Volkswagen Golf R on the horizon
The Volkswagen Golf R is headed our way, unfortunately we will have to wait until early next year for it to officially arrive on showroom floors. In the meantime, here are 5 things that you need to know about the hot new Golf R.
The most powerful Golf R
This R badged Golf will develop 235 kW and 400Nm from its EA888 turbocharged four-cylinder motor. While a 6-speed manual transmission is offered in other markets, locally the 2.0-litre motor will be paired to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission, with power delivered to the wheels via an updated 4Motion torque vectoring all-wheel drive system. Customers can expect performance numbers like 100km/h in 4,7 seconds, and a top speed of 250km/h
It has drift mode
The system boasts selective wheel torque control on the rear axle which means that the opposing rear corner of the car prioritises extra torque while cornering, which should make the ‘8 R highly competitive around a track. If track times are not what you are after, the Golf-first Drift mode is now a standardised setting to choose from, which gives the car the ability to flick the back end out and rapidly abridge mileage from the rear tyres.
It’s all digital
The VW Golf Mk 8 digitised many of the displays and controls in this globally best-selling product line. This has enabled the graphics to be tailored to the new Volkswagen Golf R in the standard Discover Pro infotainment system and the Digital Cockpit configurable instrument panel. The 10-inch Discover Pro touchscreen display greets the driver with a new R welcome screen as soon as the vehicle is opened with the vehicle key.
Show to match the go
The exterior design of the new Golf R includes a new front bumper featuring a motorsport-style splitter and R-specific air intake grilles, with high-gloss black elements. At the top of the radiator grille, the Golf features a blue crossbar which lights up as an LED strip as soon as the engine starts and stretches all the way into the fenders to act as the daytime running lights.
When will it arrive?
Volkswagen South Africa confirmed that the anticipated fifth generation Golf R, will only be available from early 2023 however the Tiguan R, which makes use of similar tech and powertrains as the Golf will arrive in October with deliveries expected in November.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen Golf R cost in South Africa?
The new Golf R is expected to start around R850,000 when it arrives in early 2024, making it one of the priciest hot hatches on our market but still competitive against the Mercedes-AMG A45 S and Audi RS3.
Q: Is the Volkswagen Golf R worth buying over the GTI?
The Golf R delivers 235 kW versus the GTI's 180 kW, plus you get all-wheel drive and that brilliant drift mode, but you'll pay roughly R200,000 more for the privilege of the R badge and extra performance.
Q: How fast is the new Golf R compared to its rivals?
With a 4.7-second 0-100 kph time and 250 kph top speed, the Golf R matches the Mercedes-AMG A45 S for straight-line pace but trails slightly behind the hardcore Honda Civic Type R around a proper track.
Q: Does the Golf R come with a manual transmission in South Africa?
No, South African Golf R models only get the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, even though European buyers can still choose a proper 6-speed manual gearbox.
Should You Buy It?
The best all-weather hot hatch under R900,000 in SA is the new Golf R, assuming you can stretch beyond the R850,000 expected price tag. Yes, you should buy it if you want a practical daily driver that can embarrass sports cars at the traffic lights and survive our potholed roads without drama. The 4Motion all-wheel drive system gives you confidence in wet weather that front-wheel drive rivals simply can't match, while that 235 kW punch from the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine delivers proper performance credentials. Sure, it's expensive compared to the excellent GTI, but the R badge brings genuine engineering upgrades like torque vectoring and drift mode that justify the premium.
