All-new VW Golf R 2.0 TSI DSG delivers more power

The answer to that is a big Yes. R Performance brakes is now standard on this model. The power output has increased from 213kW to 228 kW - making it the most powerful Golf ever sold by Volkswagen South Africa.

This gain in kilowatt dynamics is attributed to an extremely fast-shifting 7-speed DSG and the standard Launch Control feature as well as the overall high engine output. Amazing, isn’t it?!.

But let’s backtrack before I tell you more about this speedster.

Well over 350,000 Golfs have been sold in the country, in the four decades since first launching in South Africa. Since the launch of the seventh generation Golf model range in 2013, the Golf GTI, Golf GTD and Golf R models have made up more than 45% of all Golf sales in South Africa.

Seventh Heaven

The seventh generation Golf R continues to be a benchmark for driver assistance systems in the compact class, employing technologies that significantly improve safety. These include the optional Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert as well as Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and Autonomous Emergency Braking System.

But take a minute to consider the other options that comes with this edition:

• Keyless entry

• Mobile phone interface with inductive charging
  
• Pro satellite navigation system
  
• Rear view camera
  
• Blind spot monitor
  
• Adaptive chassis control
  
• Adaptive cruise control
  
• Carbon exterior mirror housings
  
• R performance titanium exhaust
  
• 19-inch alloys

Exterior design improvements

New exterior design highlights include the ‘R’ designed bumpers, LED headlights and LED taillights that create a design that gives the Golf R a dynamic look. The tailpipes are placed further out to the sides giving the car a wider appearance. The exterior mirror housing caps come in matte chrome or optionally in carbon. There are also various 19-inch wheel choices – the standard being the "Spielberg" 19-inch alloy wheels or the optional 19-inch "Pretoria" alloy wheels in grey metallic.

Standard on the Golf R is the active info display, a panoramic sunroof and drive profile selection which includes the Sport Human Machine Interface (HMI) feature. Adaptive chassis control in an optional extra and offers the same feature – Sport HMI. In the Sport profile, the ‘Sport HMI' of the infotainment system on the centre console shows current engine parameters such as power output and G-forces in play.

The Golf R is now offered in the following colours: Tornado Red, Pure White, Atlantic Blue Metallic, Indium Grey Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Effect Oryx White Mother of Pearl Effect and Lapiz Blue Metallic.

Recommended Retail Price (VAT and emissions tax included)2.0 TSI R 228kW DSG: R676, 000The Golf R comes standard with a 5 year/90,000km Service Plan, 3 year/120,000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service interval is 15,000km.