Currently reading: 2017 Volkswagen Golf R facelift boosted to 306bhp
Updated super-hatch is on sale in Germany now with an extra 10bhp; UK order books open in February

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R produces 310bhp from its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which is 10bhp more than the pre-facelift car and matches the peak output of the Golf GTI Clubsport S, as well as the Honda Civic Type R.

That power hike makes this the quickest variant of Volkswagen’s best-selling hatchback ever sold, and it’s joined by a jump in torque of 20lb ft, bringing the maximum figure to 295lb ft.

2017 Volkswagen Golf facelift revealed

The added potency helps to trim the all-wheel drive R’s 0-62mph time down to 4.6sec, three-tenths faster than before, when the seven-speed DSG auto is fitted. No time has been released for the six-speed manual version at this stage, but expect a similar reduction to the old car’s 5.3sec time.

The Golf R estate also benefits from the same engine improvements, and its 0-62mph time improves by two-tenths to 4.9sec with the DSG auto.

Along with its uprated engine, the 2017 Golf R gets a very lightly tweaked exterior with new LED lighting and restyled bumpers. Inside, there’s a new optional Active Info Display with 12.3in high-definition monitor.

Additionally, the latest generation of Volkswagen’s on-line services, including an updated App Connect feature that allows it to integrate with the latest versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and MirrorLink, are included.

2017 Volkswagen Golf-e revealed in LA

There are also new and updated driver assistant systems, such as Traffic Jam Assist, Emergency Assist, which detects the driver is incapacitated, Lane Assist plus ACC for active lane keeping, an updated City Emergency Braking system, Front Assist function that employees autonomous braking for collision avoidance, and Park Assist 3.0.

The 2017 Golf R is on sale in Germany now, but UK order books won’t open until February. Prices are expected to grow slightly on the outgoing car, which starts at £31,685.

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Billed the 'Ultimate Golf' and given more power, but can this facelifted Volkswagen Golf R knock the imperious Ford Focus RS from its perch?

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vrskeith 28 December 2016

For Sam Sheehan, why couldn't you ask VW UK this?

If the power and torque uplift is purely ECU /remapping, then why couldn't VW offer to current Golf R mk7 - inside warrantee, be offered a low cost (> £500 ) upgrade power mod ,undertaken by VW UK Dealerships ,(similar to Ford with Mountune) kept in-house and install at say service time, maximising effective garage time and maximising profit for VW.

No brainer to me and also engages VW CURRENT OWNERS and not frustrate and disappoint then. Brownie points for VW for a change of late.

What do you think and can you enquire for your readers.

Cheers
Keith

vrskeith 28 December 2016

For Sam Sheehan, why couldn't you ask VW UK this?

If the power and torque uplift is purely ECU /remapping, then why couldn't VW offer to current Golf R mk7 - inside warrantee, be offered a low cost (> £500 ) upgrade power mod ,undertaken by VW UK Dealerships ,(similar to Ford with Mountune) kept in-house and install at say service time, maximising effective garage time and maximising profit for VW.

No brainer to me and also engages VW CURRENT OWNERS and not frustrate and disappoint then. Brownie points for VW for a change of late.

What do you think and can you enquire for your readers.

Cheers
Keith

NoPasaran 26 December 2016

This is not Golf R

THIS is Golf R:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1ThB3-24BE