2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI 2.0T SE - Review by Mark Fulmer
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The Joy of Customization with a side of Handling
By Mark Fulmer
Executive Producer, Editor
The Auto Channel
The 2022 VW Golf GTI SE is the trim that adds a number of features that enhance what is already considered a hot hatchback, including:
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A power sunroof for cruising through forests by day, and moonlight serenades at night.
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A 10-inch touchscreen that displays navigation and adds dynamic road sign info, SiriusXM, and the 480-watt premium audio system with nine speakers, and can be handled via steering wheel activated voice control (a great way to avoid a good deal of driver distraction).
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A turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine powers this GTI, which now makes 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque powering the front wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and an electronically controlled limited-slip differential. The driving experience is both light and stable and smooth yet punches forward when you need it.
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The interior of your GTI is both clean and uncluttered and has some nice elements of customization.
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VW's Innovision Cockpit lets you customize your digital gauges positioning.
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The favorite customization of all the young female passengers during the test week was the ability to select one of the 30 colors available for ambient interior lighting. A useful side effect of this system is your instant recognition of the current mood of your passenger and a pretty clear indicator of the style of music that about to be chosen.
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And how about cloth plaid seats. Whether you like the look or not, they succeed in providing a comfortable, adjustable shell to settle in.
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There is 19.9 cubic feet of trunk space behind the rear seats.
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And if you flatten rear 60/40 split seats down, and you will find 34.5 cubic feet.
Safety systems include:
Anti-lock brakes
Stability control
Front-impact airbags
Side impact airbags
Overhead airbags
Seatbelt pretensioners
Security system - ignition disable device
The GTI SE received the same vote from both driver and passengers: grins, and a thumbs up
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