The Volkswagen Golf R is being updated to align it with changes made to other less powerful versions of the C-segment hatchback. Minor exterior tweaks include new light designs, while inside, there is a new infotainment system.
What’s new about the lights?
Among the exterior changes to the Golf R are new IQ. Light LED matrix headlights and, for the first time, an illuminated VW logo on the nose. The headlights have a sharpened look with straighter lines for a more focused appearance and they can project 15 per cent further than previously according to Volkswagen. A light bar runs along the front of the bonnet and into the tops of the headlights, too.
Meanwhile, the lower front bumper section has a large gloss black area around the intakes for the brakes and engine, and this area is more open than before. The radar sensor for the cruise control has been moved downwards to the centre of the front splitter area.
That’s a tasty set of wheels...
The Volkswagen Golf R’s standard wheel is the 18-inch ‘Jerez’, and for cars equipped with the Performance package, that is swapped out for the 19-inch ‘Estoril’ rim. A new lightweight forged 19-inch wheel design is optionally available. Named ‘Warmenau’ after the town outside Wolfsburg where Volkswagen R is headquartered, this design saves 2kg per wheel, reducing unsprung mass and improving the car’s handling, claims Volkswagen.
The door mirrors have a matt chrome finish to distinguish the Golf R from other versions of the hatch, including the Golf GTI and GTI Clubsport. At the rear is the usual quad-exhaust setup from the previous Golf R and it has been tuned for a better sound featuring controllable flaps to alter the sound according to driving mode. An optional R Performance titanium exhaust system from Akrapovič is also available to provide an even richer sound. Surrounding the exhaust outlets is a gloss black diffuser, while up top is a large roof spoiler that also carries a gloss black element.
Complementing the new headlights are new 3D LED taillight clusters that have a more modern and detailed appearance. They feature dynamic indicators, and owners can choose from a selection of three welcome and goodbye light animations.
Is the interior any different?
The primary difference for this updated interior is the introduction of a 12.9-inch touchscreen, the largest ever fitted to a Golf R. This freestanding unit includes built-in illumination for the touch sliders along the base for volume and temperature controls. Users can also configure the home screen to a certain extent by creating shortcuts along the top bar, which is continuously displayed. The rest of the infotainment system is displayed like apps on the home screen, making it more intuitive to use.
An enhanced Digital Cockpit Pro instrument display measures 10.2 inches across and has new graphics, including illustrating the car’s updated exterior. A choice of views is selectable including a new Sport mode that displays a large central rev counter. As part of the Performance package, the display includes a GPS-based lap timer that will restart each lap when it crosses a preset location, rather than relying on the driver to press a button each time. Drivers can also set up three GPS measuring points to compare different sectors of the lap. Another screen can show the torque distribution between the four wheels in real-time.
Somewhat controversially, Volkswagen has opted to retain the haptic multifunction controls on the steering wheel though it has reverted to physical buttons on the other updated Golf models. Volkswagen told us that many Golf R buyers preferred the haptic style but also admitted that there have been issues with it. Therefore, it has adjusted the sensitivity of the panels’ outer sections, which had been getting inadvertently pressed by drivers’ hands; they now require a firmer press.
Volkswagen has also worked to improve the functionality of its built-in ‘IDA’ voice assistant. In addition to performing the usual tasks such as adjusting the cabin temperature or switching the drive mode, Volkswagen is adding access to ChatGPT’s artificial intelligence software to broaden the voice assistant’s capabilities.
Is it any more powerful?
Volkswagen continues to use a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine for the Golf R. Its latest iteration, known internally as the EA888 LK3 evo4, has a higher peak power output of 333hp as standard and maximum torque of 420Nm. Acceleration has also been improved, with 0-100km/h taking 4.6 seconds. The top speed can be extended to 270km/h with the addition of a Performance package; normally, the Golf R has a 250km/h top speed.
The Golf R is only available with a seven-speed DSG gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel-drive transmission. Five main driving profiles are available with two extra modes called Special and Drift, which come with the Performance package. The former sets up the adaptive damping for the challenging Nürburgring Nordschleife track. Some will rue the fact that the Golf R only comes with an automatic gearbox, though there is a manual mode whereby gear shifts will only occur when the driver pulls on the lovely, large paddles. The Drift mode is self-explanatory and dials the all-wheel-drive transmission into a rearward bias for easier drifting.
Volkswagen Ireland has yet to confirm pricing for this updated Golf R, but CompleteCar.ie was told that no significant price changes are expected compared to the outgoing model.