VW is plotting a Golf R Estate, to sit alongside the new Golf R at the very peak of the Mk7’s range. Spotted here during a Nürburgring test shakedown, the super-wagon is likely to borrow its hatchback sister’s near-300bhp powertrain.
So the VW Golf R Estate would be the hottest Golf wagon ever?
Easily. We’re expecting a 296bhp 2.0-litre engine in the estate, driving all four wheels via a Haldex adaptive all-wheel drive system. A choice of six-speed manual or six-speed dual-clutch gearboxes would mirror the hatchback’s range, while upgraded brakes and optional adaptive suspension also feature.
Bet on a 0-62mph time of around 5.0sec for the Golf R Estate, and a top speed limited to 155mph. Meanwhile, with up to 1620 litres of boot space on offer, there’s a big practicality case to make to the better half before dropping an estimated £30,000 on this uber-estate.
Could we see more hot Golf estates?
VW has promised it’ll never apply the hallowed GTI badge to a Golf wagon, but it’s understood that a Golf GTD Estate, equipped with a 192bhp, 280lb ft 2.0 TDI powerplant, has been presented to the VW suits for approval.
If given the green light, the front-drive Golf GTD Estate would cost around £5k less than its ‘R’ cousin, and major on torque and fuel economy rather than outright pace.
Meanwhile, insiders report Seat is teeing up its own super-estate: a Cupra flagship for the Leon ST range. It’s almost certain to use the Cupra 280’s 276bhp turbo four-pot, but stick with front-wheel drive. Prices should undercut the Golf R Estate, which shares the Leon’s modular MQB platform architecture.
Is that a ‘Bluemotion’ badge on the tailgate?
An April fool, from Wolfsburg? Not likely. The badge reads 4Motion, betraying the car’s all-wheel drive underpinnings. Up front, there’s an ‘R’ badge hidden by a strip of tape, but the rest of the ‘R’ bodykit is undisguised.
Wider air intakes, silver bottom lip trim and two oval exhaust pipes set the top-dog Golf apart from lesser Labrador chariots in the range.
When can I buy one?
Officially, VW doesn’t know what you’re talking about, y’rhonour. The Golf R Estate is unconfirmed for production, and if or indeed when it does arrive, there’s still the hurdle of convincing the UK arm to bring it to Blighty.
So, given how close to production this spied car looks, do you think VW should offer a £30k super-estate in the UK? Add your thoughts in the comments below, and VW just might act on them. It’d make life for the Ford Focus ST Estate and Skoda Octavia vRS Estate that bit harder.