BMW 128ti v VW Golf GTI - review & 0-60mph, 1/4-mile and brake comparison!
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In the market for a new hot hatch but don’t want to break the bank? Then this is just the video for you… BMW 128ti vs VW Golf GTI!
BMW has clearly set its sights on the Golf GTI, aiming to beat VW at their own game with their own, all-new FWD performance hatchback. The question is, does the new 128ti offer enough to lead you away from the class-leading Golf GTI?
Well, we’re here to find out! Mat’s going to run you through everything you need to know about this everyday performance cars - from their price and looks through to their interiors & 0-60mph times, it’s time to find out which is the perfect FWD hot hatch for you!
The only question left is - which do you prefer? Let us know in the COMMENTS!
Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:34 Price
01:34 Exterior Design
02:49 Interior
06:47 Back Seats
08:05 Boot
09:40 Hot Hatch Comparisons
11:49 Engines & 0-60mph
14:03 Brake Test
15:29 128ti Driving
17:33 Golf GTI Driving
19:40 Verdict
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So, which are you choosing? VOTE BELOW!
VOTE: BMW 128ti
VOTE: VW Golf GTI
Who and all loves Mat Watson 🤭 👇👇👇👇
Golf gti because it looks stunning
Review of taycan cross turismo please
Love the 128ti, but hats off to VW for offering a Manual option on the GTI. Tough choice...
That true its really hard choice i love both of them
Yeah, me too.
@@jacobrev6567 manual is obviously better.
@@moa-wg3bo yes, I would love one of those RWD 1 Series, they seem great
@@dragospahontu that is true manual is better but automatic is also better but i just said i really like both
I want to see an entire generation of golf GTI’s drag race
Watch JP Performance. It’s German but...
Surely you want all generations in a drag race?
MK 7.5 would win
@@pasharespect Actually , MK8 Gti wins.
Why ? Hmmm 🤔
The interior of the bmw just looks leagues more expensive than the golfs and I think that will be a deal breaker for many
Agreed - you can see cost-cutting in the GTI on every corner - no sunglasses holder, touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons, no physical buttons and dials for volume, temp, and climate control, cheaper materials, no 360 camera even as an option, etc. The interior just looks...plain - 7.5 GTI was just better. Even my Mazda 3 BP Sedan looks and feels much better inside (outside too, actually).
@@piobu5357 The smart money is on the last of the 7.5 GTI's.
But look at the outside, my god!!
@@richardgraham1175 that grill is just too much, especially in black. Aargh!
@@francisbegbie591 The last 7.5 Golf was the greatest Golf ever - the greatest hatchback ever. Great looking, superb quality interior (far better than the A3/1 series/Merc). We'll never see it's like again.. the Mk8 is a cheapened version, that doesn't look anything like as good.
14:55 Thanks for letting people know about the safety issue
Mat's reviews are underated. He really points out the important details.
Yep, got my MK8 GTE Last Friday and realized the Same Problem After cleaning it 🥴✌️
To be honest any car with metal pedals will have this issue thats one of the reasons we have floor matts
Wish VW didn't forget practicality in their pedal and cockpit design
My Vento has the same exact pedals and yes, I have the same issue too.
0:20 The "ti" sticker is a little bit torn off LOL
On days of old, I would have said there was a t missing, but that seems to be reserved for Audi drivers now! 😁
Yeah, he said it in the review.
He had already explained it in another video.
Good ole BMW build quality...
@@JonathanGray_UK it's just a sticker mate
Matt, the 128ti now comes with the upgraded infotainment as standard. So, the larger control display and full digital dials. I lucked out, ordered mine without the upgraded dials in February. Now, my dealer says I will get the upgraded kit at no extra cost :-) Base price is £33,885.
only because of supply chain issue (chips for the small infotainment). So yeah, lucky you !! :)
That's awesome 😎
@@Massimo_U yes, that's what my dealer told me. Stock out on the basic infotainment 😀
@@damiantaylor4961 ?
8 ads in this video. That's just ridiculous. That was the last time I'm gonna sit through that.
GTI badging goes a long way, pity they're dropping the quality though
That brake pedal issue is one majestic piece of advice
That same pedals in many a vag car too.
