Who’s swapping their Mk7/7.5 then...

[monkeyhanger]

I wonder what's new about the EA888 Evo4 engine? A return of port injection and use of the Budack cycle under low load to increase economy like the 3b variant in the Polo GTI?

I highly doubt UK GTIs will come on17" wheels as standard - the Polo GTI gets 17" wheels as standard, and it costs 65% of the price of the anticipated £35k RRP of the Golf. I'd expect the Golf to add to the Polo GTI+ spec, so gen 2 of the virtual cockpit as the Polo has, 10" infotainment screen as the Polo has, and hopefully a lot more besides for your extra £12k.

[fredgroves]

There are two screens though in the Mk8 (like the Mk7.5)... one is what we know as the AID and the other the MIB.

Some VW docs talk about a 10" AID and a 8.5" MIB but that VW press release says specifically about the performance Golf family having 10" and 10.5" as standard - thats effectively "navpro".

[BobbyT]

I think I'll wait for the 8.5. I just can't fall in love with the front end, I think the new A3 and Leon look much better. 

[fredgroves]

It doesn't look so bad in this photo actually - which I think really illustrates the point that you are likely to have a different opinion in the flesh:

[Jim_mk7.5]

Germany get 17s as standard but the UK will probably get 18s like it does now.

Yes, there's no way the UK will get 17s as standard. The ones in the pictures are 18s for sure and would put money on them been the standard ones for the UK as they look to be a slight variance on the already marmite Parkers.

[Hertsman]

If i was looking at a manual GTI I would not be, as I would turn my attention to the new 130N which has literally everything as standard! with just colour your remaining option.

Significant saving, maybe as much as £10,000 over a similarly option GTI and it looks good, drives and sounds amazing and though not seen in flesh, the interior is far more to my liking in style and it would just maybe be some of the quality of material that you notice, which given the overall package pretty sure you can rationalise and live with.

I would want DSG and thats not an option so I would have likely looked elsewhere but it would definitely be on my radar as would the LEON Cupra if the MK 8 was my option.

[Jim_mk7.5]

It doesn't look so bad in this photo actually - which I think really illustrates the point that you are likely to have a different opinion in the flesh:

Not sure if anyone else noticed but in this picture, the seats aren't the right ones...🤔

[dean5125]

It doesn't look so bad in this photo actually - which I think really illustrates the point that you are likely to have a different opinion in the flesh:

I have to agree they do look good from that angle but I think that's only because you can't see how pinched the nose is...… smart photography which must be a sign of even VW thinking its odd looking!! I'd buy one from that picture!

[Jim_mk7.5]

Yes, those wheels look a lot better and the angle definitely helps it look a little more attractive....

[Hertsman]

It doesn't look so bad in this photo actually - which I think really illustrates the point that you are likely to have a different opinion in the flesh:

The bigger and nicer wheels add to the stance and the black sunroof give better contrast which adds also - The front grill still looks oversized and them KIA style lights (sorry Exonian) just look wrong - Think the TCR and the R however may look better as pretty sure there will be some air scoops where them fog lights are, and they will break up that huge expanse grill and maybe actually look good even -

The original MK 7 GTI suffered the most with the U DRL as the redstripe always looked awkward and the R looked far nicer with the twin DRL, on the MK 7.5 there was a significant face lift on the lights and the GTI was the big winner as the way the redstripe blends with the lights is perfect

Think the MK 8 GTI will need a similar facelift on the lower grill to make that front end anything less than the wide mouthed grinning thing it is now.