyday usage as cup holders, arm rest, AC included in basic trim, better basic gasoline engine. But even back then golf 5 had far superior chassi and handling. Basic engine was eorse, transmission just a bit better. Golf 6 was noticeably better than the next gen ceed and golf 7 blew them away even in basic trim. Don't care what others say it's a fact! I drove them all long enough to compare. Golf 6 and 7 had better quality interior, more comfortable seats, better handling, better noise insulation. When golf 7 came out it had even better basic trim and basic engine. They aren't comparable even nowdays because koreans raised up the prices. So I fully agree, golf was and still is better (havent tried the 8th gen). Also I havent tried the french on longer runs but the steering wheel position in 308 is everything but functional. Edit: in my opinion only real competitors of golf in the segment are the new corolla and mazda 3. When it comes to hybrids corolla is #1 choice, no discussion there. Also one more important thing, real difference between golf and sout koreans can be seen on over 120k km. And when it comes to 7 years warranty, yea, it's basically 90% marketing. Some parts even have only 2 year warranty, mechanical maximum 5 and theres more restrictions. In my country toyota is best in that regard. 5 years without restrictions.

I've thought about this for a long time. I had a mk1 Focus for 6 years and yes, while parts of its interior trim seemed built by a toddler, guess what? It was 100% reliable mechanically. Compared to German junk, which have this veneer of being well built, but get past 100,000kms, and no matter how vigilant you've been with servicing, major engine problems WILL occur. So lets take this new Focus, so ok it does not quite pass the centre console rigidity test, but it's more spacious inside, is nicer to drive, and is more refined at speed. Saunders conveniently ignores the last aspect when every other review has stated that the Golf 8 has a fair bit of wind and suspension noise. So, unless you're hell bent on having digital controls, give the Focus a try.

POV camera needs to be a little lower. I notice it's good when the camera is eye level (between eyes under a billed hat). It's hard to shoot and drive because the camera is in the way though. With how high it is it's hard to see outside and see the gauges how you see them. I most prefer a fixed camera with wide angle lens mounted on a tripod stabilized over the right shoulder about eye level. It's a little more central but you can see the gauges, outside, rear view mirrors, and shifting. It's also easier on the motion sickness. But you may as well have a fixed camera on you talking as well, but not have too much of this. I feel we perceive a conversation when you're talking and it feels more personal to get the face time.

The dash looks like there is a traditional dials under that hideous screen...I’m sure it’s a great car but it’s trying to be hip a bit too much...I don’t understand why they can’t integrate the screen in a tasty way, this looks like it’s just stuck on there.

Maybe it will be different in America but the infotainment looks like it has an out of date design to be honest. I definitely think it should be more colorful like bmw and audi and such. 🤔

I'm curious, do the cars in Europe have rev hang? Where the revs don't fall immediately when pushing in the clutch. The North American cars have it and its pretty awful.

is there auto hold function at golf 8 with manual-transmission ?

Longer gearing equals higher RPMs, why would that help fuel consumption? Regards. Schöne Videos!

Did VW remove the bonnet struts to reduce the cost? A minor detail but also an indication that the Golf is not as important as it used to be for VW

1. It has to be manual for me. I don't care how good the automatic might be, it's just not the same and I wouldn't trade the experience of true driver engagement and fun that a manual brings for anything. It sounds like the new Golf has a great manual gearbox and clutch so it's a no-brainer to choose it! I commute daily with my 6 speed and even in traffic, it's never tiring or 'work.' It's enjoyable and provides a safer, more focused driving experience too! 2. Unfortunately for us Americans, it seems VW doesn't think the Mk8 regular Golf will sell a lot in our market, so we apparently only get the GTI and R. At least we have the manual transmission choice for both of those cars, unlike Europe which doesn't get the R with the 6 speed (that's crazy!). 3. If Ford USA brings the Focus ST back to the states, IMHO it will actually take over the hot hatch market here - it looks, sounds, and drives better than the Golf (more fun-to-drive factor). Only thing the GTI / R has as an "advantage" is the 7 spd DSG automatic; Ford's automatic in the Focus ST isn't particularly sporty - the 6 speed manual is the obvious choice. Still, just think how many potential buyers would choose the Focus ST if it were to be made available instead of buying the GTI or R. For me, I can't stand the looks of the Civic Type R, (and I'm not alone) so the GTI is next best thing in absence of the Focus ST. I don't like the touch-screen interface or those touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. I much prefer the more balanced tech approach in the dash and screen of the Focus ST. And I like the simpler setup of the Focus ST steering wheel. 4. I will never buy any electric car, I don't care how fast they can go; it's not for me. I will stick with my stick shift forever! That's how I feel about electric vehicles - I'm never buying one!

