This guy is awesome. I appreciate your professionalism and how you keep your videos on topic and to the point. I've watched quite a few other GTI reviews and I got less from them, in 3-4 times the time.

This is the best GTI review I've seen, and I've seen many. Great video!

Always enjoy your sensible, grounded reviews!

Hey Zach, I’ve been watching your show for over 2 decades now... this particular car review made me decide to get into a GTI Autobahn with exact colour. Thank you for all your great work... you are indeed the best “auto-influencer.” Saludos Senior!! 👍

I really appreciate your honesty and many details you get in to. Great video. I would have liked it was longer, though !

Great review Zach and very professionally presented too! I love my GTi to bits. It's having a service this Friday at the local VW dealer and I was going to compare it with the 'R', this vid has given my food for though, thanks!

Thanks for a great review, Zach. This helped me decide on a the base DSG-equipped GTI in pure white. No regrets now that I have over 5k on it.

Great review as always, Zach. I always enjoy your format and point of view is valuable.

I recently sold my 07 GTI which had near 285,000 km on the odometer. I sold it to a friend that was in need of a ride. Even with near 300,000 km it drove beautifully. I miss her.

Zach, thanks for the review. Have a 2010 GTI and it's loads of fun. Nice to see UBC/Marine Drive featured, it's a nice drive! Also, nice goggle tan!

Ryans a Legend. Im in the market for a car, and this review explained everything I needed to know about which one to get. Keep up the reviews please.

Super underrated channel. Another excellent review.

Zach's transitioned to KZfaq-were all pickin up on that. I'm a Vancouver boy and love to see some local scenery with his familiar face. Good lad -good stuff to come.

Thanks for the review zach...ive been tossing and turning on which golf to get... gti dsg it is!

Hi Zack. Great review and love your channel. I am looking at either a gti or Hyundai Elantra Gt sport. What would you choose? Also I heard that the GTI now can run on regular gas (it will affect hp output) is this true? Keep up the great work!

Completely agree on going with analog display. Drove Audi S3 with and without it. It was easy for me to choose the analog display.

I enjoyed this great review, I love my White Silver GTI SE. I prefer the leather seats (although the cloth are exceptionally nice for cloth), but also prefer the analog gauges. So glad I do not have to look at digital which is harder on the eyes, and offers only the advantage of choosing which to display. I really only want to see what the analog has already chosen. I do love the speed display in digital in the center of the GTI analog which is so clear. The extra 72 HP is actually 30 to 45 less (I have read from 10 to 15 HP for every 100 pounds) and I am in AZ US, so no benefit from AWD. Again, great review.

Thanks for your review as you are taking care of much more important factors (fun, using your brains, good winter rubber) than just numbers (bhp, torque, acceleration) - which is a truly unique approach among auto journalists. I was in doubt between the Golf R and the GTI for a while, and now my choice got even harder, as we just received in Europe the new VW Polo GTI with the new 2.0TSI engine. It's making "only" 200 bhp, but has the same clever diff and other go-faster-toys as the Golf GTI. As I need to wait 4 more months for my current lease to end anyway - I think I will make my choice between both GTI's - the Golf and the new Polo. Thanks God the even smaller VW Up! GTI is out of question, as it is too small for longer trips. It would be even harder with the Up! in the contest as it shares the same philosophy as the Golf and Polo GTI's do.

A solid review as usual. I was one of the commenters that doubted that the 2018 GTI had the performance pack differential. I'm very impressed that you followed up with them but I have to admit I'm still not sure the 2018 GTI has the same differential as on the previous performance pack. The thing is, the Cross Differential System or XDS+ that VW confirmed to you was standard on the base 2015 GTI even before the performance pack was available here. It uses the brakes to mimic a mechanical LSD. Here is the description in VW's own words: XDS+® Cross Differential System Brakes are great for stopping and now for turning. That’s why the Golf GTI features the XDS+ Cross Differential System, which uses the brakes to help maintain power to the outside wheel and to improve cornering. The performance package had the VAQ front limited-slip differential lock. Which is an electronically controlled mechanical differential that uses a clutch to distribute the power between the front wheels in much the same way the Haldex awd system works in the the Golf R to distribute power to the rear. There are some good videos on KZfaq describing it in better detail. On the US VW site the base S trim is described as having the Cross Differential System XDS+®, the same as ours, whereas the higher trims are said to have the VAQ front limited-slip differential lock in its place. The same one advertised as being in the previous performance pack. I suppose it's possible VW Canada threw the VAQ diff in all Canadian GTI's and retained the XDS+ name without a single mention of it anywhere, but I honestly doubt it.

