If you’re anything like me and have a penchant for automotive history, you might recall a time when hot hatches were raw, visceral, and perhaps a little rough around the edges. Fast forward to today, and we have machines like the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R, a vehicle that effortlessly blends blistering performance with everyday usability. Recently, I had the chance to spend a week behind the wheel of this German hot hatch, and it forced me to confront a confession: despite my years of automotive enthusiasm, I hadn’t truly experienced the Golf R magic until now.
The Golf R, especially this latest iteration, represents the pinnacle of Volkswagen’s hot hatch lineage. While I’ve always held a soft spot for the GTI, the 2022 Golf R elevates the formula to a new level, claiming the title of the most powerful, most technologically advanced, and arguably the fastest VW in the current lineup.
Front view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R parked outdoors
2022 Volkswagen Golf R: Unpacking the Specs
Before we dive into the driving experience, let’s take a look under the hood and at the key specifications that define the 2022 Golf R:
- Base Price (as tested): $45,185
- Engine: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder
- Transmission: Six-speed manual (seven-speed dual-clutch automatic available)
- Drivetrain: All-wheel drive
- Horsepower: 315 hp @ 5,900 rpm (manual); 315 hp @ 5,600 rpm (automatic)
- Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm (manual); 295 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm (automatic)
- Weight: 3,417 lbs (manual); 3,481 lbs (automatic)
- Seating: 5
- Cargo Space: 19.9 cubic feet
- Ground Clearance: 4.7 inches
- Fuel Economy (EPA): 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined (manual); 23 mpg city / 30 highway / 26 combined (automatic)
- Verdict: The 2022 Golf R stands as VW’s halo hot hatch, packed with technology and impressive performance, though its necessity in all driving situations might be debatable.
- Rating: 7/10
The Essence of the 2022 Golf R
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is more than just a Golf with a bigger engine. It’s the culmination of decades of hot hatch evolution, representing what is likely the last generation of purely gasoline-powered Golf Rs. While the GTI remains a fantastic and perhaps more relatable option for many, the Golf R sits above it, boasting more power, more sophisticated technology, and a higher price tag to match.
Side profile of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R showcasing its hatchback design
Rear view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R highlighting its sporty exhaust system
Close-up of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R's wheel and flared fender
Front three-quarter view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R emphasizing its front grille and headlights
Interior detail of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R's dashboard and touch controls
From an aesthetic perspective, the 2022 Golf R exudes a subtle aggression. It’s a mature hot hatch, widening its stance with flared fenders and more pronounced exhaust outlets, giving it a muscular appearance without being overtly flashy. In true German fashion, the design is restrained and functional, with subtle “Volkswagen” badging, emphasizing engineering over flamboyant styling.
Stepping inside the 2022 Golf R, you’ll find a cabin that’s both a highlight and a point of contention. The practicality of a four-door hatchback is undeniable, but the interior is dominated by touch-sensitive controls. While aiming for a modern, minimalist aesthetic, these touch controls can sometimes feel overly complex and distracting. For instance, the inclusion of separate touch controls for front and rear climate in a car of this size seems a bit excessive and adds to the digital clutter.
However, the heart of the 2022 Golf R lies beneath the hood. The 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the star of the show, producing 315 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque (295 lb-ft with the automatic transmission). You have a choice between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Interestingly, while I tested the manual version, the automatic might be the more sensible choice for the Golf R. The automatic transmission offers quicker shifts and a more engaging driving experience in this particular model. The manual’s clutch, while functional, feels light and lacks the tactile feedback that enthusiasts often crave. In previous generations, and even in the GTI, the manual transmission felt more at home, but in the 2022 Golf R, the automatic seems to better suit its character.
Behind the Wheel of the 2022 Golf R
Let’s get to the driving experience. Modern cars have come a long way in terms of comfort and technology, a stark contrast to the more rudimentary vehicles of the past. Remember those long road trips in family wagons? The 2022 Golf R offers a vastly different experience, blending performance with surprising comfort.
