2022 VW Golf R: A magnificent car that doesn’t get enough respect.
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- Опубликовано: 21 янв 2022
- In this combo TECH REVIEW, FIRST DRIVE REVIEW & round of our famous #OptionsGame, we drive something with over 300 HP, a trick AWD system and flash chassis controls. Only catch, it’s all wrapped up in a VW wrapper. Not a problem for car folks, but we need to understand why more normal civilians don’t take the 2022 VW Golf R seriously . . .
#VW #GolfR #VWGolfR
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A few clarifications.
The Golf R of every year has always had front and rear antiroll bars.
The tendency to understeer is mostly a function of the Golf being at it's core, a front wheel drive compact. It's packaging. The engine and transmission are almost entirely forward of the front axle. VW/ Audi fwd-based compacts (along with most of the rest of the world) inherently suffer from this to a degree. VW/ Audi historically are considered to be above average in the spectrum. But tuned and tire'd aggressively enough and you have something like a GTI Clubsport/ Leon Cupra R that was once the fastest fwd sport compact around the 'Ring, so...
Next, XDS is not a limited-slip differential. It's the performance programming portion of the Bosch 4-wheel independent electronic braking system. It essentially tweaks the brakes on the inside wheels in turns to assist turn in and general handling. It also handles ABS, stability control, traction control and other clever uses of the brakes. It's found in most European cars from Aston Martin to VW.
The GTI DOES have a computer-controlled limited-slip differential in the front called VAQ. The R does not and cannot have this. The R and the GTI basically share transmissions. The place in the transmission occupied by the VAQ in the GTI is taken over by the PTO for the rear driveshaft in the R. VW guys call this PTO the bevel box.
The MK8 R is the first R with NO geared mechanical REAR differential. It has the ring and pinion feeding directly into left-side and right-side, electronically-controlled clutches. The computer decides which clutch gets engaged and by how much, depending on driving characteristics desired. For Drift-Mode, the inside rear wheel is powered to get the rear of the car to slide out. I don't think the programming on the R provides for fully "locking-up" both clutches for ultimate launches. It is confirmed that on the Tiguan R, it is programmed to allow this in an offroad mode.
Understeer is a function of suspension tuning not fwd .....plenty of rwd cars are also tuned to understeer. It's safer for normies.
Xds IS an electronic diff....with the brakes helping to turn. But it's NOT just a braking system to make the car turn.
I’m buying this because I grew out of the STi look. I’m almost 50 and really like the “sleeper”’aspect to 98% of the people on the road.
Not a fancy badge to non-enthusiasts. Very well put. After owning the MK6 and MK7, I very much prefer the DSG. It makes a perfect daily driver and holds the torque as opposed to the stock manual which always ends up slipping. Hoping the manual version is offered with a beefier clutch in this generation. That being said, VW didn’t hold back with the MK8 and I’m glad they gave US buyers the fully loaded R. Initially, I thought the headlights were too narrow and not aggressive enough. Since then it has grown on me. Love everything about the exterior design. The interior is a hit and miss. I find the center console too empty and can benefit with a few tactile buttons to make things easier. Haptics are NOT as bad as everyone puts it out to be, but then again, I haven’t daily driven it to make a solid opinion. Hoping they also bring back the spektrum program so I can order an R in Jazz Blue! Great review. Seriously the way you drive and narrate is quite an underrated skill.
Thank you!
funny, golf, golf gti and golf r ARE fancy badges in europe, deserving premium in price compared to competition...
Sir your level of sophistication with your reviews are always appreciated. Not many reviewers hit the details during your test drive like you do. Well done again!
Thank you, JW!
I just bought my 2022 Golf R in white. I previously own 2013 and 2017 or 2018 Golf R. I love the way it drive in my opinion slightly better than my previous cars. I got it with manual as manual is dying breed and would like to keep this as a nostalgic collector. Car is so enjoyable that I did not even pay attention to what infotainment system. I bought this to drive and I am thoroughly enjoying it and if VW removes entire infotainment system I am fine with that. I just want to focus on how it drives that how pamper me with infotainment.
