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So we got a 2011 VW Golf R

So we got a 2011 VW Golf R

by Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury. June 30, 2011.


This is our third VW test-drive in a row. This time we have the 2011 VW Golf R, a stronger version of the Golf GTI and replacement for the previous R32. Since we’ve tested neither of those cars before, thanks to VW’s previous PR agency, we have nothing to compare the Golf R to. All we know is that it is a proper ass-kicker of a car.

It doesn’t look like much of an ass-kicker though, with the standard 18-inch wheels, a simple bumper swap and understated side skirts. If you weren’t paying attention, you’d mistake it for a regular Golf.

The only real clue in the rear are the oddly-placed dual exhaust tips. Good luck spotting the tiny “R” badge.

Inside, it is even more simplistic. Aside from the special steering wheel and the metal pedals, the dash is no different from that of a regular Golf. Materials and build quality are very good, as is standard across the Golf range. Our tester is only missing the optional navigation system within the touchscreen. Well, that and the electronically-adjustable air suspension option.

The Golf R gets sporty bucket seats with simple leather, power-adjustable for the driver. Space is superb.

Space in the back is very good too, with way too much headroom as well. That van-like profile should be enough of a clue. There are rear a/c vents, floor-level cup-holders and a pull-down armrest as well.

The boot is decent, though with much less floor space than the Jetta. A 12V power supply and grocery-bag hooks offer extra practicality. There is a space-saver spare tyre underneath the floor.

The turbocharged VW Golf R doesn’t really drop too many hints on what it is capable of. Even an optioned-up GTI might look better, but we were actually starting to enjoy the sleeper look at some point, as putting on the power is enough to scare other fast cars, with handling to match. Of course, we haven’t even started to explore the limits of this car yet. More in the full review.

About the author

Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury

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What do you think?

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Comments

  1. sounds impressive!

  2. How about the A/C?

  3. Awesome machine… Has everything you ever need in a car…

    This is a standard for asian car makers to look up to.. Because their compact car segment is borring..

  4. Finally you get the VW Golf “R”..feel it has left a strong impression on you..how about a comparo with Honds type R?

  5. How does it compare to entry level sports coupes such Porsche Coxster (sorry boxter :P)or a Z4? Value for money and power wise?

  6. Looks great! Where is the full review?

  7. For any understated VW they should use “Caractere” body kits…

  8. well i wonder why i can’t find 2-door version for this car here, i have to order it with 8000Dhs as a tax plus the car price!!!

    they forget the insurance for 2 door @ all?

    then why more ~

  9. Interior is boring. What happened to round a/c vents? They really make dashboards look better..

  10. i love this car….. i’d really like to get it, but before i do, i want to ask u admin… is it really worth it ?! i just want to be sure cuz its gonna be my 1st purchase of a brand new car and given the price tag of around $40k i want to be 100%… would appreciate ur input on this. thanks

    • You’re better of with the Golf GTI which starts for $31k – I asked Mash to review the GTI to compare both. I totally think this is not worth the price – the only benefit is that its AWD.

      Speaking of AWD – Mash posted something on Drivearabia’s facebook page yesteday with regards to acceleration and I believe its from the AWD system.

      Mash – Please test drive/compare the GTI – If VW’s PR agency don’t have one available(DONT want to give you a GTI.You can have mine for a day – I have a straight pipe though which might effect the test a bit.

    • Author

      The thing about the Golf R is you get the GT-R experience in a cheaper package. The seats are possibly better, the suspension is lower and exhaust is different, aside from the AWD which can send 100% power to the rear wheels. I expect lots of wheelspin with the GTI.

      VW does not have a press GTI right now. If I asked for one, they’d take a good while to get one from the dealer as they have to order it. They had one last year, but of course, you know the story.

    • i say go for the GTI and pimp it up! it’ll still work out cheaper than $40k!

  11. Hell lot of wheels spin in the GTI 😛 – I think that’s the only negative thing that I can think of.

    We’ll meet up soon – Planing a Drivearabia meet anytime soon?

  12. I own a mk6 GTI and i would really like to go up against the R!!! though mine is chipped and has a CAI.. i’ve driven the R once.. the AWD monster handled way better than my GTI.. the stage 1 GTI did beat the R by a car length in a short drag.. but i’d like to check it out again..

    The R is so not worth it here in the UAE.. the version of the R is a detuned version.. it only packs around 256hp compared to the 267hp version you get in europe.. they had to power it down to suit the hot weather here..

    let me know if anyone with an R is down for a quick run! 😀

    • A GTI with stage 1 remap will take on the R(TESTED- The one i tested had a Borla exhaust exhaust)- Are you sure that we get the 256HP version cause of the weather? We have Evo’s and Impreza’s doing 300+ Horsepower. Weird!!

    • ^ its true.. GCC gets the detuned version

  13. “Well, that and the electronically-adjustable air suspension option.” Dude! That’s what we want to hear about! Would love to hear about how that option plays out.

    • Author

      Apparently that version costs Dhs 190,000+. Cough up the dough.

    • Uhh.. that cant be right.. The Abu-dhabi dealer is the Golf R with the Suspension Control Option and Navigation as standard; minus the start-stop ignition button for a price of 160K, when I last checked.

    • The Abu-dhabi dealer is (selling) the Golf R with the Suspension Control Option and Navigation as standard; minus the start-stop ignition button for a price of 160K, when I last checked

    • Author

      Thanks for the info. I guess it’s been known for a while that Abu Dhabi dealer’s VWs are cheaper than Dubai dealer’s. Even my pal bought his Audi A5 from AD.

  14. I promise I’ll make it this time – Even if it was in Abu Dhabi – Im booked on the 15th of July i guess that enough notice 😛

    Where and when do you want to meet? well start a thread with names just like last time. Confirm and I’ll start it.

  15. I just the R .. any one wants to try just add me 29bdf886

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