2022 Golf GTI 

The side view of the GTI is punctuated by striking wheel designs, beginning with the “Richmond” in standard 17” or available 18” sizes. However, if you’re looking for an even sportier look, you can, for the first time in a GTI, get 19” Adelaide alloy wheels.

The Golf GTI has standard LED headlights with a slimmer, sleeker profile that extends around to the fenders. The optional Performance LED headlights incorporate Light Assist (automatic high beam) and a dynamic cornering function to help you see what’s coming around the bend.

See through the fog, heavy rain, or snowfall with standard LED fog lights. You’ll find them in the new 5 “X” design integrated in the bumper for a distinctive look.

When you approach your Golf GTI with your key fob, you’ll be welcomed by the available illuminated LED strip just below the iconic red line, and guided to the driver’s seat with light projections from the headlights, taillights, side mirrors, and door handles. 

In keeping with GTI tradition, fully-functional dual exhaust outlets in the rear bumper signal the performance within.

The Golf GTI is more aerodynamic in this redesign with optimized exterior mirrors, bespoke GTI roof spoiler, extensive underbody panels, and more.

Make the most of GTI’s broad power band with the standard 6-speed manual transmission or Volkswagen’s lightning-quick 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG®).

Think of the new “Vehicle Dynamics Manager” (VDM) as the conductor of GTI’s performance orchestra. Coordinating the response of various functions including the electronically-controlled limited slip differential and electronic stability control, VDM constantly monitors driver input to adjust vehicle response and maintain a neutral balance with minimal understeer. 

In models equipped with the optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) adaptive dampers, VDM can adjust individual wheel damping rates 200 times per second for exceptional lateral agility and stability.

For its eighth generation, drivers can opt for a GTI-first 19” wheel (“Adelaide”) wrapped with high-performance summer tires* for maximum lateral grip and more precise steering response. Stay in better contact with your favourite twisty road.

^{*The use of winter tires is mandatory in some provinces. Proper winter or all season tires is recommended for wet, snowy or icy conditions.}  

The Vorderachsquersperre (or VAQ) is a torque-sensing, electro-hydraulic limited slip differential that’s electronically controlled for ultimate precision. Working in concert with the Golf GTI’s Vehicle Dynamics Manager, VAQ controls torque distribution across the front axle. When accelerating out of a corner or in slippery conditions, power can be precisely shifted left-and-right for improved traction and path control.

Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) continuously reacts to the road surface and driving situation to adjust the suspension damping rate for optimal performance. Pre-set profiles include Comfort, Eco, and Sport, while Individual mode offers customization even beyond these parameters. The DCC system can adjust individual wheel damping 200 times per second, helping keep the tires where they belong: in contact with the road.

A conventional steering system operates on a fixed gear ratio meant to strike a balance between responsiveness and comfort. The progressive steering in the GTI brings more bandwidth, using a variable steering rack and pinion gearing, as well as a more powerful electric assist motor. When parking and maneuvering, steering effort is significantly reduced for easy operation. On winding roads or at higher speeds, the steering can adjust to a more direct ratio for a confidence-inspiring on-centre feel matched by immediate and accurate response.

Seats have always been an important part of what makes a GTI, a GTI. With the eighth generation, GTI once again delivers on the formula that has excited driving enthusiasts for nearly forty years. 

New racing-style front bucket seats with integrated headrests feature a red wrap-around accent and impressive side bolstering that’s firm enough for the track without sacrificing everyday comfort. Classic GTI plaid cloth seating surfaces, in a new pattern called "Scale Paper", are standard. For those who appreciate this part of GTI’s heritage, cloth seating can be selected optionally even in the top “Performance” trim. 

Vienna leather is available in the “Autobahn” trim and standard in the “Performance” trim. In a further nod to the GTI lineage, two-tone black and grey surfaces are complemented by classic red accents.

Choose your path with GTI’s classic sport steering wheel, now heated as standard. A novel new touch control interface incorporates haptic feedback, allowing the driver to easily access various navigation, audio, and driver assistance aids. Ergonomically-contoured, the wheel features perforated inserts, a flat bottom, a GTI red clasp at the 6 o'clock position, and shift paddles for DSG-equipped models.

Volkswagen’s 10.25" Digital Cockpit Pro is now standard in every Golf GTI. By default, the Sport layout puts a large tachometer front-and-centre. The layout is widely configurable with views focusing on driver assistance, a classic two-dial style, or even a minimalist approach. Important operating information like oil and coolant temperatures is always close at-hand.

When paired with the available 10" Discover Pro navigation system, a navigation view allows the map to be shown in both screens concurrently, creating the "Innovision Cockpit."

The interior of the Golf GTI is as precisely designed as the exterior, from the high-quality materials to the classic GTI honeycomb pattern on the dashboard. The adjustable LED ambient lighting and high-res displays in the interior puts light accents in all the right places and even ties into the graphics of the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro. The stainless steel pedals prove that every detail of the cabin was imagined with an eye for design.

The harman / kardon® audio system available in the GTI provides the perfect musical backdrop to any journey. Get the right balance with 8 speakers, a subwoofer, a centre speaker, and a 12-channel amplifier. 

The tilting or sliding panoramic sunroof is available on all Golf GTI trims for anyone seeking a new perspective.

The Side Assist** feature is designed to use LED lights on the side mirror housing to tell you if other vehicles are detected in your blind spot or approaching fast from behind. 

^{**Driver assistance feature.  Drivers must continue to perform manual checks and pay full attention to the road and safe driving at all times.  See owner’s manual for important information and feature limitations.}