Volkswagen Golf R Change target
Golf VR6 was the first compact car equipped with a six cylinder, the R32 had followed suit while nobility. The new Golf R waives the V6 and is more radical than its predecessors.
A little more tuning
The Golf R for our test is proudly paint white candy “that showcases black lacquered mirrors. The front bumper is pretty aggressive air intakes were enlarged, the rocker is rather cleverly carved. All these little details involved in any discretion of the “R” from the R32: people note the location spectacular. Finally the new state of mind of most expensive Golf is felt from the first glance.
Yet there is nothing spectacular in the stylistic evolution: A spoiler is barely larger than the GTI and the two large tailpipes plants already existed on the R32.
It may be white associated with large wheels is a little tuning? And yet we did not have the optional rims 19 “that come with tinted headlight housings in black and darkened rear windows.
Baquet elite
Inside, the Golf R series plays the discretion with just a pair of special sport seats, stitched gray, blue needles on the dials and pedal steel.
But our trial version is also equipped with the “San Remo Racing bucket seats” to 3603 euros. Again it is close tuning with these huge tubs covered with leather seat and black lacquer on the shell.
Versatility takes a beating with a rear seat access calamitous and passengers can only see their reflection dan seat! Fortunately the maintenance is perfect and impressive style.
Two lost 10 of recovered
Golf R has lost two cylinders, but she won on almost all other points. 0 to 100 km / h increases from 6.2 to 5.5 seconds, consumption goes from 10.7 to 8.5 litres/100 km, CO2 emissions down from 255 to 199 g / km.
All thanks to “intelligent downsizing. The use of a supercharger with exhaust gas by cooling the intake air can develop more power with a 2.0 liter with the old 3.2 liter! Even the torque increases (from 320 to 350 Nm) with the same range.
Wolfsburg’s engineers were even treated the acoustics of the exhaust to completely forget the R32. And I must admit that the four cylinders can sing, but the R32 was a Diva and she is the strongest on this point.
Temperament
While the R32 was a powerful bourgeoisie, the Golf R slumming. Acceleration is more violent, the sound is more present in the cockpit, and even the box DSG seems set to provide sensations. Apart from the exceptional performance of the engine it should be noted that the Golf R has lost 72 kg compared to the R32.
Difficult to keep calm with this Golf R which invites a manly conduct. The driver bursts, passengers grumble, consumption rises. The 8.4 litres/100km promised by the technical details seem as realistic as the future appointment of Raymond Domenech at the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
While we found the R32 a little too wise, we must admit that this new Golf R is a real plague that needs to be whip.
Chassis
The 270 horses of Golf R go on the road with a four-wheel drive (4Motion) more effective than before, since the clutch four-wheel no longer needs to be differences in diet between the front axle and rear.
The motor is flawless and the handling of fly high. Although the PSE continues to trip quietly when changing direction very fast.
The electromechanical steering is one of the highlights of the Golf. Brilliant for its precision and quality of feedback to the excellent steering wheel with flat.
Side setting, you should know that the chassis was lowered by 25 millimeters, which makes the car firm but not uncomfortable. The brakes were adapted to higher performance with internally ventilated discs (345 mm front and 310 mm rear).
Conclusion
Change of course for the top of the range Golf. The R32 was quiet easy, the Golf R is more demonstrative and seems more attracted by the tours through the streets of Neuilly. For the driver the pleasure is heightened for passengers is a little less funny.
The Golf R will not make us forget the sound, the nobility and versatility of the R32 V6. But it becomes legitimate in the band radically compact sports alongside the Focus RS , the Impreza WRX STi and the Megane RS .
