2018 VW Golf R Review - Manual vs DSG 

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Can't lie, I saw a mom driving a Golf R with two little kids in car seats in the rear. She ripped it around the corner as soon as the light turned green too and I've never been more jealous of two toddlers.

I watched this video at least once a day for three weeks, and I bought a 2019 Golf R Manual yesterday. I have wanted one for 15 years. This video pushed me over the edge.

With a stage 1 tune on the Golf R, they end up with around 375hp, and with a DSG trans will do sub 4 second 0-60mph. Amazing.

Yo, I’m a mom seeking a manual 2019 Golf R. #sleeper

DSG owner here. Not because I can't drive a manual. Because I'm just lazy.

I'll never get when people think gti's/R's are boring. They are sleek and sporty without looking ridiculous. I thought an STI looked amazing when I was in high school but now I just think it looks ridiculous, the type R looks like a little kid designed it, the RS.... looks pretty dope but the the interior is horrible.

I was thinking about to get one, u guys totally answered all questions in my mind. Great quality ! Keep it up

I just love these guys...humor, great chemistry and most importantly, thorough reviews. Well done!

I watched a tonne of Golf R video reviews and driver impressions before I purchased my 2017 R. I have to say, this is the best one by a long shot. Keep up the good work fellers!

Thank you guys for listening to your fans and providing us such as awsome review! I would love to see you guys get a Audi S3 and Audi RS3 to review

I've had a Mk6 for 4 years now and until 7:40 , I didn't know my visor could do that. Everyday, I drive to school with the sun blazing in my peripheral, just shy of coverage from the visor and always thought of ways to cover it(i.e. duct tape cardboard extension). When I saw that, I ran downstairs jumped into my GTI and DID THE VISOR TEST. IT WORKS FELLAS, HALLELUJAH! THANK YOU

This is the first time I’ve stumbled across this channel and I must say I’m not disappointed

I don't think I've ever clicked on a RU-vid video faster than I just did. You guys should drive a tuned one next. You will absolutely love it with a stage 2 APR tune with the exhaust crackle mod.

My wife drives a stick shift. It was part of our marraige agreement.

I really dig the editing! These cars are absolutely gorgeous btw.

Yuri is soooo right! I actually seen a mom here in Houston, Texas driving a white Golf R taking her son to school.

OMG the editing is SO good! Syncronized Shots looks AMAZING!

I’m so excited for this video!! (VW fanboy here.) I just found your channel a few weeks ago and have already binged all your videos. Keep up the great work!!

LOL I own a Golf R and right in my building there's a mom who drives the exact same car as well! :(

First time I've found your videos. Love the dynamics between you two.

the first video I have watched in years without forwarding.... amazing work!

Best car channel on RU-vid

This was my first experience listening to you guys and I must say it was very educational and interesting listen. You guys did a great job reviewing this car. As a HUGE VW fan, I find it kinda funny that a complaint from you was that it was "boring" and one of my favorite things about the car (and most VDubs) is that it is simple styling with no big wings or fender flares etc. I look forward to listening to your other stuff... keep it up! :P

I like how you point things out and make sense of simple things. Amazing reviews. I really don't like how car makers don't fix this angular rims facing the same direction but for opposite sides.

You two are such a cute couple

Female manual 2018 Golf R driver here! We exist and we like to go for rrrips. RACE MODE

Yuri, I am soooooo happy there are still reviewers out there who think the real car is manual. :) Congrats to both of you for the reviews!

I think I commented on you guys's video before about the fuel indicator on the dash, and that was for the volvo xc60 you reviewed. I mentioned how the indicator either is placed on the same side as the fuel cap OR has an indicator arrow on it, and you said you were gonna test the theory. this video proves to me that you guys really take input from your fans, which is great! thank you for being awesome in your reviews!

Great review guys! The editing just keeps getting better and better! Good work addressing the jerkiness of the DSG in traffic not too many reviewers talk about that. It really was a deal breaker for my purchasing decision when I bought my car. Such a shame Canada misses out on a number of cool hot-hatches.

Own one. The manual is "fun" but the so is the dsg. Drove a manual most of my life and miss it for sure but the DSG just transforms the car imo and it's super fun still because the dsg actually works. Also, if you plan to tune (why wouldn't you?), the dsg doesn't require clutch changes and it's also significantly faster. 4.5 to 60 vs 5.2 to 60. And the type R is FWD...physics is physics. A light tune on this car and it will run circles around the Type R. Mine does 0-60 in 3.6 seconds and the quarter mile in 12.2 with the TCU tune and ECU tune, both just stage 1. It's ridiculous. Throw some decent tires on it and I'd like to see how much "faster" the Type R is. Also AWD isn't just for the winter. You get insane launches off the line, night and day corner exit speeds and pretty much traction no matter what. I can see the Type R having a better corner entry speed but not by much as its' single only advantage on the track.

the most beautiful review i have ever seen lol ,good job guys, really good job

just bought one of these with 6MT, really great car!

