The AWD Hot Hatch Of Your Dreams Is Here | 2022 Volkswagen Golf R
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- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- VW may not have made the first "hot hatch" in the world, but I argue that they have long made the best hot hatches, and the ultimate is the Golf R. With over 300 horsepower, a robust AWD system, a slick shifting dual-clutch transmission and more ways to adjust the suspension and drivetrain than you can imagine, the Golf R is practically a sports hatch chameleon. It can be mild mannered on your way to drop the kids off at school, a canyon carver on your way to work, and an autocross champion on weekends. What more could your midlife crisis ask for?
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Can we just talk about how this car goes 0-60 in the same time it takes to get the best launch out of a Camaro SS? Car and Driver tested the Golf R and it ran a 12.5 second 1/4 mile, 3.9s 0-60. I'd gladly overlook the infotainment system for that kind of performance from a Golf ☺️
I bet the Golf R weighs 1000 lbs less than a Camaro which would explain it.
@Tim Locke DSG transmission and launch control also makes a huge difference.
Totally agree, the performances outweigh the little annoyances of the infotainment. People saying those are a dealbreaker are plain idiots given the driving experience
@@LordHolley All Wheel Drive should help getting moving from full stop.
@@geronimooo260 couldnt agree more
I don't understand concern about climate controls in infotainment screen. It's automatic climate control with temp +/- buttons always there. I can't remember the last time I manually changed the airflow or fan speed in a nice car with good automatic CC. If I can tweak the temp with hard buttons, I don't need to look at old school climate controls and diagrams 100% of the time.
I can’t get over those ergonomics.
Just wondering, since you have driven the xc40 recharge which is faster in a straight line...the mk8 golf r or xc40 recharge?
Thanks for another great review Alex, may I ask if you have a video about CA EV credit update? I am planning to reserve a F150 Pro Lightning and wonder what is the step to apply for those EV credit… thanks again
FWIW…I bought a 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4xe….. my electricity bill went up $97 a month. I thought even with todays gas prices it would be a wash! However, that would equal me filling up 2 additional times a month which I wouldn’t do but on rare occasions. Just something to think about
Alex, did you test drive the manual as well?
...and put a barbecue back here. ;-)
Can't wait for all the supply chain nonsense and insane dealer markups to be over - so we can just BUY a car again! Would be great if VW would just adopt Tesla's online shopping tool (especially if they really want to move closer to the head of the class in the EV market) and let us bypass the pain of having to endure the dinosaur sales team model. Great review as always, Alex!
should be able to pick one of these up well equipped for just over $55,000 after the ADM from the dealers. Looked for quite some time at a Focus RS; however, the dealers just killed that car with all of the ADM and that was way before the current market situation
What do you know about my Dreams, Alex? You think I like those goofy capacitive touch interfaces?
Exterior: wonderful
Interior: a disgrace (with the exception of the seats) that whole interface is a mistake, and don’t get me started on all the hard plastics and piano black everywhere! sad sad sad 😢
A price tag that won’t break the bank he says. Damn. I must be in the wrong line of work lol
samee lol
The price isn't outrageous because everything has gone up. Glad I got my car in April I'd hate to be shopping now.
Exactly, I purchased a Toyota SUV in 2009 for 34k, the same suv in 2022 is 43k... the same way that in 2009 wages were much less than it is 2020 plus.
Possibly the worst infotainment system controls of any car available today.
VW truly blew it.
Saving production costs...by decreasing total sales and pissing off loyal customers. Whoever thought up that strategy will probably be getting a bonus when they should be getting the sack.
@@AFJDM Yet they charge way more for the car lol.
The lack of physical controls for climate and audio as well as a traditional shifter is really a deal breaker for me with any car.
They need to fix that in the next refresh. It's still the best vehicle in its class and a great value. What else is really there?
Yes, that shifter especially. Wtf. Maybe one could get used to the volume slider, but using that ridiculous little nub each time you put it in drive or reverse..?
