Happy 2017 GTI owner here. I live in a major city with lots of traffic. It’s a good idea to downshift the DSG manually when you are crawling along in traffic so you don’t have turbo lag every time you have to accelerate. That is the only part I think is a hassle with my GTI, but other than that, the steering and breaking really sold me on this car. Watch the sport mode; by driving up the RPMs, you end up using a lot more gas than in drive mode.
Purchased a new 2018 GTI SE and WOW, what fun. This is my second (first was a 1985 GTI). Can't believe how much of a car you get for a 27K price tag. Mine has the DSG trans and leather. It is truly the perfect car. So much fun to drive. VW has really stepped up their game with quality control as well. Car is tight and well balanced. Luv this car!!
Walt: also just purchased a new 2018 GTI SE. Totally agree: Love, love, love this car. And, strangely, I, too, last had a 1985 VW, in that case, a nice Golf Wolfsburg Edition. New one is like yours except for the Clark Plaid cloth seats (THE reason I didn’t get Autobahn - the plaid is pure nostalgia but also super comfortable). I cannot remember having more child-like joy in a new car acquisition - ever. The lightness is what feels so good. Love the FWD, the elegance and understatement of the design - the “Q-car” stealth.
Did you get a performance model, I'm' assuming BC is British Columbia, Canada? I have a 2015 GTI Performance with DCC with Unitronic stage 1 & Stage 1 Dsg tune. Yes it is night and day and is much faster/quicker than a lot of cars I've driven. It's nice to see the 2018's haven't changed. Tried the R, honestly, the GTI with VAQ just drove better nice to see it will be standard now.
the Mark 7's are pretty easy to deal with right now. No History of issues like the MK6 so only time will tell. I have 45K km on mine and have a squeak in my sunroof. I will live with it and lube it up to get rid of the squeak. No carbon billed up, No oil consumption, oil changes every 8K km but these can be pushed to 15K km if you don't modify it. Costs, Oil/Filter changes $100 every 8K - 15K km Tire Rotations Brakes pad - $400-600? for the set4 haven't changed any yet Brake disks - $600-800 for the set4? depending haven't had to replace any Tires - 900-1400 depending on size DSG Service - Every 60K - $600-1000 most expensive maintenance item haven't done it yet. there are kits for it though. That's pretty much it..of course you want to watch for misfires if you mod and maybe put in a catch can to reduce the possibility of carbon build up if you drive in the city a lot. Hope that helped
Absolutely agree. I have a 2015 GTI as well and its a dream. I did the Unitronic stage 1 plus tune, now it is 310 hp and 347 torque at the crank. Its insane for $700 extra. It would cost 20k extra to buy a car new with that performance over the GTI.
Traded BMW 235i on current 2017 GTI. Really like the GTI better. 235i is a great car, but IMHO not as good a driving experience. Definitely better for your ego, if that's important. GTI is reminiscent of my '72 2002 owned decades ago. Brian mentioned GTI is lighter than the "R". The heavier the car the slower it the responds to driver input. The quick response is a big part of the fun factor. Lots of things go into making a great driving experience, seats- driving position, feel of the controls, power, response and others, they all come together in the GTI to make you want to hop in the car and go somewhere . . . anywhere.
Arek Boloyan my 2016 is White and DSG. I had a carbon 2015 SE that was manual. Found the shifter to be a bit sloppy and DSG after a tune is nuts. Had an 08 2.0t Jetta with the apr flash years ago with DSG, lots of fun.
I got a gti 7.5 with dsg and it is awesome ! Puts a smile on my face everyday , yea it’s not the most powerful car out there and can’t lap the ring in record time but it’s FUN .
I love my 2013 gti I get soooo much versatility . It was super fun on a track and it gets 35 mpg at 65 on hiway which is amazing for the performance of this car. 28mpg doing 80 hiway is great!! It also has so much room and so comfy compared to others in its class great car
Hey i leased a 2016 golf r for 2 years.. had 2 gti before that.. now I have a 2017 gti sport ... so I think im pretty good at comparing the 2 .. yes the golf r feels abit more faster in a straight line.. but.. the gti feels lighter, more fling about around turns...more playing.. a tad bit of wheel spin... the golf r is great. But if going alittle faster is all you want .. get the r ... if not the gti is a fun car to drive.