Always a great review👍👍👍

The GTI is my pick as well. I already have a 4x4 so winter is never an issue. I drove this car with the autobahn trim and I have to say it's driving dynamics matched or exceeded my BMW e-46 when I bought that one new. One of the best driving machines out there. Good review.

Should I go electric with the Nissan Leaf 2018 or GTI Autobahn 6sp? Tough decision. Any thoughts on the DAP option? Do you think ICBC will lower rates on cars with better safety equipment moving forward?

great value, love this car. So much more refined than the focus line up, just wish the plaid came in other colours ;)

Great honest review as always

I mentioned this in another post ...I drove the 2017 Golf R and the 2017 GTI. I agree 100% with Zach on this one. I decided and bought a 2017 GTI Autobahn with Performance Pack ( which now is standard on 2018 models)

Hi Zach, Great video. I was lucky enough to have both cars. There is no comparison between the Golf R and the GTI. My R was a 2012, I drove it stock for a little while, then stage 2 was completed on it.To be honest, it was the absolute fastest car that I've ever owned. It was a rocket ship on rails. I drove it for a year that way and ended up selling it, before I donated it to the province. It was the most fun to drive period, I liked it better than a super car, and I couldn't even begin to compare it to a GTI. Have a great day & keep up with the videos. Barry Merlin Nova Scotia Canada

Yea brother I agree. I love my GTI. Mind you yes I have the Autobahn model so I sound biased, but I’ve driven my buddies Golf R many times and I just love my GTI more. Great review man.

I agree. I test drove one on both narrow winding bumpy roads and on a freeway a few days ago and it was quick, comfortable, and a lot of fun. I'm seriously thinking about ordering one. The only thing is that VW has announced that the 2020 Golf model will be completely revolutionary - so I'm. not sure if I won't regret buying a 2019 GTI.

I have to say that it was THIS review that lead me to buy the MK7.5 GTI.. and I absolutely love it. I could've gotten the Golf R.. but after sitting inside the GTI and driving it.. I just felt it was much more special. Thanks Zach!

Totally agree, in the last quarter I test drove an r and a gti. I felt the r much heavier and really pushed the rpm from what felt like the rear, but the gti felt much more nimble pulling you with the rpm. After considering 5k difference from autobahn to r, and an additional 5k in borrowing costs, it was a no brainer to take home the gti with sunroof and nicer styling. Both great cars, but gti with more value for the $.

I love the front end and the headlights and the new infotainment system. I would get the tech package with the plaid seats, it's the perfect daily driver.

Thanks for the thoughts on the GTI; I'm right in the midst of a VW v. Subaru purchase decision. The GTI is a much sportier option with less overall storage. The Subie option has shockingly good handling for being a wagon, but lags a bit on the head unit and raw performance. Is an extra $2 - 3k USD worth it for the Autobahn v. the SE, I wonder? Manual v. DSG? Having just test drove the GTI SE with a manual transmission, I was thoroughly impressed -- and that's coming from an '01 Integra GSR that still shifts wonderfully on stock kit. I'm pleased to have these problems in the automotive purchasing process.

I used to have a MK6 GTI and loved it. I'll always admire and respect the GTI but my MK7 Golf R is just incredible for all the rain we get here in Vancouver. It's able to rocket away when the light turns green, or out of corners - leaving most cars far behind in the rearview mirror, regardless of weather.