I absolutely love it when Mat mumbles then suddenly obliterate my speakers
Awww muffin
He IS a really cool and handsome lad☺😊
12:21 - Launches exactly on the wet part(complains about grip).
I think that's like every carwow video or drag racing
„15 different stages of stiffness“ ~stares into the camera
15 shades of stiffness ha ha
Without talking about the content because you have always delivered the best , but I would like to talk about the quality of filming, it's amazing , big improvement , good job guys
Doug is the type of guy… Oops wrong channel
🤪
PLEASE: learn how to put ESP off in the VW easily: slide down from the top of the screen (like on smartphone) and press ESP off...
Or or or, and I know this is really drastic......BUT.....why not just have a button? :)
@@m140i_james A button? Madness!!
@@AWMJoeyjoejoe I know! 😂
@@m140i_james what lunacy is this? Next you're gonna tell me you'd rather have real volume & temperature nobs, and physical buttons for climate control? What, you're gonna tell me that you don't want to take your eyes off the road while driving, that it's simply better and easier to use in every way, and given the choice everyone and their grandma would take it? Maybe the terrible touch sensitive buttons on the steering wheel don't catch your fancy? Pfft, the nerve of some people...
@@m140i_james A simple button would be easier to use, that's true. But there isn't one, so you should do it in the most simple possible way. And to be honest, how often do you press that button in daily drive?
Thanks for highlighting the issue on the wet foot on the brakes! Small thinker but a big safety note...always like your show even though many fabulous cars are not available in my country.
I really like car reviews, however even if am not interesting in the car you are reviewing, i love to see ur videos, Matt you have have such a way ( fun, accurate, fast ) everything we need for a car review.
You should do a comparison between the new GTI vs GTE vs GTD
GTI And GTD only, the GTE is a joke.
@@armeniancrusader301 GTD is a diesel. Rough to drive
Matt is a real one, he keeps filming, even when it’s raining💯
In england you get used to it
Well believe it or not humans are water proof
If he wouldn’t we wouldn’t get videos. It rains like 300 days a year in England
Mat*
Thank you Mat for the rainy day advice how nice of you.
HI Mat The review of the the GTI, as someone who has owned VW's for the past 35years or so the colour of the tartan seats is the same as my new VW Jetta GTI that did not have synchromesh fitted in the gearbox that said it was very quick and the sound from the engine was superb! My current is a VW Golf GT Evo and in sport mode is vastly underrated and rarely mentioned
God I love that red on the GTI! And I like those wheels, would definitely have those over standard.
agreed. The standard golf 8 looks like a toyota to me, but the red one looks really really hot. i dont like the shifting knob and the infotainment though. They nailed it on the g7 gti though. :)
I hate red cars but saw a GTI in the red at the dealer and its stunning in person
We love the 128ti so much, we bought one. It's just a fabulous driver's car.
Do you still own it? How was it reliability wise?
Loved the bmw v vw comparison video again. I do like the white bm looking sportier, but!! I'm still more waiting for you getting the tesla model s performance plaid. That's the performance vids of which i know you will give lots of tests against other stuff, that is what i really want to see. Hope it's SOON!
Great review. Thanks Matt 👍
Love ur content
The Golf and the 1 series share one problem: they are clearly a downgrade compared to their predecessor. Cost-cutting at its best
And so close in price to the R and the new 240i xdrive
“Rub your feet on Mat first” We hear you Mat.
Love to see some videos, reviews, races and comparisons with the new face lift i30n
13:07 omg that sounds like diesel, but I love that sound
If my girlfriend broke up with me for my best friend, I’d just come watch a carwow video and instantly be happy.
Then you should dump her right away.
....I’ve got to make a quick call
Stay strong man and don't do anything stupid. Please watch the video of Jocko called "How to Get Over Break Ups and Betrayal - Jocko Willink and Echo Charles" it helped me a lot! Keep ya head up.
Or just do what I've been doing for nearly 20 years and take the single forever path so you never have to deal with a breakup.
I hope you okay m8
Awesome video as always Mat!😸
The fact that most of your reviews are on the MK8 compared to other hatches, it makes the golf the best hatchback.😀😉
A comparision video about the premium estate cars will be awsome .
