Volkswagen Golf GTI 2022 Review

More than 40 years ago, the GTI essentially created the hot hatch segment, combining practicality and performance in an attractive package at an affordable price. Over several decades and seven generations, Volkswagen has built on the original GTI's success. The new eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf GTI makes its debut for 2022, with a fresh, aggressive new face, an all-new interior, new tech and a slight bump in performance.

Powering the GTI is a new version of the car's turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine that has appeared in VW products for more than a decade. In the 2022 GTI, it produces 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque — a bump up from the previous engine's 228 hp and 258 lb-ft. You can still get it with a manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. A revised suspension tuning and a standard limited-slip differential mean the GTI drives better than ever, and the interior benefits from a fresh design and a new infotainment system.

Overall, we're impressed with the new GTI's combination of speed, practicality and technology. But the 2022 model year is shaping up to be a good one for driving enthusiasts, with new versions of the Honda Civic and Subaru BRZ/Toyota 86 twins also making their debuts. There's also the 275-hp Hyundai Veloster N to consider. What to get? Check out our Expert Rating of the 2022 GTI below to help you decide.

Which Golf GTI does MatoCar recommend?

The 2022 Golf GTI is available as a four-door hatchback and comes in three trim levels: S, SE and Autobahn. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (241 hp, 273 lb-ft of torque) that drives the front wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. Standard feature highlights include:

S Starts you off with:

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• LED headlights
• Heated mirrors
• Push-button start
• Leather-wrapped steering wheel
• Heated front sport seats
• Customizable interior ambient lighting
• Front and rear parking sensors

The S also comes with tech features such as:

• 8.25-inch touchscreen
• Digital instrument panel
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration
• Seven-speaker sound system
• Wireless smartphone charging pad

Standard advanced driver aids include:

• Forward collision mitigation (warns you of an impending collision and applies the brakes in certain scenarios)
• Lane keeping assist (steers the GTI back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
• Blind-spot intervention (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot and can help steer the GTI back into its lane if you try to change lanes)
• Adaptive cruise control (maintains a driver-set distance between the GTI and the car in front)

SE Has all of the above plus:

• Sunroof
• Adaptive headlights
• Proximity keyless entry
• 10-inch touchscreen
• Integrated navigation system
• Nine-speaker Harman Kardon sound system

Optional for the SE is a package that bundles leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat, ventilated front seats and driver's seat memory settings.

Autobahn Has all of the above features plus:

• 19-inch wheels with summer performance tires
• Adaptive suspension dampers (enhance ride comfort and handling)
• Heated rear seats
• Rear-seat climate controls
• Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line on the windshield)
• Automated parking system (steers into a parking spot with little or no driver intervention)