Review
VW Golf R with the optional sports exhaust from Akrapovic
The Golf R is available from 42,480 euros. It has a TSI 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 DSG-7, which is a dual-clutch automatic gearbox with 7 speeds. That is a new and second version of the DSG-7 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 DSG-7 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.
Performance exhaust system Akrapovic
You can recognize the Golf R at the back, among other things, by the characteristic exhaust with 4 tailpipes. As standard, the sporty sounds that come out of this are heavenly. Still for enthusiasts of sports cars. Optionally you can choose an R “Performance” exhaust made of titanium. Developed in collaboration with Akrapovic, it is not only resistant to high temperatures thanks to its titanium alloy, but also emits an even sportier soundtrack. In addition to the sportier sound, there is also a weight saving of 7 kg compared to the standard exhaust. The additional cost of the option is 4,060 euros, but in our opinion it is certainly worth considering.
Performance Pack – “R”
Another interesting option that you can choose from on the Golf R is a Performance Pack (2,950 euros) from Volkswagen R. If you take this package, you will receive, among other things, a rear spoiler specially developed for the Golf R. This provides 20 kg. downforce not only for extra traction, but also for better road holding. In addition, the package also includes the R-Performance braking system with perforated brake discs with special brake pads at the front and a silver plate with the “R” logo on the brake caliper. Furthermore, this package also removes the speed limit. The top speed of the Golf R is no less than 267 km/h. This way you can personalize the Golf R even more for use on a circuit. If you want it even sportier, you can also opt for the optional 19-inch “Pretoria” alloy wheels that weigh only 9.6 kg. You can also optionally opt for semi-slick tyres.
Digital cockpit
Another option that we think is worth considering is the option of opting 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.
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
We can only be lyrical about the Golf R in general. If you are looking for a sports car, the Golf R is the best choice. For a feasible budget you get a powerful 310-horsepower sports car that also has four-wheel drive. With the standard exhaust, the Golf R already sounds quite sporty. Although the optional sports exhaust from Akrapovic is not cheap, in our opinion it is worth considering. The Golf R’s soundtrack has improved a bit and sounds great.
Bonus video extra footage of the exhaust sound:
Johan De Haes
Test driver
