The R Word
Volkswagen’s range-topping hatch, the Golf R receives a midlife refresh. There is still a part of me that laments the loss of that lovely V6 engine which graced the engine bay of the R32 Golf, the R’s predecessor. The current-day Golf R, in its second generation, is powered by a 2.0 turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
While the interior is largely unchanged, the “new” car does receive a new digitised instrument cluster and infotainment unit.
The Discover Pro infotainment system features a 9.2 inch touchscreen and offers swipe-style gesture control... Jedi geek moment… mmm… The new system is particularly a great help when utilising the SatNav, which you can replicate onto the instrument binnacle for easier reference. Connectivity with Android or Apple mobile devices is possible through the car’s AppConnect system, and rear passengers are also able to access the Discover Pro system through the car’s WiFi hotspot, utilising their mobile devices.
Practicality for VW’s compact hatch has always been one of their strong points, and the Golf R does not compromise, and is able to accommodate four adults in comfort.
Front sports seats are supportive, and do a fabulous job of holding you in-place around the bends, and are lined with ‘Vienna’ leather trim for an added touch of quality.
While the R does get just about every bell and whistle available in the Golf range, including the lovely DCC, we do feel that it does come across as a little too rough for our liking in whoppass “Race” mode, and perhaps it is built at the furthest limit that the MQB platform can go in a Golf body. On the flip side, it does still feel better-planted than SEAT’s Leon Cupra, all thanks to its 4MOTION.
That said, the R is one of the best “under the radar” cars we have driven.
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