I don't understand all those wimps out there who avoid manual transmissions allegedly because of traffic. I have driven manuals almost exclusively most of my driving history. I am now 75 and would never consider anything other than a manual. Before I retired, my commute consisted of 12 miles of heavy stop and go traffic on crowded interstates in a major metropolitan area. It was no big deal to drop it into a gear that could negotiate the greatest ranges of speeds with minimal shifting. I avoid overselling manuals because I believe they are a viable theft deterrent due to all of the younger inept drivers with a propensity to steal cars.

"6ft 1 legs-and-torso proportionate" - Ryan's trademark line weirdly sounds like a dating profile detail for a particular audience.

Thanks for the GTI review! I ended up getting a Forester Wilderness in part due to your reviews of that vehicle, but my GF got a manual GTI a few months before I did that. And her car is hella fun to drive. No doubt about it. It's true that there's something to be desired about the controls/lack of analog buttons but we eventually got used to it. The car is just pure joy. Hate short highway on ramps or two lane country roads with slow drivers? It's not a problem anymore with the GTI. It also doesn't get the best gas mileage, but it's not horrible either for a sporty vehicle. It definitely falls into the category of practical hot hatch.

For my personal use, I've found the very base model with DSG suits me best. On mine I've put 30k miles fun filled and trouble free. Two kids with car seats, still plenty of space. I was looking for Civic SI but lack of auto, no hatch option, and crazy mark ups made me choose GTI, and I'm glad it did.

@nsbioy

9 ай бұрын

Cool, but why were you looking at the Si in the first place.

@fishsaysn0

9 ай бұрын

@@nsbioy My history with Hondas. It's still a great car, but not as good as a GTI.

@nsbioy

9 ай бұрын

@@fishsaysn0 Okay. I haven't driven an Si, but I do own a manual 17 base GTI. Wonderful car. My question had to do with your looking at a manual-only car while looking only for an auto.

@GOD999MODE

8 ай бұрын

You say there are no crazy markups on the GTI? I feel like every dealership out there is still playing the fictitious "oh we're in limited supply right now and there's a roaring demand" game.

@fishsaysn0

8 ай бұрын

@@GOD999MODE mine did not charge me extra.

I am a 2008 GTI Owner and I love my car. Stick is the way to go, we have a GLI and GTI both stick and I can't imagine having any other car. To say I love my car is an understatement, I wish I could keep it forever :) Considering a new one that is why I am watching your video.

Enjoyed the review! I have a 2019 GTI SE with a manual transmission and I love it so much. Can't see myself getting rid of it, especially now that the manual is going away.

@michaeldorado5106

8 ай бұрын

Do not get rid of it! Lol I also had a 2019 SE manual (2nd gti ever), traded it in after 2 years, and missed it everyday. I just got the mk8 in manual 3 days ago (3rd gti) and I am keeping it!

I really wish tech would take a backseat to the driving experience. There isn't anything about all these screens that make driving any better, and as someone with ADD I actually find many of these infotainment systems distracting and make it MORE difficult to actually focus on driving safety.

I'm thinking hard about a 2024 GTI S with that 380 package. Getting the base model with the adaptive suspension and a manual transmission seems like a bargain.

@fp5495

9 ай бұрын

The 40th Edition gives you that with 19" wheels. I've heard a lot of people are removing the goofy "40" sticker on the rocker panel, and in the Urano Gray, looks sick without the sticker. Who cares if it loses value because of the sticker removal. The 40th Edition isn't moving all that quickly to begin with, so I doubt a future used car owner will care.

Great review! Just put my name on a 24-380 S. Same color with a lot of the same options. Want to feel like a kid again.

On changing the colors, there is a menu that you can use a slider to pick any color on the spectrum. I change the color every week currently rocking a dark purple.

they need to add physical buttons and replace the glossy black interior trim, its a deal breaker

@faheemabbas3965

9 ай бұрын

VW’s CEO said that they were going to bring physical buttons back to the steering wheel for future GTIs once the stock clears up. I haven’t seen any yet with the new steering wheel.

@GOD999MODE

9 ай бұрын

Not only do they need to bring back quality physical buttons, but they need to lower the price. No way a GTI (any trim) should cost $35-40k.

@scOU812

9 ай бұрын

Are the new steering wheel controls etc coming for the 2024's or do we have to wait till 2025?

@scOU812

9 ай бұрын

Agreed

@scOU812

9 ай бұрын

Well considering trucks are going for 70k on average 35-40k for a GTI seems like a bargain lol

Very cleanly done and truly informative. Unlike some reviewers, they speak as if they are better than the engineers and architects and have a sense of entitlement just because, cmon, you are just reviewing a product, you didnt create one.

