Volkswagen Golf R: Mk8 R vs Mk8.5 R
Verdict
The Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5 R is the sharper facelift on numbers: RM338,812 versus RM317,434 buys 329 hp, 420 Nm and a 4.6-second 0–100 km/h run, against the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 R’s 316 hp, 400 Nm and 4.8 seconds. The RM21,378 gap is not just speed, as the newer car also gets 7 airbags and a 55-litre tank. But the outgoing Mk8 R hits back with a 381-litre boot, 5-year warranty and lower price, so it is still the more sensible fast Golf on paper.
Pick the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 R if you want the cheaper Golf R with the bigger boot and longer 5-year warranty.
Pick the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5 R if you want the quicker facelift with 329 hp, 420 Nm and 7 airbags.
Key differences
- Price: RM317,434 for the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 R vs RM338,812 for the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5 R
- Assembly: CBU for the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 R vs CKD for the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5 R
- Output: 316 hp and 400 Nm vs 329 hp and 420 Nm
- 0–100 km/h: 4.8 s vs 4.6 s
- Boot and tank: 381 L boot, 50 L tank vs 341 L boot, 55 L tank
- Warranty and airbags: 5-year warranty, 6 airbags vs 2-year warranty, 7 airbags
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 317,434✓ | RM 338,812 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | C-Segment | C-Segment |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 1,984 cc | 1,984 cc |
| Power | 316 hp | 329 hp✓ |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 420 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) | Dual-clutch Automatic (Wet) |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 4.8 s | 4.6 s✓ |
| Top speed | 250 km/h | — |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 7.8 L/100km | — |
| CO₂ | 176 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,290 mm | 4,296 mm |
| Width | 1,789 mm | 1,789 mm |
| Height | 1,458 mm | 1,454 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,627 mm | 2,629 mm |
| Boot space | 381 L✓ | 341 L |
| Fuel tank | 50 L | 55 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 7✓ |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 5✓ | 2 |
| Road tax / year | RM 372 | RM 372 |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Mk8 R
- RM21,378 lower asking price
- Larger 381-litre boot
- Longer 5-year warranty
- Down by 13 hp and 20 Nm
- 0.2 seconds slower to 100 km/h
- One fewer airbag
Mk8.5 R
- Stronger 329 hp and 420 Nm tune
- Quicker 4.6-second 0–100 km/h time
- 7 airbags and a 55-litre fuel tank
- Costs RM21,378 more
- Smaller 341-litre boot
- Shorter 2-year warranty
Mk8 R vs Mk8.5 R FAQ
Is the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 R or Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5 R better?
The Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5 R is better for performance, with 329 hp, 420 Nm and 0–100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. The Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 R is better value on paper, with a lower price, bigger boot and longer warranty.
What is the price difference?
The Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5 R costs RM21,378 more, at RM338,812 versus RM317,434 for the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 R.
Which Volkswagen Golf R is more practical?
The Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 R is more practical for luggage, with 381 litres of boot space against 341 litres. Both are five-seat C-segment hatchbacks, and their exterior dimensions are very close.