When there are not too many relatively cheap GTi class cars on the market, i.e. the so-called hot hatches, it is worth appreciating those few that can provide emotions, but at a reasonable price. Of course, it makes sense considering the possibilities offered by the car. Volkswagen Golf R Variant costs approximately PLN 190,000. PLN, but by buying it, in practice we get two cars in one: it is an ideal car for a family, but at the same time a compact “hot station wagon”.
Although the Golf R is a very unique car, it is not visible from the outside. Yes, it looks great in blue, and the details characteristic of the R version emphasize the sporty character of the car, but at first glance we simply see a Golf station wagon. What could be more cliched? The body line of the compact Volkswagen has been known for years and has only been slightly modernized. There are no fancy, oversized spoilers, an oversized grill or a pretentious, oddly shaped front bumper. It's just Golf. What attracts attention? Maybe only four exhaust tips and real ones, which is by no means the rule.
Volkswagen Golf R Variant
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
It's also quiet in the cabin. It's simply a Golf with a few details that prove that we are at the helm of an “ERK”. Here and there you will find carbon fiber inserts, and the front seats are styled as sports buckets. They are quite hard and have strongly defined side support. As befits a car with very good performance. The “R” on the steering wheel is also a decorative detail, and blue stitching also adds charm.
Volkswagen Golf R Variant
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
Volkswagen Golf R Variant – a very strong heart
However, the most interesting thing about the Golf R is its drive. It is a turbocharged petrol engine with a displacement of two liters, which is solid for today's times. Moc? It's an impressive 333 HP, but the torque of 420 Nm also deserves respect. Without any electric assistance. They're gas horses. The drive goes to all four wheels via the proven DSG gearbox with seven gears. Everything works great together.
Volkswagen Golf R Variant
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
Not only does the car accelerate to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, but it also increases speed easily at any time – this is due to the high torque. We press the gas, driving 100 km/h, and after a while the speedometer shows 140 km/h on the highway. There is no problem with overtaking on suburban roads: we can even pass a long truck in a few seconds. Such performance has a positive impact on safety.
Volkswagen Golf R Variant
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
However, nothing comes for free. Volkswagen Golf R can consume a lot of fuel, especially in the city, because it is not a hybrid. In practice, when driving slowly in traffic jams, you can expect a result of 10-12 l/100 km. Compared to Toyotas with combustion-electric drive, this is outlandish. But, as I mentioned, something for something. Here we have a 100%, very powerful combustion engine – with its advantages and disadvantages. However, on the road it is much better. On an expressway at 120 km/h you can get down to 8 l/100 km, and on the highway a realistic result of 9 l/100 km with a small number after the decimal point. On suburban roads, on the other hand, we can easily get 6.5-7 l/100 km – as long as we are gentle with the gas pedal.
Volkswagen Golf R Variant
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
It is worth remembering that the Golf R is a car with many faces. It all depends on the mode we activate after turning on the ignition. As standard, we have a regular driving mode in which the Golf R drives like… a Golf. You can move smoothly, but without jerking, and increase your speed with dignity. In this mode, the variable suspension provides comfort suitable for a family station wagon. It is not hard at all, although compared to other Golf versions it has been lowered and stiffened.
Volkswagen Golf R Variant
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
If we want to use the 333 HP hidden under the hood, we can also use other driving modes. You can choose from, for example, “race” and a special one designed for drifting, in which more torque goes to the rear wheels. The icing on the cake is the “special” track mode, perfect for the Nürburgring Nordschleife. It's better not to use it on the streets. IN In sport modes, the suspension stiffens, the electronics give more freedom, the gas responds faster, and the steering system has lighter power assistance.
Volkswagen Golf R Variant – interior like in Volkswagens
The interior – apart from the mentioned details characteristic of the “ERKA” – is nothing surprising. The quality of materials and stitching is quite good, although not great. Let's remember, however, that the Golf is a popular compact car, not a premium car. Even in this particular version. We pay for technology rather than amazing quality.
Volkswagen Golf R Variant
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
Comfort is at a very good level. In the front you can sit very comfortably on the above-mentioned “buckets”, there is also a lot of space in the back seat, but of course you have to remember that it is a compact car, not a limousine like the Skoda Superb.
Volkswagen Golf R Variant
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
Volkswagen Golf R Variant
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
For this, the powerful trunk deserves recognition. This is the advantage of a strictly combustion car, without large batteries in the floor: we have 611 liters at our disposal, and when we fold the rear seat, this volume increases to 1,642 liters. If necessary, we can easily fit quite a large TV, a dishwasher or a washing machine. And we will get her to her destination quickly.
Volkswagen Golf R Variant
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
The driver's environment is also okay, but nothing stands out compared to other Volkswagen models. In place of the indicators, we have a virtual cockpit on a large, high-resolution screen. The possibilities of configuring the displayed data are wide, and the graphics are very nice. For years I have believed that Volkswagen has the best digital gauges.
Volkswagen Golf R Variant
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
The multimedia system is also quite good – with large icons and logically arranged menus. There is also no problem with communication with a phone equipped with the Android system. One minus – unfortunately, the air conditioning is still controlled using a very cumbersome touch panel located at the bottom of the screen.
Volkswagen Golf R Variant
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Jarosław Horodecki / Onet
Volkswagen Golf R Variant – is it worth buying?
For me, this is one of the most interesting models on the market, intended for dynamic driving enthusiasts who also need to take their children to school and go on the road with their family during the holidays. By purchasing the Golf R station wagon, we have the perfect “2 in 1” car – practical, elegant, well-equipped and comfortable, and on the other hand, with incredible performance. It is also a great alternative to a fashionable SUV, because for a similar price we can buy compact models in this segment – more economical, but with a less exciting hybrid drive.
Volkswagen Golf R, technical data:
R4 petrol engine, 2.0T, 333 HP, 420 N. Automatic gearbox, DSG double clutch, 7-speed. Acceleration 0-100 km/h in 4.8 s. Maximum speed – 250 km/h. Average fuel consumption: 8.2 l/100 km (WLTP). Price: from PLN 187,090.
The car was loaned by the brand's importer and returned after the test.
