Review | 2018 VW GTI | Calm Excitement 

Vanilla spice chai latte with almond milk? Typical GTI owner.

After a year of research, and especially your reviews, I picked up a 2018 GTI-S in early 2019 at a great price. For me, it is the perfect blend of daily and fun that can occasionally haul family consumer goods. At the price I paid, low 20's, there wasn't another option that spoke to me (I test drove over 15 cars). Thank you again for putting out fantastic, informative and unbiased reviews!

I will have to disagree with you. The Clark plaid seats are part of the GTI experience, they break away from the hyperfunctionnal, hyperboring dash. Anyway, great review!

I own a 2017 GTI and I really like the "boring" interior. it's not all fast and furious like the civic type R and focus RS. I would call it "quietly competent".

Mark’s but about the touchscreens in the beginning aged very well

How not to open the hatch with Mr Geese lol. Fantastic review.

This is one of the coolest cars on the road. Golfs might seem unassuming, but then you get in one and wow, it looks money!

I have a 2015 MK7 GTI. It has been a wonderful car. MQB is an extremely reliable platform it seems, I admit I was nervous getting this car due to hearing about reliability issues and carbon buildup. I’ve had it for over 3 years now since it was new and I have had zero issues with it. All scheduled maintenance has been performed and of course I only pump top tier premium gas and OEM oil/filters. I have 80,000 miles and even carbon buildup seems to be non existent. No misses or rough idle, still runs like the day I got it. Best car I’ve ever owned and I drive it hard every day. My cousin also has a 2015 GTI with over 60,000 miles and he has had no problems at all. Great review BTW!

At the end it's a Volkswagen, part of the philosophy of the company is being functional and discrete and not flashy like a Civic Type R so if you are looking for a car with more personality look somewhere else. I dig the mature look of the car, looks refined and high quality.

7:03 You don't have to go into the infotainment system every time you want to change the drive mode. You can actually cycle through the drive modes by pressing the drive mode button near the ignition button. Just keep pressing the button and it'll change from one mode to the next so you don't have to take your eyes off the road to look at the screen.

Detailed, honest and very informative. One of the best video reviews of Golf GTI (even though it is not unquestionably favourable!)

You are the only person I’ve seen have an issue lifting the rear hatch.

A very comprehensive and honest review of the GTI. A savage as always. 👌

One of your best reviews yet

That was one of the best reviews you have done. That bit of humor was perfect

Best informative and thorough review I've seen on RU-vid or TV about a car!

Finally a GTI review from Mr goose!!

Just a note, you can add and remove a lot of features through software on VW's. Things like clicking unlock a certain number of times on the keyfob to roll down windows remotely or turning off traction control completely, even adjusting the brake differential, all the way down to making the brake lights blink sequentially. The process isn't hard and only takes a little bit of time to research.

I absolutely love each and every one of your videos. I love the witty humor and the small details. Really sets you apart from others.

The qaulity of your reviews are amazing. This is another solid review. Another fun little hatchback

“Its not a straight up shitbox” 😂. That line got you a new subscriber 😋

Fantastic review, thank you for being so honest

Dude, you have such sharp shots and a good flow to the video, but I love the straight-talk man! I appreciate the hard points you make and some of them are hilarious

Best review ever I wish everyone that shows up on youtube review like this Thank you !

8:53 I literally died. That is why I'm subscribed. Those moments make these reviews special.

dude, the intro! Had me laughing pretty good. Great info on the GTi as well, I always kind of want one, it seems like the perfect all rounder of a car.

The quality of the video production, the choice of shots etc are sublime. Not to mention that I fully agree with what you're saying and it sums up my owner experience of my previous 2006 GTI very well. Seriously love this channel! I loved everything bar the appalling reliability, but now that I've moved on to (less practical, less 'luxurious) more lightweight hatches, I've been amazed at how much fun, and how involving other cars can be. I'll always hold fond memories of my GTI, despite spending £200 ($300ish) per month on repairs for all 6 months of my ownership haha!

WOW!, How have I not found your channel sooner, I've watched a few videos now and I like what I see. Also you strict opinions on cars is fantastic and kinda refreshing.

Yes ! I was wating for a long long time from you to review the GTI. I already brought with this trim in Canada (minus DCC ) . The antithesis from the title is exactly my tought about this car ! One thing I hate with the GTI is I don't find a comfortable position for the left arm

Best reviewer on RU-vid. Glad I found him.

Just found your reviews for the first time. Subscribed straight away. Love how real you are with your reviews and that you cut the bullshit and get straight to the point. 👌🏻

I’ve been looking forward to your review of this car. Fantastic job being both entertaining and informative.

Can't talk about the shifter knob cause I'm sponsored by Titleist. Haha. Classic. If I don't get my order in less than 2 minutes somebody is going to lose their effing job! Had me laughing so hard I woke up the dog.

the hatch has two floors, you have it set to the way higher height (it comes like that). Lower it and you gain a LOT more depth

Your reviews are amongst the highest quality to be found anywhere.

