What's the news?
The staff canteen in Volkswagen must serve some Grade A espresso as the Wolfsburg outfit has just announced the sixth version of the Golf in less than a year. Following in the wake of the regular Golf, the Golf GTI and GTD models, the Golf Estate and the Golf TDI BlueMotion comes the rip snorting, fire-breathing Golf R; all 300hp and four-wheel drive of it.
Exterior
To distinguish it from your common-or-garden variety Golf (and even the Golf GTI) the R will wear a suite of unique exterior details. At the front the R sports a new bumper with larger air inlets than that of the GTI. The grille has also been changed (and carries an 'R' logo) while the bi-Xenon headlights with integrated LED daytime running lamps project a distinctive "U" design beneath the dual headlights. Out back the R is fitted with smoked LED rear lights that feature a light colour strip in the middle. The flagship model also gains an 'R' Design rear diffuser, four chrome tailpipes and a unique boot spoiler.
As standard the R will be fitted with 18-inch alloy wheels, but these can be changed to 19-inch units, with a choice of two designs for the larger rim. Either way the Golf R sits 20mm lower than the standard car (and 5mm lower than the GTI) and has black painted brake callipers complete with R badges. Of the eight body colours available on the Golf R 'Lapis Blue Metallic' has been created exclusively for the car.
Interior
While not shown in any images the Golf R will feature a unique interior with sports seats finished in Titan Black 'Race' fabric (whatever that is) and Crystal Grey Alcantara. The seats can also be ordered in 'Carbon' Nappa leather with either dark or light leather centres. Leather features extensively in the cabin with the three spoke steering wheel being wrapped in it along with the gear gaiter. The 'R' logo is also used throughout as too are 'Carbon Touch' decorative inlays.
The proximity based touchscreen infotainment system will be carried over from the rest of the Golf range with some unique R elements implemented. Drivers will also be able to upgrade to the Car-Net system - a new online service that includes real time traffic information and 360-degree Google Street View maps.
Mechanicals
When it comes to the performance flagship of the Golf range everything else is superfluous; the engine and the power it possesses are the stars of the show and the fourth car to carry the R does not disappoint. It packs the same turbocharged 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine as the Audi S3, producing 300hp and 380Nm of torque. This is an improvement of 30hp and 30Nm over the Mk6 Golf R, yet fuel economy has improved by 18 per cent to 40.9mpg in the case of a DSG-equipped car.
With the dual-clutch transmission the R can hit 62mph from standstill in 4.9 seconds, while the six-speed manual takes 0.2 seconds longer to hit the benchmark speed. Whatever the transmission, the R is electronically restrained at 155mph (yet still has clocks that run to 200mph...).
As with previous generations of the R a 4Motion, Haldex-based all-wheel drive system is employed to harness the power and a full complement of electronic gizmos employed to keep the car on the black stuff. However, the brave can deactivate the ESC system altogether while the optional Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) also includes a Race setting.
Anything else?
The Golf R will take its bow at the Frankfurt Motor Show before going on sale later in the year. Prices have yet to be confirmed for the UK market.
Paul Healy - 20 Aug 2013