Well, i live in the carribean where summer hits all year... Here the GTI is waaay better for tracks and everyday car ! I love it

Thank you Motormouth, my problem is now officially solved..Was swing between the two, now I have an answer

I’ve been deciding between a wrx and a gti and in the gti, you get a better all around car. I live in Florida so I don’t need awd and When modded, a gti will smoke wrx or Sti

Zach a new accord 2.0t or GTI?

This is a great review!

Zach, I'm surprised you would choose the GTI living in a very wet area like British Columbia. Would't the Golf R be the better choice for such wet conditions, and give you more grip?

Good thoughtful review.

Trying to get a straight answer on the electronic locking diff is next to impossible in Canada.

I’ve got a 2015 GTI-S manual and it is a beast in the snow. It doesn’t have all the amenities of the higher trim models but still an awesome car. Of course I’m a little bias being that this is my 3rd GTI in my 22 years of driving.

In Canada also only the GTI gets Park Assist?

Just picked up my R with DSG ON the 22nd of June. I don't find that it's jerky at all. I LOVE THE CAR!!!

What's about VW scirocco? Did you try to compare all three hot versions?

Understated. Well done.

I live in northern New Brunswick and we get a ton of snow every year. I know the front wheel drive is adequate with good snow tires but I can't help but think the R would be even better in the winter, especially with the hills in my area. I'd be okay to sacrifice a little bit of nimbleness for the added function during the 5 months of snow.

Good review. I’ll probably be buying the Gti Autobahn this fall with the plaid seats. I am, however, really curious to see what the new 221hp Mercedes A-class hatchback coming to Canada will be like. I suspect Mercedes will have made big leaps with the new car’s road manners. Maybe not a direct competitor for the Gti but will be an interesting comparison.

Given the choice I would definitely get the autobahn with plaid seats. Quintessential GTI.

No sun roof is a deal breaker. GTI Autobahn + stick delivered in two weeks, can't wait.

The base car has the XDS+ but does not have the VAQ differential. You need to spec up to the GTI SE in order to get the electronic differential that doesn't just use the brakes.

FWD vs AWD is THE deal here. I now have a 2018 Golf R, coming from a MK 7 GTI (with a relatively useless sunroof) and I have to say there is no comparison. Golf R: AWD + Winter + Winter tires = insane/way better seats/7 speed DSG on the highway=vastly more comfortable cruising vs the 6speed DSG/more power!

In the United States the base s trim does not come tmwith the lsd or golf r brakes

Cross differential system is not the electronic locking diff...that's part of the stability control system and uses brakes to vector torque. Most if not all VAG products have this...

Zac what do you think of the Subaru wrx which has a perfect AWD for Canada winter and nice reliability. Could you make a review and compare to VW product as it is one of the competitor. I’m really thinking to get ride it of my Golf R for the wrx

Zach, you are the reviewer that has sold me on the Golf. Looking to replace my hideously unreliable 2012 Ford Focus (three clutch packs in ~75 000 kms) with a Golf.

best review :))) thanks a lot

For the money, I'd take the GTI. With a $10K difference in price, you could mod your way up to Golf R power, with plenty of money to spare. I currently have a 2015 MK7 lease that's up in August. For a while I wanted the R, but the more I think about it, it makes a lot more sense to keep my car and mod it. Furthermore, I must say that switching from the OEM all season tires to ultra high performance rubber also brings the car to life! I threw on a set of Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s a couple of months ago and it almost feels like a completely different car. Incredibly planted and composed, this thing just grips HARD and never feels like it's working too hard doing it. Eagerly waiting the summer, when higher pavement and tire temps bring the grip level up even more.

I want a GTI Autobahn so bad lol I have a 8yr old son so I do need something about the size of a GTI and I currently have a 06 Jetta and I love it the sound of the 5 cylinder when you step on it is to me awesome but I love hatch backs and the GTI checks all the boxes

Have you tried the traffic jam assist? Could you do a review on that? Apparently the system brings the car to a complete a stop and continues driving once traffic moves again.

