Is the 2018 VW Golf GTI Autobahn the BETTER option over a Golf R? - Raiti's Rides

The 2018 VW GTI sees a smattering of changes. Of most interest to enthusiasts will be the 10-hp bump that brings every GTI to 220 horsepower (on premium fuel) and the stronger brakes and limited-slip front differential that are standard on the upper-level SE and Autobahn models. The Autobahn also has standard adaptive dampers. Last year’s Sport model has been discontinued, and for 2018 its upgrades are available more widely across lineup: the GTI can now come in S, SE, or Autobahn trim. Every GTI now has standard LED daytime running lights and taillights, SE and Autobahn trims receive a full-LED headlight array, and every model has a larger infotainment screen compared with last year. Volkswagen has added more active safety technology, including pedestrian detection, and has made existing features standard outside the top trim level. Buyers who choose the entry-level S model will still have limited access to active safety tech. The 2018 GTI carries Volkswagen’s new, longer warranty, which offers six years or 72,000 miles of limited and powertrain coverage and is fully transferable to a subsequent owner.

[panarai_fan]

Hello from New Jersey. Excellent review. Keep up the good work.

[mavsman]

Awesome 👏, I was waiting for this review. Thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these for my work commute.

[deanmarr]

VW fanboy here. Another great MK7 review Joe . I love my stage 2 GTI DSG. I wish I was in florida so we could trade cars for a week. lol

[Imlikethemoviesh]

I used to have a 2011 GTI and I absolutely love dthat car! But then at 60k miles it started having a million and one electrical problems that nobody could ever find and then suffered from massive carbon build up... Still a fun a shell car :D





DAMN IT TOM! YOU ALWAYS SOULD HAVE PROTEIN!!! NO EXCUSES!!! YOURE LUCKY IT ISNT INTERNATIONAL CHEST DAYYY!

[NeloDiavolo]

Been waiting for Raiti's Rides to showcase this and I am glad to see it here. Only a few months before I grab a 2018 GTI SE\Autobahn or R. I test drove a manual SE and it was a great performer, but the R is tempting me as well. The protein bit at the end cracked me up! Doesn't matter what time of day it is, got to have your workout shakes lol. Speaking of which, time to hit the gym!

[padistedor]

I test drove the new GTI a few months ago. As a former early 90s VW nut I had to see what they are like now. The manual drives amazingly well. It feels very quick and nimble on the road, some of the best steering feel in any car at 30k. Only things I didn’t like was the shiny black fingerprint showing material all over the dashboard, the sun roof doesn’t have a hard sliding cover (its like a screen door so light always gets in like it or not), and the wheels are not my favorite design. Those are my nit-picks. I think its a car worth buying if you want a hot hatch. You won’t be disappointed.

[ryanxtv]

Great video! I would still grab the GTI over the Golf R even if I had the extra cash! I just can't justify the price difference unless I'm taking it to the track haha

[incognitoguitars]

Absolutely love my new 18 Golf R. Can’t be beat!

[kjchicago]

My Friend Just Got Her A 2018(or 2019)VW Golf GTI Autobahn and she loves it!

[estebanmoreno]

Pulled a trigger on one with 9k miles super happy with it so far !

[blackflagpirate]

Do love the GTI.My favourite GTI is the one from the late 80s.Nice touch with the red strip on the front, really breaks it up and gives it some contrast 🏁

[blazejbetkowski]

Great review, very enthusiastic :) wish you had driven that car and compared it to rs, sti, s3, R and bmw 1/3 maybe. The most important points ale missing but still great to watch, All the best!

[amill]

I like this one a lot and now they have 6yr 72k warranty. VW will have an all new version out next year though.

[johnwjeromejr]

You didn't answer your own question (in the title).

[incognitoguitars]

Great car. Came very close to getting one before deciding on my GolfR

[westendmotel]

The GTI Interior and VWs approach in general with interior are always orders of magnitude better in fit and finish over other competing brands. And when you drive a car often -that with the handling are the most important aspects for enjoying a car.

[ralphsmallblock]

Definitely my favourite hot hatch gti understated but packing punch and it being a german car makes them a solid riding beast

[Jorge_Magallon]

In my opinion, for someone who doesn’t track etc, but does like canyon carving, in this hot hatch field the 2017-8 field is really great. Ultimately, I preferred the Fiesta ST. But I often have my family 4 with me even on fun drives, especially my 2 kids (with a a BMW X3 and a 2014 Mazda 6 stick). I would say that the Focus ST, RS, Type R, GTI are all great too. It’s a preference thing. I really don’t understand the Golf R. Drove it back to back with the autobahn, both in stick. GTI actually felt lighter on its feet and looked more special while a still understated. But again, I didn’t drive at the limit because it wasn’t like I was at a performance event. Maybe that’s where a Golf R would shine.

[adamrandell]

I'm happy with my GTI luxury sports pack, my biggest gripe is the leather. It's really hard and over a long period of driving it sends your ass and legs to sleep, I do like the DSG it's a cool addition. Thanks the another great video Joe, Cheers!

[dannypitassy]

Tom is always looking for that next protein high. It's so cool that Lori is so supportive when you're just acting like a kid in a candy store. Don't worry about those keyboard jockeys. They don't have anyone to love them at home.