2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE (6-Speed Manual) - POV Review 

I currently own a manual 2023 40th Anniversary Edtiion GTI (roughly $38,000cad) , and absoulutley love it. I do think the infortainment gets WAY more flack then it deserves. It takes an adjustment getting used to the infortainment, but once everything was set up to my prefrences everything has been perfectly fine. As a daily vehicle for southern ontario climate, i have no complaints. Highly recommend if you're looking for a fun car year round. 🙌

The amount of gloss black trim pains my detailing heart

Getting rid of the HVAC buttons/knobs is such a stupid design imo. I agree that it is dangerous to relegate them to being only accessible on the touchscreen. Other than that, I would love to get this car, coming from a mkV GTI.

The piece "missing" from the trunk space is the Hazard triangle that comes standard in European models.

Topher is just clean and to the point, I don’t even know how we can stand Doug DeMuro’s bullshit anymore 😂

Love the channel, hope you're doing great!

Just grabbed an S for 35k and Golf R's were selling at 55-60k at the dealership (even though both R's and GTI's were basically impossible to find in Phoenix) It isnt stretching your budget a little bit, its stretching it a lot. Infotainment system needs work but it doesnt dominate my drive, great car.

Awesome Video!

2:55 It's me, I'm people.

Love this video. Real world driving! Not that stupid slow driving you see in a lot of car videos

Wow, what a thrilling POV review of the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE!

As a former Mk7.5 owner, the new interior controls are a huge step back. The MK7.5 had the best mix of physical and touch controls that were easy to use and navigate. I can't believe that those touch controls got thru on a big VW product especially when the performance and driving dynamics are even better than before.

Took the words out of my mouth with the review of this GTI. I knew I should have saved up for the R!

I've been shopping in this segment and just put down a deposit on a 40th Anniversary. One factor I want to mention to people, if you are really shopping, is availability. Right now, the Civic Si, Corolla GR and Elantra N might as well be dust in the wind. In most cases you'll be looking at a minimum 6-8 month wait - or longer in some cases. Additionally, with incoming cars getting snatched up while still in transit, it is difficult to even find these cars to test drive, let alone buy. And given the availability, we all know ADM comes along with it. I searched hard for these three cars and came up empty handed for even a TEST DRIVE. I don't know about you, but I can't buy a car without test driving it first. On the other, the GTI and WRX are out there, and not getting marked up. You can find one, put a deposit, wait a few weeks, and it will show up. Considering how good all of these cars are, I don't think it works to anyone's benefit to write one or the other off.

Great Work!!! Amazing review!!

looks beautiful

I have 235/35 19s on my gti...looks amazing...first set of 19s I've ever had ..and on such a little car I couldn't believe the fit so good...my first vw I usually drive bmw and lexus but I'm really enjoying the vw I'm kind of in love with it..to be honest

I recently bought this car. I, too was afraid that the infotainment was gonna be way too distracting for me for daily driving, but after using it for a few weeks, it's not that bad. It could be a lot better, but it's not as bad as everyone says. I would say that for me it was not a deal breaker. I was able to develop the muscle memory of the 2-step process HVAC control access where I only glance at the screen for a split second to change HVAC. Other than the underwhelming convenience of the infotainment, I love the driving. It's so simple and fun when you want it to be.

Chris, The tartan seats are classic.

I own one and it's one of the best daily I've owned! I love it so much :)

SE Michigan FTW 🙌 nice review! Manuals are becoming so rare 😭

FYI: Golf 8s in general that are built after December 2022 have gotten a new chipset and software which makes it a lot smoother/better.

This infotainment WAS a dealbreaker. I am infinitely happier in my Miata where no matter how slow the infotainment is, I can always control my HVAC and heated seats instantly. And the driving experience is better as well. It's obviously a worse single car solution but paired with a CX5, it's about perfect. And the best part is, hardly anyone likes driving in it so it's usually just me, an open road and gool ol' George (Soul Red) Mica.

love the color

just got a 2022 s for 28k and im loving it. The touchscreen is easy to get use to and learn. Love this car

Nice reveiw

Really nice to see someone driving a manual for a change

im surprised at the curb weight being sub 3200 lbs, pretty impressive actually given the level of sound insulation these have compared to similar cars.

Great presentation..👌

I saw a GTI give a Camaro the business this morning. There was a lot of exhaust noise from the Camaro, but the GTI was in the wind.

Hey @ 18:10 you seemed to enjoy holding it near its grip limits through that curve, despite the poor tire! It’s good to hear that one of its few shortcomings can be solved with a good set of tires.

Looks and sounds like a dream.

S trim has infotainment knobs and it's around 4K cheaper than the SE . I feel like that is the sweet spot for the ‘23 GTI . I just ordered one and I’m so excited !

