2025 VW Golf 8 Mk8 FACELIFT - IS it now BETTER THAN a Mk7?

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***EVEN THOUGH THIS WAS ONE OF, IF NOT 'THE' BIGGEST CHANNEL ON KZread FOR MK8 GOLF CONTENT, IT'S QUITE POSSIBLE I WILL ONCE AGAIN BE OVERLOOKED BY VW UK WHEN IT COMES TO OPPORTUNITIES TO GET EARLY ACCESS TO THE NEW CAR. ALL I WANT TO DO IS PRODUCE HIGH QUALITY, UNBIASED, UNIQUE CONTENT FOR YOU GUYS USING MY MANY DECADES UNRIVALLED EXPERIENCE OF THE BRAND. IT'S THEREFORE MORE IMPORTANT THAN EVER THAT YOU SUPPORT THE CHANNEL BY COMMENTING AND SUPPORTING ME IN THIS VERY IMPORTANT GOAL***
In this video I share with you all the info I've been able to collate on the new 2025 Mk8 Golf facelift (which we in the UK will call the Mk8.5). As well as presenting all the key information for GTI & R, I share with you my opinion on whether it can finally eclipse the benchmark Golf for many, the much loved 7.5 (Mk7 facelift) and can exclusively say why we can blame the hybrid for the GTI and other performance Golfs having one hideous new design 'feature'.
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Пікірлер: 201

  • @garymcgregor7048
    @garymcgregor70486 ай бұрын

    Come on guys, you watch it you love it. Press the like and subscribe. It takes seconds and costs NOTHING. support these channels.

  • @maverick4177
    @maverick41776 ай бұрын

    🤣 that door badge is an utter abomination I like the Alfa esque wheels though

  • @Tarmac76

    @Tarmac76

    6 ай бұрын

    They're an homage to Detroit wheels from the Mk V. Source: Andreas Mindt, Head of Volkswagen Design

  • @parvindermander5664
    @parvindermander56646 ай бұрын

    Them GTI badges on the doors look silly

  • @horatiotimewaster5755

    @horatiotimewaster5755

    5 ай бұрын

    I think I would retrofit the Mk8 or 7 embems.

  • @tomweller1318
    @tomweller13186 ай бұрын

    Why do we need a 42inch tv bolted to the dash. It’s only really used for your radio/music as the nav is better on the virtual cockpit display and even better with a heads up display. Oh and if you have CarPlay you just ask it to play whatever dreadful music takes your fancy.

  • @AUDIDOIT

    @AUDIDOIT

    6 ай бұрын

    More the concern it will be distracting? It looks huge and un cohesive to the dash? Like an afterthought?

  • @DrFod
    @DrFod6 ай бұрын

    I actually prefer the old screen. The new one is too big and they've made no attempt to integrate it into the dash. The other changes are quite welcome though.

  • @jonathanprescott5292
    @jonathanprescott52926 ай бұрын

    I went from a 7.5 gtd to an 8 gti (a nice example with quite a few options) and I initially I was unsure if I’d done the right thing. After a few days though, you find your way round the infotainment system and I tend to use the voice control regularly. I’ve never even used the temperature sliders and tend to just press the temperature area in the corner to bring up the menu for the heated seats and fan etc. I also tend to slide the volume on the steering wheel, so the touch buttons don’t bother me. My girlfriend wants a golf 8 now so she will probably wait until there are some nearly new mk8.5s about

  • @geronimooo260

    @geronimooo260

    6 ай бұрын

    Let those Mk7 hardcore fans moan all they want, the 8 is a better car

  • @jonathanprescott5292

    @jonathanprescott5292

    6 ай бұрын

    @@geronimooo260 in all honesty I was probably one of those fanboys and never planned to get another golf. The GTD was my second mk7 and id had it 4 years which was a year longer than I planned to keep it. Glad I upgraded though

  • @TraceyAllen

    @TraceyAllen

    4 ай бұрын

    @@jonathanprescott5292if you touch the temp slider with 2 fingers it will just turn on or adjust the heated seats.

  • @BM-235

    @BM-235

    3 ай бұрын

    Agree with all of that. The Mk 8 R is better in every way than a 7/7.5. More go, better AWD system, better ride, quieter. On the negative side, the interior materials are not as good; had to buy a gas strut for the bonnet. Don't need an iPad stuck on my dashboard.

  • @Scalbow95
    @Scalbow956 ай бұрын

    The new infotainment looks like a half arsed tablet plonked in the middle top of the dashboard. I don't want a computer onboard tbh, just basic nav and an awesome stereo with good phone connectivity

  • @mazpr2025

    @mazpr2025

    6 ай бұрын

    not to hate on 8.5, but that is the one thing I do not like of the newer one, the screen is way too big, has that Tesla screen look.

