Golf R Returns to North America for 2022 - keep that Macan Turbo

[Purrybonker]

This might sound a bit strange, but I was shopping around for a Macan Turbo and somehow stumbled across a site discussing the 2022 Golf R.

https://www.caranddriver.com/volkswagen/golf-r

Hey, this is way more up my alley - I don't have to compromise my anti-SUV sentiments to get an excellent, fun driving grocery hauler!

I know it's not really meaningful to compare vehicles outside their categories but cargo volumes and performance numbers are pretty darn similar between these two.

And I could pick up two or three "R's" for the ticket price of a decently equipped Macan Turbo.

So, a deposit has been placed on the Golf R and the Macan Turbo project has been tossed in the recycle bin. - I await fall delivery!

Now if only we could get Americans interested in shooting brakes and in all those serious hot hatches that the Europeans get we could have even more budget easy fun with our daily drivers.

[otto_kretschmer]

A friend of mine had a R32. He said it was his most favorite car he owned and was sad to see it go.

He also said the dealer charged him something like 4 hours labor to change the battery.

I very briefly toyed with the idea of getting one as my retirement reward but I decided to keep my TDI sportwagon and I'm going to drive that thing into the ground.

[Purrybonker]

Love this very Germanic review....

"just a little push on the throttle... it's giving you a very plopping experience"



"it's a race car for the city, basically..."

[stevej37]

I was at the VW dealer in March to measure the hatch opening on the Golf. I asked the salesman a few questions about the 22 GTI and the R.
I don't know why, but he acted as though he knew nothing about either. (maybe he didn't)

Nice looking car...glad they aren't forcing the plaid seats on it.

[aschen]

The HP is underated it has at least a bit more, they are seeing quarter mile times in the 12.3-12.4 range which is pretty dang quick in my book.

never though Id lust after a VW but looks like a compelling package to me.

[Purrybonker]

Impressive:

"So how did Benjamin Leuchter fare at the Nurburgring Nordschleife in this newest Golf R that bristles with a heap more go-fast tech? Running on super-sticky Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 tires, Benny banged off a 7-min-51-second lap"

https://driving.ca/volkswagen/auto-news/news/first-look-2022-volkswagen-golf-r

Also impressive, the Cayman S best rolling lap was 7:47!

https://fastestlaps.com/tests/kch13z58l4bd

[stevej37]

The only thing I don't care for on the 'R' is the multiple and complicated buttons and switches for the driving, climate, visual.
Just give me the driving...without all the choices.

[jhynesrockmtn]

I like the R. My son had a 2016 and it was a great car.

My wife's Macan S is useless for hauling anything. I think you might have more useable space in the Golf. I like her Macan as a driver and it is comfortable, etc. but the slope of the hatch and the small back seats drive me crazy. I tried to get her to look at a Cayenne but she thought it was too big.

[wildthing]

I have been casually looking at both used R32s or Golf Rs and I think they are great. If I had cash burning a hole in my pocket, I’d get an RS3. But they don’t sell RS3 hatches here. I wouldn’t mind the sedan either.

[rusnak]

we really love our Macan S. But I can't see the point of comparing those two automobiles. The Macan has a turbo. And it's got stupendous amounts of torque and is freaky fast on the open roads. 100+ mph cruising speed really creeps up on you.

[pavulon]

Originally Posted by wildthing

I have been casually looking at both used R32s or Golf Rs and I think they are great. If I had cash burning a hole in my pocket, I’d get an RS3. But they don’t sell RS3 hatches here. I wouldn’t mind the sedan either.

Totes. The angry chipmunk of a turbocharged 5 cyl seals the deal.

[1990C4S]

As a wagon/hatch fan I respect this decision.

[javadog]

Originally Posted by aschen

The HP is underated it has at least a bit more, they are seeing quarter mile times in the 12.3-12.4 range which is pretty dang quick in my book.

I can't see how any Golf can do those times. My old R32 wouldn't come withing two seconds of that, my RS6 could do them all day. A vast amount of difference in acceleration between the two. 250hp, vs 450.

The quoted weight for this car seems a bit light, too. The R32 was hundreds of pounds heavier, if I recall correctly.

[Nickshu]

Great news. Will upgrade wife's current 2019 Golf R!!! Glad to hear they are keeping the manual.

[Arthropraxis]

I love the Golf R. Almost, sold my Cayenne GTS to get a 2016. Other than a tow vehicle it ticks all the boxes. Got my daughter a GTI instead. Still a fun car to drive and the DSG gearbox is fantastic. Don't miss a manual at all.