We’ve seen it lapping the Nürburgring disguised as a 2.0-litre TDI, but at the 2009 Frankfurt motor show Volkwagen officially revealed the fastest ever production Golf: the Golf R. And it’s coming soon! British dealers will take orders in October, with the first owners snaffling the keys in January 2010.
VW Golf R? Shouldn’t that be R32?
Actually, no. The Mk4 and 5 range-toppers were both badged R32 on account of their 3.2-litre V6 engines. The Mk6 iteration loses two cylinders and 1200cc to become a 2.0-litre four pot, and VW presumably didn’t see any benefit in bringing our attention to the smaller engine – hence the R-only branding.
But fear not, it’s not only leaner and cleaner than its predecessor, but quicker too.
Spill the beans, then
The Top Trumps stats are as follows: 267bhp, 258lb ft, 0-62mph in 5.5sec and a top whack limited to 155mph. The old R32 trails with 246bhp, 236lb ft, 6.3sec and, you guessed it, 155mph.
The four-pot is 35kg lighter than the old six-pot to the benefit of agility, and much more efficient: the manual does 33.2mpg and emits 199g/km, the DSG 33.6mpg and 195g/km. That compares with 26mpg and 257g/km for a manual R32.
Is it still four-wheel drive?
Yes, the familiar Haldex system is retained and there are, once again, three- or five-door bodystyles to choose from. The rest of the upgrades over the GTI are familiar too: more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a larger rear spoiler, 20mm lower suspension, standard 18s or optional 19s, GTI-spec seats upgraded with cloth centres and Alcantara bolsters (leather is optional, Recaro buckets around £2k extra) and double barrel tailpipes. There are also LED running lights up front, LED taillights and gloss black highlights.
Prices are yet to be finalised, but expect to pay £27-28k with a £1300 premium for the DSG six-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
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