You Can Always Go Back to a Stick-Shift Volkswagen GTI - One Take 

A GTI with a manual transmission shows that the old formula still works! #savethemanuals

The 911 of the Hot Hatches

I stand by the idea that the GTI is one of the most fun commuters you can get.

The GTI and the Golf R are two of the best all around hatchbacks produced in this day and time. Excellent vehicles👌🏽

Like some others said, the pedals cam is really appreciated (feels like these old Japanese drift videos!). I hope you will release more videos with this, setup! Cheers o/

I own a 2018 GTI and I recently put a Cobb Stage 1 tune on it - so it puts out about 275 hp. Since I bought it right when the outbreak started I got a deal - my car had 12,000 miles on it and all in with my tune, taxes and a set of TSW Bathurst wheels in gunmetal grey I am in it for around $24500. It is an amazing car - it is replacing my 2016 Civic commuter car and my 2003 Mazda Miata track car. My other car is a 2013 911 Carrera and I would say that the combination of those two cars is as close to automotive nirvana as I have experienced in my lifetime so far.

I've got a 19 Rabbit Manual and I've put about 20k on it. Had some heavy commuting for a while and it handles traffic wonderfully. It's the perfect balance as everyone says. Right amount of power to have fun with, but slow enough that you can run through the gears without going to jail. It's always had just the right amount of cargo space. If you can't have other cars, or need something a bit more reasonable it's the perfect choice.

Almost 1 year in on my 2019 Autobahn manual. It is such a joy to commute everyday with it. It feels like pure luxury, and well thought out (unlike other manufacturers that slap stuff together). 6 year warranty too. Different class than Si and WRX.

Just bought a used GTI with a stick to replace my old DSG GTI. Such a great and fun car. Modern classic.

I have owned Audi's, BMW's, Mercedes and Porsches. Still very close to my heart and I would gladly own again are the 3 VW GTI's I have owned. 6 speed, plaid seats I love these cars.

More "normal" cars please! Love the content, Matt. Good stuff as always

I commute in a 2018 Golf R manual everyday. Love it. With two simple mods I completely fixed the shifter and clutch feel. Tons of tech standard, super comfortable, looks good (not too flashy but those who know, know:) Highly recommend! I picked it up a year ago with 1,500mi and it cost less than this Autobahn Edition.

Love the pedal camera, please do more of those!

When I was at the track 2 weeks ago, there was a 70 year old man having a blast in one of these.

Picked up my 2020 6mt gti this past march and tbh one of the best cars i've ever driven

I'm 20k miles into my '18 Golf R manual, stage 1 Unitronic, Sachs clutch and it's just the perfect car. Nothing else to say, just perfect.

I love my GTI with a 6 speed stick! It's always fun to drive it.

Thanks Matt for giving the Mk 7 GTI some love! I own one with a DSG and it's my daily. I just completed $5k in modifications (include big brake upgrade) and now it's pushing ... 360HP at the crank! Even with the huge increase in power I still average 28.5 mpg on my 30-minute commute. Without a doubt one of the best cars I've ever owned. Great pedal cam action!

I drive a used Mk7 Golf R, which I got after a used Mk7 GTI, after a used Mk5 GTI. All DSG, I tuned and modified them all, and the R is the one I just want to keep until I can get an F80 M3 Comp. I can’t overstate how quick this thing is with a stage 1 tune. We’re talking high-3 0-60, low-12 quarter-mile. What I had unending frustration with with the GTIs was grip at daily driving speeds. Do I use more full throttle than most people? Yes. But $950 on wider tiresthat lose their grip after one year, with other inexpensive traction mods too, was the only way to get some satisfaction from a tuned GTI. A tuned Golf R can put down 400hp in first gear with average all-seasons, or hang the tail out if you turn the wheel sharply while doing that. I’ve got 64k miles on mine now, and the only issue I have is rattling interior trim, and that’s possibly from the louder exhaust. It’s got light and direct controls, snappy DCT upshifts, and for $30k all-in, including the tune, I can drive my kids to 60 repeatedly in 4 flat in a small, zippy little thing that doesn’t draw much attention.

