Can we just talk about how this car goes 0-60 in the same time it takes to get the best launch out of a Camaro SS? Car and Driver tested the Golf R and it ran a 12.5 second 1/4 mile, 3.9s 0-60. I'd gladly overlook the infotainment system for that kind of performance from a Golf ☺️

The 2019 Golf R was 42k, If you consider inflation the price hasn't changed. Very good review Alex

A price tag that won’t break the bank he says. Damn. I must be in the wrong line of work lol

The lack of physical controls for climate and audio as well as a traditional shifter is really a deal breaker for me with any car.

I've watched A LOT of reviews and this was by far the most thorough, nice job!

I’ve never been keen on hot hatches but I am a manual gearbox purist. Consequently, I love what the Germans have done. I want one.

The price isn't outrageous because everything has gone up. Glad I got my car in April I'd hate to be shopping now.

Manual trans all day long. Not racing anyone, would rather have the driver involvement. Besides, this will blow away most if not all crossovers which are 80+% of the cars in my area. Great review as always.

I originally had a WRX limited on order, but at basically 40k it was a NO BRAINER to get this over it for about 5k more. Way more power, better reliability, hatchback, better brakes, literally everything about it tops the WRX

Love my 2019 Golf R but am eager to get my hands on the new 2022 model, which I have pre-ordered with manual transmission. I'm an old geezer who probably should be driving an SUV with automatic transmission, but I just cannot give up the fun of the hot hatch. I also love its beautiful but understated design. I live in the Northeast so good winter tires are a must.

Lovely scenic backgrounds.

Just when I think I want to move up from my Mk6 R...this!👍 Thanks, Alex(?).

Indeed, Alex! VW created an incredible car here!

From multiple reviews, the performance and handling are greatly improved on this Mk8

The Golf R is the one use case for the VW 2-liter 4-banger engine than I can get behind. With pretty much every other VW model made today, I continue to mourn the loss of the excellent WR6 6-cylinder engine. Same with all that suffocating black/dark-gray color in the interior; it's still horrifically out of place in a Passat or a Taos or something like that, but in a boy-racer like the Golf R I think it does work. Another great review Alex!

Great car and excellent review👍

I've always wanted an Audi RS3 hatch but it's not offered in the states. This seems like a great alternative!

Definitely the King of “affordable” Hot Hatches here in the US... for now.

People who dont get the Golf GTI and R are missing out. These cars are absolutely incredible - yes, there are more hardcore hatches and I welcome them (like the Veloster N, older Focus RS) but these are for people who want a car that is amazing at a lot of things coupled with a timeless design/proportions and amazing visibility/seating position. The new R IMHO is the one to get as it has the trick rear diff, doing oversteer in a Golf is a first in its 40 year history I think. They also hold their value very well and are all weather cars. I dont own either but have driven a lot of R's in the past.

Looking to replace my MK7R that I sold , this fits the bill , But that shift joystick will take some getting used to. Awesome review BTW !!!

Nice car!! I'd choose the automatic as well!

I definitely like what we find here.

just ordered mine last week . Manual and sunroof. Should be here in February.

I don't understand concern about climate controls in infotainment screen. It's automatic climate control with temp +/- buttons always there. I can't remember the last time I manually changed the airflow or fan speed in a nice car with good automatic CC. If I can tweak the temp with hard buttons, I don't need to look at old school climate controls and diagrams 100% of the time.

The Golf R is a win, it'd be my top choice in this category. I prefer a manual, however the extra power, change in RPM power band and better fuel economy has be leaning towards the automatic as well.

Absolutely love ❤️ mine! It’s sooo quick ! & soo much fun! To drive

I mean I have 235-35r18 tires on my subaru legacy and it's really not that low profile. Still a comfy ride.

Still a great value. Would definitely get this over a Veloster N or a Kia stinger.

Having owned the first gen WRX wagon (2002), the Golf R is really appealing as an older adult’s hot hatch. I already own an Audi Q5 (with the supercharged V6) and it’s plenty powerful, but heavier and therefor not as planted on winding roads. Not sure I can justify buying a Golf R as an everyday driver, but maybe…

Great review my friend. I live 4 miles down a gravel/dirt road, sometimes pretty bad, do you think that would be ok...also what about taking it on a long road trip, is it quiet enough and how does it handle around the semis? Love to have your thoughts

Great Video. Doe the sunroof open to air or only for light?

Excellent car and excellent price point for all the power/features. Last year’s Golf R was $42K. Great car/Great price

Just wondering, since you have driven the xc40 recharge which is faster in a straight line...the mk8 golf r or xc40 recharge?

Excellent review. Best I've seen 👌. I feel a hair above 44000 is more than fair for a 4.5 second 0-60 car with this much tech!!! Can't wait till I can finally get one!!

I would love to see Brian give this a full review.

When you get a Golf R at home, can you elaborate more on the awd system?

@Alex - do you love the piano black on the interior? The surround of the instrument cluster is pretty tacky.

