The 2023 Volkswagen GTI Is A 40-Year Old Homage To Hot Hatches

For 40 years, the #VolkswagenGTI has long been the benchmark #HotHatch in the sport compact segment. Last year, #Volkswagen introduced a fully redesigned #Mk8GTI and while enthusiast praised the chassis and powertrain, the latest infotainment system seemed to be a step backwards. For 2023, the tech is still the same, but the current #GTI is still a lot of car for the money if you need something to do it all.

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[gaivoron]

Mk8 engine covers were getting loose and catch fire. That's why they are shipped without covers.

[brimopm]

Bought a Moonstone Gray '22 Autobahn manual a yr ago. Have had several GTI's since the Pennsylvania built '84 and this one obviously has the most refined driving dynamics of all. Love the looks yet wife says too much attention from "skater boy generation" for an old guy like me, but easier for the old lady to egress than the G-body 911 it replaced. Inexpensive way to reminisce with modern looks, safety and technology upgrades, some good, some not so good. That wheel chirp you had can be alleviated with more time with this clutch under toe. My car is so much fun our 26yr old son was compelled to purchase a '23 SE version. Wish I had the plaid seats!! Great review as always!!

[jbowgo]

Had the 5, 6 and 7 MKs. All excellent, never an issue with any of them. Just recently upgraded to the 8SE DSG. Significant improvement all around. Handles better than the 7 and feels faster and more buttoned down. It out Audi Audis in interior feel and look and the Harmon Kardon is borderline audiophile and a better listening experience than the replaced Fender system. Feels bigger, more refined, almost BMW like in the good sense. And for once I didn’t have to replace the tires upon delivery as the Good Year a/s Sport Plus work well with the designed handling. As for the infotainment system, I’m an old guy and it is a non-issue, at least on the 2024 model. Hate to sound like a commercial but this is a seriously good upgrade from prior generations and a one of a kind iconic design that is still out there and holds value. It has evolved and matured and that’s a good thing for some of us.

[HarryTwatter]

just picked up a 40th Anniv in 6 speed. It's so much fun to just drive around! Def going to keep it a long time.

[alejandrosicat]

I'm glad that you mentioned what type of fuel grade it takes. I hope you'll always mention it in all your videos.

[venuesurfamerica]

I owned the first US "Golf" GTI model in 1985. It remains my favorite car ever. The stiff clutch did wear out a few pairs of shoes though.

[hondaftw]

I have had my MK8 GTI for a year and I don’t think I’ve had one month where everything worked without issue. It is a fabulous driving car but I can’t wait to get rid of it.

[fn]

I loved the MK7.5 when I had one. The direction VW took with the infotainment system and all of these touch controls is a dealbreaker. Anything between me and the car doing what I want is a potential point of failure - might as well reduce it to a physical button.

[vinckokeccee]

I think you been tricked by the boost gauge, if you think it's pushing 26PSI. I have a Cupra 300 (Golf R engine car in europe) and my boost gauge is showing 30.3 PSI at peak. I was really stunned, but then i dived into it a little and read around. The gauge shows atmospheric pressure + boost pressure together. So in reality its 26 PSI - 1BAR = 12PSI. At 26PSI this engine would push close to 450HP.

[DanielBrownOre]

First, they do need an upgraded dogbone (rear) motor mount to help with wheel hop which does add vibes, but some options don't add much and is well worth it if you want to launch it. The best thing about the MK8, is the power that its rated for is *at the wheels on Regular gas* (dyno proven)! That is impressive, plus you get more power running Premium and the tunes that finally came out over the last couple of months are insane, like 100hp gains! (and yes, they cracked the TCU enough to at least allow higher torque and clamping power). Plus a lot of MK7/7.5 performance parts fit it, so tons of budget friendly upgrade parts available, so that makes it worth considering alone if you are enthusiast... as for the touch interface, it does have haptic feedback, so it may work well enough once you try it, I hear its responsive, the number of people who call it a "dealbreaker" who haven't tried it is hilarious. If you are an enthusiast you can get used to it if it's responsive and works well! Honestly, I had an S trim with real volume knob at least on order but I cancel and went with the Mazda 3 AWD turbo hatch for AWD, better stereo, sunroof, real buttons and others features for the same price, but no doubt about it, the GTI is the better driver car for sure!

[cookedfruit]

the mild reminders that this is not an SUV are so annoying. The GTI driver knows what they want

[omegawaves]

No engine cover on the new GTIs? Were they affected by the recall/fire risk issue or is that just more cost cutting or parts shortage?

[FourTheWheels]

I live in a metro area and spotting a mrk 8 is a bit like spotting a unicorn. Would be interesting to see the sales figures given all the criticism on the haptic controls and infotainment interface. Anecdotally appears to have had an impact on sales…along with the supply chain disruptions.

[mattdino]

Watching this in my MK8. Don’t let the infotainment discourage you, has a learning curve to it but not a bad system at all.

[medellon]

I enjoy your reviews Sofyan as well as my 2016 GTI. For fun, it is hard to beat a small, light car.

[leestewart]

Engine cover was a recall because it didn't stay secured properly. Mine didn't come with one from the factory either as it was after the recall.

[JT-fqbl]

Buy the GTI/R while you still can, because this is the last generation before it goes completely electric.

[larryfreestone]

I have a 2017 mk 7 coming up on 78k miles. I’ve had the unitronic stage 1tune since day one with zero problems. The plan is to move up to an R this summer.

[melvn_official]

VW US should offer a GTI Autobahn with plaid seats as an option! That would've been my personal pick.

[tobudddy]

Just picked up autobahn model at Humberview December 27th. No issues whatsoever with infotainment systems. I was there to buy a 2024 model, this car was sitting in their showroom dealer offered me the same price as the base model. I guess they wanted to close the book on 2023 inventory before the year end. Most of the reported issues on the infotainment has been resolved on late 2023 models, the ones arrived right after 2024 model year started in September. Mine also red. Beautiful machine. My boys bought 2023 Mazda 3 GT Turbo but the driving dynamics totally different on GTI although Mazda interior outshines. Mazda rough on uneven road but GTI silky smooth. It’s simply hug the roads when turning sharp corners. I feel it’s better than BMW.