SavageGeese | VW GOLF R Updates | Still Hot Enough? [12:29]
Posted by lostboyz@reddit | cars | View on Reddit | 83 comments
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yd8fp0xjcxk
No real surprises, great car, amazing awd, bad interior, doesn't like to do track stuff. I'm excited to see the follow up comparison with the Elantra TCR
StrangeSmellz@reddit
I own the 8.5. Hands down the best all-around fun car. The ride and interior is a really nice place to be when you're not living your life 1/4 mile at a time. Which is 99% of the time.
chadwicke619@reddit
99% of the time? My man, we definitely got hot hatches for different reasons. đ
DaBombDiggidy@reddit
As a former owner its funny hearing them constantly say the GR corolla rides horribly because it's absolutely true and for some reason owners are completely delusional about it. Always get downvoted to hell for it.
xt1nct@reddit
The GR corolla feels significantly cheaper inside than a golf r. I donât know why anyone would pick the GR.
Rashkh@reddit
I went with the GRC for the physical controls. It's also a lot more fun to drive.
Astramael@reddit
I donât know why anyone would pick the Golf R, but I car exists for each personâs preferences.
Rashkh@reddit
I've owned the first model year of the VB WRX and the 2024 GRC. I don't think the GRC rides horribly but it's definitely less worse than the WRX. I also think that the GRCs ride is a big part of why that car is so much more fun to drive than the WRX in every situation and is a trade-off I'd make in a heartbeat.
Astramael@reddit
GRC has good low speed damping and overly stiff high speed damping. Same as it ever was for Japanese sporty car tuning for some reason.
V4_Sleeper@reddit
How horrible? Like very stiff? Bumpy?
DaBombDiggidy@reddit
Dash rattling fun with every bump.
RousingRabble@reddit
This isn't special to VW or the Golf but I do wish more automakers would go back to having the screen be integrated into the dash. The ones that poke out always look terrible to me.
namesdevil3000@reddit
I like the poke out ones since I feel itâs closer to my eye-line than when itâs lower to be integrated into the dashboard.
I wonder if itâs easier to manufacture/repair if on top.
KanterBama@reddit
I like the poke out style because I can use the edge of the screen to stabilize my hand. On infotainment systems that are integrated, like Subarus, youâre stuck hovering your hand above where a bump could cause you to press the wrong thing.
JProhaska3@reddit
This is the ultimate example of the whole âyou canât please everyoneâ.
You like it that it pokes out so itâs closer to your eye-line.
I like it when itâs integrated and lower so itâs OUT of my eye-line. I prefer to just drive and glance down at the screen when I have a need for it. I donât want it staring me in the face the whole time. IMO a HUD with your essential information with a lower integrated screen is the best combo.
stillpiercer_@reddit
The MK8 (2022-2024 in NA) is put together functionally identically to the MK7. The screen comes out of the dash with 4 T25s. Replacing it takes maybe 20 mins.
Ftpini@reddit
Yep. The dash in my 24 mustang is a bid absurd. But it completely negates 90% of the benefit of a HUD in the windshield. While perhaps not as visually appealing to some, itâs certainly more functional.
iroll20s@reddit
The ipad on dash style are usually trivial to get out. Though the more embedded ones are often just a couple bigger trim pieces away. It probably just ends up making the dash really bulky to house modern screen sizes.
beardedcatfarts@reddit
I with you on this one. The other positive is that the dash itself is lower than if they wanted the display integrated into the dashboard and around the same line of sight.
Rashkh@reddit
That's basically the Audi S3.
Temporary_Shirt_6236@reddit
They not only look terrible but are functionally terrible in a hatchback for those of us who actually use hatchbacks to haul shit around.
I just can't see that screen surviving when I have to pick up lumber for a home project.
StrangeSmellz@reddit
Wtf are you putting in your car that touches the top of the dash?
Ray1340@reddit
If I needed to carry lumber often I would use another vehicle. For me it,s a practical and fun car, far from perfect, not that many choices in Canada, land of the SUV.
stillpiercer_@reddit
The MK8 screen was much better than the 8.5 as far as streamlining the screen with the interior. The giant iPad is still so hilarious to me.
hamsterhooey@reddit
Literally the biggest eyesore. This style was probably cool in 2016
dabocx@reddit
Having it integrated means having it lower or raising the whole dash line up.
Zugzugzug3@reddit
Audi has the map that can show in the binnacle so they could get away with it, but we talk all the time about dangers of having to look down to the dash to wrangle non-button touch controls for HVAC and distracting from the road. Having the navigation down that low has the same issues.
SnowDucks1985@reddit
I really wish the Golf R had more colors, it was genuinely amazing when they had the Spektrum program on the Mk7.5 generation. I feel like for the price premium, owners should be rewarded with more color options
daver456@reddit
I never understood why the GTI got a bunch of fun colours but the R has been mostly black, white, or blue.
