There are lots of reasons why the old VW Golf R might have appealed. It looked smart, it was decent to drive, the interior was great, and it was plenty fast enough. It’s a combination of talents broadly emulated by the current car - certainly it’s sharper to drive - but without the same overall appeal. For want of a better phrase, the Mk7 Golf R was just nice. Nice to be in, nice to have outside, nice to drive.
The subtlety played a part in its success. This wasn’t an overt performance car, though nor was it entirely without visual identity. After a few years of sales, there were plenty of Lapiz Blue cars DSG farting their way between traffic lights, which spoiled the illusion a little (and four exhaust pipes always seemed excessive) but to a lot of folk, they were just nicely specced Golfs. They didn’t attract attention in the same way that similarly powerful Focuses, A3s, or Civics might have.
All of which probably explains the history of this car, because from 2019 until very recently, it was an undercover police car. It’s being sold by Ex Police Cars in Droylsden, no less, and that’s certainly a stocklist to check out with a free five minutes. With its combination of all-wheel-drive turbocharged performance, slick-shifting DSG, and unassuming design, a Golf R like this would have been ideal as something fast enough to keep up if required while also flying under a lot of radars.
Indeed, this particular one is super subtle. It’s not often that the facelift Mk7.5 car is seen without the optional, larger wheels. Obviously, black is very unassuming, and the window tint isn’t crazy. In terms of undercover spec, it's the very on the nose. The interior is equally option-free, though perhaps with less desirable results, thanks to cloth seats that look to have plenty of 'let's roll' bums rolled over their bolsters. There’s a bit more wear in the back than might be usual. You can draw your own conclusions about that.
On the plus side, as a 7.5 refresh, this Golf has the digital dash - and this one has heated seats. So it isn’t totally basic. And with more than 100,000 miles since 2019, those who aren’t too fussed about the fripperies will find this the cheapest way into a Mk7.5 R. There’s one other comparable car that’s also £15,995 in the classifieds; after that, you’re looking at £19k for a facelifted version.
And three grand would go a long way to scrubbing up the inside and outside to have them back to their best. Or you could run with the undercover cop car look, use it for anything and everything at whatever time of day with not much concern. Seems like the Golf R is perfectly suited to it. And you'll have a story to tell anyone who gets in the back...
SPECIFICATION | VW GOLF R (MK7.5)
Engine: 1,984cc 4-cyl, turbocharged
Transmission: 7-speed DSG auto, all-wheel drive
Power (hp): 310@5,500-6,500rpm
Torque (lb ft): 280@2,000-5,400rpm
MPG: 39.8-40.4(NEDC combined)
CO2: 160-163g/km
First registered: 2019
Recorded mileage: 109,000
Price new: £36,345 (before options)
Yours for: £15,995
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