With a good 10,500-plus kilometres on the odo — the last 1,500km with us — it’s time for a mid-long-term round-up of the R. And notwithstanding the initial setbacks, I’m happy to report that things are mostly looking good for the über Golf.
The refinement, despite the sportiness, is up there with the best of them. It’s vastly more usable than, say, a similarly priced Evo X.
Driving around in the Mitsu is like sitting in a tumble dryer. Your ears are constantly pummelled by mechanical noises. Granted the Evo is slightly superior dynamically, but as a family car, it’s hobbled by a stern ride. You’ll be collecting your teeth from the footwell if you drive over a rough bit of road.
No such problems in the R. It’s only lairy when you want it to be. Spec that Dynamic Chassis Control, folks.
The cabin is much nicer than any other wild 4WD turbo car in its class too. Our tester’s optional Vienna leather seats with stitched ‘R’ logos look the part, but if I was speccing mine I’d save Dh4,500 and go for the exceedingly cool two-tone Kyalami fabric items.
Other standard goodness includes the interior package with a smattering of aluminium inserts and piano black trim, which makes the cabin feel special compared to a garden-variety GTI.
On the space front, constant protestation from friends has me convinced that rear legroom isn’t exemplary, or even adequate, but with the seats folded down there is a reasonable 1,305 litres of cargo space in there. Also, the R is one of the few cars whose voice command system won’t have you tearing your hair out in frustration. It actually works.
Bad bits? I’m getting tired of the black Talladega rims. Even the tiniest scrape becomes an eye-sore. Perhaps best stick to Sterling Silver ones which cost the same. Also, the reversing camera is slow to spring to action. So if you’re in a hurry you have to rely on the mirrors, which renders the system useless in certain situations.
Thankfully, there’s still no sign of the fuel needle malfunction, but there is a new random quirk to report. The radio sometimes has a mind of its own and flits between stations for no apparent reason. Weird.
On balance though, it’s a capable all-rounder.
Facts
Driven by Amit
Start mileage 10,535km
Recent cost Fuel
Average fuel economy 13 litres-per-100km
Highs Refinement, decent cargo space
Lows Rear legroom, glitchy radio
The progress
Week 4
Dejan doesn’t approve of the DSG. Also, the R refuses to recognise his iPod, probably due to its dreadful content. Dejan promptly blames the DSG.
Highs Ridiculous grip
Lows Fuel economy with the foot down, transmission
Week 3
Amit Benjamin finally starts to bond with the awesome Golf R, but the steep price means
the GTI still runs it too close for comfort.
Highs Stellar all-round capability
Lows Cheaper GTI almost as good
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
