 2012 Volkswagen Golf R. Click image to enlarge |
| 2012 Volkswagen Golf R
Manufacturer’s web site |
Review and photos by Greg Wilson
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2012 Volkswagen Golf R
Enthusiasts have snapped up almost all of the 500 2012 Golf Rs that were allocated for Canada (we’ve heard there are a few still being held by dealers), so it’s a bit surprising to learn that there will only be 200 2013 Golf R’s available this fall. They’ll likely be sold out before they even arrive, even if the asking price is more than the current $39,675.
This year, as next, the Golf R comes only in the four-door bodystyle with the six-speed manual transmission, while in the U.S. and Europe, the Golf R is also available as a two-door model in a lower trim level, and in Europe it’s also offered with an optional six-speed DSG (dual-clutch “direct shift gearbox”). Some were expecting the DSG to show up in the 2013 Canadian model, but the official pronouncement is “Nein”.
 2012 Volkswagen Golf R. Click image to enlarge |
As the ultimate, limited production GTI, it’s not surprising the Golf R is a hot commodity. Replacing the V6-powered R32 (which was never sold in Canada), the Golf R is equipped with a higher output version of VW/Audi’s turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder direct-injection engine (similar to the mill found in the Audi TTS and the Europe-only VW Scirocco R20T and Audi S3). In North America, the Golf R’s powerplant pumps out 256 hp between 4,300 and 6,000 rpm and 243 lb-ft of torque between 2,400 and 5,200 rpm, slightly less than the European engine. That’s a significant bump from the GTI’s 200 hp and 207 lb-ft.
The Golf R also comes with four-wheel grip courtesy of its fourth-generation Haldex 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and such standard performance features as 18-inch all-season performance tires mounted on unique alloys, a lowered suspension, and larger diameter brake rotors and black brake calipers.
Appearance-wise, the Golf R can be distinguished from the GTI by its unique front and rear bumpers, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, side skirts, rear diffuser, and twin centrally positioned exhaust pipes. Inside, the Golf R has standard leather sport seats with lumbar support and ‘R’ embossed in the head restraints, flat-bottomed leather-wrapped ‘R’ steering wheel, premium Dynaudio 300-watt sound system with satellite radio, keyless ignition, power sunroof and a touchscreen navigation system—all standard, which helps to explain the $10,000 price difference between the R and the GTI.
 2012 Volkswagen Golf R. Click image to enlarge |
We got our hands on a 2012 Golf R in the popular Rising Blue Metallic exterior colour. For 2012, there are five colours available: Candy White, Tornado Red, Carbon Steel Grey Metallic, Rising Blue Metallic, and Deep Black Pearl. But for 2013, this will be reduced to three colours, Rising Blue Metallic, Carbon Steel Metallic, and Deep Black Pearl. The interior comes in only one colour: Black Vienna leather with discreet bright silver and piano-black accents and sporty metal pedals.
Personally, I like the simplicity of the Golf R’s exterior styling. Except for the VW and R badges, there is no chrome on the outside of the vehicle; the upper and lower grille slats are painted in a low gloss black, and unlike its two major competitors, the STI and Evo, there are no aggressive styling add-ons like hood scoops, fender flares or wing spoilers. The Golf R’s standard 18-inch aluminum alloys and wide 225/40R18-inch all-season tires fill the wheel wells nicely and those twin centre tailpipes are simple and attractive. Buyers who don’t want to draw too much attention to themselves will appreciate the Golf R’s stealth styling.
