VW R Returns
Volkswagen has announced that 2022 is the ‘Year of R’, with no less than four popular nameplates set to debut with the iconic R badge attached, including the all-new 235kW Golf R hot hatch.
Dec 2, 2021
‘R’ stands for ‘Racing’ and it has been a badge proudly worn by the Volkswagen Golf R for 20 years. When the next-generation hot hatch arrives on Kiwi shores, however, it won’t be alone, with R versions of Tiguan, T-Roc and Touareg all arriving hot on its heels.
Volkswagen says the full R range will offer levels of performance technology that have only been available previously within more high-end vehicle categories. The halo Golf R will be arriving in the first half of 2022.
Golf R
T-Roc R
Tiguan R
Touareg R
For the first time in New Zealand, Volkswagen is set to introduce an entire range of premium performance vehicles wearing the iconic R badge.
The highly anticipated fifth generation 235kW Golf R will be joined by three exclusive high-performance SUVs: Tiguan R, T-Roc R and Touareg R.
The first two R models off the rank in the first part of the year will be the new Golf R and
Tiguan R. They represent a blood-pumping drive experience with a powerful 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine, boasting 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque.
These will also be the first Volkswagen products to feature an all-new drive system – 4MOTION with R-Performance Torque Vectoring. This technology delivers an extensive ride and handling upgrade for keen drivers, distributing drive not just between the front and rear axles, but also variably between the two rear wheels. Volkswagen says this enables a new dimension of agility and sportiness with maximum grip and stability, particularly when cornering.
Golf R
In celebration of 20 years of Golf R, it’s Volkswagen dishing out the birthday gifts has with not one, but two, special driving modes: ‘Drift’ and ‘Special - Nürburgring’ (the latter available on Golf R 1st Edition only). Once off the public road, the integrated ‘Drift’ profile distributes 100% of the rear torque to one wheel for optimal driving dynamics away. This feature opens a new level of driving dynamics and further exploits the potential of Torque Vectoring by provoking oversteer instead of neutral vehicle handling: the prefect package for track day fun.
Volkswagen says that this new technology, born out of Volkswagen’s participation in generations of motorsport competition, means that today’s owners can experience the same level of racing performance without compromising on space and practicality.
T-Roc R
It is also a pedigree that doesn’t compromise customers on price.
Arriving together with the Tiguan R (from $79,990 plus ORCs), the Golf R will be priced from $76,990 plus ORCS, while New Zealand pricing for the T-Roc R and Touareg R will be confirmed closer to their arrival later in 2022.
Tiguan R
The only thing preceding these vehicles’ reputation is the anticipation New Zealanders have for them. Volkswagen says the first shipment in the New Year is already more than 70% pre-sold for the Golf R alone, but more cars are expected in April.
The Touareg R and T-Roc R are both scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2022. Touareg R will also be the first Volkswagen SUV with plug-in hybrid technology to be released in New Zealand, boating both performance tech and real world efficiency.
Visit www.volkswagen.co.nz/en/new-cars/volkswagen-r and www.giltrapvolkswagen.co.nz for further details.
Touareg R
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