My 128ti has just left the factory. Can’t wait!
Parabéns (congratulations!)
hahahahahaha well done you overpaid for a slow car.
Congrats
@@raycyst8037 are you thick or what mate, the 128ti is a fantastic car and definately very quick with brilliant handling. You have obviously never driven one!
Mat, I have been driving and own a few powerful enough cars but our family car is a 2017 Skoda Octavia 1.0 TSI 7 speed DSG. I think the car is very quick for its engine and its size and I would love to see a video of a drag race between the various 1.0 turbo petrol engines out there.
Awesome review 🔥🙌
Just watched a review of the Cupra Leon 300 TSI. Similar price, better looking in my view and with even more performance
Somebody once said : " One is brilliant in every way, and the other tried to kill me'' :)
That was for the old M135i if it’s the person I’m thinking it would be
@@joshstreet3919 Yep
My Daily Driver is a 1998 BMW 318ti M Sport - 5 speed manual - LOVE IT!
Wiping your foot on the mat(t- hihihihih) is actually really good advice. Had a few scares myself in the past!
2:21 - The dealership guys will be mad at Mat for doing that wantedly.
'ti' reminds me graphic cards 😬
It might as well be cheaper than a 3080Ti
I was telling my friend about an rx7 I saw and he thought I was on about a graphic card 😂😂😂
Or the rapper.
u can get an invidia exhaust for it
@@jondonnelly4831 Ironic because my 128ti has been delayed 3 months due to chip shortages.
Good review Matt... As a mk5 ed30 and mk7r dsg owner ..i have to say the standard mk7 and mk8 gti are in no man's land given you can have a tcr or a clubsport... which will both be better than the 128ti. The cs in the mk7 meant edition 40... now in the mk8 you can get a cs straight off the bat...vw really have confused things here .. therefore I don't understand why vw even make the standard gti as it's not the gti you want.....
I bought my 128 ti in february same colours as this but with the upgraded 19inch wheels. What an amazing car it is.
If you can look past the nostrils (which i actually don't mind seeing as it looks better in person), the 128ti offers a great value proposition. All the reviews on it has been very positive
Saw it in real life - the headlights sit at a weird angle, and the rounded grill doesn't mesh with them at all. The car looks like someone left it in the oven too long, it got bloated, and everything just stretched apart awkwardly. It just doesn't look like a BMW to me. Good value, and premium materials/tech, for sure, though. The GTI somehow looks worse than the 1-series now. The sad-looking headlights angled downwards make the hood look more bulbous, and then there's the mono-brow - it looks like some Skoda now. GTI 7.5 looked much better (and it didn't feel as cheap inside, either). Anyway - looks are very subjective, just my opinion.
Review of taycan cross turismo please
Like the 128Ti and you now get the larger screen and digital cockpit as standard from last month I just found out like in the m135i 👍
Cool VID, now a DRAG RACE between the Golf GTI MK8 (not clubsport) vs 128ti vs i30N
15 stages of stiffness is my favourite deathmetal band!
I’ve got the 128ti. Rapid and infotainment system and interior features are unmatched in my opinion and sports transmission is really good! Plus the virtual dials and larger infotainment screen is now the standard option. I got lucky and ordered my car while they were in process of doing this and got it upgraded for free
The wipe your feet for slippery brake pedal thingy... agree......... a nice heads up to everyone 👌💪
You do actually get the upgraded ‘Live Cockpit Professional’ as standard on the 128ti now so you do get the digital dash rather than the analogue one on this press car.
Hey Matt, I clicked the link to see what deals you got for your spec of Ti and GTi and it takes you to a link where you ask them for deals for myself! How do I get to see your choice of car and your deals?
Wow I've been waiting for this
Love the 1/4 mile times in this video!!!!
Hi If not done already please can you do a comparison between the Z4 M40i and the Boxter GTS.
No one: Someone in the comment section: Day 1121 of asking for a bicycle race between Matt and Yianni
Joke would be exactly the same without "no one:".
It dum
The BMW 128 ti reminds me of the Fiat 128 from the 70s It was iconic.
no, just no.
