2022 Volkswagen Golf R - Review by Mark Fulmer

Golf R Goes Rad

Mark Fulmer
Executive Producer, Editor
THE AUTO CHANNEL

So, how do you radicalize a performance car in the year 2022? How about adding Drift and Special driving modes, tuning up your 2 liter TSI turbo engine, toss in DCC chassis control and 4Motion all-wheel drive. So when I thought I would check out the spare tire and lifted the rear floorboard, I found this...

If you recognize this, you really know your stuff. If you don't, I'll put the answer down at the end of this review.

The Golf R’s 315-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is a real kick to drive. When needed, the all-wheel system pushes just enough additional torque to the rear wheels to really firm up and assist coming out of turns - reminding me of one of my rookie mistakes I made years ago on turn 11 at the old Sears Point raceway which luckily taught me that lesson without harming either car or track. Around town the Golf R has a nice light feel backed by nimble steering and confident suspension. In its Comfort driving mode the adaptive suspension pillowed road bumps nicely.

Inside, the design is "keep it simple" and the soft surfaces and adjustable arm rest are nicely done. The standard front sport seats snug yet comfortable. Visibility is very good in all directions, and the blind spot warning lights are easily caught in the corner of your eye.

The 10-inch dashboard touchscreen includes controls for the climate system and heated and ventilated front seats, as well as the navigation and multimedia systems. The touchscreen is a bit over the top however using CarPlay or Android Auto as well as steering wheel buttons helps.
Front head room 38.5 in.
Front leg room 41.2 in.
Front shoulder room 55.9 in.
Front hip room 53.4 in.

The rear seats have reasonable leg room but moving the front seats a few inches forward is appreciated by passengers. For those chilly mornings rear seat passengers can warm backs and buns with their very own seat heaters.
Rear head room 38.1 in.
Rear leg room 35.0 in.
Rear shoulder room 53.9 in.
Rear hip room 46.3 in.

There’s a center pass-through to the cargo area, and the Golf R provides 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space with the backseat up...

and 34.5 cubic feet with seats flattened.

Safety features include:
Pre-collision safety system
Post-collision safety system
Stability control
Traction control
4-wheel ABS Emergency braking assist
Cornering lights
Remote anti-theft alarm system
Engine immobilizer and many more.

(OK you audiophiles probably got it right, the saucer-like object is the subwoofer).