The screens are too much for me. If it had analog tach and speedo i'd like it more. Also, 40k for a GTI...OOF.

I would love to see this on your off road test track

@mattheviewer

9 ай бұрын

GTI's Rubber band tires could be a problem.

@EZapar

9 ай бұрын

Yeah. Attach a rope to it and have the bigger SUVs drag it up the hills to give them a handicap. lol

I m in love with your channel m love the offroadings . Feels as if I m doing those.

Good review--thanks!

Had a mk7 gti with a stage 1 APR tune. One of the best cars I've ever owned.

@JFinns

8 ай бұрын

Mk7 GTI 6 speed manual w/stage 1 APR is my daily driver, absolutely love it. Might get an Mk8.5 we'll see.

@mrjjthor

8 ай бұрын

@@JFinns is the mk8 tunable now? Last I heard most tuners hasn't been able to unlock the ECU. I could be wrong.

@JFinns

8 ай бұрын

@@mrjjthor I heard it was, one tune was showing a preliminary stage 1 at around 350hp/350tq. Not positive though.

@du3lcitiz3n

Ай бұрын

loved mine, till my engine had issues... now I have a Stage 1 APR 2024 Golf R... I miss the GTI but the R is so refined.

Great review!

Great review🎉 on a great car. Thanks you.

Good info! Would be helpful someday to compare the R to the GTI. Also, how about an R with other than rubber band tires so one can drive off road?

consider the rev match a bonus master class in this film!

love your sports car philosophy. didn't expect it from off-road car specialist) looks like car has long gear ratios between 1st and 2nd, same as it was on 7gen gti.

Great review! Heel and toeing just doesn't work in my 2007 Legacy with that bloody drive by wire throttle pedal, too much lag..

GTI’s are such a great bang for the buck vehicle.

@bigmacdaddy1234

9 ай бұрын

Not really. It looks like it's annoying based on the review. The buttons are non-responsive, the constant lane warnings are annoying and the infotainment has a terrible layout and awful colors. Just to change the temperature you have to take your eyes off the road and try to tap the screen three times. No thanks. For the asking price, it should be much better.

@RetirementGoals1

9 ай бұрын

@@bigmacdaddy1234 he tested the autobahn edition, for almost $10k less you can get the S model and have a blast. He also had a big ass grin on his face driving it so it looks like it’s a fun drivers car based on the review.

@katiecannon8186

8 ай бұрын

@@bigmacdaddy1234 As a former GTI 7.5 and now an 8 owner, the entire infotainment is great. The adaptive buttons are great. There’s a ton of short cuts, etc. It’s just that reviewers don’t have enough time to spend with the car. As one example, to change air conditioning temp & fan speed, you tap on clima short cut. Then put your finger wherever you want temp or fan speed. Easy. The reviewers think you have to slide your finger. You don’t. You just put your finger on the slider where you want it.

4:52 Joy Division, New Dawn Fades. Great track!

My 1st 5 speed was a 1982 Honda Accord Hatchback. And I LOVED that car. IF I were to cross shop for something in this market, with my $ I have today, I would aim right at the Civic Type R. Actual seating comfort would have to be considered, as I hear they are not idealistic for us older fellows. This thing looks like it would probably fit the seat of the pants experience better than anything in this class.

@drivingsports

9 ай бұрын

You are 💯

I recently test drove a manual GTI. I wanted to love it but aside from hating the interior redesign, I found the gearing to be waaay too long to be fun. I ended up with a Jetta GLI DSG for a daily driver.

@fp5495

9 ай бұрын

You get used to the tall gearing. You just have to get to know the power band. Frankly, I loved the taller gearing, especially living in the NYC area in traffic hell. It makes for a throaty driving experience, always keeping the engine brewing in a calm manner.

@JFinns

8 ай бұрын

​@@fp5495 I commute in the NYC area too, Mk7 GTI 6 speed manaul w/apr stage 1. The gearing is excellent and you do get used to the power band of course the tune widdened it but the gear even 2nd 3rd is perfect for around town.

The only analog this about this car is the manual. Electronic parking brake, touch buttons, everything is in the screen. I own an FRS because of the fact it’s such an analog sports car

Nice review of the Autobahn edition. The heated rear seats are a nice luxury but one I wouldn't use. I wonder how much weight that adds? Overall it's really nice except for the infotainment and lack of buttons which I think they plan on fixing? If so, I might be interested before ICE goes away. ☹☹

Where I live (Canada) you have to wait a year to have one with the option you want

Are you guys going to release the Chevy Colorado ZR2 video you shot the day before the 4Runner Pro video?

