2022 Volkswagen Golf R Review: Hot Hatch Heaven

For the uninitiated, the Golf R is an even hotter version of what is arguably the original hot hatch, the VW GTI. For the very uninitiated, the Golf R is a car – which is a lower, smaller version of an SUV.

More specifically, where the GTI powers the front wheels with a 241 horsepower version of what has become the traditional Volkswagen 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, the Golf R bumps the horsepower from that same two-liter up to 315 and 280 lb-ft of torque, piped through all four wheels. While this latest platform is the eighth generation of Golf, this is the third generation to see a Golf R that one-ups the exalted GTI.

Interestingly, the six-speed manual transmission seen in this test vehicle is only available in North America. The rest of the world — markets traditionally seen as more receptive to a traditional manual transmission than them there shift-lazy ‘Muricans — can only order the Golf R with the seven-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic.

Chris Tonn/Slashgear

Whichever ratio-selecting mechanism you choose (or have chosen for you by your locale) you won’t be disappointed. The VW DSG transmission has proven to be robust, even when used on highly-modified cars. Heck, the DSG-equipped Golf R gets extra torque – 295 lb-ft versus 280 lb-ft in this manual-equipped car. Regular maintenance is required, yes, but a do-it-yourselfer can manage the DSG fluid changes. While I do enjoy selecting my own cogs, this is one automatic transmission that is genuinely enjoyable to drive.