Iâd love an R with the new slate blue thatâs available on the GTI.
Several-Eggplant4460@reddit
Are owners choosing anything that didn't come out of a black and white photocopier these days though?
Zugzugzug3@reddit
The RS3 cousin of the R comes in some of the most extreme colors you'll find on a car and I've seen more neon red, yellow, and green RS3's than I have black/silver/white. So for the right car I think people absolutely do like colors. Offering only black, white, and blue on the R is a cost cutting move and nothing more.
epsiblivion@reddit
we have the grey option from 2026 now as well. how generous.
Several-Eggplant4460@reddit
I know it's an option, but are people choosing them?
BMW also had a dark purple and now a bright blue on their M2's.
_galaga_@reddit
Java Green II Metallic is hottt on the M2. I dig that bright green metallic on a lot of cars, Roswell Green C8, Mojito Wrangler, etc.
Substantial-Oil7569@reddit
I saw a Mojito Gladiator this weekend and even though I don't like the trucks, that's a fun color.
_galaga_@reddit
Exactly, it is fun, and I think it looks best with some black trim, or a black grille & top on a Wrangler as opposed to the painted top, because it gets overwhelming at that point. The M2 can pull it off because itâs smaller. Glad weâve got some fun bright colors around, tho.
GregAllAround@reddit
When they did the Spectrum program in 2019 the order list filled super fast. I didnât have a chance to get on it and I got my car in the middle of the year. The demand is definitely there if the colors are good
SnowDucks1985@reddit
I wouldnât know honestly, but Iâm guessing if there was more color choice from the onset less buyers would go for neutrals
dabocx@reddit
The yellow and green RS3 seems very popular in my area.
FoST2015@reddit
I want to wrap one Miami Blue so bad.
Bebealex@reddit
A basic wrap is a nice option when buying used.
TakingKarmaFromABaby@reddit
There's a purple one that lives in my neighborhood and it's gorgeous.
DM725@reddit
I've bought multiple GTIs over the last 20 years, all were manual. I always covered a Golf R and could not afford it. Now at $50K and no available manual I am resigned to never owning one.
user289734@reddit
Buy used?
DM725@reddit
I would never own a GTI/Golf R out of warranty and the price of a MK8 Golf R with one is significantly overpriced. Also for anyone not paying cash, used car interest rates suck.
user289734@reddit
Buy CPO and an extended warranty?
DM725@reddit
Overpriced.
lostboyz@reddit (OP)
At this point you're making excuses to not own one and/or complain about they cancelled the manual.
DM725@reddit
I'm really not. CarMax wants $39k for a 2022 Good R with 34k mikes.
user289734@reddit
That seems mostly reasonable.
DM725@reddit
That car only depreciated $6k over 4 years and 34k? That's a no for me dog.
xt1nct@reddit
Golf R is a niche car with low depreciation. Itâs good for those buying new.
user289734@reddit
These are high-demand cars which is why they keep their values so well. Another plus for resale.
epsiblivion@reddit
that is definitely overpriced. you can get a 2024 with less miles for close to 42k.
speed_demon24@reddit
Are they really? Slim pickings and they will have minimal depreciation.
xt1nct@reddit
You have cx90 phev and are worried about vw reliability?
DM725@reddit
You ever hear of a lease?
user289734@reddit
So you're worried about wasting money on interest rates or setting aside money to maintain a vehicle, but then you're leasing a vehicle? One of the most expensive ways to purchase a vehicle?
DM725@reddit
It's not when you're good at finding lease deals. I could lease this car for almost 9 years and not pay the MSRP plus tax.
user289734@reddit
OK but then you don't own the car at the end of it
DM725@reddit
Why would I want to own one when I get a new one every 24 to 36 months and am fully warranteed? I'm on my 2nd CX-90 PHEV lease.
After this lease I'll find another deal and have paid $50k over 10 years and don't nothing but oil changes once a year.
Blyatskinator@reddit
Yeah I was wondering the exact same thing as you, what is that logic lol⌠Leasing cars is pretty much for wealthy people who donât care about anything other than having a new car every two years and that they can just dump the car at a dealership when any problem occurs whatsoever.
TobiasE97@reddit
It's also a trap for poor people who are lured with the low monthly payments. I have several friends with well below average salaries and they all lease their cars. The funniest thing is, one of them wanted to buy their car after the lease ended, but then came home with the same car but brand new for another 3 year lease with the argument "its the same monthly payment and I get a better engine and more features". The dealer got them good there.
DM725@reddit
I could lease this car for almost 9 years and not pay MSRP plus tax.
PurchaseStreet9991@reddit
Tbf if you bought an older one out of warranty youâd also have more money left over for any repairs. Not gonna say theyâre as cheap to fix as a Hyundai but theyâre generally pretty mature platforms with a lot of parts availability
Beyryx@reddit
I think the year I sold my B8.5 S4 Audi/VW stopped making manuals. I don't hate dual clutches at all, I think they're great at what they do, but I doubt I'll buy another car from them in my lifetime. Shame.
