Introduction
The Golf R is one of the most capable cars on sale, thanks to its practical shape, everyday usability and superb performance. As popular as it is, Volkswagen has now seen fit to add an optional Performance Pack to the car’s list of options.
The pack costs £2,300, and is designed to inject extra character and performance into the all-wheel-drive hatchback.
The first thing it does is increase the top speed to 166mph – up from 155mph – as well as add uprated brakes, a revised rear spoiler to aid downforce and a tiny weight shaving over the standard R. You also get 19-inch ‘Spielberg’ alloy wheels, which enhance the car’s look.
Performance
Despite the Performance Pack’s name, it doesn’t add any extra power or torque. The top speed might have been increased by taking off the limiter, but it makes do with the same 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine as the standard car, which produces 306bhp and 380Nm of torque.
Thanks to its all-wheel-drive system, it can accelerate from 0-60mph in a rapid 4.4 seconds.
Our test car also came with the optional titanium Akrapovic exhaust. It’s pricey at £2,975, but it adds a dose of extra character and is a thoroughly worthwhile option to go for.
Ride and handling
The Performance Pack might not add any grunt, but in truth, the Golf R didn’t really need it. There’s effortless traction provided in every condition you can throw at it, and thanks to the all-wheel-drive system, it means you don’t have to worry in heavy rain about losing grip. It also means you can extract more performance from the R than you could with many of its rivals in similar conditions.
The steering doesn’t offer the most feel, but it’s accurate and makes the R an easy car to drive fast. The seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox changes gear effortlessly.
It’s an exceptionally well-rounded package, although some will find it just a bit too predictable and not quite as fun to drive as some other hot hatches.
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Interior and equipment
Inside, it’s typically Volkswagen, which means it’s solid, well-built and premium, if not particularly exciting. But the basics are all carried out perfectly. It means you have an excellent seating position, lots of adjustment and an intuitive touchscreen that is easy to navigate. The infotainment display is well-integrated into the Golf’s dash, too.
Cabin space is excellent as rear passengers will have no complaints when it comes to headroom and legroom. A 380-litre boot will offer plenty of practicality for most, but a Golf R Estate is available for those wanting a bit more room.
Standard equipment is impressive with the Golf R coming with an electronic differential, a 12.3-inch touchscreen and sports seats. There’s a vast number of options to choose from –such as carbon-fibre door mirrors and dynamic chassis control.
Cost
The Golf R sits near the top-end when it comes to hot hatches, with prices starting from £31,995 for a manual car, and £33,685 for one fitted with the DSG gearbox. A £2,300 supplement for the Performance Pack is worth having if you want your Golf R to feel that extra bit special, and is worth paying for the alloy wheels alone.
But options can soon see the price of a Golf R spiral, with our test car coming in at £44,565, which is far too expensive - particularly as an Audi RS3 with almost 100bhp more is only a few hundred pounds extra. Stay away from too many options, though, and the Golf R is a good value hot hatch for the performance it offers.
It also won’t be quite as expensive to run as you might think, with Volkswagen claiming the R can manage 39.8mpg on the combined cycle and CO2 emissions of 163g/km. In normal driving, 35mpg is easily achievable.
Verdict
The Volkswagen Golf R has always been a car which is nearly perfect, and while the Performance Pack hasn’t made a heap of difference, it adds extra appeal to an already compelling package.
If you decide to save yourself £2,300 on the Performance Pack and buy the standard model, we wouldn’t exactly blame you, but for those wanting the ultimate Golf R – which is fast, usable and impressively practical – you certainly won’t be disappointed.
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