  • @focusrssteve

    @focusrssteve

    6 ай бұрын

    Thank you, agreed 👍

  • @horatiotimewaster5755

    @horatiotimewaster5755

    5 ай бұрын

    It does look tacked on. I was hoping VW would fix the half baked look of the MK8 instruments, but no. The MK7 looks so classy/ Audi-esque in comparison.

  • @V_Dubya
    @V_Dubya6 ай бұрын

    Get those doors debadged 😂 . They look super weird

  • @richy_rude

    @richy_rude

    5 ай бұрын

    yeah they look weird AF. They should be on the wing if anything.

  • @johnyacoub69
    @johnyacoub696 ай бұрын

    I owned a 7.5R, my wife had a 7.5 Golf SE, and we each had 7.5 GTIs in Autobahn trim. (I also had two Mk7 GTIs). All really good cars. On balance, I would take our current Mk8 Golf R and GTI hands down over their predecessors.

  • @ruki9043

    @ruki9043

    6 ай бұрын

    The people that hate on the mk8s are the people who don't own one. I love my mk8r so much fun to drive

  • @geronimooo260

    @geronimooo260

    6 ай бұрын

    @@ruki9043Exactly, same here, Il love it. The 7/7.5 owners/fans who cannot afford a Mk8 love to hate them. Shame

  • @Mikey-tg8ns

    @Mikey-tg8ns

    6 ай бұрын

    mk8 R is way better than 7.5 lol.

  • @billx4266

    @billx4266

    5 ай бұрын

    @@geronimooo260 What a stupid assumption. Are you stupid?

  • @GLA45Amg716
    @GLA45Amg7166 ай бұрын

    I’m getting this. Without a doubt.

  • @crazyforiegner2
    @crazyforiegner26 ай бұрын

    I disagree, the lack of a manual gearbox is definitely something people care about. The whole point of a sporty car like the GTI is to have fun driving it. Having driven a MK 7.5 GTI manual and automatic, the manual as a lot more fun to drive in my opinion.

  • @volkswizard

    @volkswizard

    6 ай бұрын

    OK, manuals still have some love particularly in the USA and on the internet but like 3 doors that also have a following, demand is massively lower when it comes to selling them, new or used. I agree about the interaction and fun factor, I'd never have a PDK Cayman GT4 for example but the GTI is primarily a rational daily car not a sports car, particularly for the first owners who manufacturers are primarily catering for. Would I prefer a 245 GTI manual over a 300 PS Clubsport? No way! That car was a lot of fun and with 300 PS and front wheel drive I needed to keep my hands on the wheel to manage that grunt which was fun and engaging in itself. Autos are also better on fuel and quieter when cruising due to taller additional top gear which matters for a well used daily. And VW clutches are now ****

  • @crazyforiegner2

    @crazyforiegner2

    6 ай бұрын

    @volkswizard I still think the golf gti is a good daily even with a manual gearbox due to the electronic handbrake and the gearing. I would've thought 300bhp is too much to have fun on British roads but I haven't driven the clubsport. Will perhaps test drive one as they look great.

  • @eamoneejit

    @eamoneejit

    6 ай бұрын

    @@volkswizardDo you mean by ‘**’ that the manual clutch is not great? I have a Mk7 1.4 TSI with DSG whose clutch & mechatronic failed at 55k miles. Other than that I really like it and would only swap it for a 7.5 or a pre facelift Tiguan as I’m too old and decrepit for sport suspension. Always fancied a GTI, but I bet on black and it came up red

  • @danteburritar2822

    @danteburritar2822

    6 ай бұрын

    riding around in an automatic is not driving imho 😂

  • @andywright1634

    @andywright1634

    6 ай бұрын

    It's actually pissing me off that I have been looking at several manufacturers for my next car, and all but one is ditching manuals. I mean, just give us the option, it's cheap tech/already available to have as an option.

  • @charlienelson2002
    @charlienelson20025 ай бұрын

    Fantastic review.

  • @fireblade6756
    @fireblade67565 ай бұрын

    nope u r wrong the old screens on the MK8 look away better than that big ugly screen sitting on the dash in the update , glad i got my MK8 R the way it is thanks!!!!

  • @volkswizard

    @volkswizard

    5 ай бұрын

    Can always trust an owner to say their car is the best 😂😂

  • @richy_rude

    @richy_rude

    5 ай бұрын

    the one on mk8 looks more integrated, whereas the mk 8.5 looks more plonked on.The infotainment unit on mk8 is crap though, so I won't miss it on mine.

