PETALING JAYA: The locally assembled Volkswagen Golf R was previewed to the media at the Sepang International Circuit today.
Order books are open with immediate effect for the sportiest Golf, whose indicative price is listed at between RM330,000 and RM350,000. Its launch is expected by Q4 this year.
Malaysia has the honour of being the first country outside of Germany to assemble the Golf R.
The eighth generation Golf R was actually launched in February last year, albeit as a fully imported model retailing at RM357,584 with SST exemption. Following the end of the tax holiday from July 2022, the price of the Golf R soared to RM431,162.
Now the same car is locally assembled, gets additional goodies and its price has dropped to an attractive level.
The completely knocked down (CKD) Golf R comes standard with an R Perfomance Package, which includes a new rear spoiler, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, Drift and Special drive modes and titanium Akrapovic quad exhaust.
The exhaust, now 7kg lighter, is designed by leading exhaust company Akrapovic. Known for its high-performance, premium exhaust systems, the brand is synonymous with the most outstanding Volkswagen models, including the Golf GTI.
Another exciting update in the Golf R are the “Drift” and “Special” modes, accessible through the “R” button located on the sporty, flat-bottomed steering wheel.
When activated, Drift Mode turns off Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and shifts the evenly distributed torque to the rear, transforming the hatchback by injecting even more excitement to the driving experience.
While “Drift” mode is perfect for sliding action, the “Special” mode is best experienced on back and country roads, where suspension is adjusted for optimum contact on the tarmac.
Specifically designed for the Nürburgring-Nordschleife, this mode gives the car a set-up that meets the distinctive requirements of what is probably the most demanding racetrack in the world.
Other additional new features include a Head-Up Display (HUD) that is projected to the windscreen, wireless smartphone charging and automatic high beam assist.
Under the hood, the Golf R is powered by a 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged engine, pushing out 316hp and 400Nm of torque.
Gearshifts are rapid, thanks to a 7-speed DSG transmission, while stability and traction is maintained via its 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with performance torque vectoring.
The century sprint is completed in 4.8 seconds. Safety in the new Golf R is supported by the IQ.DRIVE technology, offering a suite of features such as Travel Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control, Side Assist, Front Assist, Lane Assist and Emergency Assist.
The R badge is no stranger in the Volkswagen world. R models stood for the brand’s most powerful and best of the best, and the Golf R is the brand’s sportiest and most emotion-invoking one, inspiring generations of hatchback fans.
The lineage of the Golf R can be traced back to the R32 - launched more than two decades ago, it boasted a 3.2-litre naturally aspirated version of Volkswagen’s unique VR6 engine. The R32 was also the first Volkswagen to be equipped with a dual clutch gearbox.
Five generations later, the Golf R remains the “halo” Golf model. Its appeal lies in the fact that it is one of the most well-rounded models available in the market, and this explains why more than 250,000 unitsof the Golf R have been produced and sold around the world.
The new Golf R is available in three colour options – the signature Lapiz Blue, Deep Black and Pure White.
Newly appointed VPCM managing director Denyu Bostandzhiev said he is confident that the locally assembled Golf R would excite enthusiasts in Malaysia.
"With the new upgrades, we see this performance hatchback as the ultimate driving machine, on the road and track, offered at a very attractive price.
“To be able to claim to be the first country out of Germany to assemble this product is a real honour for us. This special mandate given by Germany validates our continuous commitment towards the Volkswagen brand, and now with this new introduction, I am pleased to note that our full range of products here are entirely assembled at the Volkswagen plant in Pekan,” he added.
To round off the preview, VPCM treated members of the media to a few hours of go-kart racing.