I own a 2016 GTI S coupe w performance and lighting packages. I'm actually the second and fourth owner. The guy I bought it from (twice) is the first and third owner. We both loved the car enough to buy it twice. I've owned a lot of cars, but this is by far and away the highest quality vehicle I've ever owned. That includes several BMWs. It's so incredibly well thought out and engineered. No corners were cut anywhere. The doors are solid, the body is stiff as a rock, the steering is laser focused, the engine revs freely and smoothly, it's easy to work on, easy to clean and detail, plenty of headroom for all, and it has perfect seats and seating position. Plus with the rear seats down you can haul an enormous amount of crap. It's basically the perfect daily driver.

Car and Driver once said about the MK7 in their top 10 of the year "everyone should own one of these in their lifetime." I took their advise. Never a regret. Btw...one of the best reviews here that I have seen on the MK7/7.5 - bueno!

I have a 6-speed manual 2003 GTI VR6 that is now 18 years old. It still puts a smile on my face after all these years! It handles OK, but I can't imagine how much better current GTI's are, in terms of performance and handling.

I'm not a VW guy, but I really like the MK7. I think we'll look back on it in 20 years and appreciate what a beautifully balanced package it was. And looking at the MK8 interior, I think these will probably hold their value well for a German car.

Just bought a 2020 mk7 manual. It's such an amazing vehicle. Cannot stop driving it. Smoothest ride of any hatch i've driven in!

I own a 2018 GTI SE and this review is spot on. It drives phenomenally as a daily driver & I've also had it on track a few times as well at VIR. Can't recommend it enough!

This review takes me back to the 2012 GTI manual I had until last year. Everything he said about pedal feel is correct too. When I upgraded my current 2014 Audi S4 manual, I found it more natural in stop & go because you can directly feel the clutch engagement. Funny thing was I had both cars for a short while, and when I'd drive the GTI I would speed shift unintentionally because the shifter and clutch were so much lighter.

90K and counting on my 2016 GTI. APR tuned stage 1 with upgraded clutch for the manual and the thing is a dream. Its been very reliable for me

Still loving my 2017 GTI Sport with manual. Had been looking for a manual Sportwagen when one of the dealers found the manual GTI and suggested a test. Decided that more umph in front made up for a bit less stowage in back. Though the many generations newer car lacks the crisp appearance of the last GTI I owned, a 1985 Mark II, twice the power, vastly improved engineering and build quality, and enhanced amenities make the newer car work as well for this retiree as that car did for a thirty-something in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

Glad you did another GTI review I felt like the last was more about the R than the GTI. Glad to see the canyons opening back up.

2019 Rabbit edition owner here. I feel like this absolutely nailed the essence of what a modern old-school GTI can be. It is a driver's car as much as one can be had out of a GTI with plaid cloth seats, limited slip, no sunroof. The only problem I have with it is rev hang on hard acceleration making smooth shifts difficult, and the anticipation of electrical problems that seem to plague every VW I've ever owned (4 now in 30 years with big gaps due to being upset with VW as a result).

Thanks for finally doing this, Huge GTI enthusiast here

Manual shifting is the best way to feel the road and the most fun by far. Learned to drive on my brothers Celica 5 spd back in 1974. Owned a 82 Accord hatchback, Golf and Neon, all manual and great cars. My 2016 basic GTI in silver cannot be driven slow. It possesses you to accelerate hard at traffic signals, take corners fast and get up to speed in a hurry. Everyone I take for a ride loves the way this car drives and feels. I love it! Owning this car makes you feel smart and young again.

Dear Mr. Farah, The addition of the paddle cam was truly fabulous. I would (as I'm sure would many others) really appreciate a camera on the rev gauge. I think that would really give us a peek not only at your rather excellent technique ... but also at some of the thinking that goes into it ... understanding things like when do you decide to downshift, what revs you just leave the motor hanging at between the corners (instead of upshifting to extend engine life) ... etc.

Owned a Mk7 GTI manual for a couple of years and loved everything about it, such a capable car! Especially the way it goes around bends and powers out of corners with the help of the eLSD. Sold it to a friend to upgrade to a 997 (manual) so see it every few months and I still think it's a great car. Might have to get a Golf R (manual or DSG?) as a second car at some point, goes to show it's a winning formula.

