Volkswagen Golf VII R

2014 Volkswagen Golf R

Since 2012. Volkswagen launched the all new Golf VII and for us, it's a bit too simple for its own taste. A year later, the range keeps on growing with the addition of the new Golf GTI, Golf GTD, Golf Estate and Golf TDI BlueMotion. Now, the Golf range continues to grow with the addition of the ultimate Golf yet. The R...

The R is the ultimate VW Golf?

Yes. Well, sort of. Anyway, the Golf VII R served as the high-performance version of the Golf VII and sits on the higher position of the Golf food chain, slotting above our fan favorite GTi.

Does it come with a 5-door model?

Yes. Like the previous model, the new Golf R is available in either a 3-door (if you're more of a loner) or a 5-door (if you have friends). Drivers who want a more driver-focused hot hatch would go for the three door while casual drivers would go for the five-door model. Regardless of which, it's still a hot hatch to end all hot hatches. The Golf to end all Golfs.

2014 Volkswagen Golf R

The performance figures...what is it?

The new Golf R comes with a powerful 2.0L turbo engine producing 300PS of power. It may be less than the ultimate king of hot hatches, the A45 AMG, but for the Golf R, it's still more enjoyable to drive. For transmission choices, you can have a 6-speed manual gearbox or an automatic dual clutch gearbox (DSG). Even though they're normally limited to 250kph, I'd recommend choosing the manual gearbox because having a turbocharged monster with the manual gearbox can be a lot more fun. Let's be honest, while the DSG option is quicker than the manual model, the one with the manual gearbox is still enjoyable to drive. There's nothing more fun than a happy Brainiac shifting gears in a 300PS hot hatch, if you know what I'm saying.

2014 Volkswagen Golf R

What about the 4WD system?

The engine may be new but the 4WD system on the new Golf R is pretty much different because it now incorporates the Haldex 5 coupling. Because of the updated 4WD system, you can expect this to be 18 per cent more efficient than the previous model. The torque-split distribution feels a bit different than what it used to be because at start, torque is distributed to the front but if you want things to be more messy, the new 4WD system can run the rear wheels in a split second and all the power goes to the back. If you set the traction control and ESP off, the new 4WD system takes "science abuse" graduated to a whole new level.

How's the interior?

2014 Volkswagen Golf R interior

The new interior is still pretty much decent. It still has lots of equipment, such as sat-nav, climate control, and tons of other stuff to make this hot-hatch a do-all car for day-to-day basis. No wonder the idea of a good hot hatch is to have everything the driver wishes. Sure, hot hatches can be as fun as a supercar but because it has a bigger boot in the back, enough to fit a celebrity in the back, you can leave your worries behind. You can even have seats made of Nappa or Alcantara.

Should I buy one?

Good question, though. The new Golf R starts at 38,325 Euros, about ten thousand Euros less than the A45 AMG so in theory, this hot hatch is a bargain in its own right. But if you don't have that kind of cash, best to stick to the GTi instead but still, the GTi is an enjoyable hot hatch. It's more well-balanced and an overall game-changer in the hot-hatch stakes.