It's an R thing

For 20 years, the Volkswagen Golf R has been an icon across the world and right here in NZ, with a fanatical and passionate fan base. And now it's back in its fifth generation. There are pockets of Aotearoa that simply cannot get enough of the quintessential ‘growl’ of the R engine, as it explores its way up and down the country. From past and current Golf R model owners, to the upcoming new breed of customers awaiting their first taste of this small car, there is one thing in common: it’s an R thing.

It's a 'rush to the heart' thing

It’s not hard to see why the original Golf R32 helped coin the phrase ‘hot hatch’. And with 400Nm of torque and 235kW of power, you could say the performance factor of the Golf R is certain to continue and build upon this great legacy.

It’s a ‘this is loaded with tech’ thing

It’s hard to believe that our Volkswagen engineers were able to get this much technology into a small vehicle. Enliven every journey with innovative features designed to inspire and impress. 

It's a 'man this is hot' thing

Take one look at the Golf R’s racing-inspired styling, complete with its lowered stance, aggressive posture and signature R details and you’ll beg to get behind the wheel.

Driving Dynamics

Ready for precision at every turn?

Ready for precision at every turn?

Handle every road like a racetrack with a new first from Volkswagen; 4MOTION with R-Performance Torque Vectoring. This all-wheel-drive technology distributes drive not just between the front and rear axles, but also variably between the two rear wheels. Delivering up to 100% of the possible torque to the wheel on the outside of the bend, it enables an exhilarating drive with maximum grip and stability. 

Ready for maximum R

Ready for maximum R

The Golf R’s assured all-wheel drive system finds full expression when it’s networked via a Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM). The integrated system performs minor braking interventions and alters damper compression on selected wheels to provide optimal traction and precise driving control.

Exclusive driving profiles

Exclusive driving profiles

Take control of the Golf R’s ride and handling characteristics when you select from a number of different driving profiles. Set your pulse racing when you press the ‘R’ logo on the steering wheel to activate the ‘Race’ driving profile setting. Send it into overdrive when you choose one of two exclusive R Performance driving profiles – ‘Drift*’ for exhilarating drifting capability away from public roads and ‘Special*’, which has been tuned for the exacting conditions of the Nürburgring-Nordschleife. *Exclusive to the 1st Edition model

A rush to the heart

A rush to the heart

Whether it’s on Wellington’s High Street or an Otago backroad, prepare for a blood-pumping drive with the powerful 2.0L turbocharged TSI petrol engine. Boasting 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque, expect an adrenalin rush, even when you’re stuck in Auckland traffic.

Design

Exterior Design

Exterior Design

The Golf R’s sleek design and powerful presence convey a vehicle that is the epitome of sporting performance. With its lowered stance, large front intake and body-coloured side sills, the Golf R is the quintessential head-turner. The 1st Edition Package ups the ante further with its large roof spoiler and aggressive-looking rear diffuser with four chrome-plated tailpipes.

The R-button

The R-button

Agility you can feel and pure driving pleasure at the touch of a button: The R-button on the multifunction sports steering wheel opens up a whole world of performance. Here you can choose between driving profiles and define your driving style.

Interior Design

Interior Design

Put yourself at the centre of the action with the Golf R’s multifunction sports steering wheel, which offers responsive feedback and precision control. Bolstered, heated and ventilated front sports seats with integrated head restraints are covered in supple Nappa leather^ providing supreme comfort. ^Leather appointed seats have a combination of genuine and artificial leather, but are not wholly leather

Technology

Innovative cockpit

Innovative cockpit

The Golf R’s Innovation Cockpit lets you call the shots by putting an exciting array of performance functions within easy reach. The Innovation Cockpit is an immersive, fully digital driver display landscape consisting the Discover Media System, equipped with aspects such as a 10” high-resolution full-colour touchscreen, 2x UBS-C ports for added convenience, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay and built-in Satellite Navigation with turn-by-turn route guidance.

Harman Kardon Premium Audio

Harman Kardon Premium Audio

In-car audio has never sounded as good as it does through the Golf R’s optional Harman Kardon* premium audio system with its eight speakers and 480w amplifier offering superb bass response. Four pre-configured sound settings – Pure, Chill Out, Live and Energy – mean you can adapt your listening experience to suit your favourite music. *Standard on the 1st Edition

Full-colour Heads-up display

Full-colour Heads-up display

Put essential vehicle information, such as speed and navigation assistance, right where you need it by projecting a head-up illumination onto the inside of the windscreen.

IQ.Light - Matric LED Highlights

IQ.Light - Matric LED Highlights

Driving with purpose demands you have crystal clear vision ahead of you. The Golf R’s IQ.LIGHT Matrix LED headlights with Dynamic Light aAutomatic Hhigh beam Assist and dynamic indicators illuminate your path with brilliant intensity and ensure you’re always noticed. For that extra ‘R’ lighting touch, the wing mirrors project an R-logo symbol onto the road below.

Talk to a Volkswagen Specialist