I am glad VW still understand there are true car lovers - piston/petrol heads in the USA. I have owned every generation of GTI - I am expecting my first R to arrive in the next couple of weeks. It is obviously a special car, one I plan to keep many years! Thanks for an accurate and interesting review/test - I will update after a couple of weeks with my Deep Pearl Black 6MT R!
Congrats on the car!
Congrats! debating between the dsg and 6 speed! also black but 2024 model
The R should've been made available in the new King's Guard Red Metallic that launched with the GTI. Pair that with a camel/peanut butter leather interior, and it'd be a gorgeous vehicle. I love my Mk7 GTI and look forward to picking one of the new Mk8 Golf R's on the used market in a few years.
I agree, I love red cars. From my viewpoint as someone who is not a long time VW enthusiast, I will say it was a very big mistake choosing blue as the R accent color by VW. Not only is it not a popular color in general, but it would look really bad on a red painted car. Like you are driving Superman's underwear or something. I wish the R has red accents like the GTI. This, along with the interior controls are major reason I would reconsider this car. Fortunately for it, it's competitors will be less than perfect too. Body cladding on the WRX, no flares on the Corolla GR-Four, no AWD on the Civic R
Excellent work like always, M!
Thanks MotoMan. The time and effort put into your reviews shows.
Thanks James!
I'm seeing this right when it was posted. Nice to see things are back to normal again.
I watch a lot of automotive videos here and this is the first time that a MotorManTV video popped up for me. I paused the video and subscribed the channel after about five minutes. I am looking forward to seeing more of your channel. You're low-key (which is good) and very knowledgeable.
I thought I was likely the only person in North America who thinks that VW really needs to bring the R Estate here. I agree that adding that little bit more utility might broaden interest in the car. I had a 2010 Golf Wagon TDI (as it was labeled in Canada, I think it might have been a Jetta wagon in the US) and that was the most useful car I've ever owned.
I have first dibs on the third R slated for the local VW dealer. It's a Lapiz Blue with the manual transmission. They let me delete the sunroof, which I didn't think they would do. (I noticed that you said the sunroof is standard in the US. It's optional in Canada. I strongly dislike sunroofs.) If all goes well, I should have it in my garage in April or May. The biggest concern is if the dealer will add on some sort of a markup. I've been a loyal customer since 1997, having bought a new car every three years, so I'm hoping that loyalty counts for something at a small-town dealership.
Excellent reviews.
Another pocket rocket from the German engineer very nice.💪😎👍👏
I bought a used gti and still loving it. Feels like my gokarting days
As a driver’s car, the biggest problem with the Golf R is the M240i xDrive. I configured one, nicely optioned, for $52,000. For 70 more hp, a far better interior, better handling, and that snooty badge we all love so much.
That is true. Unless you're in Canada. And only if you want an auto.
Difference being that the BMW will depreciate like mad, while the VW will mostly hold it's value.
I totally understand where you’re at. The newly redesigned 2 series is quite impressive power-wise. Although it’s gotten longer at almost 180 inches, and I still prefer the previous styling, the power from that b58 is quite impressive. With the markup dealerships are charging on the new R’s, it’s hard NOT to consider the competition such as the m240, or the newly redesigned S3, Supra, even. The S3 doesn’t have the golf R’s torque vectoring system from my understanding, and both brands fully optioned (convenience and safety options) will probably cost more than the R, marked up. (Let’s not forget the incoming STI and Type R) Having said all that, there’s something about the practicality/look of a hatchback/sportback - for me personally.
Yeah, you can't hide the economy car foundation. I don't see 45k. I see 39k. And offer up the tartan seats, fix the interior and drop the price due to tartan and no leather.
Not comparable in terms of driving dynamics and money.
