2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Sports Hatch

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.

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Sports Hatch

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.

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Sports Hatch

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.

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI Sports Hatch

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.

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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].