
The Golf R is the understated and underrated antithesis of its red-hot hatchback rivals such as the Ford Focus RS, Subaru WRX STI, and Honda Civic Type R. Its mixture of performance and practicality is expected, but its seamless blending of those two key attributes is unique.
What are the different models of Volkswagen Golf R?
2022 Volkswagen Golf R trims 2019 Volkswagen Golf R trims 2018 Volkswagen Golf R trims 2017 Volkswagen Golf R trims 2016 Volkswagen Golf R trims 2015 Volkswagen Golf R trims 2013 Volkswagen Golf R trims 2012 Volkswagen Golf R trims All Volkswagen models 1100 1600 411 412 Arteon Atlas Atlas Cross Sport Beetle Beetle (Pre-1980) Cabrio Cabriolet CC
What is the difference between the 2022 Volkswagen GTI and Golf R?
A 2022 Volkswagen GTI S is starting at $29,545, while the 2022 Volkswagen GTI Autobahn is starting at $37,995. The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is starting at $43,645. Since the Golf R does have all the bells and whistles, that is why there is a $14,100 difference.
Is the Volkswagen Golf R a good car?
The Golf R is the understated and underrated antithesis of its red-hot hatchback rivals such as the Ford Focus RS, Subaru WRX STI, and Honda Civic Type R. Its mixture of performance and practicality is expected, but its seamless blending of those two key attributes is unique.
What is the difference between Golf R and Mk4 R32?
Since the Golf R does have all the bells and whistles, that is why there is a $14,100 difference. The Volkswagen MK4 R32 is an iconic Volkswagen vehicle that is targeted by VW enthusiasts. Therefore, it tends to be more expensive than other used Golf R’s and GTI’s.

What does the Golf R compete with?
2022 VW Golf R vs. Honda Civic Si, Hyundai Elantra N, Subaru WRX. Kinard made the case that the nearly-$50,000 Golf R didn't offer more overall than its main competitors.
What cars can beat a Golf R?
It's a half-mile drag race between two evenly-matched vehicles: the Ford Focus RS and the Volkswagen Golf R. The Ford Focus overpowers the Golf R by about 50-horsepower and 60lb-ft of torque, but it's also a bit heavier.
Is BMW M2 faster than Golf R?
Even though the Golf R was probably faster off the line (definitely faster if it was an auto), the M2 feels like no other car I've ever driven at higher speeds. Acceleration between 2nd and 3rd especially is unbelievable. The sound of the M2 is also incomparable to the R.
What is the Audi equivalent to the Golf R?
Audi S3Here we're going to look at two high performance hot hatches: the Audi S3 and VW Golf R. As these two models share many of the same basic mechanical components, it was a no-brainer to pin these two top performers head to head.
Whats faster S3 or Golf R?
The Golf R gets the bragging rights; its 4.7-second time is a tenth quicker than the S3 and M135i can manage, not that you'll notice that in day-to-day driving. Top speed is limited to 155mph on each model.
Whats faster Golf R or Focus RS?
The RS crosses the line first with the Golf R only . 2 seconds behind it. It's a great race, and in the end the Ford Focus RS takes 1st place on the podium with faster times in the 0-60 mph, the quarter-mile, and the half-mile. It's worth noting though, that the Golf R actually has a faster 0-130 mph time.
Are the Audi S3 and Golf R the same?
Most critics of the Audi S3 will say that's just a gussied up Volkswagen Golf R and there's a lot of merit to those complaints. Both cars are built on the same chassis, both essentially the same engine, and have similar performance. The main difference is that the Audi costs more and is supposed to be more premium.
Is the S3 and Golf R same engine?
All three use mildly tweaked variants of VW's EA888 turbocharged 2.0-liter engine. And while not identically priced, the three sports cars are close enough that a buyer could be cross-shopping between them; a Golf R buyer could save a bit and get a GTI Autobahn — or opt to level up a bit with an S3.
Is the Golf R better than the GTI?
There is a difference in power between the two cars. The GTI gains a few horses this year with 241 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The Golf R, on the other hand, is also more energetic with 315 hp and 280 lb-ft of torque (manual transmission) or 295 lb-ft (DSG transmission).
