Episode 260: 2022 Volkswagen Golf R, 2022 Subaru Ascent. Utes
Benjamin isn't done with sporty compacts, as this week he gets hands-on with the redesigned 2022 Volkswagen Golf R. Despite more power and updated exterior styling, hear why he has some harsh words for VW and its enthusiast car. Sami chimes in with his thoughts on the Subaru Ascent, which was a successful re-entry into the world of three-row crossovers, but now feels a bit basic in some ways. Finally, Sami and Benjamin get nostalgic thinking of all the 'utes we used to have, and how they all left us for more lucrative parts of the world. Listen, review, and reach out to us through our website UnnamedAutomotivePodcast.com
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Show Notes
You might have heard that North Americans only get the 2022 Volkswagen Golf in enthusiast grade GTI and R forms. Recently, Benjamin picked up the keys to the more powerful of the two, and while there was a massive winter storm blowing snow during his testing, it wasn't the weather conditions that left him cold. Hear what VW has done to the most recent generation Golf R and whether Benjamin would recommend it.
Sami then talks about how Subaru reached relevancy with its Ascent three-row back when it launched, but has struggled to do anything worthwhile with it since. Is the basic family crossover still good enough for 2022 or is the competition's more premium and powerful entries stealing the spotilgiht?
Finally, Sami and Benjamin discuss another forbidden-fruit market segment: the 'Ute. Once mildly popular in North America, the 'ute was a bigger deal in other parts of the world. The duo ponder why and try to figure out if there are any hopes for more 'utes for us in the future.
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Links:
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- Caminofication: The Coolest Car-Trucks of All Time — In the world of utes (or car-trucks, or caminos, or crucks) there exist models both wonderful and awful, vehicles that balance the scales of good and bad taste across a line that is admittedly quite fine. We took a look at all of them—yes, all of them—and picked out the 20 coolest, compiling them here in alphabetical order for your debate, scorn, and admiration.