Happy Monday guys! We all know the Civic Type R became the king of hot hatches back in 2017. However, VW has seriously delivered one enticing package with this new Golf R. It finally feels like a huge step above the GTI in every way and it feels like its worth the extra money VW charges for it. This new R is heading to dealers next month! Also, be sure to check out our new merch store located on the merch shelve of this video and every other Redline video!
Right on about the volume knob, so glad you mentioned it. It's when reviewers mention those small details that drive many people crazy that things actually change, like Honda bringing back the volume knob for many models over the past few years despite their continued attempts to get rid of it.
honestly the honda volume knob wasn't even a big deal it's pretty easy to get used to people never gave it a chance and the steering wheel has volume controls too
@@Toymonkeyjr bruh why would you defend that. Everyone complained and the car is made better by having it back in. The new golf has had a similar reaction
@@papa_pt I can defend that because it didn't bother me, lol. Sorry for having an opinion. I'm used to old fashioned cars too but this feature never bothered me and I play music frequently there' s a lot of more annoying issues with the civic the volume knob is the tip of the iceberg and not a real issue. The new golf is different because literally all the buttons are not physical which civic retains a lot and the infotainment on the new golf has bad delay and glitches
Same here. I was really excited for this car, but that touch sensitive climate control and steering wheel I foretell will be a huge annoyance on a daily basis. Also a danger, as it causes the driver to take their eyes off the road for a longer period of time than using a simple knob for climate control.
Same here. And that hurts, because there's so much to like about this car. But unlike underpinning, these are thing you're going to be looking at and touching every day. A constant reminder of the second-class cost cutting in this vehicle.
I hate not being able to see likes and dislikes. It was incredibly useful for all kinds of reviews/recipes/instructions which is a huge part of youtube for me.
Touch sensitive buttons on the steering wheel seems extremely dumb on a performace car, same crap I've been seeing on some newer Ferraris. The headlights are a bit strange looking, I understand they've carried similar designs with the Golf over the years and frankly all VWs don't change much in appearance. I can't help but picture some German engineer saying, "...but look look, we added two half circles to each headlight. Many shapes now!" Despite these gripes, I am still a fan of VW making this car for enthusiasts and maintaining a three-pedal option.
I've seen it in the flesh. The front end is actually very attractive and I really didn't like it at first. However, the rear end is not a looker (reverted to a3 8p / e92 m3 style lights and not in a good way). The interior is also a clear step down from mk7 this must have cost less to produce yet is more expensive for us consumers.
I think the headlights look cool, but I would much rather have a lamp-based headlight. My 2002 Golf TDI has lamp-based headlights, and they look wayyy cooler than the new LED headlights. Also, the lamps are easy to switch out, and they’re super bright as well.
I'm sold on the new Golf R, but that infotainment is a massive pass. I can't stand companies moving to touch screen everything. I like physically feeling for a button and not having to take my eyes off the road to adjust something.
VW: You will be frustrated to find your AC control while diving, then you will eventually give up and focus on your driving only. So we can call that "SAFE".😂
IKR. In my hand-me-down Golf, I have a Sony LCD radio with a knob and actual buttons, which I’ll take over a touchscreen any day. Sure it’s kind of tricky to get to individual settings, but it’s far easier to configure while driving. Also I figured out how to make each individual button and the display constantly change colors!!
@@michaelw2263 Indeed. I'm not dropping 100k on any vehicle just to trade it in 3 years later like what is expected with premium German cars. It also gives you peace of mind if you are buying it in the used market. German cars only give better deals when leasing short term.
I dunno, I have a 2018 Golf with gloss black interior trim and there's no scratches after 70k km (40k miles?) and still looks brand new. You just have to take care of it
Gloss black? The only gloss black I see is the screen bezel… if you want real piano black overload then look at what Kia does. It’s on the door handles, and center console. VW GTI is tame by comparison
@@kwillee93 yes, the entire area you look at the most is shiny plastic that looks like a cheap computer monitor, will reflect sun into your eyes and be covered in dust. No thanks.
@Supernova actually I have never heard of something like that, I can’t drive on the road yet, but that was the first time for me to be in a vw golf r, but I can tell you that it felt pretty good shifting, I didn’t notice any problems at all
I appreciate that your merch ads are short and to the point. I appreciate your stellar reviews, for years, as well. Who doesn't like positive feedback? Thx dude. And props to you camera person, well done.