The Most Powerful Golf Ever
Every Golf R will be powered by the latest iteration of Volkswagen's "EA888" 2.0-liter turbo-four developing 315 hp and 310 lb-ft. That output gives the MkVIII Golf R 27 more horses and 30 more lb-ft than its predecessor, and it's up 74 hp and 37 lb-ft on the new GTI. Like every Golf R that's come before it, the new car will be AWD only.
How Quick Is the Golf R?
Our 2022 Car of the Year contest included manual transmission-equipped versions of the GTI and Golf R. There, the sporty hatchbacks' 0-60 times didn't end up how you might expect: the GTI did it in 6.1 seconds, while the Golf R was slower with a 6.3-second sprint.
Drift Mode and the New AWD System
Beyond increases in power and torque, the most exciting reason to check out the new Golf R is its new AWD system. With help from a new torque-vectoring rear differential, the MkVIII Golf R should be noticeably more agile than its predecessor, mitigating that car's tendency for understeer.
Technology
The eighth-generation Golf R represents a significant step forward in the infotainment space. It features a 10.0-inch touchscreen display in place of the outgoing model's 8.0-inch unit, and a full digital instrument cluster is standard. An available head-up display further augment the digital experience.
How much horsepower does a Golf R have?
Engine, Transmission, and Performance. Under the Golf R's hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder that makes 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque—up from 288 hp and 280 lb-ft in the last generation R. The engine pairs with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
When will Volkswagen release the Golf R?
This suggests its starting price will be a couple of thousand dollars higher than before when it hits U.S. dealership in late 2021.
What is the 2022 Golf R?
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R looks ready to overthrow the hottest hatchbacks that have been hogging headlines during its absence from our shores. Spawned from the improvements made to the upcoming Mk8 Golf GTI, the R-rated model has a more powerful 315-hp turbo-four and an all-wheel-drive system with a drift mode.
Does the Golf R have plaid seats?
Unlike the GTI, the Golf R isn't available with plaid seat inserts, but it does boast bolstered front seats wrapped in nappa leather. These exclusive buckets have blue and carbon-look accents in the side sections as well as a blue "R" logo in the backrest.
Is the Volkswagen Golf R a Good Car?
Yes, the Volkswagen Golf R is a good car. It has an energetic powertrain and adept handling, with a spacious, comfortable interior. However, it’s not as upscale as several other luxury small cars, and its infotainment system can be frustrating to use.
Should I Buy the Volkswagen Golf R?
If you’re looking for a practical small car that’s fun to drive, then there aren’t many better options out there than the Golf R. You have to be OK with its price point, however. It costs more than many of its classmates, and not every shopper will want to spring for this VW when there are class rivals that are less expensive and more luxurious.
2021 vs. 2022 Volkswagen Golf R: What's the Difference?
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is a brand-new model, as it has been on hiatus since the 2019 model year. Following the 2021 model year, Volkswagen discontinued the Golf in the United States, making the redesigned GTI and Golf R the lone VW Golf models available.
How Much Does the Volkswagen Golf R Cost?
The Golf R sports a starting MSRP of $43,645. That’s one of the highest starting prices in the luxury small car class. However, most class rivals offer higher trims that cost more than this VW.
How Much Does It Cost to Insure a Volkswagen Golf R?
The cost of insuring a Volkswagen Golf R will depend on a variety of factors, including your deductible, the level of coverage that you want, and the type of insurance that you choose. Your age, gender, location, credit score, and driving record can also have an impact on your insurance rates.
Volkswagen Golf R Versus the Competition
The Honda Civic is one of our highest-rated compact cars, and the Honda Civic Type R is a sporty hatchback that’s one of the Golf R’s chief competitors. Like the Golf, the Civic is fully redesigned for the 2022 model year.
Golf R Performance: A Delightful Driving Machine
The Golf R features a 315-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It comes with a six-speed manual transmission, or you can opt for a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
How much horsepower does a Golf R have?
The all-wheel-drive Golf R is motivated by a potent turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four—making 288 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque—mated to either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Despite being less powerful than its direct rivals, the Golf R has plenty of pep, particularly when equipped with its optional ...
Does the Golf R have a driver's seat?
Although dual-zone climate control and a 12-way power-adjustable driver's seat are standard, the Golf R does skimp on premium options such as ventilated seats , memory settings, and faux-suede accents.