YES! You guys teased this a week ago and I've been waiting. Thanks!

Three year old daughter, 49 year old mom driving (weekend ride) a mkIV Golf R32 here. These videos are great fun, keep up the great work!

Nice work! Great production & After Effects/Motion graphics work. (I'm lookin' at you, bigwing!)

Finally the Golf R video is here!! Good job guys

Never clicked on a video so fast. Great work guys!

That's some next level editing there. You guys are one of my favourite car reviewing channels , along with Carwow and Autogefühl. Just a shame Golf R in Australia is AUD$60k (AUD$1 = CAD$1)

This was a very good video! Probably my favorite one. I’ve watched from you guys yet. I liked the repartee, the back-and-forth opinions, and the comparing and contrasting. The winter driving was a WHOLE vibe and it made me want one of these more than ever. I also like how you guys didn’t make it about manual vs. automatic, because there was equal high praise for both transmissions in this video. It was ultimately about the car. The Golf R just does everything well and this was just an all-around positive video with love for the car. (‘15 GTI Autobahn DSG owner in red)

You guys should review the Arteon and compare it to the CC. You’d get views, just saying. Great review as always!

Good review from you guys as usual. A couple of small points from a '16 Golf R owner: 1.) AWD - the Haldex sending 100% to the rear is a contentious debate right now among VW/Audi enthusiasts. Most agree that it isn't 100% and it's more 50/50 since the hardware isn't there to send it all to the back. 2.) The engine sound you're hearing is fake and it's not "piped in from the engine". It's called the SoundAktor and it's a speaker. Just as the name implies, it's a sound faker. Most of us turn this thing off with OBD port software. 3.) What's with all the "Oh soccer mom's drive this car" or "your girlfriend/wife doesn't know how to drive a stick so get the DSG"? Who cares if a mom drives this car? That's a bad ass mom! They do make good family cars and there are plenty of people on the VW forums who can attest to that. It doesn't make it any less of an enthusiast car because you can put a child seat in there, or because it has a dual-clutch instead of manual. 4.) Saying it isn't as cool because the looks are more toned down is subjective. Most of us who buy this $40k (USD) car have the means to buy any of the other cars on that list, but we chose the R for a reason. A lot of us chose the R because it doesn't look like a bro-racer car and it has a very nice interior with good manners for daily driving. I want something that doesn't "look" fast, but (tuned as mine is) takes any of those cars (stock) off the line without breaking a sweat (read: sleeper status). Some of us don't need bone-jarring track stiffness (looking at you, RS) on the highway or for road trips, but I can get damn near it at the push of a button with the dynamic chassis control any time I want. We also chose the DSG because, with a simple/cheap Stage 1 ECU tune, it'll take your 0-60 times way closer to 4 second, and throw a couple of bolt on's, Stage 2 ECU tune, and you're pushing 4 flat. I'll take that over "oh, manual is cooler because it just is" argument any day. Get what makes you happy.

I bought a 2019 stick golf r, had it for three months before I got t-boned and the car was totaled. Luckily insurance gave me a full refund so I decided to get another one but with the dsg transmission, and I was blown away by how much faster it was than the manual. The acceleration difference is significant and I genuinely get startled sometimes when I merge into traffic with my foot half down. 10/10 if totaled will buy again

Feels so good to See a Canadian review. Something I can relate too. Myself I pick the manual version. For me more fun!!

You have become one of my favourite channels guys!!! Im all the way from South Africa here I enjoyed your KIA rio , I actually enjoy all your videos keep up the good work. I would suggest also do some more practical cars like the RIO for everyday use. If you can I would like to see one on the new polo!!! Thanks

You guys summed it all perfectly! The Golf R might not be a track monster or have the most direct feel for driving, but it has the right balance of power, comfort, and refinement that the its competitors seem to lack. Love the STI, RS, and Type R for what they are, but for a daily, I think the R is hard to beat. Nailed it - Jakub and Yuri! And it doesn't let you rewind satellite radio...but Yuri STILL liked the infotainment? Wow, if that's not a big seal of approval, I don't know what is.

[15:41] Side door bin extends so that when driving on the continent you can store your hi-vis and not compromise the door bin storage volume.

Oh no. I think I just found my new favorite car channel on RU-vid. Great work gents.

this car is a proper sleeper unlike type r that looks like a ricer

First time watcher, what a great video. From cinematography to hosting to actual important information. DEFINITELY sub'd with a bell. Loved it.

I love these guys. The make the funniest and honest review ever!

I'll be getting the Golf R next. Currently I drive a Chevy Trax and it's great at what it does, but I have always wanted a Golf, plus the R is sweet as hell. Thanks for helping me solidify my decision, you two!

The editing of your videos is actually so underrated

Best review ever for the Golf R ! Good job guys !

Haha! You guys have to be the funnest reviewers around! Really enjoy your videos! Even the old ones!

