Volkswagen Golf R Mk7 first details – 300 PS, AWD

Der neue Volkswagen Golf R

Like the last few generations before it, the latest Mk7 Volkswagen Golf will also get a top of the line R version from Volkswagen R GmbH, and here are the first details of the Mk7 Golf R. Set to debut in the fourth-quater this year, the Volkswagen Golf R Mk7 will feature a 300 PS engine and Haldex 4MOTION all-wheel drive.

That’s a notable power hike over the Mk6 Golf R, which in Europe has 270 PS and 350 Nm (the Malaysian-spec Golf R has 255 PS and 330 Nm). The Volkswagen Golf R Mk7’s 300 PS and 380 Nm numbers are familiar as the Audi S3 shares the same figures. After all, the Mk7 Golf GTI now has 350 Nm, which is already more torque than the Mk6 Golf R. The EA888 engine has dual injection systems – both port- and direct-injection are used.

The R will be available with either a manual gearbox or a six-speed DSG automatic gearbox – the former hitting 100 km/h in 5.1 seconds while the self-shifting version does it even faster, at 4.9 seconds. With auto start/stop and energy recuperation via alternator management, fuel consumption for the DSG-equipped Golf R is rated at just 6.9 litres per 100 km, compared to 8.4 litres per 100 km for the Mk6 Golf R.

Der neue Volkswagen Golf R

The Golf R is five millimetres lower than the Golf GTI, and is in total 20 mm lower than a regular Golf. To attain optimal mechanical grip, stiffness values were precisely controlled for springs and anti-roll bars, intentionally designed not to be too stiff. A setup that is not super rigid allows for better grip on both flat as well as uneven roads – a super stiff setup is more suited for optimised flat surfaces like race tracks.

On this one, DCC is an option, which provides dampers with adjustable damping force. Four driving modes are available – Comfort, Normal, Sport and Race, which are selectable from the car’s touchscreen system. Damping forces are variable at each individual wheel, and this latest version of DCC can fully independently vary rebound and compression damping.

In addition, there are Race and Individual modes. Race mode has the highest damping rate and the most aggressive engine and transmission configuration. Individual mode allows you to fine tune the settings for various components, in case you want to adjust transmission and damper settings independently for example. Finally, there’s Eco mode, which optimises all systems including the air-conditioning system for fuel economy.

Der neue Volkswagen Golf R

The Haldex 4MOTION system sends power primarily to the front wheels. In low load or coasting situations, the rear axle is decoupled, which saves fuel. The Haldex system’s electro-hydraulic oil pump can engage the rear axle in fractions of a second if needed – if necessary, nearly 100% of the drive torque can be sent to the rear axle.

For further traction, four electronic differential locks (EDS) integrated in the electronic stability control system act as transverse locks. The system briefly brakes a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side. In the Golf R, the electronic differential locks are implemented at both axles in what is referred to as four-wheel EDS.

In addition, the Golf R is equipped with XDS+ at the front and rear axles, a further extension of the EDS system. This brakes the wheels on the inside of a bend during fast driving through bends, optimising steering behaviour.

When the car is being driven fast, as soon as the electronics detect excessively light loads on wheels on the inside of a bend, the hydraulics of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) apply brake pressure to this wheel to restore optimal traction – XDS+ thereby operates as a transverse differential lock that compensates for understeer during fast cornering.

golf r mk7

The Golf R gets an exclusive exterior look, paired with 18-inch Cadiz alloy wheels wrapped with 225/40 tyres, and there’s an optional 19-inch Pretoria wheel to upgrade to if needed. The signature colour is the Lapis Blue Metallic you see here, but you can also pick from Pure White, Tornado Red, Night Blue, Limestone Grey Metallic, Reflex Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Effect, or Oryx White.

The Volkswagen Golf R will make its public debut at Frankfurt 2013.

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Paul Tan

After dabbling for years in the IT industry, Paul Tan initially began this site as a general blog covering various topics of personal interest. With an increasing number of readers paying rapt attention to the motoring stories, one thing led to another and the rest, as they say, is history.

