Take a look at Drive: Volkswagen Golf R | The Each day Drive

2022 Volkswagen Golf R

Class: Sporty/Efficiency Automobile

Miles pushed: 449

Gasoline used: 22.2 gallons

Actual-world gas financial system: 20.2 mpg

CG Report Card
Room and Consolation	B
Energy and Efficiency	A
Match and End	A
Gasoline Financial system	B-
Worth	B
Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus different automobiles in the identical class. Worth grade is for particular trim stage evaluated, and should not mirror Client Information’s impressions of your complete mannequin lineup.
Huge & Tall Consolation
Huge Man	A
Tall Man	B+
Huge & Tall consolation rankings are for entrance seats solely. “Huge” score primarily based on male tester weighing roughly 350 kilos, “Tall” score primarily based on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Drivetrain
Engine Specs	315-horsepower 2.0L
Engine Kind	Turbocharged 4-cylinder
Transmission	6-speed handbook
Drive Wheels	AWD

Driving combine: 70% metropolis, 30% freeway

EPA-estimated gas financial system: 20/287/23 (mpg metropolis/freeway/mixed)

Gasoline kind: Premium fuel

Base worth: $43,645 (not together with $995 vacation spot cost)

Choices on check car: None

Value as examined: $44,640

Extra Golf costs and availability data

Fast Hits

The nice: Thrilling drive expertise, wonderful driving place, commonplace AWD

The nice: Cabin match and end, loads of cabin cupboard space

The not so good: Difficult digital interface, costly for a Golf, requires dear premium-grade gasoline

CG Says:

Volkswagen brings again the high-performance R model of its Golf compact hatchback in redesigned type for 2022, with extra energy and race-inspired options. The Golf R had been on hiatus for the reason that 2019 mannequin 12 months. Volkswagen has discontinued the common Golf fashions within the U.S., leaving solely the R and sporty GTI variations out there right here. The Golf GTI is roofed in a separate assessment.

The Golf R is bought in only one well-equipped model, with the one substantial selection being automated or handbook transmission. The only real engine is a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder that makes 315 horsepower—27 hp greater than the earlier Golf R’s powerplant. This engine pairs with both a 6-speed handbook or a 7-speed dual-clutch automated transmission. As earlier than, all Rs have all-wheel drive. For 2022, the drive-mode system features a “drift mode” that adjusts the AWD and stability-control settings to allow rear-wheel-drive driving dynamics.

The inside is provided with a ten.2-inch configurable digital gauge cluster and several other capacitive touch-sensitive controls rather than bodily buttons and switches—an association not all drivers are keen on. Leather-based upholstery, a 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto connectivity, and Wi-Fi are all commonplace options. Additionally commonplace are various safety-tech options, together with adaptive cruise management, lane-keeping help, and blind-spot monitoring.

With copious energy, terrific dealing with, and a extremely efficient all-wheel-drive system, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is effectively suited to drivers who need thrilling efficiency in a small hatchback package deal. Additionally a plus is the Kind R’s refined, upscale really feel, which helps it stand out from different high-performance mainstream-brand compact vehicles. That mentioned, there isn’t any “finances” model, and the R’s sticker costs nudge into premium-brand territory, pitting it towards some equally thrilling vehicles which have tonier nameplates. On condition that reality, the Golf R will most likely discover its strongest viewers amongst those that are already bought on Volkswagen’s distinctive taste of excessive efficiency.

In a nutshell, the Golf R is a thrill to drive. Although not fairly Mazda/Honda slick, the 6-speed handbook transmission rows by means of the gears with agency precision. Likewise, the clutch engages with predictable crispness, serving to to easy round city driving and protecting issues loads sporty.

In grand Volkswagen custom, the Golf R leans somewhat extra in onerous corners than some drivers would possibly count on, however the motion is constant and predictable, and doesn’t inhibit aggressive driving. Like Golfs of the previous, outward visibility is great to all corners, a reassuring situation when speeds climb on on ramps and when merging. We want the bottom-line worth of our check automotive had are available underneath $40,000. We’re torn between considering the Golf R is a sizzling hatch, or a high-tech Ford Mustang killer. Considering the latter helps us justify the value.

Volkswagen will add a 20^th Anniversary Version of the Golf R to the lineup for 2023. Extra on that as its introduction nears.

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