Redesigned for 2022, Volkswagen's smallest model returned in two sporty trims. Still a subcompact 4-door hatchback, gone are the value-conscious base models. Returning is the original hot-hatch GTI and rally-inspired Golf R. Competitors are few and include the Honda Civic Type R, Hyundai Elantra N, Kia Forte GT, MINI Cooper S, Subaru WRX, and Toyota Corolla GR.
Golf GTI and Golf R both have a turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. GTI's makes 241 horsepower while Golf R's engine makes 315 horsepower. Both come with either a 6-speed manual transmission or 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. GTI comes with front-wheel drive and Golf R gets all-wheel drive.
GTI starts at $31,000 and Golf R starts at $45,000. Standard safety equipment includes forward-collision warning with brake intervention, lane-keeping assist, blind-spot alert with lane centering, and adaptive cruise control. Also standard are LED headlights, push-button starting, leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, and wireless charging pad.
While the GTI's turbo four is more than powerful enough, the Golf R's added boost is intoxicating. GTI models hit 60 MPH in about 5.9 seconds while R models drop that time to a scant 4.3 seconds. In either case, the engines are smooth and tractable at all speeds. While the 6-speed manual is a joy to shift, the dual-clutch automatic is perhaps the best in the business, offering seamless upshifts and prompt downshifts.
For many, the biggest difference between the GTI and R is how it puts the power down. The GTI will happily spin its front wheels while the Golf R's all-wheel drive system means no wheel spin, just more controllable acceleration. The AWD system also has a few tricks up its sleeve as it can vector 100-percent of engine torque to the wheels with the best traction and has a "drift" mode for those that like to show off.
EPA numbers for the GTI with manual are 23 MPG city and 32 MPG highway. Similarly equipped Golf R nets ratings of 20/28 MPG. Both numbers are a little low for the class. More importantly the GTI can run on regular-grade gasoline while the Golf R requires premium grade fuel. In either case the EPA numbers are woefully understated. It's easy to average close to 40 MPG on the highway and 30 MPG around town, provided you don't think you are AJ Foyt. GTI models get a 13.2-gallon fuel tank, while Golf R gets a 14.5-gallon tank. Both are large enough to give more than 450 miles of highway range.
You'd think with the same chassis and underpinnings, GTI and Golf R would feel very similar from behind the wheel. That's not the case. The GTI feels tossable and athletic in a playful way whereas the Golf R goes about its business with a much more serious and unflappable tone. Either way, the Golfs are some of the most capable and entertaining subcompacts to drive. Both have sophisticated suspensions that allow drivers to carve almost any corner with very little correction for bumps or potholes. Steering in each is firm, but not overly quick and has a great connected-to-the-road feeling. Brakes have ample stopping power and an easy-to-modulate pedal.
Given the handling capabilities, you'd think both the GTI and R ride like buckboard go karts. That's not the case. There's ample suspension travel and lots of impact absorption. Of course, both are affected by expansion joints, but that's more a case of the short wheelbase than shock setup. Compared to competitors, the Golfs ride like luxury cars, in most cases.
Interior noise levels are reasonably low, though the tires kick up quite a ruckus on concrete roads. The exhaust note in the GTI is mischievous, while the exhaust note in the R is seductively angry.
While Volkswagen may have nailed the Golf's driving dynamics, the interiors have been roundly criticized in the 2022 makeover. Not for materials or design, which are top notch, but for the finicky touch controls and overly complicated control interface. For example, to change the temperature, you have to touch a tiny "climate" button and then tap a small "-" or "+" icon on the infotainment system. Then tap another button to get back to the map or radio screen. It's that way for just about everything that, while it's not confusing, it is hard to do quickly and distracts from the driving experience. There are also similar touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel that are hard to find and then too easy to tap by mistake.
Golf GTI or R, the front seats are near perfect. They offer just the right blend of comfort, adjustability, and support. Head and leg room are unrivaled in the class. The rear seats are low set and not nearly as roomy and comfortable but can accommodate two adults in a pinch. Getting in and out requires a minor bend and the door openings are narrow. Outward visibility is excellent.
From a technology standpoint, Volkswagen is competitive with safety and features. The base infotainment screen is woefully small, but that's only offered on the base GTI. The digital instrument cluster is crisp, and the available head up display quite useful.
Being a hatchback, cargo capacity is a plus. Behind the rear seats Golf offers 19.9 cubic feet - almost as much as a midsize sedan. Rear seats down, that number grows to almost 35 cubic feet. Interior storage is modest with a few open and covered bins, but at least the map pockets are large. Another nice feature is the infinitely adjustable cover for the center console. Long a Volkswagen hallmark, it allows the cover to become a perfect center armrest.
Bottom Line -- Simply put there are no competitors that can offer the blend of refinement, performance, utility, and frugality of the GTI and Golf R. Some are quicker. Some are slightly more roomy. None are more affordable -- except for the Forte GT. The only thing holding the Volkswagen twins back is muddled infotainment controls. Though prices might seem steep, these vehicles are very well equipped and have great resale value.
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