I have a 2020 GTI SE Manual and love it. I don’t drive as much because I work more remote now. Every time I take out mein kleine GTI for a drive it’s still fun and exciting.. I just don’t get tired of it. The handling, acceleration, braking, brings ear to ear grins, it’s so much fun 😊. Back in college I had an ‘83 Rabbit GTI. I had so much fun with that MK 1. Now I’m 53 yrs old reliving the past but now in a refined MK 7.5 which keeps the character of the original GTI and brings new technology. So glad I made the choice to buy a GTI before the MK 8 arrived. Would still like to test drive a brand new MK 8 but the looks and interior are not the same.

So glad to see you’re doing one takes more often. I really enjoy them!

Thanks for all the great content, Matt. The pedal box cam was pretty nice! I liked it a lot. Have a great week.

I drive a 2017 7.5 GTI, German model, regular spec with 230 hp. I was issued a company car at the beginning of 2020, a regular Audi A4 Avant 2020 model year. But I decided to keep the GTI around, and boy, I always have the biggest smile on my face when I drive it. It’s just fast enough that it’s really a lot of fun but not that fast that you’re risking life and limb. Build quality also is excellent...it’s the best car I’ve ever driven, period!

I got my GTI manual only last week. Absolutely love it, such a comfortable car for a daily drive but yet got the perfect about of power

I own a 19 MK7.5 Manual GTI and it’s nice to hear a review of your own car. Matt said basically everything I feel about the car.

Bought a 2017 GTI S 6 months ago. Planning on keeping the car for a few years so I put about $13k in mods into the car. I fell in love with it. Almost done with the build already. R400 conversion kit, is38 turbo, wavetrac lsd, and a million more. So far only good things to say about it.

As someone who's going to be learning manual in the not too distant future, I loved the pedal cam! That should be part of a review every now and then.

A 2010 GTI has been my daily driver for 9 years. 183k miles in and still going strong!

Feeling the pedal box cam in a big way. It def adds value, even on autos to further understand your evaluation of throttle mapping and brake response.

Mark VIII is a step down - this might be the best it ever got.

Love my GTI. This old guy loves his DSG. Great that VW still offers a a stick when so many companies are dropping them. Not sure about the MK8, that all glass touchy feely cockpit really bother's me. Although I'm sure it will be a great drive. Thanks for the drive video.

Have been driving this GTI model for a month now coming from a 2017 GTI, and a 2014 before that...it has just gotten better and better and better. I love this car and know that it may be the last manual my wife and I purchase. I hope I can keep this car for quite a while, I’m really going to miss it when it’s time to move on.

Great review as always. You seemed a little bit more receptive to what the GTI brings to the table this time around. Made for a nice reminder of why I like them so much

MK7.5 GTI owner here. I love the GTI but I'm always left wanting more. Upgraded to a GT350 recently and every time I'm back in the GTI, I love it at first and then I get very bored very quickly. It's the perfect all around do everything vehicle. It's the 911 for the common man (kind of). It is exactly what it's advertised to be. At the end of the day, I'd still rather be in an Audi or Porsche. If the budget doesn't allow for more, the GTI is a magnificent choice. If the budget DOES allow for more, go for what you REALLY want.

Got my manual GTI back in 2015 and I must say that I wouldn't been happy with anything else as a daily. Even though I am not really up there on mileage (around 40,000 miles right now) this thing has truly held its own. after 5years now of ownership, I still get the same unique driving feel since day one. And yes have the same reservations described @10:18 and the lack of grip in 1st and 2nd, but honestly, these are the things that makes the GTI what it is. A prime example of a formula that simply... just works.

Paid under 25k for my 2019 GTI in Dec from the dealer. I got the APR Plus Tune for 1k and it brings the beast alive.

Welcome back, again

I'm thankful for the MK7 Golf existing because it allowed for the Audi A3 (which I own) to become a tuner car with like 90% parts compatibility with the Golf. There is almost no wrong way to spec a Golf either. The EA888 engine is really nice, the Manual just works and the DSG transmission absolutely slaps.

My 2018 GTI SE, DSG is hands down the most fun car to drive I’ve ever owned ! From the interior to the engine the cars set up very nicely , I’d recommend a GTI to anyone who wants the perfect daily little quick hatchback 🔥

Got my 2019 GTI S for 22k w/ 3,500 miles on it. For me, the less tech the better. No need for dual zone, don't care about the led headlights (actually don't like the red stripe in them at all).No push button start? Don't care, Ive managed to use a key for 30+ years.I wanted to have the plaid seats and 6-speed, the rest mattered very little. Having the 6 year/72000 mile warranty was a big win as well. Love the car.

