The 2022 Volkswagen GTI is a Redesigned, More Track Capable Hot Hatch

The #VolkswagenGTI has been around for nearly 40 years in America and for 2022, the #GTI is now in its 8th generation. Known by enthusiasts as the #Mk8GTI, this new version sports an extra 13 HP, for a total of 241 HP, while #Volkswagen has upgraded the suspension, wheels, tires, and stability control programing to make this the best handling #VWGTI ever made. It goes on sale this Fall.

We're also on:

[darrensnyder]

For anyone on the fence, I picked up a 2022 GTI Performance DSG two days ago. Bottom line… the absolute best handling, phenomenal steering car I’ve ever driven; I have test driven a lot of cars over the years and this new GTI surpassed all of my expectations. Literally… WOW!! I absolutely love this car… coming from a 2018 GTI, this car is noticeably much better than the MK7.5. Also, as a previous owner to 4 WRX models from 2009-2018, this is so much better in terms of performance, fit and finish. I now have that big smile back when I drive 🙂. The MK7.5 was capable, but this MK8 rocks!
In terms of the infotainment system.. it’s great. Takes a day to get used to and then it’s all good.. intuitive. All the complaining about it online is total nonsense. Same thing about the interior… very upscale and nice. The steering wheel is a thing of perfection…. Thickness, weight, directness… it could not be better.

[johnv]

can't believe that automakers continue down the path of eliminating nobs and buttons. "Improvement?" "Progress?" Definitely not.

[JulezWinnfield]

That German license plate from Wolfsburg brings back memories of my time in Germany in the Army. My base was 45 minutes from Wolfsburg and I spent many nights partying near the VW plant there.

[tyty]

A lot of reviewers mentioned the difficulties interacting with the capacitive touch interface while driving.

[stephenhendricks]

I've owned several GTIs, most recently one of the last MK6 versions built in Germany and currently a MK7.5 built in Mexico. (In my case the MK7.5 is tighter, more powerful and an all round better car.) I'll reserve judgment on whether the MK8 offers enough improvements to justify replacing my current GTI until the US spec version is available. As knowledgeable GTI owners know VW's approach to the US market is quite different from the strategy employed in Europe. In addition to differences mandated by government regulations, Euro-spec versions typically include features that are simply unavailable in the US. For example, though the US spec has the same awesome EA888 engine as the European version, the latter includes dual injection while the US spec is limited to direct injection. Further, in Europe consumers can select a wealth of separate individual options (including a wealth of color choices) that in the US are bundled into three (or occasionally four) trim levels. That's often the source of frustration for Americans but it enables VW to offer the GTI at a significantly lower price point than in Europe. Along with the VAT that's included in the MSRP in Germany the savings from volume production makes the limited choices for US spec GTI's as much as $10, 000 less than a comparable model in Europe. It also means that more expensive versions of the GTI (e.g. the Club Sport) are very unlikely to be exported to the US.

I don't use my GTI for track days. For the occasional days on a track I'm on two wheels rather than four. So the fact that the MK8 can reach 100 mph on a straightaway vs 93 in a MK7.5 is irrelevant. On the other hand on the twisting mountain roads where I drive on weekends the reduction of oversteer Sofyan reports would be welcome if not critical. I'm looking forward to an extended test drive when the MK8 appears at my local dealer but since trading my GTI would feel like selling the family dog, I may stick with it.

[christianshankles]

As someone who plans to buy a new GTI in a couple years, I must say that I'm very impressed with the performance and handling of this new generation, but that interior is a huge turnoff. I didn't care for the exterior when it was first revealed, but it has since grown on me; but after seeing the MK7 side-by-side in this video, that interior is definitely better than this new model imo.

[haze]

Remember when Cadillac tried to push capacitive touch "buttons" and sliders for like 10+ years? Why would VW repeat this obvious mistake? Drivers want a real volume knob, real switchgear on the steering wheel, and physical HVAC controls. If Hyundai can do it, so can VW.

[charlesgroover]

It’s amazing how the GTI has managed to stay around for so long, kept the style similar, but evolved at the same time. Nice job don’t ever change little buddy 😍

[DRayL_]

I'm not sure I like the "popping" sound when it was being revved. I know a lot of ppl like that, but I don't. Having said that, I actually really like this car, especially the interior. Very nice! And the ability to change the color of the screens from just "red" is very appealing! And I would choose the auto trans, for sure. I would have plenty of fun with it. :-)

I say, "well done", to VW.

[justinjoshy]

What an absolute joy to watch you drive these three cars back to back. Especially with that sweet soundtrack.

[stevegaspar]

Just got my Mk 8 allocation and delivery date for November or possibly December 2021 depending on the delivery at my local VW dealership (in Canada). Couple things I've noticed that's not in this review is the top trim is now called the performance trim and the Autobahn trim is mid trim level. However, the performance trim is essentially what the Autobahn trim used to be. Some notable upgrades is the paint. I'm getting moonstone grey. Which is essentially nardo grey and the Palermo yellow is pretty nice too. Also, bigger panoramic sunroof and the two tone leather seats that are ventilated. The performance model comes with the DCC and Autobahn does not. Overall I like the look and the new colors they have are a nice addition (there's another grey paint and new red paint too). I'm coming from a Mk 7.5 2018 model

[GruntHarley]

I had a 2015 VW GTI loved the car, but this 22 GTI IMO is a huge let down. That interior that last thing it screams is premium with all that hard plastic and cheap piano black crap. Center console and dash is absolute garbage. VW can and should do a lot better.

[MichasTechTV]

The MK8 is available in Europe since last year so I could see it at a dealership and I have to say the interior is a big downgrade compared to the MK 7, 5. Especially from a quality and a usability standpoint.

[wg]

Great review of the car. I must say I’m disappointed in the interior. It just looks cheap with all that plastic everywhere

[johnwjeromejr]

This car (DSG version) was just tested by Car & Driver, getting 0-60 in 5.1 seconds, a substantial improvement. Imagine what it will do with an APR Stage 1 tune (when available).

[Ianmundo]

moving the climate functions in new VWs to that infotainment system is a dealbreaker. Fire everyone who pushed for that move.

[mlps]

US is really in the dinosaur age when it comes to car lighting and their regulations.

[peacems]

Interior look and quality are a step back from the MK7. Everything else, I like.

[ginford]

VAG automobiles are very reliable, i have a 30 year old 5 cylinder Audi and it's still running!

[JustAYouTuber]

Beautiful exterior. The lack of buttons for the AC is a no go for me.