Side view of blue VW Golf R 20 Years driving

New Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years Edition

From £50,115

Celebrating 20 Years of the Iconic Golf R

Stylish Exterior

The Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years edition is an exclusive and limited-edition model that celebrates 20 years of the popular Golf R.

This model features a sleek and stylish exterior, with unique black accents and 19-inch alloy wheels to give it a sporty look. The Volkswagen logo is also included in a unique design, further highlighting the iconic and stylish exterior of the Golf R 20 Years Edition.

Additionally, the exterior also features aerodynamic elements to enhance the performance of the car and ensure that you stand out from the crowd.

Volkswagen Golf R 20 years blue car driving
Volkswagen Golf R 20 years blue cars

Sophisticated Interior

The interior of the Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years Edition is designed to be comfortable and luxurious. The model features sports seats with a combination of leather and Alcantara upholstery, while the leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear knob provide an extra level of sophistication. The interior also features stainless steel pedals and door sills, as well as ambient lighting to provide a welcoming atmosphere.

The interior of the Golf R is packed with features such as the new digital cockpit, advanced infotainment system and also features LED ambient lighting to create an inviting and comfortable atmosphere while you drive.

Cutting-edge Technology

The Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years Edition is equipped with the latest technology to ensure a comfortable and safe driving experience. The model features a digital cockpit, which allows you to personalise the interior display to your own preferences. The model also features an intuitive infotainment system, as well as a wireless charging pad to keep your devices charged on the go. In addition, the model is equipped with parking assistance and driver assistance systems that help you to stay safe on the road.

Powerful Performance

The Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years Edition is powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, producing 300 horsepower and providing a 0-60 time of just 4.6 seconds. The model is also equipped with a seven-speed dual clutch transmission for a smooth and responsive driving experience. The model also features a unique adaptive suspension system that adjusts to different driving conditions, providing a comfortable and responsive ride.

Volkswagen Golf R 20 years badge
Volkswagen Golf R 20 years White driving
Volkswagen Golf R 20 years interior
Volkswagen Golf R 20 years White driving towards camera

Test Drive Review: Volkswagen Golf R

The new Volkswagen Golf R arrives with a rather fearsome reputation to uphold.

What is it?

The new Volkswagen Golf R arrives with a rather fearsome reputation to uphold. The older car made a name for itself as an all-weather monster, delivering huge performance no matter what the conditions. This latest car, based on the new eighth-generation Golf, looks to do the same, increasing both performance and in-car technology too.

But the question is, can it achieve this? We’ve been behind the wheel to find out.

Volkswagen has reworked many crucial aspects of the new Golf R while retaining some of the aspects which attracted people to the previous-generation car in the first place. For instance, the engine has received tweaks to boost power - though we’ll look at this in more detail shortly - yet the car’s useable, five-door bodystyle has been kept the same.

The interior is far more tech-heavy than before, too, while the exterior styling has a more futuristic look.

What’s under the bonnet?

The new Golf R uses fundamentally the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that you’d find in its predecessor, but some tweaks and revisions have increased power to 316bhp while torque stands at a healthy 420Nm. Power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Volkswagen claims that it’ll take just 4.5 seconds for the R to go from 0-60mph before hitting a top speed of 155mph. Meanwhile, when it comes to efficiency, the Golf R should return up to 36.2mpg and records CO2 emissions of 177g/km.

What’s it like to drive?

The Golf R’s acceleration is one of the things you notice first when driving the car. It feels far, far quicker than the official figures suggest and you’re able to put the power down even when it’s wet underfoot. The all-wheel-drive system also helps to give plenty of traction in the corners, while a new torque vectoring system takes this even further.

It’s a superbly easy car to drive, in fact, and means that anyone - regardless of experience - will be able to get the best from it.

How does it look?

The understated look of the previous Golf R has been carried over to this latest generation, with only the car’s now recognisable four-exit exhaust pipe showcasing this car’s performance. However, apart from this, it looks largely ‘normal’,

That said, if you’d like your R to look a little more flamboyant, then you can add the ‘Performance Pack’, which brings a larger wing and bigger alloys.

Front view of blue VW Golf R
Rear view of Golf R driving
Black and Blue Interior of VW Golf R

What’s it like inside?

We’ve already experienced the regular Golf’s technology-laden interior, so it’ll come as no surprise that the cabin in the R is much the same. There are a variety of blue accents applied throughout it, however, alongside more sporty, figure-hugging seats. We’d like there to be a little more flamboyance, in truth, but the general fit-and-finish is good while the material quality is excellent too.

When it comes to boot space, the R ticks the boxes again. With the rear seats in place, you’ve got 374 litres to play with, while the boot’s square opening will make loading larger items a little easier. You can, of course, extend the boot further by lowering the rear seats.

What’s the spec like?

The R, as the range-topping Golf model, boasts a comprehensive range of standard equipment. Highlights include Volkswagen’s digital cockpit with configurable dials, a 10-inch infotainment screen incorporating both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and Matrix LED headlights.

We’d recommend choosing the Dynamic Chassis Control option, however. It allows you to soften off the car’s ride and makes it well-suited to the UK’s roads. At £300, it doesn’t break the bank either.

Verdict

Replacing an icon was never going to be easy, but it would appear that Volkswagen has done just that with its latest Golf R. It’s stupendously fast, but composed and easy to live with on a daily basis, making it the ideal performance hatchback.

It might not be a car that bristles with feedback, but as a car that’ll add a bit of sparkle to even the dreariest of drives, it’s hard to beat.

How can we help?

At the end of the agreement there are three options: i) pay the optional final payment and own the vehicle; ii) return the vehicle: subject to excess mileage and fair wear and tear, charges may apply; or iii) replace: part exchange the vehicle. With Solutions Personal Contract Plan. 18s+. Subject to availability and status. T&Cs apply. Ordered by 6th January 2025 from participating Retailers. Exclusions may apply. Indemnities may be required. Subject to changes in vehicle or equipment prices. Not available in conjunction with any other finance offer and may be varied or withdrawn at any time. Accurate at time of publication 10/2024 Freepost Volkswagen Financial Services. ^Vehicle is Sold by Volkswagen UK, a trading division of Volkswagen Group, United Kingdom Limited. When financed with Volkswagen Financial Services, Volkswagen UK will sell the vehicle to Volkswagen Financial Services who will enter into a finance agreement with the customer. On The Road Price stated is the On The Road Cash Price of the vehicle.