Review: 2023 Volkswagen GTI (Manual) - Better than Ever?

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I spend a week with the 2023 VW GTI with the manual transmission to see what it's like to live with the Mk8 GTI. Overall, it's as fun as ever, but there are a couple minor annoyances and observations that make me question whether it's worth the upgrade over a Mk7 GTI. What do you think about the 2023 GTI? Thanks to Volkswagen for providing this vehicle to review!
Time stamps:
0:00 Exterior
0:47 Interior
2:48 Initial impressions
4:23 Acceleration
6:23 Handling and ride
12:51 Highway driving and safety tech
14:44 Thoughts after a week
19:48 Fuel economy
20:42 Pricing and competitor comparisons
25:38 Final thoughts
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3 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 177

@imnotusingmyrealname4566 Год назад

In Germany a fully loaded GTI costs over 65k.

@jasongerrard9992 Год назад

I love my mk8 Gti S, with manual trans, I only have 7k miles on it so far, but not one single hiccup. It's a phenomenal car all around! I honestly couldn't be happier with it. I've upgraded the wheels and tires, clubsport rear spoiler, lowering springs, full aeroflow splitter and skirts, and Clubsport exhaust. With those small modifications it sure changes everything in a positive way. SpeedSafe!

@Fmandan77 7 месяцев назад

I've come to enjoy your videos. Informative, yet quick and to the point. Every time you go wide-open-throttle in a car you have the same reaction which I find amusing - in a good way. Not too shabby rowing gears either. Keep up the good work.

@MattMaranMotoring 7 месяцев назад

Thank you for the comment and I'm glad you're enjoying the video format!

@statlanta_ Год назад

Love my MK8. It's the best car I've owned. The interior having few buttons really doesn't bother me that much.

@bmw_for_life8902 Год назад

Been waiting to see u review the mk8 GTI I bought mine couple months ago and no regrets

@yanal0611 Год назад

Great video, Matt! Nice to see your Integra and GM Apple Car Play videos doing so well!

@MattMaranMotoring Год назад

Thanks Yanal! It feels really good to see the Integra video doing well! It’s been a while since I had a hit like that.

@timephire Год назад

Prime Time video drop, nice!

@MistaFaro Год назад

Excellent review got to know this vehicle much better!

@thermionic8530 Год назад

I've always liked the GTI, right from where they first came out in the early 1980s. I prefer leather seat though. Good job Matt! As usual.

@pistolpete6321 Год назад

Great review Matt. I did a stage 1 tune on my 2016 GTI Autobahn and holy cow did that thing rip! The GTI is a surprisingly versatile car!

@27Zangle Год назад

How has the reliability been on that 2016? I love the last generation cars but have heard both good and bad equally over the years.

@pistolpete6321 Год назад

@@27Zangle had a gas tank problem but other than that zero issues, great car.

@harisqureshi7469 Год назад

Great video Matt, always loved the GTI!

@MattMaranMotoring Год назад

Thanks Haris!

@snuffmaster60 Год назад

Great video and I love the car. The problem is finding them at the dealership. Try to search for different trim packages you just can't find them. Also looked at an SI and the markup was 6k and dealer add-ons came to 41k out the door, no thanks!! So, I ended up with a 2022 WRX premium for MSRP 35K with no dealer add-ons. Sorry to see that picking are slim and the dealers are greedy. This will come back to bite them in the arse this year.

@thrillhousecycling7260 Год назад

Yep same. I did want a GTI base or S, but no dice. Impossible to find, and markup has been aggressive. Got into a 2022 WRX Premium as well, below MSRP. It’s a great car!

@drumflip1253 Год назад

Have a 40th anniversary on order. So much value in that spec.

@corysekine-pettite1783 Год назад

I've always liked the Golf/GTI. It was always on my shopping list whenever I was in the market for a new car. The new infotainment system would be a dealbreaker for me though. Bring back the real buttons and switches!

