Testing the Volkswagen Golf R: 300 CV of pure perfection

I remember not so many years ago, when I was fascinated and amazed by the power certain vehicles reached. The moment BMW announced the arrival of the M5 E60, a 507 CV saloon, is firmly etched in my memory, a figure that surprised me. The Ferrari 360 Modena, an Italian supercar producing 400 CV from a V8 engine, gave me the same feeling. Today things have changed a great deal, and it is relatively easy to see many sporty compacts outperforming a full Ferrari thanks to a turbocharged four-cylinder engine.

The Volkswagen Golf R is one of those compacts that is beginning to enter a territory that, in the past, was reserved exclusively for high-flying supercars. Thanks to a 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, the German compact is capable of producing 300 CV, but is it able to hold its own in this crowded segment? Let’s find out.

A discreet yet sporty disguise

The formula Volkswagen uses to give the Golf R its character is based on a very clear principle: understated sportiness. The favourite son of the Wolfsburg company uses a series of ingredients that make it blend in and easily be mistaken for a Golf R-Line by any passer-by, despite the performance hidden behind its affable appearance.

The front is dominated by two elongated LED headlights and a discreet chrome strip running across the grille alongside the “R” logo. The bumper shows more sporty character thanks to a more prominent splitter and two air intakes designed to cool the mechanical components.

The side is where we find two key highlights: 19-inch alloy wheels concealing larger ventilated brakes -courtesy of the Performance Pack- and door mirrors finished in carbon fibre. But it is really at the rear where we notice the most aggression and sportiness.

This area is accentuated by a slightly more aggressive spoiler -an effect achieved by its black-finished end- and a quad real exhaust outlet. In the case of our test unit, the exhaust was signed by Akrapovic, an option costing 4,070 euros, and we will later analyse whether it is really worth the investment.

A welcoming cabin

Volkswagen has maintained this philosophy of subtle sportiness in shaping the interior of the Golf R. Broadly speaking, we find a cabin like that of any other Golf -especially with the R-Line trim-, which will let us feel at home at the controls very quickly, a feeling also made possible by the well-thought-out layout of all the controls.

Certainly, some differences from a conventional Golf can be appreciated. The first thing that will catch our attention is a sporty steering wheel with a flattened bottom and the “R” logo. Behind it sits the Digital Cockpit, a digital instrument panel which, despite its good graphics and intuitive operation, offers fewer configuration options than those found in other models of the brand.

The dashboard is dominated by an 8-inch touchscreen. It behaves simply and smoothly, complemented by the ability to connect our smartphone via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. On the other hand, the finish is good thanks to the presence of various soft-touch materials that aim to prevent us from seeing hard plastics, which have been used in more hidden areas except on the centre console.

Broadly speaking, we find a well-finished, functional and pleasant interior, but somewhat bland considering it belongs to a 300 CV car whose base price exceeds 40,000 euros. However, one of the most satisfying aspects of the Golf R’s cabin is its seats. They feature a specific design, very good lateral support and a comfortable cushioning that will ensure our back does not suffer at any time.

The same can be said of the rear seats, where two adults will travel comfortably thanks to more than generous space for both legs and head. However, the central seat will be less comfortable due to a rather prominent transmission tunnel and a hard backrest inclined forward.

Last but not least, let’s talk about the boot. It offers 343 litres of capacity, 37 litres less than a conventional Golf. Although the luggage space is considerably smaller, we can easily fit the luggage of two or three occupants, a task made easier by a flat loading lip and usable dimensions.

300 CV of pure perfection

Now to find out whether the Volkswagen Golf R belongs to that elite group of compacts capable of dethroning purebred sports cars such as the Ferrari 355 or the 360 Modena. To try to fit it in, the Wolfsburg engineers have opted for the well-known 2.0 TFSI, a turbocharged four-cylinder engine capable of producing 300 CV and 400 Nm of torque.

This old acquaintance surprises us with a very energetic and explosive response. Thanks to the immediate availability of torque -available from 2,000 rpm up to 5,200- the German compact will push us forcefully as soon as we press the right-hand pedal with determination. The 300 CV arrive without asking permission, at 5,300 rpm, with the aim that its abundance of power never fades at any moment.

This four-cylinder heart has won me over once again, becoming the aspect I liked most about this souped-up Golf. To make it even more appealing -and safer- the engineers at Volkswagen include the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and the Performance Pack, present in our test unit and costing 3,110 euros in exchange for perforated and ventilated front brake discs and the removal of the speed limiter, allowing us to reach 262 km/h.

To spice up this recipe, the unit under my care for a week also featured the Akrapovic exhaust -4,070 euros- and the DCC system -1,120 euros-. Thanks to this new exhaust line, the Golf R offers a rougher, deeper sound that comes to the fore when we select Race drive mode. This is enhanced by some crackles which, without being strident, are genuinely addictive.

We should not expect the commotion offered by vehicles of the character of the Audi RS3 or the Mercedes-AMG A 45, but it is an extra worth considering if we want to highlight the sportiness of the German compact. On the other hand, the DCC adaptive suspension system proves to be an outstanding ally of the 4Motion traction.

Thanks to the combination of both, we find faultless cornering that allows us to manage the line quickly and efficiently. Driving fast in the Volkswagen Golf R is extremely easy, which helps us change direction with diligence. Undoubtedly, a poorly communicative steering system detracts from the whole package, this being the most negative point we can find and an aspect that makes the feel through the steering wheel rather bland.

The suspension, in its most radical mode, is firm and tight, so we will easily notice any imperfection in the asphalt, but it does not become bouncy. Thanks to this, body roll is imperceptible, but it can become somewhat uncomfortable in town even with the softest mode activated.

In this environment, the Golf R goes completely unnoticed as long as we do not have the exhaust valves open, which will intensify the sound and the echo generated by the buildings. Its compact dimensions help us navigate narrow streets alongside quite good visibility, although its rather limited turning circle will make us manoeuvre more than expected in certain situations. Consumption can easily climb to 11.5 litres/100 km when the city is the territory to conquer.

On the motorway we find a composed vehicle ready to let four adults travel without any inconvenience. The suspension occasionally reminds us that we are in a car with a clear sporty focus, but its almost instant power becomes our best friend when we want to overtake or merge. On this kind of road, consumption can easily be held at 8.5 litres/100 km.

Conclusion

Volkswagen has managed to create a very balanced sporty compact, so much so that this may be its main problem. The Golf R will let us tackle almost any situation with virtually no trouble, but a lack of feeling and overwhelming insulation mean that we feel less than in other models in its class.

Undoubtedly, this balance has great advantages, since it allows us to use the Volkswagen Golf R on a daily basis. At the same time, it also has enough capability to make us enjoy a mountain stretch and get through it quickly thanks to its explosive package.

The Volkswagen Golf R has a starting price of 46,463 euros, but if we add up all the extras on the unit in the photos, the final bill rises to 59,470 euros. If we drop some of the optional extras, apply various discounts or opt for financing, we can get a sporty compact that is quite competitive in every respect, although we should bear in mind that its commercial life is about to end with the arrival of the Golf 8.

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackVolkswagen Golf28 versions · from 24,450 €