Agree. Love the GTI as well.
Finally. I want to see the drag race of them
I can’t believe they filmed this in February, I really thought they film and push it out in a couple of days 😂
@carwow the video title says "1/4 mile" did I miss that or was that not included as an oversight?
I was wondering the same thing!
About the brake problem around 15th minute. I can confirm that this issue exists also in the MK7 GTI PP. Has happend to me couple of times. So it is because of the pedals....
Very nice test...
Gotta go with the Iconic GTI
Maybe a Civic Si is better
You gotta be a complete fanboy to choose the Golf over the BMW when it's the same price. Look at that interior 😂
S imagine being a little kid who can’t drive and won’t buy either one 🤣
@@Account1746 I'm shopping for an RS3 come summer, so try again. You're right about one thing, I'm not going to buy either of these aesthetically challenged abominations.
@@xIcarus227 yh me too 👍🏽
"Rub your feet on the Mat first." This sounded weird :)
Wet Metallic Brakes - great advice from Mat. Lots of sporty cars have metal pedals and they are lethal in the wet. I've had many a slip in the past. Drying your shoes before you drive is a great Top Gear Top Tip from Mat. Or perhaps I should say a Car Wow How ... er .. I can't think of a punchy term here. Anyway, I dry my shoes if its been raining and before I drive my metal shod Alfa.
I had the GTI for nearly two years but the terrible electronic issues it has (had to change my steeringwheel twice) made me sell it again, got a 135i now and it’s much better in every aspect
Legit thinking of what car next and it was between these two. The timing of this video is perfect 😂😂
I would like the golf GTI imo
100% Golf. The BMW is ugly as hell
Elijah ok now how bout the golf compared to an a35 or s3
Friet Speciaal same question a35 or like an s3
@@jakeholland8170 A35... but thats another pricerange. Starts from 52.000 euro with ZERO options..
Off topic!! Nice weather in England!!
My guess the 1500 price hike is for that beauty DSG trans.
Day 36 of asking for a bicycle race between Mat and Yianni (I’m continuing on for CarGoBrrr)
What happened to CarGoBrrr
@@SergCarReviews he stopped at 30 days so me and @TESLA Exhaust took over and are keeping it going
@@HughRussell06 ahh glad to support 😂😂
2 beautiful cars
On the BMW, live cockpit professional (full digital display with 10inch screens) come as standard on all cars SE upwards since July 21 onwards.
Matt, could you do a video for used cars? Like if were buying used vehicles? Like a video reviewing all everyday suvs, or all everyday estates and things like budget used cars Like skoda, hyundai, seat, etc etc? I'll leave the specifics for you to chose but just an idea.
Still waiting for a Megane RS Trophy video!
Yess!!
Taci drq
@Karate BL and Hyundai I30 N!
@@yunussicakozul2223 what?
@Karate BL it's a great price us a good warranty
That’s a very hard choice to make for me between the 2
Trying to get a test drive of a 128 ti at the moment as a replacement to my beloved 125d. Hopefully the 5 door doesn't cramp shoulder space like the F20 did, (f21 is fine because of the longer doors)
I want to buy one to, but I have been reading about BMW's reliability so it makes me hesitate. Sometimes I have a hard time believing the negative perception of BMW reliability. They have been manufacturing cars for a long time. I think it is a combination of lack of maintenance and the way people drive BMW ( they tend to drive fast and ...) but this does not explain problems with the more expensive models like 7 series..
They need to add rubber studs or something to metal peddles, I had this issue before with damp shoes and slipped off the clutch peddle many times
Some say he has an iPhone and that he secretly loves Fake Exhaust Pipes. All we know is that he is 'Mat Watson From Carwow'.
Who told you... 👀
Yeah, true. But how did you know about all this stuff.