@ericthestone 3 месяца назад

Just got a 24 golf GTi! Love it

@ethanfinnegan9066 Год назад

As a previous 2016 MK7 GTI Autobahn w/DSG owner who now drives a 2023 Elantra N DCT, I think you nailed just about every point in this review. There are some things I certainly miss about my GTI (It will always be the better cruiser/daily driver for non-aggressive driving, super easy to park, and the interior felt a bit nicer and more solid) but the way the Elantra N handles, and the amazing exhaust notes it puts out seal the deal for me on why I chose it. While I can't really speak on the reliability yet on the N, I will note that I had to replace the radiator and all Pads/Rotors (The stock rotors warped) on the GTI before even hitting 60k miles. I even had the turbo replaced just before the end of my CPO warranty so there is no question to me that VW reliability can still be hit or miss. @Matt Moran Motoring - feel free to reach out to me if your interested in reviewing my 2023 Cyber Gray DCT! I'm located in CT so not too far away

@buildmorefarms1007 Год назад

How many miles are on your EN DCT? Any problems so far?

@ethanfinnegan9066 Год назад

It's only got just over 1k miles. So far no issues, and i bought it knowing the 2023 models are shipped with the fix already for the DCT and seatbelt recall

@buildmorefarms1007 Год назад

@@ethanfinnegan9066 Hopefully there will be no DCT problems!

@axe2grind244 Год назад

Over the past 12 years I’ve driven an Audi A4 and 2 GTI’s and we’re the best, most reliable cars ever. But under no f’ing circumstance will I pay $45k for a $35k car. That’s why I’m looking at a Elantra N and Kona N because they’re $35k vehicles that are actually being sold for $35k. If the I30 N was sold here I’d have one already 100%.

@rickmoderie4213 Год назад

I owned a 2008 Mk V GTI, 2-door, Autobahn edition. It was the best car I have ever had, but fortunately my son had an accident and totalled it. The only problem with that model was that the mileage was terrible, and the front wheel drive ate the front tires after only 1 year. I would own a new one though.

@aroundomaha Год назад

Great insights on the value of the S. I'd prefer to be without a sunroof for weight savings. Getting volume and tuning knobs is the deal sealer.

@BenTroxell Год назад

The only problem is you get a pretty terrible base sound system (no sub). With the HK system you can swap a fender sub in and it actually sounds really good.

@larally3408 Год назад

I have an s. I really miss having the keyless entry feature. That to me is the only thing to push me to the se

@rjbaldwin_ Год назад

I opted for an S. I didn’t feel like spending $5K more for an SE. Sunroof, audio don’t really make it worth it. You get all the tech and most features already. A 2” smaller screen makes no difference to me.

@mosheweisz1087 Год назад

@@rjbaldwin_how’s the rose without the adaptive dampers

@rjbaldwin_ Год назад

@@mosheweisz1087 plenty sporty. Just doesn’t get any firmer, but I wouldn’t want that anyways.

@AlexStopper91 4 месяца назад

I’ve been trying to spread the word….quick tip tricks: Tap warm and cold at the same time to quickly cycle the seat heaters. Also, tap the map light and hold to dim to desired brightness. :)

@RickGTI2019 11 месяцев назад

The smile on your face says it all. VW should install an engine cover especially at that price point. My 2019 GTI s has one, and it completes the look. Great video and review. Thanks, RickGTI…..🌴

@harshasathi2858 11 месяцев назад

The engine covers are a fire hazard. So they are not shipping with engine covers anymore. The Topher has said this in one or two of his videos.

@im_an_alvani Год назад

Really love these cars, especially the seats. Normally I’d look to Subaru for a value proposition but they need to make some changes to the WRX. These are great hatches, though.

@mistamaog Год назад

I still think the WRX is the better value considering it's the only one with AWD and a bigger displacement engine.

@shijima_ending Год назад

@@mistamaog and still somehow slower lol

@jv6miata Год назад

I’ll be buying one of these with the 40th anniversary package when I can find the right one used

@franzvanjulio5523 Год назад

Informative review, Matt. I think that your spec with the price reduction would a nice combination of features. I wish I loved these but don’t, especially with the reduction of interior quality.

