2022 Volkswagen Golf R

It’s been nearly a year since we got behind the wheel of a Euro-spec 2022 Volkswagen Golf R for our First Drive. Now, VW has its U.S.-spec Golf R out, and we decided to find out if our end conclusion of it being “way more fun” still holds. There’s one big difference (among other smaller ones) between this Golf R and the previous one we drove, and it’s all to do with the transmission. This Golf R is fitted with VW’s six-speed manual, which is a special treat for North America. You see, the Golf R in Europe is exclusively fitted with VW’s seven-speed DSG automatic, but us lucky folks in the U.S. get to choose our preferred method of shifting.  Unfortunately, selecting a manual transmission does result in a slightly less torquey engine. The updated 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder in the Golf R makes 315 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque with the DSG, but VW dials back torque to 280 pound-feet with the manual. We’re sure your local tuner will happily give you the twist back, but wave goodbye to your warranty while you’re at it. Despite the small penalty in shove, the availability of a manual is still something to be thankful for. The transmission itself is perfectly fine. Moving the shifter through the gates isn’t some biblical experience, but there’s enough feedback to keep us entertained and to refrain from calling it rubbery.  VW swapped the characterful golf ball-shaped knob for a chunky, square knob, and it feels like a downgrade. And while first impressions with the clutch had us wanting for more feel, we warmed up to it with use. The package as a whole is average when it comes to manual transmissions in performance cars, but beggars shouldn’t be choosers: its mere existence is still enough to make us happy. At the same time, we don’t besmirch anybody for picking the excellent seven-speed DSG over it. One item we particularly fell for in our first time behind the wheel of the European Golf R was its optional Akrapovič exhaust system. That titanium exhaust isn’t available for the U.S., but our car gets its own valved exhaust instead. Thankfully, the replacement isn’t much of a downgrade versus the Akrapovič system in sound level and quality. It blats, pops and crackles with plenty of authority. The perforated quad tips of the Akrapovič system win on style, but rest assured that the U.S.-spec exhaust might actually be a little bassier and guttural. We’d need back-to-back comparisons to be sure, but in short, it doesn’t seem like we’re completely missing out.  Above left: What you see at night; Above right: What you see with interior dome lights on at night It’s been thoroughly beat on at this point, but in case you needed another reminder, Volkswagen’s new climate and audio controls are the least user-friendly in the business. Make sure it’s light outside the first time you drive a Golf R, because otherwise you’ll need to flip on the …
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