We say The ultimate Golf with bags of power and ability - but very expensive next to rival hot hatches and even the Volkswagen Golf GTI.Performance The last generation used an ominous sounding 3.2-litre V6 engine however the latest uses a turbocharged 2.0-litre unit which allows for a 0-62mph sprint time of just 5.7 seconds with a manual stick and 5.5 with an automatic. After clearing that, it will also reach 155mph pretty sharpish, too.There’s 18 more bhp on the new engine than the 3.2-litre V6 found on the last R32 model. It’s rapid throughout the gears and faster than a Porsche Cayman to 62mph with the DSG box.Emissions It’s an absolute performance hot hatch, so Volkswagen hasn’t given too much thought to emissions and efficiency, despite equipping the R with a smaller engine.As a result it returns 33.2mpg with a manual transmission and 33.6mpg with an automatic DSG transmission. In terms of CO2 emissions, the manual transmission emits 199g/km and the automatic DSG puts out 195g/km.Driving The Golf R is phenomenal to drive in terms of straight line speed but its also great around corners too. That’s because Volkswagen has fitted its all wheel drive, 4MOTION system. That gives exceptional grip around corner and ensures all wheels remain planted when you slam the accelerator down out of the corner.There’s also a unique suspension set up that allows the R to sit lower than the GTI and ride stiffer, too. Volkswagen also provides an Adaptive Chassis Control system which allows you to select sport or comfort driving modes.Feel To say the Golf R feels powerful is an understatement and while the interior is more hatchback than hot hatch, the ride is definitely not.It’s not comfortable because its got incredibly stiff and low suspension which is great around corners but less so at low speeds on the UK’s pock-marked roads. That means it’s noisy on normal roads and it craves motorway driving and some speed.Space The standard Golf is now thought of as a small family car and the R version is based on the same blueprints. That means for a hot hatch it’s actually quite practical however the five-door is much more so than the three-door model.The boot is restricted by the R’s four wheel drive setup which means it’s just 275-litres in capacity, rather than the 350-litreage of standard versions.Equipment For a car priced at more than £30,000, you’d expect the Golf R to come well equipped, fortunately it is. Leather sports seats come as standard along with a multifunction trip computer, climate control and cruise control.Price Pricing for the Volkswagen Golf R ranges from £31,420 to £33,300, so it’s not cheap even if it’s an incredibly powerful hot hatch.Quality The Volkswagen Golf R is a Volkswagen and a Golf. That means it’s extremely well made and there’s an exclusive use of premium materials throughout the interior.It won’t win any prizes for brilliant design but there won’t be any reliability issues or complaints.Safety The Golf R is a particularly safe car, benefitting from an electronic stability programme, seven airbags and whiplash head restraints. There’s also all wheel drive and a knee airbag for the driver, expelling any fears.Pros Blistering performance. Aggressive styling. Practicality.Cons The Volkswagen Golf R is one of the most expensive hot hatches available. It’s quicker than the more popular GTI derivative but that comes at a price. It will also be fairly expensive to run.It’s exciting and enjoyable to drive but it’s not very comfortAlternatives Volkswagen Golf GTI, Seat Leon Cupra
