2019 Volkswagen Golf R MK7.5 | Full Review 

I upgraded from a 2017 GTI to a 2019 golf r 2 months ago. Night and day and worth every penny over a GTI

Nice. I was shopping Golf Rs when I bought my 2017 GTI SE. Price difference of 15K was just too much. Now over 2 years later I am still wishing I had a Golf R.

I really enjoyed your Golf R review. It was one of the best I’ve seen. I appreciate how thorough your driving descriptions were. I’ve been trying to rationalize buying one of these, and you just made it easier for me. So thank you 🙂.

got hit by a cop in my 2017 gti autobahn and because of the inflation i walked away with more than i spent on the car; upgraded to a 2018 R and wouldn't trade it for the world, truly a perfect daily with the apr stage 1 tune

My Golf R with dynamic, navi, 6 speed has the perfect power, handling to carve up canyons and use as a daily. No regrets. Thanks for the ride.

Recently purchased a 19 R, and have been following your channel for a while now. I didn't realize you were local to me as I'm in Philly. Maybe you can organize some kind of vw meet? I'd definitely be interested. Keep up the good work too!

I bought a 2019 R Special Edition with Performance Options 10 months ago 12,000km's on the clock ,no complaints about cost here ,absolute awesome car ,bloody ripper, love it.

The Fact That Any Volkswagen Enthusiast Would Think That A Golf R And Gti Were On The Same Level Is Disheartening! I’ve Owned A Slew VWs In My Time There Is No Greater Value In Car! You Just Mentioned A 36k Autobahn Gti(Grossly Overpriced), An R Is That With Four Wheel Drive, A Bigger Turbo, Better Cockpit, And All Around Better Fit And Finish! When I Got My R I Paid 516.72 A Month In Comparison To A Friend Of Mine With A Gti Se Who Pays 375! Same Tier One Credit There Is Absolutely No Comparison In Our Cars! My Car Street Driven Stage 3+ Fully Modded And Behaves In The Same Manor As The One You Reviewed Rain, Sleet, Snow, Hail At 38psi... The Golf R Is And Always Will Be King! Every Gti Owner Thought Process Is The Same Because The R Seems Unattainable To Them Pricewise So They Downplay The Vehicle, Then Spend Thousands Of Dollars Modifying The Vehicle To Increase Wheel Spin😩😂😭! Treat Yourself Don’t Cheat Yourself! Signed The Guy Who’s Owned A Slew Of Gti’s!

For anyone who is curious, I owned a 2017 gti PP for 2 years and just recently bought a 2018 R. The extra cost is hard to swallow for sure, and if you can't afford the R, the GTI is great. But if you can afford the R, GET IT(especially if you live in snowy areas). Launch control in the GTI is a completely useless feature because there is so much wheel hop and wheel spin from a dig, it feels like you're more likely to break something than get a good launch(don't even get me started on tire wear). The R accelerates better from a stop, rolling, and even highway speeds while seeming to have less turbo lag than the GTI. The DCC is noticeable when cycling through the various modes and gives you much better feel when cornering than the GTI especially when you pair with the AWD system. If you understand how terrifying under steer can be, you'll want to opt for the R if at all possible to help negate it. In my mind the Golf R is 100% worth it and is the more fun, faster, capable car.

I bought my 17 R for the Haldex and it shines in extreme weather. I live in a mountainous area. Winter driving is amazing. Hoonigan 😉 I had a chance to drive the manual and DSG for a couple days before purchase. I’ve always been a manual guy but I found the DSG really suited this car. Driving the R I don’t miss a manual, the shifts are so quick. No regrets,

Awesome review man. Keep it up👍👍👍👍👍

I just bought a 2019 Golf R DSG after trading in my 2017 GTI Sport. The Golf R is just in another dimension from a handling perspective - it's just so far beyond the non DCC GTI I had prior. Additionally, the grip is stunning on corner exit. Love it so much and couldn't agree with you more. One quick addition - I think that in 10-15 years when we look back on this generation of hot hatch, the Golf R is the one that will be remembered most fondly. More than the Focus RS or Civic Type R.

Very informative! Love the video !

You the mang JR! Loving the content!

Great video brah. I'm just coming from cherry hill checking out the R. Seriously considering buying, especially after watching your review. Subscribed.