  • @justinonimus2916

    @justinonimus2916

    5 ай бұрын

    I took one look at the 8.5 interior and purchased a 2024 Mk8 Golf R. The haptic steering wheel is fine with me, and I avoided the hideous screen. No problems with the infotainment so far.

  • @visionsinblue7093
    @visionsinblue70935 ай бұрын

    Love the mk8.5 Cloverleaf alloys!! 🥰 I'll be getting those for my mk7.5 haha

  • @colinw1591
    @colinw15916 ай бұрын

    Thanks Andrew. Am sure the majority of these improvements will be welcome, although for me, the lack of a manual gearbox on any GTI model is a deal breaker. As for not painting the engine bay on a premium product, is beyond me. Good review 👍

  • @user-xm6ro1ep5d
    @user-xm6ro1ep5d3 ай бұрын

    The Golf R 7.5 is probably one of the most coplete cars for me, and it has a very enjoyable infotainment Hopefully the last touches on the 8.5 make it worth the switch

  • @TheCarGuru
    @TheCarGuru6 ай бұрын

    Makes me love my MK7.5 GTI even more! 😊

  • @eamoneejit
    @eamoneejit6 ай бұрын

    Illuminated badge to me means Wolseley! Just my age I suppose. Also, Autogefuhl’s presenter is Thomas Majchrzak, not Robert. Perhaps you were thinking of his uncle? 😉

  • @jonathonbrett-qn1ic
    @jonathonbrett-qn1ic6 ай бұрын

    Looking forward to the test drive Andrew Fantastic as always. Thank you VDub

  • @serkanonf
    @serkanonf6 ай бұрын

    Camouflage wrapped golf looks beautiful 😅

  • @volkswizard

    @volkswizard

    6 ай бұрын

    Agreed, wish they'd offer that as an option!

  • @Sidmi5utc

    @Sidmi5utc

    6 ай бұрын

    Where was that ? I didn't see it 😛

  • @serkanonf

    @serkanonf

    6 ай бұрын

    @@Sidmi5utc 😜

  • @Mavericks104
    @Mavericks1046 ай бұрын

    Yerrrrrr I won’t be getting rid of my GTI TCR any time soon 😆

  • @GTI.OWNERSCLUB
    @GTI.OWNERSCLUB6 ай бұрын

    Hi wizard! I think is only a light restyling

  • @jimmyjt16
    @jimmyjt166 ай бұрын

    It looks exactly the same as the 8 and a new 8.5 GTI starts at 40k which is scandalous for a Golf.

  • @kevinclarke9933
    @kevinclarke99336 ай бұрын

    Love this channel.

  • @volkswizard

    @volkswizard

    6 ай бұрын

    I appreciate that a lot Kevin, thanks so much

  • @athollsymington7260
    @athollsymington72606 ай бұрын

    Informative as ever, thank you. Look forward to your vid after driving it. Door badges look cheap & mis-placed! It will be interesting to see if the GTD is continued over.

  • @GLA45Amg716
    @GLA45Amg7166 ай бұрын

    They need to add purple to the mk8 next year. I’d get that

  • @peterbest5938
    @peterbest59386 ай бұрын

    Excellent content as always.

  • @husienjuhari7459
    @husienjuhari74594 ай бұрын

    VW, please bring back Tornado Red paint color 🙏

  • @ameerlicious
    @ameerlicious5 ай бұрын

    i think the new center screen is a bit bothersome and not very seamless. Plus i kinda got used to the haptic buttons and not really a problem for me

  • @katiecannon8186

    @katiecannon8186

    5 ай бұрын

    I really don’t like the big screen at all. Also, ChatGTP doesn’t seem like a brilliant idea. I actually love the haptic buttons.

  • @kevinneary2283
    @kevinneary22836 ай бұрын

    Personally I think VW are running out of ideas with the Golf GTI . As you say Alfa wheels. The front grill area looks cheap . As for the interior dashboard it doesn’t blend . ipads are for home or office not cars . Give us some buttons 😂

  • @roch145

    @roch145

    6 ай бұрын

    VW isn't running out of ideas, rather they are being overly restrictive on costs. Virtually every design decision they make is driven by cost - not by creativity, or benefit. No pneumatic hood strut - cost savings. Cheap plastic interior materials - cost savings. No climate control or radio buttons - cost savings. No under hood body color paint - cost savings. Yet the starting price of the car is very high.

