When Ford is offering the Focus RS with 350 hp, a 210 hp Golf GTI cannot really cut it in the world hot hatchbacks. So VW needed a new player to put the game up, and it comes out as the new Golf R. It replaces the old R32 variant which was powered by a 3.2 liter V6 engine and it uses only four cylinders but amazingly it is more powerful and way way more efficient!
This 2.0 four-cylinder TSI turbocharged engine develops 199 kW / 270 hp and 350 Nm of torque which, equipped with the DSG dual-clutch gearbox, translates into 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 5.5 seconds! Even with a manual transmission it does it in 5.7 seconds.
And while the R32 needed 10.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, the R only sips 8.4 liters. CO2 emissions are also reduced accordingly from 255 to 195 g/km. This means the Golf R is 21% more efficient than the R32.
The four-cylinder engine develops its tremendous propulsive power via a turbocharger (up to 1.2 bar boost pressure) with intercooling. The engine, weighing in at just 152 kilograms, is controlled by a fully electronic engine management system with E-Gas. The cylinders of the four-cylinder engine have been equipped with reinforcing bolts, unlike less powerful TSI versions. Design engineers also designed stronger connecting rods that can reliably transfer the engine’s high torque to the crankshaft. Last but not least, the cylinder block was reinforced to handle the aggressive engine forces.
The new Golf R is also equipped with the latest edition of VW’s sophisticated 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, which they say is much more advanced than the one used in R32 and distribute the power between axles more wisely based on the road condition. The car is fitted with advanced suspension system consisting of McPherson strut with helical springs and telescoping shock absorbers at front, and a multi-link suspension at the rear. It rides 25mm lower than the standard Golf and also has DCC dynamic chassis control system with three Normal, Sport and Comfort settings.
As for the brakes, The Golf R seems to have enough stopping power with its new 17-inch discs that are internally ventilated and have R-specific brake callipers painted a high-gloss black with R-logo. These brakes are inside the car’s 18-inch Talladega Sterling Silver alloy wheels wrapped in 225/40 tyres ( 19-inch with 235/35 tyres available as an option).
Apart form the technicalities, the Golf R also features a unique exterior inspired by its sister, the Scirocco R. It has sport bumpers with big air intakes at front and a diffuser with integrated twin tailpipes at the back, plus new graphic for the lights. All grilles are painted in gloss black for sportier look.
Inside the familiar cabin of the Golf with its high quality material and great ergonomy is enhanced by some sporty features such as the heated racing seats with R-logo on the headrests, sport leather steering wheel again with R-logo, R gearshift knob, carpet floor mats with piping in “Art Grey”, aluminium door tread plates with R-logo and the instruments with blue pointers and a speedometer scale that reads up to 300 km/h as well as stainless steel sport pedals and R-specific instrument and door accents.