@shijima_ending Год назад

interior quality sacrified at the expense of getting a feature set from almost $60k cars in a $40k car. truly a shame

@final_mile_music9713 7 месяцев назад

Passenger rattles are usually the unused seatbelt buckle. I either out more felt on the door pillar or just clip the passenger belt buckle in.

@t.k.morris Год назад

Some people have said that the base model S, is the best buy and it also has a volume and tuning knob for the radio.

@buildmorefarms1007 Год назад

Matt which is more fun in your opinion, this GTi or a Mini Cooper S manual?

@nmode22 Год назад

What do you think of the new 2024 Elantra N look that was just released

@Vanxiety12 Год назад

I just feel like my favorite part, the rear bubble squat, is gone on these with the new sharp line in rear. Kinda gives a SUV look.

@2bunphettered788 Год назад

I like it, especially in red or white.👍 Must have a sunroof.👌

@craigt9415 Год назад

I love this car. I don't need a car right now but I would love to own this new GTI. Maybe at the mid-cycle refresh.... hmm

@erictsou5675 Год назад

I was in the market for a GTI S but they are all marked up at least $3K in my area especially the DSGs. I took another path and picked up a 2022 WRX, $4000 off window sticker.

@En1337Rich Год назад

wtf would you buy a DSG?! get a manual!

@christopherbarker9133 Год назад

Keep looking around! I found a 40th edition at msrp

@shijima_ending Год назад

damn, dealers are really handing out those new WRXs for free lmao

@WitchYuki22 Год назад

@@shijima_endingbecause nobody wants them lmao

@Edward1513 Год назад

How does it compare with brz or gr86? thanks

@t.k.morris Год назад

Does the shift knob screw on and off easily? I would want to replace it for sure.

@MattMaranMotoring Год назад

Didn't try.

@nintendoatarikiller Год назад

I'm waiting for the mk8.5 to see if they fix the touch controls

@LordStaind Год назад

They are not fixing it. VW has confirmed that they will be sticking with the touch controls but replacing the smaller screen with a bigger 12”inch screen on the dash.

@Anne_Patel Год назад

So far the Mk8 has been underrated. It's one of the best GTi's of the series

@pascutia Год назад

I have a feeling that with the refresh the tech will be heavily updated in this car. This whole generation of VW infotainment is a mess, and I’m sure that they’re well aware of that. Almost like several key groups within the company didn’t communicate with each other. Great review!! Glad that you were able to review the manual version!

@MattMaranMotoring Год назад

Thanks! Yeah it sounds like they're working on some improvements so hopefully the Mk8.5 will be better on the inside.

@InksJC Год назад

They actually fired a lead involved with the interior tech and are going to do a re haul

@devn3813 Год назад

VW stated for the next generation they’re going back to having buttons

@pascutia Год назад

@@InksJC I heard this too but not sure how much I believe it since it’s basically impossible to get fired from your corporate job in Germany. Probably got moved to a different department or something.

@bucknut2000 11 месяцев назад

Has anyone cross shopped the GTI vs the golf R . I was gonna try the R but pricing for 55K manual and 52K for auto. The autobahn is 40K USD. Is it still worth it?

@final_mile_music9713 7 месяцев назад

As soon as one you tube ‘journo’ influences an issue, all the others pile on. The infotainment surfaces aren’t great, but they do work, and, in the S trim, you still get a volume knob (!). The rest of it is great.

@TrulsBekk Год назад

What VW model is this? GTI is a trim level. I don’t follow VW too much anymore, but don’t the Polo and the Golf come in GTI variants?

@robertyoung3111 Год назад

The most direct competitor is the Kona N

@_driver_ Год назад

I want one

@konrad1101 Год назад

I almost bought the gti but went with a manual integra instead

@larally3408 Год назад

I have one. It is great, but there are some electrical/sensor gremlins that come with it. The hill start assist is awful though. Love the seats

@MattMaranMotoring Год назад

Thanks for sharing your ownership experience!