I'd get it just for the plaid seats aye!

I live in Ontario Canada. Are you suppose to run your air conditioner daily for approximately 5 minutes in the winter?

It Very Good... I like It Friend

Best GTI vid on the tube

its basically Awd or not. id prefer AWD but my country only carries GTI. and i love GTI. wish i had the R

Nice ride good sir. Wish your review was on the stick shift rather than automatic.

Agreed, and frankly if I was spend Golf R money I would probably buy something else.

Ok. It's Friday 06 Apr 18 here on the wet coast. It's 0959. I just (finally) got off the phone w/an engineer at VW Canada who in no uncertain terms, ASSURES me that ALL Canadian market 2018 GTI Autobahn's are equipped with a: LOCKING FRONT DIFFERENTIAL. Which is definitely NOT the XDS or XDS+ plus systems found on other models such as the GOLF R. His words exactly...not mine. "The LFD activates when an ABS sensor identifies a spinning front wheel (inside wheel when cornering). The LFD unit increases the pump speed to pump oil to push the piston which compresses the clutch pack & activates the LFD. The amount of pressure on the clutch pack affects the transfer of torque from the spinning inner wheel to the driven outer wheel. Thus torque acting on the spinning inner wheel is reduced & applied to the driven outer wheel, thus reducing or eliminating understeer & providing better cornering & control." And that's that. According to VW CANADA. Who take their information and cues from VW AG in WOLFSBURG.

Great review, I drive 2015 GTI Autobahn here in BC and its great. The perfect car.

Hi Zack, great video again!!! Is there a cargo size difference between the R and GTI?

For me “R” 70 more ponies, Haldex AWD with dynamic chassis control. Thx for the comparison.

For $4600 more over the SE, Autobahn DDC, Adaptive cruise, full safety DAP, Fender, and sunroof (dont care fo Navi if u use google maps w Android Auto), the Autobahn is awesome with the stick, but I would hands down get the R if it had a sunroof, esp cuz I like the Virtual Cockpit Because of that, the S3 is the better performance buy (plus audi RS/S cars get the unique single tach virtual cockpit feature).

This is a god review because you are taking the weight of the car into consideration when comparing the R to the GTI. The 150 Kg difference between the two would be very noticeable in handling. The laws of physique at play.

I do really love the interior and the way this car looks. Just not sure about long term ownership. If I knew the car was going to be as trouble free as my Civic SI has been, this would be my next car. I would love to see a long term MK7 GTI review at some point. I've seen a few "long terms" on KZfaq, but they're like 20K MI. That's pretty short term.

The XDS (or in this case XDS+) is NOT the VAQ electronically controlled center differential from the Performance Pack GTI. XDS+ is brake based, NOT a mechanical center differential. The Golf R has XDS+ as well.

I got a feeling that because all wheel drive cars are heavier, including a heavy sunroof, would make it a complete wash with the GTI.

Canadian or Wisconsin winters, the AWD is needed only when driving uphill when the snow has not been cleared by the city trucks. Anything else, just FWD with quality winter tires will be just fine. Speaking of winter vs all season tires, a FWD car with good winter tires will leave behind any AWD car with all seasons.

Not sure if this was asked yet, I live in Ontario and gas prices are high.. I was wondering if the GTI would run on regular 87 octane?

FWD is the no go for me. It's not only a power issue. Plus if you're getting the Autobahn version you might as well spend the money for what is the better car in the long run.

My local VW dealer is offering 5 to 6K off on the GTi S models.

In the States, the Autobahn's ~$4k USD premium over the mid-trim SE model is a tough pill to swallow. A buyer gets the uprated Fender audio system, adaptive suspension and a few more safety features including adaptive cruise control in the top trim. Yet, at a nearly $33k street price, that puts a buyer into the top trims of larger and equally capable vehicles. And it still rubs me the wrong way when the availability of some safety features are trim level based. Subaru's Eyesight system comes to mind, in particular. I will give VW the benefit of the doubt as they offer emergency braking and blindspot monitoring in the mid-level SE trim in the States.

