Well-rounded charisma with sharp lines and design

One of those few cars that tick so many boxes and do so much so well, the latest version the range-topping Volkswagen Golf R is practical but compact, refined but focused, nimble but grippy, classy but understated and scorchingly brisk but utterly civilised. 

Quicker, more efficient and a more responsive drive than the car it replaces, the new R is the most powerful regular production Golf in its full fat 296BHP Euro-spec version.

The Middle East spec version driven is, however, detuned to 276BHP for better hot weather operation. But with near identical headline figures and effortlessly swift real world performance, one could hardly tell the difference.

Clean, classy lines

Built on Volkswagen’s new modular MQB platform, which incorporates partial aluminium construction, the new Golf R sheds 46kg over its predecessor in a like-for-like comparison in terms of model specification, which contributes to its improved performance, efficiency and handling.

Though lighter the new Golf R is a slightly bigger, wider and longer car than the one it replaces, with a longer wheelbase but sits lower, and in most ways is a roomier car. The more aggressively tuned and substantial sister to the front-drive Golf GTI, the yet hotter four-wheel-drive Golf R hot hatch gains an additional pair of driven wheels and some 90kg mass.

Sitting 5mm lower, the more muscular Golf R also does without the GTI’s nostalgic red pinstripes and tartan cloth stylistics, and gains a more purposeful appearance including bigger, more angular alloy wheels, quad tail pipes and more chiselled air intake and bumper assembly. With centre intake angled downwards and larger single slat side intakes, the Golf R has a distinctly more draped, road-hugging and urgent demeanour.

Compared to its predecessor, the new R has more defined lines and angles rather than rounded edges, and is an altogether more handsome and classy design, with more muscular bonnet, cleaner design lines, sharper headlight and more crisply styled rear lights.

Digging in hard 

Long gone are the days of V6-engine Golfs, for which Volkswagen’s iconic hatchback is all the better, considering the high output, and lightweight and efficiency gains of the new Golf R’s four-cylinder engine. A more powerful and upgraded variant of Volkswagen’s familiar turbocharged two-litre, the R’s engine features a new cylinder head, bigger fuel injectors and turbo, and different pistons over the next most powerful Golf GTI variant.

Developing 276BHP at 5,500-6,200rpm and 280lb/ft torque throughout 1,800-5,500rpm, and mated to a finger-snap shifting automated dual clutch gearbox (DSG) and latest generation Haldex four-wheel-drive system, the Mid-East Golf R demolishes the 0-100km/h sprint in five seconds flat, and tops out at 250km/h.

With tenacious four-wheel-drive putting its prodigious power down with superb effectiveness and civility, the Golf R doesn’t suffer wild torque-steer or wheel-spin, but rather digs in and bolts away.

With a slight gruff grown at low revs that grows to an almost Subaru boxer engine-like burble, the Golf R’s engine spools up quickly and with negligible turbo lag. Riding an abundant and wide mid-range wave of torque for effortless on-the-move flexibility, the Golf R pulls clean from low rpm, and swiftly and consistently builds towards a maximum power plateau. Responsively tractable throughout its rev range, the Golf R’s muscular engine effortlessly delivers a truly brisk performance without fuss or drama.

Reassuring thrills

With its 8.5l/100km combined fuel efficiency in mind, the Golf R up-shifts smoothly and early in default auto mode, but takes a more reticent approach in sportier gearbox shift modes, where gears are held longer for a better response. Well able to support a seventh gear on the highway, the DSG version Golf R comes with a six- rather than Volkswagen’s newer seven-speed auto-shifter.

The six-speed DSG however provides very responsive top gear on-the-move acceleration. Able to reapportion up to 100 per cent power to rear wheels if the front wheels slip, the Golf R’s four-wheel drive system provides the sure-footed traction and grip that allow for its electronic stability systems to be completely switched off.

Far nimbler, more agile and involving than its 1495kg weight might suggest, the Golf R is a crisp and thrilling yet benignly reassuring hot hatch. With quick and precise steering turning tidily in the Golf R’s front wheels dig in as it darts through a corner.

With the four-wheel-drive working to maintain a tight and faithful cornering line, the Golf R’s clear and eager throttle response allows one to easily adjust the line on-throttle, while the rear wheels receive more power should the front try to run wide. Flickable and agile, the Golf R is eager through switchbacks and through tight and fast turns, with superb body control. 

Classy cabin 

Flat and poised through corners, the nimble Golf R’s quick steering ratio and manual mode gearbox paddle shifters mean one never need change from the quarter-to-three steering position. Quick and light on its feet in its agile and nippy handling, the Golf R is, however, also firmly planted and highly reassuring through fast sweeping bends and on the highway. 

With four-wheel drive, the Golf R’s statuesque but unexaggerated 225/40R18 footwear can both provide high levels of traction and grip, and at the same time a good steering feel and just enough suppleness to keep it comfortably firm over imperfections, while vertical control on rebound is taut and settled.

A fluid drive with four-wheel drive ensuring stability and less electronic intervention, the Golf R is responsive, intuitive and eager, and with adjustable, supportive and comfortable seats one finds an ideal driving position. With easy ingress, big glasshouse visibility, and well-adjustable and sporty steering wheel, one accurately places the Golf R on road.

Classy yet sporty with quality fit and finish, the Golf R is a driver-focused environment with good cabin space for larger occupants, driver-tilted centre console and clear instrumentation. With between 343- to 1,233-litres luggage room depending on seat configuration, the five-door Golf is practical and convenient, while the safety, infotainment and standard and optional equipment list is extensive.