MK8 GTI - 1200miles deep...

[SlipstreamDamper]

Hi all, first post

I've seen/read a lot of reviews on the MK8 GTI from journo's, but nothing on here or anywhere from an owners perspective so thought i'd type a few words about what it's been like to run one so far.

Came out of a MK7.5 GTI around a month ago, so memory is still pretty fresh for comparison

I won't go into absolutely everything, just highlights, so feel free to ask about anything more specific

Let's start with the cons so we can have a happy ending

CONS:

At first, the interior is a b*tch. Not so much the design of it, nothing wrong with that IMO. But the layout and actual use of switchgear is what takes twice as long to get used to than the typical new car experience. The haptic feedback buttons on the steering wheel aren't that bad, to be honest. I'll trade them in a heartbeat for the hard physical buttons of the previous Golf, however, they do look pretty smart and you learn to adapt to these after a while without frustration. The swipe volume knob (?) and next/previous swipe pad are useful when wanting to turn the volume all the way down pretty quickly (similar to a mute button), but also offer some form or resistance for you to adjust the volume to the desired amount. Either that or just that the -+ as you wish.

The worst offender of all though is the HVAC controls. Where 99% of people will be used to operating a wheel/knob/dial to control temperature, airflow direction etc, but in the MK8 controlled via the main screen and two small touch-sensitive buttons (which aren't backlit) at the base of the screen. Same for volume control and power button. This is trickier than steering wheel controls to operate at any time apart from stationary, you have no choice but to take your eyes off the road to adjust (which can become dangerous) and forever leaves you wanting physical buttons to use for simplicity and safety. Something which really didn't need to be changed.

The keyless entry system is temperamental - The MK7.5 had the same entry system and worked faultlessly. The MK8 has proximity sensors, unlocking automatically (most of the time)when you approach it with the key in your pocket and keyless entry door handles that unlock (some of the time) when you touch/pull them.

The wireless Apple Car play can be glitchy - has tendencies to freeze or refuse to play music when using Spotify or Waze

Not sold on the centre "unibrow" led strip at the front of the car

Standard with Hankook's are great, plenty of grip in dry/wet but are pretty noisy at motorway speeds

PROS:

I'm surprised at how they've been able to improve the ride and handling of this car. You can feel the stiffer springs, the daughter body and more direct/responsive steering, yet the car still retains more than an acceptable level of comfort even of 19" wheels. More grip than before from both axles. If you really go digging for it, you will find understeer of course, but you either have to be driving like a loon or carrying way to much speed into a corner.

First steering rack I've used which actually feels better in its sportier setting. In the MK7, comfort gave a high amount of assistance but more feel than sport, whereas in the MK8, comfort has the same amount of assistance but with pretty much no feel at all

The DSG box now has a feature which'll select the lowest available gear when holding the downshift paddle, the gear changes themselves being exactly just as responsive as in the previous car. Surprised VW weren't able to improve on these as they can sometimes be a little bit laggy when in manual mode, but fine most of the time. When in auto mode, the gears are no longer displayed on the screen. All you can see now is a "D" unless in sport or manual.

Power is the same at 245, but there's something about the MK8 which makes it feel a tad quicker. Could be wider power band or broader torque curve, but it defo feels a little sharper. Lag isn't really a problem either

Exhaust sounds a little bit better than before with more prominent DSG "farts" on upchanges and woofles at low speed downshifts. Not intrusive, but noticeable

A lot easier to get comfortable in the MK8 than the MK7, leather seats are an option which come with drivers memory electrically controls as standard and will also remember the mirror positions too.

Interior lighting is pretty smart with the ability to chose whichever colour you prefer

The standard sound system is more than adequate for anyone who isn't an audiophile

This car looks a lot better than its replacement IMO, especially from the front. The bonnet has lines matching up with the headlights which resemble material being stretched and pulled back, the the wide lower grill with wide headlights give it an aggressive look, and the 5 point fog lights are a nice touch. Hidden-until-lit type things

I've covered a little bit, but feel free to ask about anything else. These were just things that came to mind straight away

[MattyD803]

Thanks. An Interesting read, as I am considering a Mk8 GTi at present, having had a Mk7 GTD previously.

