A Closer Look at The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Volkswagen rocked the world with the release of the seventh-gen GTI hot hatch, and, luckily, its successor does not disappoint. A news item from AutoMobile Magazine notes that the new 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI features an interior and exterior design update alongside a 30-hp boost, improved steering, upgraded handling, and a revised chassis, among other improvements. Additionally, the automaker has confirmed that the car will have a 6-speed manual gearbox. Let’s take a closer look at what the 2022 VW Golf GTI has to offer.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Motor Trend noted that Volkswagen recently discontinued the production of all Golf models from its line except the Golf R and GTI. The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI follows in its predecessor’s footsteps and features the same weight and dimensions as the seventh-gen GTI hot hatch. Like the outgoing model, the Golf GTI also uses Volkswagen’s MDQ platform. However, it is 0.6 inches lower than the old GTI. Both releases this year – the Golf GTI and Golf R – are assembled in Wolfsburg, Germany, and are available in the US and Canada markets.

Handling and Steering

According to VW’s Manager of Vehicle Dynamics and Chassis Control, Karsten Schebsdat, the company sought to improve the performance on the GTI, maintain comfort levels, and improve the precision, stability, predictability, and cornering grip of the vehicle. VW installed new damper software and hydraulics into the front suspension to upgrade dynamic control. Additionally, the front subframe was made lighter by around 6.6 pounds, and the rear axle was fitted with reconfigures springs, wheel mounts, helper springs, damper bearings, and wishbone bushings. The front axle features an electronically-controlled limited-slip differential that comes standard. The progressive ratio steering in the middle is an impressive 14:1. Even better, the car’s rear and front springs have been stiffened by 15 and 5 percent, respectively. The VW GTI offers several driver profiles, including ‘above sport,’ ‘sport,’ ‘comfort,’ and ‘below comfort,’ which produces the softest ride possible. The electronic stability control has three settings, and the car boats of world-class driver assistance features like park assist and lane-keep assist. Volkswagen has reworked the brakes for excellent dynamic response and feel. This, coupled with the car’s new powerful engine, make for a stable drive the faster you go. According to Volkswagen, the current version will reduce lap times by 3.9 seconds compared to its predecessor.

Sleek Design

The exterior design of the new GTI has been dubbed ‘more evolutionary than revolutionary.’ From the first GTI, the boxy hatchback has not received any significant sheet metal updates. However, the new GTI features some exciting changes. Its nose is an eye-grabber, especially for such a conservative design. The lower front fascia has been widened, and both corners now face five LED foglamps. There is also a body-width LED lamp that connects to thin LED headlamps found on the car’s thin grille. That said, the GTI’s profile maintains many similarities to other models in the line. The c-pillar is more dynamic and faster, but the brake calipers are still tornado red. All-season tires come standard in the United States at 18-inch measurements, but drivers have the option of getting 235/35 summer tires shod to 19-inch cast-aluminum wheels. Canadian buyers will get the 19-inch standard wheels and 17 and 18-inch all seasons options. The 2022 GTI will see the return for the dual exhaust piped under the lower fascia to the left and right sides.

Interior

The interior of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI remains pretty much the same as its predecessor’s, with a few changes here and there. The seats feature a new design pattern but are still heated and presented in the standard tartan plaid format. However, buyers can choose perforated leather seats, which will be ventilated and heated. This seating choice is optional. As with the GTI 6, the steering wheel on the new GTI is perforated, and a heated wheel comes standard. It also contains several multi-function touch controls. Throughout the interior are the familiar red accents, but the Golf 8 version will feature a standard a 30-color ambient lighting system. The company also went with a Harmon-Kardon hi-fi unit instead of the previous Fender premium audio system.

Power and Torque

The 2022 Golf GTI is powered by a fourth-generation Volkswagen EA888 4-cylinder, 2-liter turbocharged engine that produces 273-lb-ft of torque and 242 horsepower. This is a significant increase from the 228 horsepower and 258 torque values of the previous engine. Moreover, the car will come with the standard 6-speed manual gearbox and an optional 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. The company claims that the high-take rate will rest at around 40 percent for manual models.

Tech Features

The 2022 VW Golf GTI comes with a new and improved infotainment system that marks a step forward for Volkswagen. Drivers can enjoy a home screen that displays several types of information simultaneously and a home button that allows you to scroll between pages easily. Additionally, the GTI is fitted with USB-C ports, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. The gauge cluster has also been turned into a screen featuring a wide range of fun graphics. It is also highly customizable, allowing you to access important information at a closer distance. On the dashboard and steering wheel, VW has incorporated touch-sensitive panels that you can use to adjust the volume, among other settings. The buttons on the panel are clicky but also respond to light touch.

Price

Volkswagen’s recent decision to drop all Golf models from their lineup except the VW Golf R and GTI was expected to increase the MSRP of the two vehicles. However, the company confirmed that the prices would not rise by a margin beyond 10 percent. At the moment, the starting price for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI is $29,545, as reported by US News.

Conclusion

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI offers an impressive exterior design that is sure to wow VW fans. From the rear, the car resembles its predecessor but has a somewhat refreshed look. The real differences are more noticeable beyond the A-pillars and in the interior. The dashboard and steering wheel are now covered with touch-sensitive panels, which make for an uncluttered look. This time, Volkswagen used plaid seats which are just as supportive and ergonomic as ever. The Golf GTI is a sure win.