The German pocket-rocket is all updated for 2022. The all-new Volkswagen Golf GTI is packed with compelling tech, modern looks, and powerful turbocharged engine with 6-speed manual transmission.
The new 8th generation Golf GTI is powered by a 241-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection evo4 TSI engine with a peak torque lb-ft paired with a standard manual six-speed transmission or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
Compared to its predecessor, the new Golf GTI is lower, longer, and sportier than before. With a higher sloped hood, new lighting, and new wheel designs, the new GTI exterior design retains many of the aesthetic cues of previous GTI models, including famous GTI red detailing and honeycomb highlights and characteristic C-pillars.
VW’s MQB modular transverse design underpins the eighth-generation Golf GTI. While the wheelbase remains the same as the previous version at 103.6 inches, the length of the vehicle has increased to 168.8 inches. With a height of 57.6 inches and a width of 70.4 inches, the new GTI has a resolute appearance due to the front air intakes and shoulder line.
Outside, the new model seems sharper than the previous one. The red stripe in the front grille now extends over the whole grille of the vehicle. From the side, the GTI’s sharp-cut black side sills form a character line that runs from the front splitter to the rear diffuser of the car. New GTI has a forward shifting of C-pillar angle and a deep drawn roofline, which highlights the high-performance nature.
At the rear the twin chrome exhaust tailpipes and roof-mounted spoiler frame new taillights as well as the new Volkswagen brand logo and GTI lettering improves the sportiness of the hot hatch.
Interior features include heated and bolstered front sports seats with integrated head restraints, red stitching, and standard grey and black tartan fabric on the seat and backrest areas. Optional Vienna leather seating surfaces in two-tone black and grey with red accents are available on SE models.
2022 Golf GTI is equipped with Climatronic Touch automatic climate control, automatic rain-sensing windshield wipers, automatic headlights, auto-dimming rearview mirror, LED reading lights, and push-button start. SE models add KESSY keyless access, an all-new harman/kardon premium audio system, and Volkswagen Car-Net with Wi-Fi capability when you subscribe to a data plan.
The SE and Autobahn trims come standard with a larger panoramic power tilt and slide sunroof, which is operated by a touch slider on the headliner. GTI has a glass-encased 8.25-inch touchscreen, wireless charging, multi-phone pairing, HD radio, and four USB-C ports—two in the front and two in the back—that can be used to charge compatible devices.
The all-new Golf GTI is offered with a range of new aluminum-alloy wheels. S and SE models come with 18-inch wheels with 225/40 all-season tires as standard; SE models also offer optional 18-inch gloss black wheels. Autobahn models feature 19-inch diamond-turned surface alloys wrapped with 235/35 summer tires.
The all-new Golf GTI is offered in Deep Black Pearl Metallic and Reflex Silver Metallic are Atlantic Blue Metallic, Kings Red Metallic, Moonstone Gray, and Oryx White Pearl. The fifth new color option, Pomelo Yellow Metallic, will be available as a launch option with Autobahn models, with only one offered to each dealer.