@@dantheman359 Try driving with it, hands slipping over that area, inadvertently engaging some function you didnt ask for. I have and I dont like it, and it is the general consensus across the car world too i might add. Capacitive this, 'hey google' that, forget it, whats next? Bringing back the clapper from the 80's, and incorporated into mmi, so thats how you turn it on, make karate chop motion for next track, cluck like a chicken to switch to gps, bark like a dog to turn it off etc, no thanks. Call me a dinosaur, but I have no need for siri, alexa, google etc in this space. For context, I come from a time of stick shift 911's and thumping C63's, where the only soundtrack you need is by winding down your window. Having acknowledged my fossilized state, I am embracing the future however, and I am looking at ev's, despite their lack of charm, they are the way forward.
I have the gen 7 Golf R. I absolutely love it. I have really high hopes for the MK8. I'm very nervous about all the touch buttons. Almost every review I've watched mentions how easy it is to push the haptic buttons on the steering wheel on accident.
I’ve had the mk8 gti for about a week. The steering wheel buttons are fine honestly. The only big complaint I have is the climate control and lack of knobs for it.
YES! Awesome to see someone who got their hands on the manual version!! Had the pleasure of driving the automatic. Super fun but can't wait to drive the manual!
I test drove both with the intention of buying the manual. However, the dual clutch was immensely impressive. It has more torque. The gear shifts are smooth and basically have no lag. I ended up buying the dual clutch.
Omg. This car is insane! There are soooo many standard features. There are things that I have wanted for so long that almost no car company does like the different colors of ambient lighting. Cup holders that hold different sized cups. The AC for the back seats is not always an option. I also love that the accents in the car and the gauges are blue. Almost every car company does red or some ugly orange color. Blue, IMO is so much nicer to look at. I cannot believe a car company built a car this uncompromising. Oh, and its a manual! Props to VW!
I literally can not wait to watch this video. I've stated on my channel that the MK7 R is the best daily driver. Even double-downed on it being a practical family car, but with limits. I have no doubt the MK8 will be no different. You the man, Sofyan!
Happy they made this car and added ventilated seats and a good AWD system!...but if I get annoyed and pissed off every time I want to interact with nearly any interior function of the car I'm sorry but I'd rather spend my money elsewhere. For enthusiasts out there I hope that infotainment is revamped after one year, VW is getting a *lot* of flak for making such a cheap infotainment system. Fix that issue and this will be an absolutely solid vehicle. Sadly VW dealers will likely be taking advantage of the supply shortage and charge near $50K for it. At that price just get a Stinger GT2 AWD or even a Genesis G70. Hell, the funky BMW M235i could probably get a similar lease price if you haggle.
Once my Mk7.5 GTI is paid off, I will be getting the Lapiz Blue manual. So can't wait. I've driven the 2021 Arteon which uses the same steering wheel as the MK* GTI and R and I have had 0 issues with the controls on the wheel. Stop complaining about the touch controls if you have never used or experienced it for more then 5 minutes watching a RU-vid video
Didn't even know he was in Asheville. I live in Asheville, and would have loved to meet Sofyan. I once owned a MKVI GTi (APR Stage 1), and a MKVII Golf 1.8 TSi (also an APR stage 1) and loved them. VW has been using the EA888 engine for a long time, and hopefully they have fixed some of the issues that plagued the VWs from few years ago. Fortunately, I have moved on to Lexus and absolutely love my RCF, and LX570.
I have a 7th gen golf R. I am 6'5" and I really really liked not having a sunroof. The fixed seat backs (no movable headrest) really worry me. VW was the one German make that seemed to design for tall drivers til now. I don't think the lack of infotainment buttons is going to be too bad. I always use the steering wheel buttons so change radio/volume anyway. And I think having a passenger will add a tenth or two on a 0-60 time.
Not only that, the new headrests have some of that neck cranking forward angle all new cars have now. I really liked how the mk7 defied the trend and had normal classic headrests. In many ways it was a perfect car. No sunroof is the best, more headspace and nothing to gunk up and leak in the future. VW isnt great at designing sunroofs.