  • @Kmb4545
    @Kmb45454 ай бұрын

    When will the R facelift be available to order ?

  • @graham.w89
    @graham.w895 ай бұрын

    Love this type of video over the DIY /fixing ones .Keep up the good work

  • @darrencottrell5541
    @darrencottrell55416 ай бұрын

    As a long-term subscriber, I have to say that Andrew's content has always been that of the consummate professional (and informative journalist), whilst still retaining his 'regular petrolhead' enthusiasm that is relatable to us all. Andrew is also a great guy; what you see on the channel is what Andrew is like in person. He deserves much bigger subs and recognition, and the channel needs your support to not only grow but to continue. If you've not already done so, please hit the like button and, most importantly, subscribe. Another top quality addition to the channel, Andrew.

  • @gardupgti4609
    @gardupgti46095 ай бұрын

    Thanks - very informative. Those wheels don't look right to me.

  • @garymcgregor7048
    @garymcgregor70486 ай бұрын

    Makes me want a 7.5 gti more than ever after seeing that..seen a 18 reg with high on the miles, been doing 30k per year recently for 14k. In grey. Lookes lovely. Is it a car to get or to swipe

  • @grahamatsea3575

    @grahamatsea3575

    6 ай бұрын

    Well a VW main dealer only offered me last week 17.5k for my 19 GTI PP atlantic blue with 36k miles, dsg and it's mint so I would say wait for a better deal. Needless to say I decided to keep my car and at 60 yoa it might see me out !!

  • @wayneofwolves2807
    @wayneofwolves28076 ай бұрын

    Love the Hyundai power Blue 😂😂😂😂😂

  • @paulbutler6588
    @paulbutler65885 ай бұрын

    Gti on door makes it go faster lol does gti stand for G od T he I diots at vw

  • @isharsingh8048
    @isharsingh80486 ай бұрын

    I think the Golf peaked with the 7.5. This 8.5 is a welcome improvement over the 8, but the cost of these new cars is ridiculous. The 7.5 is great value compared to the 8/8.5.

  • @mazpr2025

    @mazpr2025

    6 ай бұрын

    I have the MK8R, everywhere and I mean everywhere I go, I get compliments. People out of the blue of all ages approach me on how nice it looks, that it is the first one they have seen, etc. The infotainment complaints is way over-rated, there are plenty of shortcuts, I have no issues with the steering wheel or display. The price is about right, all vehicles have gone up in price, Compare the yr cost of the dollar from 2019 vs 2024. The car has now a sunroof and the RS3 4wd system, not even an Audi has it. That it went about 4 to 5k more is justified, it has MYVW for four yrs (saves on auto insurance), two yrs service and if I recall four yrs road side assistance.

  • @reds005
    @reds0056 ай бұрын

    Not with that carbuncle of a screen stuck on the dashboard

  • @shiugen676
    @shiugen6766 ай бұрын

    Same hardware and software that is now in the ID7 which is already at dealerships, if you want to check it out (albeit screen size might be slightly different) otherwise same

  • @tonyjazz4073
    @tonyjazz40736 ай бұрын

    The best review of the 8.5 so far. Bought my Mk8 GTI a month before your CS so have followed since. Not a fan of larger screens; looks like a distraction even more than the current one i.m.o. Slight performance increase plus dull looks under the bonnet? Expect to pay £45K with add on's no doubt. Not for me but will take a look when, if ever, it arrives in the UK.

  • @volkswizard

    @volkswizard

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks so much Tony. It did look from certain shots that short people wouldn't be able to see over that screen towards the centre of the bonnet but I think that was just the angle it was photographed from as it seems similar to what BMW are doing now and that works OK. Let's hope there will be some keen discounting because those silly RRPs are fine when supply was tight due to semiconductor shortage but things are very different now so if they want to sell cars we need sensible pricing.

  • @tomsandford6133
    @tomsandford61336 ай бұрын

    Great video.

  • @simonehayes4911
    @simonehayes49116 ай бұрын

    Will stick with the F40 M135i xdrive over any modern performance golf thanks. Far superior in every way 👌

  • @billx4266

    @billx4266

    5 ай бұрын

    Thanks for your useless contribution

  • @katiecannon8186
    @katiecannon81864 ай бұрын

    I really don’t like the large tablet. It’s so much more elegant to integrate screens like the pre-facelift mk8

  • @mooferoo
    @mooferoo6 ай бұрын

    All i wanted from the mk8 refresh was knobs back for the fans/AC, but it looks like they didn't do that.

  • @volkswizard

    @volkswizard

    6 ай бұрын

    There was no chance they could do that as it would involve a massive redesign inside plus loads of other manufacturers have ditched climate specific control panels and had little or no grief from the press.

