The New Golf R – Launched

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Few cars are as memorable as the true R-series in the Volkswagen stables, which is the reason why when some people heard that the all-new 4th generation Golf R is going to be launched by Volkswagen Group Malaysia, they were a little – excited. If, you were unfortunate enough to have missed driving the previous generation Golf R, you can read all about our review HERE

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“The new Golf R is an amalgamation of racing technology, pure power and everyday drivability that produces sportiness in the fast lane. It is the distillation of performance that equates to a pure adrenaline rush created by our colleagues at Volkswagen R GmbH specially to satisfy the hunger of motorists looking for an outstanding driving performance,” said Mr Christoph Aringer, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Malaysia.

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Design

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Personally for me, I find the previous generation R to be easier to mimic from a regular Golf. Change the bumper, headlights, sport rims, rear bumper and tailpipes and you’ve got almost all the bases covered. The new Golf R on the other hand has a bit more to distinguish itself, thereby commanding better road presence. You’d find a signature “R” design front bumper, “R” design front grille, “R” design rear bumper with diffuser, “R” design Bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights (where the regular 7th gen has a single ‘U’ DRL on each side, the R has twin) and dynamic bending lights. The Golf R is characterised by newly designed 18-inch “Cadiz” alloy wheels, matt chrome exterior mirrors, dual twin tailpipes and dark red LED taillights.

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Pay a little bit more for the Tech Pack and you’ll get things like 19 inch “Cadiz” alloy wheels, panoramic roof and ‘Rear Assist’ rear view camera.

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Performance, Ride and Handling

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A 2.0-litre newly designed turbocharged petrol direct-injection (TSI) engine that develops 380Nm of torque and approximately 290 hp for a 0 – 100 acceleration within 5 seconds. To ensure that unrivalled control when on the road, the Golf R transfers engine power to the road via the 4MOTION system, a permanent all-wheel drive system with a fifth-generation Haldex coupling. Managing the transmission is a 6-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)

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“Build for racing but equally practical for daily driving, the Golf R is a pinnacle of race-inspired cars and it is a pure adrenaline rush on wheels. It is a synthesis of sportiness, comfort and safety; and we are confident that the latest Golf R will win the hearts of racing enthusiasts in Malaysia,” added Mr Aringer.

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Fuel consumption is rated at 6.9 litres/100km on the combined cycle, which makes it more fuel efficient from its predecessor – allowing drivers to go a distance of approximately 14.5 km per litre. Like the 7th generation Golf, the new Golf R now rides on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform which reduces the car’s weight by up to 46 kg. If you didn’t already know, the MQB is a combination of standardised and variable dimensions allowing flexibility in vehicle dimensions (in layman’s terms, it’s a platform that the manufacturer can increase or decrease its length with standardised parts. Imagine a small hatch like a Polo and a large SUV like a Touareg sharing the same platform in the future)

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Also like the 7th gen Golf, the Golf R’s improved fuel efficiency is also partly due to a Stop-Start system and battery regeneration feature, where it converts the kinetic energy applied when driving or braking to recharge the vehicle battery. The new R also comes with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) with a 5 mode Driving Profile Selection (tech pack) which allows owners to suit driving profile properties to their individual needs and driving behaviour.

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Cabin Convenience

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The interiors of the Golf R bears resemblance to the 7th gen Golf (if you want to know how different is the 6th vs 7th, read HERE). The new Golf R is equipped with the “R” multi-function leather steering wheel, “R” Alcantara seats with “R” logo, “R” “Carbon Touch” decorative inserts for dashboard and door trim panels, Piano Black decorative inserts for centre console, multi-function display “Premium” with Lap Timer function and illuminated front door panels and scuff plates.

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Other features include LED reading lights for front and rear, LED footlights, auto dimming interior rear view mirror and “Climatronic” air conditioning with 2-zone temperature control. On the entertainment and multimedia front, the new Golf R is equipped with ‘Discover Pro’, a new infotainment system with 8 inch TFT touchscreen capacitive colour display with proximity sensors (tech pack), and a navigation system with voice control. Offering multiple connectivity options such as a USB port, AUX IN and Bluetooth, the system allows for music playback from MP3, WMA and AAC files with title display from its SD slot.

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The Electronic Parking Brake with Auto Hold keeps the Golf R stationary once it comes to a complete stop without having to press the brake pedal, providing further convenience for drivers stuck in traffic.

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The Tech Pack package sees the addition of “Vienna” leather upholstery, 12-way electric adjustable driver’s seat, cruise control with speed limiter and a KESSY keyless entry and starting system.

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Safety

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The new Golf R comes with new and uncompromised safety features including the Multi-collision Brake System which triggers automatic braking once an initial collision has been detected. This safety feature is to avoid follow-on collisions. In addition, the Golf R is equipped with XDS+ at the front and rear axles. This functionality is applied to a larger range of dynamic performance – making the vehicle even more agile when the car is not in an acceleration state.

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The Golf R is additionally equipped with 7 airbags, progressive steering, Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with 2 stage Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Whiplash-optimised front head restraints, Anti-Theft Alarm System and Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS). When the ESC button is pressed for longer than three seconds, the system is fully deactivated for professional driving on a race track – this deactivation is only available in the Golf R and not in any other models of the Golf series.

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• Advanced electronic differential lock XDS+
• ABS
• BA
• Anti-theft alarm system
• ISOFIX
• Curtain airbags for front and rear passengers
• Dual front airbags with front passenger airbag deactivation including knee airbag on driver’s side
• Dual front side airbags (total 7 airbags)
• ESC
• Multi-collision brake system
• Safety-optimised front head restraints
• Tyre pressure monitoring system
• Wheel locks with extended anti-theft protection

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Ownership

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It’s strange that VGM choose to name the 5-door variant as a ‘Tech Pack’ option since most manufacturers (even VW in previous models) call them either 3-door or 5-door variants. Nevertheless, it’s available for booking at all Volkswagen dealerships in Peninsular Malaysia from 6 June and is priced at RM245,888 for the 3-d00r and RM285,888 for the …. erm,  “optional Tech Pack” 5-doors.

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The new Golf R is offered in four colour choices: Lapiz Blue Metallic, Tornado Red, Pure White and Deep Black Pearl.

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For more information on the new Golf R, please visit www.volkswagen.com.my

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