Review | 2018 VW Golf R | Specs Often Lie

After reviewing cars like the Subaru STI, Honda Civic Type R and Focus RS the VW Golf R completes the list for now. After years of debate, it is time for a new discussion on how to measure a vehicle's worth. We look at the pros and cons and decide maybe what car to buy.

Intro Music by Alan Fowler Music
BendPak is the Official Lift Provider of SG

Savagegeese is:
Scott Turbowski
Mr. Goose

Index:
00:00 - 00:50 Intro
00:50 - 6:12 Interior and Exterior
6:12 - 12:30 Suspension and Diffs
12:30 - 12:52 Weight and Balance
12:52 - 14:13 Engine Discussion
14:13 - 18:46 Problems and More
18:46 - 28:05 Driving Impressions
28:05 Final Thoughts

[realbeetlejuice]

savagegeese is the only car channel where I need to watch every minute of it, not skipping any parts.. impressive.

[SGxShadow]

Wonderful honest review of the Golf R. Before purchasing mine, I looked at all the other options. For me, I like the subtle nature of the Golf R. It has some speed, but it doesn't look like it at all. It looks like a Golf with extra exhaust ports. No flash. No attention grabbing. I like that. The people that know, turn heads. The people that don't, completely sleep on this car and that's what's wonderful about this ride. I don't need to shoot flames out the exhaust with the factory system (RS), I don't need the insanely huge spoilers (Type-R, STI). I'm a simple grown man. My "fast and furious" days are way behind me... but I still like a little kick from time to time.

[tomcravens]

.... Bought a 2019 R with conviction after reviewing your critique(20 times)-I am so pleased with the vehicle-great car even for "a young" 70 year old-it is sooo good, period!!

[TheThunderwars]

One of my buddy has a Dec 2018 one. He tuned it up a little with a little bit more boost, better intake manifold, better intercooler, and it makes around 360 whp. It feels very brisk and feels stronger than a Mustang GT 480bhp. The driving assistances are insane, and even at around 210km/h you still have lane assist and automatic braking. I went from Turin to Paris in one morning and was on time for lunch with Mom. It really is insane.

[DugEphresh]

Savagegeese ...Finally a no fan boy approach to commonsense automotive research. I have been binge watching these videos and really enjoy the full honesty of every contributor. Now once he starts getting his sponsors for his million dollar a month life goal I don't think anyone will be honest again. But in the meantime, i love this monotone mothereffer and his rag tag crew of honest mechanics. Awesome, just Awesome!

[CruJones]

Being a '17 R owner, I came here expecting to scrub through the video to get a general idea of your thoughts and I ended up staying for the whole video. Just real review info and then some with no BS. Subbed!

[khunopie]

I don't love too many VWs, but this unit really polishes my prostate

[The_Clint_Beastwood]

I appreciate the lack of "fluff" and the deadpan delivery. No "OH WOWW THE ACCELERATION!", just a little smirk - maybe even a smile. I subscribed because you seem like someone you could kick back and have a beer with while talking cars. And I like that you actually *do* things with cars and get your hands dirty. I appreciate the "real world" nature of your reviews :)

[allosaurusfragilis]

My wife has an old golf r32, which shes had for nearly ten years. It still goes well, looks fine and best of all is worth almost what we paid for it. That makes it probably the best car weve ever had. That kind of quality is worth bearing in mind when youre thinking of buying one. They are expensive but its well worth it in the long run, in my opinion.

[JohnMollisonOGTA]

Agreed on the lack of 'soul' - but German cars don't have souls. They have logic. The R is a point-shoot car that's a tool instead of an expression. Regardless, "this" is the best review of the R on YouTube - thank you for putting it out there and well done!

[kyledrexler]

Agree on the overuse of piano black interior trim. I feel like it's an attempt to look classy, but it's just cheap hard touch plastic that develops hairline scratches and swirls if you breathe on it. On these superbright LED displays, I just want a night mode: everything ultra-dimmable and RED, allowing your eyes to stay adjusted to low light. Driving hours at night is fatiguing enough, but doubly so when you have white, blue, or green gauges.

[jmmartin]

I heard of you through the straight pipes and I see why they rave about you, frickin awesome job

[CFG]

The carbon issue is present on all direct injected engines from all manufacturers. The EA888 gen 3 engine used in all current VWs has a vastly improved PCV system to help eliminate the carbon buildup, especially compared to first and second gen EA888 or EA113. The Gen 3 motors have been in production now for 6 years and there are few complaints about carbon buildup becoming an issue like it was on the first DI motors from VW, Lexus, Mercedes and BMW. No car is immune to it, but there's a common belief that driving the car really hard every so often is key to heating up the valves enough to burn off any carbon deposits. It wouldn't stop me from buying the Golf R or any VW or any DI car currently for sale.

[nikkcarroll]

Digital displays are cool. But I highly doubt they'll ever have the reliability of actual gauges. Not to mention displays in cars always look outdated rather quickly. That's why maybach doesnt put screens in its cars. To keep it timeless

[arevee]

From the music, to the lift and the driving, these reviews are in another league. And you even showed the rear with the seats folded down - something so few reviewers think to do when reviewing hatchback vehicles. I've never thought much about Patreon, but I'm thinking about it now.

[jsnadrian]

"You have the rear end on tap when you need it"
"Sounds like your kind of day"

bahahaha

[evotuner]

There is a spring on the clutch pedal that assists in bringing the pedal down. Also a restriction valve on the clutch line.

Removal of both makes for a much more enjoyable experience.

[AudiophileTubes]

"Lets say you have this car for 5 or 6 years..." I've had my '03 GTI VR6 for 16 years now! Some VW's really do last, with a minimal amount of problems or issues. Haven't even changed the timing chains yet.

[RideByNight]

The attention to detail in this review is unbelievable. Well done.

[housepianist]

This was the best review of the Golf R I've seen.