I have a by Martin Graf tuned Golf R and it is amazing, very good review m8 ;)

I enjoyed how indepth you were with the review all the way down to the headlights! Liked the R and the GTI comparisons too

The moment you realise the difference but say “wooooow, okay... “... this is.... “different”... instead of “better”! Brilliant 👏🏼👏🏼

I adore mine, full spec pearl white 19" black pretoria wheels, pano roof, carbon leather, lowered with other mod's and a maxton body kit. It's beauty and a beast.

Great review!

Enjoyed the review. Back in 16 I was choosing between an R and a GTI. I went with the R largely because at some point I plan to make some modifications to the engine and thought the all wheel drive would be more efficient in dealing with increased power. That said, in my test drives of both vehicles I felt the GTI did a slightly better job of daily city driving. I can't quite explain it, but sometimes it feels like the R needs a little more space to unwind. Lastly, because of the Haldex in the R, the GTI has slightly more room in the boot, not a lot, but significant enough to notice. Both are great cars, loved watching your reaction as you drove the R. Almost every reviewer whose drives one reacts the same. VW did a really nice job in putting the R together and the loss of the sun roof for the sake of the power and traction was the right trade off to get the R in the price range of most potential buyers.

My first R, was a R32 08’ and man i miss it so bad. But i been really thinking on buying a MK 7.5 R so bad, and you just convenced me to buy one. Love this car, it is totally a sleeper lol but i would get my self a DSG. Awesome review!!

Subscribed for some golf content. I’m eyeing one of these for sure.

I have a 19 GTI PP which I absolutely love, and I’m not annoyed... as it means when I can upgrade into the R, I know I’m in safe hands. What a machine.

Thanks for the nice and detailed review brother

Everyone says the R is not worth it , until you drive one. I've had 2 GTI's, a 2 door mk6 and a 4 door mk6 and was one of those that have the R a hard pass. Saying with a tune you can get good power, but once you drive one the way it feels planted the power delivery etc changes your mind. I have my mk7 R and love it wish I did it earlier, not to mention these tune as good as the GTI's .

I've also had a GTI 7 drove about half years very nice car but then I once drove R facelift I was immediately in love with the R that is a hammer cool car, I have my gti then sold immediately bought an R, between Gti and R is day and night difference

Good honest review. Lucky you, having a pop up shower while driving....makes the distinction greater. I just got my R last week. It’s a great time to buy, the dealers are loaded with R’s, so the selection is incredible. However, the most desirable combos are going fast. DSG’s are going fast. If you want a Lapiz Blue or Tornado Red with DSG, you better shop this month, I doubt many will be around after that. In fact, in my search, I didn’t see any black R’s and only a couple of reds. Fortunately I wanted blue, and those are in good supply. Remember everyone, no R’s in 2020 or 2021. 2022 is earliest for a mk8 R. And after 2019, no more 72mo, 72,000 mile bumper to bumper warranty!

I was actually going to get a GTI, but then test drove the exact model, color, with the black wheel upgrade in this video. This car blew me away, I bought it and haven't looked back! Well worth it.

I love it how you actually feel the difference when you drive it. When you started off like there's no difference to a GTI. My friend have a modded mk7.5 with new intake, exhaust, chipped etc. it's sick.

Watched your review yesterday and was compelled to test drive the 2019 R- and so I did this afternoon. Upon my return at the dealership, I decided to trade my 2018 GTI Autobahn. After 18 months of GTI ownership, I thought it time to upgrade to an R. Got the Black trim and picking up this Friday. Thanks for your review. Great job!

Have a new one a freaking LOVE it!

Guess I gotta buy a Golf R now 😂

I have an '18R DSG Uni Stage 2 over a year now. It just ticks a bunch of boxes for me. As a daily, on most levels, its really hard to beat.

I test drove a GTI and I'm glad I got the R instead. They are very different cars.

Just scooped up a 2018 R with 12k miles for 35k. I would say it's 100% worth the extra price. Better head/springs/valves bigger turbo and intercooler. You can go stage 2 on 93oct and make 340-360hp. I say all of this knowing damn well I won't be modding it. It will be my dd I have a 430hp Speed3 for my "fun" car. Love your vids man.

Great Vid

Nice video! Just to confirm though....is it true that the 2019 North American R’s do not have the Windshield Washer Fluid indicator? Not a huge deal but for winter drivers it can get annoying

These cars are pocket rockets, we had the mk6 only stage 1 but they feel like they wanna keep going lol lots of potential with upgrade packages for sure, very nice quality engine sound and interior

The track record Ive had with vw and screens has me saying a big fat no to virtual cockpit.

