What do you need to know about the MK7 Golf R?
In the case of the MK7 Golf R, these vehicles will be new enough even second-hand to just touch the basics. As with any new-to-you car, we do suggest an oil and filter change, new cabin air filters, and to inspect the brakes and tires.
Is the Volkswagen Golf R a good car to modify?
While the Golf R has respectable fuel economy, it still isn’t the cheapest car to own and the mod list to this point is quite pricey, which somewhat comes with the territory when modifying new cars. That said, your bank account can rest easy with our wheel options we’d suggest.
What kind of engine does the Volkswagen Golf R have?
With a Haldex 4motion AWD system, lightning-quick DSG gearbox, and nearly 300hp at the crank from the reworked 2.0T FSI engine, the Golf R is a capable platform out of the box and competes directly with the Subaru STI, now dead Mitsubishi EVO X, and the Ford Focus RS. However, what if you want to make your Golf R something a little more ‘you’?
Which wheels are best for the Golf R?
Our Tekniform rotary-forged line of wheels are right at home on the Golf R and offer the benefits of a lightweight design with similar durability to forged wheels – at half the cost.
Does the MK7 R need to be serviced?
Other than basic maintenance, you’ll find these to be the most common reliability complaints owners voice about their MK7 R. Naturally, you need to keep it serviced for a long and healthy life, but you should be confident that your MK7 R will last. Be sure to check out our article on MK7 R Common Problems for all the major and minor issues you can expect if you’re on the hunt for one of these awesome hot hatchbacks.
Is the DSG transmission good?
The DSG transmission option offers fast, engaging, and convenient driving experiences, but the DSG trans isn’t perfect. Mostly, the VW factory isn’t perfect. From the factory, early MK7 R DSG models left the factory with DSG transmissions underfilled. The transmissions were becoming quite hot and acting funky, the fix was filling them all the way. By now, all of these should be addressed, but if you are looking at a 2015 or 2016 model, you should check the DSG transmission fluid level. It’s just as simple as topping it off if you find it is low. We have DSG Transmission fluid here for you, just in case.
Does the IS38 turbo go bad?
From what we’ve heard from owners and our in-house MK7 R experts, the IS38 turbo tends to go bad faster than we’d like. While this primarily applies to cars sporting several bolt-on engine upgrades and performance software, even bone-stock MK7 R examples can experience turbocharger failure. Unfortunately, that means replacing your IS38. We have a few options, including an upgraded version, of IS38 Turbos you can find at ECS.
andy3141
Hi Everyone. New to the forum and also to golf R's (the wife drives a mk6 1.6TDi). Im currently trying to decide on what spec golf R to buy and think I have come to the following conclusion:
tamiyoman
Problem is searching the net you only hear about the issues with DSG and not the many thousands who have NO issues, its like the news you hear the bad stuff but good stuff...........................
Jake70
Not sure exactly which box/version it is but I've been driving a Scirocco R DSG for the past three years and I've got nothing but praise for DSG. As mentioned above you usually only hear the very few bad stories. Certainly not aware of DSG being "plagued with problems"?
mdian
The R, as with all mk7 Golfs are using the newer DSG system so it is far too early to know just how reliable it is.
volkswizard
I'm sorry Col, I edited out my last line because I'm too tired to get into another boring popcorn session
Chubby
However, I have spent the day researching the net about the DSG gearbox problems that have plagued VW group in the previous few years and Im unsure if I should now go with a manual transmission. From what Ive read it seems to be more the DQ200 that has problems rather than the DQ250 used in the Golf R mk7 but Im still unsure.
Chubby
Both have a clutch failures, only with manual break up doesn't contaminate oil and result in a new box. Something has to give eventually, its physics.
