The interior of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R is refreshingly modern.Fast facts
- Model: 2017 Volkswagen Golf R - Exterior color: Tornado Red - Interior color: Titan Black - Engine: 2.0-liter, turbocharged, 4-cylinder - Horsepower: 292 - Transmission: six-speed manual - Fuel economy: 31 mpg highway, 22 mpg city - Local Dealership: Village Volkswagen of Chattanooga - Price (as tested): $36,475
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The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R is the jalapeno pepper of hot hatchbacks: spicy, attainable and potent.
It's hard to overstate how much the automotive press loves this car, which occupies the top shelf on the impressive Volkswagen Golf line-up. And what's not to love? The 292-horsepower, all-wheel-drive Golf R gets high marks in build quality, drivability, performance, versatility, value and comfort.
And all this comes in a stealth package that flies under the radar. From a distance, the Golf R looks like your pizza delivery guy's hatchback. Only an R badge on the front quarter-panel and four exhaust pipes distinguish it from its more pedestrian siblings. You'd never pick the R out of a line-up as a vehicle that can dash from zero to 60 mpg in less than five seconds (with automatic transmission).
In all performance metrics, the Golf R trumps the 210-220 horsepower Golf GTI, which is a fine piece of automotive engineering itself. But all this comes at a price. Our tester this week is a Tornado Red 2017 Golf R from the factory. Our base Golf R with no options and a six-speed manual transmission has a sticker price of $36,450. Add VW's excellent dual clutch automatic transmission and the price jumps $1,100. The automatic, with its lightning-fast shifts, actually accelerates faster than the manual.
The Golf R competes with the Ford Focus RS and and new Civic Type R, although its looks are much more subtle. Golfs are available locally at Village Volkswagen of Chattanooga at 6001 International Drive.
Jeremy Holsomback, general manager at Village Volkswagen, says the dealership finds it difficult to keep the top-of-the-line Golf Rs in inventory.
"This is an amazing driver's car," he said. "We cannot keep one in stock. (They are) fast movers and highly sought after."
STYLING AND FEATURES
One of the great things about the Golf R is that it actually doubles as a serviceable family hauler. That boxy exterior pays big dividends in interior space. The back seat with its ample legroom and wide center armrest is an inviting space for adult passengers. The cargo area behind the second row is voluminous. Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Golf R could easily transport a Chattanooga family of four to the beach in comfort.
The Golf R features 18-inch alloy wheels with grippy tires, xenon headlights, a rear spoiler, special bumpers and side sills, and chrome-tipped quad exhausts.
The interior sports leather seats, dual-zone climate controls, a flat-bottom steering wheel, heated front seats, alloy pedals and electric parking brake. Tech highlights are a rearview camera, keyless access, 8-speaker audio, SiriusXM radio, cruise control and a multi-function display.
Overall, the interior has a modern, functional vibe. All the dials and switches are intuitive. It takes about 30 seconds to adapt to the layout. The racing seats in the front are well-bolstered, and an electric lumbar support is a nice touch. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is sturdy and fills up your hands.
Because of the high roofline, the Golf R has great outward visibility, allowing you to weave in and out of traffic and take advantage of the car's nimble handling.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
If driving dynamics are not important to you, there's really no reason to consider a Golf R. But if you are one of those motorists for whom driving is everything, the Golf R is nearly irresistible. In fact, if you don't have the checkbook to support your habit, we might suggest you skip test driving the Golf R.
Physics dictate that a 3,200-pound car with 292 horsepower under the hood will be quick. But the Golf R drives like an even more powerful car. The all-wheel-drive set-up, called 4Motion in VW-speak, assures that more power actually makes it to the road, reducing wheel spin and optimizing launch. Pop the clutch on the Golf R and the little hatch responds like a bottle rocket. We actually found a Ford Focus RS on the road as a playmate for the R one day this week, but the Ford soon peeled off when the driver sized up the VW.
If you live at altitude in the Chattanooga area, the Golf R is a life-changing toy. The hatch eats through corners and slings itself around hairpin turns. However, if you buy one, be ready to up your replacement tire budget a bit.
BOTTOM LINE
The Golf R offers as much fun as you are allowed to have in an automobile. Unless you are willing to devote more of your free time to recreational driving, don't tempt yourself with this car.
If you do take the plunge, we'd recommend the Golf R with dual-clutch automatic transmission. Expect about 25 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/mkennedycolumnist.