This video is 3 years old, and I've had my R for 3 years now. Exact same spec as the one in the video except I have the DSG. So not the exact same spec. haha. I love this car, my favorite car I've ever owned. Knock on wood, I haven't had any issues with it. It's all stock for warranty reasons. My only real complaint, it only has 1 USB port. Great review by the way.

I think it's safe to say you're next car is going to be a Golf-R :)

thank you dear...i like your videos

I own golf r 7.5 2018 it’s stunning I have dsg best thing best colour is Indian grey love it

at 9:25 The ecu is held in by smooth, headless screws. If you need to take it out, you must first grind slots in the heads, then they screw out...

This was one of the best reviews I've seen with no jargon and very informative. Thank you. To anyone who have owned a Golf R or GTI, is there one better suited for 2 baby car seats in the back. Looking for a fun daily driver car away from my 2011 Toyota Corolla. Cheers.

Just bought a 19 golf r with 7xxx miles and stage 2 tune miltek exhaust i am happy

dream car😍🤤 same color n all dat

GTI have brake cooling ducts; you can only see them from under the car.

After 2 months of indecisiveness between the Golf R and the GTI SE w Experience package, I bought the GTI in Nov. '19. Two factors made the decision. 1. I got the GTI down to $27,350 and the best I could do on the R was $39,500. 2. No sunroof option on the R. The GTI is a tremendous value for the money. But I'd have been in an R if it had the sunroof and less than $10k difference. Maybe next time I'll consider a gently used '19 R.

Does that dealership in jersey tunner friendly? Does anyone know of one anywhere near NY?

Fantastic review man! AWD really is a world of a difference. I knew when I first drove the A3 Quattro I had to do it. It Just hooks up so nicely. Never find myself struggling to put the power down even during rain lol

I have a 2018 gti se but dying to drive a golf R. Maybe I shouldnt...

I test drove 2018 GTI base DSG and 2018 R DSG before purchasing my car. Main differences i noticed were: -The standing start obviously. 4 motion is doing his job perfectly. Once rolling, i found the difference is much much smaller versus a GTI. -The gearing. I found R gearing perfect, just enough short for dsg and manual. Manual gti gearing is wayyy to long for my taste. -Golf R sounds much deeper. Thanks to the active exhaust! -The price. 12k diff and 4% more interest.. I ended up buying the GTI DSG mainly because its cheaper. I track my car so i bought a set of track wheel and tire. Bought track pads, Bought a catback. Very happy with the result, very fun on track and it is very very close from R around the track. At that point the driver makes a bigger difference. But with all that being said, i am looking to go back driving manual. DSG is awesome but I miss driving manual a lot. I will take this as a opportunity to look into buying a manual golf R.

just bought this today fucking stoked

21:11 there is no slippage because is stock, put your Littco L500 Turbo, DP & tune and test it again.

I have a 2018 golf R 7.5 model, I love this car. I wouldn’t change a thing about the car 6 speed manual is also incredibly engaging. With that being said .. I also want to do a tune and am concerned about clutch issues. Is the golf r clutch able to handle stage 1 without upgrading clutch?

love my 19 R. They are the best all around hot hatch.

this car in 6MT or DSG? but I've only got a chance to drive the auto one and it wasn't bad.

Regarding sunroof, thats only US specs and some regions that dont have. Here in middle east we do have it with sunroof

I have multiple SD cards in my storage slots. My music is in the MIB2 slot, then one spare has a test tones and the other slots have blank SD cards for when I inevitably forget to leave the house with an SD card in my camera. Getting old sucks! HAHA! -Scott

This is a seriously nice car. Why get a GTI and spend money upgrading suspension etc you might as well buy one of these. Love the way this it is so understated yet is a beast. I may buy one.

Super machine.

Have they fixed the carbon build up yet ?

I test drove one and drove it on the hills in North an Diego county, One turn that I can take at 55 on a Bimmer (I lost it at 60) is possible at 70 maybe even more but I chickened out, It maybe underpowered than the competition but man VW knows how to do suspensions, And I like tall transmissions. I do not get short throws. You need hills and curves to test this properly.

Yep 👍

I have heard that VW sun roofs have a reputation for leaking, so maybe it's a good thing it's not offered in the Golf R.

