2022 Volkswagen Golf R First Look Review: Hit The Throttle

Compared to the outgoing model, the new Golf R's interior has become a more sophisticated place to be thanks to digitized controls and displays. The Discover Pro infotainment system and Configurable Digital Cockpit instrument panel come standard, while a 10-inch touchscreen greets the driver upon entering with a special welcome display.

Drivers and front-seat passengers benefit from Nappa leather-covered sport seats with a cool carbon fiber look and blue side accents. There's also an 'R' logo in the backrest. The heated sport steering wheel is also wrapped in leather and boasts touch controls while the DSG transmission shift paddles are located at each side. There's even a special R button enabling direct selection for the available driving modes.

Other notable standard items include brushed stainless-steel pedal caps and ambient lighting with a total of 30 colors for the dash panel and doors.

The Golf R comes powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that's good for 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque. That's a 27 hp and 30 lb-ft increase over the outgoing model. And yes, the new Golf R will be offered with a six-speed manual transmission in the US while the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox is optional.

Power, of course, is directed to all four wheels through VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system that distributes power between each of the rear wheels for improved performance driving. Up to 100 percent of the torque can be sent to the outside wheel in tight corners, thus reducing understeer and overall better handling.

The automaker is claiming a 0-62 mph time of 4.7 seconds and a top speed, likely electronically limited, of 155 mph. To compare, the Honda Civic Type R requires 5.7 seconds to hit 62 mph, but it's important to remember it's FWD-only. Braking power comes courtesy of two-piston aluminum front calipers that reduce mass by 60 percent on each side. Thanks to its Nurburgring tuning, there's Special and Drift driving profiles along with Comfort, Sport, Race, and Individual.

Volkswagen has confirmed pricing will begin at $43,645 and just one trim level will be offered. A $995 destination fee is not included in that price and sales will get underway at the end of 2021.

As previously mentioned, the 2021 VW Golf R lacks any direct AWD hot hatch rival now that the Ford Focus RS is out of the picture. But it's also important not to ignore theHonda Civic Type RandHyundai Veloster N. Another rival worth taking a look at is theMini Cooper JCW.

There's something to be said for VW's hot hatch segment commitment in the US and now that the AWD Golf R is here, buyers will be able to get an incredible driving machine without breaking the bank.