2022 VW Golf R: A magnificent car that doesn’t get enough respect.

In this combo TECH REVIEW, FIRST DRIVE REVIEW & round of our famous #OptionsGame, we drive something with over 300 HP, a trick AWD system and flash chassis controls. Only catch, it’s all wrapped up in a VW wrapper. Not a problem for car folks, but we need to understand why more normal civilians don’t take the 2022 VW Golf R seriously . . .


#VW #GolfR #VWGolfR


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MotoMan. Storyteller of Transport, Travel & Inspired People

[chriskelvin]

A few clarifications.

The Golf R of every year has always had front and rear antiroll bars.

The tendency to understeer is mostly a function of the Golf being at it's core, a front wheel drive compact. It's packaging. The engine and transmission are almost entirely forward of the front axle. VW/ Audi fwd-based compacts (along with most of the rest of the world) inherently suffer from this to a degree. VW/ Audi historically are considered to be above average in the spectrum. But tuned and tire'd aggressively enough and you have something like a GTI Clubsport/ Leon Cupra R that was once the fastest fwd sport compact around the 'Ring, so...

Next, XDS is not a limited-slip differential. It's the performance programming portion of the Bosch 4-wheel independent electronic braking system. It essentially tweaks the brakes on the inside wheels in turns to assist turn in and general handling. It also handles ABS, stability control, traction control and other clever uses of the brakes. It's found in most European cars from Aston Martin to VW.

The GTI DOES have a computer-controlled limited-slip differential in the front called VAQ. The R does not and cannot have this. The R and the GTI basically share transmissions. The place in the transmission occupied by the VAQ in the GTI is taken over by the PTO for the rear driveshaft in the R. VW guys call this PTO the bevel box.

The MK8 R is the first R with NO geared mechanical REAR differential. It has the ring and pinion feeding directly into left-side and right-side, electronically-controlled clutches. The computer decides which clutch gets engaged and by how much, depending on driving characteristics desired. For Drift-Mode, the inside rear wheel is powered to get the rear of the car to slide out. I don't think the programming on the R provides for fully "locking-up" both clutches for ultimate launches. It is confirmed that on the Tiguan R, it is programmed to allow this in an offroad mode.

[jimmyglea]

I’m buying this because I grew out of the STi look. I’m almost 50 and really like the “sleeper”’aspect to 98% of the people on the road.

[ilimit]

Not a fancy badge to non-enthusiasts. Very well put. After owning the MK6 and MK7, I very much prefer the DSG. It makes a perfect daily driver and holds the torque as opposed to the stock manual which always ends up slipping. Hoping the manual version is offered with a beefier clutch in this generation. That being said, VW didn’t hold back with the MK8 and I’m glad they gave US buyers the fully loaded R. Initially, I thought the headlights were too narrow and not aggressive enough. Since then it has grown on me. Love everything about the exterior design. The interior is a hit and miss. I find the center console too empty and can benefit with a few tactile buttons to make things easier. Haptics are NOT as bad as everyone puts it out to be, but then again, I haven’t daily driven it to make a solid opinion. Hoping they also bring back the spektrum program so I can order an R in Jazz Blue! Great review. Seriously the way you drive and narrate is quite an underrated skill.

[richardkyaw]

I just bought my 2022 Golf R in white. I previously own 2013 and 2017 or 2018 Golf R. I love the way it drive in my opinion slightly better than my previous cars. I got it with manual as manual is dying breed and would like to keep this as a nostalgic collector. Car is so enjoyable that I did not even pay attention to what infotainment system. I bought this to drive and I am thoroughly enjoying it and if VW removes entire infotainment system I am fine with that. I just want to focus on how it drives that how pamper me with infotainment.

[JW-rimb]

Sir your level of sophistication with your reviews are always appreciated. Not many reviewers hit the details during your test drive like you do. Well done again!

