The new 2014 Volkswagen Golf R is now available in South Africa, with considerably more power than the ever popular Golf GTI, not forgetting Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive and dressed up styling to show its muscle.
First things first: the nuts and bolts. The 2014 Golf R continues to be powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, which is an uprated version of the EA888 that is found in the current Golf GTI. Changes include either modified or completely redesigned components, specifically: the cylinder head (together with exhaust valves, valve seats and springs); pistons; high-pressure injection valves; as well as the turbocharger.
The result is 206 kW between 5 550 – 6 200 r/min and 380 Nm between 1 800 – 5 500 r/min. With these figures the Golf R now has the biggest peak power advantage its ever had over the GTI; an extra 44 kW or 27 percent. Compared to the Mk6 Golf R, this latest ‘R’ is stronger by 18 kW and offers 30 Nm more torque, which is available over a much wider rev range (1 200 r/min).
The Golf 7 R 4Motion DSG is able to sprint from 0 – 100 km/h in 5.0 seconds with the help of launch control, while the 6-speed manual version will achieve the same in 5.2 seconds. (The manual version is expected to arrive around July 2014.) Both models are electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Of course with added power comes added responsibility. Volkswagen recognise this and have employed their suite of BlueMotion technologies to reduce fuel consumption by up to 18 percent. Equipped with engine stop/start and kinetic energy recovery system (through an engine coasting function), the Volkswagen Golf R has a claimed consumption figure of 6.9 l/100km and 159 g/km of CO2, compared to the old car’s 8.5 l/100km and 199 g/km of CO2.
Channeling the new found power between both axles is a new 5th generation Haldex all-wheel drive coupling system, which Volkswagen call ‘4Motion’. The default operating mode is to send power to the front wheels, but whenever needed, up to 100% can be directed to the rear axle. Further to the Haldex coupling, a four-wheel EDS (electronic differential locks) system works to distribute power between the either left or right of each axle. It does so as soon as a hint of wheel slip is detected, brakes the slipping wheel in proportion and thereby directs power to the opposite wheel that has more grip.
Finally the Volkswagen XDS+ torque vectoring system, which was first seen on the Golf 6, adds to cornering agility by braking the inside wheels when cornering at high speeds. This action effectively pivots the car on its own axis, helping it to turn sharper and reduce the tendency to understeer.
A damp and then wet Eastern Cape provided a good opportunity to sample the 4Motion system. During wet highway cruising, aquaplaning is less of a concern with the all-wheel drive at work, as are any slippery surfaces, such as resurfaced roadway, paint or re-filled potholes. The Golf R feels planted at all corners, yet also offers a balanced ride quality that doesn’t see it being tossed or jolted about.
More spirited driving at Volkswagen’s Uitenhage test facility showed off the 4Motion system’s abilities under wet and high speed conditions. Forcing the 4Motion system into play, the Golf R is kept on-line very well mid-turn, even with bumps and dips threatening to usher the car off line. Climbing on the throttle, the TSI engine is eager and power has to be metered to avoid running unnecessarily wide.
The suspension is the Macpherson strut type in front and a multi-link configuration at the rear, with the R riding 20 mm lower than the regular Golf. Optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) offers a choice of suspension damping settings ranging from Eco to Normal, Individual and Race modes. The brake system features internally ventilated brakes discs, 340 mm in front and 310 mm at the rear, with brake callipers wearing the R logo and painted a high-gloss black. Tyres are 235/35 profile, fitted to 19-inch alloy wheels.
As has always been the case, the most high-performance Golf is easily distinguished by its external styling. The ‘Cadiz’ design alloy wheels are all-new, as are the Audi-esque matt-chrome door mirror housings. The front bumper continues the tradition of deep air intakes, but the LED running lights have been moved into the bi-xenon headlight units with double ‘U’ shaped signature. The rear of the R has been given smoked tail-lights, a diffuser and four chrome-tipped exhaust pipes. Finally, ‘R’ badges are found on the front fenders, grille and tailgate.
The interior features blue instrument and ambient lighting, leather seats with ‘Crystal Grey’ double stitching, as well as gloss black and ‘carbon touch’ accents on the door panels and dashboard. Standard equipment includes Volkswagen’s Automatic Multi-Collision Braking System, driver fatigue detection; 9 airbags (including driver knee airbag); electronic parking brake; tyre-pressure monitoring; heated front seats; park distance control; touchscreen infotainment system with 8-speakers; keyless entry and more.
Optional extras include the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) system; a rearview camera to compliment the Park Distance Control (PDC); premium sound system; satellite navigation; electric panoramic sunroof, but sadly the Recaro racing-style bucket seats in a leather/alcantara combination trim are not on offer at this stage.
The Golf R is yet quicker and more refined than its previous generations. As a result, it’s also more expensive and closer to its in-house Audi S3 rival.
| Pricing (incl. VAT & CO2 Tax) | |
| Volkswagen Golf R 2.0 TSI 4Motion DSG | R486 200 |
Pricing includes a 3-year/120 000km warranty, 5-year/90 000km service plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.