I dislike the standard fit 18" Richmond wheels so would need to go for the 19" Adelaide - some say DCC is essential on this wheel / tyre combo? It appears that may not be the case in your opinion?

I note they fitted the "non-performance" spec brakes on the std GTis? How do the brakes perform when pressing on a little?

Do you have any other factory options fitted? And what colour did you go for?

Cheers
Matt

[ghost83]

How do you feel about it’s looks compared to the previous?

I had a mk7 gti pp and I was really put off by the mk8s exterior looks and I had a preview to the interior and thought the mk7/7.5 was much much nicer

Didn’t drive it but it wasn’t a car I could look at and love either inside or out

[culpz]

Good little write-up.

People's comments on the exterior looks are baffling to me, as it doesn't really look that much different to the previous MK7.5, apart from maybe the front. I like the look of the interior and i also like how they've actually changed up the inside, but after watching a few reviews, it does look like quite a bit of a faff to even operate the most basic of functions in the car.

The Clubsport version interests me the most. The new Golf R looks fantastic to me aswell. I also like the look of the BMW 128ti. I reckon that might be the one to have over the standard GTI.

[MattyD803]

culpz said:

Good little write-up.

People's comments on the exterior looks are baffling to me, as it doesn't really look that much different to the previous MK7.5, apart from maybe the front. I like the look of the interior and i also like how they've actually changed up the inside, but after watching a few reviews, it does look like quite a bit of a faff to even operate the most basic of functions in the car.

The Clubsport version interests me the most. The new Golf R looks fantastic to me aswell. I also like the look of the BMW 128ti. I reckon that might be the one to have over the standard GTI.

Decent savings to be had on the Clubsport already.....in fact, DtD will do a bog standard Clubsport in Pure White at £31,845 if you take out the VW PCP offer. This is only £2k more than a bog standard GTI for an extra 55bhp, bigger brakes, suspension tweaks and (IMO) a nicer interior trim. No brainer really....although you'll certainly want the Adelaide wheel in both guises.

[SlipstreamDamper]

MattyD803 said:

Thanks. An Interesting read, as I am considering a Mk8 GTi at present, having had a Mk7 GTD previously.

I dislike the standard fit 18" Richmond wheels so would need to go for the 19" Adelaide - some say DCC is essential on this wheel / tyre combo? It appears that may not be the case in your opinion?

I note they fitted the "non-performance" spec brakes on the std GTis? How do the brakes perform when pressing on a little?

Do you have any other factory options fitted? And what colour did you go for?

Cheers
Matt

Hi Matt,

I agree, the standard 18” are good looking wheels but look pretty small and get lost in the bigger wheel arches. 19” still offer a great ride without DCC. The MK7 was on 18” and the ride is just as smooth, although can be a bit more crashy when driving over potholes or big bumps.

I believe the brakes are the same as the performance pack brakes from the MK7. No noticeable difference in braking from the MK7. Characteristics are all the same (longish VAG pedal, strong initial bite with more than above average stopping power) and don’t leave you wanting more

Options -
19” Adelaide wheels
Heated seats and Steering wheel
Reverse camera
Panoramic Sunroof
Atlantic Blue

Not sure you’d need more than that, DCC would good to have to but depends how much you’re willing to spend

[SlipstreamDamper]

ghost83 said:

How do you feel about it’s looks compared to the previous?

I had a mk7 gti pp and I was really put off by the mk8s exterior looks and I had a preview to the interior and thought the mk7/7.5 was much much nicer

Didn’t drive it but it wasn’t a car I could look at and love either inside or out

MK7/MK7.5 was a better balanced looking car (front flowed and matched the rear if you get what I mean) than the MK8

Still not sold on the rear end view of the MK8, but looks great from the 3/4 and front end is pretty tasty too

[SlipstreamDamper]

culpz said:

Good little write-up.

People's comments on the exterior looks are baffling to me, as it doesn't really look that much different to the previous MK7.5, apart from maybe the front. I like the look of the interior and i also like how they've actually changed up the inside, but after watching a few reviews, it does look like quite a bit of a faff to even operate the most basic of functions in the car.

