Volkswagen Golf R (2021 – present) | Expert Rating

Model reviewed: stay
score: 8 / 10
“No VW in the brand’s line-up quite nails the performance/practicality brief as well as the estate version of its core R model, the Golf. It’s not without fault, and is a pricey machine these days, but dynamically few can match it, while it offers the performance, image and all-round ability to back up its price tag. It’s a strong continuation of the Golf R Estate lineage.”
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Model reviewed: hatchback
score: 8 / 10
“The Golf GTI may be a hot-hatch original but, in recent years, the four-wheel drive Volkswagen Golf R has introduced more power, performance and prestige to the package. This latest version may be the best yet. Leaving just one question for fans of hot VWs – Golf R or GTI Clubsport?”
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Model reviewed:
score: 8 / 10
“We admire this car’s speed, composure and new-found flair, all of which stand it out in the 4WD crowd. However, it was our hot hatch money, the £5000-cheaper Honda Civic Type R still offers more. More precision, more adjustability and greater involvement.”
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Model reviewed:
score: 10 / 10
“Quantifiably quicker and more sure-footed, the 316bhp jack-of-all-trades is first and foremost awesome on back roads. The new VW Golf R is less demanding than the GTI but every bit as fun.”
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Model reviewed: hatchback range
score: 7.8 / 10
“Hot hatchbacks became more popular than sports cars because they bring driving thrills and practicality, and that’s true of the Golf R. It’s based on the sensible Volkswagen Golf, which has plenty of space for four adults and a reasonably large boot.”
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Model reviewed:
score: 9 / 10
“A Volkswagen Golf that’s both incredibly intense and classily cultured at the same time. Shame the looks aren’t quite as subtle as they used to be, though.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
score: 7 / 10
“Undercooked and irritating in equal measure, the Mk8 Golf R’s execution is found wanting, and it’s a loss for the class.”
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Model reviewed: Range overview
“With 320hp and 420Nm of torque, the fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf R can accelerate to 62mph in 4.7 seconds while top speed is limited to 155mph. An optional R-Performance package will increase the top speed to 168mph.”
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Model reviewed: hatchback
score: 8.4 / 10
“Top-dog Golf is a discreet supercar slayer”
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Model reviewed: hatchback
“When you find a quiet stretch of road, the Volkswagen Golf R is extraordinary. Around town, it’s ordinary. Apart from those signature silver wing mirrors.”
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Model reviewed: hatchback
score: 5 / 10
“This would be a deeply frustrating car to live with every day. It wouldn’t be so bad if the new Volkswagen Golf R was breathtaking to drive but it’s not. Every so often it feels a bit like the wonderful Golf R of old, but these are only floating glimpses in between all the times it lets you down.”
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Model reviewed: stay
score: 8 / 10
“In every way bar one, the Volkswagen Golf R Estate is brilliant, finding a real sweet spot in the Venn diagram of everyday use and outright dynamic ability. It’s just a shame it’s so far undermined by the integration of the tech. How to setup this frustrating to use got through so many layers of approval at VW is genuinely amazing.”
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Model reviewed: hatchback
score: 8 / 10
“The Volkswagen Golf R is the supreme hot hatch all-rounder. No sharp edges, and more rewarding than you might expect.”
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Model reviewed:
score: 8 / 10
“Fast and more fun than its direct rivals, but the Volkswagen Golf R doesn’t come cheap and won’t thrill you quite like a Toyota GR Yaris or Honda Civic Type R.”
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