MK8 latest info

[fredgroves]

I honestly don't know why anyone is still hating? Sure the stupid base model in yellow in the dealers looks pants, but so did the Mk7 base model.

The GTI (which is what this forum is about...) looks like this:



That is far from a fail IMHO.

[Watts]

I'm disliking the front end as what I've seen in the flesh had plenty to dislike. I'm not hating it, it is only a car and I did say I wouldn't go as far as describing it as hideous or awful. Plus I was comparing like for like, two base models. The image you've posted of the GTI does look better but, I think in the flesh it will still suffer from the same issues as the base model, the lights are just too low down. I'll be happy to say that's not true though once I've seen a GTI in the flesh and I like it but I somehow doubt that'll be the case.

[Exonian]

I have to say my thoughts mirror Watts’ having seen a yellow dealer car and a black ‘onthe road’ car.
Watts’ post summed it up perfectly for me.

When sat trying not to nod off during the Volkswizard mk8 collection vid as Andrew ran through the features in his usual sensible fairly open minded way, I couldn’t take my eyes off the white TCR sat in the background thinking what a great finale it is to the model in all areas.
The GTI picture there posted by fredgroves doesn’t in any way invoke the same feelings. The gaping gob and the low low headlights look a bit like it’s trying too hard where as the mk7 GTI has natural good proportions.

I’m far from discounting a mk8 in the future as the R with 330 bhp might actually be a step forward but I can honestly say the base model mk7’s weren’t anywhere near as controversially received at launch even though they did provoke some criticism.     

[fredgroves]

Its almost certainly to do with various regulations about bonnet height (pedestrian safety), maybe headlight height too.

If you look at end of the similar models that are new around now, they all have the same "front end styling". I don't think its accidental.

Talking of regulations, I was reading that some new reg from 2020 has reduced exhaust noise.... apparently the M135i after Feb 2020 is considerably quieter than before because of it.

[ar899]

I'm warming to the exterior looks. It's the interior I don't like.

[SRGTD]

I don’t think the very large honeycomb shaped holes in the lower grille help the GTI’s styling. Why on earth did the honeycomb holes need to be that large? Leaves the radiator and a/c condenser very exposed to damage from flying stones and other road debris. A grill with a smaller, more subtle honeycomb pattern would have looked better IMO, and provided more protection.

Hopefully VW will have a large stock of radiators and condensers available for when owners need replacements.

[AndyGTI]

Hi Guys

I’ve just been watching Andrew from Volkswizard on his full review of mk8.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=fYcMJUfIf-g

Hopefully the link will appear above, apologises if IT skills mean it doesn’t.

Seems like a good open minded full review of most aspects of car. It’s certainly worth a watch and does a good comparison between mk7 features and quality.

Watts - he mentions the doors and there are small puddle lights in the handles.

I am reasonably optimistic (or is that desperately hoping) that the performance models will look better than the basic models, however I agree with others that on the GTI the honeycombed area just seems too expansive and should have been styled further.

Internally, I very much fit into the sceptical camp on use of so much touch screen and controls. But willing to give it a try (well a decent test drive). I am not sure either on voice control fine if it works but could end up losing your temper will I could.

I dug out the Golf GTI presentation on VW website and it did mention presales for GTI as from summer (obviously for continent) (this was published in May) so Fred probably right that we will be lucky to see a customer car before 2021.

[SRGTD]

@AndyGTI; I watched it during the early hours this morning. While it’s a more informative and open minded view of the mk8 than many I’ve seen - and has probably helped me dislike it a little less, I still can’t bring myself to say I like it better than the mk7.5 . It’s useful to hear the views of someone who’s ‘lived’ with the car though, and their likes and dislikes compared to the previous generation car, and some of the things you only become aware of after a period of prolonged use, rather than a 30 minute test drive.

While I’d noticed quite a few of the bodywork panel differences compared to the mk7 / mk7.5, I’d not spotted all of them that were pointed out in the video. I agree with the comments on the wheels - IMO those 17” wheels certainly do look too small and I personally don’t like the design of them. Andrew at Volkswizard points out the double bonnet catches as a positive and an example of VW upping the quality stakes in some areas of the mk8 over the mk7/mk7.5. I think the double catches are now a safety requirement though, rather than VW upping the quality stakes; the current model Polo has these, and I think any recently introduced new VAG models also have them - judging by some of the online video reviews I’ve watched.

Something I don’t buy into is the need for so many different colour options for the interior ambient lighting and infotainment screen display - do we really need so many colour choices? I’d probably only ever use a colour that co-ordinated with the paint colour of the car (no doubt down to my car OCD! ) so if I had, say, a red car, I doubt I’d ever use any of the many shades of orange or green or purple for interior ambient lighting).

Slightly off topic but mk8 related; something not covered in Volkswizard’s review as I think it’s GTI-specific is the pulsing red illumination of the keyless start button on the GTI. Quite a few online reviews have focused on this feature, which makes me think the reviewers are struggling to find positive things to say about the GTi. Would I care if the keyless start button pulsed like a heartbeat? I don’t think so. Hopefully when reviewers have an opportunity to drive the mk8 GTI there’ll be lots of positive comments on the way it drives and handles.

All in all though, a decent review by Volkswizard. I’ll look forward to seeing the Volkswizard review of the GTI when the car eventually makes it to the UK.

[fredgroves]

I doubt any reviewer is genuinely looking at much of the car at all.

And even if they are, most of the driving bits are very subjective.

Things like it has XYZ feature (eg the start button) or has a 0-60mph of x.x seconds are hard facts.

Trying to describe how its better than the last one at actually driving? I think you'd need to be a certain sort to be able to describe that. Other than of course trying laptimes or something lame vs the Mk7.5.

The review you are really looking for is someone who had a Mk7.x who got to drive the equivalent spec Mk8 for a month or 6 months.

That's what we all here want to hear.... and the place where you will find that.... is here, in about a years time.

[Exonian]

The VolksWizard review was on point.
I did wonder if it would be a bit held back in regards to criticism being as Andrew is wanting to get on the guest list for VW press days, but as hoped for it was fair and concise and totally unscripted.
It was certainly the view us repeat owners would have as regards to details that would be lost on brand swappers, and I think that is important as overall Golf sales do rely on a lot of repeat customers.
Lots of very fair points brought up and taking into consideration the time restrictions he had I’m sure further thought and reflection will be made in future videos.