Volkswagen Golf VIII R

The ultimate Golf, the Golf R, is back on the eighth-generation model, completing the high-performance variants of the eighth-generation Golf. With the R back, the main question is, does it outperform the old model as well as the current generation's GTi model? Let's zoom in.

Priced at 50,220 Euros plus additional costs, the Golf VIII R sits on the higher position of the Golf food chain, slotting above our fan-favorite GTi, just like the previous model does. Unlike the previous model, the new Golf R is available only in a five-door configuration because five doors are better looking than three doors, as one simian said. Still, despite being offered only in five-door, the new Golf R fits well for those who are going solo or with friends while indulging in its turbocharged 4WD frenzy.

For starters, the new Golf R works and behaves like a normal Golf, judging from its minimalist interior that scares speedo boys straight, seating for five people, not to mention the wide range of driving assists such as the new Travel Assist feature, Adaptive Cruise Control with predictive speed detection, Front Assist, and its IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights.

However, because this is the ultimate Golf, the R features a more sporty exterior design that sets itself apart from the already sporty GTi model as well as its sport seats and blue accents on the inside that smell like swagger when you get behind the wheel. There's also an R button that can engage its Race profile, which is worth noticing even on track day Sundays.

Under the hood, the turbocharged 2.0L petrol engine produces 20 more than the previous model, delivering 320PS of power and 420Nm of torque. The only gearbox offered in the R, sadly, is a 7-speed DSG and with this gearbox (that some say sucks, sadly), not to mention the fact that it packs a new, performance-oriented all-wheel drive system, it does 0-100kph in 4.7 seconds and electronically capped at 250kph.

Yes, with the DSG being the only gearbox offered just like today's GTi, it somewhat spoils the driving experience unlike the previous model it replaces, but while the gearbox is the big issue for the R, the all-wheel drive system is worth balancing act because it now comes with a rear differential and joy of joys, torque vectoring that allows most to be transferred to the rear wheels. With such balance, the new Golf R delivers a more addictive driving experience for the drivers even when taken on either gravel or snow when needed. And it's driftable so you can send it sideways when you want.

Speaking of balance, the Golf R featured various ways and means to make it even more enjoyable to drive on the road and track such as the standard variable-ratio steering, retuned suspension, the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, ESC, traction control, and improved braking system, among many others.

The new Golf R may be more expensive than the GTi and while the DSG-only offering and minimalist interior are not friendly for speedo boys behind the wheel, the addictive performance delivered by its turbocharged engine, performance-oriented all-wheel drive system, and improved dynamics, made the ultimate Golf even more ultimate than before. Yes, such dynamics can upset the GTi by a long shot but in the end, it's just a Volkswagen like every Volkswagen should be.

Photo: Volkswagen