There's still time to get the Continental Tire $110 rebate ➡ bit.ly/41rWvVU

I bought 2024 Golf R DSG last Saturday....it is all fixed. No buttons added, but all is working fine, and the infotainment is awesome and easy to use.

The door slam cut at the beginning is brilliant. I re-watched that like 5 times.

I like that the CEO is speaking about the infotainment. I have specifically not purchased a MK8 R because of the infotainment. Hopefully a refresh with nice physical buttons and knobs comes out soon!

I have a MK8 GTI and the touch buttons aren’t that bad. You get used to it. I’ve been extremely happy with it.

Not normally a VW fan, but something about the golf R is really appealing. Except for the infotainment, but every manufacturer has had a terrible one at some point.

I still remember my 1992 Mark 2 red GTI. For $700 I replaced the cam, the exhaust, and threw in a short throw gear shift. The car was a thrill in second gear accelerating out of a corner at 3,800 rpm.

I have a Mk7 GTI and was saving for a Mk8 R but that fiddly interior was a 100% deal breaker! The Mk7's MIB2 system w/o navi is excellent and future-proof thanks to CarPlay AND Android Auto (take notes Porsche).

I’ve got the T-Roc R which has a lot of the functions replaced with discrete buttons and controls. Much easier to use than the Golf infotainment even with capacitive sliders. I also get a proper gear stick with the DSG which is great for dropping into Sports mode really quickly when you’re driving.

The whole review was around the infotainment Lmao

i have a 2023 Golf R, the infotainment system is livable, not ideal, but its fine when you live with the car for more than a week lol. Its the perfect daily and i love it to death!

I bought the 40th anniversary edition GTI and I absolutely love it (urano grey with a 6 spd for anyone wondering). For $34K I feel it was completely worth it. It is the perfect spec placed between the S and SE. Could have done without the silly light bar but appreciate the adaptive dampers and speed sensitive steering. The R is cool but I think the GTI AE is definitely the better value.

Jacob and Yuri, thanks a lot for the honest reviews. Pleas keep them that way if you can. :)

The info was the worst when I saw other did an intro an review. Because I have a Golf Alltrack and I like the infotainment as is with buttons 2017...... great fun review guys😂

Got my R in July luv it!!! Don't like the 20yrs all that blue and leather seats!! Got a stealthy black with everything black including the wheels. And stop everyone moaning about the touch screen software has been updated and works a treat no problems at all!!! Will b getting a stage 1 tune taking it to 370bhp more than enough thanks. In the UK.

When it was auto upshifting you were in M manual mode, but when you switched back it was in M+ manual mode. M+ is the mode that doesn't automatically upshift. You must have accidentally pulled the D/S shifter to switch from S+ down to S before using the paddles to shift manually.

Had a 2016 before I moved to a Stinger. Loved it. If you don't like the touchscreen in the Mk8, get a Mk7, it'll be a better price, and easier to live with.

As always an entertaining and interesting review from the boys. I have owned a MK 8 R manual for 18 months and love the car. As someone who owned and drove every generation of the GTI, I decided to step up to the R. I compared it to both he S3 and the S5 and felt that the R was the better car/deal for my needs. I would have probably bought the S3 in Euro hatchback mode, but having always had a hatchback I could not opt for a three box car. I will not dwell on the obvious performance/handling virtues of the car as they are well documented. My only real concern about the car was the infortainment system - and I was leaning towards an Audi product because of it. However, two of my sons (I'm in my 60's) convinced me that I would adjust quickly to the system - thankfully they were correct! Yes, this system was a radical departure from the Mk 7, but now 18 months later I have to say it is incredibly intuitive and easy to use. I would not go as far as to say it's brilliant, but definitely better than the criticism levelled by many reviewers. Cited issues by reviewers include: No volume knob = Steering wheel haptic can be used like a normal button (You don't have to slide it) Sliders on dash (Criticized for not being illuminated) = I hardly ever have a need to use them, I would criticize VW a little here as they really are a redundant feature. A/C controls = I set my car to Auto at 70 F Summer and Winter as the system works seamlessly to heat or cool as appropriate (I have always done this on my cars that have Auto A/C.. I also love the fact that the heated/ventilated seats work in tandem with the system without the driver having to turn them on. Love the the fact that the car also has climate control/heated seats in the back (Especially at this price point!). Hand hitting heated steering wheel control = You can turn this feature off within the infortainment. I have probably only activated this feature accidentally no more than 3 times in 18 months - I drive with my hands on the 10 and 2 position. These are some of my observations as a fairly long term owner - I have adapted quickly to the system, but agree there are some short term challenges (Which is probably the biggest negative). I still prefer the S3 dashboard/infortainment system, but in no way is that a deal breaker. The car itself has been superb, quick, balanced, and poised and for me it ticks all the boxes.