[tedjones]

I am glad VW still understand there are true car lovers - piston/petrol heads in the USA. I have owned every generation of GTI - I am expecting my first R to arrive in the next couple of weeks. It is obviously a special car, one I plan to keep many years! Thanks for an accurate and interesting review/test - I will update after a couple of weeks with my Deep Pearl Black 6MT R!

[Kaldryf]

The R should've been made available in the new King's Guard Red Metallic that launched with the GTI. Pair that with a camel/peanut butter leather interior, and it'd be a gorgeous vehicle. I love my Mk7 GTI and look forward to picking one of the new Mk8 Golf R's on the used market in a few years.

[mikenb]

I watch a lot of automotive videos here and this is the first time that a MotorManTV video popped up for me. I paused the video and subscribed the channel after about five minutes. I am looking forward to seeing more of your channel. You're low-key (which is good) and very knowledgeable.

I thought I was likely the only person in North America who thinks that VW really needs to bring the R Estate here. I agree that adding that little bit more utility might broaden interest in the car. I had a 2010 Golf Wagon TDI (as it was labeled in Canada, I think it might have been a Jetta wagon in the US) and that was the most useful car I've ever owned.

I have first dibs on the third R slated for the local VW dealer. It's a Lapiz Blue with the manual transmission. They let me delete the sunroof, which I didn't think they would do. (I noticed that you said the sunroof is standard in the US. It's optional in Canada. I strongly dislike sunroofs.) If all goes well, I should have it in my garage in April or May. The biggest concern is if the dealer will add on some sort of a markup. I've been a loyal customer since 1997, having bought a new car every three years, so I'm hoping that loyalty counts for something at a small-town dealership.

[firefox]

I'm seeing this right when it was posted. Nice to see things are back to normal again.

[The_Stick]

Thanks MotoMan. The time and effort put into your reviews shows.

[californiaabound]

I have bought a few hot hatches, including the F ocus RS, but the Golf R is by far much better all around. It is a daily commuter, a weekend track car, and a costco run car. At 62 years old, the DSG gave me much more enjoyment out of driving than someone my age should be allowed. It is a true sleeper of a car, and many people are missing out on this all-around vehicle.

[ArsenalFCRules]

I bought a used gti and still loving it. Feels like my gokarting days

[sunnyvalentino]

Thank you. I have seen few cars being driven as fast as you did on those kind of roads. Macan GTS comes to mind.

[sergebasque]

Another pocket rocket from the German engineer very nice.💪😎👍👏

[Mstreetking]

I would love a Golf R wagon. Wagons and hatchbacks aren’t appreciated enough in the US

[eriknephrongfr]

As a driver’s car, the biggest problem with the Golf R is the M240i xDrive. I configured one, nicely optioned, for $52, 000. For 70 more hp, a far better interior, better handling, and that snooty badge we all love so much.

[andrelima]

A lower suspension set up, the mk 7 Golf R wheels, intake/exhaust job and It's all good.
I don't mind their por decision on the mmi system, I just use carplay anyways!

[bmuns]

I have an MK6 GLI. Installing 034 Motorsport solid rubber motor/trans mounts, metal dogbone insert and beefier rear sway bar is the perfect upgrade to any sport VW.

[franktdot]

After owning two Golf R’s (2012 then a 2016) manual then DSG, both were very satisfying! The reason I didn’t go with the Mk8 last year is I test drove the 2022 Genesis G70. 3.3l twin turbo top spec. An awd system you can disable to have it fully rear wheel drive. Obviously, I’m not brand loyal. I owned a top spec SRT Jeep Grand Cherokee after my first Golf R. My point is all of these vehicles have their flaws but, each of them brought and still bring a smile to my face every time I drove them. For anyone on the fence, the Golf R is a great driving experience and a vehicle which holds its value well for resale! Wish I were blessed enough to be able to have kept them all! For now though, my G70 is definitely a keeper 😉

[darknightbegins]

I got a challenger 1320 and this thing gives it run for its money in the quarter mile. Stage 1 tune I can only imagine