The Clubsport version interests me the most. The new Golf R looks fantastic to me aswell. I also like the look of the BMW 128ti. I reckon that might be the one to have over the standard GTI.

Thanks Culpz

Totally agree, the club sport and R look a lot more aggressive than the subtle standard Golf

I think how much you’re willing to adapt to the new controls will depend on how much you appreciate mew tech. I love to see technology being improved so it might not bother me as much as it might some people. Even though, would still prefer having some physical buttons and dials for the infotainment at least

[SlipstreamDamper]

MattyD803 said:

Thanks. An Interesting read, as I am considering a Mk8 GTi at present, having had a Mk7 GTD previously.

I dislike the standard fit 18" Richmond wheels so would need to go for the 19" Adelaide - some say DCC is essential on this wheel / tyre combo? It appears that may not be the case in your opinion?

I note they fitted the "non-performance" spec brakes on the std GTis? How do the brakes perform when pressing on a little?

Do you have any other factory options fitted? And what colour did you go for?

Cheers
Matt

Pictures to follow

[culpz]

MattyD803 said:

culpz said:

Good little write-up.

People's comments on the exterior looks are baffling to me, as it doesn't really look that much different to the previous MK7.5, apart from maybe the front. I like the look of the interior and i also like how they've actually changed up the inside, but after watching a few reviews, it does look like quite a bit of a faff to even operate the most basic of functions in the car.

The Clubsport version interests me the most. The new Golf R looks fantastic to me aswell. I also like the look of the BMW 128ti. I reckon that might be the one to have over the standard GTI.

Decent savings to be had on the Clubsport already.....in fact, DtD will do a bog standard Clubsport in Pure White at £31,845 if you take out the VW PCP offer. This is only £2k more than a bog standard GTI for an extra 55bhp, bigger brakes, suspension tweaks and (IMO) a nicer interior trim. No brainer really....although you'll certainly want the Adelaide wheel in both guises.

Yeah, no reason why you wouldn't go for it, in that case!

Are the normal 18" GTI wheels the same ones as you get on the Clubsport as standard? Odd how they don't do their own style, if so. I'd always take 18's over 19's, but those standard ones look pretty horrific IMO.

[culpz]

SlipstreamDamper said:

culpz said:

Good little write-up.

People's comments on the exterior looks are baffling to me, as it doesn't really look that much different to the previous MK7.5, apart from maybe the front. I like the look of the interior and i also like how they've actually changed up the inside, but after watching a few reviews, it does look like quite a bit of a faff to even operate the most basic of functions in the car.

The Clubsport version interests me the most. The new Golf R looks fantastic to me aswell. I also like the look of the BMW 128ti. I reckon that might be the one to have over the standard GTI.

Thanks Culpz

Totally agree, the club sport and R look a lot more aggressive than the subtle standard Golf

I think how much you’re willing to adapt to the new controls will depend on how much you appreciate mew tech. I love to see technology being improved so it might not bother me as much as it might some people. Even though, would still prefer having some physical buttons and dials for the infotainment at least

Clubsport looks much more purposeful and aggressive to me. I also like how the Golf R now seems to be a bigger step-up above the other variants and also the S3, with this generation. Shame you don't get those lovely looking paddle-shifters on the Clubsport model though. The standard ones are pretty cheap feeling and too small.

Tbh, visually, it looks lovely and much more expensive. I reckon you'd probably get used to it eventually. Thing is, people want different, but when they finally get it, they complain about it!

[MattyD803]

culpz said:

Yeah, no reason why you wouldn't go for it, in that case!

Are the normal 18" GTI wheels the same ones as you get on the Clubsport as standard? Odd how they don't do their own style, if so. I'd always take 18's over 19's, but those standard ones look pretty horrific IMO.

Yes, sadly the Clubsport is fitted with the same 18" Richmond wheel that the regular GTi is also fitted with.

I quite like the Adelaide, but have heard that the ride on the 19" is a little uncompromising without DCC......

[SlipstreamDamper]

MattyD803 said:

culpz said:

Yeah, no reason why you wouldn't go for it, in that case!