As always, great video!

I've got '23 non-AE R in manual, and bought it because it comes in a manual. (I like manuals and realize that this could be that last manual car I'll own.) I don't have launch control so I'm almost never looking for the ESC menu, I also put the ESC in the pull down shortcut menu on day 2 of owning the car. The infotainment is fine, it's not great I'll admit but can't think of anything with a truly great infotainment though. It took some getting used to but after a few weeks was fine with it. Once you learn to use the buttons below the screen and the shortcut menu everything you'll want on a daily basis is a single tap or swipe away. I never use the "Hey Volkswagen" voice control, it's failed more often than it's worked. Honestly, I think reviewers harp on the infotainment because everything else is great. There's little else to complain about. I'll take an IMO 5/10 infotainment if it means a 9 or 10/10 for everything else.

I drive a 10 year old pre-infotainment car. I know all infotainments aren't built the same but I'm getting anxiety just watching them trying to figure out this one despite being very used to dealing with them. I'm kind of dreading the day I have to buy a car with one.

Someone left the windshield washer reservoir cap open. We love our Golf 8R, best purchase ever, right next to the S2000.

ESC is irrelevant to auto upshift, you just need to be on Special mode and S+ before switching to manual, then you get M+ which does not upshift. You can see that @ 2:35 they are in M1 and @ 2:49 they are in M+1 Infotainment is amazing to use after 1 week of getting used to it IMO (SW bugs are a different story).

With the exception of the slider controls not being lit when dark (very dumb design miss), I really like the infotainment system on this car. Very fast, eays to use, and shortcuts. Just takes a few days to get used to it.

For the auto upshifting thing. All audi and VW products auto upshift from 1 to 2. You can hit the limiter from 2 and beyond though. I learned this when I drove an RS5.

I have 2022 MK8 GTI DSG. After 16 months I finally got the software upgrade that has plagued the vehicle and taken away from driving experience. I also received a new steering wheel to address the sensor issue for the traffic/emergency control. Since then the car has been error-free and is much more enjoyable to drive. While you do eventually get used to the Infotainment system I do miss a few knobs for volume control etc and am not a fan of the haptic touch. New steering wheel is definite improvement. NOTE: One of the MK7/7.5 Spektrum Rs (Irish Green), DSG with 3200 miles on it just went for $62K US last month on BaT.

Looks like a lot of fun to take through some cornerrrrrrrrrs!

I’d point out for a similar price to what you find these new, you could buy a lightly used GLC AMG43 and get a larger vehicle with adaptive dampers AND adaptive air suspension that is luxurious, has lots of physical buttons and absolutely RIPS with a louder exhaust if optioned with the performance exhaust. The prices on the Golf R’s are egregious right now. Truly.

Y'all are every day guys doing stupendous reviews !

Finally a DSG review. DSGs are great in these...

Haven't driven a Golf since college 3 yrs ago I'm a corvette guy now but this version has intrigued my interest

2018 MK7.5 here...Stage 2 IE tune, turbo inlet, downpipe, intercooler, cold air, BOV and NEUSpeed Exhaust...not a slouch.

Infotainment is not that bad! I've owned 22 MK8 GTI and now 23 Golf R I'll see in the 23 it is faster so they must have done some hardware upgrades. The touch buttons are never an issue.

How many takes does it take to make the doors close at the same time? Or do you make that happen in post-processing?

Beings a former MK7 owner, the markups for the MK8 R,(over $53K USD) I'm over it. For the same price you can get a new non marked up S3, or save another 10K and get an RS3

1) 'Burg mode defaults to S+ or M+ (where it does not auto upshift) by default. you can put it into S or M (where it auto up shifts) but clicking the chicken nugget shifter. 2) I have had zero infotainment issues in 5000 miles. I actually like the "buttons".

I had a '17 GTI SE 6MT that I loved, but wanted a bit more room and AWD for the snow. Traded it for a '19 Alltrack SEL 6MT and love it even more. If they made a Mk8 R in a wagon form, I'd deal with the interior stuff and get one. But alas, none of that in the US. An S3 Avant would be even better. Instead, I'm planning to put a IS20 or IS 38 on my Alltrack.