I could deal with the shifter but the stupid climate and volume controls are deal breakers for sure. Did VW pay no attention to how that went over for Cadillac and Honda? It’s a shame because other than that there’s no other car under 60k that I like
7.5 interior with screens from this decade would be perfect
@@avery4528 you sure? I think you might be thinking of the golf 7.5 gen
The 2019 Golf R was 42k, If you consider inflation the price hasn't changed. Very good review Alex
So with tax and undercoating, extra warranty it’s $65k.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣💩
@@bobbydemondukes what kind of Mickey mouse math is that?
@@janoycresnova9156 it’s not that far off from the price tags at dealerships
No dealership is selling this at msrp...
Good luck finding a dealer willing to sell one for anywhere near MSRP. My guess is the standard markup is going to be north of 5k.
Doug DeMuro should take lessons from Alex. I can't stand eighteen minutes of buttons and switches. Alex covers everything in ten minutes; DeMuro takes twenty.
Doug is also overly demonstrative.
@@paulh6517 I would call it ‘performative demonstration’. Alex shows what we need to see without all of the frills (other than the trunk comfort test🤣).
Doug does my head in.
Doug isn’t the same type of reviewer as Alex. It’s a whole different format and purpose.
DeMuro is more thorough, going into history and categorical ratings. Alex focuses more on the driving experience. Both are mandatory for a complete grasp the machine.
Love my 2019 Golf R but am eager to get my hands on the new 2022 model, which I have pre-ordered with manual transmission. I'm an old geezer who probably should be driving an SUV with automatic transmission, but I just cannot give up the fun of the hot hatch. I also love its beautiful but understated design. I live in the Northeast so good winter tires are a must.
Im down like that
For those who have never driven, much less owned, either a GTI or a Golf R the loyalty of of owners may be difficult to understand. Why are changes so infrequent and subtle? So subtle, in fact, that only a discerning eye can recognize a new model versus a version introduced a decade ago. The answers are simple. Golfs aren't perfect. No vehicle is. But the various Golf variants come closer to all round perfection than any vehicle I've ever owned. The versatility of the Golf design and the flexibility of the magnificent EA888 engine family is unmatched. And if power is insufficient for a driver, a 30 minute Stage 1 ECU tune adds substantial HP and Torque at a modest cost. (And contrary to what one might think, it does NOT necessarily invalidate the VW factory warranty.) The manual transmission is a fine unit for those wedded to 3 pedal driving and the DSG is superior to any conventional automatic and almost every other dual clutch short of a Porsche TDK. Put the DSG in manual mode and it holds a driver selected gear all the way to redline. And if that isn't good enough, an APR transmission "tune" will hold the selected gear at redline and beyond.
Drivers well over 6 ft and those (like my daughter) at barely over 5 ft tall can find an ideal driving position. At around 168" in length a Golf is a joy to maneuver and park in the urban traffic jungle. And if you live in my area, you'll receive a substantial discount on the Washington State ferries around the Puget Sound that few other 4 wheel vehicles enjoy. Our family of four (two adults, a teenager, and a big dog) travel for hours (or days) in comfort. And for those trips to Costco for provisions to last for months, the Golf swallows nearly as much cargo as a foot longer SUV.
If I could own only one vehicle for a lifetime it would be a GTI or a Golf R. But then the question becomes which Golf variant is worth the investment considering the price difference between the models. That's a tough one. Obviously the engine tune on the "R" provides substantially more power and performance. But that comes at a penalty of about 300 lbs in curb weight from the R's AWD. That's the equivalent of hauling an NFL lineman around in the back seat. And while the R's excellent AWD gives it the edge in handling on twisting mountain roads, the weight difference makes the GTI's performance deficit less than one might expect on tight roads or similar tight tracks, especially for a Stage 1 tuned GTI vs a stock "R".
Despite the enhancements in the MK8 generation of each Golf I suspect I'll hold onto my MK7.5 GTI. Trading it would be like replacing a member of the family. And to deal with my daughter's frequent requests to borrow my GTI I recently purchased a beautifully maintained 2012 VW CC with its version of the EA888 engine and a manual transmission primarily for her. Driving the new "R' may influence my decision but I have to admit that the CC has tempted me to look closely at the "R" version of the Arteon that's set to arrive in the US in a few months. Perhaps I can keep my GTI in the family for my daughter and replace the CC with an Arteon. Hmmm....
