Review: 2015 Volkswagen GTI (DSG and Manual) 

A couple things to note: 1. I was pretty sick while filming this review which is why I may seem a little "out of it". 2. Volkswagen has no break-in procedure for new cars and the dealership said I could drive it however I want, which is why I felt comfortable doing a couple hard pulls on a brand new car. 3. I apologize for the camera rattle, many of the roads I was driving on were in pretty poor condition.

its so weird again man, been watching your videos for a long time, had no idea you were stopping by where i work to film, i am a VW mechanic. i prepped the black GTI, now i know why there was a scramble last week to get all the GTIs ready lol

In my 60's now & have just come off a 20 year Honda-binge! First new car I bought was a '76 MK 1 GTI stick-shift while living in Europe. It was red, weighed in under 2000 LBS and had around 120 HP, as I recall. That was hot then, and the GTI has always been a head-turner for me since then. Just bought a white 2015 GTI/DSG. It's good to be back - love it!

In depressing voice: "Now turn left." I'm surprised she didn't sigh afterwards.

I ended up getting a 2016 GTI performance pack with manual, Autobahn edition with lighting and driving assist packages. Manual transmission is exactly as you say, perfect. The power lumbar adjust made the seat absolutely comfortable. 2016 year model saw a complete revamp of the head unit, with bigger screen and Apple CarPlay. Inputs now include pure USB. Nav voice sounds different and screen is also much higher resolution. Folks are saying the output of the GTI is closer to +30HP over what's listed, and with a Neuspeed engine chip and new air filter you can get close to 300HP (for under $900). This is my favorite vehicle ever. Don't even feel the need to swap out the rims/tires.

I bought the 2015 GTI back in July and I still love it! I smile EVERY TIME I see it. Low torque steer but there is some serious turbo lag. Great video mate!

Love your honest impressions and great job on getting the GTI Matt ! Keep up the great work my friend :)

Great review Matt. I have a '14 Golf as my spare car and love it. They are such solid fun cars to drive.

I have owned mine for almost four years now (October 2014) and I love it more than the first time I drove it. Great daily driver for the person who can't afford an R8.

'nothing beats the control of a manual' Matt you are the man ! I drove the last gen with both manual and dsg, told my cousin to go for the manual. You can't beat the fun in simplicity. Dsg shifts faster than me, but a manual makes the whole damn car fun all the time any time. Thank you for reviewing both transmissions and of course, reviewing the best that VW has to offer. I really loved the whole review as much as I loved the manual red GTI. Kudos to you Matt keep up the good work. That dealership was very kind in letting you review a brand new car.

This is the video that got me to get the GTI as my first car. It’s been a year now and I still love it!!

Can you and your facial expression please do a review on the Golf R?

Really appreciate showing both Transmissions

Living here in Los Angeles and having to commute nearly 20-30 miles worth of traffic one way (total 40-60 miles/day), many people have questioned why I bought a manual MK7 GTI. And honestly, I completely agree wuth what you said, it's a car you can sit in in crawling bumper-to-bumper traffic without stress. It's a really nice place to be. When I was buying a car it came down to 4 cars: the GTI, SI, Focus ST, and Fiesta ST. At the end of it, the SI and STs suffered from the same problem, I hated the idea of traffic in them. But the GTI is really worth every penny. I have driven several types of cars in several transmissions, and none of them really made me happier than my 7. Really great review, but you forgot about the little compartment underneath the driver's seat. Haha, but that's no biggie.

Been waiting for this review! Just test drove it the other day and its amazing the extra 50ft lb of torque is epic.

Just you wait GTI, you shall be my next car in 4 years!

Hey Matt, I love your videos! They’re so descriptive and give so much information on the cars you drive. Because of what you taught me I got a GTI yesterday. Used 2012 but still great. I couldn’t be happier. Thanks!

I very much love the fact that you make a point of talking about interior spaces and cubbies. I love interior storage space in a car and I'm glad you make a point about it. Please keep it up.