Bought 20th anniversary, manual and love it❤

'24 MK8R here, the infotainment is not bad. In fact, certain aspects (sliders on steering wheel) I think are better than previous. I just don't get the fixation...as for the traction control, find it once, add it to your favorites and move on!

Consumers have been complaining about no physical A/C, volume or radio. However, all new cars have trade off screen size to bottom space.

I have a MkV R32 and it doesn't even have a GPS, IT IS GLORIOUS! I tested the Mk 8 and just hated the controls. It's a shame since it was their sale to lose and the did.

LOVE my pristine Tornado red 2017 Golf R (mk 7) dsg with 21,400 miles. APR stage 1. Its a rocket.

One of my co-workers just got one of these. It’s surprisingly bigger than my Mk 7 was. Looks very sharp though.

I own a 20th anniversary edition and the infotainment is great✌

Had an MK7 R and wanted and MK8 anniversary but you can’t even order them. Local dealers have had unfulfilled orders for the new R for two years. Prices are crazy on used ones so I bought an RS3 for same price instead.

Yuri shaking his head at that pun is too funny.

I thought I was the only person that disliked black wheels! Glad I’m not alone. Reminds me of cheap steelies with missing hubcaps!

Just sold our Mk8 GTI recently, coming from a long history of new GTIs since 2006, this is the first time we don't have a GTI in the garage. This should tell you something about how much we disliked the lack of buttons. It's a shame because the Mk8 are super quick once tuned and the aftermarket is only getting better.

That's why I still have my 2017 Mk7 with stage 1 from new.

Does it have capacitive touch pedals for brake and gas too? 🙄

I have a MK8 and the infotainment isn’t that bad. Jacob you gotta rest your hand on top of the screen and with muscle memory the buttons are easy to find at night time. GTI>WRX

3 times GTI owner, but had to skip the Mk8 until that UI is fixed :( Swapped my Mk7 GTI Sport for a GR Corolla, but hope by the time I am ready to swap again the Mk8.5 Golf R is a contender with a better UI and buttons on the steering wheel.

I had a mk7.5 gti and was ready to upgrade to a mk8 R but the infotainment screen made me go get a M240i for around the same price

Just got back from vacation in Greece. Manuals are NOT dead. Only in North America

Will there be an MK 8.5 R ? I wish they would come out with Spektrum colors. Or the old Oryx White but VW should have more colors and not just tornado red,. Something exclusive to the R.

In the US models the sunroof is actually removed and not allowed on the 20th anniversary.

Imagine being on the powertrain team and having to do a group project with the infotainment team

Loved the DSG in my old MK6 GTI. I had a TCU tune on it and I never missed leaving a manual trans. I tried repeatedly to get a MK8 R but they were all "already spoken for" when I would find one. Glad now I didn't with those infotainment issues.

S+ and M+ is the trans mode for no auto upshift!

For 15k less, I bought a Kona N, yeah not really same price point and won’t have nearly as many features, but for how much it costs new, and the amount of fun it is, and how quick it is for what it is amazed me. Fun time every time I drive it, I just wish we got the CA or UK spec in the us, I do miss the HUD, vented seats, heated steering wheel and sunroof. I came from an explorer ST and a mazda3 turbo premium plus, and this car (not as nice inside as the Mazda) is a much more enjoyable car than the explorer st was, that shit was a nightmare of problems.

Drive the thing! I know the infotainment is not great but this car is as easy as any with apple carplay and climate control with the temp "buttons." 95% of the time you're changing a song or changing the temp anyway. i forget the voice feature is even a thing. This car (not the 20th) is super fun to own and drive and ripped all winter through several storms in Vermont and snowy muddy ski parking lots and roads. Everyday driving is a blast in this thing and it gets 30mpg on long highway trips.

Please VW bring back (some) buttons! Don’t need a new car right now but I’d like VW to be in the mix when I shop

I purchased the 20 AE with the sunroof delete. The sunroof versions look fine but I don't want to deal with such a feature that I'll never use.

This car surprisingly look great in this white in color wow factor 🤩

What's the Continental recommended turbo?

Is this a US model?? If so, how did you get sunroof with Anniversary edition??

for the rev limiter bounce. maybe it resets itself after a full stop ?

