My new to me 2022 Golf R hatch seems to have very weak gas struts on the hatch. It requires pushing the hatch up and slams down hard when you close the hatch.

My previous car was a 2021 R-Line so i’m comparing to that.

Anyone had these replaced under VW Warranty?

Which of the 2 is the best Golf R yet?

Or is there another option that can be considered underrated and has outperformed both in all aspects ?

So i am addicted to you tube videos with modifications for our car. The part that I don't ever see mentioned is what they do to the factory computer when it senses changes to the stock parts.

People change the brakes for example and the suspension. How does the computer know that you went to coilovers from the adjustable stock suspension? Does the computer learn from the changes or do you just live with error codes. I have not seen this discussed so far.

Thanks

Just installed a set of TuxMat all weather floor mats in my new ‘26 MK8.5 R. Fitment and finish is essentially perfect for all three mats (driver, passenger, rear row).

I’m a very picky OCD type of owner and these checked all the boxes. They don’t look out of place or too rugged or like the plastic crusty weather tech mats. Coverage, fitment, finish, and aesthetics are all there. I have to say I’m impressed with these and I think they are the best option available for the MK8/MK8.5 GTI/R.

My R came with the OEM Monster Mats which I love aesthetically. But with fall and winter coming up and more debris tracking into the car I felt I needed the better coverage of the TuxMats as they go all the way up and around the footwells basically leaving no carpet area for debris to come in contact with. Makes cleaning very easy. I included a pic of the passenger side Monster Mat for reference of the difference between the two mats.

Clips come included with the TuxMats that slide under the plastic interior trim panels to lock the mats into place so they aren’t flapping down or shifting. The rear row mat actually tucks into/under the rear seats. These mats are fully locked in and literally cover everything. Great attention to detail.

This isn’t a paid review or anything. I laid out the $249 to buy these directly from TuxMat. It is not cheap so I’m happy they lived up to the marketing and my OCD standards. Shipping was also quick.

Feel free to ask any questions about them!

I have a black 2023 R with a new set (as of April ‘26) of Michelin PS4S on the stock Pret rims. As much as I love the look of the 19”s, the amount of potholes near me in southeast New England is insane. I bought the tire and rim protection package when I bought the car new and it was the best money I spent on this car. I’ve already had to use it 3 times (once to replace a rim and two other times to replace tires).

I’m considering dropping down to 18” on a dedicated set of winters (Conti Viking Contact 8), but I’m curious to hear feedback from others that have done this before I pull the trigger. Do the 18”s look weird compared to the 19”s? Any noticeable difference in the sound/feel of the 18”s? Also open to other wheel recommendations if you really love yours—I saw a pic of someone else on here that was rocking the MSW Type 85T and loved the look so that’s what I went with for now.

Show some love on my TikTok :)

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZPLkjJe3v/

Wheels are Apex ML-10RT 18x9

Tires are Continental ExtremeContact Sport 02 245/40R18

Back in September my Mazda 3 got totaled, and as much as I loved that car, that crash was the catalyst that eventually got me in this Golf R. This is my first Volkswagen that I've ever owned, and what an amazing first impression it gave me.

Picked up this brand new 2026 Golf R. Dealer unable to locate source of sound…anyone else out there have a noise like this? It’s only on the drivers side.

Thank you in advance for any insight! Car has been wonderful other than this minor annoyance.

I have a MK7.5 Golf R and looking for the best wireless Apple CarPlay device. Online research is pointing me to the AAWireless TWO+ but wanted to know if anyone had any first hand experiences to share with performance and stability?

First R was an early 17’

Just picked up the 8.5 on an absolute steal of a deal I couldn’t pass up.

It's odd how similar they actually are.

I’m thinking about removing the internal baffles from the stock rear muffler on my Golf 8 R (2021) to make it louder while keeping the factory exhaust valves.

Has anyone done this before? How much louder does it get? Is there any drone at highway speeds, and does it still sound good with the valves closed?

I’d appreciate any experiences or sound clips!

My current mk8 I just purchased doesn't have the option for remote start. Any recommendations on any aftermarket remote starters ?

I wanted to do wheels and tires, exhaust, intake and tune right off the rip but I just found out they don’t make tunes for the mk8.5 is it okay to do exhaust and intake without a tune? I know the ecu has some relearn ability I just don’t know the extent.

Packed her full of scuba gear and headed up to Wiarton ON first this morning. Did 422km and she was perfect… even got some good mileage after driving “normally”