The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is widely recognized as one of the finest 2022 hot hatches, with lots of power and smart features. The hatch returns to the scene after a 2-year hiatus, making a debut of the eighth generation, hence the name Mk8. To raise the stakes, the new MK8 Golf R just got smarter, with technology features that software and hardware to help manage and distribute the power better.

Volkswagen fitted the Mk8 Golf R with a 315-hp engine and standard manual gearbox, along with advanced safety equipment. All these features make the Golf R a worthy opponent of the Honda Civic Type R, the Audi S3 Sportback, and the Hyundai Veloster N.

Although the MK8 Golf R is a much more expensive hatch, with a starting price of $44,090, it offers a potent and capable engine, standard all-wheel-drive configuration, and a new driving mode for the gearheads. It offers an overall outstanding driving experience to take anyone beyond the horizon.

We’re diving into some of our favorite features of the new Mk8 Golf R, and why it’s the ultimate hot hatch this year.

Related: 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI: Costs, Facts, And Figures

The Sporty R Design Just Got Sportier On The Mk8 Golf R

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Via: VW

The Volkswagen Golf R has always had cool designs, and this new Golf R is no different. The Golf R lives up to the great lines of its Golf 8 sibling but emphasizes them in the right areas. The front design has been enhanced with a dark air dam and new LED headlights. The huge wheels further raise the profile and reduce the ride height by 0.79 inches.

The rear end flaunts a bold, (and somewhat) Tiguan-inspired two-tone spoiler piece. We also admire the air splitter and quad exhaust, which add a sporty finish.

The Mk8 Golf R Has A Practical, Tech-Packed, And Spacious Cabin

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Via: VW

The new Golf R boasts a stylish and elegant interior. Like all new Golf hatches, the R offers one of the most spacious interiors to sit its 5 occupants comfortably. While it may have a restrained design, you'll become particularly fond of the legroom, headroom, and arm room, which are provided to you in abundance, both in the front and rear cabin. As always, there is so much seating comfort on all seats, even on the longest trips. The seats come standard with Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, and heated rear seats. Not forgetting a heated steering wheel.

For the most part, the cabin seems to be inherited from its predecessor, with the exception being the new small blue highlights that are spread throughout the cabin, which, along with the new carbon-look motif dash inlay, separate the R from the rest of the VW hatchback family. The cabin also brings all the innovations from the rest of the Golf 8 range, with the new, neatly-designed bucket seats.

The Golf R comes with a cool infotainment system, which can be accessed via a standard 10-inch touch screen that sits in the center of the dashboard. However, there are very few physical controls. With the touch screen, you can access the standard navigation, Wi-Fi hot spot settings, HD radio, Bluetooth, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay. Wireless device charging is also standard, along with the Harman Kardon stereo and a panoramic sunroof.

Aside from that, there is no wow factor inside the Golf R. Everything should feel like the previous model. Although, it does feel as if VW could’ve added a more stylish feature interior. But then again, it still looks and feels great as is. Behind the rear seat, the Golf R provides 19.9 cubic feet of cargo space, which expands to 34.5 cubic feet when the seats are folded down.

RELATED: 10 Things To Know Before Buying The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R

The Mk8 Golf R Has A Punchy Engine And Swift Drivetrain

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Via: Volkswagen

The new R is the most powerful Golf ever made. Under the sleek hood is a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI four-cylinder engine, a revised version of the renowned EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. This motor makes 315 horsepower (gaining 27 more horses over the predecessor) and 295 lb.-ft of peak torque that arrives from 2000 RPM and hangs on to about 5,000 RPM.

Power goes to the wheels via a standard six-speed manual transmission and an advanced '4Motion' all-wheel drive system. But for about $800, you can upgrade to the seven-speed automatic gearbox. One of the biggest technological changes is the all-wheel-drive configuration. A torque-vectoring rear differential has replaced the original Haldex design.

Dual electromechanical clutches help distribute torque between the rear tires for a better and more stabilized drive, but the trick is to transport all the torque to the outside rear wheel, making it easier to discover new Drift modes.

Related: Here’s What We Love About The Golf R Mk7

The Mk8 Golf R Boasts Enhanced Performance And Decent Mileage

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Via: Volkswagen

Thanks to its potent engine, the Golf R provides excellent throttle response and quick acceleration. It also has the power to smoothly enter and exit the highway. The Golf R also comes with multiple driving modes, which are at arm’s length to the driver. Amid the driving modes, is a new drift mode for those who want to do some donuts in their concreted backyard, or drift around the track.

Thanks to the precise steering and good grip of the standard four-wheel drive, it can handle even winding roads well. If you can’t decide between the standard manual and or optional automatic transmissions then you’ll be glad to know that both systems offer exceptional gear changes. Which one you choose will depend on your preferred driving level.

Perhaps the mileage numbers will influence your decision. These differ per gearbox. With the manual transmission, the Golf R delivers 20 MPG in the city and 28 MPH on the highway. The numbers drop to 23 MPG city and 30 MPG highway if the gears are automated. It’s not the best mileage in the class as there are few competing hatches that can outperform it, but it’s still decent numbers that will save you some bucks at the pump.