While the introduction of the 8.5-generation Golf R remains on ice for South Africa, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sample the Mk8.5 version of Volkswagen’s halo hot hatch at the automaker’s Ice Experience in Arvidsjaur, Sweden. CAR Senior Writer Marius Boonzaier reports back…
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Fast facts: Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5 4Motion DSG
- Price: n/a
- Powertrain: 2.0-litre, four-cylinder, turbopetrol
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
- Driven wheels: all
- Power: 245 kW @ 5 600-6 500 r/min
- Torque: 420 N.m @ 2 100-5 500 r/min
- 0-100 km/h: 4.6 seconds*
- Top speed: 250 km/h**
- Fuel consumption: 8.1 L/100 km*
- CO2 emissions: 184 g/km*
*Claimed figures
**270 km/h with optional R-Performance package
What are we driving?
We are driving the Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf R. Though South Africa’s fuel quality issues have affected the local introduction of the most powerful R-badged Golf ever created (it remains unconfirmed for South Africa, with the only Mk8.5 model available here coming in the shape of the 1.4TSI), we were eager to find out how the updates made to the eighth generation, which soldiers on in SA, have improved the Golf R package.
What is new on the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5?
The Mk8.5 update ushers in a raft of revisions for the hottest hatch in VW’s arsenal. In addition to the R’s EA888 LK3 evo4 powertrain receiving an injection of 10 kW/20 N.m — allowing for a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint time two-tenths of a second quicker than the eighth-generation model — the Mk8.5’s 4Motion system features R-Performance torque vectoring. According to VW, the latter setup, which distributes drive between the fore and aft axles and between the rear wheels, improves handling, reduces the cornering radius and eliminates understeer.
Specified with the optional R-Performance package, the Mk8.5 Golf R gains a duo of new driving profiles — Drift and Special — that are accessed via selecting Race mode on the new 12.9-inch, touch-enabled infotainment display. A GPS lap timer and G-meter — displayed on the 10.2-inch digital instrumentation array — are also included in the package. The R-Performance option further deletes the speed limiter; lifting the maximum speed to 270 km/h.
Related: Volkswagen Golf 8.5 – Pricing and Spec
What are the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5’s rivals?
Considering the number of hot hatches available in South Africa, the local performance-focused hatchback segment remains healthy. And the Golf R has several rivals. The latter comes in the shape of the (213 kW/400 N.m) Audi S3 quattro Sportback, (233 kW/400 N.m) BMW M135 and (235 kW/400 N.m) Mercedes-AMG A35 4Matic.
The current (221 kW/370 N.m) Toyota GR Corolla and (235 kW/420 N.m) Honda Civic Type R, both of which are equipped with six-speed manual cog swappers, remain left-field choices. However, it is worth noting that, in addition to a 30 N.m increase in twisting force, the updated version of Toyota’s all-paw midsize performance hatch features an eight-speed Direct Automatic Transmission (DAT).
Related: Road Test Figures: Toyota GR Corolla has VW’s Golf R firmly in its sights!
What is the Volkswagen Golf R Mk8.5 like to drive?
Never mind traditional (read tarmac) race tracks, a track on a frozen lake is admittedly not the environment a Golf R will often — if ever — frequent. However, driven in this setting, it truly allows the Mk8.5 R to showcase how the aforementioned updates, most notably to the 4Motion system, have improved the overall drive.
However, before familiarising ourselves with the track and adapting to its slippery conditions, the drive to VW’s Ice Experience provided us the opportunity to test the revised R on-road. There was a welcome familiarity to the Mk8.5. The driving characteristics we’ve come to appreciate from the eighth-generation R remain.
The Mk8.5 retains the R’s dual personality. It is composed, effortless to drive and comfortable. Yet, it remains a venerable weapon. And all of these attributes are elevated in the Mk8.5 model. It feels a more focused package.
Following our arrival at VW’s Ice Experience centre and driver’s briefing, we had the opportunity to adapt ourselves to driving on ice — the driver’s program set to Special and electronic stability control (ESC) switched off. However, on the track, our preferred ESC setting was Sport. The latter provided a welcome balance to the Mk8.5’s drivability; keeping the rear in check, though without the ESC or traction control systems interfering with the fun. And there’s a lot of fun to be had.
The 8.5-generation R encourages its driver, however amateur they may be, to continue pushing on and inspires confidence with each passing corner. Admittedly, there were some “colourful” cornering, though it doesn’t take too long to familiarise yourself with how the R performs in this slippery setting. The handling is precise, throttle response is immediate, the seven-speed DSG is slick and the R-Performance torque vectoring setup impressive in its workings. Driving in this environment truly unlocks the R’s playful side.
Before making our way back to SA, we were provided the opportunity to ride shotgun during a nighttime drive around the icy track. And it’s only at the hands of a professional that you realise the R’s true potential. At speed on a frozen lake, the R showcased just how capable it is.
Verdict
The eighth-generation Golf R was — and is, as it soldiers on in our market — a commendable hot hatch. However, the Mk8.5 update turns up the wick on VW’s pinnacle hot hatch. Yet, in true Golf fashion, the changes ensure the latest version is an evolution, rather than revolution, over its predecessor. There’s a welcome familiarity to the Mk8.5 R.
Though the Mk8.5 iteration’s increases in power and torque are noteworthy, it’s the revised R’s overall drivability — sharper handling characteristics and more composed road manners, to name a few — that makes it that much more of a complete performance hatch.
Thanks to this, VW’s halo hot hatch is more confidence-inspiring than ever before. We’re keeping our fingers crossed for the Mk8.5 R’s arrival on SA shores.
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