Does the Golf R have a Wi-Fi hotspot?
Every model incorporates an 8.0-inch touchscreen with a host of standard features such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but, unfortunately, not a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot. The Golf R and other high-performance sport compacts are appealing because of their fun and functional nature.
Is the Golf R crash safe?
The Golf R's crashworthiness has only been evaluated by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration; the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has yet to test this limited-edition model. But compared with its track-ready rivals, the Volkswagen is one of very few to offer driver-assistance technology of any kind. Key safety features include:
Is the Golf R a hatchback?
The Golf R is the understated and underrated antithesis of its red-hot hatchback rivals such as the Ford Focus RS, Subaru WRX STI, and Honda Civic Type R. Its mixture of performance and practicality is expected, but its seamless blending of those two key attributes is unique. On top of that, the R outclasses everything in the category with ...
What is the Spanish twin of the new VW Golf GTI?
4 / 13. Cupra Leon. The Spanish twin of the new VW Golf GTI is the future Cupra Leon. It already previews the engine range for the GTI: the well-known 245-hp (183 kW) four-cylinder, plus the hotter 300-hp (223-kW) GTI TCR with 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque.
How much horsepower does a Mercedes AMG A35 have?
Let's have a look at the numbers: 2.0-liter turbo gas engine, 306 hp (228 kW), 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) of torque. Plus a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
What is the engine in the Focus ST?
The Focus ST is aimed right at the Golf GTI. In addition to a 190-hp (142-kW) diesel engine, the Focus ST is also available with a 2.3-liter gas engine that offers 280 hp (209 kW) and 308 lb-ft (420 Nm) of torque. There is a choice of either a six-speed or seven-speed automatic transmission.
How much horsepower does the Audi S3 have?
The new Audi S3 rolls to the start much more strongly than the Golf GTI. A mill making 310 hp (231 kW) should make it the "most dynamic car in the segment."
Is the A35 a sedan?
The A35 is also available as a sedan with a notchback design. with gives it a leg-up over the GTI. The five-door model demonstrates the premium demands of Mercedes: €47,796 is a lot of cash. Check Out The Latest VW Golf News: VW Golf GTE PHEV Hot Hatch Is Not Coming To The U.S.

Overview
What's New For 2022?
- After being on hiatus since the 2019 model year, the Golf R returns for 2022. Its resurrection follows the release of the eighth-generation Golf GTI. With VW planning to stop selling the regular Golf hatchback and station wagons here, that leaves the GTI and the R as the only versions America will get. Thankfully, both are favorites of ours.
Engine, Transmission, and Performance
- Under the Golf R's hood is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four-cylinder that makes 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque—up from 288 hp and 280 lb-ft in the last generation R. The engine pairs with either a six-speed manual or a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The standard 4Motion all-wheel-drive system features a rear differential that can actively distribute t…
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
- The EPA has estimated the most efficient version of the Golf R is the one with the automatic transmission, which earned ratings of 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway. Going with the manual transmission drops those numbers to 20 mpg city and 28 mpg highway, a worthy tradeoff in our opinion for the more engaging six-speed stick. We haven't had a chance to run it on our 75-mph …
Interior, Comfort, and Cargo
- The Golf R mimics the GTI's new cabin design, which provides a sportier aesthetic than the last-generation Golf. Both have a thick-rimmed steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls that operate a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster with configurable layouts. Unlike the GTI, the Golf R isn't available with plaid seat inserts, but it does boast bolstered front seats wrapped in nappa leathe…
Infotainment and Connectivity
- As seen on the new GTI, the Golf R's infotainment system will run through a 10.0-inch touchscreen situated in the center of the dashboard. Its secondary controls include touch-sensitive sliders versus physical knobs and buttons. Along with the obligatory charging ports, the system should be available with a Harman/Kardon premium stereo. We also expect popular content such as Ap…
Safety and Driver-Assistance Features
- The new Golf R offers more driver-assistance technology than its predecessor, including blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist. For more information about the Golf R's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include: 1. Standard f…
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
- Although VW's powertrain warranty isn't tops among classmates, both its limited warranty and complimentary scheduled maintenance are among the best. 1. Limited warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles 2. Powertrain warranty covers four years or 50,000 miles 3. Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 20,000 miles More Features and Specs