2013 Volkswagen Golf VII R – 5 Doors 2.0L TSI 4MOTION 6AT AWD (300 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Volkswagen produced another serious contender for the hot hatch segment in 2013, the Golf R, which was also suitable for a young family thanks to its five-door bodywork.

While its GTI lineup was already known and appreciated on the market, Volkswagen learned from its customers that it was not enough. That famous car was oftentimes surpassed by the newcomers, such as the Impreza STI from Subaru or the Type R from Honda. As a result, it came with the R-Versions, which carried over its most significant parts from its posher sibling, the S3 from Audi.

Even though it shared many components with its lesser-powered siblings from the Golf seventh generation, the R-version came with a unique front fascia that featured a chromed slat on the grille and a lower bumper that sported a trapezoidal grille. In addition, that was flanked by a pair of functional scoops. From its profile, the Golf VII R featured a specific badge on the front fenders and version-specific “Cadiz” 18″ light-alloy wheels, with an option for a 19″ set. At the back, the automaker installed a new bumper with a diffuser flanked by chromed exhausts.

Inside, Volkswagen installed a set of standard sports seats at the front with fabric upholstery. As an option, customers could choose Nappa leather-wrapped interior. In addition, all versions featured the R-letter embroidered on the front seats’ seatbacks. At the back, the automaker used the same materials for the split-folding bench seat. To further enhance the sporty spirit, the Golf VII R featured stainless steel pedals and the dead pedal.

With a drivetrain carried over from its posher sibling, the S3 from Audi, the Golf VII R boasted a turbocharged, direct fuel-injected inline-four that produced 300 PS (296 hp) sent in all corners via a fifth-generation Haldex all-wheel-drive system, with electronically controlled differentials on both axles. Customers could get the car with either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic (dual-clutch). The latter was also quicker in the 0-62 mph (0-100 kph) sprint than the former one.