The latest VW Golf R is here

Thursday, 5 November 2020

The Mark 8 VW Golf R is here. (Volkswagen supplied footage)

Volkswagen has revealed the latest, most powerful and most technologically advanced version of its hi-po Golf R.

It uses the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder as before but now producing 235kW and 420Nm, putting the Golf R on the same playing field as rivals like Ford’s Focus ST and Mercedes-AMG’s A 35. On paper, at least.

Power is split between both axles thanks to VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system and a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Overseas buyers have the option of a six-speed manual, but we’ll probably stick with the DCT only.

This is the new big daddy of the Golf range, the new Golf R.

VW’s newest offering will hit 100kmh in 4.7 seconds, 0.1 seconds faster than before. That might not seem like much but stiffer springs with adaptive dampers, a 20mm lower ride height, a new aluminium subframe and better anti-roll bars should make the Mk 8 Golf R hit corners harder than before.

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Looks like some serious aero to go with the increased power and improved chassis. We like.

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Six drive modes are also included, one of which being a new ‘Drift Mode’ which does what it says on the tin – remove the front wheels from the power equation and dial back the traction control. There’s also a mode called ‘Special’ which is designed specifically for lapping the Nurburgring.

Inside is a similar design to what we’ve already seen on the Mk 8 Golf, the GTI in particular. There’s a 10-inch touchscreen, VW’s Digital Cockpit with a virtual instrument cluster, touchpad controllers on the wheel replacing traditionally physical buttons alongside a special ‘R’ button for quickly jumping in and out of Race mode.

Externally, the new R has a new front bumper with chunky body colour blades extending into the intake, gloss black elements throughout, a set of 19-inch alloys and a chunky roof spoiler sitting above a quartet of exhaust pipes.

Volkswagen NZ confirmed we will be getting the Golf R here, currently pencilled in for a late 2021 arrival, after the February 2021 arrivals of the GTI and Life models.