The R is the most powerful production Golf, putting out 300hp, thanks to a four-cylinder 2.0 turbocharged TSI petrol engine. This is the same engine as the Golf GTI, but the R engine has a modified cylinder head, exhaust valves, vale seats and springs, injection valves and turbocharger.
0-100km/h is claimed to take 5.1 seconds or even quicker at 4.9 seconds when the DSG gearbox is fitted.
All R models come with the fifth-generation Haldex 4MOTION four-wheel drive system.
Visually, the R gets large air inlets, a modified radiator grille with 'R' logo and daytime running lights, bespoke body colour sills, and matt chrome-capped door mirrors. The car also features 19-inch Cadiz alloy wheels as standard.
The 2015 Golf R model will have a starting price of €42,445, a €9,550 price reduction on the 2014 model. This is despite having increased specification to the value of €2,280. The most expensive model, at €45,280, is the 2.0 TFSI 5-door DSG. The price walk from the most expensive GTI to the entry-level R model is now €1,780. All Golf 'R' models are in Tax Band D.
