For well over two decades now, the Volkswagen Golf R has steered between being completely boisterous and offering genuine grand touring credentials. The most recent versions have done their best to bring both worlds together, even - impossible as that might sound.

VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R: Powertrain 2.0-litre turbo-petrol 4-cylinder, 7-speed automated dual-clutch transmission (DSG), AWD Output 245kW/420Nm Efficiency 8.4 l/100km (3P-WLTP) Size 4290mm long, 1666kg Price $82,990.
The mission is coming along nicely in this, the facelifted version of the Golf 8 R; otherwise known as the performance flagship of the revised Golf “8.5” lineup, which was launched in New Zealand late last year with mainstream and GTI versions.
A Golf’s just a Golf sometimes, but make no mistake: the $82,990 R is a very different proposition to the GTI. Even though the GTI has grown in size and weight over the years (haven’t we all?), it’s pretty much stuck to the hot-hatch formula it invented in the 1970s: front-drive, decently fast but always playful. The R is a genuinely rapid, raspy and menacingly grippy all-wheel drive corner-to-corner express.
Reality check: the new R is not really that different to the previous model. It certainly doesn’t look that different, with a new front section that includes different headlights and air curtains in the lower section with bigger holes; basically, look for the painted aero bits that meet under the number plate, rather than sitting on the outside edges of the bumper as they used to. That’ll be the new one, then.

Or just look for the worryingly bright illuminated VW logo on the grille; R is the second model to get it, after the GTI.
A Golf’s just a Golf sometimes, but make no mistake: the R is a very different proposition to the GTI.
There’s an extra 10kW from the 2.0-litre engine and the interior has picked up VW’s vastly improved infotainment system with 12.9in screen (also used in the new Tiguan), which looks imposing at first but is crisp and full of impressive features.

Oddly, the R is the only Golf that hasn’t reverted to physical buttons on the steering wheel. It retains the controversial haptic-touch design of the Golf 8.0 and VW’s ID-EV models, but with a little blue “R” logo that takes you straight to the drive modes on the big screen. There’s an extra one for the R of course: Race.
You can’t help going straight to the most aggressive drive mode, but you probably shouldn’t.
The drive modes are a bit more significant in this than cooking Golfs, not just for the extra options but also because it has Dynamic Chassis control (DCC) as standard, meaning the suspension can be adjusted up and down (and separately through 15 steps, via Individual mode).

While we’re looking around, there’s a unique digital instrumentation layout for R that puts a big blue recounter right in the centre, with configurable menus either side. Or you can still have boring dials if you want.
The chassis is astonishing when you ask the big questions. It has AWD to tame all that extra power, but the true genius is in the torque vectoring system.
So let’s race! You can’t help going straight to the most aggressive drive mode, but you probably shouldn’t. It’s pretty brutal: the engine remains distantly growly but the 7-speed transmission hangs onto gears for dear life and when it decides to change, it happens with quite a bang.

Sport is far more suitable for road driving with the fruiter powertrain setup, although the suspension remains pretty firm even if you manually click it right down to the most compliant Comfort setting. It’s not terrible, but it’s the main thing that stands in the way of the R serving as a truly friendly Golf-around-town; the rest of the car can be as hushed and well-behaved as you like in the right modes.
But the chassis is also truly astonishing when you ask the big questions. It has AWD to tame all that extra power (50kW more than the GTI, 0-100km/h in 4.6sec), but the true genius is in the torque vectoring system at the rear, which can apportion 100% of the axle’s power to the outside wheel; so it actually helps push you around a corner. Fast. And then a bit faster again if you want.

You can even have a graphic in the instrument panel showing you which wheel is getting power, although we’re not sure why you’d be looking at that mid-corner.
Like the colour? Lapiz Blue Metallic is classic R, but you can also have white or black. There’s a factory model called Black Edition (for an additional $4500) that has pretty much everything blacked-out on the exterior, top speed increased to 270km/h and a large rear spoiler to keep the car stuck to the tarmac.

The 8.5 changes to Golf R are all well-judged and worthwhile; small things, but they do make this a much better car.
Having the fastest Golf ever made is also a powerfully appealing idea, but we can’t but notice VW NZ still has the R 8.0 on runout for $74,990, which is a substantial saving on a car that’s already a performance bargain in our books (yes, yes, an $80k-plus Golf, but it’s awesome). The new R is a better proposition, but if you’re buying now it’s a case of deciding whether it’s $8k better. Either way, you’ll have a ball.
What are the key statistics for the Volkswagen Golf R?
The revised 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine has gained 10kW in this new model to make 245kW. It's AWD in R tradition, and unlike mainstream Golfs with their 8-speed automatics, the R has a 7-speed dual-clutch (DSG). It's a touch quicker, with 0-100km/h in 4.6sec, making it the quickest Golf ever made.
Is the Volkswagen Golf R efficient?
The official Kiwi 3P-WLTP figure of 8.4l/100km is pretty impressive for a performance car and actually, we found it pretty easy to stay in single figures during normal driving. But use that considerable performance and handling ability and the R develops a drinking habit very quickly.
Is the Volkswagen Golf R good to drive?
The power is delivered in such a linear way, it's easy to forget this Golf R is VW's fastest production vehicle. But where it really shines for the keen driver is in the corners, with a torque vectoring system that can push all the power to the outside wheel.
Is the Volkswagen Golf R practical?
It's a Golf after all, albeit a lower-riding one. So it's small-hatch practical, although the big sports seats up front do make it feel a little claustrophobic in the back. It's down 40l on luggage capacity compared to a mainstream Golf, presumably because of the AWD hardware underneath; its still-usable 341l.
What do we like about the Volkswagen Golf R?
It's another step on the road towards a do-it-all Golf than can be docile for everyday driving, yet offer a very high level of performance and (especially) handling. The new infotainment system is great once you get your head around it. Even at $83k it's a performance-hatch bargain when you look at what performance models from BMW and Mercedes-AMG cost.
What don’t we like about the Volkswagen Golf R?
Is it too understated? Many might struggle to tell the different between this and the previous model. Despite a staggering 15 levels of adjustment for the suspension, it's still too firm in Comfort mode.
What kind of person would the Volkswagen Golf R suit?
Somebody's who's into the cult-of-R (and it really has become a cult over the past two decades). Somebody who likes the status of owning VW's fastest car, or somebody who likes the R's combination of everyperson Golf image with enthusiast performance and handling.