The 2022 VW Golf GTI Mk8 is WAY too expensive!

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk8 is FINALLY here! It's been hailed as "the king of hot hatches" and "the perfect daily" - but at $65,000 can it really live up to the hype? In today's in-depth review, I'm going to let you know my thoughts on the new Mk8 GTI, how it drives, what the interior is like, and whether or not you should buy one!

I'll also be comparing it to the Mk7.5 and looking at the good and bad of all the tech. Would you buy one over the Hyundai i30N DCT, Ford Focus ST, Renault Megane RS, Toyota GR Yaris, or the new Golf R?

Timeline:
00:00​ - Introduction
00:59 - Price, Engine, Transmission, Specs + Launch Control
04:17 - Exterior
05:43 - Interior
08:13 - Touch Capacitive / Sensitive Buttons
12:40 - Suspension / Handling / Steering / Fuel Economy
15:50 - Is it Worth It? / Verdict

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[ausluxuryopals]

Best review on this car hands down, your videos are getting incredible!

[ten]

Always look forward to your reviews.

You’ve got the formula of: information + entertainment + your own personal style pretty much nailed.

Look forward to more reviews in future, regards :)

[vladthelad]

I love how passionate Matt is about the cars and reviews. Keep up the good work.

[claudiadavies]

Yes to the Kia stinger, the Golf is beautiful, but so is the stinger 👌👌👌

[hyundaiin]

I love this man’s energy. Feels like my drinking bud down the pub 😂😂

[alexandremorris]

Great review as always, mate. Genuinely!

You're SO right with touch-sensitive buttons.
11:16 "We're trying to get away from using smartphones while driving...but this is essentially the same thing". Couldn't agree more! Especially for A/C and radio/volume!

Design Vote: I like the front, don't like the back. Think Mk7.5 was better.

[johnedds]

The GTI to me is at home under the Porte Cochere of the Hilton Hotel or parked in the junior rugby league suburban ground car park. Enough grunt, and the adaptive suspension is the clincher for me. The other contenders may challenge it, but come changeover time, it will reward you with retained value. Forget the complaints about piano black and clean your special car regularly. It's all the car you'll ever need. Great review Matt.

[brycieboy]

Great review. Cross shopped this against an Alpha Guilia. After checking out wear and tear rate on a three year old Guilia grabbed a Golf. Prices are high globally but so are trade ins

[reitsmaassociates]

Have owned a mk2, mk5, mk6 and Mk7 GTI’s, loved each of them, but the Mk 8 just isn’t hitting the spot, especially the awful cost cutting and no buttons. Have purchased a very low km used VW Arteon to replace our Mk 7 this time. Better value, more exclusive, more space .

[EastWood]

In 2019, I was able to buy a fully optioned R for $53K. VW went nuts.

[pauld]

Would love to see you review a regular mK8 golf as it”s now got an 8 speed auto.

[paulvector]

Great review, I would have the stinger too, but if I wanted a smaller car it would be the i30N

[peterpanousis]

Great review Matt.

The GTI looks like an awesome car but too expensive in my opinion.

Looking forward to your review of the Hyundai i30N and Sonata N-Line.

[ninethree]

I’ve been looking at the R-Line this afternoon. Suits my budget and looks good haha

[samuelcalacoci]

Hi Matt, great test……..obviously a great car but I have to agree with you regarding the price……..$65k far too expensive and lots of better value vehicles around……………I took delivery of a T Roc R line recently ………..I was persuaded by your test on the car a few months back……….very happy wit( the T Roc ……..about $14k cheaper than the GTI ………plus it’s 4motion………cheers…….keep up great work.

[letsseeif]

as the old TV Show said, "The Price ISN'T right!"

[SACarContent]

$65k!!! I’d rather have the Stinger…or 2 Fireta ST’s, or 2 i20n’s…
That’s nuts!!!

[WebbyOnCars]

I own a 7.5 GTi so I’m looking forward to driving one and see how it compares, and if it’s worth the extra money.?! I’d buy one but without the luxury pack, as everyone knows a GTi should have tartan seats!

[richardoliver]

Great review! April/May I had a choice, buy the last NEW Mk7.5 Golf GTI in Adelaide or wait for the Mk8. I’m so happy I bought the 7.5. Loving it, so much a better looking GTI, a bit more of a ‘grunty’ look…

[RCooper]

Hi Matt, thanks for the review! Does this GTI have VW's Travel Assist? Does it keep the car centered in its lane on freeways? I'm looking for a car with solid semi-autonomous tech for roadtrips. Thanks!