NEW LAUNCHES: Start Burning The Road. VW Golf R Prices Start From RM246K

Motorists and race enthusiasts have much to be eager about as Volkswagen Group Malaysia today officially announces the highly anticipated arrival of the fastest production Golf ever – the all-new Golf R.

As the fourth generation Golf R, this compact powerhouse combines a 2.0-litre newly designed turbocharged petrol direct-injection (TSI) engine that develops 380Nm of torque and approximately 290 hp for a 0 – 100 acceleration within 5 seconds. To ensure that unrivalled control when on the road, the Golf R transfers engine power to the road via a permanent all-wheel drive system; in this case, it is the latest version of the 4MOTION system with a fifth-generation Haldex coupling. 

“The new Golf R is an amalgamation of racing technology, pure power and everyday drivability that produces sportiness in the fast lane. It is the distillation of performance that equates to a pure adrenaline rush created by our colleagues at Volkswagen R GmbH specially to satisfy the hunger of motorists looking for an outstanding driving performance,” said Mr Christoph Aringer, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia.

The fourth generation Golf R continues the legacy of its predecessor in transplanting Volkswagen’s latest advanced racing technology into a series of vehicle that now enters the Malaysian market with a host of new and enhanced features.

“Build for racing but equally practical for daily driving, the Golf R is a pinnacle of race-inspired cars and it is a pure adrenaline rush on wheels. It is a synthesis of sportiness, comfort and safety; and we are confident that the latest Golf R will win the hearts of racing enthusiasts in Malaysia,” added Mr Aringer.

Engine and Performance

The new Golf R delivers a unique synthesis of maximum dynamic performance and ideal long touring capabilities. It is equipped with a 2.0 litre TSI turbocharged direct petrol injection engine mated to a 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) to develop an impressive 290 hp / 280PS. As a performance car without compromise, the Golf R produces a maximum torque of 380Nm kicking in from a low 1750rpm – enabling this sports car to accelerate from 0 to 100kph in 5 seconds. In addition, the latest generation 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is coupled with a 6-speed gearbox that has a reinforced clutch and short-travel shifting.

The combination of TSI and DSG technology gives the Golf R a surprisingly frugal fuel consumption of 6.9 litres/100km on the combined cycle, which makes it more fuel efficient from its predecessor – allowing drivers to go a distance of approximately 14.5 km per litre. 

Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB)

Tightly packaged with state-of-the-art technology, the new Golf R now rides on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, a combination of standardised and variable dimensions allowing flexibility in vehicle dimensions. Enabling simple integration of alternative drives in the future, MQB’s lightweight construction reduced the Golf R’s weight by up to 46 kg.

Enhanced Features

The Golf R is even more fuel efficient than before as it is equipped with a Stop-Start system and battery regeneration, where it converts the kinetic energy applied when driving or braking to recharge the vehicle battery. 

The Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold keeps the Golf R stationary once it comes to a complete stop without having to press the brake pedal, providing further convenience for drivers stuck in traffic. Further enhancing the experience for discerning drivers, the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) with a 5 mode Driving Profile Selection (tech pack) allows owners to suit driving profile properties to their individual needs and driving behaviour. 

On the entertainment and multimedia front, the new Golf R is equipped with ‘Discover Pro’, a new infotainment system with 8 inch TFT (Thin Film Transistor) touchscreen capacitive colour display with proximity sensors (tech pack), and a navigation system with voice control. Offering multiple connectivity options such as a USB port, AUX IN and Bluetooth, the system allows for music playback from MP3, WMA and AAC files with title display from its SD slot.

Safety Features

The new Golf R comes with new and uncompromised safety features including the Multi-collision Brake System which triggers automatic braking once an initial collision has been detected. This safety feature is to avoid follow-on collisions. In addition, the Golf R is equipped with XDS+ at the front and rear axles. This functionality is applied to a larger range of dynamic performance – making the vehicle even more agile when the car is not in an acceleration state.

The Golf R is additionally equipped with 7 airbags, progressive steering, Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with 2 stage Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Whiplash-optimised front head restraints, Anti-Theft Alarm System and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). When the ESC button is pressed for longer than three seconds, the system is fully deactivated for professional driving on a race track – this deactivation is only available in the Golf R and not in any other models of the Golf series.

Interior

Meticulously built with the best materials and without compromise, the new Golf R is equipped with the “R” multi-function leather steering wheel, “R” Alcantara seats with “R” logo, “R” “Carbon Touch” decorative inserts for dashboard and door trim panels, Piano Black decorative inserts for centre console, multi-function display “Premium” with Lap Timer function and illuminated front door panels and scuff plates – giving it the premium racing look and feel. 

This compact sports model is equipped with the standard LED reading lights for front and rear, LED footlights, auto dimming interior rear view mirror and “Climatronic” air conditioning with 2-zone temperature control. Further enhancing the experience for discerning drivers, the Tech Pack package sees the addition of “Vienna” leather upholstery, 12-way electric adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control with speed limiter and a KESSY keyless entry and starting system.

Exterior 

The Golf R, one of the sportiest compact models in the world, is fitted with front and rear fascia unique to racing hatchback. It is equipped with its signature “R” design front bumper, “R” design front grille, “R” design rear bumper with diffuser, “R” design Bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights and dynamic bending lights. The Golf R is characterised by newly designed 18-inch "Cadiz" alloy wheels, matt chrome exterior mirrors, dual twin tailpipes and dark red LED taillights. The Tech Pack version features even more innovations, such as 19 inch “Cadiz” alloy wheels, panoramic roof and ‘Rear Assist’ rear view camera. 

The new Golf R is offered in four colour choices: Lapiz Blue Metallic, Tornado Red, Pure White and Deep Black Pearl. Available for booking at all Volkswagen dealerships in Peninsular Malaysia from 6 June, the new Golf R is priced at RM245,888, with the optional Tech Pack with additional features raising the price to RM285,888.

source: VW Malaysia Media Services