@drivingsports

9 ай бұрын

Yup. Coming in the next couple weeks.

The thing is that this is a drivers car made for car enthusiasts that I my self wouldn’t use the autopilot because I bought it to drive it. I have a model Y for that.

1:07 7 speed dual clutch transmission. Guess you didn’t notice.

ive been looking at something like this for my next car. my jeep sucks so bad on gas. want something fun to drive everyday, get good mileage, reliable, and not that expensive. these are definitely on my list. that and the mazda3 turbo. civic doesnt have lumbar support which i need so thats probably out.

Great review, I drive the 2017 GTI Autobahn manual. Ryan, do you know if mine has the adaptive suspension or something akin to it?

@drivingsports

9 ай бұрын

Someone correct me if I’m wrong: but I believe the adaptive suspension is new to this trim level?

@katiecannon8186

8 ай бұрын

It’s new.

@katiecannon8186

8 ай бұрын

No, the adaptive suspension is new to the GTI

Have you driven the golf r?

How's the road noise?

Does the manual have launch control?

The drive modes don’t stick when you turn off/turn back on. Says it does but it defaults to comfort mode. You have to click away from sport then back to activate it

@drivingsports

8 ай бұрын

I power cycled the car and it stayed in Sport mode.

@mikekelly2011

8 ай бұрын

It says it’s in sport mode but it not really. Listen for the exhaust pops on deceleration. Then switch to comfort, then back to sport and see if the pops start up again. At least on the 22 it would always default to comfort no matter what the Setting said. Common complaint in the forums.

@jessestevenson8041

8 ай бұрын

I can confirm that this is true. My 40th Anniversary Edition M6 will say it’s still in sport after a power cycle but go drive over a speed bump or try to get the pop-pops and it has definitely reverted to comfort. If you turn around and switch to any other mode and back to sport and hit that same speed bump and you will definitely notice that the adaptive suspension has stiffened back up to sport levels.

I have a Subi which of course comes with adaptive cruise and lane centering. I use the adaptive cruise tons, but never the lane centering. I don’t like the car picking where I’m going to be in a lane, corner, etc. I know the driver can override the lane centering but if I’m going to do that why use it in the first place. So the lane centering nagging wouldn’t be and issue for me. That said, being a Subaru guy, I would pick the WRX over the GTI anyway. The performance is basically a wash between the two and living where I live I need (well, prefer anyway) the AWD in the Subi.

I'm not sure, I think the base model GTI has volume and temperature dials.

How does one go about getting those cloth seats in the Autobahn trim level?

@katiecannon8186

9 ай бұрын

You just have to hunt for them. It’s a hit or miss thing based on the fact that supply chains still aren’t fully back to where they were

Had a base 2012 gti 4 door. Loved it for so many reasons but goddamn it was a pos once it got to around 80000km mileage. Carbon buildup, misfires, check engine lights, slipping clutch…. Oof. Traded it in for a wrx which was problem l free for the three years I owned it. GTI was fun car but probably better as a lease then a buy IMO.

I almost bought this car today but I'm very worried about 6th gear being way too low for comfortable and efficient highway driving (75mph-ish). Am I crazy?

The haptic is fine after a little while. Welcome to the future.

Stick shift in stop and go really isn't a big deal. Driving on the 401 (busiest highway in the world) with my old Mazda 3 was never an issue. You get used to inching along with nothing but your left foot. It's almost time for my midlife crisis, I think. Might be time to find a nice little stick shift before they disappear.

I love my Mk7.5 with its proper buttons and manual handbrake. Hopefully the Mk8.5 improves the infotainment and interface as that is what ruins the Mk8 experience.

Every time you accelerated hard a number of different pop ups (speed warning, something about ESC(?) and more) kept blocking the entire top half of the tachometer - literally the only gauge I need to see if I'm driving spiritedly keeps getting blocked! I would have pushed this thing into the river. All the available unused space on that screen and they choose to have the pop-ups cover a necessary item.

If the interior HVAC and steering control buttons were fixed, this would be a great car as a base model. $30k and change gets you the base, and you get a front LSD, LED lights, and a heated steering wheel, on top of all the normal GTI creature comforts, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, heated seats, backup camera, etc. But having the LSD now on the base model, I don’t see any reason to get any other higher trims. The 40th is actually a great deal, considering what it gets, and the aftermarket forged wheels, for $33k and change.

