Motoring

Priced: Volkswagen Golf 8 R cheaper than expected but still pricey

Although it officially launched the Golf 8 R alongside the Tiguan R in October last year, Volkswagen didn’t immediately disclose pricing details despite confirming specification of its most powerful production Golf to date.

Price of power

Now though, the local division of Wolfsburg has announced that the R will carry a sticker price of R912 800, a price premium of R168 600 over the Golf 8 GTI.

Compared to the sibling though, the R packs more power and grip in the shape of Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, 235kW/420Nm from the 2.0 TSI engine and 0-100 km/h in a claimed 4.8 seconds.

*_{Golf R will be offered in three colours: Pure White, Deep Black Pearl and the signature Lapiz Blue Metallic. Image: Volkswagen}*

Top speed is limited to 250 km/h with a recalibrated seven-speed DSG being entrusted with sending the amount of poke to the all four corners.

ALSO READ: Dynamic new VW Golf R is not taking any prisoners

Spec

In terms of standard specification, the Golf 8 R receives 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, the 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and App-Connect, the Adaptive Chassis Control system, Light and Vision Package, Nappa leather sport seats with R branded headrests, the Digital Pro Cockpit instrument cluster, keyless entry and the panoramic sunroof.

Notable options include the Matrix I.Q. LED headlights, uprated Harman Kardon sound system, Head-Up Display, Akrapovič R Performance exhaust system, folding electric mirrors and the black styling package.

*_{Interior comes with a number of features not standard on the GTI. Image: Volkswagen}*

While outfitted as standard with the much-publicised Drift mode, most of the available driver assistance systems are optional and comprise the following: