In a surprise move, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has launched the 2022 VW Golf R in Malaysia, in addition to the official debut of the Golf GTI and the opening of order books for the Golf R-Line. This makes it three models in the local Mk8 Golf range.
Unlike the other two Pekan-assembled Golfs, the top dog Golf R is a CBU import priced at RM357,584 OTR with SST exemption, before insurance. Back in 2019, the Mk7.5 Golf R was launched here with a RM295,990 price tag, so it’s a substantial hike without CKD assembly.
Unveiled in November 2020, the Golf R is powered by an EA888 2.0 litre TSI engine with 320 PS and 420 Nm of torque, which is a step up from the previous 300 PS/380 Nm and a huge jump from the GTI. Paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission and 4Motion AWD, 0-100 km/h takes just 4.8 seconds, two tenths faster than before. Top speed is capped at 250 km/h.
By the way, Malaysian-spec cars have 320 PS and 400 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 5,600 rpm, which is 20 Nm down from the max figure. Like before, this slight detune is for local fuel and conditions. What we’re getting is similar to Australian-spec cars.
The 4Motion system’s rear differential not only distributes power between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels. Where the previous system is capable of splitting power 50:50 via a multi-plate clutch to the left and the right rear wheels, the new one can send up to 100% of torque to the outside wheel for increased agility – VW calls this R-Performance Torque Vectoring.
Managing the distribution of torque is the Golf R’s Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which also works with the electronic differential locks (XDS) and DCC adaptive dampers to optimise handling. The system also handles torque vectoring by braking and comes with four drive modes – Comfort, Sport, Race and Individual. Sorry hooligans, but Special and Drift modes are not in Malaysian-spec cars. Our Golf R rolls on 19-inch Adelaide wheels and 235/35 tyres.
In the non-performance kit department, the Golf R gets all that we’ve seen in the GTI, plus a bit more. There’s a 10-inch Discover Pro infotainment touchscreen (with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) that sits to the left of the digital cockpit (instrument panel), three-zone auto air con, ambient lighting with five presets, auto headlamps and wipers, auto-dimming rear view mirror and heated wing mirrors.
Also on are an electric driver’s seat with lumbar and memory, Nappa leather and a 480W Harman Kardon 10-speaker sound system, among other goodies. See the spec sheet below for the full list of kit.
The Golf R is available in signature Lapiz Blue, Deep Black and Pure White colours. As usual for VPCM, the R comes with five years of unlimited mileage warranty, three years of free maintenance and five years roadside assistance. The service interval is every 15,000 km. VPCM says that the CBU Golf R is available in limited units, so put in your order if this hottest of Golfs is up your alley.
GALLERY: 2022 Volkswagen Golf R Mk8
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My favourite hatchback
breaks down every forth night, perfect.
Holy macaroni it’s a 60k hike in price and goes against the Merc A35.
Gonna be hot sales.
“Sorry hooligans”
You mean hoonigans, right? Hooligans refer to the other kind of ‘enthusiast’.
Hooligan is actually the correct term. Hoonigan is the company/term made up by Ken Block. Hoonigan is not an actual word.
Hoonigan = gymkhana. So it’s relatively not incorrect.
Yes finally. I will buy one.
Many will drool over GTI as the Euro Ahbeng car but in truth this Golf R is the real top performance monster. Few realises it cuz of its underwhelming ‘normal’ looks if compared to loud red GTI livery.
Wow… really premium price. All the best VPCM.
Mk7.5 is better…
BMW M135i vs Merc A35 vs VW Golf R
So cheap now.. CKD!
By the way, Malaysian-spec cars have 320 PS and 400 Nm of torque from 2,000 to 5,600 rpm, which is 20 Nm down from the max figure. Like before, this slight detune is for local fuel and conditions
I see this again and again, can somebody tell me why you need to detune for our local fuel when many other developed countries using Ethanol blend can achieve better performance than our 100% Hydrocarbon instead?
who needs the a35? R.I.P A35
That makes the aerton a better deal.
With that price, can buy many wonderful second hand cars!
people will only buy recond golf R.
Bila nak masuk golf r ni..lma dh tgu