The VW Golf R lives up to its reputation as a hot hatchback thanks to its standard all-wheel drive and seriously turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts of 292 horsepower. The Golf R also has a practical side that makes it a fine companion on long road trips or grocery runs.
What's New for 2017
The majority of the Golf R's specifications will stay the same for 2017. The only big changes come in the driver assistance category, where is full suite of safety technology is now available.
Choosing Your Volkswagen Golf R
The Golf R comes standard with a 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque, matched to a six-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG). VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system puts all of that power to the ground. The Golf R manages 22 mpg in the city and 31 mpg on the highway.
The Golf R is an exciting car to drive and is nicely outfitted for the price. Be prepared to wait or search a number of dealerships if you're looking for a base model, which makes the Golf R with DCC and Navigation the more likely choice. If you're looking for performance at a lower price point, consider the Golf GTI.