If you want a hot hatch that performs, then there is no doubt that the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is the go-to ride. But at a price that is more than that of a Ford Mustang GT Premium Fastback, it will kind of make you wonder about your life decisions.
Fortunately, there is a more affordable option and that is the slightly less, but no less exhilarating 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI which has a starting price of US$29,545 as opposed to the steep starting price of US$43,645 the R commands.
Both rides will arrive at the U.S. dealers in Q4 2021 as, well, 2022 models, of course. The Mark 8 GTI is powered by an updated version of the EA888 2.0L turbocharged direct-injection TSI engine that produces 241 horses and 273 lb-ft of torque and is mated to a choice of 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG transmission.
The hot hatch further touts new vehicle dynamic settings that improve handling, along with standard VAQ torque-sensing limited-slip differential (LSD), and an all-new electronic architecture, featuring a standard 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, touch interfaces, and 30-color ambient lighting.
However, for the significantly lower price than the R, the GTI does not get the love of torque-vectoring AWD.
There are three models of GTI to choose from, namely, GTI S, GTI SE, and GTI Autobahn. There are no performance differences between the three, though; it is the equipment level that is different.
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI will arrive at U.S. shores in Q4 2021 for the aforementioned starting price of US$29,545.
Images: Volkswagen [US].
