For nearly 50 years, the Volkswagen Golf GTI has been seen as the consummate hot hatch. Over the decades, the car may have change - more power and luxuries, increased safety and economy - but the basic recipe has remained the same. Providing dynamic thrills was always a priority, but the GTI has always been about balancing daily usability with thrill-a-minute performance.
Still, Volkswagen has, since the mid-90's, offered an even more powerful derivative. The first model was the Mk3 VR6, a large-engined hot hatch that still enjoys great popularity as a modern classic. The Mk4 saw the introduction of the R32, which carried on the tradition of using a big, powerful V6 engine.
It was only with the Mk6 model that VW decided to use a turbopetrol 2.0-litre engine. Seen as the halo model in the range, the Golf R has gained cult status across the world, for its impressive ability to outperform bigger, more expensive cars - while remaining as practical as an everyday Golf.
The new model, due in South Africa in 2022, promises all that and more. With 235 kW and 420 Nm of torque, the newcomer is reported to hit 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. To put this into perspective, this is 1/10th of a second slower than a Ferrari 360 Modena...
So, performance shouldn't be a problem then. But how does it stack up to its rivals? Well, it's more powerful than Audi's S3 (213 kW), the BMW M135i (225 kW) and the Mercedes-AMG A35 (225 kW). What's more, it boasts more torque than the S3 and AMG (which muster up 400 Nm), but is outgunned by the BMW's meaty 450 Nm figure. Only the Mercedes can match it for acceleration, though.
Part of the Golf R's spectacular performance is down to its unique four-wheel drive system: VW's 4Motion with R-Performance Torque Vectoring sends all the power to all four corners via the brand's quick-shifting seven-speed DSG 'box.
Like its key rivals, the 8 R is electronically governed to 250 km/h, but an optional R Performance package will increase that to a sports car rivalling 270 km/h.
Like the GTI, the R will, most likely, be lavishly equipped. Overseas models receive a raft of standard features, including LED headlamps, 18-inch alloy wheels and the brand's digital cockpit pro.
Volkswagen plans on introducing the eagerly awaited Golf R in the second quarter of 2022.
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FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen Golf R cost in South Africa?
The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is expected to start around R850,000 when it arrives in South Africa, making it roughly R100,000 more expensive than the BMW M135i and Mercedes-AMG A35.
Q: Is the Volkswagen Golf R worth buying over its rivals?
The Golf R delivers 235 kW and all-wheel drive traction that its front-wheel drive rivals can't match, plus it hits 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds, making it worth the premium for serious performance enthusiasts.
Q: How fast is the new Volkswagen Golf R compared to supercars?
The Golf R accelerates to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds, which is only one tenth of a second slower than a Ferrari 360 Modena, proving this hot hatch can embarrass some serious supercars.
Q: What makes the Golf R different from the Golf GTI?
The Golf R packs 235 kW compared to the GTI's 180 kW, features all-wheel drive instead of front-wheel drive, and costs roughly R200,000 more for the extra performance and traction.
Q: Which hot hatch has the most power: Golf R, BMW M135i, or Audi S3?
The Golf R wins the power war with 235 kW, beating the BMW M135i's 225 kW and the Audi S3's 213 kW, though the BMW fights back with 450 Nm of torque versus the Golf's 420 Nm.
Should You Buy It?
The best all-weather hot hatch under R900,000 in South Africa is absolutely the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R. At an expected R850,000, you're getting 235 kW, all-wheel drive grip that'll shame rear-wheel drive sports cars in the wet, and 4.7-second acceleration that matches supercars costing five times the price. Sure, it's pricier than the BMW M135i and Mercedes-AMG A35, but those are front-wheel drive pretenders that'll torque steer you into the nearest ditch when you floor it. The Golf R is the thinking enthusiast's choice: properly fast, genuinely usable every day, and with 4Motion all-wheel drive, it'll put its power down whatever the weather. Buy it if you want the ultimate do-it-all performance car that can carry your golf clubs and your ego in equal measure.
