If you’re like many automotive enthusiasts, you’ve probably embellished a story or two about your car history. Maybe you claimed to have mastered heel-toe shifting on your first try, or perhaps you boasted about owning a classic hot hatch before they became cool again. Well, here’s a confession: Until recently, I hadn’t truly experienced the thrill of a Volkswagen Golf R until the 2022 model landed in my driveway. Like many, my hot hatch history started later than I’d like to admit.
My first real taste of the Golf R lineage was in my late twenties, and even then, the legendary R32 felt more like a myth than a machine I’d actually driven. So, slipping behind the wheel of the new 2022 Volkswagen Golf R was a bit of a revelation. It felt instantly familiar, like reuniting with a long line of VW hot hatches I’d only vaguely (and perhaps inaccurately) remembered. The crisp, short throws of the six-speed manual transmission were exactly as I (mis)remembered, and the sheer practicality combined with the raw fun of a hot hatch immediately brought back memories of simpler times.
2022 Volkswagen Golf R front three quarter view, parked on asphalt, showcasing its sporty design.
2022 Volkswagen Golf R: Specs Overview
| Feature | Specification (Manual) | Specification (Automatic) |
|---|---|---|
| Base Price (USD) | $45,185 (as tested) | $45,985 (estimated) |
| Powertrain | 2.0-liter turbo-four | 2.0-liter turbo-four |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual | Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic |
| Drive | All-wheel drive | All-wheel drive |
| Horsepower | 315 hp @ 5,900 rpm | 315 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 280 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm | 295 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm |
| Curb Weight | 3,417 lbs | 3,481 lbs |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Cargo Volume | 19.9 cubic feet | 19.9 cubic feet |
| Ground Clearance | 4.7 inches | 4.7 inches |
| EPA Fuel Economy | 20 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 23 mpg combined | 23 mpg city / 30 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined |
| Verdict | A tech-forward, powerful, but pricey hot hatch | Slightly more efficient and quicker shifting |
| Score (out of 10) | 7 | 7 (estimated) |
Diving Deeper into the 2022 Golf R
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R stands as the flagship of VW’s hot hatch lineup, and quite possibly, the last of its kind powered solely by gasoline. While the GTI remains a fantastic option – and arguably, a more sensible one for many – the Golf R takes the crown for being the most potent, most luxurious, and quickest Volkswagen currently available. It represents the zenith of the gasoline-powered Golf lineage.
Multiple close-up views of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R exterior, showcasing design details like wheels, exhaust, and badging.
Rear view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R highlighting taillights and quad exhaust pipes.
Side profile of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R demonstrating its hatchback silhouette and wheel design.
Front grille and headlight detail of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R showcasing the VW logo and R badging.
Volkswagen logo on the B-pillar of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R, emphasizing German design subtlety.
From an aesthetic perspective, the Golf R presents itself as a subtly muscular hatch. The widened fenders and aggressive exhaust tips hint at the performance lurking beneath, giving it a more athletic stance compared to the standard Golf. True to its German heritage, the design remains understated and refined. Even the “Volkswagen” badge on the B-pillar is rendered in a simple, sans-serif font, a testament to German engineering’s focus on function over flamboyant design.
Stepping inside the 2022 Golf R reveals a cabin that is both functional and frustrating. The hatchback practicality remains a strong selling point – offering ample space for passengers and cargo. However, the interior ergonomics take a step back with the introduction of touch-sensitive controls for almost every function. While aiming for a modern, minimalist aesthetic, these touch controls introduce unnecessary complexity and can be distracting to use while driving. For instance, the inclusion of separate touch controls for front and rear climate zones in a car of this size seems like overkill and adds to the digital clutter.
The heart and soul of the Golf R lies beneath the hood. Powering this hot hatch is a potent 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, delivering 315 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque (295 lb-ft for the automatic version). Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. While purists might gravitate towards the manual, the automatic transmission arguably makes more sense in the Golf R. It provides quicker gear changes and a more responsive driving experience. The manual transmission, while engaging, suffers from a clutch pedal that feels somewhat light and with a high engagement point, lacking the tactile feedback desired in a performance car. Historically, the manual gearbox has felt more at home in the less powerful GTI, offering a more balanced and manageable driving experience.
Behind the Wheel of the Golf R: Performance and Comfort
Let’s be honest, our memories of the past are often rosier than reality. Think back to family road trips – were those bench seats in station wagons really as comfortable as we remember? Probably not. Similarly, in-car entertainment used to be limited to, well, nothing much beyond your imagination.
Interior view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R dashboard, highlighting digital displays and touch controls.Front grille and headlight detail of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R showcasing the VW logo and R badging.
