Mat’s Car of the Day: the Volkswagen Golf R is one of my favorite hot hatchbacks
Car changing is a big deal
The Volkswagen Golf R is as close to the perfect all-rounder as hot hatches get, and there are some really tempting lease deals at the moment. Mat Watson explains why you should consider this car.
If you’re shopping for a sporty Volkswagen Golf, you might default to the GTI. I don’t think you should though, because the flagship Golf R is a much better car and it’s not that much more expensive.
I’m going to give you three reasons to buy the Golf R over the GTI, as well as three annoying things which might put you off.
Remember, you can buy a brand new or used car right here on Carwow. And you can sell your car, too. We’re here to help you through every step of your car-changing journey.
Three reasons to buy a Volkswagen Golf R
1. It’s fantastic to drive
The standard Volkswagen Golf GTI feels a bit underwhelming through the corners, but the R is incredibly capable. The four-wheel drive system gives you loads of grip, but you can also put it in drift mode if you fancy turning the tyres into smoke. It’s a proper riot.
2. It’s faster than the GTI
Both these hot Volkswagens use 2.0-litre turbocharged engines, but whereas the GTI has to make do with 265hp, the R has a whopping 333hp. This means 0-60mph takes just 4.6 seconds, officially – though I managed to do it in 4.2 seconds. The GTI takes 5.9 seconds.
3. It looks great
The Golf R is a great-looking car, because it’s just aggressive enough to stand out as the performance version without being as shouty as something like a Honda Civic Type R. I really like the boot spoiler and quad tailpipes, and it looks great in dark blue as well.
Volkswagen Golf R lease deals: not as expensive as you might think
Despite being the flagship model, the Volkswagen Golf R isn’t that much more expensive to lease than the GTI.
I found a deal through Carwow for £370 per month over four years, with an upfront payment of £4,784. That’s a total of £22,150. The Golf GTI is available for £328 per month on similar terms, meaning it’ll cost you around £19,700 over four years.
So for an extra £2,500 you’re getting a faster hot hatch which is way more fun to drive. I reckon it’s well worth paying for.
Three annoying things about the Volkswagen Golf R
Before you commit to leasing a new Volkswagen Golf R, make sure you take these pitfalls into account.
1. The boot is smaller than the GTI’s
The Golf R’s four-wheel drive system does eat into boot space. It has a 341-litre boot, whereas the front-wheel drive GTI has 374 litres of space. It doesn’t impact practicality too much, but you will have to make do with less space under the boot floor.
2. Irritating infotainment system
I wish the Golf R’s infotainment system was less fiddly to use, because the menu layout is a tad confusing and I really don’t like the touch sliders you have to use for the temperature and volume. Give me some knobs, Volkswagen.
3. Annoying steering wheel buttons
Every other Volkswagen Golf has ditched touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons, except the R. Sometimes you swipe them, sometimes you press them, and it’s too easy to brush the controls with your palm as you turn a corner.
Car change? Carwow!
Looking for a new set of wheels? With Carwow you can sell your car quickly and for a fair price – as well as find great offers on your next one. Whether you’re looking to buy a car brand new, are after something used or you want to explore car leasing options, Carwow is your one stop shop for new car deals.
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