You've expressed it perfectly. For my money, there is no more satisfying drive than a Golf R with a 6-speed.
VW should hire you to lead its marketing department.
As an alltrack owner, you literally read my mind. No one understand how it is owning a vw golf, espcially a gti or r. People think I am weird owning one, but they are the same ones who get american cars like every 2 years. Literally just amazing all around vehicles. Parts and mods are all over the place for the ea888 and imo is the best bang for buck when it comes to tuning and modding a turbo 4 cylinder.
After eight years of ownership, In August we traded in our 2013 MK 6 GTI. Sadly, after my wife saw the redesign of the interior (it was her daily)dash to all haptic it was time for a different make.
@@artagain8977 DIfferent strokes for different folks. I haven't driven the MK8 GTI yet but I have driven the Arteon with similar haptic controls and it took me about 15 minutes to adjust to their use.
I've always wanted an Audi RS3 hatch but it's not offered in the states. This seems like a great alternative!
The Kona N will be more reliable and have a better powertrain warranty.
Not sure if the first gen gets AWD, but it's a 4.8 second beast.
Same, would get this car over the rest, anytime.
@japanwatchconnection Tesla says hello 😁👍
3:52 that exactly why I hate 4 doors : ''B'' pillar obstructing my left view & my entry-exit of the car
You always have your elbow that rests uncomfortably against it ,armrest of the door too far forward.Not only a four door look completly dumb for a sport car, it's a nuisance when you are 6' 5'' .Give us the euro 2 doors please .
Manual trans all day long. Not racing anyone, would rather have the driver involvement. Besides, this will blow away most if not all crossovers which are 80+% of the cars in my area. Great review as always.
It will also be a great investment
@@070074810 if you lease and don’t finance lmao. My VW dealer is adding 5k over sticker for the GTI so when we get a Golf R, I expect at least 10k
Excusing the overly complicated interior controls is almost inexcusable IMO. Performance aside, navigating basic adjustments is not compelling at all; to consider purchasing this or the GTI. Thankfully, we have choices.
I've watched A LOT of reviews and this was by far the most thorough, nice job!
No one ever mentions the MINI Clubman S JCW in these videos. It's 300+ HP, all wheel drive and the same claimed 0-60 time (Golf is probably quicker tho). I'm not saying it's as good as the Golf R (it's not), but it is in the same league.
I’ve never been keen on hot hatches but I am a manual gearbox purist. Consequently, I love what the Germans have done. I want one.
I have the GTI. My most favorite car ever. And I’m 59 years old
Jason Commisa on Hagerty had an in-depth video on why the MK7 Golf is better than the new one
And Jason is right. He nearly always is
Definitely the King of “affordable” Hot Hatches here in the US... for now.
You get alot for your money but its still alot of money
@@roywhiteo5 It will be interesting to see what price point the GR Corolla comes in at, and whether or not they offer the performance pack option with front & rear LSDs & Carbon Roof. If one is inclined to tune their car though, this Golf R with the DSG can make monster power much easier and more reliably than an STi.
I think I'd prefer the Veloster N, plus it's 10k cheaper.
I was told $52k from a dealership today.
I originally had a WRX limited on order, but at basically 40k it was a NO BRAINER to get this over it for about 5k more. Way more power, better reliability, hatchback, better brakes, literally everything about it tops the WRX
The Golf R is a win, it'd be my top choice in this category. I prefer a manual, however the extra power, change in RPM power band and better fuel economy has be leaning towards the automatic as well.
Having owned the first gen WRX wagon (2002), the Golf R is really appealing as an older adult’s hot hatch. I already own an Audi Q5 (with the supercharged V6) and it’s plenty powerful, but heavier and therefor not as planted on winding roads. Not sure I can justify buying a Golf R as an everyday driver, but maybe…
I have an s5 with that engine and man it screams with an intake
@@roywhiteo5 I may do an intake on the Q5, although it’s my wife’s primary driver and although she loves fast cars, she doesn’t want them to be loud.
@@JMacGyver1 its only loud at wide open throttle above 4k. I dont really hear it below 3k
Still a great value. Would definitely get this over a Veloster N or a Kia stinger.
