Volkswagen Golf 7 R review (2013-2020) – interior and tech

Little to excite visually and it loses the GTI's neat tartan trim, but this is a cabin you'll never become irritated with. Comfortable, well-equipped and well-built

Evo rating
Price
from £31,685
  • Superb powertrain and agile, delicate and sophisticated handling
  • Lacks a final edge of feedback and adjustability

For all the value attached to the hot powertrain, the R is still a Golf so there’s bags of space for people and chattels. The driving position is spot-on, too, with lots of steering wheel and seat movement, though the transmission tunnel running down the middle of the cabin might inconvenience a middle seat passenger in the back.

Actually, it’s not a great place to be as the R’s sculptured rear sports seats are designed mainly for two. Boot volume is squeezed to accommodate the 4wd hardware but at 343 litres (down from 380) it’s still more than reasonable. And with the seats folded, you get 1,233 litres of luggage space, though the R comes with an 18-inch space saver wheel as standard.

Stowage space is generous with a reasonable sized glovebox, huge door bins both front and back, a drawer under the driver’s seat, a large central cubby under the arm rest and a couple of cup holders.Image removed.

There is plenty of adjustment in the seating position and this plus height adjustment for the driver’s seat and reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel means that most people will be able to find their ideal driving position.

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