  • @ivanb3303
    @ivanb33036 ай бұрын

    Hairdryer will shift those pesky side badges

  • @johnacteson5503
    @johnacteson55035 ай бұрын

    I haven't met anyone yet who's said," your mk8 r wagon is a bit shit,mate. Especially that dashboard".

  • @volkswizard

    @volkswizard

    5 ай бұрын

    I guess that says a lot about the influence scope of traditional car journalism. I actually bought a modern car mag this week as it was bundled with a classic car mag. Only one had page after page of EV bullshit and still nobody is that interested in them.

  • @danielrussell446
    @danielrussell4466 ай бұрын

    Hi Andrew a great review on the 8.5 as you know I’ve had a 7 7.5 and a 8 and I do have a soft spot for the older ones they were so well made and felt luxurious. I was happy with my early 2020 8 life but the software issues and general decline in quality made me so unhappy and some areas of the spec were downgraded on the 8 but it was comfortable and took all that a young family placed on it I do like the new badges and colour scheme but wish VW had better integrated the larger touch screen and the interior still seems sombre compared to the 7/7.5 I hope the standard spec has improved across the range I cannot understand why the radar has gone back to the bumper with all the issues on the 7 I believe VW have gone with fashion and less with substance on the update a shame as the 8 is a good car and could have been made better

  • @garysimpson3900
    @garysimpson39006 ай бұрын

    The GTI door badges are awful, as with previous GTI's the wheel designs don't do anything for me and I still lament the passing of the 2 door Golf version.

  • @markrennie6659
    @markrennie66595 ай бұрын

    Door badges and unnecessarily large infotainment screen aside, 8.5 GTI looks good to me. Those exterior tweaks are somehow greater than the sum of their parts too, front end just looks more cohesive. I’m going to be very interested at sub-£40k but will otherwise be spending my £££s elsewhere. Great content as usual thanks Andrew! 👏🏼

  • @vr6280
    @vr62805 ай бұрын

    My main concern is on my mk8 Golf now driving at night, especiailly on unlit motorway sections even with the screen set to black background, dimmest settings and ambiant light turned off and colour scheme set to red it is too bright and affects your night vision of the road. I can't see how the bigger screen won't make that worse. Despite this I do actually love my mk8 Golf (R-Line DSG 150PS) - although I am tempted with the new Polo GTI?

  • @malcolmscott4150
    @malcolmscott41506 ай бұрын

    Do you have uk release date? Like the evolution and power bump for GTI and likely $60k AUD whenever it gets down under to a shrinking market sector now Megane RS is no more :(

  • @drwhotardis
    @drwhotardis6 ай бұрын

    My current daily driver was bought brand new in 2018 for AUD$33k including extra for the 5 year warranty (was 3 years back then). As a Mk 7.5 Golf GTI Original (2 door/manual), I'm very happy with the way it looks and goes. So far I've seen and read nothing that prompts me to spend AUD$66k+ for the new Mk8.5 GTI. Sticking with what I know. By the way the wheels that came with my car are black versions of those you put on your GTD with a red stripe around the rim.

  • @kratos9223
    @kratos92236 ай бұрын

    Thank you, Andrew! Great review! I owned a 7.5 R with the radar elegantly integrated into the front badge. VW probably had the most elegant solution for concealing the radar. Now, I suppose illuminated badges take precedence. What else can we expect from a company that seems to have lost its way?

  • @volkswizard

    @volkswizard

    6 ай бұрын

    Thanks you Kratos! Curry recipes, illuminated grille badges, misguided badge placement, it's not a good look is it?

  • @22cheddar
    @22cheddar5 ай бұрын

    Can i ask, what weels and tyre spec you have on the GTD shown at the start? Many thanks!

  • @steveglover5032
    @steveglover50326 ай бұрын

    I got the MK8 Golf. The facelift don’t excite me enough to upgrade to it. Hopefully they got rid some of the bugs that the MK8 suffered with. Time will tell.

  • @MrCungaLunga
    @MrCungaLunga6 ай бұрын

    Its all better on mk8 and just front light could be better..

  • @kieranmanners170
    @kieranmanners1706 ай бұрын

    The wheels to me look like the skoda Xtreme wheels at first glance, but when you uploaded the alfa clover wheels they do look uncanny really.

  • @thomasj5083
    @thomasj50836 ай бұрын

    How will that big touchscreen be usable? The only comfortable way to use the existing Golf 8 screen is to put your hand on top and use your thumb. That isn't going to work here as it's simply too big. Have VW learnt nothing? Also, that lack of illumination on the heating buttons certainly bothered me. You simply can't see them in the dark so have to remember where they are. Glad the haptic buttons have gone!