I got the R because I live in a mountainous area with a lot of snow. I got sick of fighting the winter with my '14 GLI and my City Golf ( with new Micheline ICE X )not making up hills. This year was the worst winter but the best winter driving experience I've ever had. While everyone was spinning out and getting stuck, I just drove around them. I do agree, the GTI is just as fun to drive, the interior nicer, has a sun roof, LED tail lights, better milage, has a spare tire and price$$ If didn't live where I do, I'd pick the GTI.
Great review! Just FYI on the pricing bit - I have a 2017 GTI Sport DSG (US trim, basically comes with lighting package, performance package, nicer wheels and proximity key) and I got it for 25k USD in April 2017, 5k off MSRP. Has everything besides leather, sunroof, and driver assistance stuff (I didn't want any of those options). Cheapest golf R in my area was on sale for about 38k, major price difference. For track performance, the GTI and the R are very close because of the power to weight ratios as you mentioned. Would only consider the R if I wanted to heavily modify it or lived in a place that had a lot of ice and snow.
I test drove the GTI and it was fun no doubt but ended up buy the R. The R is thrilling. Heart pounding fun. It is in my opinion the king of hot hatches. Sure it’s heavier but tracks a corner or curve like it was on rails. No wheel spin ever. Thanks for the review.
There is no doubt the R is superior but I think a lot of people can't afford an R with crazy dealer mark ups. You can get a GTI thousands under MSRP and put a stage 1 tune and it'll keep up with an R no problem from a roll. Disregard everything I said if you want a track car because we all know the R is better in that term.
The wheelspin on my 13 GTI is definitely problematic. In a straight line, it not too bad, but when trying to accelerate through a corner, the inside wheel like to spin. I'm sure the limited slip on the PP helps though. If you start modifying the GTI for more power, it'll make all of the spin happy issues worse. Thats why I think you need AWD for power levels anywhere above the stock GTI levels.
Own a MK5 GTI because I was to sell it on behalf for a friend. Ended up buying it myself because it was so good for the money, best package of practicality and performance without breaking the bank. DSG is so good it made me consider if would ever buy a car without anymore, like BMWs with a ZF-8 spd which I used to like but now find slow for any car that is meant to be sporty.
Great review! You can tell you have kids, showing car seat fitment and the goldilocks reference made me smile. I appreciate it since car seats are a big issue finding a fun car. I think the bargan is the base model GTi, you still grt all the good performance, seats, brakes, etc. For way less. Thanks!
Brian Heaney - Theoryy Happy for you sir! I can’t imagine having all that comfort, and luxury, but still speed, and sportiness? And then it’s engine’s efficiency (if you can resist not having fun that is) haha. Hope it never has issues!
I'm a lifelong fan. Having owned all the generations up to the 2010 model, I just can't bring myself to part with it. I just love the car. It remains fast, familiar and yes, still so VW F U N! I think if I were to get a new one, I might have issues with the "forced upon us" 4 door. I know it's a logical option. It's just a bit different for those of us who've only had 2 doors and don't drive with others in our cars too often. Still, it's a beauty..... Oh! And it was assembled in Germany and has had zero issues...
Really glad see that 2 children seats can fit in the back. Gonna be enough to convince my GF that I'm buying it for future "family purpose" and not only because it's a fun hatch.
Once I graduate and start working, my two car line-up will be a newer-ish GTi (Mk6 or 7) and an older Miata. But if I can only get away with having one car it'll have to be the GTi. It's so damn impressive. Plaid seats are a must though.
Great mid-update. Own an Australian MK7 MY16 myself. & those times when you're in form with the gear changes (manual), are PURE BLISS. Also recently upgraded the rear tail lights to MK7.5 with sweeping indicators, mirrors with sweeping LED's & license plate white light LED's..... It's my beast & it deserves to be spoilt 😏
$10K price difference between the GTI and Golf R, and that's if your local dealer doesn't mark up the R you want, as they're hard to come by. My advice? Buy a GTI, get a manual gearbox, spend some of the difference on some modest mods, pocket the difference. Enoy! Oh, also, ditch the OEM all-season rubber as soon as you can, they hold back the car massively! Invest in a set of summer tires, you'll thank me later. I got a set of Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s off of Tire Rack, got everything shipped and installed for under $600. WOW! Massive improvement, I can hang with pretty much anything in the twisties now.