@t.k.morris Год назад

Any particular model/trim or all trim levels?

@larally3408 Год назад

@@t.k.morris I have an s, but the annoying hill start assist and electrical buggery comes with all trims

@nobleman-swerve Год назад

@@larally3408 '23 Autobahn owner here and yeah it was annoying getting used to the hill assist. I just rev out the engine while waiting for the systen to automatically disengage and catch the car with the clutch when i feel it rolling back. Stupid because on my friends mk7 the system automatically deactivates when you release the clutch.

@chrissanchez8730 Год назад

I test drive the GTI and the WRX and not sure which one to go with.

@kushstreams4260 Год назад

I have logged 17,000 miles in the first year with mine, so I definitely hear you on "wanting to drive it more and more". A year in and I still find myself making excuses to go out just so I can drive the GTI

@frankhassle9366 Год назад

Thank you for your service, Kush!

@jonkR96 3 месяца назад

24K on mine in first year. Definitely a fun car.

@jtkent28 Год назад

I just went to look at brand new GTI 40th anniversary edition. Wanted to trade in my mk7.5 on it. They had it marked up $5k over MSRP. Said no thank you and walked out.

@sselway100 Год назад

For $600 an aftermarket tune on these Mk8's unleash extra 120 hp and 100 lb-ft!! Here's hoping they make an Mk8.5 fixes all the annoyances and build quality.

@t.k.morris Год назад

Regular or Premium Grade gasoline?

@MattMaranMotoring Год назад

Regular surprisingly.

@wolf0491 Год назад

I own the MK7 R... And enjoyed it for 5 years. Thought about getting this or R but VW lowered the warranty to much IMO especially when Kia and Hyundai are offering the insane 10 year 100k ones... So no idea what I'm buying next. Maybe a G70

@t.k.morris Год назад

I want a manual for my engagement and enjoyment, don't need any faster 0-60 times. Does this still have a plastic oil pan ?

@MattMaranMotoring Год назад

I'm not sure but I'd assume so.

@basslover352 Год назад

they went back to steel

@t.k.morris Год назад

@@basslover352 That is great to hear! Thanks!

@bh2155 Год назад

Yes you will want an manual until that thing goes bad at 90k miles and you have to pay 2500 dollars to get it fixed. I have a 2012 VW and if is just garbage

@basslover352 Год назад

@@bh2155 Manual still is more reliable than the dsg. Easy to mess up a manual car though.

@billseiler4952 Год назад

Are VW dealerships adding a market adjustment to these?

@danielmoss3254 Год назад

Yes. Bought my 2023 SE for 39,000. Pickings are so slim and everything is marked when you can finally find one.

@mistamaog Год назад

I actually didn't realize that the wheelbase was longer, when I test drove one, the backseat space didn't really seem roomier than the Mk7. Also in my experience, this new GTI didn't feel punchier than the WRX, they felt about the same to me. But both are definitely much faster than the Civic Si/Integra though.

@pokest225 Год назад

That's because the wheelbase is not any longer. Is the same as mk7. In fact, is the same platform with some improvements. The only golf with longer wheelbase is the golf mk8 variant (wagon). Wich has 5cm longer wheelbase than the hatchback.

@scottbrawley407 Год назад

2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI Autobahn 2.0L Turbo 6-Speed Manual 40th Anniversary Edition Hatchback!

@SteveRunciman Год назад

more killer content!

@MattMaranMotoring Год назад

Thanks Steve!

@dcb1728 Год назад

The base GTI S doesn't have the tech woes. For 31-32K you can own an MK8 with no issues. We have one, and it is AMAZING. Handles like nothing I've ever driven, and gets 44mpg on the highway (not kidding)! Only problem is FWD. Wish it had AWD to deal with the power, which overwhelms the front tires.

@thrillhousecycling7260 Год назад

Only problem is finding one! I’ve been combing through dealerships for a year here in Canada and there’s nothing. Really a shame!

@seth0512 Год назад

Mk5 GTI for me!

