KUALA LUMPUR: The Volkswagen Golf R is popular among automotive enthusiasts for its performance, agile handling, and sporty styling. To maintain its popularity, the automaker has given it a significant upgrade in the European market. 

The all-new  Golf R gets a revised front look with an illuminated Volkswagen logo, LED Plus headlights, air curtains on the bumper, and a new set of LED tail light clusters. The hatchback also comes with all-new 19-inch “Warmenau” forged wheels as optional. The wheels weigh just eight kilograms per rim and offer efficient brake cooling, which would benefit racetrack driving.

Inside, the new Golf R features a bigger 12.9-inch infotainment unit powered by the latest software and an IDA voice assistant with ChatGPT AI capabilities. Also, there are new illuminated touch-sensitive controls for volume and air-temperature adjustments. However, touch-sensitive buttons are no longer available on the steering wheel, which were criticized for being tricky to use. 

Other key interior highlights include - carbon-fibre dashboard inserts, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, and R sports seats wrapped in Nappa leather.

When it comes to the mechanical setup, the Golf R now features an uprated 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which churns out a maximum power of 333 PS and a peak torque of 420 Nm. This represents a 14 PS increase compared to its predecessor. 

The power is sent to the wheels via a 7-speed DSG and the 4MOTION all-wheel drive mated to R-Performance Torque Vectoring. The latter offers more stability and agility by sending power to each rear wheel for better cornering. With the optional R-Performance package, the top speed can increase from 250 kmph to 270 kmph.

Along with the higher top speed, the R-Performance package also brings onboard two additional modes - Drift and Special for motorsport lovers. The Special mode “has been specifically adapted to the conditions on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.” The new Golf R also comes equipped with the Adaptive chassis control as a standard fitment.

Volkswagen has also introduced a new black edition of the Golf R, called the Golf R Black Edition. This exclusive model features a sophisticated dark look with several black elements and the R-Performance package as standard. The former includes: 

• Darkened IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights 
• Darker VW badges and R logos
• Black R brake callipers with a dark R logo
• Black 19-inch Estoril wheels
• Black tailpipe trims

The pre-sales of the new Volkswagen Golf R will begin next month in Germany. Pricing is as follows - 

• Golf R hatchback: EUR 53,795 (RM 271,155)
• Golf R estate: EUR 55,065 (RM 277,557)
• Golf R Black Edition: EUR 58,440 (RM 294,569)

Also read: All-new 2025 Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport debuts in Europe