Redesign Info
The Volkswagen Golf R will be completely redesigned for the 2022 model year. The model returns from a 2-year absence with an all-new, albeit familiar, design inside and out, marking the debut of its newest generation.
The 2022 Golf R's exterior will bring a brand-new look, but it won't be a revolutionary change for the hot hatchback. It'll hit showrooms as a five-door model, once again, and gain a revamped front end that'll include a new, sportier bumper, redesigned headlights, and a thinner grille with LED backlighting.
Around back, the upright liftgate will remain, but the backside will be otherwise all-new with wider taillights that feature new graphics, an all-new bumper with gloss-black insert, and an updated quad-exit exhaust. The 2022 Golf R will also include 19-inch wheels, unique side skirts, matte-chrome mirror caps, a 0.8-inch-lower ride height relative to the other eighth-gen Golf models, and more.
Inside, the 2022 VW Golf R will feature a thinner dash, a rising center console, more digitalized control features, a new Discover Pro infotainment system, a configurable digital instrument cluster, a 10-inch touchscreen with a unique R splash screen, updated sport seats with available Nappa leather and "R" logo, blue contrast stitching, carbon-fiber-look accents, specific door trim, stainless steel pedals, a 30-color ambient light system, and more.
Under its hood, the 2022 Golf R will retain its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but its power will grow to 315 horsepower (27-hp gain) and 310 pound-feet of torque (30-lb-ft gain). This potent four-pot's power will flow through either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and out to all four wheels via an all-new all-wheel-drive system that adjusts the power from the front and rear and left and right wheels. This powertrain will add up to a 4.7-second 0-62 mph time and a 155 mph top speed.
The Golf R will also gain a new variable-ratio steering system for enhanced performance when needed and comfort when it's not necessary. Larger front brakes will help reign in this hot hatchback.
Pricing & Release Date
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R will go on sale in the 4th quarter of 2021.
Official pricing will start at $44,640 including a destination charge of $995. That's for the Golf R with manual transmission. The optional DSG adds $800 for an MSRP of $45,440.
To put that into perspective, the 2019 Golf R started at $41,390 with a manual and $42,390 for the DSG.
This hot hatchback will compete with the Mazda3 Turbo, Honda Civic Type R, and Hyundai Veloster N.
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Pictured: 2022 Volkswagen Golf R (European Model)