Volkswagen’s all-new Golf R gets a power boost for its turbocharged 2.0-litre, four-cylinder engine – now 220kW/380Nm – but uses up to 18 per-cent less fuel.
Debuting in a couple of weeks at the Frankfurt Motor Show and due on-sale in Europe late this year in three-door and five-door models, the performance king of the Golf lineup combines that power with a DSG transmission and a new 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system with fifth-generation Haldex coupling to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 4.9-seconds (5.7-seconds for the current model).
Other technical changes include a new sport suspension, up-rated brakes, progressive variable-rate steering, ESC Sport stability control system (which can be de-activated for Track Days) and an optional DCC dynamic chassis control system with ‘Race’ mode.
Styling changes follow the usual Golf R formula – 18-inch alloy wheels (19-inch optional), rear diffuser, twin exhaust outlets, Bi-Xenon headlights (with dual ‘U’-shaped LED DRLs), dark red tail-lights, side skirts and unique bumpers.
Inside is also familiar – Alcantara trim, sports seats (Nappa leather an option), ‘R’ instrumentation and a sports steering wheel.
