New VW Golf R from $51,990

The new flagship of Volkswagen’s lauded seventh-generation Golf range has arrived in Australia with more performance and a higher pricetag than before, making it the quickest and most expensive Golf ever sold here.

Priced at $51,990 plus on-road costs in six-speed manual form (first deliveries of which will occur around October), or $54,490 plus ORCs for the now-in-stock six-speed DSG auto, the fourth-generation Golf R is $2000 pricier than the model Mk6 model it replaces.

Arriving only in five-door hatchback form, it continues to cost $10,000 more than the Golf GTI upon which it’s based, and commands a $6000 premium over the new (DSG-only) Golf GTI Performance model that bridges the gap between the standard GTI and top-shelf Golf R.

Significantly, the Golf R is now just $7910 cheaper than the mechanically similar Audi S3 Sportback ($59,900 plus ORCs).

Fully optioned with a driver assistance package ($1000), a sunroof ($1850) and Vienna leather trim ($3150), the most formidable Golf ever costs more than $60,000 plus registration and statutory charges.

Once again, however, it winds up the volume of the iconic Golf GTI considerably, via more power and torque, all-wheel drive, a lower ride height, bigger brakes from the GTI Performance and a host of extra features inside and out, including a sports bodykit and racier seats.

Once again, too, Australia’s Golf R delivers less power than the same model offered in Europe due to our status as a ‘hot climate’, with a record power output of 220kW reduced to 206kW (between 5100 and 6500rpm), although peak torque remains the same beefy 380Nm (over 1800-5100rpm).

That makes its third-generation EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder direct- and port-injected TSI engine 18kW more powerful than before (and 44kW more powerful than the GTI), while torque increases by no less than 50Nm.

This is due to the fitment of a larger turbo than seen in the GTI, as well as a new cylinder-head, exhaust valves, valve seats and springs, pistons and injectors.

The result is claimed 0-100km/h in five seconds in DSG form (5.2 for the manual), which is seven-tenths quicker than before but one-tenth slower than the European model (4.9 seconds).

At the same time, the fitment of fuel-saving BlueMotion technologies for the first time reduces combined fuel consumption by no less than 18 per cent, from 8.7 to 7.1L/100km for the DSG (manual: 7.3L/100km). CO2 emissions fall to a corresponding 164 and 170g/km and the Golf R runs on 98 RON premium unleaded.

The new engine drives all four wheels via an updated 4MOTION part-time AWD system, at the heart of which is the latest electro-hydraulic Haldex 5 coupling ahead of the rear differential. It’s claimed to be lighter, more efficient and responsive.

Both differentials are equipped with the extended electronic diff lock (XDL) that is seen at the front of the GTI and brakes the inside wheel to improve traction in corners, but not the new multi-plate wet clutch-operated mechanical diff lock fitted up front in the GTI Performance, in which it can direct more torque to the outside wheel in turns.

The six-speed manual gearbox has a reinforced clutch and short-travel shifter, and the twin-clutch automated manual transmission still comes with paddle shifters and six gears – like the S3.

Unlike both GTI models – and any other Golf -- the R’s electronic stability control system can be fully disabled by pressing the ESP button on the centre console for more than three seconds. One touch engages ‘ESP Sport’ mode, offering a higher intervention threshold, as in the GTIs.

The Golf R’s Driving Profile Selector also features a ‘Race’ mode, which is similar to the ‘Sport’ mode in the GTIs and sharpens up the Dynamic Chassis Control variable dampers, throttle response, DSG shift points and electric steering assistance. Eco, Normal, Comfort and Individual modes are carried over, the latter allowing drivers to personalise their vehicle set-up.

The progressive (variable-ratio) steering system with 2.1 turns (380 degrees) between locks – down from 2.75 turns and 500 degrees – also carries over from the GTI.

Completing the upgraded mechanical package are 19-inch (one inch larger than the standard GTI) ‘Cadiz’ alloy wheels with 235/35 R19 tyres, a larger braking package (with 340/310mm front/rear rotors) from the GTI Performance (with R logos on black callipers), and a ride height that’s 20mm lower than the standard GTI and 5mm lower than the GTI Performance.

Distinguishing the Golf R externally is a mildly sportier bodykit highlighted by dual U-shaped LED daytime running lights, four chromed exhaust outlets and matte-chrome wing mirrors. Bi-xenon headlights and tinted LED tail-lights carry over from the GTI.

Inside are more heavily bolstered sports front seats trimmed in dark (Titan Black, not Tartan) fabric and Crystal Grey Alcantara with R badging, brushed-aluminium pedal covers, piano-black (not faux carbon) inserts on the dash, doors and three-spoke flat-bottom steering wheel, push-button starting, ambience lighting and blue illuminated instrument needles and door strips.

Standard features from the GTI include dual-zone automatic climate-control, a 5.8-inch colour touch-screen, satellite-navigation, a reversing camera, infotainment system, driver fatigue warning and a post-collision braking system.

The Golf R is available in six exterior paint colours: Pure White, Tornado Red, Limestone Grey Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Effect and Lapiz Blue Metallic, which in exclusive to the Golf R.