Not even two weeks after I asked and you deliver... your videos just keep getting better!

Clicked this new savagegeese video so hard my computer blue screened 😤

Great video. I got mine 2017 gti basic for 19500 new. In December of 2017

This has got to be one of the best auto review that I have seen thus far. It sounds like a review and not an A commercial for Volkswagen.

As usual amazing work. The guy who knows how to shoot. Camera angles such that you don't see other cameras in sight. I don't know how many people notice this but this is exceptional work in terms of photography and obviously the review is awesome!!!

In the US you have a normal handbrake, where as in Europe it's electronic, you are lucky

IPS is largely about not shifting colors when viewed off-angle to maintain accuracy; other display panels often have deeper blacks. /nit picked.

Always a smile to watch these honest and comprehensive reviews. Intro had me losing my shit at work.

Not to be nitpicky but: 5:18 - “It’s so generic” 8:40 - (About Subarus) “[…] it feels so generic on the inside and that’s something you don’t get here” So which is it? Generic or not? :P

"The Shift Knob I Can't Speak About Because I'm Sponsored By Titlist", LMAO!!!

Your reviewing style, rationale and summaries are really good. 👍👍

Thanks dude. This was a fantastic and detailed review of the GTI. Best on You Tube

A lot of guys disable the stability control for track use. I haven't yet as it's fine for the street, but I did fully disable TCS. I haven't had any carbon buildup yet either but I only have 40,000 miles. Lots of wide open throttle seems to help lol

In Denmark this car is 71.201 dollars. For the 245 hp DSG version you pay 80.178 dollars. Taking a taxi every time you need to go somewhere suddenly doesn't seem like such a bad alternative to car ownership.

Just found this channel. Great info. This will help me in my shopping. Thanks!

As an mk6 owner, the part you talk about the dust and fingerprints is spot on. Well done

Savagegeese is THE BEST in youtube car reviewing

Gotta love this Chicago weather.

Great review and great video! It's so interesting to see how the GTI has changed from the 2007 MKV I bought new. I was 31 when I bought it. Man has the game moved on! I loved that car, and I would probably really love this one. I would thoroughly enjoy buying this used and taking it to APR for some tuning out of the nannies and tuning in of some more fun!

I know people say this often but you really do have one of the finest auto channels on YT. I'm putting the major "pro" channels in there and you're still at the top of the heap. Cheers...

I love my GTI, great car with excellent quality.

Agree on negative. Ban gloss black trim. Need something that does not show dust (5 min after cleaning). Interior is classy for adults! Keep it up VW but better interior trim. I don't do Starbucks! FYI. Don't knock it till you drive one. Rear hatch room. Put floor cover in lower position and you gain a good bit more usable room.

First episode I've seen. WOW, you actually lift the car! you go above and beyond. The snark is probably deserved but I still love mine. 2015 GTI Performance owned from brand new. I have not been left stranded and love the handling with the DCC.

Great, thorough review! Well done.

Dude I walked out with mine (before taxes/fees) for $20,042. (Base S Manual, which is perfect for me) So no, you don't have to go over $30k to get the diff or the bigger brakes.

Decent review, but why did you make it look so hard to open the hatch? I think it's a unique way of doing it and have never had any issues opening it

You've got a wicked (good)sense of humor, G-man. I like it.

Respect. Every car maker which you reviewed should pay you constantly day by day. You do more in one shot than all fake commercial altogether. Aleksander from Poland.

The shifter knob that I can’t talk about because I’m sponsored by titalist!!! 😂😂😂

I personally own a MK7 R, but I have a few issues with the review. 1. No one ever actually paid 35k USD for an Autobahn GTI. I can't comment on how much those particular models get discounted to, but something like an SE you can get in the states for $26-27k easily. No one in their right mind would pay MSRP, especially since you can get the R for 40k USD. 2. Obviously the interior is a personal preference, I absolutely love the monotone interior. It's very common for German vehicles in general and not exactly unique to the Golf. Not sure about the GTI, but the R has blue LED accents all over the place to give it a little pop. It's understated and buttoned down. It's everything I love as an adult. 3. The hatch is small, duh? It's a small hatchback. However just the other weekend I disassembled two computer desks and was able to haul them both in one go to the local landfill, that's the beauty of the hatch. 4. Can't comment on the GTI brakes, but just for reference the R brakes most definitely do not fade on the street, with a lot more power. 5. AFAIK you can fully disable traction control with something like OBD11. On the R you can most definitely disable everything, without any modifications. 6. You didn't address one of the best aspects of the car, it extremely tune friendly. You can make massive power gains for peanuts.

F on point. I had a dsg mk7. You deliver the best car channel on utube. Thank you!

definitely the best car reviewer around, in my opinion. I had no idea you had another full time job, and that this is a one man operation. that very unique skill set along with high integrity and not conforming to reviewing "politics", make up the best possible car reviews.

My 07 GTI was a fantastic car which I sold to a friend recently when it had near 300,000 km on the odometer. I would have kept it as a third car but my friend was desperate for it. He loves it and I would buy another one if and when I need a new car.

