It took nearly three weeks, but I’m finally beginning to warm up to the Golf R. Even though memories of our long-term Scirocco still squirm restlessly in my head and I adore the GTI, I had struggled to feel a similar connection with the superior — on paper at least — R. But finally I can see trickles of character that its lesser siblings ooze.
A lot of it is down to its dazzling repertoire of abilities. Certain cars are good in certain situations, but downright unbearable when dropped outside their comfort zone. Anyone who’s ever tried to thread through traffic in a supercar or driven round a tight, twisty mountain road in a lumbering SUV will know exactly what I mean. There are only a handful of cars that can do nearly everything convincingly. And the Golf R is one of them.
Although it doesn’t feel as alive as a GTI, it’s undeniably more capable. Plant your foot on the loud pedal and let the Haldex all-wheel drive system figure out the rest.
You can feel the nose run wide if you enter a corner too fast, but the AWD system chips in immediately to deploy more horses to the rear and Bob’s your uncle. While the GTI is more prone to understeer, the R just ploughs through bends unfazed.
My weekends, when I’m not demolishing roundabouts, are largely spent undertaking chauffeur duties for the wife and grocery shopping runs.
And the Golf R is remarkable at that too. It’s small enough to squeeze into the tightest parking spots and the fuel economy is rather agreeable.
It looks and sounds good as well. I like the optional black Talladega rims, the pumped-up body, and the way it hisses and barks every time the six-speed DSG ’box swaps cogs.
The black headlight surrounds and LED daytime light sabres are admittedly a bit too much, but since I usually see nothing wrong in overdoing it, I fully approve.
However, despite its virtues, I still think the cheaper GTI runs it too close for comfort. Perhaps it’s time for some Golf vs Golf action to settle this once and for all.
Facts
Driven by Amit
Start mileage 9,675km
Recent cost Fuel
Average fuel economy 10 litres-per-100km
Highs Stellar all-round capability
Lows Cheaper GTI almost as good
The progress
Week 2
The R’s fuel meter doesn’t like maths. It gave us two wildly different readings within seconds. The ride, especially in Comfort, is brilliant.
Highs Ride, build quality, performance
Lows Malfunctioning fuel gauge
Week 1
The R arrives in the wheels long-term garage and has everyone baffled with its stupendous price tag. Doesn’t feel as special as its predecessor, the R32.
Highs Tackles corners with ease, fun daily ride
Lows You have to pay for the privilege
