2009-2013 Volkswagen Golf R (Mk6) | Review
Is the fastest-accelerating Golf ever a worthy fast VW?
Volkswagen's hot hatch/hot coupe cousins may share rather a high percentage of their genes with one another, but it's where they differ that matters. While the Scirocco gets less power (261bhp versus 266bhp) the Golf has to lug a not insignificant 102kg extra around.
This is partly due do the Golf's bigger body, but mostly down to the fact that the Golf R gets four-wheel drive, while the Scirocco can only put its power down via the front wheels.
But while the all-wheel drive hardware can propel the Golf R to 62mph 0.3secs faster than a Scirocco R (a DSG-equipped Golf R takes 5.5secs, while a twin-clutch Scirocco R will scrabble to the same point in 5.8secs), if anything that extra mass makes the Golf feel the more sluggish of the two in everyday driving.
The four-wheel-drive hardware and higher centre of gravity makes the Golf R a smidge less keen to turn-in or change direction than the Scirocco. Don't get us wrong - the Golf R is a seriously planted, surefooted beast, it's just that it's a little more comfort-oriented, more of a cruiser than a B-road hooligan.
Having said that, chuck the Golf R into a roundabout, lift off, then accelerate hard and you can really feel the power helping the rear wheels push the car around - a trick that is by definition impossible in the front-drive Scirocco.
The other major difference between the two cars is price - the Golf R is almost £1800 dearer than the Scirocco. Which we reckon is quite a lot of money to pay for 102kg, 5bhp and two extra driven wheels.
If the Scirocco R didn't exist, the Golf R would be a masterstroke of hot hatchery. But in the shadow of its lighter, cheaper, more agile sibling, the Golf R somehow seems like too little for too much.
If you value the all-wheel-drive traction, marginal extra practicality and more comfort-oriented nature then pick the Golf, but in most dynamic respects the Scirocco is a more satisfying machine.
SPECIFICATION | 2009-2013 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R (MK6)
Engine: 1,984cc, inline four, 16v
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG automatic, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 267@6,000rpm
Torque (lb ft): 258@2,500-5,000rpm
0-62mph: 5.7 secs (manual), 5.5 secs (DSG)
Top speed: 155mph
Weight: 1,450kg (1,465kg DSG)
MPG (official combined): 33.2 manual, 33.6 DSG
CO2: 199g/km (195 DSG)
Wheels: 7.5x18
Tyres: 235/40
On sale: 2009 - 2013
Price new: £30,712/£31,297 (3/5dr manual, leather); £32,067/£32,652 (3/5dr DSG, leather)
If your wife likes the way the R32 drives, she won't be disappointed by the R.
The Scirocco feels sharper, more nimble, as well as cheaper, due to in part not having a 4WD system.
Oh dear, I'll start the debate again but this does make an interesting case when comparing, on paper at least, two cars from the same manufacturer with the same basic engine, floor pan, and overall bulk but differing only by the number of wheels driven.
It may just be that the 'rocco engine bay doesn't lend itself as well to the filter assembly, or exhaust system, used on the golf, and as a result, a slightly different arrangement yields slightly less power?
It may just be that the 'rocco engine bay doesn't lend itself as well to the filter assembly, or exhaust system, used on the golf, and as a result, a slightly different arrangement yields slightly less power?
I have still yet to see one on the road yet. Are they still sold out for 2010 or was it marketing hype.
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