  • @charlienelson2002
    @charlienelson20025 ай бұрын

    Electric cars have a lot to answer for. The dagger badges look much better. The MK7.5 will be hard to beat, yet the MK8.5 is probably being downplayed in the foreseeable interim.

  • @r3games1985
    @r3games19855 ай бұрын

    Other than the 265hp it's a step back in all the areas. The front end looks uglier and that masive info screen is clownish.

  • @kevdavies3445
    @kevdavies34456 ай бұрын

    wont be swopping my tcr soon good appraisal

  • @pgrewcock
    @pgrewcock6 ай бұрын

    Remove those door badges terrible...and those wheels aren't much better...😢

  • @resnonverba137
    @resnonverba1376 ай бұрын

    VW lost me as a customer after generally awful customers service for my three years of ownership. The final straw was the refusal to rectify corrosion on the lower front wing behind the front wheel arch when the car was only three years old. The latest reincarnation of the GTI here is an improvement in my opinion. I quite like the wheels but the large and oddly positioned badging reminds me of the short-lived large Polo logo that Ralph Lauren tried a few years ago.

  • @GLA45Amg716
    @GLA45Amg7166 ай бұрын

    Getting the 25 gold R

  • @flyingcod14
    @flyingcod146 ай бұрын

    Nice review but still doesn't look as good as the 7.5 GTI. Are you planning to do a review of the Polo GTI Edition 25?

  • @volkswizard

    @volkswizard

    6 ай бұрын

    I asked VW for a loan of Polo GTI Edition 25 and they said they weren't going to register a press car which is a bit weird. If I come across one from another source I will for sure.

  • @peterdavies1185
    @peterdavies11856 ай бұрын

    I am going to hang onto my TCR for a long time !!

  • @rob_lightbody
    @rob_lightbody5 ай бұрын

    I have 7.5x17 "Brooklyn" wheels on my 7.5gti and they're great. Standard fitment in other markets and far better at dealing with terrible road surfaces in the west of Scotland. (this comment is related to a comment made in the video about standard 17s on the 8.5 too)

  • @chroniccrypto75
    @chroniccrypto756 ай бұрын

    Screen is a little too big 😂

  • @awdixon74
    @awdixon745 ай бұрын

    17" wheels do fit quite happily over the 340mm Performance Pack size discs. I'm running a set of Mk5 Monzas on mine over winter.

  • @tdmtam
    @tdmtam6 ай бұрын

    Possible future car, but going to stick with my mk7 GTI performance for now.

  • @sokratzmmf
    @sokratzmmf6 ай бұрын

    VW jumping on the useless AI hype train. The car is for driving not for chatting with a bot.

  • @trentguild6086
    @trentguild60866 ай бұрын

    Squinty-er headlights are a downgrade, back to old tech on the steering wheel controls is a downgrade, lighted badge is a downgrade, giant screen sticking up from the dash is a downgrade. Glad I got an MK8 R.

  • @plank770
    @plank7706 ай бұрын

    Wheels are similar to Skoda Octavia vrs.

  • @robbeard6929
    @robbeard69296 ай бұрын

    Sorry, massive sorry but you are running out of ideas. it looks crap, as for the screen who actually cares, nobody!

  • @AUDIDOIT
    @AUDIDOIT6 ай бұрын

    Great resume Andrew. It is a shame they have penny pinched in some areas on the facelift 8 again. This machine is not budget, and I am sorry a floppy plastic engine cover and fiat panda bonnet stay really does not appeal to your avid GTI enthusiast. I have still to drive a mk8, the Racingline R is a real testament to the chassis potential. I am sure the new improved infotainment design will help sell the cars, silencing certain car testers. The door badges as you say are embarrassing, and I am sure die hard GTI owners will remove them. Wonder if the bonnet of the facelift still weighs a tonne? Probably why they did not spray the underside, to save weight and dissipate heat more efficiently. Keep up the great work Andrew. 🙂

  • @gtiak274
    @gtiak2746 ай бұрын

    Golf 7 especially the TCR and clubsport are the best golf's ever made! Golf 8 is ugly...

  • @martinboath7022
    @martinboath70226 ай бұрын

    Shout out to my clubby at 9 min13!