Im watching this in my 2003 1.8T B5.5 Passat Wagon ...5spd manual and I see some familiar buttons and switches..hehe🤙🤙🤙🇩🇪🇩🇪🇩🇪

No driving gloves?

Which is engine code of this 1.5 tsi?

Das Auto trifft meinen Geschmack so gar nicht aber nett mal die Welt aus deinen Augen zu sehen 😉

I think there are clear cost savings on the MK8 & I think the MK7.5 looks a better design.

The new format would be good if you could fixed the camera on the roof instead on your head. The angle of view is wide enough that you do not need it sitting on your head.

Man, it still has the same door button layout, as a MK4. VW, if you're cuttting costs, make them less noticeable.....

Do not think VW has ever had anything "premium" about any model. Lovely vehicles that are to be useful to " the people". I owned a new Jetta and had never experienced such a lovely entry level experience. Never had that experience prior or past. Too many bells and whistles in new cars. Just drive.

I’m sad about the drop in quality. It’s not like they are cheap cars. I need to see the car in the metal, but the design is not easy on the eyes especially in lower specifications

Interior is cheaper on my Mercedes too. W205 is less Quality Then w204 golf 7 looks more agresive i think

Test the new Peugeot 508 - might be surprised... :)

POV is okay but use it to add/mix with the 'normal' camera angles.

Don’t like the way you’ve got to go through two clicks on the menu to alter the seat heating, and a couple of other major functions. It’s great when you stood still but whilst you’re driving it’s very distracting and I don’t think adds to the safety whilst driving as opposed to plastic knobs

All electric is still 20(at least) or probably 30 years away, due to infrastructure. Even then, people aren't going to stop driving piston-engined vehicles altogether. So the manufacturers need to keep making good stuff between now and then, or they're gonna lose sales.

I'll be honest, don't like the new look inside or out, and no option for physical buttons or knobs (for climate control especially) is a huge mistake imo. It's as if VW is living in a bubble and never heard about the backlash Honda faced in 2016-17 that forced them to add volume and/or tuning knobs back to their redesigned cars. I'm sure it's comfortable, fuel efficient, relatively quiet and handles well vs the competition, but I'm also not seeing a compelling reason to choose this over some of the competitors. I simply don't see the MK8 appealing to anyone but the most diehard Golf fans who will drive nothing else...but I'll bet even those types hang on to their MK7 a bit longer.

Havent seen one in belgium either. Very alarming for volkswagen

I want to like this car, but the front just doesn't sit right with me. The back is fine.

The interior is where it falls apart for me. Hate the touch screen everything approach inside and makes it feel cheap. There's no design when you just put up multiple screens across the dash. Then there is the lack of vital buttons/knobs like the volume knob and climate control buttons. Personally I'd rather have the Mk7 Golf.

price

The thing is that the auto is dry clutch. I think the manual is better

I simply don’t like the cost-cutting and lesser of quality standards

I was very lucky to purchase a mk7.5 with big discounts before this chap thing came out

The interior of the Mk7 is very good. The piano black is awful. I wish VW had only evolved it, rather than replacing it with this homogenized, buttonless screening room. The Mk8 exterior, however, is a huge step forward. The Mk8 fixes some of the shortcomings of the Mk7, primarily the front end.