I have a pre-facelift Mk7 GTI and I love it. Stage 1 APR turns it into a pocket rocket. It's the most fun car I've driven in a while. I was initially going to upgrade to the Golf R. However, once I laid my eyes on the RS3 I had to go for it... If I was to choose between the S3 and Golf R, I'd gone with the Golf R.
Everyday Reviews My local APR tuner charged me $780 USD if I recall correctly. I didn't get to dyno my car but the numbers on APR's website seem accurate. As far as real world difference goes, it is night and day. I've owned faster cars than the GTI, so I wasn't too impressed by the GTI's power in stock form. But with a stage 1 tune now, it is one of the quickest cars I've driven. Oh, and I should have mentioned that I don't have my RS3 yet. I ordered mine so it'll be here in 2 to 3 months.
GTI's certainly used to be a lot more affordable, it seems. I paid $11,500 for my new MK2 1984 GTI back in the day, which is $27,772 in today's dollars! My second GTI, a new MK4 2003 GTI VR6, cost $24,000, which would cost $32,730 in today's dollars! I've had this GTI for more than 15 years now, and it has been 'bulletproof' and ultra reliable! Still fairly quick too... hits 60MPH in 6.3 seconds. I have not driven any of the more modern GTI's after 2003, and I am sure I would be thrilled at how much 'tighter' they feel. I wish I could trade mine in for a new one, but when you get to my age, major medical debt can quickly rear it's ugly head, despite having health insurance! I'd be lucky if I could now afford a Mitsubishi Mirage or Toyota Yaris, LOL!
I bought a focus st had it for 2 days and then traded it in for a mk7 gti, I lost $1,000 on the deal but I couldnt be happier! Gti is fun to drive and all around practical and has way more luxury than the st, the st felt cheap and like a kids car sure its a tiny bit faster but I drive to work not on the track everyday
I’m looking to buy this car in the next few months and I can’t say I got much information about what the long term ownership experience will be like. You basically just went through the specs and focussed on whether its good for a quick fang around the backroads. Too many reviewers jump from car to car and forget the important things that lead to a good ownership experience. We know the car is quick. But Is the suspension and steering comfortable for normal driving? Is the seating position sufficently adjustable or is it too high like in most VWs, are the controls where you expect them to be? What are the servicing and common repair costs?
You want to really have fun, learn how to use manual shift, then you have full control of how your car performs; that’s why my GTI is manual...always!!
$39K plus freight, taxes, etc., pushes this GTI toward $50K. Just a bit too high for me. I ended up finding a very low metrage (9,500km) 2016 CPO Audi A3 Technik w/quattro for just a shade under $36K. (The 11 year old trade took care of most of the taxes.) Though I love the practicality of the Golf hatchback, and probably would have got an R, my wife hates the Golf's shape. So as not to sleep in the backyard, I "settled" for the A3. And after this winter, I'm really glad I had the quattro/4 motion set up.
Also one thing that bothers me is the clutch based lsd. It means one day it will need to be replaced. If you keep the car forever, you will need to replace 3 clutches in the car. Just bothers me because I’m assuming vw could of used another type of mechanical lsd that doesn’t need clutch replacement
I owned a 2016 6 speed. The car was everything I needed it to be. The only sore spot was the transmission. This car is best with the DSG, I'm sorry but it's true. Not saying that the manual isn't worth getting, but the car is geared more for the DSG transmission and the manual has a lot of quirks, mainly a very weak and vague clutch. Really wish they put the full digital dash in the GTIs. It's such a cool feature. But honestly, if you want a pretty fast car and are on a new car budget sub $25,000, the MK7 GTI is the best choice in the segment by far.
Great review! I got to drive the 2016 or 17 GTI with the performance pack, and I really think it is brilliant. I have a Scirocco R from 12 and the updated interior with its style and elegance coupled with the DSG gearbox and the new 2.0 litre engine, makes it a brilliant car over my older scirocco. I do still love mine though. Thanks again! :-)
Ooh, I hadn't realized the digital cockpit wasn't available on the petrol GTI in NA; bummer! I doubt I'm going to be able to afford the E or the R. I currently own a 2011 DSG bought with 50K miles, and I'm looking for a replacement in the next few years - so reviews like this one are exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks!
I have a 2017 GTI Sport with a manual transmission, so much fun. Test drove both the manual and the DSG and there's no contest the manual is so much more fun and involving for the driver. Anyone thinking about getting a GTI go for the manual transmission you won't regret it. Automatics are for ladies, remember that gentleman.