Minor nit-pick, the Mk 7.5 Golf R does have an armrest that you can fully open (and adjust up and down, forward and back), just like the Mk 8. I think you're remembering the early Mk 7 Golf R that had the armrest that couldn't be opened without modifying the hinge mechanism.
I have been driving VWs since 1973 and GTIs and a Corrado since 1983. I also autocross raced my VWs between 1983 and 2007. In 48 years of driving and racing VWs you know what I never said? "I want to drift my VW." But I did say "I want a full sized spare tire." I would get the manual transmission. I would rather have fun than get slightly better 0-60 times.
This is the exact color with DSG I wanted to order from the dealership but all NJ area VW dealerships are telling me they are only getting 2 Golf R for 2022 and if they a higher volume dealer, they might get 1 or 2 more. Will not take deposit or factory order with VW. Great way to expand your market VWOA, even VW of Canada will take factory orders at the dealerships. So I purchased a 2019 MK7.5 Golf R few weeks back and couldn't be more happy.
All the people bashing the capacitive touch buttons and no volume knob have never driven a newer VW with these features! I've been driving an Arteon. GLI, and ID4 for well over a year with these features and once you get used to them(it literally takes only a few days) they are AMAZING to use! My wifes new 22 Tiguan has the new capacitive touch wheel that her previous one didn't and she is already liking it better.
I’m sold, VW increased all the performance measures, still offering a manual and kept the price pretty competitive. I’m trading in my WRX first chance I get. Subaru should take notes.
I bought a 2013 GTi n absolutely love it. It’s all the car i can want n need. This is after owning 3 Porsches. GTi is sporty enough but i don’t care who/what is parking next to me. i’m too OCD with keeping my Porsches at 100% all the time. But…i think it’s time to become a Golf R.
Curantly I lease 2019 GTI and in a few months Im returning it back. No I’m tryin to decide should I buy Type R or Golf R. Definitely both cars are amazing.
I owned a full Bolt-on Type R, loved the car but I traded it in, my advice no technology can't replace awd, I was spinning up into 3rd even before bolt-ons. I felt that at the end of the day Front-wheel drive was just not for me.
@@pbranham3508 my brother and i have both gti and golf r. Both were fbo now my gti will be traded in for any awd car i get into in the near future. Our R has a complete Verkline suspension and completely gutted while still being dailyed. No issues so far and the sound /speed is insane.
Both are great cars. I have a 19 Type R, my friends got a 19 Golf R. The Golf R has the better interior for sure. But at the same time if you plan on keeping it for the long haul, The Golf R is gonna cost a lot more for maintenance and repairs.
The Golf R is a solid total package hot hatch, but at $45k it's a bit too pricey, especially given some of the plastic interior bits. Most German cars sold in the US are overpriced in my opinion, but if you want a top-notch hot hatch, there aren't many choices.
45k starting and then MSRP will drive this thing to be 50k.. a bit rough IMO. I can see a lot of people who were genuinely interested will justify why they won’t buy it with a price point like that.
Honda learned, once everyone got at them for taking away the volume button they quickly realized their mistake and added it back...not having physical buttons on a car is the worst thing you could possibly do.
I just bought a new 230i, and while no regrets, I do think this new Golf R is my second choice in the $40K+ range. I sold my GLI for it, so I'm a fan of VW sports sedans...even if a less attractive hatch chassis. Great video
Great performance and great review but the interior is definitely a step in the wrong direction. My wife's 2022 Tiguan SE R-line has the same steering wheel and HVAC controls, they are abysmal. VW/Audi dropped the ball on those things. It's very easy to accidentally lower or raise volume when turning the wheel. Cruise control increments are force sensitive in increments of either 1 or 3 mph it seems. Someone thought that having apple touchpads with haptic feedback and all, on either side of the steering wheel was a good idea, and it's not.
I couldn't agree more. VW handed the reigns of best interior over to the Koreans. Many of the cheap hard plastics used in VW these days remind me of eco cars of the 1990s. While the rear compartment may be comfortable, all that hard plastic reminds you you're sitting in steerage. On the other hand, even the more luxury Audi (and even BMW) also follow that rear seat trend.
@@krane15 the Koreans are winning in all fronts. The Telluride is an amazing SUV and the Elantra N is a track monster that will likely out perform the Golf R for less money.
