Price, Specification And UK Release Date
As the most powerful Golf ever, this high-performance Volkswagen Golf R model is essentially a tuned version of an already tuned model, the Golf GTi. Announced in August 2013, it's based on the Mk7 golf, it's powered by a 2.0 litre, turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while a six-speed dual-clutch transmission works alongside a Haldex all-wheel-drive system. Option of the dual-clutch DSG gearbox. Changes to the Golf's engine to achieve increased power output include a modified cylinder head and pistons, and a new turbocharger. Four-wheel-drive system only sends torque to the front wheels under low loads or when coasting, in order to save fuel. Ride height is reduced by 5mm compared with a Golf GTI (itself already 15mm lower than a standard Golf). Springs and dampers tuned to handle the extra performance. Uprated brakes are included, and active dampers, under the guise of Adaptive Chassis Control, will be an option. Exterior styling: New front bumper design with larger air inlets, 18鈥?alloy wheels and four chrome-tipped exhaust pipes. Colours: A new paint was created specifically and exclusively for the Golf R: "Lapis Blue Metallic". Alternative colour choices are "Pure White", "Tornado Red", "Night Blue", "Limestone Grey Metallic", "Reflex Silver Metallic", "Deep Black Pearl Effect" and "Oryx White". Interior styling: Sports seats and bespoke R dials. The middle panels are designed in "Race" fabric (鈥淭itan Black鈥? with black backstitching. Nappa-carbon leather package: As an option, Volkswagen also offers a Nappa-carbon leather package. Here, the outer seat surfaces, inner side support panels, and head restraints are all upholstered in dark 鈥淐arbon鈥?Nappa leather. Wheels: Standard wheels: 18-inch "Cadiz" aluminium-alloy wheels. The Golf R is likely to cost from under 拢32,000 (the prices are confirmed in Germany as starting from 鈧?8,325 ) when it goes on sale in the UK next spring. It will be available across all of our Volkswagen dealerships in Scotland.
The Fiesta ST isn't as badass as the die-hard Ford Focus RS, but that makes it all the more lovable, er, fun. Its manual-only gearbox is approachable, its suspension is lively but not harsh, and it's actually thrifty on gas鈥攊f you care about that. It's powered by a 197-hp turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder that drives the front wheels through a six-speed transmission. While the Fiesta ST is extremely affordable entertainment, its cut-rate interior and cramped back seat carry over from the even cheaper and less exciting Fiesta. Still, this pint-sized performance hatchback is a back-to-basics option that rewards drivers of all skill levels. What's New for 2019? While we're thankful that Ford saw fit to keep selling the Fiesta ST for another model year rather than ending production, it only prolonged the inevitable. The entire Fiesta range will no longer be built after May 2019. Meanwhile, the current generation of the feisty little hatchback carries over for 2019 without change. The Fiesta ST is cheaper than esteemed rivals such as the Honda Civic Si coupe and the Volkswagen Golf GTI. That makes the Ford one of the best performance bargains money can buy.
30,000. Its available accessories include metallic Orange Spice or White Platinum paint colors, black 17-inch wheels and red brake calipers, heated Recaro seats, power sunroof, and navigation. We'd add the dark wheels because they look cool and the heavily bolstered Recaro buckets for their extra support (we suggest trying them out first, since they're too restrictive for some). The rest of the options are unnecessary, especially since standard Apple CarPlay and Android Auto replace the need for navigation. Likes: Power is easy to exploit, manual transmission only, bona fide sports-car grip. Dislikes: Could drive Miss Daisy at the drag strip, longest emergency-braking result versus rivals. The Fiesta ST might singlehandedly save the manuals. A six-speed row-your-own gearbox is the only available transmission and pairs with a zesty, turbocharged 1.6-liter four-cylinder. The miniature mill makes 197 horsepower and 202 lb-ft of torque, which helped spur it from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds in our testing; it feels peppy but still lags behind higher-powered rivals at the drag strip. Thankfully, its easy-shifting six-speed stick matched our spirited enthusiasm. The light clutch has a short travel and long engagement range that made ripping through the gears effortless.
The ST's exhaust doesn't growl or howl, but it emits enough noise to alert everyone it's no ordinary bargain box. The Fiesta ST is a performance party where everyone's invited鈥攁nd the cover charge is cheap. Its forgiving chassis and seamlessly shifting manual transmission allow amateur drivers to flourish and wily vets to test their limits. Its exuberant handling easily makes up for its shortfall in straight-line speed. Thrashing the ST around twisty two-lanes, deserted parking lots, and backwater byways is endlessly enjoyable. Surprisingly, comfort isn't compromised by the firm suspension. Integral to the Ford's playful feel is wonderfully direct steering. The brake pedal is light but responsive and doesn't punish overeager inputs with neck-snapping feedback. The Fiesta ST and most of its rivals are exceedingly fuel efficient, offering more thrills than refills. The Ford floats near the top of the EPA ratings and had the highest real-world highway figure in our testing.
It completed our 200-mile highway test loop with flying colors, clocking 38 mpg to beat its EPA estimate by 5 mpg. Likes: Available Recaro seats confirm this isn't an ordinary Fiesta, useful interior cubby storage. Dislikes: Plentiful plastics and restrictive rear seat remind passengers it's based on an ordinary Fiesta, cargo volume is down compared with larger rivals. Without the optional Recaro seats and the ST badging, the interior could be confused for the boring cabin of the standard Fiesta. The ST's exceptional value and road-loving personality make that flaw easier to excuse, but its limited back-seat legroom and small number of options are harder to forgive. The mostly plastic interior at least appeared to be carefully assembled, with consistent fits. The distance between the driver, dash, and the low shifter was slightly awkward, but not inconveniently so. The standard ambient lighting with seven customizable colors is a nifty feature in the otherwise drab cabin.
