It has been roughly two years since I was behind the wheel of a Volkswagen Golf and I am happy to report that the drought has ended as I have spent the last week behind the wheel of a new 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE. I was happy to get the keys to get an idea of just what are the features stood out and the ones that made me cringe a bit. Here are the PROs and CONs of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE.
PRO: Handling
![](https://i0.wp.com/rightfootdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20220910_151207987.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/rightfootdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20220910_151207987.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
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The Volkswagen Golf has been as far as the model line has existed been a hatchback package with performance to back it up. That little hatchback package tied to some engineering wizardry has created a great handling machine. What has held true for previous Golf GTIs holds true for this one and will likely for the next one.
PRO: Fuel Efficiency with the Right Amount of Performance to Go With It
![](https://i0.wp.com/rightfootdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20220910_151300122.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/rightfootdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20220910_151300122.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/rightfootdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20220910_151300122.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
The particular Golf GTI I tested came powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 engine which kicks out 241 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque all while giving you 27 combined miles per gallon.(Combined/City/Highway: 27/24/32 MPG)
PRO: Full Digital Gauge Cluster
![2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE gauge](https://i0.wp.com/rightfootdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20220910_151401668.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
![2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE gauge](https://i0.wp.com/rightfootdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20220910_151401668.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
![2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE gauge](https://i0.wp.com/rightfootdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20220910_151401668.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
Volkswagen’s cousins over at Audi are the kings of the digital gauge cluster with the Audi Virtual Cockpit, but this Volkswagen variant is definitely welcome in the less luxury brand.
CON: Too Many Touch Controls
![2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE interior](https://i0.wp.com/rightfootdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20220910_151234464.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
![2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE interior](https://i0.wp.com/rightfootdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20220910_151234464.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
![2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI SE interior](https://i0.wp.com/rightfootdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20220910_151234464.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
The interior of the 2022 Golf GTI relies on far too many touch controls for my liking. The whole climate control is controlled via touch buttons or a display that pops up on the navigation screen. Same goes for the volumes, tuner, and all the “buttons” on the steering wheel are basically touch-sensitive locations.
CON: All-Wheel-Drive Still Only an R-affair
![](https://i0.wp.com/rightfootdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20220910_151142845.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/rightfootdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20220910_151142845.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/rightfootdown.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/PXL_20220910_151142845.jpg?resize=1024%2C576&ssl=1)
And finally, if you want an all-wheel-drive model you will have to opt for the top performance-based trim – the Golf R, which some might not want. They simply may want to traverse inclement weather easier and not lap times.