I have bought a few hot hatches, including the F ocus RS, but the Golf R is by far much better all around. It is a daily commuter, a weekend track car, and a costco run car. At 62 years old, the DSG gave me much more enjoyment out of driving than someone my age should be allowed. It is a true sleeper of a car, and many people are missing out on this all-around vehicle.
Thank you. I have seen few cars being driven as fast as you did on those kind of roads. Macan GTS comes to mind.
Thanks, Motoman!
A lower suspension set up, the mk 7 Golf R wheels, intake/exhaust job and It's all good.
I don't mind their por decision on the mmi system, I just use carplay anyways!
I would love a Golf R wagon. Wagons and hatchbacks aren’t appreciated enough in the US
I have an MK6 GLI. Installing 034 Motorsport solid rubber motor/trans mounts, metal dogbone insert and beefier rear sway bar is the perfect upgrade to any sport VW.
After owning two Golf R’s (2012 then a 2016) manual then DSG, both were very satisfying! The reason I didn’t go with the Mk8 last year is I test drove the 2022 Genesis G70. 3.3l twin turbo top spec. An awd system you can disable to have it fully rear wheel drive. Obviously, I’m not brand loyal. I owned a top spec SRT Jeep Grand Cherokee after my first Golf R. My point is all of these vehicles have their flaws but, each of them brought and still bring a smile to my face every time I drove them. For anyone on the fence, the Golf R is a great driving experience and a vehicle which holds its value well for resale! Wish I were blessed enough to be able to have kept them all! For now though, my G70 is definitely a keeper 😉
@@layne4376 What do you know about it? Lol
@@layne4376 I’m laughing even harder now! If you own the 3.3L V6 then put your car in sport plus and hold the traction control button for 3 seconds and in your cluster display it will show an additional message letting you know both traction control and stability are off. Pretty much 100% power is now at your rear wheels. Enjoy fishtailing all day long!
Careful in the snow 😂
@@layne4376 Why so butt hurt bro?!? Most all people realize my initial point was illustrating, if you wanna throw the ass end out like a rear wheel drive car, you have the option! For any dweebs who wanna argue semantics just pm the egghead @Outdoor Layne!!! He’ll be more than happy to teach how to keep her in awd!!! LMAO
Considering trading in my trusty 2012 4runner Trail for a Golf R. The 4runner has been paid off for years now. Zero problems, super reliable but I just miss having a fun car, and this at least retains a lot of practicality…
Go for it! Last generation for thus iconic car.
I’m 60, so decided now the time as a I wait got the right electric car for me
Always watching you whip around those cliffs make me 😬😬
I still own a MK6 two door manual. Great car. I looked hard at the Golf R. Then, the BMW M240i. But in the end I’m leaning towards the NA V-8 in the is500 and keep my MK6 and maybe do some mods to it. Tune, suspension etc….
I got a challenger 1320 and this thing gives it run for its money in the quarter mile. Stage 1 tune I can only imagine
I was never a hardcore VW enthusiast, but I like a lot of the features of the R since I will need more of a dad car in the near future. We got an Atlas for the baby hauler. From a brand neutral view I can totally agree with what you said about colors. Whom ever decided blue was the color for R/Halo models made a mistake. The red in GTI's is much more attractive and goes with a lot more exterior choices. Also the buttons are terrible like you said. I said below in a reply this as well. It's competitors have flaws too. Body cladding on the WRX, no flares on the Corolla GR-Four (possibly boring looks, we'll see), no AWD on the Civic R. If they went with infotainment like the Subaru and color options like Honda they'd kill the segment I bet.
I believe you are spot on with the VW wagon flying off the lots in the US. Not for me. But it certainly would.
Good stuff, going to trade in my 21 A35 for one of these.
If its anything like the mk7, that disjointed feeling you are getting in the front can be greatly improved with a little more camber in the front.
I love the manual option. Enough to overlook the haptic dash switches.
