Under the bonnet of this new ‘R’ is a two-litre turbocharged engine. But, if you think the reduction in engine size will mean a reduction in the performance figures of the new two-litre Golf R, think again.
At 300 bhp, the power output of the new car is up considerably on the 237 bhp Golf R32. Indeed, the Volkswagen Golf R is the fastest-accelerating Golf ever, with a 0-62 mph time of 5.1 seconds (4.9 seconds with the optional DSG gearbox). At least it is until the possible launch of a production version of the 400 bhp Golf R400.