Volkswagen brought us to the Ascari track in Spain.
Usually, that's something for McLaren or BMW.
But VW now has the Golf R - as a Variant, too - with 300 PS!
Amazing. But how is it to drive? Anything like the Audi RS3?
On the road, it's nice and comfy - partly thanks to dynamic dampers.
Interetingly, it's also well usable on the track. Very well done, VW.
Previously, you were better off getting a GTI than an R(32).
Now, go for the R, not the GTI! It's the most fun and dynamic.
R GmbH is now a special division like quattro and AMG. That works.
The 300 PS 2.0 has a bigger, slower turbo. Hence the PDK is nice.
That shifts quicker, so overall response improves.
There's 4WD, so 0-100 kph takes little over 5 seconds!
And the drive? The R is simply great and steers better than an S3.
The torquey engine offers power from 2500 rpm to the end.
Into a corner, it doesn't understeer. Throw it in and the rear shifts.
It's more balanced and fun. It's grippier, even in hairpins.
Lift off, correct the nose and power out with no traction loss!
It's so good on a track - and on the road too. It's so sharp.
If you can drive, you can match a Porsche 911 in the mountains.
On bendy roads it has enough power. It's oh so fast!
It's 52000 euro's, so very expensive for a Golf, yet well-equiped.
Yet it seems a better choice than an RS3 - which is even pricier!
There's space in the back and the boot, it's comfortable AND quick.
And it's not just for the track - it can do anything! It's the perfect car.
+ Very quick; well-balanced
- A bit heavy; costs over 52000 euros