2019 Volkswagen Golf R
Well, let鈥檚 hit the track in the new Golf R and feel the heat! The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R does indeed throw out some heat, as well as some horsepower; 256 to be exact, from Volkswagen鈥檚 familiar 2-liter turbo-4. However, it鈥檚 not the same 2-liter found in the GTI, it鈥檚 an EA113 shared with the Audi TTS. It sports a beefed-up block and stronger connecting rods to handle the 17psi of boost coming from the BorgWarner K04 turbo. Transmission is 6-speed manual only, and ratios are close, so be ready to shift. It looks like Volkswagen will still keep some goodies for themselves in Europe, as we won鈥檛 be getting the DSG auto-manual here in the states. Based on the GTI鈥檚 suspension, the R gets a thorough revamping, and the ride is noticeably stiffer, which obviously makes for increased capabilities at the track. And we pushed the Golf R to its limits at Roebling Road Raceway near Savannah, Georgia and found it to be well balanced with quick and precise steering, but not enough reserve power to get you into too much trouble. Front push stays surprisingly mild, though the Golf R does prefer a slower corner entry.
As you can even do a little throttle-on rear steering, it makes for a fun package that we feel is much improved over the R32. Unlike previous R models, the new R is available as both a 2-door and 4-door. We chose the 4-door, which is actually a 5-door hatchback. The Golf鈥檚 timeless shape remains, but the R adds both some stylish and functional upgrades. A new front fascia features larger air intakes, LED daytime running lights, and a blacked out grille with R logo. Bi-Xenon headlights are standard. Looking down the sides, you鈥檒l see slightly extended side skirts and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels hiding R-labeled black brake calipers. While out back, there鈥檚 a new rear bumper with diffuser wrapped around 2 centered exhaust pipes and a large hatch-mounted spoiler. Inside, there are plenty of R logos on display, as well as a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. Gauges feature blue needles, and there are splashes of aluminum trim throughout. Golf R鈥檚 come fairly well equipped as dual zone climate, steering wheel controls, Bluetooth, and 8-speaker stereo are all standard.
The Sunroof and Navigation package adds the obvious, but also an upgraded 300-watt Dynaudio stereo and keyless entry with push button start. Front seats have excellent fast corner bolstering, and are very comfortable. Rear seats are comfy as well, although expectedly, short on legroom. But like all Golf鈥檚, folding the split 60/40 seatback expands the 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space into the mini-ute category. For a performance car, fuel economy is notable. Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 19-City and 27-Highway. Expect to average 22 miles-per-gallon of Premium fuel. That makes a decent Energy Impact Score of 15-barrels of annual oil consumed annually and 6.7 tons of yearly CO2 emissions. 35,360; adding sunroof and nav. While the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R may be the most powerful Golf ever offered here in the States, it鈥檚 not the additional power that makes it a winner in our book. It鈥檚 the sweet handling and overall fun factor that reminds us of the original GTI.
The next level up is the glass-encased 8.0-inch Composition Media system with CD player, and beyond that is the Discover Media system (also an 8-inch touchscreen) with navigation function. Volkswagen claims the five-seat T-Roc has plenty to offer in terms of practicality, offering up to 445 litres of cargo space when all the seats are in their default positions. Folding the 60:40-split rear seats, cargo capacity is then increased to 1,290 litres, which is class-leading according to the carmaker. Volkswagen is offering six turbocharged engines (no mild hybrid here) for the T-Roc, including three petrol (TSI) and three diesel (TDI) units, with outputs ranging from 115 PS to 190 PS, like the Tiguan. A six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG are the available transmission options, depending on the engine selected. Volkswagen鈥檚 4Motion all-wheel drive is also available with certain powertrains, which includes 4Motion Active Control as standard. The 4Motion Active Control is controlled via a switch located on the centre console behind the gear knob. It allows drivers to cycle through four different driving modes - Street, Snow, Offroad and Offroad Individual - depending on the situation. 鈥淭he T-Roc sets a new benchmark in the booming SUV segment. With its functionality, dynamic handling and technology, the T-Roc embodies all good Volkswagen qualities. It marks a milestone in our SUV offensive,鈥?said Herbert Diess, chairman of the Volkswagen brand board of management. Volkswagen will launch the T-Roc in the 20,000 euro class (German market) beginning in November in Europe, with pre-sales opening as early as September.
In addition to the I.D. R Pikes Peak all-electric race car, Volkswagen brought two special Golfs to this year鈥檚 AutoShow. 6,500 Oettinger aero package. It includes an Oettinger 4-pipe rear skirt with diffuser, a rear pipe silencer, a roof spoiler, side skirts, a front spoiler and front spoiler splitter. The Golf R is available in forty-six amazing colours, four of which are no-cost options. 2,995 option. Power is sent to all four wheels of the Golf R via Volkswagen鈥檚 4MOTION all-wheel drive through either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DSG automatic with paddle shifters. Power is supplied by the turbocharged 2.0 litre inline four cylinder engine which generates 288 hp at 5,400 rpm and 280 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm. 43,895 when equipped with the 7-speed DSG. 36,145). All three cars are powered by turbocharged 2.0 litre inline 4 cylinder engine that develop 228 hp at 4,500 rpm and 258 lb-ft of torque at 1,500 rpm. The base GTI comes with 17鈥?rims while the Rabbit and Autobahn come with 18鈥?rims, the Rabbits are in Pretoria Black.
