Two iconic cars make one exhilarating leap forward
In recognition of their shared lineage, both the 2022 Golf GTI and the 2022 Golf R have been gifted with significant upgrades throughout. These cars “represent the most advanced Golf family ever,” says Megan Closset. “More power, more performance, more standard features, and best of all, innovations to improve handling, dynamics, and the overall driving experience.”
It all starts under the hood. Propelled by the latest EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged direct-injection TSI® engine, each car is the most powerful in its model’s U.S. history. The new Golf GTI generates 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, while the new Golf R boasts 315 horsepower and up to 295 pound-feet of torque.
Because the ability to manually shift gears is part of the quintessential hot-hatch experience, both models offer a 6-speed manual transmission, with the option of a 7-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Both cars also showcase new vehicle dynamics settings designed for more agile and accurate handling, as well as DCC® adaptive chassis control with Driving Mode Selection (standard on the Golf R and available on the Golf GTI), which helps to improve ride refinement and body control.
The 2022 Golf GTI: building on a remarkable legacy
The original Golf GTI (Mk1) went on sale in 1976, and came to the U.S. for the first time in 1983, when it was initially called the Rabbit GTI. Since then, the Golf GTI has built an enviable record as one of the world’s most successful compact sports cars. The Mk8 Golf GTI takes that legacy to a new level as the hot hatch for the person who wants a fun experience even in everyday driving.
In addition to the car’s enhanced power, the new Golf GTI benefits from key handling upgrades. It comes standard with an electronically controlled, torque-sensing limited-slip VAQ differential, which helps to optimize grip and handling, and aids in reducing the understeer common in front-drive cars.
In its design, the Golf GTI gets new X-shaped foglights and unique alloy wheel styles to go with its classic honeycomb lower grille, red grille line, red brake calipers, and dual exhaust tips. Inside, the seats retain the model’s traditional tartan look, now in an eye-catching new “Scalepaper” pattern. The manual shift knob, meanwhile, keeps the fan-favorite dimpled golf-ball design.
The 2022 Golf R: hatchback performance gets a new benchmark
Since model-year 2004, the Golf R and its predecessor, the R32, have garnered raves from driving enthusiasts thanks to stellar performance. The latest Golf R raises that bar even higher. In fact, the 2022 Golf R turned a lap time 19 seconds quicker than the previous-generation version at Germany’s famed Nürburgring Nordschleife circuit.
The Golf R elevates the art of hatchback handling with an updated 4MOTION® all-wheel-drive system featuring rear-axle torque vectoring. The new system can distribute up to 100 per cent of the rear torque to either of the rear wheels based on factors like speed, power application, and body-weight transfer. Ultimately, it can help to reduce the car’s cornering radius for tighter handling.
Style-wise, the Golf R differentiates itself from the Golf GTI with bold elements including a blue grille line and brake calipers, new alloy wheel designs, more aggressive front and rear bumpers and diffusers, a two-piece rear spoiler, body-coloured side sill extensions, and a quad-tipped exhaust system.
If you’re interested in test driving a 2022 Golf R or GTI, please click the button below. Depending on current conditions, traditional test drives may not be available so we’ll contact you to discuss what is possible. Thank you in advance for your understanding and patience.
Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications, at any time, without notice.
