2015 Volkswagen Golf 1.8t TSI SEL Test Drive Video Review 

yep ... and the mega bestseller worldwide ... over 30 mill sold !!!

That's why it makes more sense to buy a cheaper model and just mod it.

That’s because it’s the GTI engine. The 2.0 is the 1.8 that’s bored out. USA and Canada are the only ones that get this engine in the golf. Europe only gets them in The A3’s Octavia’s and Leon’s rarely. (Google em these are Volkswagens sister company’s that aren’t offered in the US.) We get 1.0 TSI 1.2 TSI 1.4 TSI 2.0 TSI 1.6 TDI 2.0 TDI For the golf. We also get a diesel variant of the GTI that’s called the GTD and we get a hybride variant called the GTE. America has a demand for bigger engines that’s why you guys get a 1.8 and back in the day got a 2.5. Weirdos.

Madern With that 2.5 Tsi you can make some cheap Rs3

@@maceraciturk5535 the 2.5 is a non turbo 5 cylinder right?

MauriceNL No its Turbo 5 Cylinder

You don't drive slowly to break a car in.

You don't do 100 either..

Hello :) I have the VW Golf VII 1.8 TSI 3-door base model (from 2015) - I bought mine second-hand imported to Poland from the US. My car had 1 former owner and only 42.300 KM on the odometer, so it was pretty much like buying a new car. The base car has a 5-speed manual gearbox, which feels solid and shifts well. The gear ratios are spaced pretty nicely between each other, in comparison with what you need to drive the car economically or fairly sporty, if you want to do that. (mind: The manual gearbox version does not get any switchable "driving modes") There's a manual handbrake. And stability control can be switched off via the infotainment system. ABS and Stability Control with ASR is standard - ASR will reduce your rev's if the ABS-ticker senses wheel-slip at the front tires, and you can't turn it off, meaning intended wheelspin (for warming up the tires or whatever) is not possible. On the other hand, the ASR feature makes it easier to get out of mud and snow, since it simply reduces how fast your front wheels are turning. My car has optional 17 inch aluminium wheels and Bridgestone Turanza T005 (wheel dimension 225-45-R17) summer tires, and these tires are great especially in wet conditions were they are absolutely sublime. At the same time, they are very economical on the highway, and fairly low noise. One thing you can't do with these tires though, is cheeky handbrake turns (which is actually possible in this car, if you turn the stability control off), due to the Rain A level rating which makes sliding nearly impossible. But with other tires, or worn down tires on a wet surface, it is definitely possible. The car itself, feels well build, and sturdy, and ALL parts of the bodywork is made out of steel. Only the bits you expect to be plastic (bumpers aso.) are, but they still feel very sturdy indeed. The side mirrors is one of the nicer things about the base car: They come with electronically adjustment, and heating as standard. The heater in the mirrors are quite powerful, ice simply s melts within minutes. You can also turn the mirror heating on in rainy conditions, and the water will simply evaporate the water from the mirrorglass. Automatic positioning of the mirrors when reversing is not standard - neither is electronical folding of mirrors. But they can fold - just get out of the car or ask the person in the passenger seat to roll down their window and fold the mirrors manually. The suspension-setup is also pretty nice in the base car: Rear wheels have independent suspension (NOT torsion-bar like on some European Golfs), and the suspension-setup is very comfortable and yet reasonably sporty, though you get sportier suspension and steering on a standard Ford Focus. Speaking about the steering, steering is precise and well set up - it is clear though, that VW had highway-driving in mind when they made this steering: That's where this Golfs steering feels "at home". But it is pretty sporty still though. And the steering-wheel itself in this base model car, is TOTALLY without any buttons on it, or leather, or heating, it is just a plane plastic and rubber steering wheel with no features. Sturdy, ergonomically and perfect in size though. It is a pretty nice basic steering wheel. The interior of the base car is with grey aluminum-lookalike plastic inlays (not pianoblack inlays, as the car in this video), and it actually looks great and a lot more "fresh and welcoming" than the black interior VW Golf cars. The seats come as basic "sports-seats" with side-bolsters, support and comfort is pretty good - even larger people will fit. The seat upholstery is fabric, dark/light grey in color, and the seat adjustment is totally manual, but easy enough to operate. The same with the steering wheel, manual adjustment only. Infotainment system is quite nice: 5.8 inch low-res color touch screen as standard, with no navi installed, but with a very decent radio and MP3 player and various vehicle info on the screen as well. The loudspeaker setup is "no-name" but has 8 speakers, and plays loud and clear. I was actually impressed with how good this system sounds, and it is dead-easy to use the music-player: Just load up your MP3's on a standard SD-card, and plug it in. My car came with bluetooth-connectivity, handsfree phone support and speech-command setup - but I am not sure if these features are standard, what I can say is that they work pretty well. I never use the speech-commands, but handsfree phonecalls (via the phone you have connected to, via Bluetooth) and playback of music from the phone, or Google Maps navigation turn-by-turn commands on my smartphone works really well, and is easy enough to setup, so the sound comes out of the cars speakers. (check on your US VW website, to see whether these Bluetooth and speech-command features are available as standard in your region) The rest of the car, the engine and so on, is the same as in this video review. Except my base-car is a 3-door model, ofcourse. This means, that front passenger doors are extra wide (actually even wider than the front passenger doors of a VW Passat of the same generation), and getting in and out of the rear seat is easy enough, due to the fact that front passenger seats slide ALL the way forward (no cheap frontseat rails here). Getting a child-seat plugged into the ISOFIX mounts at rear seats is pretty awkward though .... you can do it, but it's not easy, which means: If you have small kids, skip this 3-door version and go get the 5-door version of this car. There are ISOFIX mounts at both rear seats, but not one at the front passenger seat as standard (optional front seat ISOFIX is available, and doesn't cost much). The last thing I will highlight here as a difference between the car in this video and mine, is the headlights; My headlights are totally basic with standard lightbulps - no LED and no Bi-Xenon. They get the job done though.. There's enough light to light up whatever the conditions you are driving in. But thats all! The base car comes in Pure White as standard. I hope you liked my review here, and .... :) have a nice day.

