The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R “Performance” Package is not for the Faint-Hearted

Auto News

Gokul | March 14, 2017 04:35 pm

Having made its global debut last November, Volkswagen revealed almost everything we need to know about the new Golf, except for what awaits us in the form of the ‘R’.

And just as we expected, the R eventually made its debut in December in a discreet manner, featuring an updated design, new features, and of course, a new and more powerful engine producing 310 PS, which is 30 more than the pre-facelift model we have here in Malaysia (total output might vary between different markets).

Powerful, right? Well, guess what?

Volkswagen decided to squeeze out even more from it with the “Performance” package, which comprises an air curtain on the front bumper, airstream guidance, a rear “motor sport” diffuser, 17-inch performance brakes, a rear spoiler, as well as Akrapovic titanium exhausts.

Thanks to these goodies, the hot hatch is capable of doing the century sprint in only 4.6 seconds, and hit a top speed of close to 270km/h.

Design-wise, the R model received the same updates as the rest of the Golf lineup. Up front, there’s a revised radiator grille with a chromed lower strip that extends through the new LED daytime running lights.

The LED headlamps are also new and included in the standard package. Below, there’s a redesigned bumper with a larger opening in the middle and revised side vents with black-painted surrounds.

Behind, notable changes include taillights with a new LED pattern and larger lamps in the bumper. The hatchback also rides on new, double-five-spoke wheels.

Inside, the beefy hatchback’s design remains almost untouched, but with a lot of new features such as the new touchscreen with gesture control, a new 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a Media Control App, the Security and Service package with various apps, as well as an online anti-theft alarm.