@bobkloth57 Год назад

I am surprised that the quality went down in the GTI because MK7 was built in Mexico and the MK8 is now built in Germany.

@leviefrauim1425 Год назад

Those seats look confining. I'm on the bulky side. I think I'd have to go and find '19 GTI to fit me best.

@staylor0902 Год назад

Have you sat in a MK 7/7.5? I have an '18 with the leather seats, and the seats are pretty snug. I'm a little guy(5'5") so I love them, but if you're bigger they may not work.

@italipino24 Месяц назад

I'd just like to say that I LOVE that there is no auto rev match. Never liked that feature.

@BahhJustaLamb Год назад

Great review. Although I would disagree just slightly about the WRX, at least the newest (ugliest) one. The new WRX is a completely different experience from the old one. I think the 22+ VB WRX is about the same in terms of punch as the current GTI. However, I will concede that the initial tip in of the GTI is slightly better because it doesn't have to contend with sending power to all four wheels simultaneously. I'd say: - WRX beats GTI in a launch - GTI beats WRX from a roll - WRX beats GTI in canyons - GTI beats WRX in daily comfort and practicality - Neither will be headache free; GTI will have electrical gremlins galore/catastrophic engine failure due to the thrust bearing failure and WRX will blow up if you fart in the wrong direction. - Both are fantastic if you budget some money in for repairs and learn to modify/maintain PROPERLY for each platform. Both will get curbstomped by a hillbilly in a base Mustang GT unless modified robustly or in the canyons.

@Ramblequist Год назад

I can't find one..

@racer2c Год назад

While I was watching this video I realized that I never see GTI's and I mean never ( I live in an upscale metro area). I checked the sales numbers and if they are correct, explain why I never see them. Strange car, its niche , based on what was once a mass market vehicle. I'm surprised they still bother to offer them in the US. I'm guessing euro numbers are much stronger.

@rahatchoudhury175 Год назад

It's because although practical, it's labeled a compact car. All people are buying is SUVs smh.

@luisjalvareztorres8481 Год назад

It’s probably because of the label. It’s a compact car and a hatchback. Not too many people likes hatchbacks. Where I live I’ve seen a couple of these already. They’re very nice looking cars. VW keeps offering these in US because sales numbers are high. The VW community is real. They still sell a ton of these GTI’s & Golf R’s in the US. That why we are the only country where they bothered to still offer the 6MT. Every other country got stock with the DSG transmission.

@rahatchoudhury175 Год назад

@@luisjalvareztorres8481 good points

@martinzendejas8423 Год назад

the seat change is due to the chip shortage

@t.k.morris Год назад

Is there still a concern with the sun roofs leaking?

@MattMaranMotoring Год назад

Not sure, a Mk8 GTI forum might have that info.

@user-je4zs7kx2s Год назад

No comparison between Hyundai and German made Volkswagen. German car brands like BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi and of course VW have a long-standing reputation for their engineering, performance and luxury.

@nsbioy Год назад

I would love a loaded GTI with plaid seats. Why do people think that rawhide=luxury? smh. Leather has its place, but not in an environment where temperatures vary so much such as in a car.

@plneky1171 Год назад

Exterior styling and mechanical performance are fine. Still can't stand the glass tablet instrumention with touch controls and cheap looking interior. The 7.5 gen has a better interior and control layout.

@mnmz6934 Год назад

uhh, the Mini Cooper 4Dr, Clubman or Countryman are definitely competitors.... Pricing, specs, and performance are about the same.

@ItsVincentAgain Год назад

👍🏽

@tr1ckster726 Год назад

Yo Matt does the R put the power down better? I’m torn, I test drove a GTI today and it was wheel hopping all over the place.

@MattMaranMotoring Год назад

Yeah no traction issues with the R, but if you want good traction for GTI pricing the WRX might be a good fit for you too.

