Monday 19th April 2010

2009-2013 Volkswagen Golf R (Mk6) | Review

Is the fastest-accelerating Golf ever a worthy fast VW?

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Let's not beat about the bush here. From a PistonHeads perspective, there is one major problem with the new Volkswagen Golf R, and it's called the Scirocco R.

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.

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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)

[Mike Rob]

My wife is looking to up-grade her 3 year old R32 - this seems to be the only alternative. Would be nice to know how the Golf R stacks up against that rather than the Scirocco.

[Mike Rob]

BlackPorker said:

Mike Rob said:

My wife is looking to up-grade her 3 year old R32 - this seems to be the only alternative. Would be nice to know how the Golf R stacks up against that rather than the Scirocco.

A review of the new Golf R from an ex-R32 owner here:
http://www.rforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=268.0

That is most helpful - thank you for the link. We will be arranging a test drive asap.

[Mike Rob]

BlackPorker said:

Mike Rob said:

BlackPorker said:

Mike Rob said:

My wife is looking to up-grade her 3 year old R32 - this seems to be the only alternative. Would be nice to know how the Golf R stacks up against that rather than the Scirocco.

A review of the new Golf R from an ex-R32 owner here:
http://www.rforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=268.0

That is most helpful - thank you for the link. We will be arranging a test drive asap.

Glad it helped. A less positive review here (from an ex-Cayman, TTS and S3 owner):
http://www.rforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=261.0

Edited by BlackPorker on Monday 19th April 13:11

I guess it is less subjective against those cars as opposed to an R32. I must admit that the Audi S3 is another car she may want to look at.

Basically she wants a 5 door car, nice torquey engine, good build quality and something with a bit of 'zip' zbout it. I think she should keep the R32 as it has only covered 15,000 miles since new (over 3 years ago) but then I would - I pay for it

[Mike Rob]

TU Tuning said:

Nothing new here then, the R32's were always the cruising/posers choice whilst the GTi was more likely to be driven by someone with a bit of talent behind the wheel, at least int he case of the MK5. Not to offend any R32 owners but most are used as cruisers, there's a fair few near me but Ive never seen one down any of my B road haunts. Only about town, or on the dual carriageways.

At least now they have the more playful Scirocco to even out the range

Sorry but don't understand this one but it's also likely as far less R32s about.

On this logic Carrera GTs are driven by poseurs and real driver talent pops into a 911

[Mike Rob]

tylerama said:

15k in 3 years ?! Then the engine is barely run in.. it's just about to give it's best, surely ?!

My thoughts exactly