Is the 2023 VW Golf R a BETTER hot hatch than a Toyota GR Corolla?

This Golf R is in its 8th generation and VW brought it back for more in 2023. On the outside you will see a familiar shape with special touches. There are 19in wheels, unique rear wing and new "R" badge. On the inside there is leather interior, large infotainment system and digital gauge cluster. Under the hood there is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 that produces 315HP & is mated to a 6-peed manual and AWD. Is the 2023 VW Golf R a BETTER hot hatch than a Toyota GR Corolla?
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Videography: Steven Flood 🎥

[AustinZimmermann-fb]

I don't care what car you're reviewing, I just love the off the cuff comments in all your content! Very entertaining. Plus, you do a great job of high lighting what the car does well and what the joys of ownership would be. There are too many channels that spend 20 minutes talking about what's wrong with a car and its off putting. Keep it up!

[AntFragale]

I have a Mk8 R and I just wanted to point out some corrections. I’ll edit as I keep watching the video.

1). All of the cars don’t have engine covers. This isn’t just your press car. There’s a recall about them coming in contact with hot parts and melting or something. I think they came loose and moved around was the issue. Regardless, they haven’t been on cars in a while. So any new purchasers, don’t expect one.

2) The 0-60 for the manual isn’t 4s. For the DSG it is but the manual is a tad slower. The 1/4 mile time of low 13’s is accurate for manual though. (DSG is like 12.5). **tuned DSG (stage 1) is like 11.4ish for those wondering**

3). Everyone I know who has a radar detector taps them in the mirror :P. Not a “correction” but I’m just saying.

4). To be fair, you *clearly* moved and tried to turn the heated wheel on. It was clear as day lol. I’ve driven my car now for over a year and never once came close to hitting it accidentally. They’re haptic buttons, not just touch sensitive. You have to “press” them still. For those watching, it’s not nearly as easy as people make it seem. The system is intuitive and really is hassle free when you own it for a day or so.

5). Big one here, there IS a heads up display (HUD). I don’t know why he said there isn’t, maybe his car has it turned off. But it shows your speed, speed limit, traffic alerts with the lane and cruise info, navigation directions, etc. It’s fully adjustable and moveable in the settings.

6). The DSG has launch control :)

[mattmekhaeil]

It’s awesome how both hot hatches you’re comparing both have a 6 speed manual. That’s the way they should be bought

[porterreeve]

Just picked up a GTI because I could get it for MSRP. If it wasn’t for markups, the Golf R would be tempting. However, I have already fallen in love with my GTI. Such a fun car. And yes- manual is the way to go.

[eklektikTechno]

I own a 2018 Golf R completely stock and it’s always calling me to come drive it! 😁 very addictive car to own. They are definitely driver’s machines

[johnborsil]

Had a dip on the GR. I switched to the R. I need it to not only rip, I need it to haul my every day tasks without looking like a midlife crisis. I do like the way the GR looks, but ultimately, I like clean lines & more sophisticated looks.

[brwsan]

I've got a 2023 Golf R (manual). I love how enthusiastic he is in this review. One thing I noticed, it does have a heads up display (HUD). Sounds like it might have been turned off.

[Topazviper]

This was my dream car, but dealerships are so greedy the last 2 years they mark up this car 10k literally everywhere I looked across the country. So I got an Audi S3 instead for MSRP no mark up. I do wish Audi would have brought the S3 hatch to the states, but I'm happy with the sedan for now.

[Mavasian]

The short answer is: YES, of course. That thing is ballistic. Standard ones eat sportscars for lunch. APR tuned version can beat supercars.

[onurgns]

Golf is a legend . Don’t compare it with Corollas 😀😀

[haze]

Nothing beats a volume knob and physical HVAC controls.
Bring back the basics, VW.

[Android.Paranormal]

I prefer the Golf R for the following reasons...
- Larger so it's more practical
- 1 extra cylinder for more potential power with upgrades
- More comfortable ride in comfort mode with adaptive dampers
- Also even though I enjoy manual, I do enjoy a dual clutch too. For a enthusiast with back issues like me this is HIGHLY appreciated!

[willieboy]

Golf R. Had a 2012 GTI and it still is the winner as my favorite car of the cars ive owned. The level of fun is just so high in the GTI/Golf R. For a mid 30 year old, this Golf R just seems more mature and subtle than the Corolla. Hands down Golf R or even a GTI.

[donjohnson]

Joe, you are such a vital presence for the car enthusiast community. You consistently deliver and bring the people what they want. I was grinning ear to ear and laughing along with you as you were tearing through those twisty bits. Thank you for everything you do!

P.S. I think I would take the Golf R over the GR Corolla every day of the week and twice on Sundays!

[Cobra_]

Joe those left to right transitions and you laughing made me smile from ear to ear!!! And awesome job Steven

[EvendimataE]

i prefer the body style of the golf way i trust more the reliability of corolla

[anthonyfarias]

I think a lot of the negatives were blown out of proportion. It took me a day and a half to get used to not having buttons. I actually love it. There are 4 buttons below the screen that get you directly to the drive mode screen, air conditioning options, park assist. Very easy to use and it actually works really well. HK sound is fantastic once you set the equalizer as they are set neutral from factory. Love the look of the GR Corolla as well but the R just looks more adult. Sleeper. I actually prefer that over the flashy Corolla or type R.

[ZekeBriarcliff]

The lack of buttons is a real irk for me. It makes no sense to have to access a computer in order to heat my seat. Plus, I need real control over the volume. I can't fumble for that when hitting a bit of twisty road. I call that unsafe at any speed...

[DavidGarcia-ovfb]

Have driven both and the GR clutch/shifter/ driving feel is so much better. Great feedback from the clutch, crisp (but long ) shifter throws, you do get more technology with the R tho. Both easily dailyable but the GR takes it for me. Also the fact the R doesnt have autorev-downshifting is wild at the price point its at, considering the GR does get it.

[sunburn]

Yes, the answer is YES! It’s much more handsome snd the interior feels more in line with the asking price. The Corolla is fun, but the interior is straight rent-A- Car