@@carwow Yianni, Mat's Mum, Joe and Sam the Cameraman
Just ordered a 128ti 2 weeks ago. I think the value proposition is strong even if I wish it was RWD
Matt. Well done on picking up in the integrated headrests of the Golf. It’s the main reason for not buying the car for me with kids in the back. Also, they can’t fit their iPads to the back of the headrest when it’s integrated
Please do a video on the new Golf R versus the old Golf R Vs the M135I vs the M140I all Stock Cars
Been waiting for this one woopie
Im a fan of bmw but tbh the Golf GTI is just much better looking especially with those 19' And it will always be the best in it own game And of course there is the clubsport and the TCR (And the manuel gear🤤)
I’d like to know, and see a video where lay out the arguments for, which BMW Touring currently is the best daily driver.
Matt, you have not done your homework 🙈 Currently 128ti comes with the Pro package as standard, means digital cockpit and larger screen. Also with regards to the boot, the floor is not removable, but you can fold it away, so technically works the same as having a removable floor.
That brake pedal issue is no joke. Huge oversight by VW. The 128ti has been consistently hyped by the motoring press, and the motoring press has always had a soft spot for the GTI, so the Beemer must be pretty good. I’d get one for the wife in black but really it would be for me when I don’t need my larger touring.
Being a VW fan the beema gets my vote! Well done BMW... great job
Great video but two things… digital dash and wide screen is now standard. Also, you can’t change the colour of the stitching. If you order black leather, the seat stitching is grey but weirdly everything else stays red…
Nice car the 128ti. Will stick with my F20 for the moment but quite tempted. Not sure the VW has gone forward in this generation. My girlfriend had a Mk7 2.0TDI for some years.. Decent car, though not comfortable or fun to drive in any way.
Is there a name we can attach to this dark period of BMW's styling evolution, by which I mean a designer?
The Dukec Era www.press.bmwgroup.com/deutschland/article/detail/T0258258DE/der-kreative-rationalist-domagoj-dukec-im-portraet?language=en
Chinese market requirements.
And people used to say Bangle was bad. At least he didn't saddle BMW with the buck tooth bottle opener grill.
BMW for me. Neither are particularly good looking cars, but BMW wins hand down when it comes to the interior. Not only does it feel really well made but it retains buttons and the idrive wheel. Volkswizard’s video comparing it to the S3 was very interesting; VAG’s cost cutting is very obvious in the Golf and A3.
I miss the old 1 series design from 2015 to 2018 those were the best
Ordered my 128Ti few weeks ago ‘minus the red lipstick’ can’t wait for delivery. Test drove it against m135i and the Ti was just more fun to drive 👍
The TI decal is coming off, like the one in a previous video. Is it the same car?
128ti is a cool option against the GTI, but it doesn't give me the same vibes.
1:18 ۞―i̳P̳h̳o̳n̳e̳ 1̳2̳ P̳r̳o̳ G̳i̳v̳e̳a̳w̳a̳y̳―۞ ➡️➡️️ 》》 kzhead.info/sun/Z52mp9huqmtrlJE/bejne.html 《《 -----------------^^----------------- ♠【﹄💖𝐊𝐋𝐈𝐊≔⫸LINK 💖﹃】 ♠みゃあこさん!ฅ( ̳• •̫ • ̳ฅ)ニャン !❤️ 在整個人類歷史上,強者,富人和具有狡猾特質的人捕食部落,氏族,城鎮,城市和鄉村中的弱者,無`'守和貧窮成員。然而,人類的生存意願迫使那些被拒絕,被剝奪或摧毀的基本需求的人們找到了一種生活方式,並繼續將其DNA融入不斷發展的人類社會。 說到食物,不要以為那些被拒絕的人只吃垃圾。相反,他們學會了在被忽視的肉類和蔬菜中尋找營養。他們學會了清潔,切塊,調味和慢燉慢燉的野菜和肉類,在食品市場上被忽略的部分家用蔬菜和肉類,並且學會了使用芳香的木煙(如山核桃,山核桃和豆科灌木 來調味食物煮的時候 1620485330
Thank you for explaining your jokes, I am italian and I wouldn’t understand nothing 😂
@@jarkkohaimakainen2378 ahaha I don’t know man😂 but I ensure you that our stupid little jokes are very funny. Cheers🤪
Where is the 1/4-mile test mentioned in the title Matt?!
Thanks for thr manual gearbox 🙌🙌🙌. Beamer who thought the grill shouldn't have vents?