VW’s latest hatchback firecracker has been released, the 2022 VW Golf GTI. The Golf has had a proud following of amateur racers or those who love the compact mighty mouse. Not only is the Golf compact, quick and exhilarating to drive, but it does so with that classy stoic German design. The Golf GTI also comes with a variety of futuristic features that need to be seen to believe.
Like with most vehicles of this type, the place to start is the heart. The 2022 VW Golf GTI sports a 2.0L Turbocharged Stratified Injection 4-Cylinder Engine producing 241 HP and 273 FtLbs of Torque with a 0-60 time of 4.7 seconds. One reason it is so quick is the power to weight ratio is 5.85 KG/HP. Compare this with something like the 2021 VW Arteon at 8.4 KG/HP and you can see the appeal of this miniature rocket ship.
Next let’s talk about handling. A race car is only as fast as it can go around corners and the Golf GTI comes up in spades. The DCC Adaptive Chassis Control and the VAQ Limited-Slip, Front Differential Lock System allows the Golf to handle quick turns without losing traction. Tie that in with Power Assisted 13.4 inch disc brakes and this machine will burn any other unmodified car at the track.
Even though the VW Golf GTI gets its fame from its racing pedigree, the vehicle surprisingly subdued and reasonable everywhere else. The back seat may be a little tight for folks over six feet, but it is comfortable enough for everyone else. The trunk supports a baffling 19.9 CUFT of storage which is only .7 cuft smaller than the VW Atlas. And lastly, the Digital Cockpit and screen flows together with piano black over a Hexagonal Faux Carbon Fiber dash design.
One thing I really appreciated about the 2022 VW Golf GTI was the technology surrounding the driver’s seat. The Headlights, Steering Wheel Controls, Sunroof, Audio System and Climate Control Options are all Touch Sensitive. And VW did not stop there either. The 10” Infotainment Screen is Motion Controlled. Simply swipe your hand left or right in front of the screen to change radio channels, music tracks or display options.
Since we are on the topic of the Full Digital Cockpit, the all-new Golf GTI offers multiple customizable settings. The instrument panel can be cycled through a variety of Driver Views such as: Full Screen Navigation, Speedometer & Tachometer and Lap Timer. These views can also be customized for more data such as: Oil Pressure, Oil Temperature, Digital Speedometer, G-Force Indicator, Accelerometer, Gear Change Indicator and more.
The 2022 Golf GTI has a lot to offer, though it is not perfect. The fuel economy averages around 28 miles per gallon which is significantly lower than other hatchbacks in its class. Also, the turning radius was a little disappointing. It was unable to do a complete U-Turn on a normal road without a reverse correction. Does that mean I would fail this vehicle though? Not even slightly. At worst, the 2022 VW Golf GTI falls from a 100 down to a 96.
The fact that the all-new Volkswagen Golf GTI is so much fun to drive and is surprisingly practical means it is the pinnacle of the modern small hatchback. With its only competition being the Honda Civic Type-R, the Golf GTI stands out as beacon of light in the boredom that has infested modern day sedans. And with a starting MSRP of $29,545, even the Civic Type R does not stand a chance.
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