Now here's something completely different - an 'R' version of the boringly sensible VW Golf estate, making its debut at this week's LA motor show. To say it's a surprise would be an understatement: it's a revelation. To put it tactfully until now Golf estates haven't exactly been known for the thrill factor. Indeed, by our reckoning the 300hp R version has more than double the horsepower of any other Golf wagon.
Seemingly DSG only for estate - boo!
That's not to say it doesn't make plenty of sense, especially as it shares the hatchback R's four-wheel drive system. Think of it as a cut-price version of the
Audi S4 Avant
- missing two cylinders but with an identical 5.1-sec 0-62mph time. And although it's shorter, the more utilitarian Volkswagen actually has the bigger boot (605 litres with the rear seats in place against 490 litres in the Audi.)
Mechanically the wagon is identical to the existing R hatchback, with a Haldex four wheel drive system that diverts drive to the back when it's needed. It sits 20mm lower than the standard Golf estate and gets sports springs and the option of VW's DCC adaptive chassis control system. The official release says it will only be sold with the DSG twin-clutch transmission; the hatchback also comes with a six-speed manual.
Fast, subtle, four-wheel drive ... winner!
It looks good, too, with a new rear bumper incorporating what's described as a diffuser (although it just looks like some moulded plastic to us), standard 18-inch alloys (or optional 19s) and quad tailpipes.
There's no word on pricing; although some envelope-back calculations suggest that, if it carries the same £1,300-ish supplement as other Golf estates, it will cost around £33,500 when it goes on sale here next year.
