Hatchbacks have enjoyed success in other parts of the world, such as Europe, but they’ve never really caught on in America.
This has resulted in a number of deaths over the years as we’ve already seen the elimination of the Chevrolet Cruze and Ford Focus. For 2022, the Volkswagen Golf standard hatchback will be the last to leave the automobile afterlife. However, it’s not all bad news as the model lives on in the form of the redesigned Golf GTI and Golf R.
We’ve already had a few experiences with international versions of the Golf Mk8, but we recently traveled to North Carolina to be among the first to drive the US-spec models. Although our time was short, hot hatch enthusiasts have much to look forward too.
Edgier, But Familiar Styling
Our readers should recognize the cars as they were introduced by the Golf GTI in February 2020 and the Golf R in November that year. Unsurprisingly, the US-spec models are virtually identical to their European counterparts and feature a sleeker design than their predecessors.
The GTI has a bolder front fascia, with LED headlights connected by familiar red stripes. An illuminated light bar is standard on the GTI SE, which adds to that classic accent. It’s an eye-catching addition and helps the model to stand out at night.
Those aren’t the only notable changes as the GTI adopts distinctive fog lights that form an X-shape. They’re joined by a minimalist front splitter, a black diffuser and a rear spoiler. The highlights include a chromed dual exhaust system, 18- or 19 inch wheels and a robust braking system that includes red calipers.
The Golf R builds on that formula and is “more R than ever.” As a result, the high-performance model is distinguished by a unique front bumper that helps to improve airflow while also increasing downforce. You will find stylish alloy 19-inch wheels in black with accents, and extended side skirts.
The highlights include matte aluminum-look mirror caps and blue accents. They’re joined by a more aggressive diffuser and a four-tailpipe exhaust system. It’s also worth mentioning the Golf R is available exclusively in three colors – Lapiz Blue Metallic, Deep Black Pearl and Pure White – whereas the Golf GTI has a more expressive palette with vibrant hues such as Kings Red Metallic and Pomelo Yellow Metallic.
For Better or Worse, a Minimalist Cabin
Although the exterior looks very traditional, the cabin has been updated to be more contemporary and technologically advanced than before. The digital instrument cluster is 10.25 inches in size and offers a wide range of customisation options.
Except for GTI S (entry-level), which is smaller at 8.25 inches, the 10-inch freestanding infotainment unit joins the cluster. It seems reasonably fast and responsive, but there’s no button for pulling up media controls.
As people often change their radio station more frequently than the climate setting, this is quite an oversight. You can access the Climate Settings by pressing a special button on your minimalist center stack, the touch controls on the dashboard and the dedicated section of the infotainment software itself. It’s a strange omission, but the entire cabin has been streamlined and this has greatly reduced the number of physical buttons and switches.
GTI’s infotainment system is aside. The GTI has a heated leather steering column, 30 colors of ambient lighting, and stainless steel pedals. You will also find classic plaid-upholstered heated front seats. If that’s not enough, the GTI SE adds a sunroof, a passive entry system, GPS navigation and a nine-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.
Lastly, the range-topping GTI Autobahn boasts Vienna leather sport seats with heating and ventilation as well as 12-way power adjustment on the driver’s side. Rear-seat occupants haven’t been forgotten as they’ll find dedicated climate controls and butt warmers.
The Golf R comes only in Autobahn trim. The interior is a lot like the GTI version, with the exception of the R logos and carbon-effect trim. Blue accents are also included.
While the interior looks good and boasts a handful of upscale features, it doesn’t exactly feel premium as there are hard plastics at various touchpoints such as the doors. It is disappointing considering the car starts at $29 545, and goes up to $44,445 if you get a DSG-equipped golf R.
Both models have fantastic front sports seats. Their heavy bolstering helped us stay in our place when we were driving on narrow mountain roads. The front seats are also spacious, while the rear ones are reasonably accommodating as they offer 35 inches (889 mm) of legroom and enough headroom to keep this 6’ 2” scribe happy.
