Nürburgring MODE makes the Golf R the HOTTEST HATCH!

We tested the 2022 Golf R and discovered it is amazing in Nürburgring MODE, it's amazing!

We have been waiting a while for the all-new 2022 Golf R, same for the GTI which we tested a few weeks ago and came away suitably impressed, so expectations are high. The previous R was good but it really felt like a faster GTI than something different which I'm glad to say has been rectified this time around.

What's new?

Exterior changes are quite subtle which has always been the VW way, so although you can tell it apart from the GTI you have to look closely. Firstly it has more aggressive bumpers, a nice set of 19-inch alloy wheels, a much larger rear wing, and a set of bigger tailpipes giving hint to what lurks under the hood. outback gives more than a subtle hint that there's something solid under the hood.

Under that said hood is a thoroughly reworked version of the 2.0 turbocharged I4 which now delivers 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque. That's 27 hp and 30 lb-ft higher than its predecessor.  Power is routed through all four wheels and riven through either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic.

All U.S. cars come standard with the R-Performance package which includes a much sharper throttle and transmission and 15-position electronically controlled dampers.  

VW has also revised its all-wheel-drive system so instead of the previous model's center coupling it uses two electronically controlled clutch packs, one on each axle.  Now the R can move power between the left and right wheels which greatly increases its ability to put the power down in the turns.  

Compared to the old Golf R, the ride height is now 20mm lower, the springs and anti-roll bars have been stiffened by up 10 percent, dampers, and bushings are upgraded, and the front subframe is now made from lightweight aluminum. Curb weight comes in at 3,380 lb.

Special and Drift Modes

The R Performance Package opens up two new drive modes in addition to Comfort, Sport, and Race, which are Drift and Special. Drift is a bit of a gimmick since the car can only route 50 percent of the engine's power to the rear axle, unlike the long-gone Focus RS which could send 70% of the power to the rears when needed.

Special Mode is probably the only mode you should ever need on the Golf R and once pressed a map of the Nürburgring shows up in the dash so you know it means business. Since the Nürburgring is more like a public road with dips, bumps, and various other obstacles, this setting puts the shock absorbers in Comfort for optimum road contact. It also makes the throttle hair-trigger reactive and weights up the steering making for a super enjoyable driving experience.

CHAPTERS
0:00 Intro
0:26 Exterior
1:22 Exhaust Sound
2:12 R Performance Pack
2:32 Front End
2:57 AWD System
4:11 Cargo Space
4:32 Rear Seat
4:47 Front Seats
5:14 Drive Modes
7:35 Driving
16:19 Verdict

2022 Golf R Numbers

VEHICLE TYPE: Front-engine, 4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door hatchback
BASE PRICE: $44,445
PRICE AS TESTED: $45,440
ENGINE: 2.0 turbocharged and inter-cooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4
POWER: 315 hp @ 5,900 rpm
TORQUE: 310 lb-ft @ 1,900 rpm
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic
CURB WEIGHT 3,380 lb
ZERO to 60 mph: 4.2 seconds
TOP SPEED: : 168 mph
TIRES and WHEELS: 19-inch alloys w/summer performance tires
EPA city/highway/combined: 23/30/26 mpg
FUEL TANK CAPACITY: 14.5 gallons
OUR OBSERVED: 23.9 mpg
PROS: Sensational in the turns, blazingly quick, surprisingly fuel-efficient
CONS: That interior tech