Everytime he accelerates he witnesses a couple seconds of the gay world Cx

Great review, especially the with manual version! Love how you get so excited especially during the hard pulls, it makes me feel a little more normal that I am not the only one ;-)

Thank you sooooo much subaru wrx fan in really wanted to see this and u made it happen really really made my day I will always support you hope u get to the hall of fame on RU-vid

I really like VW's simple mature interior design. Some of these new cars interiors are a little over designed. Also like they are trying to hard.

Oh man, that's actually one of my favorite cars. thanks for using my songs.

This new 2.0t was dynoed on a 2015 GTI DSG and it produced 235hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque. WHY does VW underrate their figures?

About the Mexico thing, my dad bought a new, fully upgraded VW Beetle Cabrio 1.4 TSI back in September 2013 and earlier he had a 2008 GTI. The production quality of the Beetle compared to the GTI (the same price, roughly) is just awful.. 3 weeks after the delivery, the car was squeeking the passenger window when rolled up or down, the center console was doing a rattle noise and the back seat left window when fully closed was letting wind in and the noise past 150kph was horrible! This never happened in the GTI, that is still being driven by my brother after about 40k miles. I just think it is not as good as they were produced in Germany i think.. It might just be a one-of-a-kind problem my dad's Beetle has but, oh well. Good video man!

That was an excellent review. I currently own a 2010 gti I bought new. It was the car I always wanted since I saw my first gti back in the day (it was a silver '84 to be exact). I've had it 4 years now with no problems. Great power, handling, interior and best of all.. It's economical. I'd like to get the 7th gen gti someday, but want to see how production quality holds up with the new ones being made in Mexico.

Gti hatch is styled in such that it will stand the test of time, smart and subtle. Other hatches in segment have completely radical "pinched and stretched" styling that will be dated in a matter of a few years. It's more enthusiast and less boy racer. I also like the fact that you can get a two door version and be driving a true hot hatch not just a small station wagon.

Great review, way better reviewer than most I've seen!

Cherry hill ppl:-) loved the review, you did a great job like always. Love how it's much different from all the others. From start to finish..I liked. Wish I could buy this one. But I have the last one made in Germany. 2014 Wolfsburg. Everyone loves it. I'm happy.

I enjoyed your review. I especially liked your laugh when you were first getting on it. That's the same joy my 2004 GTI VR6 gave me every time I drove it. I definitely miss that car. And yes, always go with the manual in a car like this.

I'm sure you won't see this, but we have the same sunglasses. I love those ray bands. Love the reviews too, probably getting this or a 2015 wrx. Keep up the great work.

You should test a GTi with the performance pack. Huge handling difference with the electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated, torque-sensing, limited-slip front differential. Plus 10hp bonus. If someone wants to upgrade that's the one to get.

6:49 is what sells this review. Perfect representation of what it's like to drive this car.

Nice video @subaruwrxfan! I was actually looking a for review on this car a few days ago. Thanks!

The fender audio in that puppy blows the ford focus st away

Genial, gracias matt ahora quiero comprarme ese gti siempre veía automático y ahora que veo manual solo tengo que tener paciencia para probar esa obra de arte 🔥

Awesome review as always! I'm torn between this and the wrx. Now that you've reviewed them both, any thoughts?

Nice detailed review... Looking forward to your S2000 review! Keep up the hard work

Great review as always. I had a 2012 GTI and I simply do not like turbo engines. No matter how advanced they become, there is still that lag that you don't get with NA engines.

i just got this car a week ago, and its awesome dont regret it.

Good to see Beavis is doing these reviews and being productive. I wonder where Butthead is now?

The navigation is the low end version, Discover pro system is top end, but a little bit more expensive. I would recommend to buy this car with DCC, adaptive dampers. With mode comfort you can bring your granma around with no complaints... For the curvy road home switch then to sport mode. The optional performance package brings 10 hp more, better brakes and a mechanical differential for the traction axle...

I would hate reviewing and driving all these cars and then not taking them home :( Another great review Matt!

Really great review dude! This is my next car, but im waiting for the performance pack which i read was later this year.

Great review! I would love to see you get a GTI eventually. What a great car!

