2012 Volkswagen Golf R

We give credit to Volkswagen for inventing the “pocket rocket” niche when it launched the first GTI back in 1975. But, for decades, American fans had to make do with the GTI as VW hottest hatch, while Europeans got much more serious versions. Now, VW gave us a taste back in ’08 with the R32, but it still wasn’t the full-on Golf that many of us were looking for.  So has it finally arrived? Well, let’s hit the track in the new Golf R and feel the heat!

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R does indeed throw out some heat, as well as some horsepower; 256 to be exact, from Volkswagen’s familiar 2-liter turbo-4. However, it’s not the same 2-liter found in the GTI, it’s an EA113 shared with the Audi TTS. It sports a beefed-up block and stronger connecting rods to handle the 17psi of boost coming from the BorgWarner K04 turbo. Still, it only puts out 6-more horsepower than the previous Golf R32, and torque is up by only 7 pound feet to 243. 

In straight line testing, that equates to a 0-60 time of 5.7-seconds, almost half a second quicker than the last R32 that we tested, while the quarter mile is exactly half a second quicker at 14-seconds flat and a nice even 100 miles-per-hour. 4motion all-wheel-drive makes launching a simple affair, as it can send up to 100% of the torque to the rear wheels. 

Transmission is 6-speed manual only, and ratios are close, so be ready to shift. It looks like Volkswagen will still keep some goodies for themselves in Europe, as we won’t be getting the DSG auto-manual here in the states. Based on the GTI’s suspension, the R gets a thorough revamping, and the ride is noticeably stiffer, which obviously makes for increased capabilities at the track. 

And we pushed the Golf R to its limits at Roebling Road Raceway near Savannah, Georgia and found it to be well balanced with quick and precise steering, but not enough reserve power to get you into too much trouble. Front push stays surprisingly mild, though the Golf R does prefer a slower corner entry. As you can even do a little throttle-on rear steering, it makes for a fun package that we feel is much improved over the R32. 

Unlike previous R models, the new R is available as both a 2-door and 4-door. We chose the 4-door, which is actually a 5-door hatchback. The Golf’s timeless shape remains, but the R adds both some stylish and functional upgrades.  A new front fascia features larger air intakes, LED daytime running lights, and a blacked out grille with R logo. Bi-Xenon headlights are standard. Looking down the sides, you’ll see slightly extended side skirts and 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels hiding R-labeled black brake calipers. While out back, there’s a new rear bumper with diffuser wrapped around 2 centered exhaust pipes and a large hatch-mounted spoiler. 

Inside, there are plenty of R logos on display, as well as a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and aluminum pedals. Gauges feature blue needles, and there are splashes of aluminum trim throughout. Golf R’s come fairly well equipped as dual zone climate, steering wheel controls, Bluetooth, and 8-speaker stereo are all standard. The Sunroof and Navigation package adds the obvious, but also an upgraded 300-watt Dynaudio stereo and keyless entry with push button start. Front seats have excellent fast corner bolstering, and are very comfortable. Rear seats are comfy as well, although expectedly, short on legroom. But like all Golf’s, folding the split 60/40 seatback expands the 15.3 cubic feet of cargo space into the mini-ute category.

For a performance car, fuel economy is notable. Government Fuel Economy Ratings are 19-City and 27-Highway. Expect to average 22 miles-per-gallon of Premium fuel. That makes a decent Energy Impact Score of 15-barrels of annual oil consumed annually and 6.7 tons of yearly CO2 emissions. 

Pricing has always been a strong point for the GTI and Golf models, and that continues to be the case, as the Golf R 4-door packs a lot of performance into its base price of $35,360; adding sunroof and nav. only takes it up to $36,860. The 2-door starts at $34,760. 

While the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R may be the most powerful Golf ever offered here in the States, it’s not the additional power that makes it a winner in our book. It’s the sweet handling and overall fun factor that reminds us of the original GTI. So, while other “pocket rockets” have come along way since the first GTI, rivals still have a lot of work to do if they want to keep up with the Golf R.