While I had a great time reviewing the Golf GTI, I really wonder how much better can the Golf R be. Considering the significant price difference between the Golf GTI and the Golf R, this solidifies the Golf R’s position as the ultimate Golf in its model line up. Due to its hefty price tag, Volkswagen has decided to just import the Golf R directly from Germany. This time round, I’ll be reviewing the latest generation Volkswagen Golf R, and see what makes this the ultimate Golf.
To be the ultimate Golf, the exterior of the vehicle also needs to reflect the status of it. The Golf R looks more aggressive compared to the GTI, thanks to the R specific front and rear bumpers. On top of that, the Golf R also gets quad tailpipes instead of the dual tailpipes found on the Golf GTI. Around the vehicle, the red color accent on the GTI has been replaced by blue color accent, which are the signature color of the Golf R. This same blue color accent is not only available on the exterior of the vehicle, it can also be spotted on the interior and the brake calipers of the Golf R. 
Other than the blue color accent, there are plenty of R badges stickered all over the vehicle. For the wing mirrors, the Golf R gets silver color wing mirror covers to give the car a more contrasting look. The wing mirrors on the Golf R are also electrically foldable, and it projects the R logo on the ground when it’s in a dark environment. Lastly, the Golf R is fitted with a set of 19-inch rims wrapped in 235/35 R19 tyres. This set of rims is very good looking and it fills up the wheel arch gap nicely, it definitely fits the look of the Golf R. 
Since the Golf R is also a Golf, the interior stays pretty much the same as the other Golf variants. To differentiate it from the other variants, the Golf R comes with R specific interior equipment to make it look special. Starting with the steering wheel, the steering wheel on the Golf R now adds an additional R button to allow the driver to go into Race mode, without taking their hands off the wheel. On top of that, the paddle shifter at the back of the steering wheel is now even bigger than the GTI’s, and it gives the driver a more engaging driving experience. 
Looking past the steering wheel, the instrument cluster on the Golf R gets an R specific display as well. The R specific display puts the speedometer at the center of the screen, and the tachometer at the top of it. This display is meant to keep the distraction away from the driver, especially when the Race mode is being engaged. Beside the instrument cluster, there is a rather similar infotainment screen as the Golf GTI. But in the Golf R, the infotainment system is now the more advanced Discover Pro system, where it features the gesture controls. Connectivity functions such as wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are still available on the Golf R. 
To further enhance the in-car experience, the Golf R receives the upgraded Harman Kardon premium sound system. The Harmon Kardon premium sound system uses a 480W 10-speaker setup, which includes a subwoofer in the rear. Other than that, the seats in the Golf R are also similar to those found on the GTI. This means that the amount of space for the front and rear occupants are also similar to the GTI. Instead of the GTI logo, the Golf R seats feature the R logo on it just like the rest of the interior. 
Powering the Golf R is the same EA888 Evo4 2.0L turbocharged engine, but the performance has been increased for the Golf R. This engine is also mated to a 7-speed DSG, and the power is being sent to all 4 wheels through the 4motion all wheel drive system. This engine produces a healthy amount of 320PS of power at 5,600-6,500rpm, and a peak torque of 400Nm at 2,000-5,600rpm. According to Volkswagen, the Golf R can reach the 100km/h mark from standstill in 4.8 seconds and to a limited top speed of 250km/h. 
Starting with the drive mode, the Golf R comes with 4 different drive modes, namely Comfort, Sport, Race, and individual drive mode. The Eco mode from the Golf GTI has been removed on the Golf R, because who’s going to drive a Golf R in Eco mode? Volkswagen replaced the Eco mode with a Race mode, this mode turns the Golf R into a totally different animal. And in the individual mode, there is an exhaust mode that allows the driver to choose their preferred exhaust loudness. The exhaust system also comes with 4 different modes, which includes comfort, sport, race, and pure. The exhaust system in the Golf R is much louder than the Golf GTI, and the exhaust also sounds meatier to enhance the driving experience of the Golf R. 
Coming back to the Race mode, this is the drive mode that will give you the ultimate driving pleasure. The throttle response in this drive mode is rather sensitive, and it allows the engine to rev all the way to the red line. With the 320PS of power available on tap, you’ll quickly find yourself going past the national speed limit without breaking a sweat. On top of that, the all wheel drive system will keep the car stable when cruising on the highway. The all wheel drive system also ensures that the Golf R can do the century sprint in less than 5 seconds, especially when you accelerate off the line with the launch control turned on.
Apart from the high speed cruising and the acceleration, the all wheel drive system also ensures it can effectively put down the power when exiting a corner. Pairing it with the electronic differential, it made the Golf R feel like it’s cornering on rails. The steering system on the Golf R is precise, and it gives the driver plenty of confidence to push the car through the corners. The handling capability for the Golf R has also been enhanced by the stiff suspension, where it keeps the body roll to a minimum. This suspension do feel stiffer when compared to the Golf GTI, and this is expected from an even more hardcore Golf. 
With the improved engine performance, the braking system has to be upgraded in order to handle the additional performance as well. The Golf R is equipped with a set of larger crossed drill ventilated brake discs upfront, and there are ventilated brake discs at the rear. Being painted in blue color, the brake calipers also feature the R logo to signify its status. The brakes for the Golf R are strong, but the brake pedal does require some force to find the biting point. Then again, the brake pedal still gives plenty of confidence to the driver when they’re stepping on the brakes. 
In terms of its capability, I do find that the limit of the Golf R is really high. In order to exploit the capability of the Golf R, I would suggest bringing the vehicle to a track day to enjoy it. And as for the safety and driver assistance systems, the Golf R gets slightly better advanced driver assistance systems compared to the Golf GTI. Then again, it’s still not the full on advanced driver assistance systems that were available on the Golf R in other markets. The safety and driver assistance systems available on the Golf R include 6 airbags, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Driver alert system, Side Assist with rear cross traffic alert, ESC (Electronic Stability control), EDL (electronic differential lock), and ASR (traction control).
For an asking price of RM 391,162.00, this sounds like a lot of money to spend on a hatchback. If you’re one of those people who think this is an expensive vehicle, I would suggest you look elsewhere. From the get go, Volkswagen designed the Golf R for the hardcore enthusiast who really enjoys driving. If money weren’t an issue, I would definitely fork out that extra RM165,000 to get the best Golf that Volkswagen has to offer. 