Awesome shot near the ships! Manual looks so much more fun than the dsg

I love your face during acceleration tests on your video.

You're the man I absolutely love your videos man!

I've had two VWs with DSGs. The one in my 2013 has noticeable changes in terms of the programming when in Drive. He alluded to the fact that it takes a while to get up and go and I believe VW decided to program the DSGs while in drive to be both more fuel efficient and smoother shifting to mimic a conventional automatic better. Shift it into S or manual mode and it becomes a real quick and responsive automated manual with the typical drivetrain lash of a manual.

I test drove a 2015 GTi manual transmission today: Some things I noticed. The shifter and turn signal stalks felt very cheap like they could break right off in my hands, it has a quieter and more refined engine note, it pulls well with a lot of torque early on. The touch screen looks and feels cheap and junky. It shifted well despite the cheap feeling golfball shifter. Accelerates well.

Great review, this is another car I'm thinking about getting in the next year, but I'm still leaning towards the WRX

You need your own show. Great review as always

Excellent review. Better than I've watched from the big magazine sites (Car & Driver, Motor Trend etc.). Pretty much what I was looking for as far as reviews go. Currently driving an '08 MS3, looking to upgrade, nothing except the GTi, Focus ST and STi even come close. Subaru and Ford feel cheap (but quick), everything else is much more $$$. Question that I have is... if you were a gearhead who likes to drive, but has to commute 5 days a week, is the DSG a good compromise?

Hi subaruwrxfan! from your point of view, what would you rather have GTI or WRX? could you give me some pros and cons on each other? just about to get one of them, but I just can't make up my mind. TNX!

Note that if you go dsg you don't need to upgrade your clutch for stage 2, just have to flash a tune for it.

I have never been a fan of auto transmissions but I love the DSG its a sharp gear box

Thought the 2015 GTI has that new driving modes that changes throttle respond, suspension, and steering. What did you get from it? or it was not available?

That's my hometown! Had no idea you were a local! Thumbs up!

hello SubaruWRxFan would you boy this car over a FiST performance wise...i know there is a space difference but just based on performance wich one would you get? you did mentioned the Focust ST a few times in video but not the fiesta.

Love the nowadays GTI's and GTD's which is the top of the TD engines.

How would you compare it to the WRX? And which one would you recommend as a daily drivable car that can also put a smile on your face? I'm also moving to Massachusetts soon if that matters.

Love my 2015 GTI Autobahn. DSG and throttle response in sport mode, is fantastic. The new sport differential is years beyond the old version, perfect flat corners and no understeer. Media cable doesn't really fit into the outlet and is very cheap, beginning to break after one month of daily use.

Great review! Does the lights that was equipped with the dsg still come with the manuel

I like how you giggle when you floor the gas :) Awesome!

Hey I've been watching your videos, it's pretty good, I like them, I think you should include more numbers, base price loaded price options available, gas mileage, curb weight and so on, it would be great ! Other than that you're doing very well .

so cool to see you in south jersey! I live 20min from cherry hill.

Hey man, I really dig your reviews. I'm in the market to soon buy a 2016 Ford EcoBoost Mustang or 2016 VW GTI. For how I plan to drive, they're almost neck in neck when comes to MPG. I'd say 80% of my commute is freeway (turnpike) driving. They're both refined, agile, and quick. The cost to buy is similarly as close. Based of your experience, which car would you recommend?

Huge gti fan thinking about getting this thanks for the review

Which do you think would be more reliable and fun, this car or the new WRX?

It's not the first GTI to come out of Mexico. Most VDubs sold in the US during the early 00's, with the exception of TDI models, were assembled in Mexico. My 03 GTI VR6 was a Mexican lemon that I took VW to court over (I've also taken Audi to court, but that was for a bad repair job they did that ended up totaling my car, plus leaving the roof open in their outdoor parking lot during a rainstorm). That said, I haven't owned a car in years after moving overseas to the south of Spain where I don't need a car, so I'm not sure how these newer VW models are. My parents back in the US just bought a Jetta last year and they're happy with it so far.

