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Passenger's side front view of blue 2022 Volkswagen Golf R with mountains in the background

Is the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R Faster Than the 2019 Golf R?

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R comes equipped with many new features, including a powerful new 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine. This translates to a faster speed and quick acceleration. Additional performance upgrades include the new vehicle dynamics settings and new rear-axle torque vectoring feature, which help with handling and cornering abilities.

If you desire a compact hatchback that offers practicality, versatility, and a stylish design — along with some serious kick, then you’ll be quite pleased with the Volkswagen Golf R. This powerhouse of a hatchback can deliver an exhilarating driving experience on curvy roads, while providing everyday practicality for your daily commutes. The Volkswagen Golf R has many upgrades for the 2022 model year. Does this translate to a faster speed

2022 VW Golf R vs. 2019 Golf R: speed comparison

Passenger's side front view of blue 2022 Volkswagen Golf R with mountains in the background
2022 Volkswagen Golf R | Volkswagen

The top speed of the 2022 Golf R is slightly higher than the 2019 Golf R. The 2022 Golf R can go up 155 mph, while the 2019 Golf R tops out at 153 mph. However, the top speed of the Golf R doesn’t tell the entire story, for it is electronically limited. 

Also, the 2022 model benefits from a more powerful iteration of a 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection engine. It cranks out an impressive 305 hp, which is a boost of 27 hp compared to the 2019 model. The torque is higher for the 2022 model as well, with a maximum output of 295 lb-ft, compared to 280 lb-ft for the 2019 model. The powerful engine helps the 2022 Golf R with quick acceleration, with it achieving the 0-62 mph sprint in only 4.7 seconds.

The rapid acceleration of the 2022 Golf R was on full display at the Nurburgring Nordschiefe track in Germany, with a development driver for Volkswagen completing the lap 19 seconds faster than the 2019 Golf R. 

Additional performance upgrades for the 2022 VW Golf R

The 2021 Golf R has some additional performance upgrades that improve handling. It features new settings for the vehicle dynamics, with the adaptive damping system, electronic differential lock, and electronic stability control working seamlessly together for precise handling and optimum maneuverability.

The new all-wheel drive system in the 2022 Golf R provides road-gripping handling with its new rear-axle torque-vectoring feature. It has two multi-plate clutches, which enables it to channel 100% of the torque output to individual rear wheels. This is especially helpful when navigating sharp curves, for the turning circle is significantly reduced.

What else is new for the 2022 VW Golf R?

Passenger's side rear view of blue 2022 Volkswagen Golf R driving on a curvy road at speed
2022 Volkswagen Golf R | Volkswagen

On the design front, the 2022 Golf R is longer and more athletic than the outgoing model, with new signature LED headlights, a new hood, muscular front and rear bumpers, a quad-tipped exhaust system, a two-piece rear spoiler, body-colored side sill extensions, and new wheel designs. Available colors for the 2022 Golf R include Deep Black Pearl, Pure White, and signature Lapiz Blue Metallic. 

Inside the 2021 Golf R, the cabin offers a wealth of technologies. With the new touchscreen infotainment system, drivers can customize things like driving data, car status, driving assistance features, album art, and phone information. With the head-up display, pertinent information is projected virtually in front of the driver. 

2022 VW Golf R release date and pricing

Volkswagen has not yet announced an official release date for the 2022 VW Golf R, but it is expected to arrive at dealerships nationwide during the 4th quarter of 2021. Pricing for the 2022 VW Golf R is $43,645 MSRP when equipped with the manual transmission and $44,445 MSP with the direct-shift gearbox. 

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