As the most powerful Golf ever, this high-performance Volkswagen Golf R model is essentially a tuned version of an already tuned model, the Golf GTi. Announced in August 2013, it's based on the Mk7 golf, it's powered by a 2.0 litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while a six-speed dual-clutch transmission works alongside a Haldex all-wheel-drive system.
The essential details:
- Option of the dual-clutch DSG gearbox.
- Changes to the Golf's engine to achieve increased power output include a modified cylinder head and pistons, and a new turbocharger.
- Four-wheel-drive system only sends torque to the front wheels under low loads or when coasting, in order to save fuel.
- Ride height is reduced by 5mm compared with a Golf GTI (itself already 15mm lower than a standard Golf).
- Springs and dampers tuned to handle the extra performance.
- Uprated brakes are included, and active dampers, under the guise of Adaptive Chassis Control, will be an option.
- Exterior styling: New front bumper design with larger air inlets, 18” alloy wheels and four chrome-tipped exhaust pipes.
- Colours: A new paint was created specifically and exclusively for the Golf R: "Lapis Blue Metallic". Alternative colour choices are "Pure White", "Tornado Red", "Night Blue", "Limestone Grey Metallic", "Reflex Silver Metallic", "Deep Black Pearl Effect" and "Oryx White".
- Interior styling: Sports seats and bespoke R dials. The middle panels are designed in "Race" fabric (“Titan Black”) with black backstitching.
- Nappa-carbon leather package: As an option, Volkswagen also offers a Nappa-carbon leather package. Here, the outer seat surfaces, inner side support panels, and head restraints are all upholstered in dark “Carbon” Nappa leather.
Volskwagen Golf R spec
All Volkswagen Golf R models have the following specification:
- 0-60mph: 5.5 seconds (DSG gearbox 4.9 seconds)
- Top speed: 155 mph (limited)
- BHP: 266 bhp
- MPG: 33 mpg
- CO2: 199 g/km
- Road tax (VED) band: J
- Wheels: Standard wheels: 18-inch "Cadiz" aluminium-alloy wheels. Optional wheels: 19-inch "Cadiz" and “Pretoria” aluminium-alloy wheels
Volkswagen Golf release date, price and where to buy
The Golf R will be available after its debut at the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, and is expected to be on sale in early 2014.
The Golf R is likely to cost from under £32,000 (the prices are confirmed in Germany as starting from €38,325 ) when it goes on sale in the UK next spring. It will be available across all of our Volkswagen dealerships in Scotland.
The first six months of 2013 have already seen the debuts of the new Golf GTI, Golf GTD, Golf Variant, Golf TDI, and BlueMotion.