Wendy’s baconator fries hit hard on a road trip

I’ve got same with the sports upgrade love it

I've played with the new infotainment and it didn't bother me that much. Was quick enough, and after a few minutes it seemed pretty easy to move around. Was slow at times but not deal breaker slow.

My manual 19 R for the win 💪🏻🇩🇪

Golf is amazing. I don’t understand the complaints about the buttons. It looks modern and new and pretty cool. VW is always better than the Acura. Interior and build quality is a lot better than the Integra. Don’t even go there.

Get an intake, exhaust, and Stage 1 tune. That thing will be fun as hell.

thing is, you do a tune only with the R and it makes 446 hp per Unitronic. i’m not aware of any tuning gains like this for the teggy

It's just the touch buttons on the steering wheel that ruin it for me. Whether you do an accidental push when turning or not being able to tell by touch without hitting other buttons. That makes ZERO sense to me. On my Z i can feel out the volume buttons without looking down. It's a deal killer for sure

Making "Everything" touch is an easy deal breaker for me. 👍

MK8 Golf R owner here for almost two years. Any one who does car reviews or a journalist complains about the infotainment. This is there job to nit pick and find something they dont like about the car. I owned a Mk7.5 R and was the old screen easier to use ? Yes it is but the new one is very straight forward once you get the hang of it. For those of you who say they wont buy this car because of this is an excuse and either you dont have the funds or your letting someone who spends 24 hours in the car dictate your buying decision. If your considering buying one and can some how drive it the car alone will change your mind over the previous Gen because it is light years better !!! The Brakes, Rear Diff, Seats, Available sunroof, much better tech (cooled seats heated steering, heads up display) honestly sat in a Mk7 the other day and felt like i was sitting in a MK4 compared to MK8. Just my two cents from an actual owner !

You need M+ mode for manual shifting which is in the special mode.

I miss my MK6 R 😔😔 styling wise they're the nicest looking Golf's especially when they had the Euro Tail Lights put on ❤️❤️❤️. I'm really not sure why VW and other OEMs decide no buttons knobs and dials and touchless infotainments are the way to go. I like touching buttons and feeling the click as i make it happen. Seeing smudgy finger prints all over my car dash is hideous

The Year of the Golf Performance trims: Golf R - 20 Years Golf GTI - 47 Years (45 Years was 2 years ago)

The ABS module controls traction control on VWs, hence why it’s under brakes

I have a Mk8 GTI and the infotainment really isn't that hard to use. The steering wheel controls are easy to get along with too.

What watch are you wearing today?

Nice 126331! Which dial? Still got the GMT?

It’s a fantastic car for Canada. I love my 7.5 in the winter!

Thankfully we have the 23 S3 instead. 👍

I'll take the "rip out the infotainment and slap a CD/Cassette player" spec thanks!

I’d go with the Audi S3. Sure, no trick diff in the rear but also no weird infotainment system. Plus, KBB puts the S3 significantly less expensive in the used market.

It was nice when Anniversary addition meant that it looked different than just a regular golf. VW has gone soft on that. If you want to make a hot hatch make it look hot. I don't want to spend all that money for a sleeper.

You should review the 6TH GEN ALTIMA REFRESH!!

I have an Mk7.5 AB 6MT GTI, which I think is peak GTI (& R) gen (shots fired!), unless the Mk8.5 gen gets physical buttons back.

That g-force at 0:18 is real lol.

Doesn't the euro version come eity 333hp?! 320 was standard i remember

Anyone know how soft the Golf R or GTI Autobahn rides versus a regular Golf? I currently have a MK7 Golf and I love how smooth riding it is over broken pavement but ya, it does get a bit bouncy house and when pushing it in backroads. Still a great daily with some sporting chops for the segment.

Is this a Canadian model? Thought US versions did not have the sun roof (mine doesn’t lol).

I miss my MKIV R32…

From a owner perspective of the Mk8R. I complained a lot in the beginning about the buttons. But got used to it like anything else. Especially when you figure out how to work with the Haptic Touch and that it’s capable of utilizing sliding touch functions. We’ve owned the vehicle for 3 months now and I appreciate the simplicity feel in the cabin

it sounds surprisingly nice from the inside

This is seriously a good all around car. It's just a shame that the mk7 was also really good and that VW is adamant about that slider interface. I speak from experience having a mk7 and mk8 GTI and driving the new one is better but liveability is worse.

Say whatever you want I have the regular R version and it's the best car I have ever had it's not even close