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The Volkswagen Golf GTI is rolling into 2023 with a new trim configuration.

Thats among other improvements over model year 2022.  When the hot hatch received it’s most recent all-new status.

And the four-door 5-seat continues impressing drivers and automotive writers alike.

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So the biggest item on the ‘what’s new’ list is another trim option.

And Volkswagen takes the opportunity to mark GTI’s 40th Anniversary.  Doing so with a 40th Anniversary trim configuration.

But the European carmaker is holding back details.  Because all VW is telling us is the name.  And that it slots between the base-model S and the mid-level SE trims.

Other newness for the 2023 VW GTI include LED headlights and foglights.  Plus active cornering lights.

VW says only 1,500 40th Anniversary Editions will be available in the United States.

They have what VW is calling a 40 “clasp” at the bottom of the steering wheel.  Plus Volkswagen’s iconic golf-ball inspired shift knob.

Also, speciality decals adorn the sides of the 40th Anniversary Edition.  Dipalying “40” and VW’s honeycomb.

Add to that 19″ gloss black multi-spoke wheels with red pinstripe accents.  And only three different exterior colors are available. (Four at first, but Pomelo Yellow Metallic is unavailable.)

Thos include Tornado Red – pictured here.  Opal White Peral.  And one of our favorites, Urano Grey.

Also, all come with the black painted roof.

40th Anniversary Edition – black painted roof

Here’s the full trim configuration line-up for the 2023 Volkswagen Golf GTI.  Along with starting MSRPs.

*All starting manufacturers suggested retail prices

As Volkswagen has been providing.  The 2023 VW GTI comes with a single engine.

So it doesn’t matter which trim configuration you go with.  Because the same inline 4-cylinder is under the hood.

And that’s a 2.0-liter 16V turbocharged/intercooled.  Putting out 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque.

Leaving you the option of transmissions.  Either a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic.  Or a six-speed manual transmission.

For the hot hatch.  My purist pick is always the manual.  But the automatic has paddle shifters.  So when you’re commuting or stuck in traffic, you’re shaking hands a lot less.

Plus the automatic gives you better fuel economy.

2023 VW GTI MPG:

*City/combined/highway

Other than the 40th Anniversary Edition, which we’re not yet sure of, there’s little change for 2023.

Because even in Volkswagen’s press release materials.  The company is stating “minor cosmetic changes.”  And saying as much without specificying what those are!?

Still, the GTI remains, without question, VW’s hothatch.  Newer, bolder, more athletic.  With it’s iconic red accents and GTI badging.  She’s a beauty.  In her 2023 attire.

The S and SE trimes come with 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels while the top of the line Autobahn delivers 19-inch alloys.

Exterior dimensions:

*All inches.

Curbweight for the 2023 VW Golf GTI depends on the transmission.  For manual trans, it weighs 3,133.  And for automatic, it comes in at 3,206.

241 hp / 273 lb-ft of torque

And inside Golf GTI remains the same as model year 2022 too.

Beautiful while maintaining all things VW hothatch.  Right down to the latest version of Volkswagen’s plaid seating upholestry.  And  bolstered front seats.

Red stitching accents the seats.  Further complementing the optional red accent lighting.  Setting the evening mode for cool driving enjoyment.

And when you go with the Autobahn trim.  Both rows of offer heating.  While the front is also ventilated.  Also only on Autobahn is the three-zone climate control.

Interior Dimensions:

*All inches.

When it comes to infotainment and safety tech, GTI is well equipped.

Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit Pro is standard across all trims.  And that includes a 10.25″ in-dash display.

But there’s an option we love that you’ll only get with the Autobahn trim.  And that’s a heads-up display.

Also, the base-model S trim gets an 8.25″ touchcreen on the center stack.  Whereas the SE and Autobahn bump it up ot a 10.0″ touchscreen.

And only Autobahn offers two specific driver assistance features.  Those are park steering assist, dynamic road sign display.

40th Anniversary Edition Golf GTI

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The all-new 2022 Volkswagen Golf R means business.  By far it’s the hottest hatch to date.

As it always has, the fifth generation takes driving to the next level.  The driving enthusiasts’ Volkswagen is all performance.

But without sacrificing style.  Plus VW injects technology in all the right places.

And sure, it’s comfortable too!  Definitely a daily driver with weekend track capability.

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315 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque

So the 2022 VW Golf R is all-new.

And more of everything is on tap.  Over 300 horsepower and almost as many pound-feet of torque.

Manual or automatic transmission.  New driving modes for handling improvement.  Plus new interior with standard Digital Cockpit Pro.

First only available in a single trim.  But now 20th Anniversary Edition is available – albeit in lower supply.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R was available only in a single trim.

Yet, Volkswagen as it often does threw a curve ball.  Adding a 20th Anniversary Edition to the line-up.

The price difference is almost non-existent.  But the 20th Anniversary trim is likely to attract collectors.  And fetch a higher resale value over time.

2022 VW Golf R Trims & MSRPs:

A mere 1,800 20th Anniversary units are on plan for all North America.  Special badging is a key difference.