Nice! Just not crazy about that bigger spoiler it’s not shouting look at me but it’s slightly leaning in that boy racer lane.

No one ever mentions the MINI Clubman S JCW in these videos. It's 300+ HP, all wheel drive and the same claimed 0-60 time (Golf is probably quicker tho). I'm not saying it's as good as the Golf R (it's not), but it is in the same league.

Alex, did you test drive the manual as well?

Going to need a dad car to replace the Camaro down the road soon so it's on the list. There's a lot to like but there's a few things that bother me. While this is personal preference, I don't love blue anything on cars so I wish you could get everything in blue in red like the GTI. I also don't like the lack of volume knob on the radio and physical HVAC buttons. While I like the rest of the dash I don't like the gloss black cluster surround either. Alex, I think the rear USB ports and rear heated seats would have been worth a mention.

Excusing the overly complicated interior controls is almost inexcusable IMO. Performance aside, navigating basic adjustments is not compelling at all; to consider purchasing this or the GTI. Thankfully, we have choices.

Excellent and exhaustively comprehensive review of this great car, Alex. However, I might have had one too many whilst watching but I don't remember you mentioning the performance drift-mode capability? That's a pretty major addition to this Golf R's appeal for many a prospective hot-hatch owner today... Is it not available on the US model?

Golf R is finally starting to catch up to the Veloster N ...amazing. For 10k more money.

Thanks for another great review Alex, may I ask if you have a video about CA EV credit update? I am planning to reserve a F150 Pro Lightning and wonder what is the step to apply for those EV credit… thanks again

My dream car. 46k is not cheap though. Beautiful car.

I really want this ! But not having buttons kills it. I have to get the m240i

Wait for 2022 Wrx Sti for performance and value. Fyi the actual HP is 340 of this new VW Mk8

Do you get the Golf R Wagon in the USA? Would be good to get a review of that version.

Jason Commisa on Hagerty had an in-depth video on why the MK7 Golf is better than the new one

Possibly the worst infotainment system controls of any car available today. VW truly blew it.

For those who have never driven, much less owned, either a GTI or a Golf R the loyalty of of owners may be difficult to understand. Why are changes so infrequent and subtle? So subtle, in fact, that only a discerning eye can recognize a new model versus a version introduced a decade ago. The answers are simple. Golfs aren't perfect. No vehicle is. But the various Golf variants come closer to all round perfection than any vehicle I've ever owned. The versatility of the Golf design and the flexibility of the magnificent EA888 engine family is unmatched. And if power is insufficient for a driver, a 30 minute Stage 1 ECU tune adds substantial HP and Torque at a modest cost. (And contrary to what one might think, it does NOT necessarily invalidate the VW factory warranty.) The manual transmission is a fine unit for those wedded to 3 pedal driving and the DSG is superior to any conventional automatic and almost every other dual clutch short of a Porsche TDK. Put the DSG in manual mode and it holds a driver selected gear all the way to redline. And if that isn't good enough, an APR transmission "tune" will hold the selected gear at redline and beyond. Drivers well over 6 ft and those (like my daughter) at barely over 5 ft tall can find an ideal driving position. At around 168" in length a Golf is a joy to maneuver and park in the urban traffic jungle. And if you live in my area, you'll receive a substantial discount on the Washington State ferries around the Puget Sound that few other 4 wheel vehicles enjoy. Our family of four (two adults, a teenager, and a big dog) travel for hours (or days) in comfort. And for those trips to Costco for provisions to last for months, the Golf swallows nearly as much cargo as a foot longer SUV. If I could own only one vehicle for a lifetime it would be a GTI or a Golf R. But then the question becomes which Golf variant is worth the investment considering the price difference between the models. That's a tough one. Obviously the engine tune on the "R" provides substantially more power and performance. But that comes at a penalty of about 300 lbs in curb weight from the R's AWD. That's the equivalent of hauling an NFL lineman around in the back seat. And while the R's excellent AWD gives it the edge in handling on twisting mountain roads, the weight difference makes the GTI's performance deficit less than one might expect on tight roads or similar tight tracks, especially for a Stage 1 tuned GTI vs a stock "R". Despite the enhancements in the MK8 generation of each Golf I suspect I'll hold onto my MK7.5 GTI. Trading it would be like replacing a member of the family. And to deal with my daughter's frequent requests to borrow my GTI I recently purchased a beautifully maintained 2012 VW CC with its version of the EA888 engine and a manual transmission primarily for her. Driving the new "R' may influence my decision but I have to admit that the CC has tempted me to look closely at the "R" version of the Arteon that's set to arrive in the US in a few months. Perhaps I can keep my GTI in the family for my daughter and replace the CC with an Arteon. Hmmm....

I was told $52k from a dealership today.

You can buy this or a 2022 m240i for 4k more. What would you choose?

It’s alright

Always wondered if Alex actually goes back to his old videos and updates official test scores.

