Intelligent engineering downsizing with no sacrifice in power delivery. This is what the Volkswagen Golf R represents. The heir to the 2004 and 2008 Golf R32 models, this Golf R manages to have more power, more performance, and consume less petrol than its illustrious iconic performance forebears. All this from just RM268,888.00.
Whereas the R32 models used a 3.2-liter VR6 engine, this Golf R is fitted with a high-output version of the award-winning turbocharged 2.0-liter TSI® engine. This engine makes 256 horsepower, six more than the VR6 fitted into the year 2008 VW Golf R32. As well as offering more power and performance, the Golf R is also more economical, with manufacturer estimated fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway compared with estimated mileage of 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for the prior model.
Like the previous R32 models, the Golf R is equipped with Volkswagen’s 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system: the latest generation of this system can divert up to 100 percent of the torque to the rear wheels, if needed.
The car uses an uprated version of the EA113 2.0-liter turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine, rather than the EA888 engine used in the current GTI. Like the EA888, the EA113 uses direct fuel injection and double overhead camshafts with variable intake timing. Because the Golf R develops more power and torque than the GTI, 256 horsepower and 243 lb-ft compared with 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft, a number of changes have been made.
The cylinder block is reinforced, stronger connecting rods are fitted, and an uprated BorgWarner K04 turbocharger is used, boosting at up to 17 psi. With manufacturer estimated fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway, this is the most fuel-efficient Golf R model.
The Golf R is offered with a slick shifting, close-ratio six-speed manual transmission that features a magnesium selector housing and cable operation with very short lever movements. The latest-generation 4Motion all-wheel drive is also standard on the Golf R. This system uses a Haldex® clutch pack that continuously varies the amount of torque sent to the rear wheels, depending on whether slippage is detected at the front. In normal driving, the Golf R acts like a front-wheel-drive machine, which has benefits for fuel economy. However, if needed, up to 100 percent of the torque can be directed to the rear wheels for traction on more challenging surfaces.