  • @David-kq1jc
    @David-kq1jc5 ай бұрын

    Sorry not sorry I’m in Love ❤with my 7.5 GTD it’s a beast …the 8.5 does not look very aggressive in my humble opinion 😂

  • @focusrssteve
    @focusrssteve6 ай бұрын

    Sorry but the front end is awful, and wouldn't convince me to give my 7.5, so my answer is no.

  • @BrakRulesAll
    @BrakRulesAll6 ай бұрын

    That iMax mega-screen sticking up in the middle of the dash is a HUGE fail for me. How big is big enough? Apparently they are going to keep growing until they block the windscreen. Completely ridiculous, unnecessary, and ugly. Getting rid of the haptic steering wheel switches is a big win, but still no volume dial for the infotainment, big fail. Hood prop rod, lack of paint under hood, hard door panel tops in the rear (a thing for quite a while now on many of their cars) all huge bean counter fails. They jack up the price but don't fix annoying crap like this, while also decontenting other stuff. The freaking passenger-side sun visor on the wife's GLI doesn't extend like the driver's side does. Whoever came up with that brilliant cost saving idea shoudl be fired immediately. Also loss of 6MT is a HUGE fail, and not just for journalists - take rate for manuals here in the states for both the GTI & R are still very high. A lot of us (like me) will be very disappointed with this development. I'll stick with my 7.5 R, which I'm still quite happy with 4 years later.

  • @lfcbb0422
    @lfcbb04225 ай бұрын

    Hey, is there any way i can ask some questions about the Golf MK2 i bought? Maybe instagram?

  • @smiddysmidton8313
    @smiddysmidton83136 ай бұрын

    For the life of me i cannot understand peoples obsession with VW using a bonnet hood prop instead of gas strut in the MK8 ??? Here we are again shouldn't even be mentioned! Most Japanese makers have always used them as they are superior. Toyota has always and still uses them and noone says anything but VW, never hear the end of it.

  • @volkswizard

    @volkswizard

    6 ай бұрын

    I am pretty sure the switch to a manual stay wasn't cost related and more to do with crash legislation for example if a pedestrian lands on bonnet, a manual stay will flex, a gas strut won't. Whatever, once Golf 8 was crashed tested, this was a fixed part of the build as changing it would involve retesting which wasn't going to happen for a facelift (my guess anyway). The issue is that early on some reviewers stated that it was an example of cost cutting because Golf has had a gas strut since Mk4 and is part of its premium feel which Toyota doesn't have. They conveniently ignored the fact that the bonnet now has 2 locks and 2 catches instead of one which actually cost more overall.

  • @roch145

    @roch145

    6 ай бұрын

    @@volkswizard The only reason it has two hood latches is because of regulations. I have a 2006 BMW that has two hood latches because it made sense, long before there was any regulatory requirement . VW has consistently de-contented their cars over the years, so it's very reasonable to conclude the pneumatic hood strut was removed for cost savings.

  • @stco2426

    @stco2426

    5 ай бұрын

    @@volkswizard I was told that early mk7s had stays due to 'crash protection' but when folks complained they had to stay their bonnets (sorta) VW put in a gas strut as all (I think) ealier VWs had, well in recent times, as you say. All mine, too. I was told this by someone who used to work at a UK VW dealership. I think it was cash rather than crash-related. My Mk7 GTD has a gas strut. Maybe VW is rolling out the same BS?

  • @Tarmac76
    @Tarmac766 ай бұрын

    The wheels are inspired by the Detroit wheels from the Mk V. Source: Andreas Mindt, Head of Volkswagen Design. By the way, mocking someone's appearance and saying how you think they look "knackered" is ironic since you're looking pretty rough yourself. Keep it classy.

  • @volkswizard

    @volkswizard

    6 ай бұрын

    Right, but they are the Monza 2 wheel, just black and diamond cut edge that was used on Edition 30 in some markets so the press release I read wasn’t wrong as style is same as mk6, just colour scheme is different. And I never look at Detroits and think Alfa 🤷🏼‍♂️

  • @gerrym4377

    @gerrym4377

    6 ай бұрын

    I don’t think Andrew’s comment about the man was judgemental, he did look knackered (tired) and he explained it was due to his workload and pressure. You then mocking Andrew in your comment in a general and nasty manner demonstrates an actual lack of class and invalidates any point you tried to make.

  • @Tarmac76

    @Tarmac76

    6 ай бұрын

    Saying Andrew looks rough isn't mocking him, he probably looks like that due to his workload and pressure.

