2022 VW GTI Base (S) DSG / Less Money & Less Frustrating

Thank you! Finally a review of an S trim!!!

Kudos for doing a review of the base GTI S. I can't tell you how frustrating it has been that every single YouTube car reviewer has reviewed the mid and upper trim models with the terrible infotainment system and complained endlessly about it. This model fixes that problem and it's 5-10K cheaper!

I didn’t realize the S trim had a volume knob. That is encouraging!

This video convinced me to buy this car, same color and everything. To say I am excited would be an understatement. Out of all the MK8 GTI S content on the internet (and believe me I've looked) this is the best showcase of what this car has to offer.

Dude so glad I found your channel. Told me all the right things I needed to know. Gave me real world scenarios. Didn’t waste my time with a history lesson of the gti. Subd

Wasn't really considering the VW GTI, until your review. The S trim with the DCT might be ideal for me. Not outrageously expensive. I can live with the incredibly stubby and goofy shifter. (First time I saw a pic. of the interior, I legit thought that I was looking at the keyfob. and thought, "Oh, how nice that VW incorporated a spot where you can store your fob while driving.") I can live with the not-real buttons on the steering wheel. Even the fact that to access the heat and A/C, I'd have to go through the info-tainment system. Heck, I can even live with the lack of a lockable trunk. Quite a bit to sacrifice. But the lower price-tag of the S along with the performance would be worth it. And, I LOVE the fact that it takes Regular. I refuse to buy any car that requires Premium gas. I'm not looking for a Dodge hellcat killer. I want something that'll still be practical, but won't make me feel dead inside when I apply foot to pedal.

This video convinced me to get the GTI S DCT. Literally.

Thank you! I've been looking all over for info on the S trim. Really well thought out and visually pleasing review.

Just bought one of these for my new daily. Fell in love on the first test drive. S trim is definitely the way to go. It’s the enthusiast spec - slick top lowers the center of gravity and reduces weight, fewer electronic bells and whistles.

Very good review, to the point, not talking in a loud voice and avoiding all the unnecessary stuff. I put a deposit today on a base, DSG, should be a nice change from a Tiguan.

Great review! Kuddos to you for highlighting the features of the base level trim. I have an S trim on order and am now so excited to learn that it has the two buttons on the dash, which I originally had no idea that it did.

I ordered a 2022 GTI Atlantic Blue - S model, with DSG April 7th. This video made me realize that I made the right choice. I will probably end up spending 2k an sound system but I don't need the sunroof, random niceties.

Great observations! Another of the negatives was the steering wheel heating turning on while fast driving maneuvers, and in another review they mentioned lack of bolstering on the seats and the all weather tires that don't hook as well as the summer tires.

I have a Mk6 GTI and for a while I wasn’t even considering Mk8s at all but after looking at prices of used Mk7 golf Rs and even some newer GTIs, $32k for a brand new GTI that has everything you really need is becoming a more and more compelling idea. Dynamical, many journalists have spoken highly of the Mk8s and you really can’t beat the versatility something like a GTI offers.

Just discovered your channel, digging your format and commentary! Subbed 🤙

Really good review, and thanks for your hard work. The cat at 5:45 was great!

Great review! One of the most detailed I’ve seen in awhile! I own a 2022 GTI SE and absolutely love it! I agree with a lot of the things you said, one thing was the quality for the price is a little disappointing. My car has the autobahn seats which sort of make it feel more higher quality but overall they can definitely improve on the quality side. Driving wise this car is one of the best cars for the money. To fix the wheel spin issue i currently have new tires on mine Michelins pilot sport As tires and it grips very well of the line and through the corners. Overall great review and Amazing car Im loving mine!

Love that you reviewed the base!

I think the base model is the best way to go. Plus, you can use the savings to mod the car anyway you want. VW can score some cheap and easy points by adding the buttons to all of the infotainment screens for all the versions for the mid-cycle refresh. They are already set up to do so, all they have to do is configure the buttons to fit a larger screen.

Good stuff pointing out the problems of the previous generation, you were really spot on. Hopefully the new Garrett turbo found on the new car will rid the annoyances that the old IHI turbos had.