QUESTION: If you plug in your radar detector will it get in the way? cause the 12v is in the center console not anymore where the little adapter is ahead of the knob.

The look is just great. Nice review!

Don't listen to him , great reviews don't change a thing !!!!!

super review....if you were sick, wasn't noticeable. Owned a first gen Gti, now 62--getting ready to buy the 2015 model, but with DSG (live in Seattle=hills!!!! and well, I'm 62). Good turbo kick in with DSG? Your sense of reliability/from Mexico--which is the only 'negative' I can think of? Thanks WRXfan.

Hi, could you compare/contrast the clutch and chassis stiffness? Great review, and your the only person I know whose driven both. Thx.

I love manuals to death and I've always said that I'll always drive one but these dsg transmissions have really been catching my interest. I drive a manual beetle right now and I love it but I just want to know, how responsive is the shift when you have it in sport, when you hit the paddle is the shift immediate? If there is a delay how bad is it? Does it make you feel like you aren't really in control of the shifts? because if that's the case then I'll stick with my manual. But if not I would really consider a dsg.

Do you get cars from dealers now? By the way love your videos

Great video! One note about the suspension is you can adjust it through the stereo. Also you can adjust the steering ratio, like sport, normal, and soft. That would of been something nice to play with on those bumpy roads.

Can you adjust the lateral of you seat ? My back is a little wide and i'm not really comfortable. You have some tips for that issue ?

You may have been driving these with "strut pucks" in if it wasn't pre inspected for delivery. Which would explain the harsh ride. The ride in the GTI is ions above a Focus ST

Great review, my old bosses son had a 2010 GTI and I drove it a few times very nice cars indeed. If they ever make and bring a Golf RR to the states I'm buying one.

Great review Matt! How I love Volkswagens. ;) This GTI looks good. I still think I prefer the MK5 and MK6 generation over this MK7 2015, at least design wise. But I'm sure the 258 lb-ft torque feels amazing. The gear shift in this MK7 looks nice too. Another thing, very cool that you were able to review both the DSG and Manual transmission. It would be cool if you got to review an MK6 VW Golf R. I think you'd really love it because of the AWD system.

You should do a quick little screen at the end of your reviews that has a pros and cons list. (: Maybe start giving cars a #rating... like 1-10.

Hey Matt! I just moved to Falls Church a week ago.. I was wondering what town you live in?

Great review, I hope to purchase one in the near future, manual of course. Was debating against Si but interior looks more desirable

Great vid! One question? I know you also test drove and liked the Civic SI. Having a hard time deciding Do you think the GTI is worth the extra $$? Oh, and yes btw 6MT ftw!

I wouldn't buy it just for the torque increase. I re-flashed my 07 and it runs 100% since I re-flashed it. Go GIAC it's well worth the money with the increase you get.

Nice review! I hope you do a long term test for the MK7!

Preetty sure that's a cop right after he pulls at 7:02 lol And the DSG is still, faster than the manual..

Can't wait to see the Golf R Matt, I test drove last years model, and it came down to this model or the Legacy 3.6 and I just hated the turbo lag in the Golf (in the older engine) but its a nice, well built car. I couldn't see paying 36+ grand for a Golf R.

6:50 - 6:57....priceless!! That ALONE...is all the advertisement you need!! lol :)

Ive driven these cars here in Sweden. The "original" cloth seats are a lot more comfortable. Also, the navigation here in Europe is another systems, which looks different and works a lot better. Also has got electrical e-brake (sadly enough) - And here in Sweden all models are the Gti"plus" with 230hp, front locking differential, bigger brakes etc. Id still go for an R tho!

LOL I Love the music in the beginning give's you a real german feel :D

Hope you get better man! btw why are GTI's built in Mexico?

great review of the 2015 Golf GTI. Helped me decide to look into toHe stick version.

you should review the R

subaruwrxfan What is your opinion comparing this to the Civic Si?

dumb question, how come when you start the car the tachometer/speedometer goes from 0 to max then back to 0 before it ignites?

is it turbocharged? I have the 2008 model and I love it

Pleasseee review the Golf r next! Keen to see what you think about that, since im thinking about getting it.