 

Comments

  • Hoonigan on Aug 20, 2013 at 10:45 pm

    I hope that this current mk7 R can fully turn-off its electronic driving assist as I the previous mk6 is a too-safe car when the driver can’t (fully) turn off its electronic driving assists. What’s the point of it? You know, for fun.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 1
    • Visitor on Aug 20, 2013 at 10:59 pm

      You will be able to fully disengage ESC. There are supposed to be two modes…one delayed, one fully disabled, for track driving.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 2
  • Kereta Mayat on Aug 20, 2013 at 10:52 pm

    Hmmm… I thought it was the replacement model for Proton Tiara. Sorry VW salesman, the design is just sooo… :/

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 17 Thumb down 58
    • Visitor on Aug 20, 2013 at 11:01 pm

      It’s not meant to be flashy or revolutionary. It’s a well-designed hatch with clean lines. Nothing wrong with creating an evolution of the last-gen Golf R. VW has nothing to prove – especially with the R’s numbers. 300hp/280tq, 0-60 in 4.9 w/ DSG, and a 5th gen Haldex AWD system.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 30 Thumb down 7
      • Amir Sufyan on Aug 20, 2013 at 11:47 pm

        Wut u talking about? I cant understand

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 33
        • Amir Sufyan on Aug 20, 2013 at 11:51 pm

          Except the dsg part

          Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 27
          • Ali Sufyan on Aug 21, 2013 at 8:22 am

            Th DSG of a Ford Focus is more problematic than this one. At least VW fixes the older problematic DSGs for free. Ford doesn’t!

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 16 Thumb down 9
          • Do more research on vw cars you will know. especially the golf :D

            Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 13
    • I hope u own that Ferrari and not just take photo… no need to apologize to a VW salesman bcoz is not ur fault just bcoz u really love the Proton Tiara or just stupid! congratulations!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • saladin on Aug 20, 2013 at 11:00 pm

    does this car equip with torque vectoring?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
    • Visitor on Aug 20, 2013 at 11:06 pm

      We’re waiting on details as far as vectoring and e-diff. Not confirmed but not completely out of the question. Without it, the mk7 GTI w/ power pack would keep up closely around the bends.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Zigzag on Aug 20, 2013 at 11:27 pm

    DSG again?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 20
  • xavier lert on Aug 20, 2013 at 11:29 pm

    Based on total horses,i presume the price would be 300k

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 1
    • Not necessary, MK5 golf R has lower HP but selling at RM320k. MK6 R is selling at RM268k. So this if still comes with 4 pot 2 litre then most probably will come with RM 270k-275k. We will noe how much is the price hike when GTi is lauched.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 2
  • F**ki*g cunnn wehhh and powerfull…would invest and buy this…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 6
    • Amir Sufyan on Aug 20, 2013 at 11:50 pm

      Wow… I never knew can invest thru buying car

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 28 Thumb down 9
    • hahaha..invest?..so after buying this car..the price will increase?..bodo punya org

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 0
  • VW Fanboi on Aug 20, 2013 at 11:45 pm

    This will put the A class and V40 into rest !!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 15
    • Sky pirate on Aug 20, 2013 at 11:52 pm

      Yeh right, this R will put the A45 AMG to rest, in your dreams.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 25 Thumb down 6
    • medic on Aug 21, 2013 at 11:50 am

      Golf R should be compared with A45 which will totally destroy it…A45-355hp/450Nm torque,0-100 4.6sec.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 1
  • I read again and again… So this new R uses EA888 engine instead of golf mk5 one?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 6 Thumb down 0
  • Looks like the picture was taken in Sepang F1 Circuit.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
  • Datuk on Aug 21, 2013 at 1:56 am

    Tow truck driver will smile & lough because they can make more money!
    U know what i mean rite? Hehe

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 29
    • Problematic one is the DSG7 used in Golf TSI n others. But GTI n R use DSG6. Not prone to failure as 7

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 4
    • medic on Aug 21, 2013 at 11:51 am

      You must be living in the past,still listening to Beatles music..Go read up about DSG first lar.Kasi malu sendiri saje.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 3 Thumb down 6
  • Prince on Aug 21, 2013 at 3:55 am

    I’m waiting!