In terms of cargo space, new Golfs can hold 19.9 cubicft (564 liters). That’s slightly less than the Mazda3 2.5 Turbo, but the cargo area can be expanded to 34.5 cubic feet (977 liters) by folding the rear seats down.
Turbocharged 2.0 Liter Four-Cylinders Up To 315 HP
Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder EA888 evo4 engine, which features an upgraded direct injection system and reduced internal friction. The 2022 Golf GTI has a rating of 241 HP (180kW / 244PS) and 273 Lb-ft (376 Nm).
This is a modest increase of 13 hp (10 kW / 13 PS) and 15 lb-ft (20 Nm), but it’s worth noting the GTI is 20 lbs (9 kg) lighter than its predecessor. As a result, the performance gains haven’t been lost due to the car’s slightly larger dimensions.
The Golf R has 315 horsepower (235 kW/ 319 PS), and 295 lbft (400 Nm), when fitted with the seven-speed DSG transmission. For those who want to do the shifting themselves, however, there is a slight reduction in torque output at 280lb-ft (319 PS).
The 2019 Golf R had 288 HP (215kW / 292PS) and 280lb-ft (385 Nm) of torque. This represents a significant improvement. The 2022 Golf R weighs in at 3,417 pounds (1,550kg), an additional 117 lbs (53kg)
No matter which model you choose, all models come with the six-speed manual transmission. While we didn’t test the DIY gearbox this time around, when we drove the Euro-spec model earlier this year we found it to be a willing partner that was also pretty forgiving.
DSG on the other side offers quick and precise shifts. Its responsiveness depends on the selected driving mode as Comfort optimizes “compliance,” while Sport allows for more aggressive shifts. Eco and Custom modes can also be used, with the former allowing the driver to adjust the car to his or her liking.
Golf R drops Eco mode and adds Race, Drift and Special settings. The electronic stability control system is told to relax by Drift. It also directs the torque vectoring all wheel drive system to transmit power to the outside rear wheels. Special mode is a bit gimmicky as it was designed for use on the Nürburgring and features settings optimized for that specific track.
Even ignoring the different modes, the DSG transmission engine and DSG motor work together well. Despite this, there was some hesitation in pushing the accelerator. The car seemed to be trying to decide what next. These incidents were rare, but it’s never fun waiting for something to happen.
Thankfully, the added performance doesn’t have a penalty at the pump as the 2022 Golf GTI returns 24 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined with the manual. That’s an increase of 1 mpg city, 4 mpg highway and 2 mpg combined. The DSG variant is slightly more economical as it’s rated at 25 mpg city, 34 mpg highway and 28 mpg combined.
Golf R’s fuel consumption is not surprising as it achieves 20 mpg, 28 mpg highway, and 23 combined with the manual. The DSG improves these numbers to 23 mpg, 30 mpg highway, and 26 mpg together.
Hot Hatch Benchmark gets even better
Despite being all-new, the Golfs continue to ride on Volkswagen’s MQB platform. With the addition of ultra-high strength steel, and an aluminum front subframe that is lighter than before, there are still some modifications.
Those aren’t the only changes as the GTI’s suspension features revised dampers and reconfigured wishbone bearings, as well as new springs, which are 5 percent stiffer in the front and 15 percent stiffer in the rear.
The suspension adjustments are not the only ones that the car has. It also features an electronic controlled, limited slip differential as well as an adaptive damping system which can be adjusted up to 200 times per minute. Furthermore, there’s a new Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which helps to coordinate the car’s various systems to help minimize understeer, maximize grip and deliver neutral handling.
It is an excellent hatchback to drive, with impressive grip. This was evident on winding mountain roads in Ashville where it had been slick since the early morning drizzle. The GTI was steadfast despite the conditions and didn’t move a muscle when we pushed him too far.
Golf R goes above and beyond with its standard adaptive dampers, sportier suspension, new torque vectoring all-wheel system, and an all-wheel driving system. The rear torque can be sent up to 100 percent to the outside wheel, which helps improve handling.
