The Volkswagen Golf Just Got Better

Introducing the All New Golf GTI and Golf R

Car buyers have always had a soft spot for the VW Golf. Although this small hatchback is fairly understated compared to the likes of the towering Tiguan and Atlas, it’s one of those cars you can’t help but fall in love with when you finally drive one. It’s small in size, but big on speed and handling. There’s no corner it can’t take. It also knows a little something about how to be efficient. The Golf’s fuel economy (29 city/39 highway) make it equally equipped for daily commutes to the office and cross-country road trips. When people think of fun and affordable hatchbacks, they naturally think of the VW Golf.

Whether you’re a longtime fan of this little speedster or hearing about it for the first time, there are some great things coming down the pipe from Volkswagen. The next generation of the VW Golf for sale will officially be on the market by Q4 of 2020. Buyers will have two options from the Mk8 line-up of Golf vehicles: the Type R and the GTI.

We’ll break these down so you have a better idea of how they compare to prior iterations of the Golf and each other.

New Golf, New Look, New Attitude

Don’t think of the new Golf as a complete overhaul of this beloved vehicle. The Mk8 line-up definitely has some differences, but the new Type R and GTI still maintain that classic Golf spirit while making some notable improvements. What you’ll notice immediately with the Mk8 is the design is sleeker and sportier. The raked hood and other new design elements give off street racer vibes. However, some elements we’ve kept exactly the same, such as the distinctive C-pillar.

Looking at the specs and build of the Mk8, we’re still using the same wheelbase dimensions at the Mk7 (103.6 inches). Comparing the GTI to the Type R, their physical dimensions are almost identical. The Golf GTI is 168.8 inches long and 57.6 inches in height. The Golf R is a shade bigger, clocking in at 168.9 inches long and 57.7 inches in height. Both cars are the same exact width at 70.4 inches. On the interior of both Mk8 versions, there is 91.9 cubic ft. of space for passengers and 19.9 cubic ft. of cargo space (34.5 cubic ft. with the seats folded down).

Both the GTI and R Type feature a 2.0L turbocharged direct-injection TSI engine that can be paired with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG dual clutch automatic transmission. As far as the Golf goes, the Mk8 is the most powerful version VW has ever released.

The interior got some serious revamping. Whereas most auto makers try to add more buttons and levers, we streamlined the look and feel with a “less is more” approach. The instrument panel previously seen on the Mk7 has been upgraded to a 10.25-inch customizable touchscreen. This gives drivers a central control system for all their features, menu options, and infotainment. If you want to adjust the vibe in the car, change the interior lighting to an ambient or vibrant color of your choice (yes, you can do that now).

As our customers have come to expect with prior iterations of the VW Golf, the Mk8 line-up comes standard with a full set of safety features. Our IQ.Drive offers enhanced driver-assistance and safety aids such as lane assist, automatic emergency braking, and adaptive cruise control.

Expect the Mk8 Golf to raise the bar previously set by the Mk7 Golf. Drivers should see increased performance, better handling, and more standard equipment and improved tech features.

2022 Golf GTI

Considering that we made a vast number of improvements from the Mk7 to the Mk8 Golf models, one might expect to see those changes reflected in a hefty price increase. However, Volkswagen isn’t like other car manufacturers. We price our cars competitively to every other car out there on the market – including ourselves.

The current Mk7 VW Golf GTI has a starting MSRP of $28,695. By comparison, the starting MSRP for the Mk8 VW Golf GTI S trim level will be $29,545 upon release. The GTI has two additional trim levels beyond the S level. The GTI SE has a starting MSRP of $34,295 and offers a full suite of standard and luxury features. The highest-level trim is the GTI Autobahn, which starts at $37,995 MSRP.

As previously mentioned, the Golf GTI runs on a 2.0L turbocharged engine. It produces 241 horsepower (up 13 hp from the Mk7) and 273 Lb-ft. of torque. All the GTI’s power is sent directly to the front wheels via the paddle shifters. Managing the torque steer is an electronically-controlled torque sensing limited-slip VAQ differential. The Mk8 VW GTI allows drivers to customize their driving experience with the ability to adjust traction and stability control, a feature no previous iteration has had.

2022 Golf R

Don’t call it a comeback. Although the VW Golf R has been MIA from the Volkswagen line-up for the past three years, it’s returning with a fresh look and some major improvements under the hood. For those that are familiar with the prior iteration of the Golf R, expect a new and improved version with precise handling and brand-new cabin displays.

The VW Golf R is available in one trim level and has a starting MSRP of $43,645. It’s a bit pricier than the GTI; however, we can say with no ego that this is by far and away the most advanced version of the Golf ever manufactured.

The Golf R is fully-loaded in every sense of the word, right down to the heated steering wheel and Nappa leather-upholstered cabin. It’s got every feature imaginable, including the ever-popular Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro with 10.25-inch display. The Golf R can be outfitted with either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 7-speed automatic transmission. Like the Golf GTI, the Golf R also has a 2.0L turbocharged engine under the hood. However, the Type R gives drivers 315 horsepower and 295 Lb-ft. of torque, solidifying it as the highest-performing Golf of the Mk8 line-up. It comes with an improved 4Motion all-wheel drive that applies the perfect amount of torque to each wheel, which yields superior cornering capabilities.

What’s Next for the New 2022 Golf?

There’s probably a lot of you out there who can’t wait to test drive the new Mk8 Golf. We’re pretty excited to test drive it ourselves. Unfortunately, we’re going to have to wait just a bit longer before the new Golf hits the showroom floor. It’s due to be released by the end of 2021. Our advice is to keep checking back with our site for news. Once the new Volkswagen Golf is for sale and ready for test driving, we’ll be sure to post about it on the homepage.

If you’re eyeing something a little bigger than the Golf, we have a wide assortment of sedans, subcompact SUVs, and full-size SUVs. Volkswagen Lee’s Summit has both used and new cars for sale. No matter what your budget is, we can help find the perfect VW vehicle for you. We’re conveniently located at 2225 NE Independence Ave in Lee’s Summit. If that’s outside of your range, you can find the closest VW dealership by searching “VW dealership near me.”

Our dealerships include a VW service center for those that need repair or routine maintenance. Feel free to contact us with any questions you may have, and be sure to check out our specials for great deals on VW vehicles.

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