It's that Tornado red paint that adds the 8 horsepower.

The single nicest thing you can do on these is install the GIAC ECU & DSG software - total game changer on power, throttle response and transmission operation. Also, a larger rear sway bar and Michelin Pilot 4 S’s make a world of difference as well.

i love how consistently you upload! you're an awesome reviewer 😀

GTI one of the best cars in the world...premium built quality, fast, germanic...a blast to drive

Car reviewers should stop creating the impression that more space is better. Get a mid size vehicle if space is an issue. This Golf is already quite large for a 'compact' car .............

I own a 2018 DSG Autobahn GTI. It replaced a 2013 model, the last MK6 built in Germany. Some comments. () Price and Content. North American owners of GTI's have long complained that the US spec version of the vehicle lacks features available on the GTI in Europe. The digital cockpit, for example, though originally promised for the US in 2019 is available only in Europe. The Euro spec version of the GTI includes dual injection and a slightly higher HP rating. Furthermore, a number of features (e.g. DCC, leather upholstery, adaptive cruise control, panoramic sunroof, navigation, upgraded audio, etc.) are individual options in Europe. In the US they're only available (or not) in particular trim levels rather than as individual options or packages. Thus, in Europe a buyer can add or reject individual options to customize their specific configurations, an alternative not available in the US. Why the difference? There's a simple answer. VW has found repeatedly that US consumers resist paying what Europeans willingly pay for VW's. Their response has been to offer larger, cheaper versions of their vehicles in the US or in the case of the GTI, limit available features and combining features into different trim levels to contain production costs. For example, a DSG GTI in the UK configured as closely as possible to the Autobahn US trim (albeit with features like the digital cockpit not available in the US) has an MSRP of slightly more than $50,000 (!) at current exchange rates. That's compared to about $38,000 in the US, an MSRP that as Sofyan notes is often discounted significantly. For example, I purchased a fully loaded Autobahn with several dealer installed options about a year ago for $32,043 plus TTL. That vehicle had a sticker over $38,000. It made the GTI about $10,000 less than the best offer I received for a Golf R. (That difference may well have changed with the wider availability of the Golf R this year and the fact that at least here in the Pacific Northwest Autobahn GTI's are in very short supply.) () GTI versus Jetta. Sofyan notes that the newest generation Jetta has some features that the GTI lacks. A difference he attributes to the Jetta being a newer design. It's somewhat more complicated than that, I think. VW has expanded and updated the Jetta line-up in the US while discontinuing exports of the basic Golf to the US. They're obviously putting more eggs in the Jetta basket, a vehicle that's not even sold in Germany. They've taken the engine and drive train of the GTI (along with a number of other features) for the GLI version. It's an obvious effort to make a splash with the Jetta and accounts for including features like the digital cockpit. Hopefully, it doesn't represent a long term plan to phase out the GTI in the US and is simply an effort to broaden the appeal of their already best-selling Jetta. Personally, I prefer the versatility and iconic status of the GTI but for those looking for an affordable European compact sports sedan the GLI deserves a close look. () The MK8 GTI. I doubt we'll be seeing the MK8 GTI (or Golf R) in the US until the 2021 model year. Skipping a model year between GTI generations isn't a new practice for VW. They did the same when the MK6 was replaced by the MK7 generation. (There was no 2014 model in the US.) As far as its features are concerned there's still much unknown but a clue may be the GTI TCR where the 2.0L turbo engine sees a HP increase to 290. Torque in that engine is unspecified. Interestingly, the HP rating is about the same as a current GTI with a Stage I ECU tune from APR. That tune requires no additional mods for a DSG GTI but it does require a tougher clutch and/or periodic replacement in the MT version. And on that point it's perhaps noteworthy that the GTI TCR is not offered with an MT in Europe. () 6 speed DSG vs 7 speed DSG. My 2018 GTI has the previous generation 6 speed DSG. VW added a seventh gear for 2019. Sofyan isn't the first to have minor complaints about the behavior of the new transmission. That's not unusual for a new transmission from any brand. It often requires a while to work out kinks in the real world and implement software changes to address them. I would say, though, that I've never found the hesitation Sofyan mentions in either shifts or turbo lag in my GTI. If there is a verifiable issue I wouldn't be surprised to see VW address them even if they don't say much about it.