The difference is obvious behind the wheel. While the Golf GTI can be a good choice, the Golf R has a better option. All-wheel drive means that corners feel tighter and are more precise. The hatch also has the extra traction to keep it steady.
Another plus is the Golf R’s beefy braking system, which features 14.1 inch (358 mm) cross-drilled front discs, two-piston floating calipers, and aluminum hats for a 1.3 lbs (0.6 kg) weight reduction. The GTI’s braking system is more basic and uses smaller 13.4 inch (340 mm) ventilated front discs. They are both perfectly capable, and each have discs that measure 12.2 inches in the rear (310 mm).
Both models have a progressive variable ratio steering system. They’re similar, but the Golf R has a tighter lock-to-lock of 1.97 turns to the GTI’s 2.1.
Based on which driving mode you choose, the steering will vary. However, Sport mode provides a great mix of responsiveness and effort. However, in the twisties, a quick push of the steering wheel’s R button puts the model into Race mode and this tightens things up a bit.
Speaking of modes, it’s worth noting that Volkswagen wants owners to have fun as there are ESC Sport and ESC Off settings. ESC Sport adjusts the thresholds for more freedom. ESC Off turns off the system entirely.
Despite being a heck of a lot of fun, the Golfs aren’t a pain in the back. Both models ride firm, but they’re fairly compliant given their sporty nature and seem perfectly comfortable for daily use. Although it is relatively quiet inside, there can still be a faint exhaust sound.
Price starts at $29 545, and goes up to $43,645 for The Golf R
The Golf GTI, like almost everything else, is now more costly than ever. Prices start at $29 545, plus a $995 destination charge. You can move up to the SE mid-level trim for $34,295, while you will pay $37.995 for the Autobahn trim.
The Golf GTI SE seems to offer the best combination of value and equipment, and can be outfitted with a $1,225 package that adds leather, heated and ventilated front seats, and 12-way power adjustment on the driver’s side. The DSG transmission can be fitted to all trims for an additional $800.
Besides the equipment we talked about earlier, the Golf GTI comes with an extensive list of driver assistance systems including Front Assist, a Blind Spot Monitor and Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go. Other highlights include Lane Assist, Rear Traffic Alert and a semi-autonomous Travel Assist function, which combines adaptive cruise control with lane centering.
Pricing for the Golf R is straightforward by comparison as it’s only offered in one fully-equipped trim. It’s a mixed blessing as the price starts at $43,645, and goes up to $44,445 if you add the DSG transmission.
That’s luxury car territory and the Golf R is effectively in a class of its own. Although it has a close competitor, the Honda Civic Type R is a cheaper alternative and doesn’t have all-wheel driving. However, we’ll get a better idea of how the two models match up when the redesigned Civic Type R arrives next year.
On the other side, the Golf GTI will be competing with the Mazda3 Hatchback 2.5 Turbo. This model costs $31,050, and comes with all-wheel-drive and a 250-hp engine (186kW / 253PS) that produces 310 lbft (420Nm) of torque. Those are notable advantages over the GTI, but you’d have to live without the manual gearbox.
Enjoy Greater Golf with Some Quirks
The Golf GTI and Golf R are widely seen as the benchmark for hot hatches and it’s easy to see why as both models offer great driving dynamics, a firm but comfortable ride, and plenty of power.
By improving on the Mk8’s predecessors, it adds more performance and refines the driving experience. Golf R is back! It now has a torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system that provides even more control.
That being said, I personally prefer the GTI as the differences between the two models don’t feel enough to justify an additional $14,100. You will need more equipment, but for only $9,350, you can get the Golf GTI SE at $34,295 which offers almost everything you would want in a hatchback.
While there’s a lot to like, the two Golfs aren’t perfect as some of the interior tech comes off as half baked. While the touch controls can sometimes be a bit shaky, some fairly simple tasks are made more difficult by the infotainment systems. This would typically be a minor annoyance, but it’s especially damning in a car where a manual transmission is one of the key selling points. However, if you can get past that, you’re in for a treat.
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