Also, 19-inch wheels that are gloss black.  Plus carbon fiber interior accents.

And something key is being taken away.  That’s the sunroof.  VW says it shaves weight.  Which makes sense in many ways.

Because even here in Southern California.  Most of our cars have them.  But many drivers don’t use them anyway.

We dig the engine.  And the transmission.  The whole powertrain.

Putting out 315 hp with up to 295 lb-ft of torque.  The 2022 VW Golf R comes standard with a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder.

It’s a 16-valve turbocharged, TSI with intercooling.

Connecting that engine to the wheels and road are two optional transmissions.

There’s a 6-speed manual.  Always fun to drive.  And likely the option we’d go with.  Depending on the driving environment.

Because if you’re daily driving in high congestion areas.  The automatic transmission could make more sense.  That’s a 7-speed.

And the automatic trans has paddle shifters.  So the ability remains to make the car do exactly what you want.

Finally, all-wheel drive is the only way Golf R comes.

Fuel Economy:

*City/combined/highway

And the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R has a curb weight that varies.  Depending on a manual or automatic transmission.

Manual transmission weighs 3,417 pounds.  An automatic is a bit more, weighing in at 3,481 lbs.

2022 Golf R blue accents inside and out

For certain it looks like a Volkswagen Golf R to the educated eye.

To the less informed, 2022 looks like a sporty European hatchback.  Unassuming even.

But the unassuming looks are deceiving to that less informed crowd.  Because the V-Dub Golf R is track-ready.

In fact, it offers track mode.  As well as Drift mode.

Exterior dimensions:

*All inches

19.9 to 34.5 cu-ft cargo space

Inside Golf R Volkswagen includes all the fit and finish attention we expect.

It’s more spacious in the backseat than you’d expect.  And when you lay the backseats down it offers plenty of cargo space.

Contrasting Golf R to its little, in performance, sibling capable GTI is easy inside.  Because the R is a bit sportier.  But also where GTI includes red accents, Golf R provides blue accents.

Both look cool in their own ways.  But we appreciate the blue accents added to the R.

Interior dimensions:

*All inches

Also, with the backseats folded down the 2022 Golf R is great with cargo space.  With a whopping 34.5 cubic feet to haul your stuff.

Digital Cockpit Pro is standard

Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit Pro leads in the technology department.

Because that replaces all the old in-dash analog gauges.  Plus you can customize Digital Cockpit to your liking.

And that includes saving settings for different drivers.  Or for different driving situations.

But the driving modes of Golf R aren’t far behind in the tech arena.  Because in besides track/drift modes there’s also a race mode and more!

Safety is top of mind in VW Golf R too.  Among many safety features.  Volkswagen’s IQ.Drive offers all the latest safety technology.

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The 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport is a stylish midsize SUV that seats five.

Smaller than its big brother Atlas yet bigger than its little brother’s Tiguan and ID.4.  Atlas Cross Sport is delivering Audi-Esque European styling.  But at a price point lower than its sibling luxury brand.

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Wheelbase 117.3″ – Length 195.5″

Volkswagen is axing the S trim for the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport.

SE trims now receive an 8.0-inch digital cockpit standard.  And SEL models are getting 4MOTION and 20-inch wheels.  Plus an R-Line Black package makes an entry with black twenties and R-Line accents.

If you’re wanting even bigger wheels – no problem.  Because VW is offering SEL Premium R-Lines with 21-inch wheels!

Here are the trims and MSRPs for the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport.  There are six of them for 2022.

*All starting MSRPs. Plus $1,295 destination fee.

VW is continuing to offer Atlas Cross Sport with two engines.

Whichever engine you go with the transmission will be the same.  But you do have the deciding factor of different drivetrains.

So there’s a turbocharged 4-cylinder as well as a 6-cylinder that you’ll be choosing from.

Driving both of them, they’re pretty similar in performance.  While the turbo 4-cylinder feels a bit quicker to speed up from slow speeds.  The 6-cylinder feels the same at highway speeds.  But they feel quite similar.

This might be your deciding factor.  Because if you plan on towing anything with your 2022 Atlas Cross Sport.  There is a big difference.

With the 4-cylinder you top out at 2,000 lbs of towing capability.  Whereas with the 6-cylinder you can drag up to 5,000 lbs.

Engine aside, the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport comes with smooth and efficient transmission.   And that’s an 8-speed automatic.

Leaving you with the options of 2-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.  And in the VW world 4Motion refers to AWD.  While its 2-wheel option is front-wheel drive.

195.5″ width – 67.8″ height

Fuel Economy:

*City/combined/highway

The styling continues to be a highlight for the 2022 Atlas Cross Sport.

Because it’s European roots.  Also due to its Audi family ties.  As well thanks to its rear downward-sloping roofline.

The 2022 crossover midsize 5-seater is a Volkswagen for sure.  Good looking, classy, and athletic from every angle.

Exterior Dimensions:

*All inches

And the 2022 Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport has a curb weight that varies.  Depending on your trim and drivetrain.  The sport-ute weighs between 4,123 and 4,464 lbs.

