2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

Overview
Fears that Volkswagen would annihilate the entire Golf lineup are all but forsaken, with the 2022 Golf GTI set to begin an all-new generation of the sporty hatchback. Although it appears the German automaker will still stop selling regular (read: boring) Golfs in the United States, the GTI and the even zestier R model, which we review separately, have been spared. The result is a more powerful GTI with even more desirable features and the same characteristics that helped the outgoing version earn our love and affection. With more modern styling inside and out as well as the familiar fantastic-to-drive behavior, the reborn Golf GTI attracts new enthusiasts, continues to reward the faithful, and again makes our 10Best list.

What's New for 2022?
The 2022 Golf GTI is all new and marks the storied nameplate's eighth generation. While its styling is evolutionary rather than revolutionary, VW has packed the hatchback with more technology and enhanced performance. Its fresh exterior styling is promoted by sleeker LED headlights and a gaping lower grille with fog lights integrated into the mesh. The more dramatic makeover is inside, where VW combines hallmarks such as plaid upholstery with cutting-edge features. For example, dual digital displays are now standard, and the dashboard has been totally redesigned. The GTI's turbo four-cylinder now makes 241 horsepower (up 13) and 273 pound-feet of torque (up 15), and it still offers a manual transmission as standard. The Golf GTI is expected to go on sale at the end of this year.

Pricing and Which One to Buy
S $30,540
SE $35,290
Autobahn $38,990
When deciding which GTI trim to buy, the mid-level SE strikes us as the best value. For an extra $800, the standard six-speed manual can be swapped for a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. We prefer to shift for ourselves, so we'd avoid the surcharge. Compared with the entry-level trim, the SE adds a 480-watt Karman/Hardon audio system, a cool illuminated grille, enhanced infotainment features, and a sunroof. It can also be fitted with leather upholstery, ventilated front seats, and memory settings for the driver's seat, but that means ditching the GTI's traditional cloth seats and their plaid design.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The 2022 Golf GTI is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that develops 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. That's an increase of 13 horses and 15 pound-feet versus its predecessor, but that power is still routed to the front wheels through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. We tested a GTI with the auto 'box, which had smart shifts and helped deliver the hatch to 60 mph in 5.1 seconds–0.7 quicker than a last-gen Rabbit edition with the automatic. Not only is the new GTI quicker in a straight line, we credit its electronically controlled limited-slip differential and brake-based torque vectoring for an uptick in entertainment value. Of course, the VW's expertly tuned chassis deserves as much praise as ever, with its sharp responses and not-too-firm, not-too-soft ride quality. The latter was experienced with the hatch's highly adjustable adaptive dampers and a set of 19-inch wheels (18-inchers are standard). Nothing puts a damper on spirited driving like a soft brake pedal, but the GTI provides firm feedback and noteworthy stopping power, halting the hatch from 70 mph in just 151 feet.