When a marque sets up a performance model that quickly develops some serious street cred, it’s a good thing that the car gets an update now and again.
In Bobby Nitro’s book, street racers are all about getting and staying ahead, and with this in mind, Golf’s top model, the Golf R, is getting a dab more power.
Now this is a popular cabbie, in the 40 years since launching in the country, Golf has sold over 350 000 cars. Since the seventh generation was launched in 2013, the Golf Gti, GTD and Golf R models have made up more than 45 percent of all sales. So, ja, people like them.
The Golf R, a strong performer already, is getting a boost from 213kW to 228kW, making it the most powerful Golf yet sold by Volkswagen South Africa. It gets a new optional titanium exhaust as well as performance brakes, important upgrades. And for those with a keen eye for detail, the brake calipers are painted black with the ‘R’ logo.
UPGRADE: Most powerful Golf yet sold by VW SA. Photo: SUPPLIED.
The increased output puts the Golf R in that enviable zero to 100km/* class of under 5 seconds, 4.6 seconds to be precise. Standard launch control and an incredibly fast-shifting DSG help out greatly here.
The seventh generation derivative remains a benchmark in the compact class with regards to safety systems. These include an optional blind spot monitor, rear traffic alert, adaptive cruise control and autonomous braking system.
UPGRADE: Most powerful Golf yet sold by VW SA. Photo: SUPPLIED.
There are a couple of exterior tweaks worth a mention. Top ones include the new R designed bumper, LED head and taillights that give the Golf R that distinc- tive look. Bobby likes the sharper, more racey, front end the most. Add to this tail pipes that are placed further out from the sides, and you’ve got a menacing silhouette.
The exterior mirrors are housed in matte chrome or in carbon, which adds a touch of upmarket style.
Wheel choices are all 19-inchers, the ‘Spielberg’ alloys or the ‘Pretoria’ alloys in grey metallic.
UPGRADE: Most powerful Golf yet sold by VW SA. Photo: SUPPLIED.
The new Golf R will retail at a cool R676 000.