How you present ads has improved a ton.

I owned 5 GTIs before getting up to Porsches, and just got a GTI for my daughter. You absolutely cannot beat how much car you get for the price. The drive is top notch in class, and the interior is very well built. I love that they have the plaid seats again (since 2020) ...

Loved seeing this review and Matt's appreciation for the Mk7.5. I got a '19 SE manual with the experience package in February and have been so happy with it. I am excited to drive it every time I get behind the wheel. It does so much well that it really is a compelling car. I really like that it's sporty and fast, yet easy on fuel (high 30s on the highway). Looks great outside and in.

Love the pedal cam!

I have a mk7.5 se with a manual so much fun to drive i live in Orange County and have to commute on the 405 daily and the light clutch is nice you don’t need a dsg if you sit in traffic often

I drive a 2019 Golf R as my daily. Love these cars, great on the very windy hilly Hong Kong roads. quick, handles great, easy to park and you can easily seat 4 adults.

I have a 19' GTI SE, and it is the best car I've ever driven. It puts it on the road when you need it to, and is a sleeper when you want to be low-profile. Amazing vehicle by VW with a great legacy.

A car so nice, it's uploaded twice!

Im watching it for a second time now, don’t mind me a another great one take !

I've looked into a GTI for a daily. Currently rocking a 2009 Cobalt SS Sedan. Matt, I would love to see you drive one. You've driven every car I have owned except the SS and I am constantly impressed with how good the car is. Very under appreciated. The turbo Ecotecs are great. Thanks for another great video. :)

I drive a used MK7 GTI SE with DSG as a daily alongside my 91 Civic track car (having an actual track car makes me enjoy the comfort and ease of use of the DSG everyday), and I genuinely believe it is the perfect daily driver. Lots of usable space, awesome to road trip. Great in the snow in the Midwest with winter tires, runs with expensive cars on back roads with summer tires. So far put on 30k+ miles with no issues and is a dream to drive everyday. Recently added Cobb DSG tune with an MAPerformance Stage1 engine tune, and it now punches way above its class in terms of performance. This combined with the luxury and its practicality, really can't justify replacing it with a more expensive car. It just does everything right.

I’ve got a 2018 GTI S manual and couldn’t be happier. I think it has less rear seat legroom than my 2011 Clubby S but it’s infinitely better in every way. For my commute and the lack of desire for track days the S trim is perfect. Plus, it’s the best color on a GTI, WhiteSilver!

The clutch pedal feel can be drastically improved by removing the delay valve. It's an annoying job but only takes about 30 minutes if you know how to properly bleed the clutch.

The golf is one of my favorite cars of all time. Adding that to the fact that I own a MK7 Golf R DCT. The thing I like about the Golf is that VW has always treated it with an evolutionary approach rather than a revolutionary approach like most other manufacturers. The result, is that you can sit in any generation Golf and get a familiar feeling. Its like a great relationship that just gets better with time. 2 other cars that also produce the same kind of nostalgia are the Miata, and 911. You will also never mistake them for anything else at any distance. All three are also best in class for their intended purposes.

Just picked up my first car of my own and it’s a 2015 GTI SE 6 speed manual. I bought the car before I even knew how to drive it, but brought an experienced person to test drive it and teach me. I could not be happier with it. It’s the perfect balance of fun and practical and as a college student who can only afford one car, it’s is the perfect “one car does it all” type car. Thank you for another amazing review Matt! “GTI never die!” ^^^Gonna need that on a shirt haha! 😂

I had a MK 2 GTI in the 80's and loved that and now have had a 7.5 for 2 years and really like it. The base model which I have has terrible halogen head lights and the ride with out adaptive shocks is a little rough but not awful. Bought as a commuter and get about 32 mpg and don't feel like I am driving an appliance so still a good compromise I think.

I bought my GTI new in 2015 here in Germany. I love that car. Used it for trackdays for 4 years, it was really fun. I'm not about to sell it, hopefully many more years to come.

Going to one million soon. Keep up the great work Mr. Farrah.

Great quick review and perspective! Matt has lost weight and I'm digging his sunglasses!

I own a MKVII GTI with a manual, and it’s legitimately the best car I’ve ever driven. The quality and feel of the actual drive itself is unmatched. I have owned quite a few manual sports cars and none of them feel quite as good as my GTI. I plan on keeping this thing as long as possible.

