It’s fairly easy to fall down the rabbit hole regarding the history of the hot hatchback. Depending on whom you ask, you’ll get a handful of different answers about who technically is the first. Some say the ’71 BMW 2002 Tii Touring, others, the 1971 Autobianchi A112 Abarth. Some even make outlandish claims to the original Austin Mini, which isn’t even a hatchback!

There is however, one thing all car enthusiast can agree on: Volkswagen’s MK1 GTI, although not originally the first, is the car that defines the hot hatchback DNA. It was lightweight, practical, had excellent handling ability, and with a 0-60 mph of about nine seconds, it was claimed to not only outperform the Ferrari 308 in the corners, but could hold its own at the traffic lights with the Italian coupe that saw a 0-60 MPH of around seven seconds.

Since VW’s introduction of the GTI, it has seen numerous updates and tweaks across its eight generations, but in 2002, Volkswagen once again redefined the hot hatchback genre with its unveiling of the MK IV Golf R32. This 3.2L VR6 engine, the very same in the Audi TT of the time, was capable of putting down 237 HP to all four of the Golf’s wheels, essentially the affordable S3, of the time.

Twenty years, and five other versions of the Golf R later, the hot hatchback is as popular as ever, the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R’s 315-hp, makes it the best Golf R, ever. Join us as we discuss its coolest feature.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R: An Introduction

2022 Volkswagen Golf R's Exterior
Via VW

Now seen as a forefather in the hot hatchback game, Volkswagen’s Golf R, returns in 2022 for its sixth version. As mentioned previously, it's able to distribute 315-hp to all for of its wheels, the same wheels that create 310 lb-ft of torque and propel this spitfire from 0-60 MPH in about 4.5 seconds.

It features the same turbocharged, 2.0L inline-four, EA888 engine as the previous Golf R, but the bump in power isn’t the only difference from the MK VII Golf R. With its all new 4Motion all-wheel-drive that features an electromechanical torque-vectoring rear axle and bigger brakes, the 2022 Golf R is just another example of how the Golf’s only competition, is itself.

With a jam-packed segment full of badass hot hatchbacks, the public has more choices than ever. Which is something we here at, HotCars, love to hear. Carmakers will tell you it’s a revival, but VW and the Golf R will remind you, the hot hatchback never left. It is after all, the benchmark of which all hot hatches are inspired by.

RELATED:A Closer Look At The Volkswagen Golf R MK8

The Best Feature Of The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R: The Tailgate Latch

You might be asking yourself, with a car capable of such amazing performance, it’s beginning to be considered too perfect, why would HotCars name the tailgate latch its coolest feature? Well this, is Doug DeMuro here to explain, visually:

German ingenuity knows no bounds. That’s right, when most hot hatches today are shouting at you its branding at you at every chance it can (we’re looking at you, Civic Type-R), the Golf R not only features an extremely clean branding scheme on its tailgate, VW went ahead and made it functional. On one hand, it operates as the latch to open your boot, and on the other, it houses the backup camera. Its small quirks such as these that has helped VW be seen as one of the more creative designers...even if it is another component with a predated lifespan.

In a day and age where we’re being sold that less is too humble, and more, is an indication of success, the modest Golf R dials back its subtlety, and gains a new bar trick in its process.

RELATED:Here's Everything We Know About The 2022 Golf R

Other Unique Features Of The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R

2022 Volkswagen Golf R Dashboard
Via: Volkswagen

In what North America will consider its most unique feature, the Golf R will receive a six-speed transmission. Most car enthusiasts in the western hemisphere have been asking for decades, “When will we be the ones to receive the manual? Why does Europe get to have all the shifting fun?” Well, they can finally rejoice as VW has announced North Americans will be getting the 2022 Golf R with an optional standard transmission, citing, an overwhelming desire from its customers. Just when you think North America is losing all its credibility, buying the less functional versions of wagons (SUVs), and flooding the streets with trucks the size of parking stalls and lo and behold what they’re capable of. All is forgiven for their poor car choice transgressions.

Another extremely unique feature that all Golf R owners will get to experience, is the jaw-dropping updates to the technology featured in the 2022 VW Golf R. Although quickly gaining a reputation for having frustrating placement, its capacitive touch buttons are extremely smart. With a mouse-pad like quality, the driver is able to control a bevy of functions through these sliders. Placed in various spots like the infotainment screen, the steering wheel, and roof liner; these touch sliders are able to control stereo volume, change radio stations or tracks, and climate control temperature. Its application to various functions are limited, however, the idea of being able to touch and control a tangible object, is a step in the right direction from touchscreens.

Finally, the addition of its “Drift Mode,” adds an entire new driving experience to the Golf R. With the implementation of a rear limited-slip differential, working with its front LSD, the Golf R is able to transfer all of its power to one side or the other, otherwise known as torque vectoring, allowing the VW to slide around with ease. Just be sure to follow VW’s warning message to be on a closed road, and of an appropriate skill level.