Unfortunately our intel from 2009 on the new Volkswagen Golf R was correct. The Mzansi car features an engine much less powerful than its European counterparts, but still promises sizzling performance. Does it at least deliver on the sizzle? And is it better than the R32 it replaces? We took it around the Khayalami GP race track in order to find some answers.
The Golf R is obviously based on the Golf 6 that’s currently on our roads. It is the top of the range model for that badge, given that it’s more powerful than a GTI. But there’s more to the R than just power. I discovered this while taking a sharp left-hander atop turn 9 just before the famous mine shaft. The front left wheel went into an almost lock action, trying to adjust grip towards the best wheel. This is a safety as well as a performance enhancement brought about by the use of a Haldex-based 4Motion AWD system. Instead of pulling through the two front wheels, the Golf R pulls on all fours like an animal. Apparently it can send nearly all power, that is 100%, to the rear wheels in some instances via either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed DSG. I suspect some of those instances involve switching off the ESP (Electronic Stability Programme). But like a real nanny, VW doesn’t allow a complete shutdown of the shadow.
And like true nannies, the company secured the services of advanced driving instructors to sit next to us during our laps around Khayalami. As much as I appreciate a good nappy-changer, I reckon I’m old enough to look after my own poo thank you. As a result my run in the car was limited to only two sessions of 3 laps each, including the slow cool-down lap. Attacking corners with someone holding your hand all the time is just no fun, and I wasn’t keen on driving Miss Daisy more than twice. Nevertheless those few laps were quite fun, if not keenly subdued.
To get back into the car we can start with the engine, which is a 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI petrol. Overseas it gains a star-studded 199kW and 350Nm of torque. Mzansi keeps the same torque, thankfully, but loses significantly in the power stakes. The motor you’ll be picking up from your nearest dealership is worth a rather less impressive 188kW. An off-the-line sprint time of 5.7 seconds is claimed for the manual, while the DSG is supposedly good for 5.5 seconds. Very strong figures indeed, and ones we’ll be keen to strap our Vbox for. That it hits the fat scale at about 150kg more than a GTI should make things even more interesting. Top speed is said to be 250km/h. As far fuel efficiency goes, the fuel gauge will apparently indicate an average 8.5 litres per 100km when a tank is done. Corresponding C02 emissions are 199g/km.
So how does one differentiate between a run-of-the-mill Golf or GTI and an R? The multispoke 19-inch alloy wheels are similar to those of the R32 but yet different. Tied snuggly around them are 235/35 R19 bits of black rubber. LED daytime running lights are of course a must, as are R logos on the front grille, brake calipers and elsewhere. Just like the R32, VW opted for two chrome drones stuck at the rear centre. For extra loot you can have a rear camera park distance control system, satellite navigation, an electric sunroof and racing bucket seats in Vienna & Alcantara leather. Having not spent that much time hugged by the seats I can’t really say how comfortable they are on an everyday basis.
The new Golf R is here to claim its space among Renault Megane RSs, Ford Focus RSs and Audi S3s. But VW SA is targeting more precious prey. They reckon it can run alongside the 225kW BMW 135i and the Subaru STI. Again, massive confidence on their part. I reckon that’s probably only to justify the eye-blistering list price. As for my own part, I can’t say I was particularly moved in a certain direction as far as the R driving experience. It seems quite neutral; neither numb nor terribly peppery. That 150kg of extra curd cannot be hushed away, and the understeer inherent in AWD cars is ever-present, even if minimised. Rip the mighty VW badge off and let’s see how it stacks up.
Golf R Pricing
2.0 TSI manual (R408 930)
2.0 TSI DSG (R423 430)
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