If you want a family car that combines hot hatch fun with a luxurious look and feel the Volkswagen Golf R could be for you. Introduced in 2013 as the top-spec version of the sixth-generation Golf, the Golf R is the successor to the Golf R32 models that were available in the fourth- and fifth-generation Golf ranges. As with those cars, the Golf R has Volkswagen’s ‘4Motion’ four-wheel drive system as standard. Power comes from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, in contrast to the R32’s 3.2-litre V6. While you can think of the Golf R as a more powerful, upgraded version of the Golf GTI it has a subtly different character; faster yet more sophisticated, with a more exclusive look and feel.
As with mainstream Golf models, the Golf R has evolved subtly with each new generation – gaining more power, refinement and high-tech features each time. The first Golf R (based on the sixth-generation Golf) has 266bhp, while the second has 296bhp and the third (current) Golf R has 316bhp (recently uprated to 328bhp). While the first two models are available with either a six-speed manual gearbox or a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, the third-generation is DSG-only.
While every Golf R is available as a five-door hatchback, the first-generation and second-generation cars are also available as a three-door hatchback. The second-generation and third-generation models are also available in estate form, while the first-generation car was, briefly, available as a convertible. The Golf R has always sat at the very top of the Golf range, so it costs more than you might think. As of early 2025, the starting price in the UK was more than £43,000. Yep, for a Golf. But considering how much rival cars cost and how much performance and equipment you get for the money it’s a fair price, if not an outright bargain.
This model history looks at how the Volkswagen Golf R has evolved over time, which models are available and the best and worst versions you can buy.
Volkswagen Golf R Models Over the Years
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Volkswagen Golf R Pros and Cons
- Volkswagen Golf R 3rd generation Mk8 (2020-present)
- Volkswagen Golf R 2nd Generation Mk7 (2013-2020)
- Volkswagen Golf R 1st generation Mk6 (2009-2013)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Volkswagen Golf R years are the best?
The latest, third-generation Golf R is the most powerful and well-equipped yet but the best option if you’re looking for a used example is arguably the previous 2015-2019 Mk7 model. It’s almost as fast, just as much fun and feels like a modern, high-tech car but without the fiddly infotainment system of the latest version.
Which Volkswagen Golf R years are the worst?
The first Golf R (based on the Mk6) is good value but it’s the least appealing of the three versions you can buy used – it looks rather dated by modern standards and it doesn’t offer the high-tech features or estate body style you get with the two later models.
Is a used Volkswagen Golf R a good deal?
The Volkswagen Golf R is a good deal if you’re in the market for a car that’s fast and fun, yet also practical and comfortable. It’s far from cheap, especially in third-generation guise, but it gives you a lot for your money.
Volkswagen Golf R Pros and Cons
Pros:
Pros:
- Fast and fun to; four-wheel drive as standard
- As easy to live with as any Golf
- Well-equipped, with good-quality interior
Cons:
- Pricey, especially in third-generation form
- Golf GTI is similarly quick, but costs less
- Latest version has a fiddly infotainment system
Volkswagen Golf R Generations
Volkswagen Golf R 3rd generation Mk8 (2020-present)
Bodystyles:
- Five-door hatchback
- Five-door estate
The third-generation Volkswagen Golf R was introduced in 2020, a year after the mainstream versions of the eighth-generation Golf went on sale. It picks up where the previous one left off, adding more power and more high-tech features to a tried-and-tested formula.
As with the two previous Golf R models, power comes from a 2.0-litre, four-cylinder ‘TSI’ turbocharged petrol engine, with 4Motion four-wheel drive as standard. A 316bhp output is 20bhp up on the second-gen Golf R and 310lb ft of torque represents a 30lb ft increase. For the first time there’s no manual gearbox option, with a seven-speed dual clutch DSG automatic as standard. Innovations include a new torque-vectoring system for the rear axle that can alter the power split between the rear wheels to give maximum traction and control.
As with the later versions of the second-gen Golf R there are two body styles offered – a five-door hatchback or five-door estate. The exterior upgrades are similar to those on previous Golf R models, with sculpted bumpers, side sill extensions, a bespoke front grille, rear diffuser, blue brake calipers, 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler. Inside there are sport seats, a heated steering wheel, ambient lighting and a 10-inch touchscreen. As with every other eighth-generation Golf, most functions are controlled through the touchscreen or using controls on the steering wheel – it gives a sleek, minimalist look but it can be frustrating to use on the move.
A limited-edition model called Golf R 20 Years was produced during 2023 – it featured a power increase of 12bhp plus bespoke interior and exterior trim details (including the option of blue accents for the wheels and door mirrors), leather upholstery and a range of other additions. In autumn 2024 the Golf R got a mid-life update. Changes include a power boost to 328bhp (giving it the same output as the limited-edition 20 Years model), redesigned bumpers and lights, an illuminated VW badge, new infotainment system. At the same time a new Black Edition model, with a range of darkened cosmetic details was added to the range.
