First Impressions: Volkswagen Golf R driven on track!
I simply love the VW Golf, there I said it. But the VW Golf I recently tested was not like any ordinary Golf, it was by far, the most powerful version of the Golf ever. No, I’m not talking about the Golf GTi, and if you think your mind gets blown away by the GTi, wait till you take the Golf R for a spin. So how does the Golf R trounce the GTi? In terms of powertrain, the Golf R has an even more advanced version of the EA888 four-cylinder turbocharged direct-injection TSI 2.0-litre engine that’s fitted to the Mk7 Golf GTI. The engineers boosted power to an estimated 290hp, while maximum torque has been increased to 380Nm, available over a broad speed band from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm. As a result, the Golf R has 70 more horsepower than the GTI. Equipped with a 6-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic, the Golf R is capable of reaching 100 km/h from a standstill in just 5 seconds, 1.5 seconds faster than the GTI. Where the GTi is quick, its more powerful sibling is super fast!
I was recently extended with an invitation by VGM to test drive this brand new model for a few laps around the Sepang International circuit. Just like other journalists who were present at the event, I was really excited to get behind the wheel of the Golf R. Well, it’s not everyday you get to drive a performance car that can push you back into your seats as you flex your right foot hard on the throttle, let alone have the chance to drive it on an F1 circuit; it’s like a virtual petrol-head playground come to life for any car enthusiast. This is all thanks to Volkswagen Group Malaysia for arranging such an amazing track event.
Just like a kid in a candy store, I couldn’t stand still for even a second waiting for my turn at the car. The Golf R comes in many colours but the Lapiz Blue Metallic colour that was provided for the track run looks absolutely gorgeous and pleasing in the eye, don’t you think?So how does it behave on track? Well, let’s just say that the Golf R is an exhilarating driving machine will make its owners literally weep for joy. It has oodles of acceleration and I just love the booming sound of the exhaust note that happens when the cogs swap at high revs. Although it was tuned to be a bit louder for the Golf R, it actually sounds mechanically sexy!The DGS gearbox on the other hand, performs well on track with silky smooth shifts and it has very strong acceleration with an abundance of power on tap. You can actually feel the sudden boost of power coming when you step your foot onto the fun pedal.
Tackling sharp turns around the Sepang track, the R never seemed to lose control although I was the one who had gone into a near panic and at some points. Honestly, I never knew a small family hatchback could handle so well on a track. The R stays planted and stable on the road so even if you’re the worst driver on earth, the Golf R will override your mistakes and avoid the hatchback from going into a spin. How cool is that? The dynamic agility of the Golf R can be partly attributed to the 4Motion all-wheel drive system with fifth-generation Haldex coupling, which sends power to the front tyres and redirects to the rear when more traction is required. In addition to the front-rear Haldex coupling, the Golf R uses a version of the standard GTI’s brake-actuated electronic diff lock system to distribute drive from left to right for the front and rear axles.
Apart from that, the R features XDS+ (Cross Differential Lock Plus) that applies brake pressure to the inside wheel to help restore optimal traction as soon as the electronics detect excessively light loads during hard cornering.There’s a lot more for you to explore with the Golf R. The Electronic Stability Control (ESC) is fitted as standard but it can also be fully deactivated if you feel like being a little playful. All of these mechanisms makes the Golf R an easy and fun hatchback that sets it apart from a standard Golf.
The Golf R is available in standard 3-door variant at RM245,888 as well as an optional Tech Pack in 5-door body-style. For an additional RM30,000, you’ll be getting a Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) that offers 5 driving modes including ‘Eco’ ‘Comfort’, ‘Normal’, ‘Race’ and ‘Sport’ that allows owners to suit driving profile properties to their individual needs and driving behaviour. In ‘Race’ mode, for instance, damping is increased as well as engine response and the shift points of the DSG transmission are configured to be even sportier. The tech pack also comes with a plethora of goodies including “Vienna” leather upholstery, 12-way electric adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control with speed limiter and a KESSY keyless entry and starting system. Considering that the mechanical bits already seem well worth the extra RM30k, the Tech Pack is easily the best option which will make your purchase even more worthwhile. Only if you are willing to splash out RM285,888 from your pocket that is.
While it’s a great performance hatchback, the Golf R is just as practical as any other Golf, meaning you will be able to comfortably accommodate three adults with decent size cargo space to load plenty of grocery bags or luggage. Not to mention that the Golf R returns a respectable 6.9-litres per 100 km on the combined cycle, which makes it more fuel efficient from its predecessor, allowing you to travel a distance of approximately 14.9km per litre. Sporty yet practical at the same time, this pocket rocket is simply the best of both worlds. But the question boils down to how does the R behaves in the real world. Will the Golf R adapt well to our poorly constructed local roads? How will it be able to cope? There is only one way to find out when we do our video review of the Golf R in the near future, so be sure to stay tuned to AF!