Terribly unreliable, I'm never purchasing a VW again after owning this car. Electrical system's completely fried, transmission issues, leaks everywhere.

for 29k?

buildmorefarms100 That's a lot, I agree. Frankly, the cost of cars is shocking to me these days. It seems like you need to spend at least $15,000 for a very solid (relatively new-ISH) USED car. For $29k I'd probably be looking at a really nice certified pre-owned car.

buildmorefarms100 Also, there are 2015 Golfs starting at $18,000 so I'd be getting something down closer to that if I were buying this car. All I care about is Automatic, A/C, good Bluetooth Stereo and a Moonroof. Mileage is a big consideration, too, so I'm pretty interested in the Lexus CT200h, (and I've seen a few of them in like-new condition for $20k.) When we get back out of debt, hopefully I'll be getting into another BMW X3 (or X1) again, though!

Yeah I was confused about the pricing too - still, he is recommending it and if you can get an aftermarket console switched in...I would keep it on your list. I went with the TDI and average about 45 mpg combined for the same price. I love the torque feel of TDI, plus with snow tires the extra weight of the diesel engine over your front axle means excellent handling in difficult conditions. Add the highest safety rating and great interior build quality (feels like a base Audi to me) and you start to see why folks regard them as a fair deal. I'm quite happy with mine overall but I would like to change out the console and have automatically dimming mirrors...but for issues that's pretty minor stuff. I'm not surprised he likes the Golf.

acchaladka I hear ya- and yeah, that TDI seems like such a great way to go. I'd definitely love one of these Golfs (or the GTI!)

+XmonkeychexX No it is an option.

I agree. TDI's are excellent vehicles.

Sorry if this is a odd question, but is there any performance difference between the TDI and TSI? Are the driving dynamics different? Do you still like the TDI SE?

I just bought an '18 TSI SE.These use regular,not diesel.VW did away with the TDI(the reason's no secret).The three engines now available are the TSI turbo,GTI and R.I've had a Saab,Audi,and (ages ago) a Peugeot turbo.This TSI is (so far) the most responsive and economical of all them.

