The Volkswagen Golf R is everything other Golf's are and much more. The “much more” part will be properly explained in the next lines, because the “rest” part is already known by everyone.
Let's fix what doesn't matter. The Volkswagen Golf R is – like any other model in the Golf range… – well built, comfortable, well equipped, spacious enough, etc… Finally, a list of qualities exhaustively repeated by specialist publications whenever they test the Golf. I want to spare you that.
“(…) the Volkswagen Golf R is the four-wheel equivalent of a zealous and showy housewife with masochistic tendencies.”
With that aside, let's get down to business: does the Volkswagen Golf R have a sporty pedigree or not? The answer is yes. And in generous doses. I started here, because I believe that this is the issue that most concerns anyone considering acquiring a model of this nature. Of course, the well-behaved and responsible family man part of Golf is still there. But there is another side: the “B side” – like the old vinyl records, remember?
To get to know this predictable "B side" of the Golf R, simply select Race mode in the Driving Mode Selection system, the idle speed increases a few revolutions, the electronic aids decrease, the suspension becomes firmer and the response of the controls (steering and accelerator) remains more direct.
Therefore, on the «B side» of the Golf R, the music is different. We've got heavy hetal, courtesy of the deep, full-bodied sound emitted by the 300hp 2.0 TSI engine and four tailpipes at the rear; and there's hip-hop in corners, courtesy of the 4Motion system and sporty suspensions that give the Volkswagen Golf R acrobatic capabilities and us a lot of freedom to improvise (just like the rappers).
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I confess. It was not a few times that I had difficulties in keeping up with the rhythm of the rhymes created by the immense grip that the Volkswagen Golf R prints on the asphalt. The 4Motion system has a knack: getting grip where it doesn't exist. The limits are so high that on more sporty rides you have to reprogram your brain to drive the Golf R as it deserves to be driven: brake later and accelerate earlier than normal.
And all this at speeds that rhyme with crime, driving license cancellation and so on. But don't tell anyone. The lyrics are just for us.
That said, it's easy to understand that it's not difficult to get into trouble with justice at the wheel of the Golf R. 300hp is always on the right foot, prepared to accelerate from 0-100km/h in just 5.1 seconds in a rushed march that ends in a flash , with the pointer indicating 250km/h (electronically limited). Consumption is in line with performance, with an average of 9 liters on every Sunday and 11.5 liters on normal journeys, without worries.
If this Golf R is worth the 56,746 euros that Volkswagen asks for it? It's hard to say. It's a lot of money, no doubt, but after all it's a car with "side A" and "side B". Manages to be responsible like most Golf’s and terribly sporty when necessary (always!).
If it weren't for the look that doesn't deceive anyone – read huge brake discs, R-design notes and sports bumpers – I could say without fear of exaggerating that the Volkswagen Golf R is the four-wheel equivalent of a zealous one and showy housewife with masochistic leanings, who likes to be bullied around corners and pulled like there's no tomorrow, but also does the daily chores – do you notice a lot that I've also made the mistake of going to Grey's 50 Shadows? The film sucks from any point of view, unlike the Golf R by the way…
Defects? In an attempt to be everything at the same time, he is neither the most competent family nor the most competent sportsman. He does everything like few others, but he is not the best at anything, nor the worst. However, the ear-to-ear smile kit is standard and if they buy it, they are guaranteed not to be reproached by the neighborhood. After all, for better or for worse, it's still a Golf. And in the eyes of society, people who ride golf are all good people. But be wary of those who drive a Golf R…
Photography: Thom V. Esveld
| MOTOR | 4 cylinders |
| CYLINDRAGE | 1998 cc |
| STREAMING | 6-speed DSG |
| TRACTION | Integral (4Motion) |
| WEIGHT | 1476 kg. |
| POWER | 300 hp / 5600-6200 rpm |
| BINARY | 380 / 1800-5500 rpm |
| 0-100 KM/H | 5.1 sec |
| SPEED MAXIMUM | 250 km/h |
| CONSUMPTION | 7.1 lt./100 km (average consumption announced) |
| PRICE | 56,746 euros (tested unit) |