Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen unveils its potent Golf hot hatch - 5.5 seconds 0-62mph time

Taking the fight to the Ford Focus RS, Volkswagen has unveiled the Golf R, the most extreme hatchback ever to emerge from Wolfsburg.

First, the important figures – 266bhp, 236lb ft of torque and, with VW’s DSG gearbox, a 0-62mph sprint that’s out of the way in just 5.5sec (5.7sec with the manual transmission) and onto a predictably limited 155mph.  All this from a revised version of the turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot from the previous generation Golf GTI and current Audi S3.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Like the R32, power is put down through all four wheels, with a new four-wheel-drive system that’s been designed to react more quickly than the R32’s Haldex transmission.  As for the chassis, the R’s suspension has been uprated and lowered by 25mm and gets a modified ESP programme and more responsive steering.

Volkswagen claims that the Golf R offers up to 21 per cent better fuel economy than the previous fastest Golf, the 3.2-litre V6 R32, with a combined fuel economy figure of 33.2mpg (up from 26.4mpg) and 199g CO2/km (down from 225g/km).

VW has kept the visual changes subtle over the new GTI, although LED running lights, a rear diffuser, central exhausts, xenon headlights and a handful of ‘R’ badges are all part of the package.  Inside, Alacantara seats, piano black detailing and blue instrument needles also put in tasteful appearances.

The Golf R goes on sale in October, with only around 500 will be sold in the UK each year, and prices will start at £28,500.

Check out the latest from the Frankfurt show here on evo

Follow evo Magazine on Twitter

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5 2024 review – a return to form for the hatchback benchmark?
Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf
In-depth reviews

Volkswagen Golf Mk8.5 2024 review – a return to form for the hatchback benchmark?

Lacklustre interior ergonomics gave the Mk8 Golf a lukewarm reception, but Volkswagen has focused its efforts on rectifying its downfalls with a mid-l…
24 Oct 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Used Jaguar F-Type (2013 - 2024) review and buyer’s guide
F Type header
Reviews

Used Jaguar F-Type (2013 - 2024) review and buyer’s guide

Stylish, sporty and still good to drive, the Jaguar F-Type is growing old very gracefully
8 Nov 2024
Volkswagen Golf R v Golf GTI Clubsport – car pictures of the week
Volkswagen Golf GTI v Golf R
Features

Volkswagen Golf R v Golf GTI Clubsport – car pictures of the week

In the latest issue of evo, we test the Mk8.5 Golf R against the GTI Clubsport – these are our favourite shots
10 Nov 2024
Ferrari California – the car world's greatest misses
Ferrari California
Features

Ferrari California – the car world's greatest misses

A Ferrari by name, but not sufficiently Ferrari-like in its behaviour, the noughties Cali was a hard car to love
7 Nov 2024