Faster Volkswagen Golf R for Oz

Volkswagen’s range-topping Golf R hot hatch will bring more power and faster acceleration when the updated '7.5' generation range launches Down Under later this year.

Australia's current Golf R is powered by a 206kW/380Nm turbocharged 2.0-litre four cylinder petrol engine driving through a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system.

It dispatches the 0-100km/h dash in just five seconds, or 5.2sec for the six-speed manual.

Now, Volkswagen has announced a more powerful Golf R for 2017 delivering 213kW/380Nm through a seven-speed DSG -- 7kW more than before and enough for it to hit 100km/h in just 4.8sec (5.0sec for the manual).

However, because of Australia's 'hot climate' status according to VW, our Golf R is still less powerful than Europe's outgoing version (221kW/380Nm) and the upgraded 2017 model, which now delivers 228kW/400Nm and a 0-100km/h sprint in 4.6sec (DSG).

On sale here alongside the updated Golf GTI in August, the Golf R tops the revised Golf 7.5 line-up that starts filtering into Aussie showrooms from May.

Official prices are yet to be confirmed by Volkswagen Group Australia, but the updated Golf features subtle visual changes, improved technology and more luxury across the range.

Volkswagen has also confirmed the updated Golf R will step-up in specifications. Gesture control and a big 9.2-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple and Android smartphone mirroring are standard, as is Vienna leather seat trim and heated/powered front seats.

Also standard are metallic/pearl effect paint, 19-inch all wheels, dual-zone climate-control, keyless entry and engine start, ambient interior LED lighting, adaptive chassis control, automatic headlights/wipers and dimming interior mirrors.

Optional extras include a panoramic sunroof and the driver assistance pack which includes semi-autonomous functionality -- allowing the car to steer, brake and acceleration itself via lane assist and adaptive cruise control – and blind spot detection.

On the drawing board are several factory-backed aftermarket upgrades from German performance house Oettinger.

"It is extraordinary that a relatively affordable car not only attains this performance, but includes refinements and technologies that remain options in some prestige brands," said Volkswagen Group Australia chief Michael Bartsch.

"You need not look too far into the past to find the time when 4.8 seconds (for zero to 100km/h) was the preserve of a Porsche 911," he added.

The company says the Golf R recorded 353 sales during the first quarter of this year to rank as Australia’s best-selling hot hatch.

Golf GTI 7.5

We reviewed the facelifted Volkswagen Golf 7.5 range overseas in February, including the GTI, scoring it 80/100.

The GTI retains its hallmark tartan cloth seats and gets a 169/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine paired with either a six-speed manual transmission or DSG automatic.

Standard features include keyless car entry and engine start, dual-zone climate-control, LED ambient lighting inside the cabin, 18-inch alloy wheels and adaptive chassis control plus front and rear parking sensors.

Like all Golf 7.5 models coming to Australia, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) is standard, as is a leather multi-function steering wheel, 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system with Apple and Android smartphone mirroring, driver fatigue system, reversing camera, LED front driving lights and LED brake lights.

Golf 110 TDI Highline Wagon

On the wagon front, from early July the Golf range adds a new 2.0-litre turbo-diesel engine with 110kW/340Nm.

It's paired with the German car-maker's latest seven-speed DSG and comes with heated, power-adjustable front sports seats upholstered with partial Vienna leather, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, carpet floor mats, a powered panoramic glass sunroof and keyless entry and engine start.

Volkswagen's Golf was Australia’s fourth best selling small car in Australia with 19,470 sales last year, behind the top-selling Toyota Corolla (40,330), Hyundai i30 (37,772) and Mazda3 (36,107).