Volkswagen’s updated Golf R gets a power boost and subtle styling tweaks

By Stephen Edelstein Published December 23, 2016

Last month, Volkswagen unveiled an updated version of its bestselling Golf hatchback, and now the range-topping Golf R performance model is getting the same tweaks, plus more power.

The Golf R continues to use an uprated version of the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine fitted to the less-extreme GTI. But it now produces 305 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, up from 292 hp and 280 lb-ft in the previous version. Power is sent to all four wheels through six-speed manual or DSG dual-clutch automated transmissions.

Recommended Videos

With the extra power, Volkswagen says the reinvigorated Golf R will do 0 to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds with the DSG transmission, an improvement of about 0.3 second over the previous version. Expect the acceleration time for the manual-transmission to drop from the current 5.3 seconds as well.

Like other versions of the venerable hatchback, the updated Golf R also gets some styling changes. However, only true Golf experts will be able to spot the differences. Volkswagen says the grille and front fenders on all Golf models are new, and LED taillights are now standard across the board. The Golf wasn’t exactly a bad-looking car to begin with, so major styling changes weren’t really necessary.

The Golf R will probably get at least some of the new tech features previously announced for other Golf models. These include the Active Info Display that replaces the analog gauge cluster with a 12.3-inch digital display, and Discover Pro infotainment system, featuring a 9.2-inch touchscreen and gesture controls.

The rest of the updated Golf lineup will go on sale next year, with the Golf R likely following the more mainstream models. The Golf comes in many flavors, including the basic hatchback, the electric e-Golf, the Golf R and GTI performance models, and the Golf SportWagen and Alltrack wagons.

Stephen Edelstein

Former Contributing Editor

Stephen is a freelance automotive journalist covering all things cars. He likes anything with four wheels, from classic cars…

Topics

Cars

Order an Uber and a self-driving Mustang might show up

Electronics, Phone, Mobile Phone

Ordering an Uber in London could come with a surprise today. Instead of a conventional car and driver pulling up, you might find a Ford Mustang Mach-E that can drive itself. Uber has launched London's first public robotaxi service in partnership with British autonomous driving company Wayve. The service is available through the Uber app, meaning you don't need to download anything new or book a special type of ride to try it.

There is one important caveat. Although the cars will handle the driving themselves, a trained safety operator will initially sit behind the wheel, ready to intervene if necessary. Fully driverless rides are planned for a later stage. The launch fleet consists of electric Mustang Mach-Es equipped with cameras, radar, and Wayve's AI Driver technology. These systems give the vehicle a 360-degree view of what's happening around it. And if anywhere can put that technology through its paces, London seems like a pretty good candidate.

Cars

Range Rover Electric arrives with 543hp, 600km range, and a starting price of the moon

The electric Range Rover is here, and your wallet may need CPR

Range Rover EV

The Range Rover has never been shy about luxury, size or price, and its first fully electric version is carrying that tradition into the EV era. Jaguar Land Rover’s (JLR) first battery-electric Range Rover is now open for orders, starting at £154,070, or about $208,420. That makes it one of the most expensive electric SUVs on the market.

The electric model costs almost £50,000 more than the standard combustion-engine Range Rover. It is priced in the same territory as the electric Mercedes-Benz G 580 and not far from ultra-luxury gasoline SUVs such as the Bentley Bentayga.

Cars

A solar ambulance has successfully tackled 500 miles of difficult terrain

Stella Juva

For years, solar-powered vehicles have largely lived in the world of prototypes, university projects and ambitious demonstrations. Now, one has completed the kind of test that matters far more than a flashy concept reveal: it drove hundreds of miles through difficult terrain while carrying medical equipment and generating enough electricity to operate independently.

Called Stella Juva, the vehicle was developed by Solar Team Eindhoven, a group of 23 students from Eindhoven University of Technology and two other educational institutions. According to a CNN report, the team describes it as the world's first solar ambulance. Unlike a conventional ambulance, however, Stella Juva is designed less to rush patients to hospitals and more to bring medical care to people who cannot easily reach it.