Golf R - Ready for racing and on the grid now

Volkswagen New Zealand’s hotly-anticipated 2022 R performance range has expanded again with the arrival of the latest version of the legendary Golf R arriving on Kiwi shores this month.

Volkswagen New Zealand believes the R badge – proudly worn by the iconic Volkswagen Golf R for 20 years and now in its fifth generation – is much more than a nameplate.

“Golf R represents new technology – ignited by driving passion,” says Greg Leet, General Manager of Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles. “The new Golf R is Volkswagen’s most powerful iteration yet, and it will be the most powerful model on our passenger fleet until the new Touareg R plug-in hybrid arrives later in the year. The Golf R represents the absolute gold standard of technology within its class, and we’re excited to see it here in New Zealand.”

The Golf R delivers an extensive ride and handling upgrades alongside its powerful 2.0L TSI petrol engine. The latest iteration of the performance legend sports 235kW of power, 400Nm of torque and a 7-speed DSG gearbox augmented with launch control drivetrain. These factors all contribute to a 0-100km/h acceleration time of less than five seconds.

What also helps set the R apart is its all-new drive system – 4MOTION with R-Performance Torque Vectoring.

This technology ensures power is brought to the road as effectively as possible. It delivers an extensive ride and handling upgrade, distributing drive not just between the front and rear axles, but also variably between the two rear wheels. This enables a new dimension of agility and sportiness with maximum grip and stability, particularly when cornering.

Twenty years of the Golf R also deserves its exclusive features and Volkswagen is delivering this courtesy of the limited run 1^st Edition.

The Golf R 1st Edition has not one, but two, additional special driving modes: ‘Drift’ and ‘Special - Nürburgring’. The ‘Drift’ profile distributes 100% of the rear torque to one wheel for optimal cornering away from public roads. 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 ‘Special - Nürburgring’ mode is optimised for track duty, featuring softer suspension settings to help keep the tyres in contact with the tarmac.

“With this technology improvement, the 1^st Edition is ready to open the next chapter of the R’s success story with a truly cohesive driving thrill,” says Leet. “The 1^st Edition – which also comes with a panoramic sunroof and Harman Kardon premium sound system – has been responsible for 80% of Golf R’s pre-sales interest in New Zealand.”

On the design front, the fifth generation R is even more imposing on the road than its predecessors.

A lowered stance, super-sized front intake, R exclusive brake calipers, and body-coloured side sills affords it a powerfully stylish presence. The trademark Lapiz blue colour option will also no doubt prove extremely popular. The model arrives with standard 19" Estoril Alloy Wheels.

The Golf R’s racing-refined exterior is enjoyed from an equally stylish interior, featuring further R exclusives such as a leather-wrapped, multifunction sports steering wheel providing responsive feedback and precision control, and Nappa leather front sport-seats (power-adjustable with memory function) with both heating and ventilation.

The Golf R infotainment suite is just as generous as the design suite with an  'R' exclusive rev  counter display, a 10" Discover Media Infotainment System, induction wireless charging,  App-Connect and full colour Heads Up Display.

Competitively priced and backed by Volkswagen’s five-year/150,000-kilometre warranty, the all-new Golf R and Golf R 1^st Edition also include five years of roadside assistance.