For those old enough to remember the launch of Volkswagen’s original Golf R32, the appeal of all-wheel drive performance in the pocket rocket proved to be a gamechanger. The usual torque-steer-prone front-wheel drive Golf experience became unlimited tuning potential. You could now throw tons of power at a Golf with the benefit of AWD to balance the torque delivery.
Fast forward almost two decades to see the evolution of the VW R. The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R Hatchback is the most powerful one yet, which pretty much means it is going to offer more fun than ever before right out of the box. No tuning required.
This is now the fourth generation of the VW Golf R. With 315 horsepower and the most advanced 4Motion all-wheel drive system ever available from VW, the new Golf R is going to fly off the shelves. Best of all, it even has a drift mode for those looking to get a little sideways.
Now, here is where things get interesting. Anyone who has driven an old-school VW appreciates the lightweight 4-cylinder handling they are capable of. Yet, the desire for more power was undeniable.
VW eventually began using variations of the VR6 engine in place of 4-cylinders in many performance models. This definitely added power, but also weight. The slightly nose-heavy VR6 handling offered different driving dynamics than the old school Vee-Dubs.
In the past twenty years, the progress of automotive engineering now enables automakers to squeeze unreal horsepower numbers out of the smallest of engines. It is actually quite impressive.
Consider this, the 2004 Golf R32 features a 3.2L naturally aspirated VR6 engine with 240 horsepower. However, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R Hatchback gets 315 hp out of a turbocharged 2.0L 4-cylinder engine. This design offers the best of both worlds, power plus nimble agility. In some ways, this may be the most authentic Golf driving experience yet.
In classic VW fashion, you can choose between a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed DSG dual clutch automatic. Going from 0 to 62 miles per hour in just 4.7 seconds is new territory for a stock Golf.
Every VW enthusiast is fond of the company’s reputation for making cars capable of cornering hard. The all new Golf R takes it to the next level.
In the past, VW’s 4Motion AWD system typically split power 50/50 from side to side. Their newest technology allows for 100% of the power to go to one outside wheel if necessary. This will reduce understeer while providing superior handling.
From updated driving technology to its stylish new looks, the 2022 VW Golf R is already making waves. Set to hit the streets sometime next year, this may be the most anticipated VW R since the first generation. That may mean they prove difficult to acquire.
Stay tuned to VW for information on how you can reserve your spot in the driver’s seat of the new Golf R. This is going to be one hot hatchback.
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