2022 Volkswagen Golf R (DSG) - POV First Impressions

MSRP: $44,445
MPG: 23 city / 30 highway
Horsepower: 315 hp @ 5,600 rpm
Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
Curb weight: 3,481 lbs
Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic

0:00 Interior & Exterior Walkaround
14:27 Driving Impressions
31:21 Final Thoughts
35:33 Sound System Test

The audio in this video was recorded with in-ear binaural microphones, headphones are highly recommended!

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Thanks for watching!

[TheTopher]

MSRP: $44, 445
MPG: 23 city / 30 highway
Horsepower: 315 hp @ 5, 600 rpm
Engine: 2.0 L 4-cylinder
Curb weight: 3, 481 lbs
Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 2, 000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed DCT Automatic

[adamyahya]

I'd love to speak to the interior designers for literally 5 minutes and just ask them if what clown college they graduated from.

[gabeblank]

Totally agree with you on the physical buttons thing. I’m all for new tech but I can change the temp in my car and the direction of the air in half the time someone in a Tesla or any car with an iPad could. Some things are better left untouched

[ilimit]

Can't get enough of R content lately. The soundaktor is much more prominent sounding in this generation. Upshifts seems more aggressive as well. Great overall video on the driving aspect in the new R. The pure white pops on the MK8 R but would look nicer in the Oryx White Pearl, imo.

[yippie]

VW not illuminating the HVAC control bar for night driving seems like an odd oversight.

[Coronerlex]

You can add the climate controls as a widget to the home screen as well which gives you a lot of the buttons you need without having to go into the climate menu

[hunterdonnelly]

I think my only complaint is no volume knob or dedicated button for the heated/cooled seat controls. I’d like smaller factory rims with more side wall but hey I can fix that easily.

[RCfire]

Topher's reviews are must see, he's just the best out there

[scotts]

I love all these car reviews. Too bad there are zero cars to actually buy

[dylanw]

I really like this new Golf R. The owner of my gym just got one of these and theyt are sweet looking rides. Much more sculpted and aggressive in person.

[jaredfretwell]

This car is one of the top two cars in looking to buy within the next year. My only draw back is the infotainment system. I feel like they’ll (hopefully) change some of the UI within the 2023 model.

[notimetoexpIain]

The car mechanically seems amazing, the engine trans suspension all that seems great, but god damn the infotainment system seems horrid, a lot of poking at the touch screen for basic options which would annoy me a lot in day to day use

[xCkillaxC]

I'm planning on keeping my 2010 Lexus ISF for years but seeing these new MY performance cars make it so hard not to upgrade. That tech in the interior is sooo nice...

[Hypablue]

I am a Subaru guy, this is my first time seeing an in-depth look at the R from a buyer's perspective (thanks Subaru for getting rid of the STI! Anyone in the market for a Hyperblue? Jk...for now), this thing is BEAUTIFUL! The exterior is stunning, the interior even more so. I LOVE that minimal design.

[rony]

One of the best reviews I've seen in a while. Great job

[stevem]

I've been waiting for this review from The Topher!! Absolutely love all your car reviews, so down to earth with realistic expectations and real World, everyday driving.

After watching I'll be keeping my Focus RS. Direct Injection only with no mutli port fuel injection is a recipe for carbon build up on the intake valves. Just like my RS. It's been good so far but I don't put a ton of miles on it. A good walnut shell blasting will clean up the valves nicely though so it's manageable.

Right now I've got my eye one a Mustang Mach 1... it uses a naturally aspirated V8 with dual port injection, has that wonderful Tremac manual transmission and is different enough in exterior design to separate itself from the regular Mustang GT. To me Ford has a winning and reliable package that will have parts available forever. AND it will be one of the last great V8's since they're all vanishing soon. Which really sucks... love my AWD hot hatch tho! So nimble and practical in all weather conditions.

[florinvid]

The Topher is getting some skills sliding, having fun with the car 😃. I like it. Very pleasant review, nice calm tone of the voice. Keep up the good work!

[AndreThompson]

Love your videos and I love that journalists like you are pointing out the flaws in the infotainment. Because of these flaws, I picked up a 2021 Mazda3 Turbo Hatch (also because of your terrific review). If they can get this figured out, maybe I'll be back as a paying customer.

[bhpictures]

Personally I prefer the previous Golf R over this one. Something about the interior of this one that makes it seem like they were too interested in cost cutting.

[bretprins]

I don't get all the the hate for the infotainment. Maybe initially? But once you've setup the car as you like it on day 1... Who cares? Then you're just enjoying the car for what it is, a practical speed hatch. Super fair review!