Dashboard and infotainment system of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf RFront three-quarter view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R emphasizing its front grille and headlights
The 2022 Golf R is equipped with multiple drive modes that adjust various parameters, including suspension stiffness, engine response, exhaust sound, and steering feel. While the temptation to default to Sport or Race mode is strong, the Golf R’s brilliance lies in its duality. It’s not just about outright performance; it’s about how well it balances performance with everyday comfort.
When the roads get twisty, the 2022 Golf R truly comes alive. Behind the scenes, a suite of electronic systems works to enhance handling and grip. However, at its core, the Golf R retains the engaging engine and gearbox that have defined Volkswagen’s hot hatches for decades. It’s this commitment to driver engagement that sets the Golf R apart and makes it genuinely enjoyable to drive.
2022 Golf R: Highs and Lows
The 2022 Golf R delivers on its promise of being a practical, comfortable, and fun-to-drive hatchback. However, if you are considering one, it might be wise to avoid driving a GTI beforehand. For most everyday driving situations, the GTI offers similar levels of performance and driver engagement at a significantly lower price point. The Golf R dials everything up, adding all-wheel drive and a noticeable power bump, which at times can feel like it outpaces the chassis’s need.
But set aside the comparisons and appreciate the 2022 Golf R for its technological prowess and the sheer joy of a potent gasoline engine. The manual transmission, while not perfect, still provides a tactile connection to the car. There are numerous reasons to appreciate the Golf R, with nostalgia arguably being a significant factor, especially as we look towards an increasingly electrified automotive future.
Side dynamic shot of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R in motion
Of course, no discussion about the Mk8 Golf R and GTI is complete without mentioning the touch controls. While they have been a source of debate, after spending a week with the car, the touch controls are not the biggest drawback. The real sticking point for many will be the price.
Features, Options, and the Competition
The 2022 VW Golf R starts at $45,185, and beyond the choice of an automatic transmission for an additional $800, options are limited. My test vehicle, priced at $45,185, raises questions about value, especially when VW’s own crossovers offer all-wheel drive and more practicality for less money. In the realm of hatchbacks, justifying the $45,000 price tag can be challenging, as a significant portion of the cost seems tied to technology rather than purely analog driving pleasure.
Front view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R parked showing its headlights and grille
Rear angled view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R highlighting its taillights and rear diffuser
The competitive landscape for the 2022 Golf R is evolving. With the Subaru WRX STI discontinued and the Ford Focus RS no longer available, direct rivals are becoming scarce. The Audi RS3 occupies a different price and performance bracket. The Hyundai Elantra N and Honda Civic Type R offer compelling alternatives, each with its own distinct character and appeal. The Elantra N represents a strong value proposition from a rising performance division, while the Civic Type R embraces a more extroverted, boy-racer aesthetic.
Sustainability and Fuel Economy
In terms of fuel efficiency, the manual 2022 Golf R is rated at 20 mpg city, 28 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined. While official figures for the Toyota GR Corolla and the new Honda Civic Type R are pending, the Golf R is slightly less fuel-efficient than the Hyundai Elantra N. Premium fuel is a requirement. For context, the less powerful GTI achieves a combined 28 mpg.
EPA fuel economy sticker for a vehicle, likely representing the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R
Value and Final Verdict
Viewed in isolation, the 2022 Golf R is a polished embodiment of modern hot hatch design, blending performance with everyday usability. It caters to those who appreciate modern conveniences alongside thrilling driving dynamics.
However, when considered within the broader context of VW’s lineup and the hot hatch market, the 2022 Golf R occupies a niche. It’s a more serious, more potent, and more expensive proposition than the GTI, which undercuts it by a significant margin. The traditional advantages of the R over the GTI—track capability, enhanced handling, and greater driver engagement—are less pronounced in this generation. The 2022 Golf R has become more specialized, making its place in VW’s future lineup less certain.
This 2022 Golf R potentially marks the end of an era – the last gasoline-only Golf R. Nostalgia might be the strongest reason to consider it, perhaps even more so than its impressive performance figures. If you’re drawn to the idea of owning what could be the last of a breed – a purely gasoline-powered, high-performance VW hot hatch – then the Golf R has undeniable appeal. Just remember, in this modern world, touch controls are here to stay. Or, as my high school friend Spicoli would say, “Aloha, Mr. Hand.”
Low angle rear view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R parked on pavement
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