Designing the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R

For 2022, the Volkswagen Golf R not only offers a new summit in hot hatch performance, but a higher level of style and design than ever before. From its unique, race-inspired exterior to the high-tech interior, the Golf R mixes performance and design like no other Volkswagen hot hatch to date.

The 2022 Golf R optically distinguishes itself from the Golf GTI in the front with an R-specific bumper with splitter and side intakes that act to guide cooling air. The Golf R sports a blue strip in the upper grille, which sits atop an illuminated LED strip. These strips extend outward from the VW logo into the fender via the Daytime Running Lights (DRLs), creating an iconic look at the front. Below the LED light strip, standard LED headlights help to illuminate the road. On the right side of the grille, the R logo indicates that this is part of the global Volkswagen R family.

The four-door hatchback has an unobtrusive yet deliberately muscular look from the side. The Golf R is fitted with 19-inch black machined aluminum-alloy wheels as standard. The Volkswagen designers have also given attention to the brake calipers—this sporty car business card is finished in a striking blue with the R logo on top. The powerful impression is reinforced by the exclusive body-color sill extensions. The exterior mirror caps are finished in matte aluminum, and the mirror housings also provide LED projected R logos on the ground when opening and closing the front doors.

At the rear, the R-specific bumper as well as the striking, R-specific high-gloss black diffuser and quad-tipped exhaust system are completely new. The R logo sits centrally on the hatch, just under the Volkswagen logo. On either side, LED taillight clusters are standard. The Golf R is available in signature Lapiz Blue Metallic, as well as Pure White and Deep Black Pearl for model year 2022.

Inside, the new Golf R features a unique new multifunction perforated leather sport steering wheel, with R-specific paddle-shifters for DSG®-equipped models, blue stitching and an “R” wheel clip. The premium front sport seats with integrated head restraints display blue R logos. The seat center panels are covered with perforated Titan Black Nappa leather. The dash and doors boast carbon-look elements, and blue detailing can be found throughout the cabin.

The controls have been almost completely redesigned. Touch buttons, sliders and screens substitute the functions of classic controls and analog displays. The standard Digital Cockpit Pro offers exclusive features such as a new, horizontal engine speed display at the upper edge as well as a lap timer. A head-up display digitally projects onto the windshield, virtually floating in front of the driver, and the MIB3 Discover Pro infotainment system can display a full-screen map in the digital cluster and simultaneously on the 10-inch center display. Thirty-color ambient lighting comes standard on the Golf R, washing the interior as well as the digital instruments and infotainment system with the selected color or setting.