Your observation makes u look like a "Prehistoric man" ... everyone on the web talks about practicality, and you, just "stick" to the manual shift ... in that case buy youself a tractor if that´s all that´s important to u :/
I love this car
GREAT call out on the front bar. No front bar, I know why they did it BUT.........There should of been a tiny one, as you said, to tune the front and the back together. That bugs me when the front and the back are not in harmony with each other.
Great review; thank you. Will be interesting to see down the road (pun intended) whether people's impression of the haptic/capacitive touch infotainment system changes once they are used to it. I test drove a 2022 GTI for 45 minutes and didn't find it that bad (and I'm a senior geezer.) I kind of like the minimalist Bauhaus interior that VW is going for. But...I agree that a few real buttons would be more usable. There are enough other improvements and enhancements to confirm my decision to move from my 2019 R to the 2022 R (if it ever comes in!).
I’m an old lady & actually live the entire user interface.
Hope you hit your R - I’m a little jealous, I gut the GTI - and are having fun.
Closet Vee Dub fan and to your opening statement Hot AF!
It's a awesome car, I picked it second to type R and about veloster N
I'll have whatever this guy is drinking
thanks
Another great review from MM! Agree with you on all points! Arguably the most reliable German car extant. I purchased my latest VW, a 2016 GTI, and drove it for two years. Sold it to my nephew in 2018. The GTI is still going strong today with over 50k miles. The EA888 is a gem! Love me some GTI/R models! The American market is fickle; Americans appear to shun hatchbacks, but they love small SUVs?.. I don’t get it! That is the only negative to this car…
The fact that you can't buy it with a manual in EU is mind blowing... Manual and an update of that interior (less buggy / slow software and ideally more real buttons) would be an insta buy
I have a 2017 R and was thinking about upgrading to the 2022 R. Then I saw the infotainment system, the haptic controls and even worse to me, the lower interior quality and there's just no way I'd swap the two. It's very disappointing to see VW cheap out on the interior of this car and put so much plastic in it. My wife's Mazda CX 30 turbo interior is leaps and bounds ahead of the R's and the Mazda was $12,000 less.
No one cares about your wife’s cheap mazda or your old golf
@@gustavopaulette3496 okaaaay Goooostavohhhhh. 🤡😜
@@layne4376 Yep. What really makes no sense is that VW went with the heptic system even after other car makers tried it and it wasn't popular. Now those car makers are back to using buttons and knobs, and VW just started using the haptic system. That's just dumb.
Looks like I'll keep my old s3 for a couple more years. The lack of traditional buttons kills this for me. And the lack of a traditional shifter kills the new s3 for me. Not sure what designers are thinking sometimes...many times.
NICE CAR
My favorite hatchback
Enjoyed your great review. MK7.5 R owner here. Maybe the best classless daily commuter. Had coolant leak at 30k and got it fixed under warranty. Going to sell my R to my buddy soon. Loved the car very much and will miss it for sure. Will buy a MK8 R if VW fix the the issue with the infotainment system.
I think MK 7.5's front suspension can also be improved.
@@TheRacingShawn That is fixed with a bigger rear sway bar and better tires
still better looking than the wrx, i agree they should have more color options on the interior. The MK 7 and 7.5 will have mark ups now because of all the terrible tech in this car
What a good question on would the package speak to car folk. Tho depending who you ask in the south, VW doesn’t have an established consumer brand identity with folk. It leans premium in perception
Nice review as usual and nice car too. But based on the somewhat tight quarters in the back of the Golf R sedan, can't believe VW doesn't offer the estate/station wagon version of the R in the states. Especially, if they are trying to crack the SUV market here. Maybe the solution is to lobby VW to offer the Golf R Estate on a European delivery basis direct at Wolfsburg (much like BMW does with their cars in Munich). Bet if car reviewers with credibility like you would contact Wolfsburg or the VW project managers in the states, US buyers with a hankering for the VW Golf R estate could pick one up at Wolfsburg, drive it around Europe for while, and then have it shipped back to the states (or Canada) for a quick APR or HPA stage I/II/III tune.