Up to 25 MPG

Volkswagen’s legendary fit and finish are on display throughout the inside.

It’s plain to the eye.  When examining the intersections where all the panels and parts come together.

But also how everything works.  For example, the flat-folding backseats that lock into place for easy hauling.

Up to 77.8 cu ft. of cargo space

Additionally, on Volkswagen’s interior materials in Atlas Cross Sport.  They’re quality feeling to the touch.  No, they’re not Audi quality.  But neither is the price tag!

Interior Dimensions:

*All inches front/back seating

Turbocharged 4-cylinder or 6-cylinder engines available

Volkswagen’s digital cockpit continues leading our appreciation in the tech category.

And some version of it is coming standard across all trim configurations.  Because Volkswagen offers a standard and pro version of Digital Cockpit.

Now with 2022, the Volkswagen Atlas Cross Sport SE trims are receiving an 8.0-inch version.

Plus, more infotainment standard options include VW’s Car-Net, app-connect, and Bluetooth.  Plus available options include wireless app-connect, wireless charging, and voice-control.

Finally, all the common driver and safety tech is available.  While much of it is standard.  It depends on your trim configuration.

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The 2022 Volkswagen Arteon receives updates in all the right places.

In fact, the midsize flagship sedan comes this/close to its luxury sibling Audi.  And that’s in many areas.

Increased horsepower makes it more fun to drive.  Enhanced technology takes the user experience to another level.

And bold, athletic styling continues to inspire something more than VW.  Exactly the flagship’s purpose.

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2022 VW Arteon Top-3

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300 horsepower / 295 pound-feet of torque

Leading the 2022 Arteon’s newness in 2022 is more.  Because that brings its performance on par with its already sporty good looks.

Plus that power comes from a new bigger engine.  So, accenting the power and good looks are R-Line design enhancements.  And those are now standard across all trims.

Also, VW is adding sporty new available 19 and 20-inch wheels.  Which, with the increased horsepower is a match we love.

So the 2022 Volkswagen Arteon comes in three different trim configurations.

And it’s notable that each trim only comes in one drive type.  So if you want front-wheel drive then you need to opt for the SE R-Line.

Because the SEL R-Line and the SEL Premium R-Line both come with all-wheel drive.  And in Volkswagen’s terminology that’s 4MOTION.

The 2022 Arteon delivers the same engine and transmission.  And that’s no matter what trim configuration you decide to go with.

But that engine upgrade is immediately noticed.  Which is a little surprising because it’s not that much bigger than its predecessor.

So the new motor is a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder 16 valve.  It’s turbocharged and delivers 300 horsepower with 295 pound-feet of torque.

That’s up from the previous engine delivering 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque.

The same automatic transmission comes in every 2022 Arteon.  And that’s a 7-speed with optional driving modes for every surface condition.

Additionally, all trims include the back of the steering wheel paddle shifters.  But, I found the driving modes to be more than adequate during my test drive.

The final note on transmission is whether you’re going FWD or VW’s 4MOTION/AWD.

Because of the same engine and transmission combo.  Arteon is delivering a similar MPG.  Even with the FWD or 4MOTION difference.

*EPA estimates

Curb weight for the 2022 Arteon comes between 3,653 and 3,935.  And that difference depends on how you’re equipping the vehicle.

2022 Volkswagen Arteon SE R-Line

The 2022 Volkswagen Arteon can, without much trouble, be mistaken for an Audi.

It’s European, stylish, athletic, and bold.  But it also has a classy elegance.  And yet it’s a Volkswagen.

Adding to Arteon’s wide and low stance is the downward sloping roofline.  Which adds to the sedan’s ‘coupe’ look.

And call Arteon what you will, a fastback, Sportback, or hatchback.  It’s one sporty-looking midsize four-door.

Exterior Dimensions:

*All inches

Standard Digital Cockpit

Like the exterior, Arteon’s interior can be mistaken for its luxury sibling Audi.

From the touch and feel to the design and layout Arteon punches above its non-luxury badge.  Exactly what the flagship ought to be doing.

On display throughout the inside is the German automaker’s legendary fit and finish. It’s comfortable for passengers throughout.

But the aesthetic advantage of the sloping roofline has a trade-off.  And that’s less backseat headroom and ease of access to it.

Yet, the hatchback design provides ample cargo space.  And that’s amplified with folding rear seat backs.

Interior Dimensions:

*All inches

Up to 56.2 cubic-feet cargo space

The VW sedan makes driving better and it does so with technology.

A key standard feature is Volkswagen’s digital cockpit.  And that’s across all trim configurations.  Plus VW’s Climatronic Touch controls alter the user interface we’re used to as drivers.

Additionally, Arteon includes touch steering wheel touch controls with haptic feedback.  And that’s familiar from first coming on VW’s  ID.4 electric vehicle.  Further elevating drivers’ interaction with new technology.

Finally, there are high-end features we love seeing as options on Volkswagens.  And those include optional massaging driver’s seat.  Plus ventilated front seats, as well as heated rear seats.

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