Volkswagen Golf R Review

The hot-hatch market has grown and grown over the last decade and it’s more buoyant now than ever before. There’s the likes of the Seat Leon Cupra – running 276bhp and costing only a shade over that of a Volkswagen Golf GTI, as well as the Renault Megane RS 265, which is positively awesome, and at the top of the spectrum is the costly 355bhp Mercedes Benz A45. Let’s not forget, though, that Volkswagen created very first ever hot-hatch in the Golf GTI. Introduced to the world at the Frankfurt motor show back in in 1975, the Golf GTI was an icon and still very much is. Since then, the brand has developed four-wheel drive variants of hot models. First with the Mk2 Golf Rallye and more later with its R32 models and R. The Golf R is placed toward the more expensive options in the hot-hatch spectrum, but we think it justified, judging by what it has to offer. 

The Volkswagen Golf R features the same 2.0-litre TSI unit as in the GTI model, but has been tuned and retuned to produce a whopping 296bhp from 5500-6200rpm – 30bhp more than its predecessor. It’s not just a retune it’s received either, the model gets a newly designed cylinder head with uprated pistons and turbocharger. The engine is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, with a DSG automatic transmission available as an option. This then controls Volkswagen’s newest version of its 4Motion technology, together with a new multi-plate clutch and electronic aids such as XDS+ which aids in minimising understeer, helping to control the car as you plough into those corners. Electronic stability control is of course included, but if you do fancy going a bit wild you can press the ESC button for three seconds to deactivate the system – if, for example, you’re on track or on private land practicing your sideways skills. The Volkswagen Golf R, complete with 380Nm of torque, can sprint from 0-62mph in 5.1seconds (coupled with manual transmission). If you choose to opt for the quicker-shifting DSG automatic option, then you’ll shave a further 0.2seconds off that time. Its top speed is electronically limited to 155mph.

This model is four-wheel drive, we repeat, the Volkswagen Golf R is four-wheel drive. So, to say it can handle is a bit of an understatement. The 4Motion system gives you confidence, even if you feel you’ve perhaps taken that corner a little too quick. The correction to outside wheels preventing understeer takes you through the corner safely. The Volkswagen Golf R, though, is still front-wheel-led. It just forces power to the rear when it needs it, meaning it has more tuning options over cars that are fixed four-wheel-drive. Steering feedback is quick and positive giving additional confidence to the driver. The model is available with optional adaptive chassis control, meaning it gradually firms up dampers, while editing throttle response. Due to the four-wheel drive system, helping the driver feel more at one with the car, almost as though the car is an extension of yourself – aiding in more control and engagement than front-wheel-drive rivals such as the Vauxhall Astra VXR.

What is missing, though, is the noise. It’s just a little too artificial. Great if you like that of course, but if you miss the multi-cylinder-growl of Volkswagen’s previous VR6 and R32 units. The R features a sound actuator which is situated beneath the weather panel below the windscreen, vibrating through the screen to create an artificial buzz of that of a throatier engine.

To say that the Golf R is refined would be an understatement. The brand has had over 40 years to perfect its hot-hatch reputation, and that continues to live on. It’s four-wheel-drive system keeps you on the road, and on the road in comfort. You’d have to be pushing it all guns blazing to get any understeer and even then you’d probably be on a track. It’d be real-good going if you managed it under normal road conditions. Volkswagen has a good reputation for refinement and longevity to its engines and running gear, so there shouldn’t be many, if any, underlined issues to worry about. 

The Golf R’s interior is akin to the standard Mk7 Golf’s interior, only a little more sporty. Redesigned dials, bucket seats, and Alcantara leather trimmed bits everywhere make it a much more inviting space. There’s even some gloss-plastic trim in places, and not in a tacky way, it looks classy, and so it should for the price you’re paying. As you get in the car, your backside nestles sweetly into the bucket seat. It’s comfortable and figure hugging, even for stockier people – we’re not talking Kirkey-style bucket seats here, don’t worry. Seating position is well tailorable, with the ability to move the steering wheel closer, and up and down. The seat, though, has been set up in more of a race-mode setting, meaning that the steering wheel isn’t so comfortable for those who like more of a tilt to their seat, rather than up-right race-mode. Familiar with most Golf’s, the car’s functionalities are easy to find and are user friendly. The aluminium-finished pedals finish off the sporty elements nicely.

The VW Golf R is offered in three and five-door variants, with an estate version also on the market should you need more space. Rear seat space is fine for most adults, although it’s a little more difficult to get in the back of the three-door with those front bucket seats. Boot space is competitive at 343-litres, but has been reduced from the previous 380-litres, due to the edition of its revised 4Motion four-wheel-drive technology. Inside, the Golf R is fully-loaded with tech as standard. It gets bi-xenon headlights, 6.5-inch satellite navigation system, dual-zone climate control, electric heated folding mirrors, Bluetooth, heated front seats, and automatic lights. The satellite navigation system can be upgraded to a Pro version which features an 8-inch display and 64gb hard drive – it’s whether you fancy paying the extra £1325…

The cheapest version of the Volkswagen Golf R features the manual six-speed gearbox and three-door configuration and costs around £30,000. But, of course, you do get four-wheel-drive technology with that – when you think the Seat Leon Cupra started from a little over £28,000, that’s not a bad deal at all. Together with all the options, paint choice etc our test vehicle comes in at £37,086, which is expensive. However, it’s all about the drive of this car, and the way it makes you feel when driving it. A few mod-cons aren’t everything, right?!

Our test car featured optional extras such as dynamic chassis control, which includes heated front sport seats with lumbar support, a tech pack with eight speaker system, and Apple CarPlay included – there’s even Google’s Street View and Google Earth! All at a cost of £1,895, mind. CO2 emissions sit at 165g/km, meaning that the Volkswagen Golf R sits in VED band G. MPG isn’t bad, either. Volkswagen claims a mile per gallon return of 39.8mpg on the combined cycle, while mated to the manual gearbox. Opt for the DSG automatic transmission and this will increase to 40.9mpg on the combined cycle. 

As previously mentioned, Volkswagen is known for its affordable quality, which may be the reason for its pretty measly 60,000-mile warranty. This warranty is actually rather low to competition in the market, most premium manufacturers offer three-year warranties, but there are five-year and even unlimited warranties also now floating around on the market. Even BMW’s Warranty programme offers an unlimited-mileage warranty (or five-years). Maybe the future will see Volkswagen review its warranty policy. For now, though, it sits at three-years or 60,000 miles, which is better than nothing. Most manufacturers also offer additional warranty cover you can have… at an extra cost, of course. Increasing the amount of time your engine and switch-gear is covered for. The model’s four-wheel-drive system has been tried, tested, and tried and tested again. Nothing is bomb-proof, but it’s safe to say that it’s unlikely to cause you a problem. 

The Volkswagen Golf R has been awarded a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. The model features rear parking sensors and a driver alert system front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control, all as standard. Electronic stability control, electronic differential lock, traction control, curtain airbag system front and rear, front active head restraint technology, immobiliser and alarm, as well as driver alert system and PreCrash occupant protection is all included as standard. There are also many optional safety extras available to purchase, including lane assist with side scan and dynamic light assist, which includes heated front sports seats with manually adjustable lumbar support – all for £960. Also available is the side airbag system for rear occupants. This package included seat belts with tensioners (for the two rear outer seats) and optical warning for rear seat belts that are unfastened – costing £280. Automatic post-collision braking system and ISOFIX child-seat mounts all also included as standard on the Volkswagen Golf R. Not forgetting that four-wheel-drive system, aiding in added grip on the road, while boosting driver confidence.