Volkswagen Golf R 4Motion DSG
The R represents the top echelon in VW’S compact-hatch back range. Does that make it an outstanding Golf?
VOLKSWAGEN South Africa must be the envy of all makers of C-segment hatchbacks. Not only does the German automaker lead the entire sector in terms of sales, but half of all new Golfs sold locally are GTIS and Rs. Following on from the facelift of the TSI, TDI and GTI offerings, the updated Golf R also underwent surgery, gaining newly designed bumpers front and rear, along with LED head- and taillamps. Metal-look side-mirror caps remain standard tment but, as per our test car, carbon-look items can be ordered.
Inside, the R is the only Golf to feature VW’S impressive new Active Info Display as standard. It’s an addition that adds a welcome touch of sophistication to the apex Golf, but it could’ve further bene ted had VW programmed a bespoke performance-themed screen to the display in this model.
Unlike its rivals, the R doesn’t announce its credentials with oversized wings or shouty decals. Standard 19-inch alloy wheels complete the external package and give the R an appearance of understated aggression.
As an option, you can order Adaptive Chassis Control (ACC; R12 700) that adds variable-rate adaptive dampers to the package, essentially providing the best of both worlds: comfort and responsiveness when the driver requires either. If you do tick this box, then the standard Drive Pro le Selection also allows you to tailor the car ideally to your tastes or driving style. There are four preset modes: eco, comfort, normal and race, but it’s the fth individual mode that allows you to choose and save the damping, transmission response, sound, steering heft and throttle response settings you prefer. Incidentally, despite wearing rubber-band hoops for tyres, thanks to ACC the R rides with a level of polish and comfort that is
exemplary, never dissolving into a brittle or harsh state.
On the refreshed R, there is a discernible difference in the exhaust note between the comfort or normal settings, and the race mode. In the latter, the boomy nature of the exhaust note can be annoying, but thanks to the individual setting, you can tailor various performance parameters to their sportiest modes while opting for a less intrusive exhaust setting.
Along with this mild facelift, VWSA has also given the R a small injection of power. The car’s familiar, direct-injection, turbocharged, 2,0-litre engine sports an additional 7 kw to offer a peak of 213 kw, although this figure is still shy of the 228 kw that overseas R owners are privy to. Peak torque remains at 380 N.m, which is available between 1 850 and 5 300 r/min and, as is the case with most performance VW products, the engine is mated exclusively with a DSG transmission; in this case, a seven-speed unit.
During testing, we weren’t quite able to match VW’S claim of 4,6 seconds from standstill to 100 km/h, but we recorded a stillimpressive launch-controlled 4,98 seconds, which is about three-tenths quicker than the pre-facelift version. Even our in-gear acceleration tests showed that the extra power makes its presence felt, and each increment in the overtaking test was a few 10ths quicker, too.
As we’ve come to expect from VW Group performance products, braking was exceptional, with the sticky Pirelli rubber clawing into our test strip for a best time of 2,70 seconds
and an excellent average of 2,81 seconds.
In the cut and thrust of daily motoring, the R is docile and amenable, and can easily serve as primary transport for a small family. On the weekends when mum or dad feels the need, the R also lets loose with a more playful side. This all-wheel-drive model turns in with keenness that belies its heavier drivetrain, and with power doled out to both axles, you can climb onto the throttle early without fear of losing traction. A few rainsoaked Cape winter days during our time with the Golf R meant these all-wheel-drive abilities were thoroughly tested.
TEST SUMMARY
When we initially assessed a Golf 7 R a few years ago, we wondered how it would be received in light of the similarly priced Audi S3 Sportback. Slight speci cation differences aside – the VW is a touch better equipped than the Audi – the standard S3 Sportback is now cheaper than the revised Golf R while offering 15 kw more power, 20 N.m more torque and a standard maintenance plan versus the VW’S service plan.
The price/spec comparison with its S3 sibling is moot, though, as the Golf R certainly seems to boast more street cred and has a loyal following, not least of all among the boyracer brigade.
Ultimately, then, the Golf R is the quintessential all-rounder, with plenty of power, accessible performance and an abundance of grip. It’s all wrapped up in a package that is good looking with high levels of perceived quality. The price, however, cannot be ignored, and it is for this reason we nd it dif cult to recommend over the S3 or BMW M140i.
In daily motoring, the Golf R is docile and amenable