Bcuz of the AWD?
This thing smokes other hot hatches in its price range. CarWow was repeatedly getting 0-60 MPH launches of 4.0 secs with the DSG. Too bad they porked the interior away so badly.
that about sums it up, and why i had to take it off my list. killer performance, the best hatch VW has ever made... but the infotainment would drive me nuts after a week or 2.
@japanwatchconnection oh this comment was super old, i ended up buying a BMW with idrive 8 which has no buttons, i just use voice for everything lol. i've changed my mind on these types of infotainments 😂
The hot hatch of my dream has a manual transmission. Let’s see if this title holds up.
People who dont get the Golf GTI and R are missing out. These cars are absolutely incredible - yes, there are more hardcore hatches and I welcome them (like the Veloster N, older Focus RS) but these are for people who want a car that is amazing at a lot of things coupled with a timeless design/proportions and amazing visibility/seating position. The new R IMHO is the one to get as it has the trick rear diff, doing oversteer in a Golf is a first in its 40 year history I think. They also hold their value very well and are all weather cars. I dont own either but have driven a lot of R's in the past.
I had a 2020 GTI, couldn’t wait to get rid of it.
Volkswagen - Fix It Again ... Wolfgang
@@marktepper3440 what was wrong with yours?
@@garrettw99 The entire manual transmission had to be replaced. It was defective from day one. With about 4K miles on it, the car developed all sorts of squeaks and rattles. It’s not a quality product. It’s fun to drive but that quickly goes away after you start dealing with all the reliability problems. Has to replace the water pump as well. I was lucky to get rid of it without getting hurt to badly financially.
@@marktepper3440 didn’t they have a long comprehensive warranty in 2020? Or was that 2019? Sorry to hear of your problems. What did you replace it with?
Wait for 2022 Wrx Sti for performance and value.
Fyi the actual HP is 340 of this new VW Mk8
He said these will be on dealer lots shortly. I am telling you all right now, these cars will not be in dealerships this year.
Just when I think I want to move up from my Mk6 R...this!👍 Thanks, Alex(?).
Goofy big paddle shifters. Wondering if those can be replaced with smaller ones that won't get in the way.
Excellent car and excellent price point for all the power/features. Last year’s Golf R was $42K. Great car/Great price
ADM on the R is going to be ridiculous this year.
I definitely have my eyes out for the new Golf R and the upcoming integra type s. Other then that I don't see much that'll fit my needs of having a fun, fast, practical 4 door hatch/sportback that's also a fantastic handling car in the canyons
You mean the ILX type S. I thought the Integra was canceled many years ago.
@@sbs-0055 new integra is comming soon :)
@@pilypassmergelis4592 are you sure that yellow looking thing is an integra? It looks horrendous.
@@sbs-0055 Well that is what we are all getting.
Trust me, the Golf R will outperform the Integra in every possible way, even the interior space. oh, maybe not the infotainment.
Nice car!! I'd choose the automatic as well!
Hey Alex how do you feel about vw going to all touch buttons? I love the car but I feel like those touch buttons will ruin the car for me on a daily basis
For that price I want physical switches! Haptic sucks to use in a moving vehicle.
Wish VW would put this engine in the Taos or Tiguan. Taos R? Yes, please.
What would be the point in that though? Why not just buy the Golf R? Taos isn’t much bigger
@@blue-ck9ns It's the form factor. A bit higher ride height, more ground clearance, easier to get into and out of, etc. I live in an area where it seems that most drivers must have monster trucks for daily drivers.
Taos' and Tiguan's are driven by soccer moms drinking Starbucks and smoking ciggies while going to Walmart. Why in the world would they need that engine?
The Golf R is the one use case for the VW 2-liter 4-banger engine than I can get behind. With pretty much every other VW model made today, I continue to mourn the loss of the excellent WR6 6-cylinder engine. Same with all that suffocating black/dark-gray color in the interior; it's still horrifically out of place in a Passat or a Taos or something like that, but in a boy-racer like the Golf R I think it does work. Another great review Alex!
