Road Test: Volkswagen Golf R

Human nature is insatiable. We are never satisfied and as soon as we have something, we want something better. The “I want” of modern society is, in all likelihood, largely due to the marketing profession’s flagrant promulgation of materialism in every aspect of our lives, which is fantastic, because you and I get to drive cars like the Volkswagen Golf R.

Having set themselves a materialistic benchmark with the previous generation Golf R32, Volkswagen needed to produce something – yes, you guessed it – better, more powerful and faster. As a gauge for how much better the Golf R is, we need to remind ourselves of what the Golf R32 was. Launched in Europe in late 2005, the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 R32 employed a 3.2-litre V6 engine with 184 kW and 320 N.m of torque. The Mk5 R32 sent its power to all four wheels via a Haldex-based four-wheel drive system and optional Direct-Shift Gearbox (DSG), good enough for a 0 – 100 km/h time of 6.2 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. In the end though, weighing 155 kgs more than the Mk5 GTI, many agreed the R32 didn’t have enough of a definitive performance advantage over the GTI to warrant the price premium.

For this, the Mk6 Golf R, it’s quite clear what Volkswagen needed to do. Beginning with the engine, the 3.2-litre V6, which had served dutifully within the Volkswagen AG Group (VAG) in such models as the Audi TT, Audi A3, Volkswagen Touareg and even the first generation of Porsche Cayenne, was replaced with a 2.0-litre turbocharged unit (EA113). This is the same 2.0 TFSI engine found in the Audi S3, Seat Leon Cupra R and Audi TTS.

The four-cylinder engine produces 188 kW and 350 N.m of torque courtesy of 1.2 bar of boost pressure. A reinforced cylinder block and connecting rods ensure the torque is reliably transferred to the crank shaft. The smaller capacity engine in the Golf R manages to produce more power (4 kW and 30 N.m) than the previous 3.2-litre V6, weighs less and returns 1.2 L/100km better fuel economy at 8.5 L/100km. The economy figures weren’t as stellar on our test route, with the Golf R quaffing a touch over 11 L/100km, however, this was a natural by-product of revelling in the R’s high-speed abilities. Despite the healthy power figures, the engine performs best in the top 3rd of its rev range and rewards with a sweet exhaust note, not to mention illegal figures on the speedometer.

With healthy improvements made under the bonnet, the engineers at Volkswagen R GmbH (VW’s specialist tuning division), turned to the four-wheel drive system. Power is channelled between the axles via a far more ‘pro-active’ 4Motion system. Thanks to an electronically controlled, hydraulically operated, multi-plate clutch, the Golf R distributes its power between the front and rear axles to deliver a safer and more dynamic driving experience. Up to 100 percent of the engine’s torque can be sent to the rear axle if required. While the Golf R doesn’t turn as quickly as a front- or rear-wheel drive car through tighter sections of blacktop, it certainly offers far more mid-corner traction and allows the driver to tackle high-speed sweeps and bumps with utter confidence.

When it came to the running gear, development engineers adopted the familiar McPherson strut-type front suspension with helical springs and telescoping shock absorbers. At the rear, a multi-link suspension ensures that the standard ESP system seldom needs to intervene. The basic Golf layout was transformed into a sport chassis with ride-height lowered 25 millimetres and the springs, dampers and stabilisers were completely re-tuned to this new configuration. Also available as an option is Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), which continually adapts suspension damping to the road conditions. In addition to the standard ‘Normal’ mode, the driver can manually activate a ‘Sport’ or ‘Comfort’ mode. At R10 470 the DCC is a worthwhile option as it successfully takes the ‘edge’ off the ride over less than perfect roads, while offering a firm and reassuring attitude when utilising the R’s full power and traction abilities.

In combination with the mechanical grip offered by the 4Motion system, the Golf R also boasts 19-inch alloy wheels, fitted with 235/35 profile rubber. Behind the shiny five spoke alloys, are high-gloss black brake calipers that slow 345 mm discs in front and 310 mm units at the back. So, whether accelerating, cornering or braking, the Golf R seems virtually unflappable, with levels of grip that threaten to make the car all too sensible in fact.

Piloting the Golf R is a comfortable and confident affair. The leather covered sports seats offer ample support in all directions and conditions. The steering wheel adjusts to an agreeable position, while its flat bottom, perforated leather trim and multi-function controls keep your hands entertained. The paddle shifters for operating the 6-speed DSG transmission are familiar across the VW range and move with the steering wheel, so they’re always in the right place when you need to initiate a shift, which is enhanced by the growl from the twin-exhaust pipes on every occasion.

Being the flagship Golf, the R is well equipped as standard, including features such as Bi-xenon headlights with dynamic corner light and headlight cleaning system; hill-hold control; LED daytime running lights and LED tail-lights; rain sensing wipers; tyre pressure indicator; automatic climate control; Radio/CD/MP3-player with 8-speakers; front and rear park-distance control.

Cosmetic enhancements, apart from the obvious ‘Talladega’ 19-inch wheels and aggressive bodykit, include door mirror housings in high-gloss black, together with the grille and rear diffuser. Inside, the R features various chrome and aluminium highlights around the airvents and switchgear, along with aluminium-look sports pedals and inserts on the door panels and instrumentation.

The Volkswagen Golf R takes the GTI’s all-round appeal and steps it up a satisfying couple of notches in terms of performance and style. Is it faster than the GTI? Definitely. Is it more fun than the GTI? Definitely. Are we satisfied? Never. But that’s not Volkswagen’s fault, they’ve delivered the fastest and best Golf to-date.

What we like…

• Sporty and refined styling built on the classiest hot hatch, the Golf GTI.
• Powerful engine combined with slick DSG gearbox.
• Confidence inspiring 4Motion system – keep your foot buried when others lift off.

What we would like…

• Not much – the World Car Of The Year title is still as relevant to the Mk6 Golf today as it was when it was awarded in 2009.
• A better price – for around R10k more you can bask in the more premium appeal of the Audi S3.

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