What’s not to love about the 2016 Golf R (except price)?
The 2016 Lapiz Blue Volkswagen Golf R was brightening up my otherwise blah late winter day. Visually, the Golf R has its own distinct Golf R bumpers, grill rear spoiler, and quad chrome-tipped sport exhaust. Also, the R’s set of sharp-looking Cadiz alloy wheels added an aggressive edge to the neat little hatchback.
Yes, the Golf R was good looking, but it was what was lurking under the gleaming paint that most excited me. Namely, the 292 hp, turbocharged, 4-cylinder, DOHC engine, 6-speed manual transmission, and 4Motion AWD.
However, before I slipped behind the adjustable, multifunction steering wheel into the electronically adjustable sport seat and punched the start button, there was a decision or two to make. That’s because this R had something called Dynamic Chassis Control Adaptive Suspension, or DCC for short. Yes, we had to peruse the 6.5-inch, center-mounted touch screen and chose a driving mode. The choices were Normal, Comfort, Race, and Individual. The first three were simple, but the individual mode was more complex. In it you could modify components from the other three modes. For instance, you could choose comfort ride, race steering, and performance exhaust, just to name a few of the options. In the end, my decision was easy: Hit race and go.
BELLS AND WHISTLES: No complaints about the quality interior with its high tech controls and driver-friendly features.
The engine started with a satisfying snarl. I slipped the Golf R into gear and headed for the highway. The car’s short-throw shifter was smooth and precise, a genuine pleasure to use. Getting the VW going was easy, too. Its engine produces 292 lb.-ft. torque at only 1,800 rpm, which makes for easy launches from stop. Accordingly, the standard hill-holder provided stress-free stops on inclines.
Soon I turned off the main road and accelerated uphill where I hit a patch of melting snow. The Golf R didn’t miss a beat because of its 4Motion AWD system. I were now on heavily frost-heaved back roads, and my choice of the race mode might have been a mistake. Fortunately, it was not, for although firm, the suspension was not harsh. It easily soaked up the numerous bumps and pot holes; there were no shudders or bangs from the suspension, either. It was a well behaved pocket-rocket that you want to keep on driving.
The turbo motor was responsive and very smooth to the R’s red line, which was just slightly north of 6,000 rpm. According to Volkswagen, they created for the Golf R one of the most powerful 4-cylinder production engines in the world. The 0-60 time was a sizzling 5.3 seconds in our 6-speed manual car. Interestingly, the optional DSG automatic transmission is fractionally faster.
Story continues after gallery
The safest vehicles of 2016
[bdc-gallery id=”1431181″]
The R’s top speed was electronically limited to 155 mph, and, no, I didn’t personally verify that fact, though I did have to monitor my speed closely so as not to collect a ticket. Ah, the price one pays for driving a performance automobile, especially one that drove like a performance car costing thousands more. Under the sheet metal, the Volkswagen shares a lot with the Audi S3 Quattro, but the Golf R has its own unique personality and is not just a rebadged Audi S3.
Too, the quality of the R’s interior was equally as nice as that of BMW or Mercedes-Benz. While sitting in the black leather Titan sport seats, I found only the VW emblem on the steering wheel to remind me that I was not in a luxury sports sedan. The quality of the materials, the fit, and finish were all outstanding.
The Volkswagen’s interior design skillfully blended features of old-school and high-tech performance automobiles. In the instrument panel there was a large round tachometer and speedometer gauge. They were the traditional white-on-black sports car-style gauges. Yet, they had electronically illuminated light blue needles.
Nestled between them was a colored informational screen. A larger color touch screen was located in the dash’s center stack, providing numerous functions, including a rearview camera, radio, SiriusXM radio, HD radio, CD player, USB, and the Fender Premium audio system. It also sported a traditional set of knobs for volume and tuning of the audio system. The test car had the optional VW CAR-NET system. Some of its features were App-Connect for smartphone integration and interface, navigation and infotainment guide, emergency assistance connect, remote access service, and vehicle health check.
A few of our Golf’s convenience features included 12-way adjustable driver’s seat with heat and lumbar support, power-reclining and heated passenger seat, keyless access, rain sensing front wipers, and Intelligent Crash Response System.
While in the VW Golf R, I encountered snow, rain, ice, and mud—just a normal winter’s day here in New England. Thankfully, Volkswagen swapped out the standard summer-only performance tires for a set of all-season tires. With the grippy tires, the Golf R barreled through the worse New England could dish out.
The Golf R is more than just a high performance compact car. With 22.8 cubic feet of cargo space and 60/40 split seat backs, the car makes for an excellent errand runner. With a 31 highway mpg rating, the R would also make an exciting commuter car. Moreover, with winter-appropriate tires, the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R DCC AWD hatchback offers year-round driving excitement.
2016 Volkswagen Golf R with DCC 4Motion AWD Hatchback
THE BASICS
Price: base (with destination) $37,895, as tested: $38,715. Fuel Economy: EPA estimated: 22 city/31 highway/25 combined. Engine: 2.0 liter, TSI 16-valve turbo 4-cylinder. Transmission: 6-speed manual.
THE SPECIFICS
Horsepower: 292 @ 5,500 rpm. Torque: 280 lb.-ft. @ 1,800 rpm. Wheelbase: 103.5 in. Height: 56.5 in. Width: 70.8 in. Curb weight: 3,283 lbs.
THE GOOD
Sizzling performance AWD, DCC.
THE BAD
Expensive.
THE BOTTOM LINE
High performance, high quality, high tech.
ALSO CONSIDER
Audi S3 Quattro, Subaru WRX, Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG 4matic, Ford Focus RS.
To comment, please create a screen name in your profile
To comment, please verify your email address
Conversation
This discussion has ended. Please join elsewhere on Boston.com