VW’s 2015 Golf R sold out in 12 hours … But Digital Trends got the first one

By Nick Jaynes March 13, 2015

vws 2015 volkswagen golf r sold out in 12 hours but digital trends the first one silver — Image used with permission by copyright holder

The first 500 examples of the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R headed to the U.S. sold out in less than 12 hours. Digital Trends, however, got the first one … and the only one in America in Reflex Silver Metallic.

VW Golf R Monroney — The Monroney for Digital Trends’ 2015 Volkswagen Golf R long-term tester Image used with permission by copyright holder

Though we’ve tested tens of dozens of cars over the years, we’ve never had one for more than a single week. While seven days gives us more than enough time to make an informed judgment of its value and merits, it doesn’t give us a true glimpse at what it’s like to live with the car.

Keen to spend a bit more time and get a bit more intimate with a car that encompasses all things Digital Trends holds dear, we reached out to our friends at Volkswagen of America and asked if they’d be so kind to lend us a Golf R for six months. To our delight, they agreed.

Throughout the spring, we at DT will be putting the Golf R through its paces – and and racking up the miles — on the road during our daily commutes, on the track, and on country back roads during a spirited Sunday drive.

Unlike other outlets that simply look at the car, we at DT know life is more than fuel economy and handling. Accordingly, we’ll be handing the keys over to our other sections to get a glimpse how the Golf R fits in with all specs of the tech-savvy lifestyle, including Cool Tech integration, a Home Theater review of the Golf’s Fender sound system, and much more.

We will be crafting several articles and videos highlighting its versatility, livability, and, of course, sportiness, along with technical and historical background of the the sporty Golf.

So, over the next few months, look here for Digital Trends’ ongoing coverage of the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R. It should be pretty fun and distinctive.

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Jaynes is the Automotive Editor for Digital Trends. He developed a passion for writing about cars working his way…

Mobile

The 6 best car phone holders in 2024

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger with an iPhone 14 Pro.

Belkin BoostCharge Magnetic Wireless Car Charger Andy Boxall / Digital Trends

Installing a car phone mount in your vehicle is the best way to make sure that you have easy access to your smartphone when behind the wheel. While you shouldn't be using your phone while driving, having it mounted on your windshield, dashboard, vent, or anywhere else will let you take a quick glance when you're using a navigation app, or to change your playlist when you stop for a traffic light, for example. Instead of having to pick up your device, it will be easier and faster to get these done while it's on a car phone mount for less time of having your eyes off the road.

Cars

Should you buy a used EV? Maybe, but it’s complicated

Electric cars are slowly but surely getting cheaper. Over the past year or so, Ford and Tesla have been discounting their most popular electric cars while other brands, like Rivian, are laying the groundwork for all-new cheaper models.

But you'd still be hard-pressed to call electric cars cheap, and buying a completely new car in the first place is a hurdle in and of itself for many potential buyers. According to Statista, used car sales represented around 74% of all car sales in 2022, and while this figure is likely to change as electric cars get cheaper, the fact remains that most car buyers would prefer to save cash and buy used rather than buy something new.
Buying a new car ain't what it used to be
Buying a car with an electric powertrain doesn't necessarily need to be all that different from buying an internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle. But there's a little more to it than that.

Cars

Rivian R2 vs. Ford Mustang Mach-E: Will the R2 be a better buy?

Side of the Rivian R2

The Rivian R2 has finally been announced, and it could end up being the go-to EV for drivers who want a decently affordable electric car with a rugged look and feel. But when it finally launches to the public, it won't be the only option in its price range -- the Ford Mustang Mach-E could be one of its main competitors.

The Mustang Mach-E may not be quite as rugged-feeling as the Rivian R2, but it does have a lot going for it -- like an increasingly low price, sleek design, and comfortable interior. Is one of these EVs better than the other? We put the two head-to-head to find out.
Design
The first thing to note about the two cars is their design, as they’re pretty different. The Rivian R2 is built to be a little more rugged and outdoorsy, while the Mach-E instead has a sleeker and sportier look to it. Both cars look stylish and modern.