The Golf R is a multi-time 10 Best Cars winner in many fronts, along with the rest of the Golf family. However, this rapid yet eminently livable hatchback can be eclipsed by the fast and furious facades of the Honda Civic Type R and the Ford Focus RS.
The hot VW’s lesser sibling, the Golf GTI, also represents a stronger performance value for those less concerned with maximum thrust.
But the R remains the pinnacle of the Golf lineup, a distinction it flexes with a 292-hp turbocharged inline-four, 4Motion all-wheel drive, and impressive levels of refinement—as well as the choice of a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. It is a high-powered hatchback that slips under the radar, and a seriously capable sport-compact car well suited to the toils of adult life.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
The all-wheel-drive Golf R is motivated by a potent turbocharged 292-horsepower 2.0-liter inline-four mated to either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. That’s a sizable 72- to 82-hp bump over the lesser, front-drive Golf GTI. The R also employs its extra driven axle to deliver significantly quicker standing-start acceleration. This high-output EA888 turbo-four engine is a powerhouse, with eager responses and a broad torque curve that hits with full force at just 1800 rpm. However, there is some initial turbo lag at low speeds, and the R’s muffled growl is partially synthesized through the audio system.
Selectable driving modes (Normal, Individual, and Race; models with adaptive dampers have a Comfort setting, too) let the Golf R’s pilot fine-tune the steering effort, engine response, and shift points (automatic only), while the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system uses an electronically controlled coupler to send up to 50 percent of the power to the rear wheels.
The standard manual transmission is more engaging and has a forgiving and progressive-feeling clutch pedal, albeit one that is a bit longer in travel than some drivers may prefer. While the understated VW can’t quite match the rowdier Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus RS at full attack, the VW deserves respect for how little compromise is involved with driving it quickly. As with the Golf GTI, it makes daily commutes enjoyable and diving into corners exhilarating. The R has a firmer suspension setup compared with its lesser sibling, and its optional adaptive dampers (Dynamic Chassis Control) add to its flexibility.
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
As we’ve come to expect from the entire Golf family, the top-spec R model has a handsome and functional interior with excellent fit and finish and upscale accents. The VW’s cohesive cabin has a clean design made of quality materials, highlighted by solid ergonomics and blue contrast stitching and accents in the gauge cluster. As a driver’s office, the cabin has its dashboard canted slightly towards the pilot, the shifter is well placed for performance driving, and the flat-bottomed steering wheel feels nicely contoured in your hands.
The supportive front buckets are particularly comfortable and come heated from the factory. Although dual-zone climate control and a 12-way power-adjustable driver’s seat are standard, the Golf R skimps premium options such as ventilated seats, memory settings, and microsuede accents. The Golf R and other high-performance sport compacts are appealing because of their fun and functional nature. The multitalented Volkswagen held five carry-ons behind its rear seat and 15 with it folded; it also has a low load floor and above-average interior storage space.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Although Volkswagen’s Car-Net infotainment system incorporates a cleanly designed interface and straightforward controls, the touchscreen responds slowly to inputs, and desirable features such as navigation and a premium audio system cost extra. Every Golf R has a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth connectivity, voice control, a three-month subscription to SiriusXM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. While a single USB port is standard, all of its rivals have at least two. The only way to add navigation and the upgraded Fender sound system is to splurge for the Golf R’s more expensive DCC and Navigation trim.
You can get more of the Golf R’s on sale at Garisea.
