New Volkswagen Golf R
From £43,895
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When it comes to performance models, there are few which are held in quite such high regard as Volkswagen’s all-conquering Golf R.
The Golf R 8.5 is here and it’s better and faster than ever.
The star of the Golf line up and now has numerous design and performance enhancements perfect for Volkswagen fans everywhere, plus the all-new Black Edition.
Exterior
This sport compact city car oozes confidence down to the very last detail, from its unmissable lighting design, ‘R’ specific side sills, and it’s completely redesigned bumpers, which are decorated with aerodynamic elements in High-Gloss Black.
If you opt for the R-Performance package, your Golf R will feature a larger air-flow roof edge spoiler to improve downforce. Adding to the sporty look is matt chrome exterior mirrors and the ‘R’ logo projection lights.
Interior
The sporty look of the R is consistent throughout, both drivers and passengers sit on top sport seats with integrated head rests for increased comfort. The R design is shown throughout with perforated leather in the grip area and a blue steering wheel clasp as well as decorative stitching, also in blue. There are also “R”-specific door side trims, floor mats with the “R”-logo and pedal caps.
The Golf R is absolutely jam-packed with tech. It’s based around a 12.9” infotainment system which uses Volkswagen’s latest software, and it’s here where you’ll access all primary media functions, as well as controls for your phone and - in this button-less new world - the heating and ventilation controls, or customize your drive with the adjustable lighting system available with 30 colour options.
Performance
The Golf R provides outstanding dynamics in every driving situation. With the most advanced engine series in the Golf line up, it’s 1,984 cm3 four-cylinder turbocharged stratified injection engine (TSI), can output 245 kW (333 hp) catapults and reach 0 to 62 mph in just 4.6 seconds. The maximum torque of 420 Nm is available between 2,100 and 5,500 rpm.
The 4MOTION all-wheel drive of the new Golf R allows the drive power to be distributed between the front and rear axles and between the left and right rear wheels, making for a more agile and stable drive.
The Golf R Black Edition
Available from £45,145
If you’re looking for something with even more wow factor the R Black Edition is unmissable, getting its name from the back design which runs throughout, from the new darkened “IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights” and the black tailpipe trims of the exhaust system, to the dark appearance of the wheels.
The iconic design is completed with a large air flow roof edge spoiler, darkened VW and R logo, and black tailpipe trims of the four-pipe exhaust system create a unique look.
The Golf R Black Edition is equipped with the R-Performance Package, bringing motorsport directly to you and reaches top speeds of up to 167 mph.
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What is it?
The new Volkswagen Golf R arrives with a rather fearsome reputation to uphold. The older car made a name for itself as an all-weather monster, delivering huge performance no matter what the conditions. This latest car, based on the new eighth-generation Golf, looks to do the same, increasing both performance and in-car technology too.
But the question is, can it achieve this? We’ve been behind the wheel to find out.
Volkswagen has reworked many crucial aspects of the new Golf R while retaining some of the aspects which attracted people to the previous-generation car in the first place. For instance, the engine has received tweaks to boost power - though we’ll look at this in more detail shortly - yet the car’s useable, five-door bodystyle has been kept the same.
The interior is far more tech-heavy than before, too, while the exterior styling has a more futuristic look.
What’s under the bonnet?
The new Golf R uses fundamentally the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that you’d find in its predecessor, but some tweaks and revisions have increased power to 316bhp while torque stands at a healthy 420Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox.
Volkswagen claims that it’ll take just 4.5 seconds for the R to go from 0-60mph before hitting a top speed of 155mph. Meanwhile, when it comes to efficiency, the Golf R should return up to 36.2mpg and records CO2 emissions of 177g/km.
What’s it like to drive?
The Golf R’s acceleration is one of the things you notice first when driving the car. It feels far, far quicker than the official figures suggest and you’re able to put the power down even when it’s wet underfoot. The all-wheel-drive system also helps to give plenty of traction in the corners, while a new torque vectoring system takes this even further.
It’s a superbly easy car to drive, in fact, and means that anyone - regardless of experience - will be able to get the best from it.
How does it look?
The understated look of the previous Golf R has been carried over to this latest generation, with only the car’s now recognisable four-exit exhaust pipe showcasing this car’s performance. However, apart from this, it looks largely ‘normal’,
That said, if you’d like your R to look a little more flamboyant, then you can add the ‘Performance Pack’, which brings a larger wing and bigger alloys.
What’s it like inside?
We’ve already experienced the regular Golf’s technology-laden interior, so it’ll come as no surprise that the cabin in the R is much the same. There are a variety of blue accents applied throughout it, however, alongside more sporty, figure-hugging seats. We’d like there to be a little more flamboyance, in truth, but the general fit-and-finish is good while the material quality is excellent too.
When it comes to boot space, the R ticks the boxes again. With the rear seats in place, you’ve got 374 litres to play with, while the boot’s square opening will make loading larger items a little easier. You can, of course, extend the boot further by lowering the rear seats.
What’s the spec like?
The R, as the range-topping Golf model, boasts a comprehensive range of standard equipment. Highlights include Volkswagen’s digital cockpit with configurable dials, a 10-inch infotainment screen incorporating both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Matrix LED headlights.
We’d recommend choosing the Dynamic Chassis Control option, however. It allows you to soften off the car’s ride and makes it well-suited to the UK’s roads. At £300, it doesn’t break the bank either.
Verdict
Replacing an icon was never going to be easy, but it would appear that Volkswagen has done just that with its latest Golf R. It’s stupendously fast, but composed and easy to live with on a daily basis, making it the ideal performance hatchback.
It might not be a car that bristles with feedback, but as a car that’ll add a bit of sparkle to even the dreariest of drives, it’s hard to beat.
How can we help?
At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) pay the optional final payment and own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle: subject to excess mileage and fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle. With Solutions Personal Contract Plan. 18s+. Subject to availability and status. T&Cs apply. Ordered by 6th January 2025 from participating Retailers. Exclusions may apply. Indemnities may be required. Subject to changes in vehicle or equipment prices. Not available in conjunction with any other finance offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication 10/2024 Freepost Volkswagen Financial Services. ^Vehicle is Sold by Volkswagen UK, a trading division of Volkswagen Group, United Kingdom Limited. When financed with Volkswagen Financial Services, Volkswagen UK will sell the vehicle to Volkswagen Financial Services who will enter into a finance agreement with the customer. On The Road Price stated is the On The Road Cash Price of the vehicle.