View Photos of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

This is a Euro-market car, but it's essentially the same as our GTI.

The GTI's boxy shape conceals crossover-like cargo capacity.

For now, the Golf GTI is our only Golf. The lesser models are gone.

The new front end lights up like a UFO, with ten (10!) lower fog lights and an LED strip below the hood.

A six-speed manual is still the standard gearbox.

Our test car had the still-excellent seven-speed DSG transmission.

Little Tujunga isn't as famous as Angeles Crest Highway, and consequently has much less traffic.

With 241 horsepower, the 2022 GTI does 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds.

Dual exhaust pipes issue a crisp bark that's electronically augmented inside the car.

The new GTI is quicker around VW's test track. Later this year we'll see how quick it is around VIR.

Yes, you can defeat the stability control. No, we didn't do this.

The GTI is now available with nineteen-inch wheels shod with Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2s.

A limited slip diff helps deploy the 2.0-liter's power.

Shades of Lamborghini in that DRL signature, no?

Want the good news first? Plaid cloth seats.

The bad news: capacitive switches everywhere, with no volume knob for the stereo.

This display looks sharp, but so did analog gauges.

Leather is an option, but in this case, we'll stick with cloth.