Volkswagen Golf R

Performance pack is pricey, but makes this Golf R the hottest version of VW’S legendary hatchbackk

THE Golf R Performance pack adds £2,300 to the £34,910 list price of the car, and brings special 19-inch alloys covering a set of performance brakes with silver-painted calipers. You also get a rear spoiler to add downforce at speed, and top speed rises from 155mph to 166mph.

There’s no boost in power, but the Golf’s 306bhp 2.0-litre engine never lacked potency. The Performance pack is only available on DSG automatic models, so it’s this version we’re testing here, while all Golf Rs are four-wheel drive. Other performance-enhancing options fitted to our test car include an Akrapovic titanium sports exhaust (£2,975) and a set of adaptive dampers (£850).

FOR AND AGAINST

For: Blistering performance, highly capable chassis, good to live with every day Against: Expensive, Performance pack doesn’t add enough, not as engaging to drive as the Civic