Nice review, yeah I like my 2018 GTI, just wish they had better quality control. Look at that rear brake line hanging out the bottom of the rear. Yeah, mine had that too. I told them to fix that shit.

We have a 2016 GTI base manual and a 2019 GLI "35" Edition, also a manual. Nearly always owned German cars as we both enjoy spirited driving and just going shopping in a Volkswagen can be a fun drive. Small gripes with the GTI are the centre console and how it contacts my right knee, I am average height and wish there was more room or soft padding in that location as after a short drive it starts to hurt, same problem with the GLI. The GTI has much better finishing and nice touches the GLI does not have like hydraulic hood strut and the height adjustable passenger seat which has been deleted from the GLI...Cheap bean counter moves, shorter passengers can barely see over the dashboard. The big change from the 2016 to the 2019 that is really annoying it the "rev hang" or throttle overrun in the GLI, when shifting the revs stay up to help with their emissions numbers, horrible! Grateful the GTI does not have this problem, if this continues with the Mk8 we will be purchasing an automatic for the first time as I assume the shifting will be less annoying than the standard.

Pro-tip: get a used 2018 GTI SE manual, get an APR stage 1 tune, cold air intake, cat back exhaust, short shifter, and ECS impellar-less clutch bleed valve, and you'll have the ~290 hp GTI SE that VW should have built. And you'll spend less than $30K.

Very good

Leases on these are very reasonable.

I would say the exact opposite. I got rid of my GTI for the R and don't have any regret. The GTI felt unstable and a bit cheap. The R is solid and grips the road with confidence.

Nice car "GTI" and i like the styling -stands out from the Golf R. I have the 2017 Golf R, fully loaded tech package with analog dials...DSG, so on so forth , but really a sleeper machine. I think its fun to see the re-action when i keep up or pass some dude in a mustang or muscle car. If I do the resonator delete and a couple firmware flashes, I would be staging this car to keep up to a Supercar. Maybe your talking about the average bloke and ownership...? the golf R is amazing in what it can do without spinning its tires...

Zach, manual or dsg for the gti?

Zack you have a small error in the narrative part above. (the base car only sold in three door)

Golf R + APR Stage 2 tune = supercar performance for a tiny fraction of the cost (of a supercar)

In Australia they make us use 95 octane. But our quality is poor from my understanding

The R doesn’t have a sunroof because it is based on the same platform as the E-Golf, which was not crash tested with a sunroof. Whereas the GTI is on the same platform as the Golf. That’s why you have an electric parking brake in the R and why the center console is different than the GTI/Golf. Vw doesn’t see the need to spend the money to re-certify a low selling vehicle.

seems you don`t like close corners ..... cause the R dance around your GTI in that case ... and YES ... i drove both .... and kept the R

I loved my last purchase 2016 GTI autobahn But after Just 25k it needed a new clutch at 25k of soft driving? They VW won’t cover under the extended warranty 3 yrs /36 k bumper to bumper very sad to lose them after 6 vehicles.. Customer service is dead

I love my 2018 GTI Autobahn. To me depending on the spec and colour option chosen on the R you very close to the Audi S3 price which I think is better overall than the R. I too chose the GTI due to tartan cloth seats, and felt it was more fun to drive than the R. Yes the R is faster and has AWD but didn't feel it was necessary. Lastly the GTI was also considerably lower for my insurance compared to the R. All together the GTI was an easy choice overall

Zack...in your vid...you say there is a whole lot of confusion w/the front diff. YOU say...it has the XDS. If you go to the VW website and look up specs on the 18 Autobahn GTI it says...."Locking front differential". It does not say "cross"...nor does it say "XDS" anywhere when you click on "My standard equipment." So....obviously the confusion. Which is it?

$36000 CAD? that's worth it for me to drive up to Canada, buy it, and drive back down to the states

Thank you!!!

Man that price is crazy. You can get an gti SE for under 25k here.