Telling it like it is....thanks. The wagon would be great.
It would be nice if we had the black out option like how the EU does.
Audio system is a fail bringing it to a new level of distracted driving. Just replace it with an aftermarket wireless CarPlay system and you have got an evolution of the “R” with more power n handling still in a restrained package of FUN. Thx for sharing.
Excellent video, just subbed. The Golf R is really nice but inflated price at $43k. Now that Golf R estate on the other hand…they can shut up and take my money if they bring it over around $50k
Welcome to the club!
I think if we got the Tiguan R at this price point, normal people would love it.
I'm presently holding out for it to be imported. If it isn't, Toyota is a close second.
What happened to the 2022 Arteon? Better yet- why no Arteon wagon in the U.S.?
I am a longtime fan of yours and although I have nothing to say on the subject of the Golf R, I just realized we are very close to the 1 year anniversary of your playing chicken with a Tesla. Just wanted to ask how you are feeling and if you have fully recovered? I was injured by a medical error in June of 2020 and just received my settlement this week. I won’t brag, but I’m certainly using your review to aid in my car buying decision…..rhymes with GT3.. Love ya!
Thanks for asking . . . believe it or not, we are just crossed the TWO year anniversary. Still working through some range of motion & memory issues but for the most part back to running daily and flying my own plane. And yes, a GT3 would be an *excellent* investment!
Is there anyone on here with a US Model (or even Euro Model), that has lived with the new interface for a bit in daily driving? My understanding is that many of the layered options in the UX can be "pinned" as shortcuts to the main screen. There are some shortcuts for turning the ESC on and Off, and voice controls to augment the funky climate controls.
This car is getting bashed by the reviewers (as far as interior and UX), but there is a waiting list at every VW dealer I've spoken to. I have not seen any of the reviewers cover the shortcuts or voice commands. I also haven't seen much discussion on the Heads Up Display.
Being a bit older, I like the layout of the MK 7.5 controls, but is that enough to overlook the extras on the MK8? Heated AND ventilated seats, sun roof, the much improved rear diff system, and extra horsies? If you are an iPhone/iPad user and learn the tricks, is it really that much of a trade off? (If you haven't driven one, or don't own one, please do not respond, I want to hear from someone that is living with this interface).
I have a 7.5 GTI, and it is a great fun car, but I LOVE low end torque and acceleration, so an almost extra 100 hp is hard with a good way to put it down. I need the room of the hatchback, and like to row my own gears. So not too many other options here in the US currently, but I could buy a used 7.5.
Motoman, did anyone advise you on the two finger trick to turn on seat heat? The quick way to disengage the ESC? The automatic seat heat when the temp is below 40? The programmable shortcuts and voice controls? If not, would appreciate a follow up taking these things into account. Otherwise, great review!
What makes you think it does not get enough respect? It is the most popular and hottest Hatchback one can buy. I don't even get many even wanting to try to drag it. Obviously respect for how fast this pocket rocket is. lol
I hope they fix the oil burning problem. I have a 2016 R that mysteriously burns oil like crazy.
I love my R, but I don’t love the idea of paying to fix this big problem
VW should def offer saddle, blue & red interiors for the R variant… & at least offer Pomelo Yellow & Kings Red for the exterior.
First it would be nice to have a 2 door model back of this model. You didn't go into more of why this model. Drivetrain and Engine. You can get the front swaybar for this and upgrade the rear. Many parts for the GTI & R.
2 door models are leaving for most cars.
They should have offered the R plaid in the US. There is no reason to not do it.
1,000,000 % agree!
Is this on same MQB platform as gen 3 TTS?
Yes, MQB platform.
I am between the Golf R and the BMW M240i as my next driver.
