On the road
Some rivals best the Golf R for sheer power, or for adrenaline rush delivery, or for looks, or for cachet, etc. etc. But arguably none offer the same total package of fun and driveability to go with practicality on a daily basis. This is an accomplished road hugger that you can really put through serious paces on winding roads and then accelerate with glee in onto highways, all while lugging a significant amount of luggage and whatnot (with the rear seats down, mind).
The suspension in Sport mode is a little tight and you’ll feel the bumps, so if you have a fragile lower back (or a spouse not in the mood to get jostled in their seat) you’ll want to keep things in Comfort most of the time. That softens the adaptive dampers and makes for a very smooth people-moving experience.
But if you’re alone, might as well go for it and enjoy the firmer suspension, tighter steering and extra exhaust and engine noise of the sportier configuration. The Golf R is thoroughly enjoyable so configured, a truly mature product that offers a total package that’s hard to beat on the hot hatch market. Plus it’s one of the more discreet-looking of that vehicle type, so you’ll look just fine driving around in it without a backwards baseball cap on your head!
Specifications sheet of 2022 Volkswagen Golf R Manual
Specifications sheet of 2022 Volkswagen Golf R DSG
We like
Exceptional steering, handling
Great powertrain delivering plenty of power and acceleration
Enjoyable sport seats
Practical if modest-sized cargo area
We like less
Suspension a little firm in Sport mode
Some plastic parts to the interior
Shortage of physical buttons in the new interior dash/console layout
No audio volume button!
The competition
Kia Forte5 GT
Honda Civic Si / Type R
Hyundai Elantra N-Line / Elantra N
Hyundai Veloster N
Mazda3 Turbo
Mini Cooper S / JCW
Subaru WRX / WRX STI
Volkswagen Golf GTi
