Volkswagen Golf R review

Under the bonnet, the turbocharged 2.0-litre engine now kicks out an added 8bhp at 328bhp. Torque remains the same as before at 310lb ft, but it is now developed on a 150rpm wider range of revs between 2100rpm and 5500rpm.

In a bid to imbue it with added character while retaining the linear properties for which it is renowned, the operation of the turbocharger has been revised. It now spins faster on a trailing throttle to ensure greater response when you get back on the power. The throttle valve is also kept open on the overrun, mimicking the properties of an anti-lag system.

As standard, the Golf R sports a neat rear spoiler, although the optional R Performance package adds a much more conspicuous split-level spoiler-cum-wing, as well as tickling the ECU to take top speed from 155mph to 168mph.

Matt Saunders

Road test editor

It is all fed through a reworked version of Volkswagen's in-house-produced seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and a modified 4Motion four-wheel drive system with revised electronic torque splitter to vary the amount of drive sent to each individual rear wheel.

The exterior design changes are predictably subtle, starting with a new-look front bumper with larger ducts for more effective cooling of the front brakes and engine bay, as well as a more prominent splitter for added downforce at speed. There’s also a larger tailgate-mounted spoiler and a reworked diffuser to better manage the airflow and downforce.

It is understated in a typical Volkswagen way, but with a fittingly sporting stance that benefits greatly from a 20mm-lower ride height and wider tracks than milder Volkswagen Golf models. Setting it all off is a new range of wheels, including the new optional forged aluminium Warmenau items worn by our test car, which weigh 20% less than the standard 18in Jerez wheels at just 8kg.