A 4 second rabbit? Lovely.
I KNOW!
Pretty nice, not available 😂
The good things of the new Golf R is the size not to long and wide unlike the new GTI
The Audi S3 is the sister vehicle and is slower 0-60? I might just put a blind eye to the touchscreen system and enjoy the extra oomph. Hopefully they at least fix that for 2023 and beyond. For the money, there isn’t another vehicle that packs the punch with AWD and has every feature one could ask for…and under 50K!
Not exactly sister vehicle, S3 uses the old awd system...
@@andreimortila7123 no matter. Built off same chassis. Sister vehicles.
Yes, of course a wagon would be even better. It is fascinating to contrast VW's commitment to performance options with other makes. VW dropped the Golf hatch but still brings the GTI and R to market. No More Boring Cars Corp. aka Toyota drops the ordinary Yaris but does a faceplant with the GR Yaris.
Wagons are dead and they're not coming back. Lets move on.
@@krane15 Dying, but not dead quite yet! 2022 RS6 Avant, Volvo wagon, Mercedes E wagon, not quite sure what Subarus are any more...I think my Crosstrek is a lifted little Impreza wagon...
@@chriskelvin248 And how many of those do you actually see on the road? I know they make them, but I've never seen any of those (except the E Wagon years ago) on the street, and I live in SoCal. -- the most carcentric state in the country. I did see the Dodge Magnum wagon maybe a month ago.
Nice Arctic Silver 996 😎
:)
Interesting that USA doesnt get the option of the performance pack option (it looks like its all included i think in the price): bigger brakes, wider tyres, rear spoiler, adaptive suspension, akrapovic exhaust and nurburgring ring mode). However i cant be sure as nurburgring mode wasnt mentioned in the review.
Fast Station wagons or as known in UK fast estates are highly desired over here which is why there are so many on offer from different manufacturers.
Canada and the U.S get the same top spec models minus the upgraded exhaust. Best bargain is here in Canada, for $50000.00 Canadian dollars, ($39700.00) usd, all in out the door price, in a manual 6 spd.
It has "Special" mode within the "Race" mode, "Special" mode = Nurburgring mode. Also the Akrapovic exhaust does not come to the US as it doesn't meet CA DOT regulations.
Yes, this one was fitted with the Nurburgring mode.
Big fan of the Golf /GTI / R……I would not buy this version until they give us better steering wheel and infotainment controls….come on Germany you are better than this
This is a great car however the UX system and the touch sensitive buttons ruin it.
Too much plastic for that price. No chance.
Not just plastics, but cheap scratchy plastics.
Wanted a fun car, put a depo on one waiting, have I made a mistake?
It would probably get more respect if they were more available. For instance I just bought one in December. I won't see it until summer. If I'm lucky...
Also if the wagon was available there would be no questions that's what I would take. Even if it is slightly slower.
I must say Im a little bit disappointed considering how good the MK7-2 was. I mean dont get me wrong the Drivetrain, Chassis and all the driver focused things have improved but you can really feel the cost cutting especially with the Dashboard and some interior parts, they are a desaster imo.
Only reason I didn’t like the past Golfs was when I test drove a 2013 GTI with all leather interior and the seats were absolutely horrible. They were stiff and uncomfortable and considering I came from a Lexus IS350 it was night and day difference
Your read end has gotten used to the cushy life. When you went back to firm support if felt low class. Makes no mistake, a firm seat in not a lower quality seat (well, sometimes it is but I'm making a point here).
Its designed that way to hold you in place so that you don't go sliding around sinking into the seat during spirited driving. I very seriously doubt if spirited driving was one of your Lexus requirement.
They’re totally different types of vehicles . A Buick would be a better comparison
Supposedly the manual is significantly slower than the DSG because of the launch control. I think Car and driver or Motortrend were claiming a 0-60 slower than a GTI in the manual. I don't see how that's possible though.