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 4
  • bvc100 on Aug 21, 2013 at 7:43 am

    Somehow or another it doesn’t look as impressive nor as pumped up as previous R incarnations.
    Limitations of the MQB platform perhaps?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Golf R is all grown up! Loving the specs Saw 5 Golf GTI MK7 in Sepang over the weekend. Not sure whether is there anything related to this R as well

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • Chris on Aug 21, 2013 at 9:17 am

    300ps 350nm @ 6.9L/100km??? Even if that figure is only possible if you drive like a grandmother, it’s still impressive.

    What’s Suprima’s figure again?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 13 Thumb down 6
    • Sam Loo Bitch on Aug 21, 2013 at 9:46 am

      Are you dumb or retard ? How much is suprima and how much is this dsg prone failure r ?

      With the R price, you could easily have bought 3 to 4 suprima…one for wife, one for mistress and one for maid and you don’t need to make sam tow truck rich if you get proton as compared to problematic VW and their ever Defective Silispeed Gear (DSG).

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 21
      • Chris on Aug 21, 2013 at 10:56 am

        Ohohoho, at least I didn’t pretend to know something I don’t.

        Your assumption that all DSG gearbox are the same just shows your lack of understanding in different models of the gearbox, or just being ignorant.

        I’m merely trying to express how advance the engine used in the R is, what’s wrong comparing it to our own national car? ;) Why so worked up?

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 2
      • medic on Aug 21, 2013 at 11:55 am

        We’re not comparing price idiot.Car to car,same C-class hatchback.Golf R which is heavier &has bigger engine,4 wheel drive,still can have a FC of 6.6L/100km compared to Suprima 9l/100km.Clearly shows the technology superiority in VW.This is what i called a real hot hatch.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 9 Thumb down 3
  • rocco rocco on Aug 21, 2013 at 10:34 am

    lol! the spec is even equal to evo x?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 3
    • namanama on Aug 21, 2013 at 11:40 am

      phew!

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
    • medic on Aug 21, 2013 at 11:59 am

      You can drive your mother in a Golf R to the supermarket for grocery in comfort mode.In the Evo X,your mother’s dentures will fall out,or your GF implants will leak.Golf R is superior in every aspect compared to antiquated Evo.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 14 Thumb down 3
  • kadajawi on Aug 21, 2013 at 12:47 pm

    Renault needs to keep up… there should be a Megane RS in a faster version… put in the V6 from the 370Z and make it more powerful, and put it right behind the car. Then add RWD. It’s ridiculous that the Germans have a faster car…

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 2
    • subzero106 on Aug 21, 2013 at 4:29 pm

      Renault is French. They are probably too busy and investing too much to make better wines.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • VW is set to lose its crown, this is the most boring Golf R i have ever seen. looks so plain compared to new stuff being launched…look at the A45, the V40 T5, the upcoming 435i all look great

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 11 Thumb down 5
  • Furqan on Aug 21, 2013 at 2:23 pm

    According to VW Malaysia’s facebook page, “23.8.2013. Stay tuned for a new member of the Volkswagen family” Golf GTi MK7?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Like the Golf R or even GTI understated design….can be use for both as a comfortable daily use car or put it on sport mode for some fun track blasting…very versatile car. Its more for matured driver, not those boy racers type

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 0
  • All this info about the power and the specs but forgot the most basic info – how many litre engine. NA or turbo.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • Sam Loo bangang on Aug 25, 2013 at 9:41 pm

    Go n buy 10 Suprima if u want…or u may buy 10 wheelbarrow..with 1 Suprima..,, stupid comparison…no money no talk la..

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 1
  • easwaran on Oct 06, 2013 at 12:37 pm

    when is the launching date in malaysia for golf r mk7? i mean ready to buy in malaysia?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • Porsche on Apr 11, 2014 at 12:29 am

    Hoo boy, this is going to be another kid driving this tailgating, flashing everybody thinks he have power. Its no longer special this Golf, everyone has it. They should mark this price up to 500k see who bought it

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 0
  • jimmy on Sep 20, 2014 at 6:39 pm

    in malaysia only has blue color for gold r mk7? any other color there for malaysia?

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 0 Thumb down 2
 

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