Volkswagen Golf R, Was It ‘R’ Enough For Us?
There have been a lot of rumors about this car’s handling and drive performance already on the Internet and in overseas magazines, but with the memory of the previous Mk5 Golf R32 test drive excitement still stitched into our memory we had very high expectations for this all new next generation Mk6 Golf ‘R’. To keep emissions and fuel consumption low, Volkswagen engineers had to look at working with their legendary 2-liter TFSI engine to keep the ‘R’ excitement high and put the 3.2 V6 into retirement for the Golf and Scirocco R cars. This meant tuning the TFSI for maximum fun whilst keeping with its good reliability and efficiency.
Physically, this new ‘R’ does not disappoint and in many ways it is better executed over the previous R32. A new front and rear bumper with integrated daytime driving lights adds to the visual excitement. Twin tail pipes sit in the rear diffuser. Side view mirrors and the bumper inserts are in black against the ‘R’ blue body colour.
Visually this Golf R is stunning and when we opened the doors we were greeted with an equally exciting interior. The steering had the ‘R’ insignia at its flat bottom and the motorsports bucket seats were comfortable but needed some effort getting in……age was catching up with us and our nasi kandar belly was not helping. We ignited the engine, the blue dials on the meter cluster jumped across the meter range but unlike the R32 there was no growl…..disappointing. We were not prepared for its inspiring engine and exhaust note excitement. Our first meeting with the car had started with some disappointment.
Standard equipment for the Golf R cabin is an automatic climate control system (“Climatronic”) and the “RNS 510” satellite navigation system including DYNAUDIO ‘Excite’ 300W, 8-speaker premium sound system. This Golf R also comes with the electric tilt/slide glass sunroof for added coolness. The Golf R is available in 6 colour choices that include Candy White, Tornado Red, Rising Blue, Reflex Silver, United Grey, and Deep Black.
We prod the accelerator pedal and a mild growl invites to work the pedal more. This is ‘sleeper’ Golf. The R induced TFSI engine is mated to a 6-speed DSG gearbox that ensures all the 265 horsepower (210hp in the MK6 Golf GTi) is delivered to the drivers pedal reaction. There is 350Nm of torque to make sure in gear acceleration is awesome from 2nd gear all the way up to 6th gear to make sure you are never wanting for more power.
The 235/35 R19 tyres tires at all four corners and an AWD system is the next feature that sets this car apart from the GTi. On the open highway the R returns a planted and surefooted handling with the steering nicely weighted. Slip into a highway off ramp in speed at the R tracks keenly through the corner even with speed on the increase. The VW 4-Motion system works well to provide good traction in pretty much all conditions, even in the wet. With the revised suspension sitting 20mm lower than the GTi, the handling is nimbler, more balanced, more accurate, transmits more road feel and with greater steering accuracy on the limit to correct some imperfections on slippery bitumen. After a few hours behind the wheel, you start getting more confident to take quick corners at higher speeds as not only is the handling impressive, but the brakes are surprisingly reassuring and with feel. Pedal travel is spot-on and after a lot of pushing there is negligible fade.
Looking at its asking price of just RM268,888 (w/out insurance) the R returns a feel and drive that gives regular GTi owners to trade up without risking after market tuning to get their regular Golf GTi’s chasing supercars. For rivals, this R sits squarely in the sights of the Japanese four wheel drive turbo products like the Impreza and EVO. If you need to ask about fuel consumption then you cannot afford this Golf……buy the Golf 1.4TSi instead.
Specifications Volkswagen Mk6 Golf R
Engine: Inline 4, 16-valve, Turbo
Power: 265bhp @ 6000rpm
Torque: 330Nm @ 2400-5200rpm
Capacity: 1984cc
Gearbox: 6-speed DSG, 4Motion AWD
Top Speed: 250kmh
0-100km/h: 5.7sec
Price: 268,888.00
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