The R badge has resurfaced from the VW garage and this time it has taken its legacy to a whole new level. The 2014 Golf R, destined to see day light during the Frankfurt Motor Show has been officially revealed by Volkswagen with performance figures that take it deep into race car territory.
Like most performance focused VWs, the Golf R is sedate and subtle on the outside, but what lies beneath is what defines this shimmering bleu beast. Packing 300PS power and 380Nm torque, the 2.0-litre TSI turbo petrol engine propels the Golf R from stand still 100kmph in less than five seconds, which is as quick as an Audi S4 sports saloon. What is more interesting is that despite the war chest under the hood, the Golf R will return a humbling 18kmpl efficiency with the dual-clutch transmission. There is also a six-speed manual on offer like on the Golf GTI along with an R-line aero kit.
The exterior design is along the line of its Golf siblings with the new double section headlamps and twin blade grille with the lustrous chrome R badge on it defining the car’s facia along. The optional 19-inch alloy wheels and the quad exhaust tip complete the Golf R which also drops its suspension by 0.78 inches to meet its performance standards.
The Golf GTI is what every hot hatch aspires to be and this Golf R beats it hands down at least on paper. It is now the most powerful production hatch to be conceived by VW and with its latest Haldex 5 four-wheel drive system can send almost 100 per cent of drive to the rear axle when required. So if you have been looking for a car that will give you the best work life balance, then look no further, as there are very few cars that can do what the Golf R does this with this much finesse.
