Volkswagen Golf R review finds fun factor with a family option

Once primarily a hard-edged performer, the Volkswagen Golf R now has smooth moves fit for the family.

Performance is priceless for some. When it comes to Volkswagen’s most raucous Golf ever produced, some sellers are pushing the boundaries of exactly how much keen buyers are willing to spend.

Some dealers are asking nearly $90,000 for the latest eighth generation Golf R which reached showrooms in limited numbers during April.

Enough to make even the biggest fans wince, it’s nearly $20,000 more than the asking price when launched – which had already risen about $10k compared to its predecessor.

For those willing to join a waiting list, the Golf R has been rightly hailed the most elegant hot hatch VW has produced.

Priced from about 70,000 drive away is the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

KEL: Thinking back five or six years ago when we were last in a Golf R, I remember being gobsmacked at the price for what I thought was a pretty rough ride. This immediately felt more sophisticated.

GRANT: Volkswagen has taken the most athletic version of the Golf up-market. It’s still quick with all-wheel drive, and lacking rivals with the likes of Subaru’s WRX STi and the Mitsubishi Lancer Evo consigned to the history books, but there is now more refinement.

KEL: The looks are sporty with big wheels yet the design remains discreet which is my preference. Big wings and loud exhausts are not on my shopping list.

GRANT: There’s nothing wrong with a rorty exhaust soundtrack, which has been somewhat muted in the Golf R. It’s now got more power, an extra 22kW and 20Nm that delivers a 0-100km/h time of 4.8 seconds.

KEL: Off the line it was quick. The ride wasn’t as firm as I remember either, which was a nice surprise.

GRANT: Everyday functionality is well within the R’s range now, more like the GTI, courtesy of a slick 15-stage suspension which you can alter to suit your tastes – supermarket carpark sensible up to racetrack rock hard.

Inside the Volkswagen Golf R hot hatch.

WHAT DID YOU LIKE?

KEL: Cabin features are nice, including soft leather trim with the R embroidered on the front seats that have heating and ventilation functions, the chunky flat-bottom steering wheel and the high-resolution central screen has all my pivotal musts covered.

GRANT: Wireless phone charging, slick digital driver display and the three-zone aircon are other good inclusions, albeit I’d expect that for this kind of coin. There are only two options, a sunroof for $1900 and the $1000 Harman Kardon stereo.

KEL: Minimalist buttons means an uncluttered environment, and I even liked the toggle-style gear shifter.

GRANT: Using the voice control is also effective, so you can say “turn up the temperature” or “turn down the stereo” and it will look after various functions. On the outside it has cool scrolling indicators and quad pipes.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R has a zero to 100km/h sprint time of less than five seconds.

WHAT DIDN’T YOU LIKE?

KEL: Using the basic menu operations was frustrating when on the move. I would use my palm to rest my hand below the screen and that would interfere with the stereo volume and aircon controls.

GRANT: I’m also not convinced about the removal of just about all buttons and toggles. Fashion over function there.

KEL: I was also surprised that there was only manual adjustment of the passenger seat.

GRANT: The driver has full electric functionality. Also missing is an automatic tailgate – which isn’t a major imposition for a compact hatch but still probably an expectation with the price pushing toward premium rivals.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Nothing kept up getting away from the lights.

GRANT: Not so long ago a sub-five second 0-100km/h time was supercar territory. The Golf R has become an easy daily driver with this iteration, but when you press the illuminated R button on the steering wheel it engages a hardcore personality.

KEL: The driver’s display changes and it can feel like a completely different car in race mode.

GRANT: Among the various configurations you can change the torque vectoring system which can shift power to the rear end. Keen drivers love this functionality and there is even a “drift” mode for track days where the boundaries can really be explored.

KEL: All the major safety gizmos were included, like radar cruise control, although I did find the rear cross traffic alert was slow to pick up other vehicles.

GRANT: Running on premium unleaded, our test saw the total average nearing 10L/100km, but on a decent highway trip that dipped to 6.5L.

The hottest Golf R ever the 235kW/400Nm Mark 8 generation.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: While I’m not one to be heading for the racetrack I like some punch under my right foot which the Golf R delivered in spades. I warmed to the hatch throughout the test and I loved the daily liveability compared to previous models.

GRANT: Feeling clinical and measured, the Golf R remains outstandingly capable. Fast, accurate and boasting brilliant grip in all conditions, it’s almost too good. Some of the nostalgic raw theatre is lost through improved ambience and the latest technology. I could live with an R, although I’d like to turn up the exhaust soundtrack for some additional fun factor.