8.5 vs 8, big improvement?

[davo245]

Also, I'm not keen on the GTI badges on the 8.5 being stuck on the doors below the side mirrors - nothing like as good looking as the Mk8 version.

That's easily resolved...

I chose to go about correcting the awful decision to add a large GTI to the front doors in a slightly different way using modified front grill emblems.

Looks good does that!

Better effort than factory and also they already had that badge as a std part!

[P6GTD]

That now looks like it should have from the off. Ingenious fix.

You should get a job in the design office at Wolfsburg.

But …… have you told your insurer the car has been modified ?

[dfm]

Interesting thread this so thanks to the OP for starting it. I have an aging mark 7 so have the dilemma of swapping it for a 7.5/8 or waiting for the 8.5s to drop into budget.

Its reassuring hearing that those that have lived with 8s get used to the infotainment.

[WebRoP]

The MK 8.5 is quite a bit quicker (see Carwow race between them) and more composed on the road than the Mk8 and the infotainment system and steering wheel controls are much better. Also the exhaust notes are much better on the Mk8.5, more sporty sound and it's real sound on the outside.

Did they do a comparison? I thought they only did GTI v CLubsport v R?

Yep, they do a race with the Mk8.5 GTI, MK8 GTI, and MK 7.5 R (when they do the full golf generations video). Mk8.5 easily beats the mk8 GTI by quite a way. Looks bigger gap than the extra 20bhp tbh.

[Beebopper]

Its reassuring hearing that those that have lived with 8s get used to the infotainment.

I've got not issues with my MK8 infotainment, seems all good to me (touches wood!). In fact, I prefer the minimal look of the MK8 layout, rather than the large screen on the later vehicles. I have not experienced the software difference however, so that is probably worth looking into if you haven't bought yet.

[BikeSausage]

Before 2022, when I had my mk7.5 GTD, I twice drove a Mk 8 (non-GTI) as a courtesy car.

I hated the interior. The screen was a mess, the haptic buttons on the wheel were a nightmare both of which coloured my opinion. Seriously, I was in “I’ll never have another Golf” territory.

I can honestly say that it took me 5 minutes to gel with my 8.5. That’s not dissing the Mk 8 - it’s just how it worked for me. And I’m old and retired. But am soooo happy with my GTI.