I Love my pearl white 2013 mk.7 gti, although it has a stage 2 apr upgrade & a tuned dsg auto with 19" niche mags & michelin pilot sport 4s. so i got a great buy at $23k.,& 58ks. with the dsg servived. Also i was amazed the owner gave me a set of clubsport 18" alloys with the sale. but the car is way nicer inside than my focusRS Except for the RS's lovely & comfy(i'm 5'8') equiped recaro seats. it's quite a nimble car compared to the planted R model & the pilot sport tyres give it a solid feel on the road..would highly recommend the mk.7 gti to any sporty car enthusiast to go & buy one, they are that good, & even get one with the stage tune as it makes them such a blast to drive!-my poor 997turbo is getting jelous of it's playful nature!-cheers all happy golfing..
missed out on an opportunity to get one of these last year...Given how they've added content to these things and now have something resembling a warranty, the next time I have an opportunity to get one of these, It's happening.
I wish VW offered AWD across the range... like a few thousand dollars option on every model. The R is quite a step up in terms of price and while I understand that you get more with the R, it's not all stuff you necessarily want - when all you need is the AWD that's a tough pill to swallow.
I truly believe that VW has finally created RELIABLE cars. I think the MK7 was their test to see how well it does in reliability. Since the MK7 has proven reliability for 3 years, VW is no longer afraid to offer 6 years and 72k miles of warranty.
Great review, but since VW makes about 40 models of the GTI for all the world markets, it's sometimes hard to tell what is what. I read below that there's no more LSD for Canada. What? I'm in the U.S. and that sux.
I'm sad that the Canadian market doesn't get a limited slip differential anymore, the US market gets it on the higher trims. I will probably get one next summer anyway. PS: The 2018 Golf R gets a 7 speed dual clutch transmission.
Everyday Reviews GTI. I prefer the styling, the plaid seats, the lightness, having a sunroof and the history behind it. GTI is also cheaper overall. Don't need the AWD in Vancouver either.
I've been debating between getting an ex-demo GTI or R and couldn't make up my mind as to whether the extra grand or two I'd need to spend was worth it but a GTI looks more than enough.
maybe but still, I HATE sooooo much leather/fake leather seats that I am willing to take the extra care for cloth seats. Unfortunately, all 98% of luxury cars comes with leather seats... I hate them with a passion even with heating or cooling... they have zero compfort... cloth seats are comfy, not too hot or too cold and even help the noise absorbtion in the car... I will trade leather of cloth seats any day for the sacrifice of taking extra care of them...
Wowsers isn't that a nice looking GTI, wish they would change their Plaid patterns to include the two Canadian plaids! I haven't been in a GTI since the "Rabbit" yes I'm that old, wow 140 klms a hour you must be in Maple Ridge?
+Stephen Bradley We used to have a Rabbit when I was growing up. It was a diesel and it blew black smoke something terrible. Do yourself a favour and go drive a new GTI. You won't be disappointed. They're so fun!
Did VW integrate the collision sensors into the bumper this year? On the 2017 you had the 2" x 2" cutout in the bottom grill area, similar to the new Accord. That's no longer the case with the new model. They must have integrated the sensors into the bumper. Looks much cleaner this year.
Great car. I'm on my 3rd GTI, MK5, MK7 and MK7.5...... One thing so great about the German is driving a 60,000km GTI still feels like driving a new car, none of the Japanese or Korean makes can match. Forget about the domestic!!
How do you get plaid with sunroof? I had a 2009 gti with 2doors, plaid seats and sunroof and I loved it. Why no 2 doors anymore? VW what are you doing?
Stock GTI no has 230BHP which is the old PP . New GTI PP in the UK has 243BHP . Not much of a difference but has bigger brakes and dynamic suspension .
The one thing VW needs for the GTI is more vivid colors. Would love to see agean blue like the Civic Si has. Now the GTI rabbit edition has a nice blue but the rest are kind of drab.
Definitely like the GTI! I had 2004, 2007, 2010 but now I’m driving a 2015 black Abarth with plenty of performance mods. Having a blast with this car. GTI seem to refined compare to the Abarth. Can’t beat the stock exhaust with this car!