The buttons and knobs were actually why I bought my Mk7.5 GTI (competitors at the time were experimenting with all haptic touch stuff but have since changed back). Wish they still made the 7.5R. I'd be in a Mk8 if it could be had with the 7.5 dash and wheel. I guess it forces analog folks up to Audi. No classic lights knob, hvac knobs/buttons is a deal breaker for me.

That empty space in the rear is for emergency equipment required in European countries. It’s a traffic triangle and a few other things. Shame they didn’t just add it in the US models

You make really good and descriptive videos, i really appreciate your effort. Could you possibly make a video about VW Polo Gti 2021- and ongoing model? i am consindering buying one in the fall and would like a video from you.

OMG a Manual Golf ❤

Hello from England-great review. I'm thinking about buying one of the last mk8 gti manual transmissions I can buy here (there's only two cars available just now on the uk vw site!).

40th anniversary is where it’s at. Special colors, limited edition, blacked out roof, adaptive suspension, club sport wheels, summer tires, plaid seats, all for a few grand more than the s model.

15:44 I love the Firestone Indy 500's on my MK6 GTI

Hi Topher! Thanks for your awesome review per usual! Quick question, hows the torque steer? Is there any? Doesn't look like it from you driving....or you are really good at correcting it.

Regarding haptic "buttons" on steering wheel. Why change what isn't broken? Real buttons have perfect usability and tactile feedback. And don't have haptic feedback mechanisms or capacitive touch sensors to break down the road. No thanks.

I understand the times we're in, but $35k+ for not even a top ranging GTI makes a bit queasy.

This looks like a lot of fun! The lack of knobs would probably be a deal breaker for me though

If I had to choose one reason to buy this it would be that the back cam comes out of the logo and u open with the logo it’s really cool ngl

I LOVE VOLKSWAGEN!!!!

Bravo bravooo 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤

Thank you for the review! I really want an Autobahn, really want the chassis control and the heads-up display. I started after a Golf R Anniversary edition but those things are hard to get AND going for $15k over MSRP in my area. So not gonna happen. Waiting around for an autobahn in manual, we shall see….

Bought a 40th AE 6 speed and absolutely love it. The shift knob is the weak point imo and will get replaced soon. The 40th AE does come with summer tires and DCC, so it does handle a little better than the SE would.

I was literally just shopping these

Literally, my car

Mine came with good year eagle f1 thinking about going to pilot sport 5

Other than the heating system controls not been real dials etc .This could be the best interior at the moment .The check cloth is so cool ..even Porsche should offer it

As a small daily-able sporty car, there are some things I absolutely LOVE about this as a 2017 RS3 owner - cloth seats (and that plaid, absolutely WOW!), steering wheel looks great, shifter position seems good. The reason I would personally never buy this car is the touchscreen. I think I could eventually get used to the haptic touch controls on the wheel but I absolutely hate touchscreens and although I don't plan on trading in my RS3 for a newer audi any time soon, I don't think I would even want to anymore. I hate that Audi elected to remove the mmi wheel as an alternative to using the touchscreen- it always feels so dangerous to me and I hate it. I've never been the biggest fan of BMW and still don't really like what they're doing with the iDrive 8 (i think?) huge screen, but regardless, they retained the wheel and I like that a lot. Plus, with VW/Audi interior design there seems to be a whole bunch of gloss black everywhere now which just looks and feels so cheap. Wish they'd go back to faux wood/aluminum trim- sure it doesn't look brilliant or integrate with the touchscreens as well but it sure beats gloss black. From a driving perspective though, this thing is absolutely brilliant if you can actually buy it at MSRP. Unfortunately I think that's gonna be kinda hard to do- recently saw a Golf R with a 10k markup in my area (putting it just above 50k), and I'd be surprised if this doesn't get the same treatment as that. Fantastic review as always though man! Really no one else scratches the POV itch quite like you. Your channel is like my comfort car review place on youtube haha.

The tires in the 40th and I believe the Autobahn are very nice. In the past 2 weeks I don't think I've squealed the tires even with spirited driving on curvy roads in NW Arkansas

I like how 2nd gear is tall enough that you don’t have to shift before reaching 60mph.

I just realized what I dislike about this and most other current instrument displays: they look video games! At least, in my ‘19 Mazda MX-5, I have what appear to be real, authentic gauges. I love that!

I own a 2024 gti S now. The infotainment system leaves a lot to be desired but not deal breaker. Driving feel is great though. I owned a mk7 before and the mk8 feels much more refined and fun

Driving my 23 GTI SE manual on the highway everyday gets me around 40-45 mpg, gas is expensive where I'm at, so I cruise doing the speed limit or maybe 5 miles over, I've had it for a year now, and even though I hate some things about it, such as the buttons and what not, I love the car in general, and I don't plan on getting rid of it anytime soon.

It's so good, I love my Autobahn.

I don't like that people give plastics such a bad rep in cheaper cars. Plastic cleans easily, isn't damaged by sun either and it tough against scratches and bangs. Which is useful for daily use. Just a thing I keep noticing that people always bring up

Awesome daily for sure.

