Volkswagen Golf R review – performance and 0-60 time
Flagship 328bhp figure makes the Golf R about as quick as VAG hatchbacks get, Audi RS3 aside
In all rational sense the Golf R is a quick car, but it does feel somewhat blunted by its 1548kg kerb weight, which is c/100kg more than the larger, but admittedly front-wheel-drive Honda Civic Type R. When we put it on our scales, the Golf R 20 Years actually sat underneath the quoted weight at 1529kg, but for a four-cylinder hot hatchback it’s still a big enough figure to cause some problems.
Thanks to the heady combination of a high-torque turbocharged engine, 4Motion all-wheel drive and a dual-clutch transmission, the new R feels just as quick as before, with impressive pull both from a standstill and on the move, thanks to its anti-lag turbo tech. Play with its numerous drive modes and there is a noticeable improvement in response from the chassis to the powertrain, when opting for sportier calibrations.
For context, the R hatchback is now said to hit 62mph from standstill in 4.6sec, a tenth quicker than before and ahead of its Mercedes-AMG A35 hatch rival. The R’s standard top speed is 155mph but opt for the Performance package and this is lifted to 167mph, a figure that it will hit with surprising ease on the autobahn.
The ability to decouple the transmission mode from the engine mode is also a big plus, and if you do decide to take over there is a new set of paddles behind the steering wheel to give you control. It’s one of the few, but much appreciated, improvements the Mk8 introduced. Sadly, the latest Mk8.5 does not get the snappy transmission mapping of the 20 Years edition.