Test drove this, and the wheel hop drives me a little nuts. I’m trading in a Golf TDI so I’m used to a different feel and mannerisms obvs. I want the solid squat and torque of the R but with the economy of the GTI, the sunroof, the plaid, that white silver, the price...I almost have to get the GTI, don’t I? One thing you didn’t get in to: insurance is higher for the GTI as it’s more often stolen, so between that and fuel, operating costs may be a wash vs the R; the price difference I’m being quoted is almost $10k though. Anyway great review and great to watch Canadian content here. You should try to partner with The Straight Pipes with you as the straight man / daddy, and propose a Top Gear Canada.
+acchaladka can't quote on insurance because rates can be different across the board depending on where you live. Straight Pipes guys a great. I know them. Maybe you'll see a colab in the future.
Everyday Reviews Fair point, I’m in Québec, was surprised to see the insurance delta is the same in the UK and made an assumption. About you + Straight Pipes, I’m only guessing but the creative tension might be there. Thanks again for the great review here: I’ll be taking delivery of mine in December.
Everyday Reviews Correction: mine arrives in January. I ordered the R in blue with the DSG and blizzaks. I will be sad not to have the tartan seats, but my dealer did me right with $2k off msrp for the new 2018. Now should I get the extended warranty....
Yuri Tereshyn You guys are the best! Come bring your GTI + R comparo video to Montréal and I bet we can find a snow rally course to test GTI vs R. Bring Motoman too to get him out of that sunny California thing and answer all the real questions about R vs GTI. I’m serious, would watch the hell out of you four trying to snow-helicopter a GTI without throwing up on each other. And stuff. Thanks for the pic!
Funny, reviewer lives in Vancouver doesn't he? For people who live in a Real Winter climate, requirements are different. The Golf R with Hakka R2's in the Winter is unbelievably good! I've had 3 different generations of GTI up to the MK 7 and now have a 2018 Golf R and feel I have a good perspective on these cars. The R's AWD system alone makes it miles better than the GTI whose front tires scramble for traction in so many conditions all year long. I never want to go back to FWD only now which has always been an illogical compromise re-invented in the Modern era for simplicity and Fuel Economy, not good driving Dynamics. (Naysayers, I know HAldex is FWD biased not in the Real World- the latest Gen. is even better) When I drove my MK2 TTS back to back with a MK 7 GTI, there was no comparison, TTS hands down all day long, way more fun to drive, so neutral. I would have been highly tempted by the RS3 hatch, the Sedan? nope. Show less REPLY
Ok, people love the Mesh shade...until you live in Arizona or Florida. Then the mesh shade kinda sucks. Other than that, great video. This will be my next car in 5 months.
+TheNotoriousMAZ It was a couple of years ago and I don't remember everything about the cars I drive. Also. My experiences could differ from time. Either way, I was extremely pleased on how fun and great this car is to drive. Thanks for watching. Enjoy your car!
My GTI is ordered, and should arrive in a month or so. Autobahn version, 6 speed manual. My first car was a 1976 Rabbit, so returning to my roots, perhaps. My question for this forum is; should I consider the extended warranty? At almost $3K for 8 years coverage for almost everything, it's a bit steep. Thoughts?
Rick Phillips I think it's worth it. My 2014 GTI had a failure in my manifold that caused $3k of damage if it was outside of warranty.This failure occurred at about 40k miles. Without warranty I would have been screwed.
mac daddy that’s why it needs a boost. It’s fun as a daily driver, but not as exciting as the GTI. Not even close. But if Honda decides to make an Si version, I think they will have a winner.
Dude, Honda is not a dumb company, they know that the Fit is boring and that only an idiot would buy an Si version of it. Hence, the don't and won't make it. The only one who doesn't seem to comprehend this...is you.
I have a 2012 GTI and it's been totally problem-free. And it's freaking fun to drive! Even more fun is the APR Stage II upgrade...I surprised the hell out if a ZO6 the other day when he tried to 'run' me onto a freeway by sticking right to his ass on the ramp and pulling on him at the end! The look on his face as my nose inches past his! Of course, it was a ZO6 and, well...he eventually got away from me at around 145. Mushytangs...GT500 or Shelby get smoked. Z's...pfffft. There isn't much I can't take off the line or through the twisties on track day. STILL King. Ford...pfffft.
No it's not. It's meant to be a daily driver. I've been driving mine daily since last year and it's a beast. Gets great gas mileage on a turbo charged engine. I recommend.
