2015 Volkswagen Golf R Pulls Ahead of Competitors
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf R is a really hot hatchback. It’s fast, visually stunning, and shares its architecture with the same Volkswagen Golf that was just named 2015 North American Car of the Year.
It seems like a winner on so many levels. But it’s going to face some tough competition from a Japanese brand that has been building momentum for the last few years (and is especially popular here in New England).
You guessed it: The Subaru WRX STi is going to be the Golf R’s main rival. Both are the halo cars of their respective brands, which makes them true head-to-head competitors. Buyers will have to crank the numbers to see which best suits their driving needs.
On the performance front, this is the fastest Golf ever, going from 0 to 60 in less than five seconds. Subaru says the WRX STi can meet the mark in 5.1 seconds, so the two basically tie.
When it comes to horsepower, the Subaru gets the edge at 305 from its 2.5-liter engine, but the Golf R produces 292 horsepower—a jump of 36—from its 2.0-liter TSI engine. The torque numbers are 290 lbs.-ft. at 4,000 rpm for the WRX STi and 280 lbs.-ft. at 1,800 rpm for the Golf R.
It’s entirely subjective on my part, but the Golf R gets the nod in acceleration. It takes off like a rocket when the accelerator is engaged. With torque not available until higher RPMs, the WRX feels (relatively) a little sluggish. The Golf R has a curb weight of 3,340 lbs. while the WRX STi is only a few pounds heavier at 3,386.
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf R, like the WRX STi, feels like a legitimate daily driver. That’s something neither could really claim until this current generation. In past versions, they both felt rough around the edges, but they now have a pleasant demeanor about them when not being pushed to performance limits.
However, the fuel economy on the Golf R just blows away the WRX STi. I know, some might find it ludicrous to discuss fuel economy when describing high-performance cars, but it still needs to be brought up. The Golf R is rated at 23 mpg city and 30 mpg highway while the Subaru is rated at 17 mpg city and 23 mpg highway. The combined fuel economy of the Golf R is 26 compared to 19 for the WRX STi. At current gas prices, you’re paying $550 more a year—or about $10.50 a week.
One big distinction—and again it comes down to practicality—is that the WRX STi is a sedan while the Golf R is a hatchback. Granted, it’s a hot hatch, but most Americans don’t cotton to hatchbacks (almost as much as they seem to hate minivans and station wagons). But know this: Cargo capacity in the Golf R is almost double that in the Subaru. You’d be giving up a lot of room if you chose the Subaru.
Both models also have all-wheel-drive systems. I drove the WRX STi in heavy snow a couple years ago and it broke not a bead of sweat. I only drove the Golf R on twisty California roads. Its handling was strong, but I have no way of attesting to its snow capabilities.
The Golf R’s all-wheel-drive features the latest Volkswagen 4MOTION system with the fifth-generation Haldex coupling for faster response. It also has electronic differential locks as a function of the stability control system, and the XDS+ cross differential system operates like a limited-slip differential for optimal torque distribution. It also compensates for understeer during faster cornering.
There’s something else to consider. Right now, the Golf R is only available with the DSG automatic transmission. The 2016 model year will have a manual option. The Subaru WRX STi is only available with a six-speed manual.
As mentioned, the Golf R shares architecture with the Golf and Golf GTI, but it is equipped with an extensive package of exclusive features. Along with specially designed bumpers, side skirts, and standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels, the Golf R can also be distinguished from the GTI by details such as standard Bi-Xenon headlights with newly designed LED daytime running lights (in a dual-U design) and a two-branch exhaust system that has four chrome tips.
Inside, the Golf R has well-bolstered, comfortable sport seats with leather seating surfaces, a leather-wrapped, three-spoke, sport steering wheel, ambient lighting, and R specific instrumentation.
OK, so now the time has come for me to choose in this competition that is almost too close to call. The seventh-generation 2015 Volkswagen Golf R would get my nod. It’s just the right combination of performance and practicality. It’s an everyday driver that could still deliver daily goose bumps.
2015 Volkswagen Golf R
THE BASICS
Price, base (with destination): $37,415. Fuel economy: 23 city/30 highway/26 combined. Drivetrain: 2.0-liter TSI 4-cylinder engine. Body: 4-door hatchback.
THE SPECIFICS
Horsepower: 292 hp @ 5500 rpm. Torque: 280 lbs.-ft. @ 1,800 rpm. Overall length: 167.9 in. Wheelbase: 103.5 in. Height: 56.5 in. Width: 70.8 in. Curb weight: 3,340 lbs.
THE GOOD
The 2015 Volkswagen Golf R delivers a lot of performance from a small 2.0-liter engine and returns strong fuel economy. It’s also practical as a hatchback and provides a comfortable driving experience.
THE BAD
The cost. A the top-of-the-line Golf R can run to almost $40,000. Also, you can’t get it with the manual transmission until next year.
THE BOTTOM LINE
The 2016 Volkswagen Golf R is a true daily driver that delivers a strong mix of practicality and performance.
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