"I wish they would have given us some easter eggs" Since when are germans into this kind of stuff hahahaha

I've been a big fan of the Golf for a long time and the MK8 is very disappointing to me from what I've seen in videos. They didn't improve on the looks, they've cheapened many things and I hate all that nonsense tech! If they were to produce both the MK7 and MK8, they would probably sell more MK7s than MK8s... Well I believe true hardcore Golf fans would choose that way. Actually the last couple years or so the regular MK7 Golf they started cheapening a bit more and they only put in 1.4L engine for North America, but at least GTI and R still good.

VW heading towards all electric is a huge gamble, and dont know how that will work out for them. They currently have a good foothold not just in Europe (North America is so-so..and i cant see it getting better with no conventionally powered cars) but also many developing countries...countries with remote areas not suitable for electric cars and no money for EV charger infrastructure. The fact of the matter is, once EV's become the norm rather than the exception, cost of electricity will rise..bringing it to near the same level as fossil fuels today. Also, anyone thinking the power plants producing that electricty are using mostly wind and solar to do that are kidding themselves...it's either going to be coal or nuclear meeting increased electricity demand. I'm fine with EV's being an option, but feel like hybrid is the way to go for most of the world. If internal combustion engines are ever legislated out of existence (to the point automakers stop designing and producing them) poorer countries will be the hardest hit...but might be an opportunity for new car companies to be created to fill those needs.

Man the background audio is nut crushingly loud, and you whispering doesn't help. Fix that please

Mixed fuel consumption way too high, won't buy! 100% electric cars are evidently pure hot air hype unless you have more charging stations than petrol stations that exist in Japan for example. I'd be interested to learn the REAL COST of building cars. The cheap car, Dacia Logan 1.4litre, 75 HP, that I bought was produced for an all-in cost of 700 euros in Rumania, but sold to the ripped-off buyer, me, for 15 000 euros!! Ka-ching. Drive safely:)

Interior looks BMW inspired

Too much head movement on head cam, making me not want to watch, better to see you talking for the most part, then maybe small amount of head cam when driving in my opinion, hope this is helpfull

For me the mark 8 is the worst thing ever since the mk4 , the infotainment is a buggy mess even 2 years after launch, it’s internal materials feel cheap and why no leather option vw , it’s an option allow users to have what they want not fit into eco rubbish dribble

As a 17' MK7 TSI SE (1.8T, Auto) owner in the US, to me the MK7/7.5 look better on the front end. That said if I had to choose the face of the MK8, the yet to be released R model of course looks the best and loses that honeycomb vibe which I don't think will continue to age well on the GTI and. I do think there was some glaring cost cutting in the MK8 across the globe everything from rear suspension (I believe country dependent) to the interior materials and the rear of my MK7 would be considered more upscale in comparison to todays model. I dislike the new cockpit and especially with no buttons, and as manual driver who has to have an automatic for family the gear shift looks shitty, expensive to repair with time and I haven't seen paddle shifters which my SE has. That said all this is mute since it won't be coming to the US, short of the GTI and R which currently are out of my range. I'd be after a used MK7.5 Rabbit, preferably manual but likely a DSG.

The mk8 should BETTER than the mk7 and it's WORSE !!!!!!!!!!!

Globalisation : European quality down, foreign quality up.. distribution of wealth.

Dont like this . As much as the generation 7

It’s not top anymore, “some” French cars are a lot better in quality than this “new”golf, further on it’s getting very boring.

The front of the car is very ugly

First impression, sterile, second impression boring, another emotionless experience. But it is a base model. materials don't appear great. As a rep mobile, okay...

Absolutely horrid design. They butchered the remarkable Mark 7 aesthetic and the interior does not lend itself to a sporty pretence. Horizontal layouts convey more luxury IMHO

Usual VW Golf ! Boring!! Zzzz💤😕🙄

Such a cheap looking interior compared to the mk7. It's horrible.

This model is really ugly, looks as bad as the MkIV.