South Africa’s love affair with the Golf R is set to continue as Volkswagen South Africa gears up to launch the hottest version of its seventh-generation Golf into the market.
With the launch date set for later this week we can reveal that the first examples of most powerful Golf to date will arrive in South Africa fitted exclusively with a seven-speed DSG (dual clutch) transmission. A six-speed manual option will be made available later in 2014. As per local market trends only five-door body shapes are likely to be sold here (a three-door version is available in other markets).
Like the recently launched Audi S3, with which it shares its turbocharged EA888 2,0-litre engine, the new Golf Rs motor will be detuned to 206 kW (from 221 kW in other markets) as South Africa is listed as a “hot market” by Volkswagen head office. 380 N.m of torque is available.
Volkswagen claims the Golf R DSG (three-door) will sprint from 0-100 km/h in 4,9-seconds.
Power is set to all-four wheels via a fifth-generation Haldex multi-plate clutch (including a revised electronics package) and the new R features EDS (electronic differential lock), as well as the latest version of XDS+, able to brake the inside wheels for improved cornering precision.
A Driving Selector Programme allows the driver to select between either pre-programmed Eco, Normal, or Race settings on the steering, throttle and transmission map profiles or a personalised combination of these three. The three-stage stability control system can also be dialed out completely for track use.
Lowered by 20 mm the new Golf R will offer DCC adaptive dampers as an optional extra. This system allows the driver to select between Comfort, Normal and Sport settings depending on prevailing road/driving conditions.
18-inch “Cadiz” alluminum-alloy wheels with 225/40 tyres fill the new Golf Rs wheelarches, while black brake calipers featuring the “R” logo, revised side skirts, and matte chrome door mirrors lifts the package above the norm. An “R” design diffuser and four chrome tailpipes highlight the rear.
Volkswagen Golf R DSG R486 200