Is the 2022 VW Golf R a BETTER performance car than a Type R or WRX STI?

FIRST DRIVE: The Mk8 Golf R is here and VW has made some major changes for the 2022 model year. The Gold R is meant to compete with the Honda Civic Type R, Subaru WRX STI, Elantra N & Veloster N. On the outside your will find full LED lighting, 19in wheels, bigger brakes, and quad-tip exhaust. On the outside there is a 10in infotainment system, 10in digital gauge display, and all new seats. Under the hood is a 2.0L turbocharged inline-4 that now produces 315HP & is mated to either a 7-speed DCT or 6-speed manual. Is the 2022 VW Golf R a BETTER performance car than a Type R or WRX STI?
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videography: Lori Raiti 🎥

[sunnyvalentino]

Great review Raiti. This is a car that will be faster then most exotics and sports cars on a tight winding road (not a race track) in the hands of most regular drivers. It just grips and goes, will not spin and get you in a ditch. Also, the old understeer is purged. AWD, family friendly, refinement, good price, good looks, crazy resale. Macan GTS performance for half the cost. What's not to like other than the infotainment.

[NZsarge]

I remember when the mk8 was released I didn’t really like the new headlight style but now I’ve gotten used to it I think they judged it beautifully, it looks exceptionally good on the R.

[JEdmund]

Sounds like VW absolutely nailed moving the driving capabilities forward. Unfortunately the interior does not appear to be a resounding improvement. Holding out hope for future updates to correct these initial problems people are having.

[ivanlowjones]

I've now come full circle with Raiti's Rides. The first video I ever saw from Joe was a dark blue VW Golf R several years ago. It looked like it was filmed in a country club parking lot.

[davidp]

I like the styling of the Golf R over the Subaru.

[waltfraher]

Lori and Joe, thank you for another amazing video of a smaller performance car. It’s great that these cars are still available with turbo gasoline engines in this era of SUVs and upcoming electrification on a wider scale. Lori, as always, thanks for the awesome camera work and angles.

[thiagozapparoli]

Hi, I just got my new Golf R for my daily drive. It is amazing but I would like to highlight a feedback from an owner perspective. The Sport mode is very nice but the steering heavy and the hard suspension is really not the best for every day. Unfortunately the car does not allow me to set a default drive mode or remember my last drive mode choice. I could not see anybody realizing that! I hope VW release a software update! Thank you

[LS]

Never been a VW fan but this would be the only one I’d consider owning. Thanks to Chris for allowing you to review it. Great review Joe! Awesome job Lori! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

[mattmekhaeil]

The golf r has always been the ultimate golf. You definitely love and know that it is the ultimate golf from the on throttle action

[landofsyn]

Wait for the 2023 version with buttons

[Slow_ass_softail]

Honestly wish this would have been out before i bought my STi, similar prices with way more things offered

[visualaxingofficial]

I love my daily dose of RR and Joe’s “on throttle”. Lori keep rock’n the 🎥.

[rsyandek]

I want one so bad… but I refuse to pay the dealer mark ups right now. Even if I can afford it, I’m not paying 55 k for a hatchback

[jonhug]

Golf R, Type R or STI? Golf R, all day long. I could see if you were in your 20’s the others may have appeal. But anyone 30 and older that has any dignity… is gonna go Golf R all day long. It’s the fastest, has the best interior and looks the best as a super handsome car. I don’t see any debate here. The Golf R is more $ so if money is tight than ok… if not, Golf R, no contest

[ivanmask]

Great car and Great Job, Bady!!!! Love you!!

[oqhwlok]

2022 Golf GTI 0-60 in 3.9 seconds good God!

[momoknows]

Joe we are old school guys I actually owned the 1985 Supra/celica I now have a 2021 STI but I loved the 1994 Volkswagen Corrado this one kind of brings back that feeling but not quite .. no manual .. Great Video

[monkymind]

I like your comments about loving yourself first Joe. It has been a long road, but slowly getting to the point where I love myself without any conditions. Awesome review as well on a great car!

[clothestravel]

As much as I love VW, and the new exterior styling of this generation, I prefer the interior of the previous generation with the mix of tech and traditional analog gauges and buttons.

[mikem]

This has always been my ultimate car. Thanks Joe