Volkswagen Golf R Video Road Test & Review

The Volkswagen Golf R represents the apex of hot hatch performance from the German brand.  The Volkswagen Golf R adds an extra degree of speed over and above what the compact GTI hatchback has to offer, and it also features unique two-door styling and an all-wheel drive layout.  Safety equipment for the Golf R includes full-length side curtain airbags, seat-mounted side airbags, dual forward airbags, anti-lock brakes, and electronic stability control and traction control.

All versions of the Volkswagen Golf R are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that has been tuned to squeeze out 256 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque.  A six-speed manual transmission is the only gearbox available with the Golf R, and the previously-mentioned all-wheel drive system is standard.  Fuel mileage for the hatchback shows as 19-mpg city and 27-mpg highway.

The VW Golf R comes in a single trim level (MSRP $33,990), and features adaptive HID headlights, LED running lights, dual automatic climate control, heated leather seats, Bluetooth connectivity, a touchscreen interface for its multimedia entertainment system, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel, and an iPod interface.  Available equipment includes keyless entry, a sunroof, an upgraded stereo system, and a navigation system.

Comparable cars include the Subaru Impreza WRX, the Mitsubishi EVO and the Mazda MazdaSpeed3.