September 28, 2021

Volkswagen will soon launch the highly anticipated eighth-generation (Mk8) versions of the Golf GTI and the Golf R, both widely known as the “hot hatches” of choice for enthusiasts.

What better way for enthusiasts to get a sneak peek at these athletic siblings than at Fastivus, a grassroots celebration of Volkswagen performance. According to Megan Closset, Volkswagen of America product manager for the Golf family, the annual Fastivus event is built around driving, “because fun-to-drive is at the heart of Volkswagen DNA, and is one of the reasons why GTI, R32, and Golf R owners cherish their cars so much.”

Fastivus returns this year on Friday, Oct. 1, and Saturday, Oct. 2, shifting from the West Coast to the East Coast for the first time in its history. The centerpiece is a high-performance driving session for Volkswagen owners at Summit Point Motorsports Park in West Virginia. It features professional driving instruction, plus a car show that highlights pre-production versions of the 2022 Golf GTI and Golf R, along with previous-generation GTI, R32, and Golf R models.

While Fastivus 2021 is sold out, it’s just the beginning of enthusiast excitement for these next-generation performance leaders.

Two iconic cars make one exhilarating leap forward

In recognition of their shared lineage, both the 2022 Golf GTI and the 2022 Golf R have been gifted with significant upgrades throughout. These cars “represent the most advanced Golf family ever,” says Megan Closset. “More power, more performance, more standard features, and best of all, innovations to improve handling, dynamics, and the overall driving experience.”

It all starts under the hood. Propelled by the latest EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged direct-injection TSI® engine, each car is the most powerful in its model’s U.S. history. The new Golf GTI generates 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, while the new Golf R boasts 315 horsepower and up to 295 pound-feet of torque.

Because the ability to manually shift gears is part of the quintessential hot-hatch experience, both models offer a 6-speed manual transmission, with the option of a 7-speed DSG® dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Both cars also showcase new vehicle dynamics settings designed for more agile and accurate handling, as well as DCC® adaptive chassis control with Driving Mode Selection (standard on the Golf R and available on the Golf GTI), which helps to improve ride refinement and body control.

Finally, the 2022 cars receive a style boost, each with a more dramatically raked hood, new LED headlights, new alloy wheel options, and an available light bar on the grille. Interior upgrades include the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro, touch interfaces, and 30-color ambient lighting.

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