Volkswagen Golf R
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Volkswagen Golf GTI
The aerodynamically conscious “Golf R”
Volkswagen Golf R
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Volkswagen Golf R
Volkswagen Golf GTI
The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf will undergo a near-full model change in 2024. The interior and exterior have been refined, the power unit has been upgraded, and ChatGPT has been introduced to the IDA voice assistant. The Golf R and Golf GTI, which we will compare here, are both in the lineup as sports models of the Golf, but their positions are very different.
The “GTI”, introduced in the first Golf in 1975, will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2025. Combining a powerful engine with front-wheel drive, it was a driving force in creating a new segment known as the “hot hatch”, with a total production of over 2.5 million units across all generations. The “R” model first appeared in Golf with the fourth-generation “R32”. From the sixth generation onwards, the name was changed to “Golf R”, and by combining a powerful power unit with the “4MOTION” all-wheel drive system, it reigns supreme as the most powerful model in the series.
The current facelifted model features a front bumper with a three-part opening for aerodynamics on the Golf R, while the Golf GTI’s exterior is characterised by a honeycomb-shaped one-piece opening and exhaust pipes positioned on the left and right.
Volkswagen Golf R
Body size = Length 4295mm x Width 1790mm x Height 1460mm
Wheelbase = 2620mm
Vehicle weight = 1510kg
Tire size = 225/40R18
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Body size = Length 4295mm x Width 1790mm x Height 1465mm
Wheelbase = 2620mm
Vehicle weight = 1430kg
Tire size = 225/40R18
The Golf R delivers the most powerful 333 PS in the series
Volkswagen Golf R
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Volkswagen Golf R
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Both cars are powered by a 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder “TSI” gasoline turbo engine, but with different specifications. The Golf R has a maximum output of 333 PS and maximum torque of 420 Nm, while the Golf GTI has 265 PS and maximum torque of 370 Nm, giving the Golf R the advantage. Both cars have a top speed of 250 km/h, but the Golf R accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h faster by 1.8 seconds, taking advantage of its power and the high traction performance of its “4MOTION” system.
Volkswagen Golf R
Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder TSI gasoline turbo
Displacement = 1984cc
Maximum output = 333PS / 5600-6500rpm
Maximum torque = 420Nm / 2200-5500rpm
Transmission = 7-speed DSG (DCT)
Drive system = AWD
Top speed = 250km/h (limited)
0-100km/h acceleration = 4.6 seconds
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Engine type = Inline 4-cylinder TSI gasoline turbo
Displacement = 1984cc
Maximum output = 265PS / 5250-6500rpm
Maximum torque = 370Nm / 1600-4500rpm
Transmission = 7-speed DSG (DCT)
Drive system = FWD
Top speed = 250km/h (limited)
0-100km/h acceleration = 6.4 seconds
The most powerful “Golf GTI” approaching the “R” also appears
Volkswagen Golf R
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Volkswagen Golf R
Volkswagen Golf GTI
Both cockpits feature a 10-inch display “Digital Cockpit Pro” combined with a 12.9-inch standalone touch display. The Golf R’s image color is blue, while the Golf GTI’s is red, and these are accent colors used in various parts of the interior.
There is no significant difference in practical aspects such as interior space and luggage space, and the price difference is 1.5 million yen. As mentioned above, the top-grade Golf R is overwhelmingly superior in terms of performance. If you are looking for the “best Golf,” including traction performance in bad weather thanks to all-wheel drive, then the Golf R is the one to choose.
However, in Europe, the Golf GTI Edition 50, a model celebrating the 50th anniversary of the GTI’s debut, was announced. This limited edition model is specially tuned and produces a maximum output of 325 PS. It has recorded the fastest time for a Volkswagen at the Nürburgring, and if it is decided to introduce it to the Japanese market, it is likely that there will be even more headache-inducing choices.