The 2022 Golf R thankfully brings modern comfort and performance together seamlessly. Multiple drive modes allow you to tailor the car’s behavior, adjusting suspension stiffness, throttle response, engine sound, and steering feel. While the temptation to default to “Sport” or “Race” mode is strong, the Golf R truly shines in its versatility. It’s not just about outright speed; it’s about the impressive balance between exhilarating performance and everyday usability. The Golf R is surprisingly comfortable and refined in its more relaxed drive modes, making it a genuinely enjoyable daily driver.
However, when the roads get twisty, the Golf R transforms into a performance machine. Beneath the surface, a suite of electronic systems works tirelessly to maximize grip and handling. Yet, at its core, the Golf R retains the key ingredients that have made Volkswagen hot hatches so beloved for decades: a responsive, rev-happy engine and an engaging drivetrain. This focus on driver involvement is what sets the Golf R apart and makes it more than just another fast car.
Golf R: High Points and Drawbacks
The 2022 Golf R delivers a compelling package: a practical hatchback that’s both comfortable and genuinely fun to drive. If you’re considering a performance hatchback, it’s crucial to weigh the Golf R against its sibling, the GTI. For most everyday driving scenarios, the GTI offers a very similar level of performance and driving enjoyment, but at a significantly more accessible price point. The Golf R turns up the intensity, adding all-wheel drive and a noticeable power increase, which elevates the performance, but also the price. In situations where ultimate traction and maximum performance are not constantly required, the GTI presents a more sensible and value-oriented proposition.
However, if you crave the pinnacle of VW hot hatch performance and appreciate cutting-edge technology, the Golf R delivers. Push the manual transmission through its gears, hold each gear a little longer than necessary as you carve through corners, and you’ll understand the appeal. The Golf R offers a unique blend of modern performance and a nod to the heritage of gasoline-powered hot hatches. Nostalgia plays a significant role in the Golf R’s appeal, reminding enthusiasts of a potentially bygone era.
Rear view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R, parked on a scenic road, emphasizing its sporty hatchback design.
Of course, no discussion about the current generation Golf R (and GTI) is complete without addressing the controversial touch controls. While they have been a point of contention, spending a week with the Golf R reveals that they aren’t a deal-breaker. While physical buttons might be preferable for some functions, the touch controls are manageable and become more intuitive with time. Ultimately, the most significant hurdle for the 2022 Golf R isn’t the touch controls, but its price tag.
Features, Options, and Market Rivals
The 2022 VW Golf R starts at $45,185, and beyond the choice of the automatic transmission for an extra $800, options are limited. This near-fixed price point makes it difficult to justify its value in a vacuum. For the same money, or even less, you could get a Volkswagen crossover with all-wheel drive, more ground clearance, and greater practicality. Even within the realm of hatchbacks, a $45,000 price tag raises eyebrows. You’re clearly paying for the performance and technology, but some might yearn for a more analog, less digitally-focused driving experience at this price.
Front three-quarter view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R in motion on a winding road, showcasing its dynamic performance.
Side view of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R parked in an urban setting, highlighting its compact size and sporty wheels.
The 2022 Golf R operates in a somewhat rarefied segment. With the Subaru WRX STI discontinued and the Ford Focus RS no longer available, direct competitors are scarce. The Audi RS3 occupies a different price and performance bracket. Alternatives like the Hyundai Elantra N and Honda Civic Type R offer compelling performance but cater to slightly different tastes and expectations. The Elantra N, from a relatively newer performance division, defies expectations, while the Civic Type R embraces a more extroverted, “boy-racer” aesthetic.
Fuel Economy and Sustainability
In its manual guise, the Golf R achieves EPA fuel economy ratings of 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 manual Hyundai Elantra N. Premium fuel is mandatory for optimal performance. For context, the less powerful GTI manages a more frugal 28 mpg combined.
EPA fuel economy sticker for the Volkswagen Golf R showing MPG ratings in city, highway, and combined driving.
Value Proposition and Final Verdict
In isolation, the 2022 Golf R embodies a modern take on youthful exuberance. It offers the performance and excitement we crave, wrapped in a package of modern technology and convenience. It’s like enjoying your favorite band in a comfortable stadium with all the amenities, rather than a cramped, sweaty basement.
However, when considered within the broader context of the market, the Golf R occupies a niche space. It’s significantly more expensive than the GTI, yet the performance difference, while present, isn’t always dramatically noticeable in everyday driving. Historically, the Golf R’s all-wheel-drive system and enhanced track capabilities provided a clear advantage over the GTI. But in its current iteration, the Golf R feels more specialized and less broadly appealing within VW’s lineup.
The 2022 Golf R potentially represents the last purely gasoline-powered Golf R, marking the end of an era. Nostalgia, more than outright performance superiority, might be the strongest reason to consider it. If you’re drawn to the idea of owning what could be the last of a breed – a high-performance, gasoline-only VW hot hatch – then the Golf R holds significant appeal. Just remember, in this modern world, touch controls are here to stay. Or, to put it another way, as my high school friend Spicoli might say, “Aloha, Mr. Hand.”
