THE Volkswagen (VW) Golf R is a track-inspired performance variant of the Golf hatchback with a high degree of sophistication.
We recently test drove the three-door Mk7.5 Golf R launched by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia in March last year.
Just like the five-door Golf R, it is powered by the 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine mated to a seven-speed wet clutch DSG. It produces a maximum output of 288hp and 380Nm of torque from 2,000rpm to 5,400rpm, sending power to all its wheels via the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.
VW claims that the Golf R can sprint to 100kph in 5.1 seconds while its top speed is electronically-limited to 250kph.
It stands at 4,268mm in length, 1,790mm in width and 1,442mm in height while weighing 1,389kg. It also has a 50-litre fuel tank and 380 litres of boot space.
The Golf R is equipped with 19-inch alloy wheels, R leather upholstery, R sport steering wheel with paddle shifters, 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with gesture control function, 10GB jukebox on top of the App-Connect mirroring system, advanced adaptive automatic LED headlights, full LED taillights with dynamic indicators, dual-zone climatronic system, 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster, driver profile selection, cruise control, automatic wipers, stainless steel pedals, illuminated scuff plates, dual exhaust system, eight-speaker sound system and reverse camera.
The safety aspects of the Golf R include seven airbags, adaptive chassis control, anti-lock braking system, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake pad wear indicator, electronic stability control, engine drag torque control, hill hold control, tyre pressure loss indicator, automatic post collision brake system, rest assist, occupant protection system, advance electronic differential lock, progressive steering and ISOFIX child seat anchor points.
The limited edition three-door Golf R is priced at RM294,390 excluding road tax, registration and insurance. The five-door Golf R is priced at RM304,390. The differences between the two are the two extra doors and the keyless entry and push-to-start button.
Every purchase of the Golf R is covered by three-year free maintenance, five-year manufacturer’s warranty and five-year roadside assistance.
THE DRIVE
The three-door Volkswagen Golf R gives track ability to a road legal hatchback, with comfort that is suitable for everyday use.
Known as the ultimate Golf, the powerful engine will propel it to its electrically-limited speed limit with ease, and it responses tothrottle input precisely.
The seven-speed wet clutch DSG shifts gears instantaneously and precisely.
Just like the Golf GTI, it is equipped with five driving modes, namely Comfort, Individual Eco, Normal and Race (instead of Sport in the GTI). It works together with the adaptive chassis control to sharpen the throttle response, reduce steering assistance and firm up the dampers with a press of a button.
Even on big wheels, the dampers filters out most bumps and potholes, with only huge road imperfections being felt.
The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is simply amazing. It pinned the Golf R to the tarmac on high-speed corners. The lightly weighted steering responds to direction changes quickly and accurately.
The Golf R has a spacious and quiet cabin. It can fit in four adults with enough headroom and shoulder room. However, if the front occupants are over 185cm, the rear occupants might not have sufficient legroom.
The VW engineers have done a fabulous job in keeping the cabin of the Golf R silent. Engine, tyre and wind noise are kept to a minimum, to the extent that we felt it’s too quiet to drive it fast.
As for the 9.2-inch touchscreen infotainment system with gesture control function, it is user-friendly and easy to operate. The gesture control function lets the driver conveniently switch channels while driving.
We managed to clock 500km in the three-door Volkswagen Golf R. It recorded 9.8 to 11.1 litres per 100km (l/100km) after a mix of city and highway driving. An aggressive full throttle driving on the highway consumed 12.6 to 16.4 l/100km. Cruising on the highway below the legal speed limit resulted in 7.2 to 8 l/100km.
In general, the Golf R is the ultimate performance powerhouse, but it is still short of some features. It would be great if the three-door Golf R were to come with keyless entry and push-to-start button as well. It would also further enhance the interior if the Golf R comes with more ambient lighting colour options.
Lastly, it would give the driver a peace-of-mind during long distance driving if the Golf R is equipped with adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, and also a blindspot warning system.