It’s nice to hear from real owners living with this kinda crap. Reviewers might mention it but it’s a huge deal if you have to use it and live with it every day. I’ll never understand what problem the engineers think they solved.
First of all love your videos guys thank you ! Do you know if they are going to put auto hold back in the golf 2025 models? Or any of vw? They have it the vw arteon now but no other vw have it in them very disappointing as i love this feature and would buy one tomorrow if it came with it keep up the great work guys !
Golf R looks great, subtle pocket rocket that can fly under the radar - until it's pedal to the metal time ... Should have sequential turn signals in front & back, at least they are amber. Front side marker light would look better incorporated in headlight assembly, already a small side light there ... Slainte' ! Cheers !
Bingo! I assume the R is imported from Germany? But the U.S. has different rules, so I don't thing VW is to blame for the sequential turn signal delete.
I’ve seen several 0-60 runs closer to 4.4 seconds. That said, they were European spec’d. Biggest compliant I’ve seen is the lack of buttons. Just wonder if VW bothered to market test this before launch. The complaints are pretty universal.
Of course they didn't market it. Nobody asked for haptic buttons. That's something finance calculates and management approves. Aka, can we get away with using cheaper plastic?
@@krane15 I get the possible cost savings but I think sometimes manufactures try way too hard to be innovative and forget that simple works. People fall into this trap of thinking that change is progress and is thus better. That’s not always the case. Wouldn’t shock me if VW reconsidered some of their updates.
As a drivers car, how would you compare the R to a GR86? I know very different car, however I'm weighing trading up my GLI to the R or getting a summer only GR86 to compliment my GLI.
Honestly the perfect package in a car . Power . Comfortable . All the high Tec features . Can’t wait for my dealer to get them . Talked to one and they are adding 10k markup which is insane . I can wait till msrp
I find it hilarious that his Civic Type R gets ragged on in so many videos 🤣. That Golf R is almost perfect, but that UX and infotainment system is just so bad...
Late to the party here, but mk8 R owner. I really dont mind the button-less infotainment, BUT I do with we could get a steering wheel with physical controls.
good luck finding it. in SoCal all the dealer lots are so bare, and dealers are not trading with each other. i ordered a Tahoe 2 months ago, and when it was on the lot waiting for me they had offers for it, even when i picked it up a couple asked me if i wanted to sell it. i think this is common right now.
Cheaped out on interior materials, god awful touch controls, and bad infotainment. The driving performance is great on paper but man for $45 GRAND those other details matter (to me) at that price range.
I wish VW would have dug around in the parts bin for a higher capacity clutch like from the ttrs like what GTI drivers have already been doing instead of detuning the manual
Man the faces editor is making , so bias, not saying Honda's aren't good, but you can see the snobbishness, "mine has more power" so douchey. I know its not as fast as type R on track I rather have this to honest. And yes it keeps pulling because it dual clutch, before you shift into the next gear its already ready with another clutch plate to transfer forward momentum, also you can turn off ESC off off no auto shifting. Over all @Redline Reviews its a pretty good unbiased review.
i loved the dual clutch, mine was a 2018, my dealer just bought it back from me. I paid 43,550 plus taxes etc. in June 2018, i put 24,000kms on it and was offered 37,750. I took it and now have a 2015 Tiguan,...for a while....i enjoyed every minute of ownership.
Looks like you are still having some tech issues. The video seems to "shaker" and distort as if stretched out, for example at 10:35 it's obvious. Other than that, good videos as usual Redline!
@@krane15 Sure, that's probably true. But it's noticeable enough and on one of their older videos I've noticed it too. Redline responded that it's due to new tech not being yet properly set up, so it was more of a heads-up that there might be more setting up to do.
Delete the passenger will pull 0-60 4.3'ish I bet. Pretty nice R not gonna lie. On another note...coming from a is38 GTI I'm hoping to get the new RS3. Too bad they don't offer the hatch here in the US though.
I hate the exterior and interior of this generation. One of these days ima pick up an mk7 alltrack with the brown interior and stick a IS38 turbo, APR tune and DSG tune make a golf R wagon
Man, That guy looked so offended about the his Type R not being better as the Golf R! Trust me, Im a Honda guy myself but we all know, Honda need to step up their game ALOT MORE! Thats my opinion though! Respect to VW Golf R! Is beautiful!