I don't see how the Autobahn edition is worth $10k more than the GTI S. That's too close to Golf R territory. Even if you really, really hate plaid seats, $10k will buy you any damn seats you want with money to spare.

damn, your production quality gets better and better every video!

Great job as always man. Good info. Nice shots of the car.

I've always liked the GTI and it remains one of the best cars around for mixing a practical daily with something that is also quick and fun to drive. Another good review although the "in the shop with Scott Turbowski" was missing exactly one Scott Turbowski!

I own a '17, thought this was a solid objective review. You can get an Autobahn for a lot closer to $30k out the door too. It's a bit pricey but the feel of the whole thing feels a lot more like a $50k car and I really wanted a small, quick but still well optioned car and there are not many that wholly compete. If a Speed 3 existed, if the WRX came in a hatch, it would have been a lot harder to pick. I hope it's reasonably reliable. I put off buying a GTi for years until I was in a position where it was a second car so it wasn't as critical. First audio system I didn't want to immediately rip out of the car too.

Have a 2017 black 6 speed. Love it. Drive daily except in the winter. Got a 4wd truck for that. Love the subtle look of the car.

I interrupted binge watching Bill Burr just to be the first to watch this.

Pouring one out for my homie Scott.

Thank you for the great review. I've had my eye on this version for some time. No surprises here. I may pull the trigger, unless I decide I'm more desirous on something along the lines of a Civic Type R or WRX STI. I'm definitely a VW fan, having owned a Fox, Golf, and Jetta. We'll see. Again, great work as always.

Hilarious review, extremely informative. funniest I’ve seen thus far. Thanks for the laugh

My fiancee has one of these Mk7 GTIs and owned a Mk6 before that. A few complaints: 1. There is NO comfortable place to put your left arm. Mk6 didn't have this problem. 2. The electric steering sucks compared to the Mk6. 3. The low gears are too tall. The Mk6 was more aggressive off the line despite less power. But the higher OD is nice for highway cruising. The Good: Its super practical, super nice on the inside (like he said), and there's a glock box under the seat! Thanks Germany!

After some relatively cheap mods, this GTI is NOT boring. For e.g. disable traction and stability control completely via OBD11, stage 1 or 2 remap with custom downpipe.

Awesome review Savage! Cheers.

You can easily put boot floor in a lower position and gain more space (380 liters). That upper position is only when you want to have flat floor with rear seats folded down. And in that position you can store parcel shelf under the floor. So, pretty decent boot and practicality for 4,25m long hatch...

My Car! I have the Euro spec model with 230 horsepower, suede seats & way more features. It’s also built in Germany not Mexico.

This is the dad bod of cars. Mildly capable while being comfortable and socially acceptable for one's age and circumstances. At that price, I'd just go for the r. Always love your reviews and comments.

Excellent video, love the reviews. Keep up the fantastic work. Made my 2 hour break down, in my work in Sterling Il go a little better.

Dude your sub count is a travesty. The best most comprehensive reviews I’ve seen on RU-vid.

Great review, thank you. I'm glad to hear you, and other RU-vid reviewers like The Straight Pipes, calling out these designers for these stupid, smudgy, piano black touch points. Hopefully the manufacturers are listening.

Love your reviews and sense of humor, however I thought this review in particular was too focused on race/sport driving and not as a daily driver.

Liked and subbed within the first 30 seconds. Awesome.

Very detailed review and humour thanks

"The shift knob I can't talk about because I'm sponsored by Titleist"- LMAO

3 years into owing a GTI. Honestly I tried really hard to not buy a GTI, but the competition at least in Canada, was not good enough. The ST’s did not feel as good. I like the smartness in the cars design...the hidden subwoofer, the disguised back up cam. The oomph of low end torque. Credits due where it is due ! So i ended up with it.

Very fair review with legitimate pro/cons. TC and SC were one of the first things I disabled with mine (as well as SoundAktor). If you can get one when it eventually drops in price (got my S for 23k USD), it is one of the best in the segment. And as far as it lacking personality, I like to think of the GTI as a "blank canvas" for those who like to mod, as you can really turn it into what YOU want it to be. If you decide to get one and mod it, you'll have countless quality manufacturers and an excellent community of enthusiasts around you. Thanks for the vid Savage!

Excellent video as always.

Do a full review of 2018 vw golf r

I'm surprised that Starbucks employee didn't kick you out for having black interior... too soon?

One of the best car reviews...where were you guys all these years...?

I was driving my mk7.5 (same one in this video) in the snow with all seasons and man it feels like its driving on rails! The car stayed straight and accurate the entire trip (35 minutes one way) and i was blown away at the handling and ride of this beast. It is so much fun and I finally understand why this car gets so much praise. If you are thinking of getting one, just get one. It is so good!

The light snow actually made the video pretty cool IMO. Super clean audio, very impressive.

Lol, using a lap timer at a drive-through... literally all they're good for on street cars haha. Although, I do wish my Exige had one.