Mk8 Golf R facelift breaks cover, debut this year!

KUALA LUMPUR: Get ready for Volkswagen to drop the revamped Golf R this year, as they've just got us all hyped up about the performance oriented hatchback!

At the Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria, they sneaked in a camouflaged Golf R, hinting at a grand reveal set for mid-2024. This sneak peek comes hot on the heels of Volkswagen's show-stopping display of the latest Golf lineup at the event, celebrating its 50th anniversary in style.

The teaser of the Golf R is all about understated style with a twist. From what we an see, It's rocking larger front intakes for extra air, ditching the GTI's matrix-like fog lights for something sleeker. And, of course, those signature quad exhaust tips that scream Golf R are making a comeback.

Volkswagen's keeping the juicy details under wraps, but they did let slip that the iconic all-wheel-drive system is definitely in the mix. Under the hood, expect to see the trusty 2.0-liter turbo-4 engine, dishing out over 300 hp. While today's Golf R offers a choice between a 6-speed manual and a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic, the future of the manual option is a bit hazy, especially since VW ditched it in the 2025 GTI.

Word on the street is that this new Golf R and its GTI sibling might just be the last of their kind running on good ol' gasoline. VW's already plotting an electric GTI for 2026, leading the charge into their electric era.

Jumping inside the Golf R, you'll find it's taken a leaf out of the 2025 GTI's book with a tech-savvy revamp. Picture this: a dashboard that's all kinds of sleek, complete with a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster and a futuristic head-up display.

The center stage is a 12.9-inch touchscreen that's the nerve center for all your infotainment and climate needs. Plus, they've jazzed up the touch sliders for climate and volume with some much-needed backlighting – goodbye guesswork in the dark!

The interior screams 'driver's paradise' with its sporty flat-bottom steering wheel and stylish high-backed bucket seats at the front.

And that's just the beginning. Volkswagen's pulling out all the stops with the Golf R's reveal, blending a toast to the Golf's 50-year legacy with a dash toward an electrifying future. 

In Malaysia, the Golf R has carved out a unique space for itself among car enthusiasts, blending high performance with everyday usability. What sets the Malaysian variant apart is its CKD (Completely Knocked Down) build. This means that instead of being fully assembled and imported, the Golf R parts are shipped to Malaysia and assembled locally.

Last August, VW Malaysia spiced things up by opening bookings for the latest Golf R, complete with the R Performance Package, promising a more thrilling and dynamic driving experience. This package isn't just any upgrade – it's a game-changer. You get a Titanium Akrapovič exhaust that's 7 kg lighter, crafted by the renowned exhaust specialists at Akrapovič.

Then, there's the really cool bit: the “Drift” and “Special” modes. You can flick these on with the “R” button right on the steering wheel. The Drift mode is all about that fun, sideways action, while the Special mode is your go-to for those twisty backroads and country drives.

But wait, there's more! It also comes with a slick new rear spoiler and stunning 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, all wrapped up in 235/35R19 tires, ready to grip the road like never before.

VW Malaysia set the anticipation high, hinting at a price range between RM330k and RM350k for this souped-up Golf R. But here's the catch: they're keeping us all on the edge of our seats.

As of now, their website is still teasing us with a "book now" option for the Golf R, but without a launch date in sight. So, for all you Golf R enthusiasts out there, stay tuned and keep your eyes peeled – this ride's going to be worth the wait, if it's actually produced that is!

Also Read:  Volkswagen Golf R CKD bookings open in Malaysia; est. price begins at RM 330k