The third-generation Golf R hasn’t been on sale long enough to accurately assess its long-term reliability. So far, glitchy software seems to be a bugbear with all eighth-generation Golf models, with the centre touchscreen prone to responding slowly or crashing completely. New Volkswagens come with a three-year/60,000-mile warranty, which is industry-standard but less than you get with some rival cars.
Volkswagen Golf R 2nd Generation Mk7 (2013-2020)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Five-door hatchback
- Five-door estate
The second-generation Golf R is based on the seventh-generation Golf; it arrived a year or so after the mainstream models, in late 2014. Noticeably lower and wider than the first-generation Golf R, it has a more purposeful stance. It has a similar range of visual upgrades to the first car, including R-specific bumpers, side sills and front grille, black door mirrors and bespoke alloy wheels (18-inch as standard). This time around there are four exhaust tail pipes, with two on each side rather than centrally mounted. It was initially available as either a three-door hatchback or a five-door hatchback, although the three-door was discontinued later in its life cycle. In 2015 an estate version was introduced, answering the need for Golf buyers that want something fast and practical since there has never been a Golf GTI estate.
As before, power came from a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine – this time round with 296bhp and 280lb ft of torque, increases of 30bhp and 22lb ft respectively. The choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or six-speed DSG automatic transmission was carried over from its predecessor and, as before, four-wheel drive was standard. As well as upgraded steering and suspension, the Golf R features Volkswagen’s ‘XDS’ electronic differential lock, which uses a mixture of braking a slipping wheel and redistributing power to give maximum grip and control through corners.
A range of new driver assistance safety features mark this out as a much more modern car than its predecessor, with adaptive cruise control, a driver alert system and automatic braking and lane-assist functions all available. Standard features include xenon headlights, dual-zone climate control and part-Alcantara seats, with leather upholstery available as an option.
An update in 2017 included a light cosmetic refresh, with new light signatures and bumpers and an upgraded infotainment system. Power output was boosted to 306bhp, while a new Performance Pack that includes upgraded brake and exhaust systems and bespoke wheels was added as an option. In 2018 power output was dropped back to the original 296bhp to meet upcoming emissions regulations, while three-door hatchback and manual versions were discontinued.
The 2014-20 Volkswagen Golf R has a decent reputation for reliability, but known issues include coolant leaks and water pump failures. Listen out for any rattling under the bonnet on a test drive, since it could indicate a stretched timing chain.
Volkswagen Golf R 1st generation Mk6 (2009-2013)
Bodystyles:
- Three-door hatchback
- Five-door hatchback
- Two-door convertible
The first Volkswagen Golf R – the range-topping version of the sixth-generation Golf – was, in fact, the third Golf model to wear an ‘R’ badge. That’s because the Golf R was the successor to the Golf R32 model that was available in the fourth-generation and fifth-generation Golf ranges. The new name reflected the shift from the naturally aspirated 3.2-litre V6 of the R32 models to a turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, but the rest of the package was very much evolution rather than revolution.
With an output of 266bhp, the first Golf R has 19bhp more than the R32 it replaced and 59bhp more than the Golf GTI of the time. Maximum torque is 258lb ft – 22lb ft up on the R32 and 52lb ft more than the Golf GTI. Transferring all that power to the road is a four-wheel drive system that Volkswagen calls 4Motion. There’s a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed DSG automatic transmission. Lowered sport suspension is standard, while Adaptive Chassis Control, which allows you to select Normal, Comfort or Sport suspension settings, was an option when new.
The steering and brakes are uprated compared with a standard Golf (and the Golf GTI) and the end result is a Golf that’s very quick, and very easy to drive quickly.
On the outside the Golf R has a subtle makeover similar to that of its R32 predecessors. There are side sill extensions, bespoke front and rear bumpers, twin central exhaust tail pipes, black-painted door mirrors, bi-xenon headlights and, of course, R badges. R-branded brake calipers sit behind special 18-inch alloy wheels; 19-inch alloys were an option when new.
The interior features some similarly restrained upgrades, including R badging, sport seats with part-Alcantara trim (full leather upholstery was an option) and blue instrument needles for the driver display. Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, seven airbags, a USB port, and automatic headlights and wipers. Options when new included a rear-view camera and satnav.
Three body styles were available – three-door hatch, five-door hatch and two-door convertible. The five-door was the most popular, while the convertible version (which had front-wheel drive rather than four-wheel drive, and a DSG transmission as standard) is rare, having only been on sale for the final year of the model run.
The first-generation Golf R has reached the age where service and maintenance history are crucial to finding a good one. It has a reputation for being well-built but check that the cambelt and water pump have been changed when they should be and that DSG versions shift smoothly. As a high-performance model, the Golf R may also have been modified, or seen track use, which can put extra strain on the steering, brakes and suspension.