Exactly, not possible
I had two GTIs and loved them. I wanted a Golf R a few years back, but the dealers on Long Island play games with the few that they get. Therefore, I found myself at the snooty dealership. Two BMWs later, I’m thinking of a third. Problem with these expensive VWs, if you can afford to spend a little more, you’ll have a much better experience at the BMW dealer. Out the door, for $10K more than a DSG Golf R, I purchased my 2021 M340. Ironically, it gets a lot better gas mileage than the new Golf R and the infotainment is one of the best in the business. Plus you get a BMW experience that includes loaner cars with service. And that’s the problem, now that I’m 43 - I like the ambiance of the dealership, being treated nicely, and pre and post Covid (hopefully) availability of vehicles for not that much more that have fairly comparable performance (not quite as nimble as a GTI/ Golf R and no DSG, but the ZF is no slouch and you can slide the back end around on command).
Ha. You do realise that BMW is one of the worst choices for expensive repairs and they are known for needing lots of them. But glad you thought you made a smart choice... Lets chat in 4 years or so and compare.
@@vroomgc I don’t keep cars any longer than 3 years and sometimes only 2. BMW warranty is 4 years, 50K miles. I won’t own the car past that. And I already own a Acura (Honda), that should last forever, except a lot of Honda’s I’ve owned needed more work (again I don’t keep them to 100K+ miles) than the German cars I’ve owned ironically.
Yes, you are wrong. VW's "halo" car is the Arteon. And this year we get the Eurospec version with the Golf R tuned EA888 engine and the DSG in place of a conventional automatic.
4motion?
@@noizychild Yes
Good point but most would look past it.
@@noizychild Of course.
Actually, it varies by market.
The car mechanically speaking is very good, if not great.
Visually its subjective but i think it looks like a modern golf.
However there are two problems with it.
UX is abysmal and the trend of lackluster climate controls is unfavorable.
Second problem is in most of continental Europe, its over 60k euros.
Which frankly, is comical for a golf. :D
How do you buy cars from the manufacturer? I would be interested in the Golf R but not the dealership scalper price
You can't purchase direct from VW in the US, you have to go through a dealer.
Put in an order for 1000 cars. Manufactures had to sell in volume to make a profit. Like going to the supermarket and asking for 2 slices of bread to make a PB &J sandwich. They would just look at you funny.
S3 might be the answer
To answer your question in my humble opinion, GTI with 300hp and awd is complex expensive and sucks for the working man when they break.
Don’t worry VW won’t care what you think they have to many other brands to stay out of competition with so this will be what you get but an Estate would be nice!
Another note... if they did in fact bring the Golf R Variant here my 2018 Sportwagen 4 motion manual would be getting traded in on such a car.m.
Love my 2019 Golf R, will probably keep my 2019 until it dies simply to avoid the horrid touch everything interfaces.
And that totally awesome Warranty had in 2018-2019!
@@eloneatmyshorts People First, baby!
Agreed, I have a 2018 Golf R and I'm not willing to give up the buttons and knobs.
Moto, your automotive knowledge is exceptional, your presentation skills immaculate but Saddlebag interior? I say nay, nay my friend. No more camel interiors for the next 10 years.
I like a brown interior on blue exterior
@@cwx8 That was fine for me too, until last year.
Wintermage, thanks for the kind words but we'll respectfully disagree on the interior selections:)
I really enjoyed the review and want to start there……but honestly, when has the US car buying public bought go fast wagons in any reasonable volume? That wouldn’t sell in any volumes worth the trouble for VW group. I’m just happy they maintain a hatch and a manual.
