The performance all-wheel-drive variant of the standard Golf (Mk8) boasts a 27hp gain over the outgoing model.
This five-door hot hatch is available in three colour options starting with the signature Lapiz Blue Metallic and is followed by Pure White and Deep Black Pearl Effect.
On the external spectrum, the Golf R comes fitted with a sunroof as standard while the front end gains a new front bumper that's accompanied by a front splitter, R-specific air intake grilles and high-gloss black elements.
Compared to the stock Golf, the body now sits 0.8 inches closer to the larger 19-inch wheels that partially hide the blue-painted brake callipers that bear the "R" logo.
The front ventilated disc brakes have been up-sized from 340 x 30mm to 358mm x 33mm ventilated discs that get abused by the front dual-piston callipers which are now 60% lighter (per side) than before.
The brakes are now actuated by a larger master brake cylinder that's said to provide a more precise response in combination with a sporty and short brake pedal travel.
The front wheels have had their alignment altered to -1°20’ to help improve cornering performance and stability.
Also fitted are exclusive side skirts, matte chrome exterior mirror caps with R-logo projectors as puddle lights and an LED crossbar that light up as the daytime running lights.
The rear now possesses a newly designed diffuser in high-gloss black that's flanked by chrome-plated twin exhaust tips while a roof spoiler helps create some much-needed downforce for the rear axle.
Power comes from a 1,984cc turbocharged TSI (EA888) direct and port-injected engine producing 315hp and 420Nm (+40Nm) of torque from 2,100 to 5,350rpm.
The twist may be sent to all four wheels but is slightly rear-biased and gets managed by a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission in the US market.
The 4Motion all-wheel-drive (AWD) system is said to be exclusive to the US with a newly developed rear differential to help distribute power between the front and rear axles or 100% exclusive to the rear or more specifically 100% to one of the rear wheels.
The electric power steering system has also been tweaked and now takes into consideration the current steering angle, accelerator pedal position, lateral acceleration, yaw rate and current speed.
The new aluminium subframe helps to reduce the weight of the front suspension by 3kg.
The new Golf R underwent its final tuning on the legendary Nürburgring Nordschleife race track, and includes new “Special” and “Drift” driving profiles in addition to the traditional Comfort, Sport, Race and Individual profiles in Driving Mode Selection.
In the Race profile, the coasting function (freewheeling without drive power) is deactivated, the engine sound is increased, and the DSG, DCC, steering and the AWD system are adjusted to a sportier setup.
In the Special driving profile, all of the main drive system parameters were configured for the Nordschleife - including the new AWD system and with the DSG transmission, the Golf R was able to shave off 17 over its predecessor - based on internal tests on the Nürburgring Nordschleife.
Compared to Race mode, the Special profile has softer damping settings, to make sure the Golf R can maintain maximum contact with the road on the undulating Nordschleife.
The lateral behaviour and AWD controls are optimized to handle the corners of the Nürburgring.
Furthermore, downshifts in automatic DSG mode, depending on the brake pressure, is said to complement the braking ahead of corners.
In Drift profile (meant for track use only), the parameters for the Electronic Stability Control (ESC) change to "ESC Sport" and the distribution of power via the AWD system enables the Golf R to spin its wheels.
To help ensure that the profile is only selected on private roads, the infotainment system always displays a confirmation prompt before it is activated.
Inside, the cabin features many digital displays and controls starting with the 10.0-inch Discovery Pro colour touchscreen greets its driver with a new R welcome screen while the configurable Digital Cockpit instrument display begins its start-up process.
The sports seats are upholstered in Nappa leather featuring carbon-look elements with blue accents in the side sections, as well as a blue R logo in the backrest.
A heated and multifunction leather-wrapped sports steering wheel comes with “touch” controls and haptic feedback along with contrast stitching and paddle shifters.
There is also a dedicated "R" button that allows the driver to access five driving modes of Comfort, Normal, Sport and Individual. Hard-pressing the R-button automatically activates Race mode.
Other standard equipment includes a carbon look dash panel décor, R-specific door trim, brushed stainless-steel pedals and driver footrest and a 30-colour ambient lighting system.