Zugzugzug3@reddit
If it makes you feel better the Manual in the MK8 R was probably the worst manual on sale in a sport-oriented vehicle. Could be improved aftermarket, but even if you improved the feel, the engine and gearing never matched well.
darknecross@reddit
Put the I5 in the Golf you fucking cowards.
pipots@reddit
Thought it was just me but thank god for Mark confirming the electrical stuff. Rented a Jetta a few years ago and it was sunny, nothing blocking the sensor on the front and the damn cruise control just did not work.
Herder0fnerf5@reddit
This makes me wonder how good a 2026 focus rs would have been.
Successful_Ad_9707@reddit
My buddy's dad recently got an MK8 6spd that I've been in a few times now. (Hopefully get to drive it at some point myself). It definitely feels better screwed together than my GR Corolla and feels a bit quicker, however it lacks much character.
The car sounds like a dying vacuum much like the other 4 popper turbos in this class. If this had the 2.5 paired with the 6spd, I'd have traded in my GR yesterday.
I feel like stock for stock it's not as fun to drive as the GR or CTR in the dry. The car doesn't seem to want to be a hooligan as much as it's class rivals. It's definitely the grown up of the group. Nothing wrong with that if you want a mature hot hatch. Me being a 34 year old manchild meant it wasn't quite for me.
I think Everyday Driver put it best in their comparison video a few years back when they said "it'll do all of the hot hatch things, but not willingly".
TedTheLurker@reddit
WRX & GR ride horribly, I went from a VB to a MK7.5 R and downsized the 19s to 18s and the ride quality with the adaptive dampers is lightyears better, I bought the WRX with 9 miles on the odometer and by 26k it started to develop squeaks and rattles on the interior, traded it in for the R and never looked back.
Substantial-Oil7569@reddit
I don't mind the WRX suspension so much unless you're driving on a road with lots of little bumps, then it's genuinely awful. It's better damped for smooth roads (duh) and big dips/bumps.
My Mk7.5 GTI suspension was really nice for daily driving though, even without DCC.
How do you like the manual in the R vs the VB? I've always wanted to drive one, but just never got around to it. My VB has the factory-optioned STi short shifter and heavier weight knob, and I'd say it's good but not great.
Petrol_Head72@reddit
Would just say that they didnât say âhorrible interiorâ at all. They said it was a nice place to be, felt mature, and well put together. They said the use of Piano Black trim is horrible and it looks bad after use.
Please donât conflate these two things.
PurchaseStreet9991@reddit
Having driven driven basically every car they talk about in this video, I agree that in a Northern location with inclement weather, the Golf R is really great at maintaining fun performance year round
But I would go on record as saying that while the RS3 is definitely the most fun Golf platform, (people are gonna shoot me for this) I actually think the GTI is more fun than the Golf R in a more temperate climate where snow isnât a typical issue. The RS3 and GTI are both very âsillyâ but I find the Golf R slots into this spot where itâs a bit too buttoned up
I really wish the GTI 50 was available in the US which is basically a souped up GTI with a Golf R turbo in it. It would be cool to see what that competition does for the CTR
AmNoSuperSand52@reddit
Closest Iâll be able to get my GTI to a GTI 50 is probably a tune and some suspension changes
PurchaseStreet9991@reddit
Iâve driven the Mk8 stock and another one soon after that has a simple Stage 1 tune and an upgraded rear sway bar and holy shit; that $1000 in upgrades genuinely made it one of my favorite driving cars on sale today
Substantial-Oil7569@reddit
A tune and RSB + end links are pretty much mandatory on a GTI. I thought my Mk7.5 was a bit of a pig until I did those.
TelephoneDesperate84@reddit
GTI with good winter tires and youâre golden
BahnMe@reddit
Theyâre pretty good and fun to mod and DIY.
Biggest flaws are the Haptic Touch buttons on the steering wheel (easy to fix with a kit from FCP Euro) and the non-backlit temperature controls as well as seat heaters in a menu.
With how much thought and care they put into the design of everything else, blows me away the UX team at VW let that go through. At least the seat heaters can come on automatically at low ambient temps.
The Mk8.5 with the giant screen is obnoxious and ugly, I much prefer the Mk8âs screen which is appropriate for the interior. However you do get back lit temp slider with the 8.5.
DaBanninator@reddit
This POS is outdated and irrelevant.
Several-Eggplant4460@reddit
Hot hatches aren't as popular as they used to be in the US, but I'm glad some good options still exist. The Golf and the Mini Cooper are probably the best that come to mind. Arguably the BMW M140 too, but that didn't make it over the ocean to the US market...
tclark2006@reddit
If Mini/BMW would put a manual into the Mini Cooper it would be at the top of my list for my next daily.
Several-Eggplant4460@reddit
Neither the golf nor the mini have stick shifts anymore.