The Volkswagen Golf R is a sizzling hot hatch with an even hotter price tag. The Golf R may be over $10k more expensive than a Golf GTI with a starting price of $40K compared to the GTI’s $28k base MSRP. Is it worth paying nearly $50k for a Volkswagen Golf? Those fiercely loyal to the iconic hatchback would argue yes, but most would disagree. Nevertheless, Volkswagen has announced the latest version for 2022.
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine producing 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. Compared to the outgoing model, this is a 27 hp increase. 2022 Golf R models sold in the United States and Canada will be available with a six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. In a reverse role, no manual option will be offered in Europe on the 2022 Golf R. Every Golf R is equipped with an all-wheel-drive and torque vectoring drive system regardless of transmission.
Volkswagen claims this AWD and torque vectoring will eliminate understeer and allow the Golf R to be more agile in the corners. This premium hatchback brings the heat from zero to 60 in 4.7 seconds and a limited top speed of 155 mph. Increased performance is supported by a sport-tuned suspension featuring stiffer springs and anti-roll bars over a lightweight subframe. The result is a Golf R that can hit faster cornering speeds while maintaining stability. Bringing all this performance to a stop are wider, two pistons, front disc brakes supported by a larger than standard brake master cylinder.
One exciting new feature on the 2022 Golf R is a “Drift Mode” added to its six total drive mode settings. Drift mode works by changing how power is sent to all four wheels, allowing the car to maintain a slide. We should note that just because the vehicle has a drift setting doesn’t mean it will be as easy to do as it is on Forza Horizon 4. Pricing for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R has not been released, but we can assume it will be north of $40k. It won’t be available for purchase until it arrives at showrooms in the later months of 2021.