Great review my friend. I live 4 miles down a gravel/dirt road, sometimes pretty bad, do you think that would be ok...also what about taking it on a long road trip, is it quiet enough and how does it handle around the semis? Love to have your thoughts
The full touch sensitive design still confuses me.
Why?
From multiple reviews, the performance and handling are greatly improved on this Mk8
For someone that whines about every Lexus infotainment, you sure gloss over it here, when every other reviewer pointed out how much it sucks.
i want this car so bad! just cant decide if i want the stick shift or DSG!? #firstworldproblems
at that price point, you can get a used M340
That huge bezel is horrible, is it 2002? Every auto maker is doing that. Why?
My dream car. 46k is not cheap though. Beautiful car.
The 22 base GTIs are a great deal if you can find one.
Excuse me? Remove the subwoofer! Is that even something that anyone would consider?
Honda definitely fell flat on their face with the Civic. Not sure if Audi still does the A3 but that was best rental car i ever drove... while in Germany even better.
We get the A3 / S3 but no hatch anymore, sedan only. :/
good review.. the acceleration talk, i personally dont care.. dont spend so much time on it. Its a hot hatch, not a dragster
45k msrp for the R vs 40k for the top of the line GTI Autobahn edition makes the R a "better" deal imo, if you can swing that extra 5k.
You're probably right, but I wonder how many people are actually gonna pay full MSRP for Autobahns. I have a feeling VW will be discounting them just like they had to do with the MK7 Autobahn.
Excellent and exhaustively comprehensive review of this great car, Alex. However, I might have had one too many whilst watching but I don't remember you mentioning the performance drift-mode capability? That's a pretty major addition to this Golf R's appeal for many a prospective hot-hatch owner today... Is it not available on the US model?
yes, it does have drift mode.
Toward the end of the review, he mentioned that he wasn’t able to test the drift mode because no facility had been provided to do that. It’s a track only feature I think.
Sassy
There is no 2 door version of the golf mk8 anywhere unfortunately....
I would love to see Brian give this a full review.
Anyone who recommends an auto transmission Golf R loses any credibility
Indeed, Alex! VW created an incredible car here!
Uhhhhh. why so much glossy piano black?
Oh wow a Golf R with a sunroof
The exterior of the Golf R is much better than the GTIs "10" fog lights. However, that all-touch UI is an absolute disaster. All-touch everything works perfect on phones and tablets... hell even ATMs. But cars? No...
I will keep my MK7 until the wheels fall off.
Alex, is the DSC transmission 'herky jerky'?
Not in normal, put in race it ups the idle and it can be a little.
I never understood why VW named it Golf.
They got tired of Rabbit,
VW naming has long been based on winds. To most of us in the US, Golf makes us think of a boring 'sport', but it means gulf stream in Germany.
Gulf R is more comparable to the A35, not the gla in my opinion. Same tq, same price, same 0-60 time if dsg, near same weight and gas economy
I think you’re missing out if you don’t buy this solely because of the touch buttons. This is kinda the definition of a “do it all” car. And it does everything well except maintenance costs.
Volkswagen confounds me to no end. By the time you spec out the R with the dual clutch, options, etc. you’re getting damn close to $50,000. That’s a lot of money. And I feel like they cheap out in so many ways- no spare tire, the worst infotainment, touchscreen hvac- a lot of the stuff you interact with feels bad. The driving dynamics aren’t debatable and that’s cool. But I don’t know if the jump in MSRP from the GTI, combined with the already higher cost of VW ownership, feel justified to me. What extra sucks is there is less and less competition in the segment right now.
There are no options in the US other than transmission - fully loaded is the only way it comes.
@@BrakRulesAll $45,000 plus accessories and they still skimped on a power seat for the passenger. Classic VW
@@cozyflannel So true. And it gets worse - for the Mk8 they eliminated the hood struts and replaced them with a prop rod, ugly cheap engine cover with zero branding of any kind (no doubt so that they can use same sku across their other brands), no backlighting of the shitty touch slider for volume/fan speed on hte dash, etc etc etc. Where else have the bean counters cut cost? No doubt in other areas we can't even see.
I definitely like what we find here.
