https://imgur.com/a/n5ybXkx

How does it drive

I can happily say this car is a pleasure to drive. Strong disclaimer - I've only had economy cars long term. The fastest thing I dailied before this was a mk7 TSI.

But I genuinely think this car handles exceptionally. I've only understeered once - in really bad conditions & slow speed. But when the roads are clear, I feel invincible. I can take turns and ramps at any speed I want, and the limit is a matter of courage than mechanical grip.

This wasn't somethign I could say about my family's mk7. That car was a joy to drive too, but it didn't feel anything like this.

Even after a year, I can hit some back roads and get a smile on my face.

The Drivetrain

Coming from economy cars, there was initially a huge wow-factor. At 270hp, it's significantly faster than anything else I'd driven before. Now that I'm used to it, the power doesn't surprise me anymore.

In good conditions, the car should be able to do a 0-60 in about 5.8 - 6.0s. I think in reality, this car can do much better but it's unable to because of the tranmission ...

The transmission

I just don't know what's it's doing. There are too many gears and it always feels like it's in the wrong one.

If you're driving on the highway and you want to just quickly complete a pass, the car will need to downshift when you put your foot down.

Downshifts are not really rev-matched, so accelerating suddenly always causes a lurch and is super unsettling. Manual mode has crappy shifts that are annoying for the driver and nauseating for a passenger. I've found a balance of keeping the engine in 'SPORT' but the transmission in drive. The immediate throttle response paired with the lazier shifts seems like the most tolerable way to drive.

Living with it

For my needs - this car is the perfect daily. The audio system rocks, and for a front passengers, the car is quite comfy.

The tech sucks, but in a way I like it because it forces me to focus on the road. I find myself much more distracted when driving my family's mk7.

Speaking of which - physical controls. I was dead set on a Golf R, but the lack of ergonomics in the mk8 made me look elsewhere.

Mileage

It sucks. I average about 19mpg in city driving. It's not a deal breaker for me because I don't drive that much, but it does pinch on weeks where I have to visit someone far away

The looks

I think this is a handsome car. It's wide, it's sleek, and it's unique. You don't see many of these rolling around.

Ok but why?

The reality is, I bought this car because I got a killer deal on it. It's too big for me, it can't even fit in my garage. I was deadset on staying in the hot hatch/ or small luxury car realm -

But I got a 6% discount on it and a 2% lease rate on it at the height of the shortage. The audi dealers in comparison were giving me a 6% lease rate and a 5k markup. The audi dealers I dealt were grade A jerks so I was happy to just take this car since time was running out.

Regrets

I didn't really get to drive the competition. I drove the IS and was underwhelmed and had that whole experience with Audi. Would have loved to get behing a 330i, maybe even a C300. But most of all - I wish I'd driven the G70. After watching all the reviews, I think it ticks all my boxes. But, the shortage made car buying quite tricky so it is what it is.

Should you buy one

Maybe. I lurk this community, and know what the general consensus is. Yes, it's quite flawed, but ultimately - it's not a bad car. If you can get it for the right price, I think you'll be happy with it.

Get behind the wheel and rip it around some back roads if you can. I think you'll be surprised :)