Living with the VW Golf R
Review by Jacob Lerklint.
It’s been almost twenty years since Volkswagen introduced the first “R” model with the mark four Golf R32, as it was called back then. We are now on the eight generation Golf and now there is a brand new Golf R that has been launched. The top of the line R recipe has been pretty much the same since the beginning, four wheel drive and more power than the rest of the golf lineup. But they’ve almost always lacked the agility and fun of the GTI’s. Can this new generation Golf R change that?
On paper it doesn’t look like there has been too many changes compared to the previous mark 7.5 Golf R. It still got the same EA888 turbocharged engine and the same seven speed DSG gearbox, even the chassis stays pretty much the same except a new torque vectoring rear differential; which allows you to send 100% power to the outside rear wheel. Spring rates are are up 10% and there is slightly more negative camber at the front. You do get a puny ten horsepower bump and twenty more newtonmeters of torque. It doesn’t really sound that promising so far does it?
The interior of the new Golf R is bland and ergonomically a disaster just as the regular mark eight Golf. You still don’t get the climate control touch buttons lit up, which forces you to use the slow and dim witted touchscreen. On a more positive note the “R” embroidered seats are very comfortable and supportive. For the R version you do get a shortcut button on the steering wheel which puts you directly in to Race mode which is nice.
This specific car is optioned with the performance package which I can say right away is a must tick option if you want to explore the full potential of the Golf R. The performance package includes 19 inch wheels, a slightly higher top speed, a bigger rear wing and the most important thing it includes two more driving modes: Nürburgring mode and drift mode.
That takes us on to the driving part of the Golf R and just after a couple of hours behind the wheel I already felt in sync with the car, more than any other GTI or Golf R I’ve driven previously. The agility and the ridiculous straight forward performance blew me away and the new rear differential makes wonder to the corner abilities. It felt much faster than the GTI clubsport which is just down twenty horsepower (on paper). I'm saying that because there’s no way the new Golf R only produces 320hp. I would say it is closer to 350-360hp. The Golf R has always been quick but this feels way more sorted chassi wise than previous models and even the GTI’s. With the performance pack it will let you stay in manual mode instead of upshifting for you, small things like that makes a big difference when you are out driving spiritually. You should also specify the ridiculous expensive Akrapovic exhaust as the standard exhaust is a bit too quiet. The seven speed DSG gearbox is quick and for the R you get bigger steering wheel paddles which should be on the GTI’s too. For the first time there’s no option for a manual gearbox which might seem like a shame but I think the golf R is too fast for one these days. I don’t think the mark eight Golf R looks as good as the previous one but that’s for you to decide. This specific press car was not fitted with the adaptive dampers which makes the Nürburgring mode slightly redundant, but the standard setup is pretty good, not too harsh and not too soft. As with any Golf the spacing is very sufficient and there is loads of room in all aspects. I just wish some of the materials were a bit softer as it can get pretty plasticky.
As a daily hot hatch the new Golf R ticks most of the boxes, yes the technology and the ergonomic side of it can make you go crazy but there is no denying this newer one outperforms most other hot hatches in its category. It’s fun to drive too! Which is at least for me is a first compared to previous 'R’s'. There is just a slight issue...well a big issue: the price! With the must have options this car comes in at a hefty 600 000SEK… at that price level you enter a whole other category of super hot hatches like the Mercedes AMG A45s and the five pot Audi RS3. Is the Golf R up there with those 400+ Hp cars That’s for you to decide as well.
Comments