@luisjalvareztorres8481 Год назад

The R is the one to get if you’re willing to pay $55K for it. Dealer markups are insane for the MK8 R. Even the used 2019 MK7.5 R’s are still going for $40K. Insane 🤯

@nberkel Год назад

I wish they would stop making the Golf so much bigger with each generation :/

@EddieAJr-dn7jd Год назад

I love my VW's but I will gladly take my Mk7.5 R over the Mk8 any and everyday.

@simpleyummy797 Год назад

17:16 lmao this is why I love VW

@aceofspades6667 Год назад

This is a car I’d like to turo for a weekend trip but not sure I could live with.

@tylermarshall3251 Год назад

Did they run out of engine covers as well?

@kikomanster8188 Год назад

VW has a recall regarding those engine covers so they just remove everything in the cars they are selling until they have the replacement

@CCC-DID Год назад

There is a very occasional faint rattle ever so often in the passenger side door pocket when accelerating hard in the ‘23 Audi RS3 as well. The Topher also pointed it out on his test drive(whose review I mostly disagree with 😝). Must be a VW/Audi manufacturer QC quirk.

@2bunphettered788 Год назад

Sounds like a hotrod!! 😉👍

@ascendantP Год назад

Cool that you dressed to match the interior. You are completely camoflaughed inside the GTI

@N8RTH Год назад

Wow, that road noise!

@brilliantradience Год назад

I'm in NYC and mk8's r no where to be seen

@brilliantradience Год назад

But I see ur flannel is carefully matched to the seats LOL

@missingremote4388 Год назад

Replacement tires Potenza all season plus RE980 They will not chirp the tires

@boost331 Год назад

Most fun for barely over 30k.... BRZ\86 all day.

@imnotusingmyrealname4566 Год назад

Subaru has got to be the laziest brand when it comes to manuals. This Golf has adaptive cruise control while any manual Subaru has llike zero active safety features. In many markets they will no longer be able to sell manual transmissions because stuff like auto emergency braking becomes a mandatory feature and Subaru will not put that into manual cars.

@blackcatsarenopussies Год назад

Mk7 will go down in history as the best GTI ever.

@kratos9223 Год назад

Don't forget, the GTI doesn't have a V6! 😂

@loganliam1319 Год назад

made it to 3rd like

@waltfraher7198 Год назад

Let's hope Volkswagen and other manufacturers come to their senses and continue making ICE in their performance vehicles.

@xaionik Год назад

Get it now while you can. VW is 200% in on BEVs.

@En1337Rich Год назад

beautiful car. too bad its got the reliability of a dodge.

@bradh6185 Год назад

Sounds like a noisy cabin.

@axe2grind244 Год назад

The GTI is the most overpriced car in the world and I’m including Corolla GR, CTR and Golf R. There is no such thing as a $45k GTI yet that’s what they are, in New York at least. I bought a new 2016 GTI Autobahn with performance pack and it was $31k so tell me where the extra $15k is coming from because I sure as hell don’t see it.

@Hot-1LE 9 месяцев назад

Welcome to the last three years where all cars are overpriced.

@GTIclubdport9462 Год назад

Elantra N is looking ugly car thats the one thing I Dnt like with that car boy racer look that needs attention..the GTI dnt need that Gti is a little sleeper especially with the tune..👍👍

@dylanpersaud190Frazier Год назад

First like

@ronburgundy4375 Год назад

The interiors are trash and the increase in msrp isn't Bueno

@sulleysaad3266 Год назад

Have you been in one or own one??

@bryangoris2475 11 месяцев назад

@@sulleysaad3266he probably doesn't. These cars are so great, have one and I love it

@gro24x7 Год назад

No doubt outstanding car Got one years and years ago really fun But no body want this outdated design ….. Sadly

@edenazulay4829 Год назад

0-100 is 6.2 .... not 5.1 wtf ....

@tim3172 Год назад

Correct, 5.1 is for the DSG. The slower, more pollutive, and less fuel-efficient MaNuAl is 6.2. Doug made the same mistake when spouting off about how the MaNuAl M2 did 0-60 in less than 4 seconds when he was quoting the automatic 0-60.