Bought a GTI with performance pack 7 months ago, found it very boring to drive after my chipped Focus ST. Hence I pick up my Golf R next month......

I was going to buy the 2019 golf r, unfortunately the bank wanted 5.99% which came out to be 13,000$ in interest....so around 70,000$ all in. I commute everyday and couldn’t justify spending that much on something that will get stone chips, harsh winters etc. Bought a 2019 Execline sportwagen 4motion. Eventually I’ll buy a wrecked golf r from the auctions and swap it into a golf r!

He titled the video Golf R MK 7.5 2019 , but on volkswagen websites they only title it as a Golf R 2019. Is there two different models? or is it the same model with the more aggressive facelift just missing the 7.5 in the name?

Fun fact: You can get a sunroof option in the MK7/7.5 in other countries such as Australia

Like the video… just need to master your craft just a bit more … but thank you for sharing this video

Great review on a good car, but without a sunroof I will with a gti

I have mk6 gti and do admire the R but my next ride for sure is an '18 S4. I'm a gentleman of 38 and need to be comfortable.

WOW!! (in Owen Wilson's voice)

I wish it had a sunroof then I would be in one.

This is the first time i see a Golf R with manual transmission, EPIC !!!!

U wrk at Audi by sunrise?

So sad that the non Europe performance golf get the regular lights.

Good review, very comprehensive - thanks. I love the R and would buy one in a jiffy but they have stopped the manual in the UK. Not keen on the DSG

Yes, but if you can't afford it, get its little brother the GTI.

Its funny you said lets hop in the car and go for a drive when you where already in it lol. Its also funny they have a cd player in the car still. havent used a cd in like 3 years

What wheels are on this car? They look a lot better than the standard wheels on the ones around here.

You forgot to mention that the GTI is assembled in Mexico while the Golf R is designed and manufactured in Germany. If Im buying a German car I want a Car actually from Germany not Mexico . The R is AWD and has a bigger turbo resulting with a significant more amount of power right out the gate . Id much rather have a Golf R with a 6 speed nanual than a budget made in mexici GTI with DSG.

no sunroof is a huge deal breaker. I wonder why the US versions dont get the sunroof :(

11:05 it’s unfortunate because Europe got the sunroof on R’s atleast one uk RU-vidr has one I’ve seen. Atleast Less weight without it 🤷🏻‍♂️ I’d rather have the option for sunroof tho!

Can’t knock it til you try it.

Mine has stage 2 ARP it fkn flies 3.5 seconds 0-60 mph

Another great vid, man! Thanks for doing this. On a side note, it's "in regards to" not "of". ;) I used to make the same mistake.

They all have same 4cyl, Turbo motor. All. ?

Well buddy I’ve had both you take a$ 36,000 golf GTI you gonna spend more than a 8grand if you upgrade to all the extra stuff you get with the R which matters to some people some people it don’t

That's strange there aren't many 2019 Golf R's available to buy where you live. In my area there are so many available especially when compared the GTI. For example, the five major VW dealers here all have 15-25 R's in stock, and maybe 5-10's GTI'S. That's not combined, that's at EACH of these dealerships. Maybe VW sent too many R's to Canada. 😊

I want that soooo bad

In this video: man realises that AWD is vastly superior to FWD with Haldex

How does a ‘single disc cd changer’ work? 🤔 lol

Nothing to gloat about...but I buzz by PD all day, and they are clocking me, and I'm not gonna lie...I am speeding...however. (They don't come after me.)

How does it compare to a GTi stage 1?

If you are interested in “burning rubber, instead of gasoline”, we can help! Intergalactic Hydrogen is developing the fuel storage and delivery system to operate a Mk 7.5 Golf R to operate on CNG, while retaining the ability to still utilize liquid, ethanol or gasoline if required. The emissions when burning CNG create cleaner exhaust out the tailpipe than the ambient air of ANY metropolitan city. With natural gas being a cleaner, safer, local fuel that costs less than petroleum gasoline, we call it “Riding Clean & Saving Green!” If you are ready to ditch the deadly DIEsel and toxic gasoline, get in touch. We would love to help anyone upgrade their Golf R into an air cleaning “race” car~ www.IntergalacticHydrogen.com

Uh oh, 🤔is Project MK7 going up for sale???

Hows the Reliability of the Golf R?