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.
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)
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