Golf R, from another era?

One can be passionately fond of the Golf for everything it has brought to modern automobiles and wonder what the purpose of an R version is in 2024.

Volkswagen presents its new high-end Golf model in a world debut. It offers optimized driving dynamics, exclusive standard equipment, and a power output of 333 hp (245 kW), which is 13 hp more than the previous version. The top speed of 250 km/h can be increased by an additional 20 km/h to reach 270 km/h with the optional R-Performance package. This makes this Golf R the fastest production model from Volkswagen in the world. The 2.0-liter turbo engine delivers all its power to a 7-speed DSG transmission and an all-wheel drive 4MOTION system with R-Performance torque vectoring. 

Based on the eighth generation of the Golf, it adopts the new LED Plus headlights, an illuminated VW badge, and “air curtains” in the bumper, as well as new LED taillights. The infotainment system has also been revised with a 32.8 cm diagonal screen, the largest offered by Volkswagen. It is paired with the improved Digital Cockpit Pro featuring a 26 cm diagonal display that offers a Sport interface with a round central tachometer and a horizontal engine speed display.

In France, the Golf R will be available for order in July at a price of 53,795 euros.

So why is there a question of the anachronism of a car for which we have just painted an idyllic picture? Unless you are racing on the track every weekend, the 250, or even 270 km/h top speed is absolutely useless! And after a few laps, the brakes and suspension components may weaken long before your enthusiasm does. Finally and most importantly, with combined CO₂ emissions of 192 g/km, you will have to pay a penalty of 51,912 euros upon purchase, effectively doubling the price of your beautiful Golf R!

At the same price, and without penalties, the Golf GTE offers 277 hp and perfect driving pleasure thanks to hybridization and a power output exceeding that of the GTI. So yes, it may not be a sporty Golf as you imagine, but 99% of the time you will forget about it, that much is certain.