Volkswagen Golf R 2010 Road Test Report

Performance

It might ostensibly seem like an odd move to replace a 3.2-litre V6 with 2.0-litre TSI engine – especially one that was fitted to the last generation of Golf. However, Volkswagen hasn’t been building hot hatches for nearly a quarter of a century and not learned something along the way. So while the engine block is the same as that used for the Mk V, it has a number of new components (alloy head, pistons, connecting rods and injectors) to bring it bang up to date. It certainly doesn’t lack performance: 266bhp and 258lb-ft of torque means a 0-62mph time of 5.7 seconds (1.2 seconds faster than the GTI) and a limited top speed of 155mph. Volkswagen claims it’s the most powerful and fastest-accelerating Golf ever, and on the basis of our test drive we see no reason to doubt them. It certainly feels very quick and while, sound-wise, it might lack some of the character of the V6, there’s no doubting its ability to cover tarmac rapidly. It doesn’t feel as manic as the Ford Focus RS, but the case for the subtler R is just as strong, in our opinion. Which one you prefer is largely a matter of taste. There are two transmission options available to Golf R buyers: the precise six-speed manual has short throws and works very well; alternatively, you can opt for a six-speed dual-clutch DSG ‘box. Our test car was fitted with the manual, but past experience of the DSG suggests that it should be just as effective and involving, especially when using the paddleshifts.

Ride & Handling

Continuing the tradition of the R32, the new Golf R has four-wheel drive, in this case a new 4Motion system that allows the car to transfer all the engine’s power on to the road. It can allocate torque to whichever wheels need it most, even to the extent that it has a 100% rear bias. The R therefore sticks to the road, the grip and the specially tuned power steering helping it to change direction quickly and accurately. It remains very flat in the corners, with barely a hint of body roll, and it feels incredibly stable at all times. Despite a being lowered by 25mm and fitted with new dampers, the ride in the Golf R is surprisingly comfortable. Our test car had the standard 18-inch wheels, which felt just about right: opting for 19-inchers might make things a bit harsh. The compliancy is as welcome as it is unexpected, giving the R the almost perfect balance of ride and handling. It also gives it a more grown-up feel than we would have imagined, taking it out of the realm of the boy racer and pitching it firmly at a more sophisticated buyer.

Build Quality & Reliability

Volkswagen has a very good reputation for reliability, although some surveys and studies suggest that this might not always be justified. That said, Volkswagen came 11th in the league of manufacturers in the most recent JD Power customer satisfaction survey, with the Golf 35th in the table of cars. Warranty Direct also scored the last-generation Golf as better than average in its Reliability Index, with average repair costs of £286.07. Build quality is very good indeed, the Golf being made from some of the best materials available in this segment of the market. The body looks solid and sturdy, and the cabin is comfortable, functional and practical. The Golf R also benefits from some extra touches to reflect its position at the top of the model tree, so the soft-touch plastics are augmented by part-Alcantara sports seats, aluminium pedals and touches such as a flat-bottomed steering wheel.

Safety & Security

The new Golf has an excellent five-star rating from Euro NCAP, scoring 97% for adult occupant protection, 84% for child occupant protection, 61% for pedestrian impact protection and 71% for safety assist. The Golf R is equipped with the usual array of active and passive safety kit fitted as standard, including ABS anti-lock brakes with Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA); ESP electronic stabilisation with Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and ASR traction control; seven airbags (front and side ‘bags for driver and front passenger, full-length curtain airbags and driver’s knee ‘bag); Isofix child seat anchor points; plus driver and front passenger active head restraints to reduce the effects of whiplash. For security purposes, there’s an electronic engine immobiliser, remote central locking and an alarm with interior protection to help keep it safe from prospective joyriders.

Space & Practicality

The Golf is a well-packaged car for its size, with plenty of space in the front and rear. In the back, there’s enough head-, shoulder and legroom for two, and even three, grown-ups to undertake most journeys (a trio of adults in the back might start to get uncomfortable on long journeys, though). The 60:40 split rear seats also fold (but not entirely flat). The boot has a capacity of 275 litres with the seats in place, or 1,230 litres when folded, less than a standard Golf but still enough for most purposes. At the front, the driving position is excellent, with full adjustment of the sports seat (including height) and steering wheel. All the controls are within reach and are easy to use. The Golf R has plenty of kit to reflect its range-topping status, including electronic climate control, cruise control radio/MP3-compatible CD player, multi-device interface (MDI) with USB and iPod connection, tyre pressure indicator, automatic lights and wipers, bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights and additional body kit. There is also an optional DVD touchscreen sat nav with hard drive and SD card reader for an additional £1,700.

Ownership & Value

Standard Golf models tend to be expensive relative to its rivals in the hatchback segment anyway, but this hot range-topping model is even pricier at £30,345. In context, the Ford Focus RS costs £27,895 and the Megane Renaultsport 250 is £23,160. Although the Golf R is lighter and more efficient than the previous R32, it’s still a performance model, so running costs are still high, with a fuel consumption figure of 33.2mpg on the combined cycle – although that’s likely to be much lower if it’s driven in the way such cars ought to be. CO2 emissions of 199g/km are still high and place it in Band J for vehicle excise duty, which will cost owners £235 a year. Servicing costs are usually aren’t cheap at VW dealerships, but for the duration of 2010 the company is offering buyers three years’ worth for a one-off £250 payment. Residuals for the Golf are among the strongest in the segment, but with the cheaper GTI also on the market, we reckon the R will struggle to retain as much of its value.