In any reasonable volume? I guess never. But were performance wagons a big seller anywhere ever? But a small availability would definitely have sold to a few thousand very excited buyers. Volvo performance wagons used to be not uncommon in the US. The AMG beast wagon is another anomaly. Heck, Dodge even went for it with the Magnum. I thought the whole point of a common-architecture car was that it was feasible to make many variants for minimal extra tooling. The awd Golf Sportwagen is here for cripes sake! So close- just another few option packages away! I think the real deal breaker is VWoA's lack of political will to bring even SOME Golf R wagons here. That and some US import law requiring even slight different models of the same car to be completely retested if it's an import, therefore making low-volume models unfortunately cost-prohibitive. A form of a Chicken Tax? I can't remember. My favorite R is the R Estate for sure.
@@chriskelvin248 fair points all - but let’s not forget that Europe had historically embraced wagons in general much more than the US…..and the change that’s undergone in the US since we had the Audi avants and hot Volvo wagons is the scourge that is the popularity of the suv and crossover. Why would VW bother making 500 units of a golf R for so little profit? Let’s also consider than however many they’d sell, would cannibalize their golf r sales
@@japanwatchconnection - perhaps both statements are true. All the more reason why it won’t happen.
@@japanwatchconnection I think we are on the same side of the argument no? Americans don’t tend to buy wagons. Wish they would.
Your question, should the R's performance technology matter to "noncar folks," is based on the proposition that brand matters. And I think it does. Which is a long way of saying ... good question! And I'd say it should but it won't. I own a 2021 Jetta (not a GLI) and I like it a lot. I've coveted the new R since it was announced but is too dear for my budget or needs. It's a fine car, a great performance value and I wish much "farfenügen" (er, whutever) to all R owners! (p.s. as a new-car gift warmer, I treated myself to a pair of straight paddle Randolph sunglasses!)
Do you think the car is reliable as the 2021 Honda Civic Type R?
No.
Yep
Too bad the front seats have no headrests or harness holes for harnesses. You have to buy another seat and screw up the whole airbag system. That is something Hyundai does and did with the Kona N. OH, besides the epic fail on NOT having AWD in the Kona N.
Good car. 👌
Needs smaller rims though because the ride is probably too jarring.
Motoman, you and I have the same tastes when it comes to exterior/interior color combos and sunroofs. 😉
But don't get too picky. 😏
It's zee Germans, and they love black interiors on cars under $50K. The standard sunroof is a necessity at this price. 👍
The 19" rims paired up with the dynamic chassis control (DCC) actually makes for a pretty comfortable ride, believe it or not, when in the "Comfort" setting. This is based on my experience owning a Mk7.5 R for the last couple of years. It can become a comfortable cruiser for long road-trips, and also carve-up your favorite twisty road if you throw it into "Sport" or "Race" mode.
@@andyhedin4893 That's good to know. I was wondering how it would be on road trips. So it would probably apply to the MK8. 👍
Yeah I have to say its more powerful than the s3 with even better interior than s3 and an Lsd which the s3 doesn't get
"the power and the combination of the limited slip in the front and the torque vectoring in the back it just feels, it feels more cohesive it feels like it's carved from one piece of aluminum..." but then "what you feel is it's disjointed from the front to the back." what?????
I wanted one pretty bad until I learned that the whole car is touch-pad only - no buttons or dials. Now I'll spend 3x the price to get something else that has more actual buttons/switches. Sorry not sorry, VW. The touchscreen deal seems just too dangerous.
Wagon 👍
this engine also has forged pistons. my brother, mechanic in europe, says much more reliable than gti. he sees lots of blown gti engines after tuning, but non R ones...
What are u talkin about every EA888 engine is the same
@@Fiwek23452 Golf R has EA888 evo engine, not the same
@@zdimic golf gti tcr has the same engine as the R minus the Haldux AWD system
@@Fiwek23452 I guess you're choosing to be dense? My brother has been servicing and opening these engines forever, but here is another source: ruclips.net/video/h-EQ-76FCas/видео.html
@@Fiwek23452 no they aren’t. R has upgraded internals.
We "R" Loyalists and Owners know all this, and it is all true.
VW cutting corners on features and quality due to Dieselgate financial hit.
How often does it break?