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
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
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
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
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
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.
