Tuesday 25th March 2014

VW evaluating Golf R estate?

Spy shots of a prototype feed speculation VW could make a production model. PH makes the case

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The first reports from those who have driven the VW Golf R in the UK have been overwhelmingly positive. The speed and traction were a given, but the praise of an involving, adjustable chassis was perhaps less expected. We'll hope to get hold of one as soon as possible to discover for ourselves.

It's looking production ready from here

Until then, have a ponder on the possibility of a Golf R estate. Yes, really. VW hasn't even been particularly subtle about disguising this car, the spy shots revealing the silver wagon carries R badges, and has twin exhausts as well as wheels lifted from the hatch. It looks great actually, discreet enough to go fairly unnoticed but with the right level of intent to distinguish it to those in the know.

It seems unlikely that, if a Golf R estate was to be made, it would deviate significantly from the hatchback's mechanical spec. So expect the same 300hp, 280lb ft, Haldex 4WD and manual or DSG transmission choices as the hatch.

But it's important to note that, for now, a Golf R estate isn't a dead cert for production. Apparently VW is still mulling it over. Though of course it has experience of rapid(ish) load-luggers with the W8 and R36 Passat estates, there has never been a performance Golf wagon. It's a niche within a niche, the performance estate, but we hope VW can get the numbers to add up. It would be significantly quicker than the Octavia vRS, hopefully preventing any cannibalisation there. Ford has managed to justify the niche with the Focus ST and with the Volvo V60 Polestar imminent, the Golf already has a power rival. Please VW, make it happen!

[Source: WCF]

[4a4]

Yes! This is mega! I suppose Audi always took care of the fast wagons in the VAG stable. Always did fancy an R36 as well

Would have to be in Deep Blue Pearl though...

[Gandahar]

I speed read through Evo this month and then saw they raved about the Golf R in the group test. I think they did, my eyes went all funny at that point and I had to go and lie down.

What is the world coming too? Renault stuff up the Clio RS and VW make a cracking Golf R.

Matron will be bring my pills soon to take me away from this insanity.

PS Shame Skoda are not making one for a few bob less. Or are they ?

[sleep envy]

Despite it being fugly I'd still be in the market.

Better pipes too.

[WokkaWokka]

Its terrible.

[sato]

It seems odd to jump straight to an R estate when they've never made a GTI estate.

[J4CKO]

Good move, with a lot of the hot hatches they tend to favour a 3 door, ok, thats the best looking, the one that everyone wants but in reality they are a pain in the arse for anyone with a family, Golf Estates always tend to be toothless models so a good move really.

[Luke.]

WokkaWokka said:

Its terrible.

Terrible how?

[deltashad]

Great idea, why not have a small practice rapid wagon on offer. If she gets preggers tough, the car stays.

Suburu did it, Mitsubishi could have with the lancer and lancia should have with the Integrale.

Estates look good too.

[Kitchski]

That is soul-destroyingly dull to look at. Might be a fun sleeper though?

[Grandpad58]

I like the idea, and GTi one, why not?

[31mph]

oh yes please!

[Dr G]

Luke. said:

WokkaWokka said:

Its terrible.

Terrible how?

He was expressing ownership of said terrible (although this comment is no more useful read as such).

I can't see one selling in big numbers but I bet those that did buy it would love it. A baby S4.

[Ollieb7]

Never buy it new. But second hand.... That would be a lot of motor!

[RemarkLima]

Ollieb7 said:

Never buy it new. But second hand.... That would be a lot of motor!

How would you go about buying second hand a car that no-one ever bought new?

[ds2000]

Stirring paint excites me more than any Golfs sadly....

[Chapppers]

Cheeky buggers, that's quite far from a main road to be getting a photo. Still I suppose if they didn't want it seen they'd have used some camo. Weather looks alright though.

[Escy]

Looks wise it does nothing for me and i'm a fan of the performance estate. Very bland.

[TaylotS2K]

Compared to some other estates, that looks awful. GoLOLf Estate.

[roystinho]

Still fancy a R36 estate but they're like hens teeth. This would be a great family wagon 2nd hand

[Fetchez la vache]

How many do the equivalents actually sell?
I've only seen one ST Estate (looked nice, mind)...

Like it.