Superb video. That camera coming down from the sunroof is just brilliant. Just what I need to decide myself into buying the GTI. Congrats man, keep it up.

Great review I currently have a 15 and previously had an 11. The MQB platform and the fit and finish are impressive even to this day love getting in my car ans going to work or for a long drive. I'm in the same boat as you what is the next gen going to offer and improve seems like in the past every major change comes from platform change which most likely will be the mk9.. Definitely hard to find something I like better than the gti.. Thanks for all the great reviews keep em coming!

From the DC area here - on nice days I'll go for drives on the same roads you are on! My favorite route is from Seneca rd to beech mill, left at the french restaurant. Perfect for testing out new cars!

The new great falls green metallic color looks amazing on this car.

Thanks for mentioning that it does get heavy discounts as pretty much all reviewers don’t talk about that!

Love his videos he goes in depth keep up the good work

I like Gti very much, once you drive it, it is hard to get it out of your head and no cars except for Wrx in the price range is as exciting to me.

I've noticed the production quality of your reviews as gone waaay up recently with all these unique shots. keep it up!

Totally agree the the Rabbit edition is the value. Just make sure you get it before the warranty goes back down

I love your new rating system. At first I thought it might be a bit forced with the REDLINE acronym, but it really works and is informative. Great job!

The regular VW Golf is coming back as a Value Edition in 2020, which is similar to this year’s SE. There was a press release a few weeks ago.

You laugh at launch, that"s your seal of approval!!! Best car reviews in YT. You really know what you are talking about!!! Thank you.

I have what some may consider the ideal GTI. Just 23k miles, SE, Stage 1, summer tires, roof rack with carbon mountain bike on top. I like it. Have a baby now and am outgrowing it. I think a lot of people love these for 2-3 years then they need a change or it becomes a bit underwhelming. Great commuter though. Still get 30mpg with around 300 wheel hp.

That Volvo in the background though 😎

Very informative review. Thank you!

The sounddoktor is not "fake" engine noise. It's an electronic resonator that amplifies 100% sound coming from the engine using reverberation off the windshield. The reason VW and Audi use the Sounddoktor device is because it saves money rather than putting in expensive pipes to resonate the sound from the front intake manifold.

Well, mine's a '15 6-speed SE purchased new a couple of years ago. I added an APR stage 2 package and a new South Bend clutch. It's been my DD the entire time and I'd give it another point in the real world usage category. But that's me. Yes, the GTI is the sweet spot and I love mine.

Loved the video but if you guys invested in a polarising filter and getting the exposure right it'll go a long way (a lot of the shots seem a bit over exposed). I take photos of cars and honestly exposure and a polarising filter makes so much of a difference I couldn't not believe.

Stage 2 APR is like $1,500 for the tune and the catted downpipe and you’re making 330hp and 370 lbs/ft of torque comfortably. Not a bad value for sure. Love my Mk7

When did the Doug score start. Great review.

I also had a mk6 gti (2dr 6spd). I sold it recently and I really miss it. It really was a great car, especially for the price. The Rabbit trim really is the best value for the current mk7.5

What a beautiful town! Where is this? Thanks 4 the great video btw 😊

Omg this is great you been updating a lot of videos so I won’t be bored lol.

Great Review! I have never owned a VW product (just Ford, Chevy, Jeep, Mercedes, and Subaru) so I might have to buy one next. I generally steer towards all-wheel drive vehicles so a GLI or Type R could be the one. I have around 3-4 years to decide which one will do.

The dual clutch at the lower speed where you stomped it to accelerate probably still had more forward gears to go. So the second clutch had the next higher gear selected, but with the demand for a downshift, it had to drop that next gear and go to a lower gear, that’s the delay.

The turbo went on my 2013 (only 68k miles too). Thankfully I purchased an extended warranty so it was covered.

hello to you from germany, this car cost`s in germany with no options 36000 $, and go to 100 km/h in 6,5 sec. thank you sofyan you do a great job.

One thing about the EA888 is the APR tunes available allow it to make EASY power, a lot of power.

