We all know the automotive legend that is the German made Volkswagen Golf. It’s been around in many iterations for over fifty years. For more than twenty of those years the Volkswagen ‘R’ badge has been attached to the Golf’s ultimate representation of power, performance and dynamic capability. The prestige Golf R, in particular, has become synonymous with exceptional driving enjoyment; a byword if you will, for practical, everyday, yet totally visceral motoring.
Now there’s been a recent relaunch of this model; a new series of Golf R models is available right now with more power, more style and more driver-focused technology than ever before. With 328BHP (333PS) on offer, the Golf R and the closely related Golf R Estate (station wagon) and sexy Golf R ‘Black Edition’ represent the most potent road-going Golf models yet offered in the UK.
The Subtle Good Looks
The Golf has always been subtle by design; this car is not about being flashy, it’s all about driving with a reputation for reliability. The design boasts low-key yet important revisions to further hone the looks and the dynamic performance. Alongside LED matrix headlights, a Volkswagen badge (illuminated for the first time), new LED tail light clusters and new optional 19 inch forged alloy wheels, all the new models offer the continuing trademark of, as standard, Volkswagen’s ‘4MOTION’ all-wheel drive system plus ‘R-Performance’ torque vectoring. This latter item distributes the drive variably between the front and rear axles and between the left and right rear wheels to optimise traction. When the optionally available adaptive chassis control (DCC) is specified, the Golf R range features an extended selection of driving profiles including, for the first time, Drift mode for track day use.
The Golf R hatchback ‘Black Edition’ features a range of themed styling changes. These include a ‘Black’ badge on the B pillar, darkened R logos, black exhaust pipe tips, black mirror caps, black strips on the radiator grille and headlights, and darkened headlight glass.
Viewed side-on, today’s Golf R and Golf R Estate are distinguished by the tell-tale exterior mirror housings in matt chrome (black on the Black Edition) that also boast R logo projection as part of the exterior background lighting. There are R logos on the doors below the exterior mirrors, unique side sills, silver-anodised roof rails on the Golf R Estate and, perhaps most eye-catching, a range of unique wheel designs that include for the first time R-branded centre hub caps. A highlight is the optional, weight-saving, new 19 inch ‘Warmenau’ forged wheel, offered in black or with a diamond-cut finish. Blue-painted brake calipers (black on the Golf R Black Edition of course) with an R logo are unmistakable, too.
As with the front, the rear of these cars features a unique R design bumper (fender), a diffuser in high-gloss black and the four-pipe tailpipes of the exhaust system (twin tailpipes left and right). The Golf R hatchback can also be ordered with the optional ‘Akrapovič R-Performance’ titanium exhaust system. Models with the Performance pack, meanwhile, can be more easily recognised at the rear thanks to a larger roof spoiler which actively aids downforce.
The Premium Interior
Dominating the changes inside the new Golf R family is the arrival of an entirely new generation of infotainment system, with bespoke R graphics. Both the hardware and software here are completely new. The new set-up is based on the very latest modular infotainment system. Operation has been significantly improved and simplified compared with previous versions, thanks to new and improved graphics and a new menu structure for the touch display.
The leather-wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel with touch control and shift paddles in combination with the grippy sports seats make for a great driving position. The familiar driving profiles of ‘Comfort’, ‘Sport’, ‘Race’ and ‘Individual’, previously available in the Golf R, are now joined by a new ‘Eco’ mode which makes leisurely journeys even more efficient. The ‘Comfort’ profile has been modified for a more sporty feel, too, with the shift characteristics of the seven-speed DSG auto gearbox changed to ensure that up-shifting now takes place around 100 rpm later.
Designed to be highly intuitive, the infotainment system is available in one generously-sized 16:9 display format: the Discover system has a display diagonal of 12.9 inches. The new tablet-style MIB4 displays are designed to be visually free-standing and, as a key part of this, the touch sliders for the temperature and volume control have been redeveloped, becoming significantly more ergonomic to use. They are also illuminated, which allows for easy adjustments at night. A windscreen head-up display will again be optionally available for the new R cars.
The Power
Volkswagen’s fabled 2.0 litre four-cylinder turbo-charged petrol engine has been a mainstay of the brand’s models for well over a decade and the latest iteration, the ‘LK3 evo4’ (detail for the purists), represents the most potent version yet created. The 1,984 cc unit in the new Golf R models is capable of producing up to 420Nm of torque with the power peak arriving between 5,600 and 6,500 rpm. Especially tuned to be particularly tractable, the engine develops its maximum torque of 420Nm in a hugely accessible rev range that extends from 2,100 to 5,500 rpm. Acceleration for the traffic light sprint is under five seconds to 62MPH (100KPH).
Bespoke features for the Golf R range include a higher speed engine start facility, to boost sound at start-up. If the driver presses the engine start button (Engine/Start) without brake operation for at least 1.5 seconds and then starts the engine by pressing the brake pedal, the starting speed briefly automatically increases to 2,500 rpm with a resultant acoustic statement in the form of a deep burbling sound. Your neighbours will love it, especially in the early morning! They will probably come running outside to let you know.
The new models’ exhaust note has been further developed too, to enhance acoustic feedback and underscore the sporty feel of this car. ‘Popping’ can be heard from just 2,500 rpm, evoking a typical motor-sport ambience outside while, inside, a sound actuator ensures the engine has a particularly throaty resonance. The ultimate in aural enjoyment arrives via the now even richer-sounding R-Performance titanium exhaust system from Akrapovič – an option across the new Golf R range.
This latest Golf R absolutely bristles with advanced suspension and steering technology: MacPherson front axle, four-link rear axle, progressive steering, 18-inch brakes all underpinned by the security and capability of all-wheel drive.
Volkswagen & MHH International
MHH International exports new and used prestige cars from the UK to destinations around the world including New Zealand, Kenya, Cyprus, Ireland and Zimbabwe. Take a look at our destinations page for all 27 countries. To enquire about availability of the latest Golf R featured here or indeed any of Volkswagen’s wide range of ICE, Hybrid or Electric vehicles including the mighty Toureg SUV, then please get in touch. You can see our current stock on this page.
