The brand new 300 PS Golf R has just been released in the UK, allowing customers for the first time to order a model for themselves. The first cars will be shipped out in March 2014, allowing people plenty of time to get ready for their new arrival.
Hailed as the “most powerful production Golf yet”, the 300 PS Golf R tops its range with a brand new developed version of the iconic four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged EA888 TSI petrol engine. This engine is famously used in the latest Golf GTI from the carmakers, but the R is capable of bringing 300 PS from 5,500 to 6,200 rpm and 380 Nm (280 lbs ft) from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm to the driver.
In contrast to the GTI’s power, the Golf R has a carefully constructed modified cylinder head, exhaust valves, valve seats and springs, pistons, injection valves and turbocharger added into the engine.
Volkswagen’s 300 PS Golf R boasts times of just 5.3 seconds to go from 0-62mph, shaving 0.4 seconds of the previous Golf R, while the optional DSG gearbox slices this time to just 4.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph and, despite packing a much better performance, the carmakers have actually reduced the fuel consumption is 39.8 mpg (40.9 mpg DSG), and has CO2 emissions of 165 g/km (159 g/km DSG), making this model up to 18 per cent more efficient than its predecessor.
The Golf R is guided by a fifth-generation Haldex 4MOTION four-wheel drive system. The feature is using technology to its advantage as the rear axle will change itself to reduce fuel consumption and almost 100 per cent of power can be transferred to the rear axle when the driver is carrying low loads or coasting.
The ride height is 20 mm lower than the standard Golf’s, while drivers can also opt to have Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC). In a landmark move, this offers a ‘Race’ mode, which increases damping, thereby reducing body movements. Combined with the driver profile selector , this can also attenuate throttle response, and alters the shift pattern if the DSG gearbox is included.
Volkswagen’s latest Golf also includes progressive steering, reducing the number of turns that the driver has to make from just 2.1 from 2.75 lock-to-lock. This increases the amount of comfort that anyone behind the wheel of the R feels.
The R looks striking with its brand new front bumper design, with large air inlets, modified radiator grille with ‘R’ logo and daytime running lights that are integrated into the standard bi-xenon headlights. On its side there is also carefully crafted body-colour sills, and matt chrome-capped door mirrors.
Inside the car there are cloth sports seats with Alcantara bolsters, though leather upholstery is given as an option. The cab has been tailored for the R with a number of bespoke touches being included in the model.
The impressive 300 PS Volkswagen Golf R starts at just £29,900 for the three-door model with six-speed manual gearbox, while the six-speed DSG gearbox will cost £31,315 If you want to upgrade to a five-door model it will cost just £30,555 and £31,970 respectively.
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