Overview
The greatness of a car can be measured largely by how thrilling it is to drive. While entertainment isn’t just tied to horsepower, the 315-hp Volkswagen Golf R is best at stomping with butterflies. at a higher level of performance than is already fun Golf GTI, reviewed separately, the R adds all-wheel drive with a Drift mode that allows the R to completely hang by distributing torque to one side of the rear axle. While this dance seems more natural in fully rear-biased cars such as Ford Mustang Or Chevrolet camaroThe fact that it’s possible in such a similar package honda civic type r is righteous by nature. The Golf R has a hotter hatch than the GTI in part due to bigger brakes and a top speed of 60 mph that is more than a full second faster. However, the R’s hefty price tag puts it in Toyota Supra Sports-car sector.
What’s new for 2023?
While the Golf R doesn’t change much for 2023, Volkswagen has added 20th Anniversary Edition model with visual changes including 20th-anniversary badging, blue “R” logos inside and out, and special puddle lights that illuminate the “20R” graphic on the ground. Black 19-inch wheels are standard, and 20th The Anniversary R is offered in blue, black or white. Only 1800 special editions will be made.
Pricing and Which One to Buy
Since the Golf R is primarily offered as a fully loaded model, the biggest decision you’ll need to make when buying it is whether you opt for the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission as standard six-speed manual transmission. Want to trade speed manual. Choosing the latter increases its base price by just $800. However, we prefer stick shift.
Engine, Transmission and Performance
Under the hood of the Golf R is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder that makes 315 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque—up from 288 hp and 280 pound-feet in the previous-generation R. The engine pairs to either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The standard 4Motion all-wheel-drive system features a rear differential that can actively distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels for better handling. The Golf R’s selectable drive modes (Comfort, Sport, Race, Special, Drift and Individual) can be activated by pressing the “R” button on the steering wheel. We hatch drift mode sampled, which proved entertaining on slick surfaces, but it won’t replace the fun factor of a rear-drive muscle car. Every model gets a sport exhaust system, variable-ratio steering and a larger front disc brake. It also rides on a set of 19-inch wheels shod with summer performance tyres. during our first drive in germany, the Golf R showed off the agility and consistency of its strong engine, responsive dual-clutch automatic, and intelligent all-wheel-drive system. The version we drove was also equipped with the optional Performance Package that adds two more drive modes, including a delectable Drift mode that allows for some tail-sliding antics. On our test track, our Golf R test car blazed to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds with the seven-speed automatic transmission, while the six-speed manual slows things down to 4.9 seconds.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
The EPA estimates that the most efficient version of the Golf R is the one with the dual-clutch automatic transmission, which earned ratings of 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Going with the manual transmission drops those numbers to 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, which is a worthy trade in our opinion for the more engaging six-speed stick. We didn’t get a chance to test it on its 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of Our Comprehensive Test Rules, but we’ll update this story with details when we do. For more information on the Golf R’s fuel economy, visit EPA website,
Interior, Comfort & Cargo
The Golf R mimics the GTI’s new cabin design, which offers a sportier aesthetic than the previous generation Golf. Both feature a thick-rimmed steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls that operate the 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster with configurable layout. Unlike the GTI, the Golf R is not available with plaid seat inserts, but it does boast front seats wrapped in Nappa leather. These special buckets have blue and carbon-looking accents on the side sections as well as a blue “R” logo in the backrest. Other interior features include ambient lighting with 30 colours, stainless steel pedals and more carbon-look trim on the dashboard. The new Golf R also offers impressive cargo space and a comfortable back seat.
Infotainment & Connectivity
As seen on the new GTI, the Golf R’s infotainment system will run via a 10.0-inch touchscreen located in the center of the dashboard. Its secondary controls include touch-sensitive sliders versus physical knobs and buttons. The system should be available with a Harmon/Kardon premium stereo, along with the mandatory charging port. We also expect popular stuff like Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Wi-Fi hotspot.
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
The new Golf R offers more driver-assistance technology Compared to its predecessor, that includes blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. For more information on the crash-test results of the Golf R, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHSWebsites. Key security features include:
- Standard forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking
- Standard Lane-Departure Warning and Lane-Keeping Assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
Although VW’s powertrain warranty isn’t the top among classmates, both its limited warranty and complimentary scheduled maintenance are among the best.
- Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles
- Complimentary maintenance covered for 2 years or 20,000 miles
Specifications
Specifications
2022 Volkswagen Golf R (Seven-Speed ​​DCT)
Vehicle Type: Front-Engine, All-Wheel-Drive, 5-Passenger, 4-Door Hatchback
worth
Base/as tested: $44,640/$45,440
Option: Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, $800
engine
Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 121 in31984 cm3
Power: 315 HP @ 5900 rpm
Torque: 310 lb-ft @ 1900 rpm
transmission
7-speed dual-clutch automatic
chassis
Suspension, F/R: Struts/Multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.1-in Vented, Cross-Drilled Disc/12.1-Vented Disc
Tyres: Pirelli P Zero PZ4
235/35R-19 91Y R02
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.5 Inch
Length: 168.9 inches
Width: 70.4 inches
Height: 57.7 inches
Passenger Volume: 92 ft3
Cargo Volume: 20 ft3
Curb Weight: 3360 lb
CD Exam Results
60 mph: 3.9 sec
100 mph: 10.0 sec
1/4-mile: 12.5 seconds @ 111 mph
130 mph: 18.4 seconds
The above results leave a 1-ft rollout of 0.2 seconds.
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 5.2 seconds
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 2.7 seconds
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 3.6 seconds
top speed (CD Est): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 151 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 304 ft
Roadholding, 300-feet skidpad: 0.99 grams
CD fuel economy
Viewed: 23 mpg
EPA Fuel Economy
Combined/City/Highway: 26/23/30 mpg
2022 Volkswagen Golf R (Six-Speed ​​Manual)
Vehicle Type: Front-Engine, All-Wheel-Drive, 5-Passenger, 4-Door Hatchback
worth
Base/as tested: $45,185/$45,185
option: none
engine
Turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, iron block and aluminum heads, direct fuel injection
Displacement: 121 in31984 cm3
Power: 315 HP @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 280 lb-ft @ 1900 rpm
transmission
6-speed manual
chassis
Suspension, F/R: Struts/Multilink
Brakes, F/R: 14.1-in vented, cross-drilled disc/12.2-in vented disc
Tyres: Hankook Ventus S1 Evo3
235/35R-19 91Y+
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 103.5 Inch
Length: 168.9 inches
Width: 70.4 inches
Height: 57.7 inches
Passenger Volume, F/R: 51/41 ft3
Cargo Volume, Rear F/R: 35/20 ft3
Curb Weight: 3380 lb
CD Exam Results
30 mph: 1.4 sec
60 mph: 4.9 seconds
100 mph: 11.4 sec
1/4-mile: 13.4 seconds @ 106 mph
130 mph: 20.4 sec
The above results leave a 1-ft rollout of 0.2 seconds.
Rolling start, 5-60 mph: 6.0 seconds
Top gear, 30-50 mph: 8.7 seconds
Top gear, 50-70 mph: 5.8 seconds
Top Speed ​​(MFR Claimed): 155 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 161 ft
Braking, 100–0 mph: 317 ft
Roadholding, 300-feet skidpad: 0.95 grams
CD fuel economy
Seen: 16 mpg
EPA Fuel Economy
Combined/City/Highway: 23/20/28 mpg
CD test explained
More Features and Specifications