Love the dynamic between you guys 👍

As always, awesome video! You guys need to get Tim Hortons to sponsor you at this point 😆

Jakub and Yuri, you guys are starting to consume my life. I'm at my desk and saw a new video and immediately stopped working to watch. Thanks for making my morning.🚘

I love watching your reviews, they're hilarious. Hey Yuri, I've test driven the manual trans golf R and the gti and my knee hit the steering wheel too. I'm only 5'3" though (and also a woman that drives MT cars). Lol. Going back to the dealer to try repositioning the seat lower - I really want the MT in this car!

Kinda upset you guys showed everyone my stash location in the back space of the door :(

Its 7.32 here in bc but idc school can go drive in a ditch, im watching straightpipes!

9:13 Yes, I've seen a mom driving a Golf R... actually my neighbor.

You guys rock. Making me proud to see such great Canadian reviewers.

Glad to see some reviews in my own province! Subscribed, if your ever in need of a videographer/photographer in the GTA let me know!

THIS IS THE ONE WE'VE BEEN WAITING FOR BOYS! Heck Yeah!

I have watched a ton of R reviews I need my decision process. This is by far the best of the lot. Now if VWoA would get their act together and release it in the US!! Really enjoy watching your reviews.

Great video guys nice work.

This channel is a revelation, hope it blows up you deserve it. Greetings from México.

Thanks guys. Great video. I think my car search is done.

You guys make my day

I bought one recently, appreciated the review prior. Wife drives it so DSG. She's a mum too. Very happy as it's specced out Wolfsburg Wagon on pzeros.

Great video guys, really enjoyed it. Have subscribed to your channel now. I am tempted by a Golf R and this has really offered some useful information.

liked when i saw that first edit of the golf sliding and it cut to the next shot at 0:06. fucking art

Great job! Just got a Golf R. Really excited!

This video planted a seed in my mind. I ordered a Viper Green Metallic R last week, manual, with the black alloy wheels. Watching this will hold me over until it arrives....

Liked the video even before watching it. Golf R vs Golf R----lets go

nice intro lmaaaaao! AND YES, I SEE MOMS WITH GOLFS R ALL THE TIME!!!

Love you guys loll you mate me 🤣 and you know your stuff number 1 Channel good job !!

And now I am a subscriber. Thank you.

Another great video! I am with Yuri on the DSG vs. Stick though. Sure the DSG is much faster then the stick, but the whole reason I'm getting a fast and fun car is because I want to enjoy driving. I am not a track day driver so those extra seconds don't really matter to me, what does matter is the feeling I get when I nail the perfect downshift, the feeling that I am actually controlling the car. Don't get me wrong, I understand why some would prefer an auto, but a manual just adds so much to the driving experience that 2 clicky buttons just can't replicate.

Optional wheels for only $250 Good guy Volkswagen

You two are simply amazing! What fun watching both of you battle it out so respectfully and intelligently! I have a 2011 Skoda Superb with 7-speed DSG and I absolutely adore my car! Since the paddle-shifters allow me to drive it like a manual, I don't see any reason for anyone to buy a manual transmission car. I do love to drive manual transmission cars, but I'll take a DSG any day due to its versatility.

First time watching your videos, really well done, hats off to you guys

BEST car review I have ever seen so far thanks guy and your knees are hitting because you need to move your seat back lol and I will be getting STICK!

My dentist drives a white Golf R and I think she's got kids. I also see more women driving GTIs around here than men. They're really the only hot hatches (aside from the Elantra GT now) that don't have any boy-racer stuff going on. One downside of the DSG is it's one more thing that can break and one more thing that requires regular service. If I was getting one I would probably lease.

Best reviews EVERRRRRRR! keep it up!

Really nice review!!! i love the editing. The car must be in manual cause it is for an enthusiastic drive taking corners and trying to shift like a race driver hahaha. it is to make you try to improve your driving

15:35 You're in a Golf R bro; its time to upgrade your coffee selection

The editing is insane.

Always watching the the entire advert so guys can carry on making epic car reviews👍

Great video guys

APR stage 2, you'll have all the hotness of a hot hatch you'd ever want.

Oh, with the boost gauges, you only subtract 14.7 PSI at sea level. I would subtract 12.0 PSI here in Denver, CO. So, that's kind of neat to not subtract atmosphere

Love your reviews!

+1 for Golf R Mom sighting.

In my opinion the focus RS is more fun, but the quality not so much. The Golf R is a sleeper, the type R too playful design, RS playful ride. The Golf R will please you the most, for the allround package; best in class quality, very practical, performance will please most average car drivers. You guys are so fun! most car reviews are getting boring nowadays but not this Channel. I watch like 5 to 6 vids a day lol!

If the manual is an option, I'll take it every time. But I'm old school. Epic video!

8:07 yuri lo key wants DSG launch control. when you guys go at each other it's fun to watch and makes the differences of each car more authentic, I like this

Yes,100% of the 50% power available sent to the rear....It's Haldex... Representatives aren't the best source of information.

I had a manual 2016 Golf R then traded in for a 2019 Golf R DSG. I got tired of being smoked off the line by the Audi S3.