2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI: More Details Surface
As you know, the all-new Volkswagen Golf GTI was unveiled virtually in late winter. It’s the eighth generation of the sporty Golf variant that started in 1976.
This week, the automaker hosted a roundtable to provide more details about the car. Here’s what we learned…
- Also: 2022 Volkswagen Golf: Our Exclusive First-Drive Review
- Also: The New Volkswagen Golf's Canadian Launch is Still (Very) Far Away
Some Numbers First
With 2.3 million units sold in the past 44 years, the Golf GTI has been a massive success. Believe it or not, Volkswagen initially wanted to build just 5,000 of them.
The current, seventh-generation model is especially popular in North America with 45 percent of global sales, which goes to show that many drivers in Canada and the U.S. still prefer hot hatches over SUVs and crossovers.
Purists will be thrilled to know that the new Golf GTI will continue to be available with a six-speed manual gearbox. After all, 40 percent of customers are choosing this option instead of the dual-clutch transmission. In both cases, it will pair with the familiar turbocharged 2.0-litre engine, although output has been increased from 228 to 241 horsepower.
To showcase the enhancements made to the chassis, steering and limited-slip differential, the automaker did a comparison on the track with a current-generation Golf GTI Performance (not sold in North America but just as powerful as the eighth generation). You can easily guess which one had the faster lap times.
While fuel economy ratings have yet to be announced, Volkswagen’s product specialist for the Golf GTI, Megan Closset, said they will at least remain identical or possibly be improved despite the power gain.
As for pricing, it’s anyone’s guess. We’ve been told to expect a minor hike (under 10 percent) from the outgoing model due to the addition of new technology and standard features.
Features and Equipment
At first glance, the new Golf GTI stands out with a wide honeycomb grille that incorporates LED fog lights and sits under an optional light bar spanning the width of the upper grille. It will be the brand’s new visual signature. In the rear, look for two round exhaust tips in a chrome finish.
For the first time, the dashboard will be fully digital including the tachometer and speedometer needles. Available cooled front seats will be another GTI first, while plaid upholstery will come standard. Meanwhile, the Fender stereo will be replaced by a different unit from Harman Kardon.
Be Patient
During the roundtable, Volkswagen insisted on the fact that the new Golf GTI will take its sweet time landing in Canadian showrooms.
COVID-19 or not, the car will arrive late in 2021 as a 2022 model. Same thing for the new Golf R, actually. It remains to be confirmed which one we’ll get first, though we highly suspect it will be the former.
The outgoing Golf GTI continues to be sold for the 2020 model year and Volkswagen expects to have enough units to carry on until the new one arrives.
