Volkswagen Golf R 2017 Review

Chief among the changes: a new 9.2-inch colour touchscreen projecting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a snazzy new digital screen in the driver’s instrument cluster, updated bodywork front and rear, automatic headlights, daytime running lights and strobing indicators.

The interior and design changes are met with revised power figures of 213kW and 380Nm (up from 206kW) for the 2.0-litre turbo-four, brought about via a different intake manifold and tweaked fuelling. Golf aficionados will note Australian models are down on the 228kW European spec because of our hot climate.

How much will it cost?
The mainstream Golf R starts at $52,990 (plus on-road costs) when paired with a six-speed manual, the DSG automatic adding a further $2500.

These models will soon be anchored by a Golf R Grid edition arriving in December which jettisons some equipment but cuts the sticker to $47,490 (plus on-road costs).

On that, the regular equipment list does read impressively on this model. Nineteen-inch wheels, active headlights, keyless entry and start, climate control, reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, Bluetooth phone and audio, along with the aforementioned touchscreen and digital instrument displays.

Our manual Golf R is equipped with a $1300 ‘Driver Assistance Package’ bringing Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist and Blind Spot Detection.

The Golf R is backed by a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and capped price servicing spaced across 15,000km/12 month intervals. In the first five years or 75,000km of ownership, Volkswagen Group Australia says servicing will set you back $2670.

Golf R goes up against the M2

Why should/shouldn’t I buy it?
A 2850km, three-week foray confirmed the Golf R is a consummate all-rounder, its understated, classy appeal complemented by a mature skillset on the road.

The rorty 2.0-litre engine is a bundle of fun, reaching its peak power at 6500rpm – shortly before the soft 6800rpm limiter – for an enticing rush. Peak torque materialises at 1850rpm, contributing to a 5.2 second zero to 100km/h sprint (4.8 seconds with DSG).

On regular roads there are no complaints with the Golf’s steering, body control and composure; if anything, exploiting its true potential is easy thanks to the grippy all-wheel drive system and electrically-controlled dampers.

Long journey amenity is also well facilitated. We performed two return Sydney-Albury drives and on each occasion emerged from the R’s comfy bucket seats feeling fresh and comfortable. The touring traits certainly get an assist from the crisp digital instrument display, technology repertoire and seating position.

In gentle highway running, when you don’t give the rev limiter an extended flogging, the turbo 2.0-litre is capable of a 7.6L/100km fuel figure, close to the overall 8.0L/100km. An unusually short gearing ratio in top gear (about 3000rpm - irrespective of manual or DSG) no doubt plays a role here.

What’s it like on a closed circuit?
Push the Golf R to its readily accessible limits and the dynamics begin to unravel.

The all-wheel drive system essentially employs front-drive architecture with a multi-clutch coupling to provide additional grip from the rear when desired. The downside of this is the car always behaves like a front-driver, with an electronically-controlled differential apportioning drive.

In short, the playful chassis and rorty engine are partly undone by a one-dimensional, almost synthetised application of power; a clear point of difference to the tail happy Ford Focus RS or even the Subaru WRX, each with an adjustable centre differential.

Mid-corner grip is also sub-par in the company of the Ford and Subaru, asking questions of the tyres and pushing the front of the car wide. The upside is the Golf’s clear comfort advantage on the road.

In spite of all this, the Golf clocked a 60.7 second lap around a closed circuit in Albury recently. For reference, the superpower that is the BMW M2 managed a 59.1 second post - same driver, same conditions, same day. In short, the Golf R is far from incompetent.

Who will it appeal to?
Clearly the Golf R caters to a broader demographic than most hot hatches.

Young up-and-comers will be enamoured with its mix of understated styling, accessible performance and well-executed cabin, while older types will appreciate the suspension’s forgiveness in Comfort mode, its odds and ends storage and its user-friendly veneer.

However the Golf R’s family appeal isn’t as obvious; the rear seat is tight with a child seat in place and the boot is compromised by the all-wheel drive system (shrinking storage from 380-litres to 343-litres). That said, two ISOFIX points on the outer pews, split-folding seats, full airbag coverage and modern safety functions including adaptive cruise control score points.

So, what do we think?
The Golf R is the ultimate all-rounder. It is equally at home in inner city traffic as it is a twisty hill climb, thanks to a harmonious blend of power, comfort, efficiency and technology.

By the same token, in standard form, its dynamic weaknesses are exposed on a race circuit; the front biased all-wheel drive system isn’t exactly liberating and the understeer-laden dynamics need to be driven around.

All in all the Golf R is a cracker, though. An everyday hot hatch if there ever was one.

2017 Volkswagen Golf R pricing and specifications:
Price: $52,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 213kW/380Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 8.0L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 182g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP