The Volkswagen Golf R is for the hot hatch fan who believes the iconic Golf GTI just isn't hot enough. Using the excellent Golf as a base, the R adds all-wheel drive and a highly boosted turbo four to become one of the ultimate fast small cars on the market today, while retaining all of the practicality you'd expect from VW's compact hatchback.
If you feel comfortable paying almost $40,000 for a car with modest roots, it's a premium-feeling machine that can tackle corners just as easily as your everyday commute.
What's New for 2015
Volkswagen gave the all-new Golf R a late introduction this year. All models have an automated DSG dual-clutch transmission, and prices start from $36,595. A six-speed manual and some other revisions are expected on 2016 cars, due late this year.
Choosing Your Volkswagen Golf R
All 2015 Golf Rs come with a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 292 horsepower. A six-speed dual-clutch transmission sends power to all four wheels. A five-door hatch is the only bodystyle available, but you can choose between a pair of trim levels:
DCC and Nav aren't really worth it on this car, partly because the standard setup is good and the navigation option is nothing special. And if you load up a Golf R, you're pushing right up to the starting price of the mechanically similar Audi S3.