VW Golf R: double top for the compact classic
Test drive in the still camouflaged VW Golf R.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen/Uli Sonntag
Test drive in the still camouflaged VW Golf R.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen/Uli Sonntag
Test drive in the still camouflaged VW Golf R.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen/Uli Sonntag
Test drive in the still camouflaged VW Golf R.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen/Uli Sonntag
The most powerful Golf of all time is back at the starting line. To mark the 50th birthday of the compact classic, Volkswagen's tuning department R has given it a new crown, or rather two. In addition to the hatchback saloon, the estate now also has 333 hp (245 kW) for the first time following a power injection. This reduces the standard sprint from 0 to 100 km/h to as little as 4.6 seconds. And the top speed can also be increased to 270 km/h via a "Performance Package". This makes the new Golf R models (together with the Arteon R Shooting Brake) the world's fastest production Volkswagens.
Of course, the new power is not visible from the outside. Instead, the top-of-the-range duo can be seen on the modified front end with optional LED matrix headlights, the VW emblem illuminated for the first time, air curtains in the bumper, new LED tail lights and the optional 19-inch "Warmenau" forged wheels, named after the Volkswagen R headquarters just outside Wolfsburg. "We are proud of our origins - and we want to show that," says Reinhold Ivenz, Head of Volkswagen R, referring to the new rims. The importance of the Golf R for the performance forge is shown by the figures: Of the more than 300,000 R models sold since its debut in 2002 as the R32 with a 241 hp (177 kW) six-cylinder engine and its four successors to date, more than 250,000 can be attributed to the sporty spearhead of the model series.
The interior details include the new infotainment system familiar from this year's Golf update with a visually freestanding 13-inch display and a more user-friendly menu structure. The new system is clearly arranged, runs smoothly and has the option of saving many functions as favorites. An accelerometer and a GPS lap timer have also been added to the "Digital Cockpit Pro" in the versions with the Performance package.
Another new feature on board is the IDA voice assistant, which can activate the driving profiles as well as the air conditioning, telephone or navigation. For the first time, the voice control also uses artificial intelligence (AI) via ChatGPT to answer all conceivable knowledge questions. However, no one could really explain why the multi-function steering wheel once again features annoying touch surfaces instead of physical buttons.
But perhaps it was due to the blue "R button" in the left-hand steering wheel clasp, which can be used to activate the various driving profiles including the "Race" mode and which would have been too costly to redevelop. Instead, in addition to the Comfort, Sport, Race and Individual settings and in conjunction with the Special and Drift performance package, the range is now supplemented by an Eco mode, which is also intended to make leisurely driving more sustainable. Even if that sounds rather unusual at first.
As we experienced on a short lap around the Lausitzring, the natural pace of the new leader of the pack is anything but leisurely. Even the start is an acoustic exclamation mark: If the driver presses the start button without stepping on the brakes for at least 1.5 seconds and then starts the engine by pressing the brake pedal, the engine speed automatically increases briefly to 2,500 rpm, accompanied by a sonorous "backfire roar". The sound of the titanium exhaust system from Akrapovič, with which our model was equipped, also reacts with an even throatier tremolo when the throttle is pressed. Inside, however, a sound actuator ensures that the engine sounds even rougher and builds a bridge to racing.
The four-cylinder turbo certainly packs a punch. The response is direct and seamless, regardless of the engine speed and maneuver. The DSG automatic gearbox now also shifts more quickly, smoothly and comfortably, and the brakes are extremely responsive. We were not able to fully exploit the chassis qualities on the short lap on public roads. However, the Golf R comes with everything it needs. For example, the familiar driving dynamics manager has been recalibrated to control the electromechanical functions of the all-wheel drive and the electronic differential lock torque vectoring in a coordinated manner. And the previously optional DCC adaptive chassis control is now always on board as standard in Germany.
Pre-sales across Europe are due to start this month. There are no exact prices yet. Just this much: despite increased performance, new infotainment, DCC adaptive chassis control as standard from now on and other improvements, the new Golf R will be cheaper in Germany (previously around 55,000 euros) than before. Cheers to the new king of the compact class. (aum)
More info for topic: VW Golf R , Golf R Variant
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Test drive in the still camouflaged VW Golf R.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen/Uli Sonntag
Download:
Test drive in the still camouflaged VW Golf R.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen/Uli Sonntag
Download:
Test drive in the still camouflaged VW Golf R.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen/Uli Sonntag
Download:
Test drive in the still camouflaged VW Golf R.
Photo: Autoren-Union Mobilität/Volkswagen/Uli Sonntag
Download: