Volkswagen Golf R update promises a substantial step up

First off, don’t expect any seismic changes here, inside or out. It’s Mk8 Golf as you knew it, with a dusting of updates and the expected R accoutrement, including big bulbous quad exhausts, a gurning chin spoiler, big wheels, and puffier arches. With the new, slimmer IQ Light LED matrix headlights, 3D lights at the rear, and reprofiled nose, the Mk8.5 looks a little more comfortable in its own skin than the car it replaces, for sure. The sporty Warmenau forged wheels help, too, though you’ll need the Performance Pack for those.

On the inside there have been some crucial changes, including the move to the latest-generation infotainment system, which, as we’ve seen in the ID.7, is much-improved in terms of ergonomics and stability. The new screen spans 12.9 inches and is free-standing on the dashboard, above the temperature and blower strength sliders which, while still touch sensitive, are now at least lit up at night. In terms of ‘R’ stuff in the digital ecosystem, there’s a new G-meter and GPS lap timer for cars with the Performance Package. You can even see how the car is distributing its torque between its wheels.

Elsewhere there’s plenty of blue ‘R’ mood lighting, carbon trim, and semi-tartan trim to remind you exactly of what you’re in. The days of rather apologetic shift paddles buyers augment with aftermarket paddles that look like a Transformer’s ears are hopefully gone, too. This is a Golf R with a proper pair of shifters.

It hasn’t suddenly had a heart transplant with an Audi RS 3. The EA888 turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine remains, now in LK3 evo4 form. It puts out a healthy 333PS (245kW), still to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and all-wheel-drive. That makes the new Golf R good for 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, or 4.8 seconds in the slightly heavier Variant that launches alongside it. Top speed is a heady 167mph, making this the world’s fastest current Volkswagen.

In terms of the chassis and driveline, the Golf R’s all-wheel-drive with R torque vectoring returns, revised for a bit more of an active attitude. That’s now backed up with adaptive dampers that are now standard across the board, which have also been revised to better-suit each mode. The seven-speed transmission is a bit more fun-loving, too, with the car now leaving shifting totally up to you in the spicier modes.

Speaking of the driving modes, the 5+2 profiles return, with Comfort, Sport, Race, accessed by the new R button on the wheel – Individual, Special, and Drift. Now there’s also Eco for when you want to hypermile your Golf R, which will go on pre-sale in Europe in June, just in time for the 50^th anniversary of the Golf.