Let’s talk about the New Volkswagen Golf R. This car is not completely new, but it is updated. Fans call it the Mark 8.5 because it is like the Mark 8 with a few changes. These changes include more power, new extras, and the latest technology from the normal Golf 8.5. So, is this updated Golf R any good? Let’s find out!
Design Changes
The Golf R has a new front bumper that looks more aggressive than the standard Golf. It has been revised compared to the last Golf R. One cool update is the new LED lights and an illuminated VW badge. Many people like this feature. The side of the car has real vents, which is a nice touch. The car now comes with 19-inch wheels, and you can see the lovely blue calipers that are not on the standard Golf.
When we look at the back, there are new tail lights and a redesigned bumper. It has a sporty look, and the quad tailpipes are a standout feature. These tailpipes are not just for show; they are real!
Interior Features
Inside the Golf R, you will find a sporty leather steering wheel that has blue stitching and an R badge. The dashboard has a unique trim that looks metallic, and you can upgrade it to carbon if you want. Blue ambient lighting adds a nice touch to the interior.
The seats are sporty and have a nice pattern. They hug your body well and have blue stitching too. The center armrest and floor mats also have blue stitching. There are aluminum pedals that add to the sporty feel.
One big change is the new larger infotainment screen. The graphics are better, and the processing is faster, but it can still be a bit slow. The screen controls many features, including the climate controls, which can be confusing. Many people prefer physical knobs and switches instead of touch controls.
Back Seat Comfort
In the back, the seats are sporty too. You get good knee room and headroom, making it comfortable for adults. The space is decent, and you can choose to upgrade to leather seats if you want. However, many people may not find it necessary.
Engine Performance
The Golf R has a 2-liter turbocharged petrol engine. The torque is 420 Nm, and the power has increased from 320 hp in the previous model to 333 hp in this one. It has four-wheel drive and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The car can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.
When you test the car, it hooks up well, and the gear changes are fast. In real-world testing, it can reach 0 to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds, which is impressive. This shows that Volkswagen engineers have done a great job!
Practicality Concerns
There is one downside compared to the standard Golf: the boot space. The Golf R has a boot capacity of 341 liters, while the standard Golf has 380 liters. This is likely due to the sports exhaust and four-wheel drive system taking up some space.
Annoying Features
Now, let’s talk about some annoying things about the Golf R. First, there are only three color options available. White is the only free color, while black and blue are extra options. This can be frustrating for buyers who want more choices.
Second, the curtain side and center airbags are optional. This is concerning because safety features should be standard. Adding this cost to the car would not change people’s buying choices.
Another annoyance is the touch-sensitive buttons on the steering wheel. If you hold the wheel like a racing driver, you might accidentally activate features like the heated steering wheel or volume control.
Lastly, even in manual mode, the gearbox will still automatically change up. This can be frustrating for drivers who want full control.
Positive Features
Despite the annoyances, there are many good things about this car. For an extra £1,100, you can get lightweight forged alloy wheels that save 8 kg. Lighter wheels make the car feel more agile and comfortable.
For £700, you can upgrade to adaptive dampers with 15 different levels of stiffness. This allows you to make the car feel ultra-comfortable or sportier as needed. Plus, the R button on the steering wheel lets you switch modes without taking your eyes off the road.
For £3,000, you can get an upgraded exhaust. However, the standard exhaust sounds good enough, so many people might skip this upgrade.
Driving Experience
The Golf R has rated suspension, stiffer springs, and bigger brakes. It sits 20 mm lower than the standard Golf. When you drive it, you can feel how well it handles corners. It grips the road excellently, and you can feel the power going to the rear wheels, pushing you out of turns.
The engine is responsive and makes you want to rev it. The brakes have great feel, allowing you to control your stopping power easily. The adaptive suspension handles bumps well, making the ride comfortable.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the new Volkswagen Golf R is a fantastic car. It is practical, fun to drive, and offers great performance. If you are looking for a sporty hatchback, the Golf R is a great choice. You should definitely consider buying one!