@lnt3ch

5 ай бұрын

What about the 2024 380’s? No reason to get the 380 SE? I’m stuck between the base and the SE at the moment

I lived with manual cars most of my 35 years of driving in NYC Metro area traffic, and commuting into and around Manhattan, as well. I've had an automatic (BMW) for six years now, and while it's nice not to use a clutch, I still only have ever relied on the paddle shifters or the gear selector to keep me in proper gear in tight traffic. I would never trust the computer to downshift properly for me mostly, because it never does. That being said, other than the wear on your one leg using a clutch in traffic, I still find it just as fatiguing to baby the paddle shifters in tight traffic as it is to simply select your own gear in a manual. You still have to baby the brake pedal because torque braking the car runs the risk of the person behind you getting too close because they don't see the brake lights, so you still have to tap the brakes just to warn the driver behind you. Believe me, I've been rear ended enough in my manual cars because people only perceive a car stopping based mainly on their brake lights and not rate of speed. So, the more I thought about it, the way I use my transmission on my car, getting a manual would be no more fatiguing than baby(ing) an automatic's paddle shifters. But it does have to be a good transmission with great response, that BMW, just happens to offer. Anyone who just puts it into Drive and literally lets the car do the rest, is probably not someone who has driven a manual for very long, doesn't drive a manual well, or simply doesn't enjoy using a manual at all because if you were, you'd be using the paddle shifters all the time, every time, and never any other way. Like I said, I never just keep my car in Drive, and forget it. I always use some sort of manual control.

21:00 american highways too straight to detect steering input 😆

I need you to compare this with a VW R and a GR Corolla

@RoguePlanetStudio

9 ай бұрын

I'd be down, I'm looking at getting a base model GR hatch to replace my scion im in the spring of 2024. But I also hear rummers of a Toyota DSG arriving in 2024. I would would love to see a VW R and a GR review. It's the type R made me want Toyota to make their own hot hatch.

Does GTI have option for 4WD/AWD?

@drivingsports

9 ай бұрын

Nope.

@Rich-xq3uv

9 ай бұрын

VW names their AWD option for the GTI... 'Golf R'. LOL.

Those k-mart inspired tablets are absolute deal killer for me. 40k for this kind of interior is atravesty.

They also have crappy actuators in the fuel door. Had to have mine replaced at 17,000 miles at a cost of almost $400

Until they make a better entertainment system on the newer VDubs I’ll be keeping my mk7 Golf R

No offroad test? 😢

The Harmon Kardon sounded decent, but no where near as good as the Fender System in the MK7's. I spent $1400 and had my local audio store install a 10" Audison powered sub in my 2024 R. Problem solved.

The buttons are great, love them, learn to deal with them.

Sadly the six-speed is not imported into Australia

Capacitive controls in a car suck like a Miele. Get a used Mk 7 Golf R and thank me later. The EyeSight on the Subaru (2021 Outback) does similar nagging over steering wheel when my hands are on it.

SE Trim is the sweet spot for this car. You get cloth seats which are better than hard leather on the Top Trim and you get the Sun Roof. Adaptive suspension is totally unnecessary. Must get the Harmon Kardon Stereo though, which sounds amazing. Even though the base and 40th anniversary trims get volume knobs I'd skip it because of the smaller display screen, base radio and no sun roof. Haptic controls are not that bad and the car's interior looks very premium on SE and Autobahn. The only thing I like the Autobahn trim is the wheels.

Hey VW hope you watch/read this. Get rid of the haptic BS and bring back buttons. Also bring back the manual ebrake. Ebrake is useless if your battery dies. As a safety device that's not a smart design. I've been driving Golf's for over 13 years, and would not consider a new R or GTI due to the poor design elements mentioned above. I'd be looking at the used market for a Golf R.

MK7.5 the winner 🏅

Electronic hysteria and styling aside, when the manual goes so shall my interest in any new VW

Take this to chicken road!

While it's true the model he's testing is right at 40K, a base GTI is just as fast and can be had for under 35K if you're willing to give up some tech.

I saved & saved to buy a new GTI or Golf r but stealerships are still marking these up & the terrible interior controls made it easy decision to preorder an Elantra N.

I’d rather have my 2019 se with the manual any day.

@michaeldorado5106

8 ай бұрын

The interior on the 2019 SE was better, and felt more raw/analog while maintaining the high end quality. But the driving performance and dynamics on the mk8 autobahn is as good as it gets for the GTI.

