Volkswagen’s Golf R is known for its all-round capability and as one of the quickest hot hatches. There is also the small matter of the Golf’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system giving it its high levels of grip, especially through corners.
Up to now the Golf R has been locally available only with the six-speed, DSG transmission. However, fans of the manual gearbox will be happy to know that the six-speed manual version is now available in South Africa.
Just to recap, the Golf R is equipped with a 2,0-litre, four-cylinder turbocharged engine developing 206 kW between 5 500 r/min and 6 200 r/min and has a top speed of 250 km/h. When we tested the car in our April 2014 issue, we managed to record a 0-100 km/h acceleration time of 5,23 seconds.
Priced at R485 500, the manual undercuts the auto’s price by R14 400. The price includes a 5-year/ 90 000 km service plan.