As an owner of a 2016 GLA 45 AMG I am not surprised this Golf R caught up in driving feel and enjoyment. That being said the interior of the Mercedes may have its shortcomings but the infotainment doesn't annoy me on a daily basis.

Alex ~ When you eventually do a full test on the Lucid Air, will look forward to your opinion on fit and finish as have heard a few negatives. I currently have a reservation.

Alex, With all due credit to VW, the 'AWD Hot Hatch of Our Dreams' is the GR Yaris because we can only dream about it. The highly practical/pragmatic rear headroom of this true hatch Golf puts the Civic lift-back to shame.

Man, this car would be so fun with a turbo inline-6, ala the 335i and 535i.

Is there a "save" function for the dash configuration? Anyway, too bad there's not USB port in the cubbie.With all the hand-held devices people are carrying nowadays, you can never have too many charge ports. Four per vehicle should be the minimum.

I definitely have my eyes out for the new Golf R and the upcoming integra type s. Other then that I don't see much that'll fit my needs of having a fun, fast, practical 4 door hatch/sportback that's also a fantastic handling car in the canyons

I think you’re missing out if you don’t buy this solely because of the touch buttons. This is kinda the definition of a “do it all” car. And it does everything well except maintenance costs.

Hey Alex how do you feel about vw going to all touch buttons? I love the car but I feel like those touch buttons will ruin the car for me on a daily basis

I can’t get over those ergonomics.

Great car but it seems none are available at this point 😢😢. Hope MY 2023 brings more availability.

I like everything about this car. I can even live with the infotainment system. However, that light grey interior might be a deal breaker. I'd jump all over the MK8 if the dash and wheel were black. That grey just seems sad to me. Great review and great photography!

I've been waiting for 8 golf! After the review, I changed my mind about buying

where is the full review on this?

This thing smokes other hot hatches in its price range. CarWow was repeatedly getting 0-60 MPH launches of 4.0 secs with the DSG. Too bad they porked the interior away so badly.

Oh wow a Golf R with a sunroof

My AWD Hot Hatch of Dreams is the GR Yaris

Thanks for sharing, awesome car, I still choose Civic for this class for reliability, space, I love what I get. I rely do love this though, but my money goes Honda Civic Type R

Was this review based on the Euro-spec model, or was it the real US-spec (or NA-spec) model?

45k msrp for the R vs 40k for the top of the line GTI Autobahn edition makes the R a "better" deal imo, if you can swing that extra 5k.

What do you know about my Dreams, Alex? You think I like those goofy capacitive touch interfaces?

He said these will be on dealer lots shortly. I am telling you all right now, these cars will not be in dealerships this year.

This is where they should put that engine into the U.S. Spec Tiguan

The hot hatch of my dream has a manual transmission. Let’s see if this title holds up.

Alex, is the DSC transmission 'herky jerky'?

When you lift the hood on my stock 2019 Golf R, it is splattered with Audi parts.

For that price I want physical switches! Haptic sucks to use in a moving vehicle.

There’s no normal driving mode?

Wish VW would put this engine in the Taos or Tiguan. Taos R? Yes, please.

Honda definitely fell flat on their face with the Civic. Not sure if Audi still does the A3 but that was best rental car i ever drove... while in Germany even better.

Great overview. Probably more comparable to the upcoming STi than the WRX. I'm not sure, though, how into a $45,000 car I am when there are only 3 color choices. I was hoping for more, including some typically German metallic green pea hue. But, I will test it vs the STi - when it comes.

What road was that?

Very nice review and, as always, VW continues to improve an already impressive platform. But if I'm spending that amount, I'd probably gowith the GT1 Stinger. Rear wheel drive based AWD system, impressive turbo 6, and a hatch.

Goofy big paddle shifters. Wondering if those can be replaced with smaller ones that won't get in the way.

How come Europe short changes us on torque? We get 20 less 😕

Would you say this is the pinnacle of Golf performance?

Here's something interesting, and I don't know who it'll offend more, VW fans or Dodge fans, but I think this and the Hornet GLH are going to be pretty close competitors.

Where can I buy one? No dealers are selling them in my area. Btw that’s not how to open the rear hatch.

I've wanted one ever since I test drove one on a whim. Can't see spending 30k+ though on a car. If I'm doing that then I'll spend a little more and get a pickup. Just my opinion.

That grill somehow ... taking the wrong page out of Lexus's book?

There is no 2 door version of the golf mk8 anywhere unfortunately....

The full touch sensitive design still confuses me. Why?

Wonderful value considering the performance; however, dealers will not be letting go of these 'special' Golf's easily. At MSRP, it's certainly worth consideration; however, in the real world these will be marked up well over list.....I would not be surprised to see $10,000 over sticker.

The ~44K price sounds scary when there's no reference. Civic type R is ~37K WRX STI starts at 37K tops at ~42K. So, more expensive.

at that price point, you can get a used M340