My family has an Eos with the 6 speed DSG. I only drive it on occasion, but when I do I notice the delay during a kick down. I think it has to do with the fact that the transmission has to change to another gear in the same clutch, which will take longer than just a regular shift up or down that just requires a quick clutch engagement. The DSG is a wonderful transmission, but it has a learning curve in order to drive it smoothly. Since I drive a Lexus most often and the Eos infrequently, driving the Eos tends not to be a smooth experience.

What's the rating out of again? Great review though since I'm going to get a GTI next year!

Im so excited ill be getting a gti soon always wanted one. Ill probly go with the se trim bc of the leather seats, moonroof everything else i don't care for.

The active Display is available in the euro models of the Golf . Also the Euro models also have an electronic parking brake.

Great review but what is your base line or competition?

My 2016 GTI S lease is about to end in a few months and I still LOVE this car. It is just a great drive. I'm just missing some of the technology advancements available today and LED lighting. I am thinking on buying it because no car in the market today seem interesting to me and most likely the MK8 will get to the USA on 2021. Any suggestions? I am a car enthusiast, but not a car expert.....

My first mod to my 2018 golf r was to remove the sound synthesizer.

I want one of these... Would this be good to buy when I'm out of law school?

You can run the GTI on any octane fuel in the US. Premium gets better fuel economy and wakes the car up a little once it re-tunes itself (the fuel management system recognizes different octane fuel automatically and accommodates for that)

This has features the GLI doesn’t and vice versa. Top models should have everything that vehicle offers.

Have a cornflower blue rabbit and love it. Great daily driver.

These are really easy to drive manual in, but I with the clutch had more weight and feel and heavier steering.

Would love if u can test a gli

Which dealers in DC discount to around $30k? Most I’ve seen advertise dealer price of $33k-34k

Hey I noticed that the hood doesn't have that black insulation thingy like mine(Euro/Middle East-spec gti), I guess another cost-cutting measure for the US-spec gti?

I like the rounded edges on the MK8. It resembles the MK6. I’ve always found the MK7 to be too boxy and a tad bland as a result. I agree with others that having all touch screen controls is a poor choice that won’t age well. I hope they improve the color selection for the new version. And I would really love to see the plaid interior available on the Autobahn edition! When will the MK8 be available in the USA?

I’ve seen several videos on how to disconnect the soundaktor which sends synthetic engine sounds through the speakers. People who’ve done so reported enjoying a much quieter engine sound.

I find if you want to put your foot down. Just quickly tap the paddle to shift down first then floor it. 👍 Otherwise the DSG will feel slow to shift and pick up.

Can’t wait to get this car!

Id like to see a review on the 2019 Elantra GT N-Line hatch

Love my 19’ GTI SE manual. Wish I got a DSG though. After a while you get tired of stick shift and you just want to cruise.

Would be nice if they also had a trim with vr6 to give us a little throwback but the 4cyls are taking over

Should I wait for the MK8 GTI ?? Or just buy a MK7.5 as of right now ?🤔 I’m just not sure if they are still going to make them in manual ??

I think you meant that there will be no GOLF R for 2020. But there should be a regular golf, e-golf, and GTI

I test drove a 2019 GTI and felt that tremendous lag that you mentioned and it's part of the reason I went for the Veloster N The salesperson wanted me to test the acceleration merging onto the highway. He said "now mash the gas pedal!". I pressed it all the way to the floor and nothing happened for, what I felt, was a considerable amount of time. It was enough time for him to say "go ahead press it" then the car accelerated. Looking back I should have given the manual a chance.

Over 80k miles on my 2 door 2015 Mk7 GTI and I'm still in love with it. Just a great car with not a single issue. Being APR tuned and making over 300 WHP definitely doesn't hurt either, but as a daily it's pretty much a perfect car.

this is making me want a gti so much more

Review the Subaru WRX! I have a 2016 that I purchased 1 month ago that handles like a true sports car, (1st 4 wheel drive car i've owned), & I love it! Although I don't notice a lack of power over 60mph, maybe that's why there's the STI option. Could you find a 2016 BMW 340i & feature that one as well?

