By Clive Funizwe

Yes! Not much has changed in the updated VW Golf R. Power has been bumped up by 15kW to 228kW and it now comes with an Akrapovic Titanium exhaust that keeps your auditory canal intoxicated. But is this enough to worry the competition? Read on!

As is in Golf tradition – practicality remains in abundance all wrapped in a quality cabin that pleases all round. The interior sees lots of quality materials and amongst the best ergonomically. The infotainment with the kick-a##, audiophile Dynaudio speaker system is dynamically intuitive and the configurability of the instrument cluster is most definitely a welcomed and rare bonus. The car also continuous to be the benchmark in its segment for – driver assistance systems. Included in the R is Autonomous Emergency Braking System, Adaptive Cruise Control with front assist as well as Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Traffic Alert. Other standard features include the panoramic sunroof, Active info display and drive profile selection.

The test unit had the optional adaptive chassis control – which in our opinion is a must have. The ride quality on normal Golf R is more than adequate, especially when you consider its performance credentials. But these dampers add an unbelievable amount of suppleness to the ride quality. Undulations become a thing of the past and you’ll be forgiven if you forget that the car is riding on 19” wheels. None car fanatics will also be forgiven for not seeing the Golf R as a giant killing machine. Unlike the GTI, the R is intended for the seasoned buyer who will appreciate the R being styled with deliberate restrain. Very matured! We like this…. A lot!

And speaking of things we like – the performance of the Golf R is spell-binding by any measure. This car will easily do sub 5 seconds to 100km/h. when you consider how sensible the R is as a car overall – it’s truly amazing. When in Race mode – you’re not left wanting and likewise when you switch back to Eco mode and you experience the overall subtlety of the car that also rewards you with an impressive consumption which sometimes dropped below 7l/100km forces you to start questioning what else does anyone need? Thrills, comfort, practicality and quality all get high marks. Aesthetics? These will always be subjective – but class has never been shouty ­– so these get a thumbs up from us.

This then is a very difficult package to beat, even when you look at other cars outside of its segment. We can state that an inclusion of the Motorplan would be ideal – but barring the Subaru WRX, everyone offers a service plan. At a starting price of R676, 500 the Golf R is ticks many boxes for many people. Having your cake and eating it doesn’t get much better than this. Just don’t forget to get it with the Spielburg rims.