The Brits are famous for their love of hot hatchbacks. That’s why they always get the hottest and most special editions before every one else! This year Top Gear magazine picked Volkswagen Golf R as their Hot Hatch of the Year. Last time Top Gear awarded a Golf was the GTI in 2009.
The Golf R really deserves this title since it’s one of the most complete hot hatches you can buy today. And that is exactly the point of hot hatches, they must be able to do everything you throw at them. Top Gar describes the Golf R as ‘extraordinarily good at so many things’.
An with a a 2.0-litre TSI engine developing 270 PS and 350 Nm (258 lbs ft) of torque, a sophisticated 4MOTION system and a six-speed DSG gearbox as well as the practicality of a normal Golf, the R is ready for every occasion. To match the extra power, the Golf R features a series of upgrades to its springs, dampers, gearbox software, braking system and styling to ensure that it both looks and feels sharper than the standard car.
Of course it’s not the cheapest hot hatch out there, but it certainly delivers great value for money.
On hand to collect the Award was Dr. Hendrik Muth, Head of Marketing and Communications at Volkswagen R – the special projects wing of Volkswagen tasked with designing and developing R products.
Dr. Muth commented: ‘This is the third generation of Golf R and the fastest and most focussed yet; we designed it to appeal to keen drivers exactly like the judges at TopGear. On behalf of Volkswagen and Volkswagen R it’s a real honour for the Golf to be recognised with such an award.’