I’m picking up my 2017 GTI mk7.5 in the 6 speed manual today. Can’t wait!

I just bought a 2020 GTI Autobahn 6MT in Pure White. I wanted to go back to a standard. DSG is nice but I do miss rowing my own gears.

a stage 2 or 3 performance clutch really helps with the clutch feel, and there are a bunch of aftermarket stuff to stiffen up all the rubber bushing connections between subframes and such. makes a massive massive difference from stock.

Thanks for fixing the video... Now it is available to cure my smoking tires desire.

I have 191,000 miles on my mk6 gti and it’s never skipped a beat. This car is very receptive to mods as well. it’s an amazing all around car

The GTI is a perfect template for modding to the owners desires. My MK6 GTI has been good to me and is a very capable machine

I was going to get a MK7 GTI, but then I happened to get a MK7 Golf non-GTI as a rental car. I figured out that the normal Golf has the same motor as the GTI with a smaller turbo and 0.2L less displacement. And, the best part, the normal Golf drives like a GTI Autobahn in comfort mode. I saved a lot of money by getting the normal Golf (manual, of course), and it is still a lot of fun. I could get the $600 tune to bump my Golf to the GTI-level power output, but so far that hasn't been necessary.

Unfortunately we don’t have great, twisty roads in South Florida. I drive a 19 GTI S with a DSG, (I’m 77), so stick shifting is history for me. But everything you said about the car, I totally agree with. It’s my senior factory hot rod. Great job, thanks, RickGTI 😎

2016 6-speed GTI here, 110,000 miles on it. Great comfortable all around car. Does the family thing, does the canyon thing, its been great. My 5th GTI (1990,92,06,10, and now 16) and definitely my favorite. Will probably be my last gas car

This car drives for you when needed, and let’s you work when you want to actually work 🙌🏾

I have a MK4 Golf with a neuspeed supercharger. Owned the car since new 20+ years and has been super reliable. Drove the new MK4 Rabbit. You're review is spot on. It's a great car. I haven't driven many new cars but I do agree about the clutch feel and that's most new cars. Ps I like me some torque steer 😯

Looking forward to your GolfR 7.5 Revisit.

I had a MKV GTI and removing the clutch delay valve did wonders for the feel. Unfortunately it didn't address a far deeper problem that would occasionally result in the clutch pedal sticking to the floor until you popped it back up with your toe under the pedal. It was either the slave cylinder or out-of-spec end-play of the output shaft. If it was the former, you had to drop the entire bell housing to get to it and you might as well replace the whole clutch while you're at it. If that wasn't it, and it was the output shaft? Replace the whole engine. I said no thanks and traded it and a little dough for a 135i. No clutch issues for the last few years I've had the 135!~

I'm on my 3rd manual GTI (MK4,5,7) and it's so much fun. I have an Audi S3 which is quite a bit quicker due to a bigger turbo, DSG and the latest Haldex AWD (never any wheel spin, just go) but I'm usually more excited about driving the GTI. There's just something about THE hot hatch, especially with a manual.

Had my Mk6 manual since new. Never going to sell it. The EA888 is one of the all time great turbo engines.

Have a 7.5 Golf 4 and couldn’t be happier. Manual of course!

Love that little dig at the gearing on Cayman's lol

I just bought my first mk6 gti and I absolutely love these cars!! Is there any info on the clutch depressing easily then becoming harder? It's a used car

I am a long time fan of the channel. Great to see that you enjoyed the GTI Matt. Europe also has the Polo GTI which is not available in the US. It is smaller and lighter but with a slightly detuned engine. It is perfect for twisty roads and comfortable for day to day. All the best to you and the gang.

The GTI Mk7/7.5 is my favorite Golf gen Can’t wait to see the new GTI Mk8 with the manual gearbox!

What brand is your cam mount? Cam setup? Excellent vids!! Thnx :)

I just bought a manual mk6 gti last week. It needs some TLC but I love the car

I love my GTI, nice vid👌🏼

A weighted shift knob makes a huge difference, a lot of people use a clutch stop as well.

Pedal cam looks good, just need the tach cam for the full best motoring feel. Agreed on modern vw clutches, no feel at all and coupled with throttle by wire does really seperate you from the experience