The new Volkswagen Golf R is here! The Golf R is the flagship of the Golf range and the most powerful Golf model ever built, so let’s cut to the chase shall we: The Golf R sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.7 seconds, whilst the DSG equipped car is even faster at 5.5 seconds to reach 100km/h. A 2.0-litre turbocharged engine pushes out 188 kW and 350 N.m. of torque, which is enough for a limited top speed of 250 km/h. Drive is sent to the tarmac via a 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG transmission.

The Volkswagen Golf R uses the EA113 series 2.0-litre direct-injection petrol engine together with a turbocharger that delivers oxygen under 1.2 bar of pressure. The four cylinders of the engine have been equipped with reinforcing bolts, unlike less powerful TSI versions. VW engineers also designed stronger connecting rods to reliably transfer the engine’s high torque to the crankshaft and the cylinder block has been reinforced to handle the more strenuous engine forces. The lighter and small engine also uses 1.2 L/100km less petrol than the Golf R32 that preceded it. Volkswagen claim the new Golf R requires just 8.5 L/100km on average and expells 199 g/km of CO2. The DSG version is slightly better at 8.4 L/100km and 195 g/km CO2.

The Golf R uses the latest generation of Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Compared to the Golf R32, the new Golf R has a constantly variable torque split and is no longer as front-biased as the old system. Up to 100 percent of torque can be transferred to the rear wheels and the latest 4Motion system is much quicker to react to changes in grip levels. The suspension setup consists of Macpherson struts in front and a multi-link configuration at the rear, while the car rides 25 mm lower than a regular Golf. Optional Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC) and offers a choice of suspension damping settings ranging from Comfort to Normal and Sport modes. The brake system has also been suitably upgraded to cope with the demands of performance driving. Internally ventilated brakes discs, 345 mm in front and 310 mm at the rear, clamp R-specific brake callipers painted a high-gloss black with R-logo. 19-inch alloy wheels and 235/35 profile tyres connect the Golf R with terra firma.

The exterior styling sets the flagship R apart in a number of areas such as the ‘Talladega’ style wheels, black brake callipers with R-logo and new bumper design. In front, three large air intakes shape the front bumper section; louvres on the intakes are painted in high-gloss black, and standard LED strips that serve as daytime running lights are integrated in the two outer air intakes. Also painted in high-gloss black are the two louvres of the radiator grille. A new R-logo design appears in chrome on the right side of the grille. Standard Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering light illuminate the way through the night. On its sides, the Golf R is recognisable by side skirt extensions in body colour and mirror housings painted in high-gloss black.

Interior highlights include ‘Art Grey’ decorative seams on all leather stitching; gloss-black highlights on the steering wheel; a re-styled R gearshift knob; carpet floor mats with piping in ‘Art Grey’; aluminium door tread plates with R-logo and the instruments with their blue pointers and a speedometer scale that reads up to 300 km/h. Stainless steel sport pedals and R-specific instrument and door accents in ‘Silver Lane’ styling round out the interior features.

Optional extras for the new Golf R include Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC); a rearview camera with Park Distance Control (PDC); premium DynAudio sound system; satellite navigation; electric sunroof; racing bucket seats in a leather/alcantara combination.

Pricing includes a 3-year/120 000km warranty, 5-year/90 000km service plan and a 12 year anti-corrosion warranty.