Again more people who have never OWNED the mk8 complaining about the "lack of physical buttons".

For real world prices great value for a sporty - efficient - highly practical - stick shift option. Don’t love the styling esp. up front but it’s ok enough.

I have an id 3 and have the same infotaiment system i think its more fun than old fashion nobs like the golf mk7

2:50 This is where the warning triangle usually is in. In germany you have to carry one with you by law otherwise you'll get a fine.

16:04 very true, I got rid of the stock Michelin all season on my mk7.5 after a year or so. Very underwhelming stock tires, especially when I have a set of winter tires for winter capability,

Sweetness. I still love my mk6 GTI though.

Manual transmission is good for Brain 🧠 ❤❤❤

Still love the GTI but I just recently got a 2023 GLI Autobahn and rn it’s a better buy for the money I feel!

Some SE GTIs have synthetic seats, new modern flat VW logo on the steering wheel and Harmon Karden speakers. The those rims are nice tho. Mine came with the the older style GTI rims so must be manufacturing supply issues.

The SE is definitely the sweet spot in the affordable "do everything" daily driving sports car. Way more practical than the BRZ/86, way more comfortable for long drives than the Elantra N, much faster than the civic si. I love my SE DSG, already put 30k miles on it.

Being a VW diehard, I always had a wish that Tedward did Vws on a regular basis. Ask and u shall receive. Love both channels.

I love this carr!!! With A Few Specs that can be improved or changed but its a really great car... id honestly buy it if i could but got to ship it across to my country which is a bit costlyy

The piece that's missing in the boot door is a warning triangle

The Golf R would be my dream car at this point in my life, but to be a true daily driver and a car I can also comfortably take on road trips, the GTI really is very tempting having a bit better fuel economy and better yet, runs on regular! I much prefer the front end of the R, and that larger spoiler out back is great, but ugh…my inner pragmatic adult tells me to get the GTI instead and save a fair bit of change.

I still own my 2010 I refuse to get rid of it

Just drove a 2024 version, both dsg tranny and manual... these are a blast to drive for sure! plenty of midrange torque, nimble handling... never noticed the tire limitations in my test drive, all that squealing in ur vid was disconcerting but may not affect easy going drivers... I also drove an older 2016 with dsg.. it had an exhaust, cold air intake and Probably a tune.. whatever the case, that 2016 would leave the 2024 for dead and absolutely slaughter it in acceleration... it would burn thu 1st, 2nd and some of 3rd under a full throttle launch.. obviously, traction control was inactive, positively Thrilling acceleration and likely 300whp by the feel of it..

What are your thoughts on the 40th anniversary version. Basically an s version with active dampers

Such a good car. The amount of people whining about the interior is so dumb.

I don’t know if should get this or the si

I wish this car was more practical for my lifestyle they look like the ultimate daily driver to me.

So glad I picked up my 7.5 as the 8 is a major step backwards for VW.

If this GTI had the simple HVAC, Radio setup and steering wheel setup without all the haptics (like from the Jetta Sport) I would be sold. Chilling with my 2015 with 189,000 miles for now.

OMG the price is so low :O !! in Romania it cost around 50.000 Euro...not fair at all....

Be careful, that’s a $45k car in New York. Amazing how $35k cars can masquerade as $45k cars in broad daylight. I’ve always been a very happy Audi/VW owner with 3 of them being GTI’s but I won’t get another one. I took my money across the street and got a Kona N for $33k aka what the car is supposed to be. What a concept.

I own the same car and my only gripe is the Infotainment screen. In colder months, it just doesn't turn on at all, and you have to cycle it 2-3 times with the power button. Sometimes the reverse camera stays a black screen. Just small gremlins, however the car drives great, and handles great. I've slept in it numerous times, i'm over 6-2 and have driven it up and down the east coast in all weather conditions. I would absolutely buy it again.

7.5 for the win.

@thetopher where would you rank this, the Elantra N, gr Corolla, and WRX if you had to rank them 1-4, and why?

The gloss black would drive me crazy for daily driving. Impossible to keep clean and dust free

Wish you could review the m140i but theyre not available in the US i've heard. :(

AUTOMATIC 👍

They still haven't fixed the touch controls? I thought VW setup a focus group to fix it

Good car to have fun. Don’t miss your 6 k oil change and 80 k oil separator replacement :)😊

What do you use for your camera pov??

Dang gotta get a coupe build

Nice review. With manual, cloth seats and base audio, this could work around 30-32K. At over 36K as optioned and with that infotainment, not a good deal.

don't ever put 87 in your 4 banger turbo...just do yourself the favor and bump it up

Looking at this, is the gearing shorter vs MK7. it looks like second tops right at 60 or a tad above. Ive been looking at the Golf R partly due to shorter gearing but found its market price is 55 to 57K.

Too bad they don't sell a 2-door version here anymore.