Review
VW Golf R
VW recently presented an update to the Golf. The sportier models such as the GTI and the R received additional horsepower and a new DSG7 has also been developed for the powerful models such as the Golf R. We also find numerous technological innovations such as Gesture Control or a digital dashboard (Active Info Display). We went out with the GTI and the Golf R.
About 33 million units of the VW Golf have already been sold. Every year, around a million people choose a new Golf and a new model rolls off the production line every 40 seconds. The appearance of the new Golf was further refined. The Golf received, among other things, a new bumper and a new radiator grille. You can still recognize the GTI by the legendary red line in the grille. All Golf models now get Full-LED taillights as standard. In the GTI you also get standard LED headlights with red and chrome elements.
Motorizations
The new Golf is of course available in numerous engines and finishes. We were introduced to the new Golf through a test drive with the new Golf GTI and the Golf R.
VW Golf GTI
The Golf GTI is available from 31,340 euros. Then you get a 230 hp six-speed manual transmission. In addition, GTI Performance is also available, which is a 245 hp automatic with a 7-speed DSG from 35,670 euros.
Our test car was the manual version with a power of 230 hp and a max. torque of 350 Nm. This is equipped with a four-cylinder 2.0 TSI BMT petrol engine with a capacity of 1,984 cc exclusively for the GTI. The GTI sprints to 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and the top speed is 250 km/h.
VW Golf R
The Golf R is available from 41,870.01 euros. This has a TSI BMT petrol engine with 4 cylinders and a capacity of 1,984 cc. This block produces a power of over 310 hp and a max. torque of 400 Nm. Compared to the previous generation, the power of the R has increased by 10 hp. The Golf R is equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and DSG7, which is a dual-clutch automatic gearbox with 7 speeds. That is a new and second version of the DSG7 developed by VW. The first DSG7 of the DQ200 type can be found in the smaller engines with a max. torque of up to 250 Nm. This second DSG7 of the DQ 381 type was developed for powerful engines with a maximum torque from 340 Nm and more, such as in the Golf R. The Golf R can also achieve impressive performance. It goes from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h.
Digital cockpit
One of the most striking novelties inside is the option to opt for a fully digital cockpit. Active Info Display is a fully digital instrument cluster with various interactive functions. All instruments are displayed digitally on a 12.3-inch color screen. The information from the navigation system can also be displayed in 2D or 3D. As a driver you can also choose from 5 different profiles for displaying the instrument cluster.
Doorbird
The new Golf also offers many new applications in the field of connectivity. This is how you have the DoorBird function. Via MirrorLink and the technology of the start-up DoorBird, it is possible to connect the video system of your home’s intercom with the infotainment system of the new Golf. If someone rings your doorbell, you can see the images on the screen in the car and via the app you can talk to the person at your door and open the door remotely. Handy if, for example, someone has forgotten their keys.
Semi-autonomous driving
Traffic Jam Assist makes driving in traffic jams a lot easier. This works based on Lane Assist and ACC for models with a DSG. Lane Assist ensures, among other things, that the car stays within the lane. The Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) provides automatic braking and acceleration for speeds up to 60 km/h. With the Traffic Jam Assist, the Golf guides the driver in traffic jams with steering, driving and braking. The driver must keep his hands on the steering wheel to intervene if necessary.
With Emergency Assist, the system can autonomously stop the car when the driver is unable to do so himself. When the sensors detect that the driver is no longer steering, braking or accelerating, the system will warn the driver in various phases. If it does not respond, the system will activate the flashing lights and automatically bring the car to a stop.
With Front Assist and Emergency Braking, the Golf can also detect pedestrians, among other things. If the system detects a pedestrian crossing the street, it can warn the driver and, if necessary, automatically apply the brakes to avoid a collision.
Conclusion
The update of the Golf GTI and Golf R is more of an evolution than a revolution. That’s because both models were rock solid even before the update. The digital dashboard Active Info Display is a nice improvement. The Golf R is our favorite of these two models. In addition to the higher power, we think the four-wheel drive is a real asset. The Golf R seems glued to the road, in the rain or on a dry road surface.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
