Golf R (Germany, 2014)

Volkswagen launched the 2014 Golf R with the 300ps (296hp) as a two-door and four-door model. Like the previous generations, the Golf R comes with all-wheel drive, but the latest generation of 4MOTION from Haldex means 18% better fuel economy than the previous generation, even with the extra power.

The car’s sport suspension is 20mm lower than the standard Golf, and it comes standard with progressive power steering, stability control that can been completely turned off and chassis control system with a driving profile selector.

The Golf R is available with either a six-speed manual that allows it to accelerate to 100km/h in 5.1 seconds or with a six-speed DSG that completes the sprint in 4.9 seconds from its 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Regardless of transmission, the top speed is limited to 250km/h.

The Golf R based on the seventh-generation Golf has an extra 30ps (30hp) over the previous generation, but fuel consumption has fallen from 8.5l/100km in the previous gen to 7.1l/100km in the new car. Emissions fall from 199g/km of CO2 in the previous gen to 165g/km of CO2 in the new car.

It is also available with an optional stop/start system and braking regeneration. It lowers consumption even further to 6.9l/100km and emissions to 159g/km of CO2 with the six-speed DSG.

In addition to the mechanical upgrades, the Golf R gets new front and rear bumpers, lower side sills, bi-xenon headlights with LED running lights, LED rear lights, exhaust for four chrome tips and 18in wheels. The interior gets a mix of fabric and Alcantara on the seats, dashboard and door panels. It also gets a three-spoke leather steering wheel, automatic climate control and a touchscreen radio.