Nobody bro. these features are just good to have but no one use.

In countries with winter sport areas, a lot of people use it! ;)

Germans driving to Austria for skiing?

I would have... about 30 years ago :)

1.8t has 170hp and 184lb-ft torque @ 1500 rpm. You need to check your source because every reputable auto review source gives that number, and VW's own brochure gives that number.

zxbc According to one dealer you get 200lb-ft with premium gas, and 184lb-ft with regular gas. PS VW site shows 200lb-ft. So I don't know what to make of it.

It’s 199tq with the auto and 184tq with the manual.

They are easy to replace. Replaced mine in my '03 Jetta. 5 minutes of work, if that, and they are less than $25 or so on Amazon. It's honestly worth having it. I personally prefer that over a prop.

the golf i have is proverbially bullet proof.

***** Thanks for the input. :-)\

+Deavon Reye Yeah they are great for reliability. Friend had an '03 with 190k on it.

I have a Passat, but it has 171k miles... Take care of the car, and you'll be fine.

Sebring?

*2012

This is the "new model year" golf for the US. VW has had us stuck with the MK6 until the 2015 model year. Now we FINALLY get the mk7.

2deeZproductions What is the price difference? On the one hand you are buying a best selling German hatchback, the other is the top of the line Focus. We happen to like the Focus ST, but sometimes resale value should be a consideration when purchasing a new car. Hope that helps

im looking at which car is the best around the 21-23k price range. I have a mk4 golf already and i love it. I like the focus exterior but hate the enterior. The golf exterior is okay and the interior is awesome. The focus has more technology than the golf around that price range but the golf has more interior space. So its been tough deciding. Lol

i got the last golf, my buddy got a focus. We both liked the golf more. both quite quick, dont know if its my driving, but the golf eclipsed the focus we both thought.

2deeZproductions VW >> Ford

+ewtubewatcher >>>>BMW & VW

That circle is actually so if the keyfob battery dies, you can touch it on that circle and it will read the microchip and allow you to start the car. most keyless cars still have this.

He wasn't joking; I have a 2014 Passat SEL. My screen blacks out, the key is out of range at times while I'm driving, and not to mention how slow the system is period.

Darrell Parker Jr sadly a lot of cars infotainment screens suck still. My outback takes forever for me to pair anything with it and I have to go through so many menus to do it it's not even worth it. My Ford touch is a joke also. They just need Apple and Android to make them.

I know right. I wish for the day we'l have options, Apple or Android in our cars.

Agreed. Car companies need to start collaborating with cell phone manufacturers, Google, and Apple. Maybe giving us an option to mirror our screens instead for GPS, any streaming apps like spotify or pandora. Still keep the radio functionality and any optical media. I keep debating on having an in dash nav system simply because updating them is costly and it's nearly as easy as your phone with Google/Apple/Bing Maps are. Either way, there is still room to improve this for all car manufacturers to give us better systems. I do wish VW would just go to a USB connection though. Either way, I'll still leaning on keeping with the VW Brand. My '03 Jetta 1.8T has been good to me.

The ride and suspension is much smoother, the interior is way better with better quality leather and build, the steering wheel feel more precise, the audio system better quality, the transmission is more responsive and the car feel faster on the road.

VW paid to be a car of the year,vw cant be car of the year or be called a car.Car and vw must not be in the same sentence.

There is something bullshit about this but i can´t tell what. I just can´t imagine Golf to be this superior to so many good cars. I see one thing they are winning on though which is timeless design and good interior. Seems like a good car to drive too. But I hate the Golf deep in my heart.

You cant get a loaded GLI less than that lol

Loaded 2015 GLI straight from VW- $29,280 plus destination. So yes, yes you can.

Plus destination. So it's gonna be 32+ taxes.

Which is a hell of a lot better car for the same $ as a golf.

The difference is that the Jetta we get in North America is a dumbed-down version compared to what the rest of the world gets. Different suspension components, different interior components, etc. Our Golf is the same as what the rest of the world gets, and VW's (and cars in general) are much more pricey in virtually every other country (though we don't get some features like the larger interior screen). Simply put: the Golf is a higher quality car.