  • @GA-dv4ty
    @GA-dv4ty6 ай бұрын

    I’ll stick with my 7.5 GTI, think VW have gone backwards with this overpriced MK8.5 😢

  • @mazpr2025
    @mazpr20256 ай бұрын

    Let me follow up on my other comments I had seen several mk7.5R and had pictures on my phone from FB Marketplace etc. Then I purchased my MK8R, got used to it parked in my garage and so on, and one day browsing through my saved photos, cleaning them up saw the ones from the mk7.5, and strangely enough, imo, looks dated now with this new release. From 2018 to 2025 the difference in inflation is 20%, so what used to be $1.00 in 2018 is now $1.20. So a vehicle that cost $35,000 in 2018, to buy the same car now in 2024 would be around $42,000. MK8 went through substantial upgrades, at least MK8R, upgraded fuel pump, injectors, turbocharger, transmission, calipers and moonroof to name a few. In 2019 a VW Gold R was MSRP $42,000, multiplied by 16% (to be conservative) for inflation to match 2025, $6,720. Which means a 2019 Golf R, following a conservative inflation matchup is $48,720, which is standard across the board. Average income has increased about the same, 18 to 20%.

  • @robjw7250
    @robjw72505 ай бұрын

    I preferred my 7.5 GTD to mark 8 GTD. Gutted they are discontinuing the GTD into the 8.5 version.

  • @georged6717
    @georged67176 ай бұрын

    im sorry but its still looks cheap and another step back from the 7.5. who wants a light up emblem over the radar being in the grill. it looked terrible on the 7's and it looks terrible on the 8.5 just makes me want to keep my 7.5 even more

  • @enigmatwist6548
    @enigmatwist65485 ай бұрын

    I’d wait for the special edition

  • @NiceGuyAidey
    @NiceGuyAidey6 ай бұрын

    😄😁😆Not a chance , The Mk8 will always be let down by it's interior and the Mk8.5 will be no better imo.. The Exterior looks nice, Apart from the radar now being back down in the grille where it can be knocked out of sync, and the rear GTI boot badges on the side do not look right.... oh and it starts at £43k ,apparently

  • @h4rms
    @h4rms5 ай бұрын

    I like the 8.5 wheels, glad the craptic buttons have gone, info screen is looking like a tesla and finally annoyed that the front cam has moved lower, this is open to damage..

  • @horseathalt7308
    @horseathalt73086 ай бұрын

    *The problem is that VW lost the plot after Golf II, and never cared about that fact after that time.* The truth is that this car (or any of them since MK III) isn't even actually a genuine "Golf" at all. The last REAL Golf was the MKIII. The closest thing to a true Golf was the Up! GTI, now it too is gone. VW and its path to being all EV is killing the company.

  • @allin4once
    @allin4once5 ай бұрын

    I have an MK7.5 and would generally agree with the community consensus that the 7.5 is the best GTI.....BUT, if you're an enthusiast, the DAM undefeatably traction/stability control NEVER ceases to cause me rage!!. The fact that no-one ever fully defeated it, as of early 2024 means it will probably never happen. What a shame!! I am Stage 2 ECU and TCU tuned, and it's better than stock in terms of overcoming the traction control, but it SUCKS BAD if you want to track or drag race your car.

  • @lilmoesieable
    @lilmoesieable3 ай бұрын

    The mk8 is already better than the mk7😅

  • @1066gaz
    @1066gaz6 ай бұрын

    No manual gti, slapped on large info screen on the dash, in your face, just like with ev's. No sporty 3 door, and the madness continues. VW you are a joke. The 7.5 will never be beat, just shear perfection, and it all went down hill from there.

  • @slamminx3
    @slamminx36 ай бұрын

    “The ‘craptic’ buttons have gone”, that was on purpose right? 😂

  • @volkswizard

    @volkswizard

    6 ай бұрын

    Most definitely!

  • @vr6280
    @vr62805 ай бұрын

    I don't like the new diffuser on the R-Line - I preferred the fake exhausts (and I'm not a big fan of that - but It looks worse now)

  • @volkswizard

    @volkswizard

    5 ай бұрын

    I’m undecided on that personally

  • @olnaj
    @olnaj5 ай бұрын

    I miss the manual. Such a shame it isn't an option

  • @ghostinthemachine76
    @ghostinthemachine766 ай бұрын

    Those GTI wheels look like Octavia vRS wheels.

  • @johnlee4897
    @johnlee48974 ай бұрын

    Front looks horrendously bad. Massive infotainment screen looks poorly integrated in the dash. The sheer lack of physical controls is completely off putting after owning from new a Mark 6 and Mark 7. Would avoid this thing like the plague. Look at total Mark 8/8.5 sales compared to Mark 7/7.5 - dropped off a cliff. Consumers voting with their wallet's. When will VW admit to blowing it?

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