Are the normal 18" GTI wheels the same ones as you get on the Clubsport as standard? Odd how they don't do their own style, if so. I'd always take 18's over 19's, but those standard ones look pretty horrific IMO.

Yes, sadly the Clubsport is fitted with the same 18" Richmond wheel that the regular GTi is also fitted with.

I quite like the Adelaide, but have heard that the ride on the 19" is a little uncompromising without DCC......

The standard GTI on 19" without DCC is still fairly smooth IMO (considering the car it is), but the same spec on a Clubsport could be a bit crashy and tiresome, seeing as the clubsport will more than likely come with stiffer suspension

[culpz]

SlipstreamDamper said:

MattyD803 said:

culpz said:

Yeah, no reason why you wouldn't go for it, in that case!

Are the normal 18" GTI wheels the same ones as you get on the Clubsport as standard? Odd how they don't do their own style, if so. I'd always take 18's over 19's, but those standard ones look pretty horrific IMO.

Yes, sadly the Clubsport is fitted with the same 18" Richmond wheel that the regular GTi is also fitted with.

I quite like the Adelaide, but have heard that the ride on the 19" is a little uncompromising without DCC......

The standard GTI on 19" without DCC is still fairly smooth IMO (considering the car it is), but the same spec on a Clubsport could be a bit crashy and tiresome, seeing as the clubsport will more than likely come with stiffer suspension

Seems really lazy to not give the Clubsport model it's own wheel design. Or even if they simply made the standard GTI much better looking and appealing.

My Cupra on 19's isn't too bad but that has the DCC as standard. Would still prefer 18's though. Going over even the smallest of potholes makes it feel like the wheel is gonna fall off!

[Dar_Williams]

What sort of PCP deals are people getting on these? Not sure what I think of the interior but love the way the exterior looks!

Edited by Dar_Williams on Wednesday 6th January 16:50

[chrismc1977]

MattyD803 said:

Thanks. An Interesting read, as I am considering a Mk8 GTi at present, having had a Mk7 GTD previously.

I dislike the standard fit 18" Richmond wheels so would need to go for the 19" Adelaide - some say DCC is essential on this wheel / tyre combo? It appears that may not be the case in your opinion?

I note they fitted the "non-performance" spec brakes on the std GTis? How do the brakes perform when pressing on a little?

Do you have any other factory options fitted? And what colour did you go for?

Cheers
Matt

We have a 7.5 GTD & had a 7.5 GTi as a loan car. Both DSG

I was deeply unimpressed with the GTi if I’m honest. The DSG mapping meant it wanted the highest possible gear all the time unless absolutely hooning it. The box just didn’t suit the engine. This was regardless of what setting or mode it was in

With the GTD it suits the box as you just waft along using the torque- but on a petrol GTi that needs 4k revs to be in its stride it felt constantly off the boil unless you were flat out or playing flappy paddles.

Maybe they’ve fixed it on the mk8- not sure. Can’t say I’d have one as they’ve ruined the looks now!

[MattyD803]

Dar_Williams said:

What sort of PCP deals are people getting on these? Not sure what I think of the interior but love the way the exterior looks!

Edited by Dar_Williams on Wednesday 6th January 16:50

Based on a car with heated front seats (£270) and reverse Cam (£300), DtD quoted me £30,268. That equated to £3000 down and £406 a month, over 42 months.

That was 5.4% APR via VW PCP, which I think has now dropped to 4.9%, so they will be slightly cheaper now.

GFV was £14,454, so you'll probably have a bit of equity after 3.5 years, but based on this, I think leasing is the way to go on these really.....

[okenemem]

SlipstreamDamper said:

Exhaust sounds a little bit better than before with more prominent DSG "farts" on upchanges

thought emissions standards would have ended this

[SlipstreamDamper]

Surprisingly VW have managed to reintroduce these, even more prominent than the MK7 GTI

[Baked_bean]

I have been driving a Golf GTI Mk8 also as my current company car. I have to say that all of your pros and cons are applicable to me! Although it is worth saying I still prefer the mk7.5 in terms of looks and interior usability.