Mk8 Golf GTI/Clubsport/R - really rather good?

[Olivera]

So there's been a lot of criticism of the Mk8 - looks, haptic controls, reliability issues and so on.

However I'm thoroughly impressed with my Mk8 GTI Clubsport, it's really rather good. In fact it's substantially better than my old Mk7.5 GTI in almost every area: I prefer the exterior styling, the interior styling and angled dash is more modern, more power (albeit not comparing like for like models, but it's still a decent power jump from the Mk7.5 Clubsport), noticeably better chassis, better infotainment and so on.

With regards to reliability, I've had no issues. The adaptive cruise, lane assist, infotainment, android auto, speed limit reading all works as expected. It seems like over-the-air updates have sorted most issues?

My only negative point would be the haptic controls for the aircon, these really would be much better as rotary dials for the fan speed and temp.

Anyone else enjoying their Mk8?

[Olivera]

Chainedtomato said:

Woes

Oh dear, sounds like a Friday afternoon car! Any pics of the issues?

[Olivera]

cslwannabe said:

Anything I need to look out for/avoid etc?

Worth checking the VED due, my 2021 car fell just under 40k when new so isn't subject to the extra £410 per annum.

Out of interest what did you make of the M135i? I did consider one of these.

Would be rude not to include a pic of my Clubsport:

[Olivera]

cslwannabe said:

Those who have a Clubsport, do you have DCC?

Mine does not, but it's on the 18s and I find the ride/damping very well judged. Just the right balance between stiffness/control and comfort. Can't speak of the 19 inch wheels.

[Olivera]

Legacywr said:

The Mk8 has grown on me, I currently have a deposit on a 24 plate R 20 years, in white. Good choice, I hope.

Any advice?

Also, it doesn't have DCC, am I right in thinking that the drive modes change the suspension settings anyway?

Regarding the R - IIRC the torque vectoring rear diff is nice, but an option. Worth checking if it has this, if you want it.

DCC - if it doesn't have this then IIRC the suspension is a fixed rate. As previously stated I find the performance Golf's ride/damping very well judged on non-DCC cars, so up to you whether you want the extra adjustability of the DCC.

[Olivera]

The Rotrex Kid said:

Arrived today, first impressions are really good. Lovely inside. Sounds great

Silver paint and standard wheels aren’t really my first choice but it’ll do!

Nice. Wheels and colour are just perfect