What’s wrong with yours?

@@kyleskitco7235 so far with my 2017 mk7 golf sel tsi the driver motor mounts messed up at 42k miles, and back two rotors rusted heavily must be due to Washington States weather.

That's exactly my experience and opinion with Toyota. If you like recalls...buy Toyota. I owned a Toyota once and I hope I never do again.

jldude84 i'm looking for reliability & longevity if im buying a cylinder.

jldude84 fair, but i'm mistrustful at the stage mileage/year wise when the turbo is out of warranty that i now gotta drop major coin on if it fails.

Buy a Golf R32, if it was ever sold in the US.

SIMcityplayer2002 R32 is a hot hatch monster.

+HighPlainsDrifter66 Yes HighPlains knows what he's talking about.

I don't see 10k value in a new Corolla.

Neither do I.

Right on Kenton! For way less than 29K you could have a 2015 Altima SV cruiser with zero gravity seats!

+jldude84 I remember there were some car sites and magazines that were claiming 200 lb ft when this engine first came out. Now it seems its 184.

+jldude84 GTi used to be 200 hp 207 ft lbs torque...

I have a copy of Motor Trend and it shows the specs for the 1.8T as 200 lb ft. I think VW changed the number shortly after the release.

Yippie VW cant seem to be honest about much these days...

+Yippie Actually both numbers are correct, you get 184 pf of torque if you use regular unleaded gas instead of premium, if you go exclusively for premium gas you get 200 pf of torque, hope that helps!

Andy Irish It has plenty of power for what it is. My sister has a 2004 Civic with only 117hp and it drives fine.

Andy Irish I drive a Mustang GT.

hawkermustang 130 horsepower and 114 pound-feet of torque, and you call that "plenty of power" for what it is? What exactly is it? Other than a slow slooww slooowwww car? You'll be better off buying a donkey.

Occams Razor Its an economy sub compact car dummy.

Comparing a Golf and a Jazz (Fit in USA) is like comparing a Passat to a Civic.

He's obsessed with that, and also with closing the trunk from inside the lid, which seems really stupid to me.

I think if he doesn't mention his wife, in one form or another, she might put him on a leash.

That is actually the correct way to close the 5th door (boot door).

Yeah, because it really matters. I'd hate to get a bad grade in "trunk-closing" 101. Personally, my hands are very important to me and I don't risk injuring them by closing the trunk from the inside. I'd rather risk a few fingerprints getting on the trunk.

I've owned toyota and mazda vehicles. Won't buy either of them again. I now own a 2012 Golf TDI and can say that it doesn't have any rattles. Has far more power than either of my japanese cars had and is far more fun to drive. Most japanese cars in my opinion are just boring to look at and no fun to drive.

"Every owner of a Golf always has a rattle" All generalizations are false, including this one.

Sorry ... but you are alone with your opinion ! even in JAPAN ... VW Golf named 2013 car of the year -- in Japan ! ! !

Uh...you can get a new Golf for far lass than $29k. Like all brands, you have options and the high end options can get expensive.

+Jeremiah17seven So true, but you don't get all the goodies! :(

buildmorefarms100 You can if you know how to wheel and deal. VW wants to sell cars after their debacle with the TDI's.

Jeremiah17seven True true, good point!

ventende what did you think of it when you drove it and sat in it?

SlipknotMaggot0526 Boring.

ventende probably an automatic if you even did really test drive one.

Why is it so hard for you to accept an honest answer to your question? Something tells me you bought this car and now everyone that doesn't like it becomes an enemy of yours. I think this car is as boring as they come. It's really nothing exiting about a product that is made to please everyone, that's not progress and in my mind good industrial design doesn't work on those premises. There are too many compromises when your all too frenetically afraid of loosing old customers and gain new terrain, it all becomes repetitive and theres no real progress going on. It's a very boring product and boring is as I said the most describing word for it. Boring sells cause it's transparent. People know what they get and many people like predictability, but that doesn't make this car anywhere near interesting or exiting. Now deal with it or stop reading comments.

ventende I'm just wondering what you drive to consider this boring is all. What would you consider more fun to drive that is also under $20,000 brand new?