Hate the fake buttons

The 7.5 generation was the best GTI

NIce but nearly $40K for a GTI is just too much.

The screen, the speedometer... that all digital is a big no no for me. Such a turn off 😢

Welp. I have to buy a 2024 because it is THE LAST YEAR of the MT GTI. WTF VW

This design is almost HALF A CENTURY OLD.

The old GTi or Rabbit (80s, 90s) were nice to drive. I don't know about the new ones. But this one simply look stupid up front.

Must get automatic in this. Its so much faster than a manual

Why americans say Volkswagen GTI ? Its a Golf GTI did Volkswagen USA just remove the word Golf in the name of this model ?

It was not completely redesigned in 2022. In fact, it is, basically, an Mk7 with updated headlights and instrument panel. I don't mind the exterior changes, but the instrument panel is atrocious. So far, Mk7 or even Mk7.5 is a better car.

It becomes heavier and heavier with its generation, FAIL! My rabbit GTI back in the 80's weight about 1900 lbs. This GTI at about 3100lbs is way too heavy.

@aaronhumphrey2009

9 ай бұрын

Agreed. Plus too complex, too unreliable over 75K miles. Tight engine compartment. Cheap plastic parts that get extremely brittle with age- and just crack & fall apart after 5-10 yrs..

@tonychau1983

8 ай бұрын

@@aaronhumphrey2009 which one is worst this or a subaru product?

@aaronhumphrey2009

8 ай бұрын

@@tonychau1983 good question. They both have issues by yr & model. VW has a bit more performance bang for your buck, but has gotten a lot less reliable over the years.. A GTI -R with the Tiptronic is great- until it breaks out of warranty..then you'll be putting your mechanic's kids thru college to fix it.. The Subaru CVT is a boring but fairly reliable transmission..get a manual if you want to drive sporty..the Turbo models are fun, but not as quick as VW unless you go with the WRX- STI Impreza..

The multiple comments you made about the sliders and other non-knobs is what keeps me away from this car and any others like it. Just because they can do those doesn't mean they should for ANY Car - I'm fortunate to have a Focus ST for fun and it still has all the selections but with physical buttons and knobs; for commuting I have a Chevy Bolt that I actually love to drive but the digital interface is something that AlWays frustrates - so I could/would never buy this VW (or most of the newer Audi's - just awful). The VW group has lost this customer - sad.

@burddog0792

9 ай бұрын

Audi still has good controls in the A3-5 lineup. Actually for the price I'd probably go with a fwd A3 and put some fun parts on it. Wish U.S. got the A3 hatch.

KONA N will kick any GTI's ass... mk8, mk7.5, mk-all-of-them.

VW gave up on this car. They no longer a two-door coupe, nor do they offer a convertible. They only offer a boring four door hard hard top in bland colors. Better off getting a Mini Cooper. They have them in two-door, four-door, convertible and SUV - with a great selection of colors. You can also get them in 3 or 4 cylinders or if you want more power and even better handling they have the JCW (John Cooper Works). You can also get it in auto or manual and the optional leather seating in the Mini is beautiful. If you are cross shopping...give Mini a look.

@nsbioy

9 ай бұрын

And soon there will be no more manual

@aaronhumphrey2009

9 ай бұрын

Minis handle quick, but the shifter is garbage. Vague..no reverse lockout on the Mk 2 I drove..put it reverse instead of first geat at at stoplite - nearly an accident.Poor power without the turbo motor..no turbo= no fun to drive.

@bigmacdaddy1234

9 ай бұрын

@@aaronhumphrey2009 Buy a new Mini. Problem solved.

You know nothing . Even profesional car racers never use cars with the clutch anymore . For the past of at least 15 years there is no wonders how good are Mercedes 9G-TRONIC dual clutch transmissions . DSG vs manual transmissions : With its computer-controlled gear changes, DSGs are considerably quicker than even the quickest manual driver. With shifts taking a mere 8 milliseconds, they offer superfast, smooth gearshifts that human hand-eye coordination simply cannot match. So your clutch GTI is way slower from 0 - 60 , than 7 speed GTI .

@tonychau1983

8 ай бұрын

He never said it was faster. More engaging and fun to drive.

@ryanray6215

8 ай бұрын

@@tonychau1983 Okay ;-) Enjoy your clutch .

Shorten the content!!

Ripoff price. This car isn't worth a single dollar over $30k.

The Golf is not the original hot hatch.

Eh. Does nothing for me. Just a small wagon with a high price tag.