I love how detailed the review is, great job
Capacitive buttons are a big no no in cars 🤦♂️
So close! But no cigar.. The awful interior design language is unforgivable. I will hold on to my MK7.5 GTI that arguably feels more premium and keep my fingers crossed for a revised 8.5 facelift with a better interior..
I do like the customization better on the VW, but let's be 100% honest, this dashboard is a complete COPY off of Hyundai vehicles. And its not just VW, there all COPYING Hyundai/Kia!
Absolutely love ❤️ mine! It’s sooo quick ! & soo much fun! To drive
has it been reliable? Any problems?
@@buildmorefarms1007 absolutely & no problems whatsoever 👍
@@garyjohnson3751 thats great and surprising!
4 second 0-60 from what I've seen
I know that the driving dynamics are way different but this VW is way too much money. You could buy a Mustang GT or Camaro SS, Hell buy an LT1 Camaro and save $10k, and smoke this car.
I had an MK6 GTI....never again, Volkswagen. That car had its check engine light on constantly. Volkswagen has super rude and arrogant people working in the service departments at their dealerships as well. The ownership cost of that Golf R will be much much higher than $44K....Just saying.
2022 VW Golf R for 46k USD or 2022 Kia Stinger GT1 AWD for 46k USD?
Good review from which you can see things most R owners don't want! Dopey spoiler which is worthless and conveys a boy racer advertisement. Infotainment system is dumbed down. Why supply a car with summer tires to the frozen North? First thing I had to do with my Series 7 R was fit all season with great treads. The car actually performs better with all season or all winter tires. Give me a break on VW going cheap with a manual hood strut. The hood is super heavy and they use a strut. Every heard of an aluminum hood VW? Lastly why go cheap and put a manual front pax seat in? Make electric an option. Verdict I thought about ordering one but its not the version Europe get!
Pretty terrible compared to the last gen.
Bummer about the infotainment
Is there a "save" function for the dash configuration? Anyway, too bad there's not USB port in the cubbie.With all the hand-held devices people are carrying nowadays, you can never have too many charge ports. Four per vehicle should be the minimum.
A little too high of price for performance considering the downgrade of interior quality. Wish the back end stepped easier like the Focus RS did. And... they could've at least offered some flashy colors.
Overpriced. Maybe not when compared to Audi or Mercedes. But definitely when compared to Suburu or maybe a Mustang GT.
Great car and excellent review👍
Looked like the perfect daily driver, until I saw the UX and infotainment. That's such a laggy, convoluted mess. If you're going to go 100% touch and haptic, you need to nail the speed and interface. They failed massively.
This could be the worst infotainment system in the industry. I like performance over just about everything but this is one vehicle I would pass on until VW comes back to their senses.
I like everything about this car. I can even live with the infotainment system. However, that light grey interior might be a deal breaker. I'd jump all over the MK8 if the dash and wheel were black. That grey just seems sad to me. Great review and great photography!
The interior is black. It didn't show well on this video. I wish there was more of a selection for exterior colors, but I'm still trading my 2018 R for this one
In person, I think the interior is actually very pretty. It’s kind of a lighter gray with undertones of tan. So warm rather than a cold color.
@@katiecannon8186 that sound really nice!
I don't want a car with a plastic oil pan and god knows whatever bullshit that's going to cost as much to repair as the loan payments were after six years.
Looking to replace my MK7R that I sold , this fits the bill , But that shift joystick will take some getting used to. Awesome review BTW !!!
Just buy a used Volvo C30 AWD 5 cylinder turbo or V50 wagon and save 30k for inflation!!!!!.
Was this review based on the Euro-spec model, or was it the real US-spec (or NA-spec) model?
Great car but it seems none are available at this point 😢😢. Hope MY 2023 brings more availability.
Grandma? WTF LMAO...
I mean I have 235-35r18 tires on my subaru legacy and it's really not that low profile. Still a comfy ride.
was planning on getting one but that interior is absolutely atrocious... i know its a car thats built to be driven but my goodness that interior is just beyond me.
The list of changes for the MK8 I hate is way too long for me, I'll be passing up on this generation. I have a feeling the MK9 won't be any better.