Since when tornadoes are red? Something to do with Weather Channel color chart?

don't need a 4cyl "sound enhancer" lol. with my VR6 I opened the exhaust

The mk8 looks like a rich kid's first car. I think Im still gonna go for the mk7.5 rabbit or SE

Will u get to review the 2020 Civic Si? Couple things about it have changed including fake engine noise fed through the speakers.... frikken honda but still wanna see your thoughts on it

20 year old info regarding the assessment of electrical longevity. I have had Mexican vws hit 400 000kms without major interventions. One of our mk5s actually did 368 000kms on the original clutch. The key is buying a mobile device enabled scan tool

Just get a tune. 8hp ain’t shit. I have the Cobb tune and it’s amazing mines a 2016 SE with PP. great car! I love mine as a daily. These cars look so good with no front plate. I have to rock a tow plate being in NY. Get a DSG tune it’ll eliminate any DSG lag. The sound you can eliminate it from the OBD Eleven. Mine came turned off and I bought mine as a CPO. Lol Dog bone insert helps a lot. I have the 034 M brand. It makes it put down powers even better and I have the electronic diff.

Not perfect, but close to it. You can get lightly used MK7s for a steal now, as well as a lightly used focus st. Both amazing cars

Another reason the Golf R is more expensive is because it is actually built in Germany. Whereas the GTI is built in Mexico.

The Golf in both standard and GTI are my favorite compact cars and along with the 911 and Boxter are my all time favorite European cars. VW never lost the original recipe and the make me feel like I’m driving in Europe.

Do a review on the 2020 Jeep Renegade

Is it possible you do a review of the 2019 GTI performance ❓🙏🏾

it has a really solid thump

Forgot to mention the single load CD player in the glove box for us older Gen Drivers :)

That misses the sweeping indicator? My friend has 2017 GTI with active info display and dynamic lights. Even my 2018 GTD has sweeping lights and active display as standard.

Can't wait for the new golf

I think air vents in the back row is the most underrated pro in a car

I have a 2017 golf 1.8t with apr stage 1, can't wait for the mk8.

2019 golf gti se vs the 2020 golf gti s. What’s the difference other than the leather seats and sunroof?

I traded in my 17 muatang gt for a mazda 6 because my commute is super long now and i have a baby. Im trading my Mazda for a GTI in the spring. I miss having a 6MT and a GTI checks all of my boxes.

Nice review, but mine there is no turbo lag in mine. Fantastic engine.

The digital display is available on the GTI in Europe from 2018 on.

Pretty much every GTI owner wants a Golf R, some get it some don’t. The Autobahn trim is just $6,000 less than the R. Shop wisely.

why did they add 2 more doors? i thought the GTI was a 2 door

Still my favorite car!!!

I disabled the fake sounds of the soundaktor within the first week of ownership. Love my DSG '17!

Sorry but my 2016 GTI S 6spd manual checkered seats two door in silver is the perfect GTI hatchback. Sneaky fast, amazing cornering, good gas mileage, quiet interior, cannot be driven slow. I wanted red but they were out so got silver at less $. The more I see the red the more I’m glad I got silver. The cops love red cars. Such a fun car to drive, enjoy yours!

GTI Mk8 will be 2022. We get the Mk7 until 2021. And the aggressive look you’re noticing vs the R is all down to subtle trim details and the lower grille being inverted on the GTI and not on the R, so the R is the same as the regular Golf.

So he said GTI’s can run off regular gas, does that go for 2015’s as well??

Why was the dual clutch in the pre-facelifted GTI so much quicker than the current GTI’s now? Doesn’t make any sense

In Europe we do have the digital cockpit

Civic type r all day

Are you planning on reviewing the Infiniti Q60 at anytime in the future?

What is the title of the song?

I really love this car this is my dream car

I have a MK 4 and while it’s not a GTI I find it rather small for a hatchback. I didn’t buy it New I just needed something to drive back and forth to work. Maybe the newer Golfs are bigger or at least feel bigger due to ergonomics.

I found and purchased a Civic Type R at MSRP. Wasn’t easy to find. The GTI is just too expensive. A year earlier I purchased a Golf R. Totally worth the price difference. Now I have two R’s. Why I’m called The Car Crazy Guy.

What's the price?

the virtual cockpit is available on the gti