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2023 Volkswagen Golf R Specifications & Features
How exciting an automobile is to drive is a key indicator of how fantastic it is. Although fun is not solely dependent on power, the 315 horsepower 2023 Volkswagen Golf R is among the finest at making bellies flutter. AWD with a Drift mode, which allows the R to hang it all out by dispersing torque to one side of the rear axle, is an improvement over the already entertaining Golf GTI at a greater level of performance. The Golf R is a hotter hatch than the GTI in part because of bigger brakes and acceleration to 60 mph that’s more than a full second quicker. Larger brakes and a more than one second quicker acceleration to 60 mph make the Golf R a sportier hatch than the GTI. Nonetheless, the R’s higher price puts it in the realm of sports cars like the Toyota Supra.
What’s New?
The Golf R doesn’t undergo many modifications for 2023, but VW has introduced a 20th Anniversary Edition model with aesthetic upgrades like 20th-anniversary badging, blue “R” emblems on the inside and outside, and unique puddle lights that shine a “20R” design on the ground. The 20th Anniversary R comes standard with black 19-inch wheels and can be ordered in blue, black, or white. 1800 unique editions will be produced in total. The new GTI cabin design, which offers a sportier look than the Golf from the previous generation, is imitated by the Golf R. Both sport a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster with programmable layouts and a thick-rimmed steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls. The Golf R has bolstered front seats covered in nappa leather, but unlike the GTI, it is not offered with plaid seat inserts.
Volkswagen Golf R Engine, Power, Acceleration & Performance
The 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder turbocharged engine powering the Golf R produces 315-hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, an increase from the 288-hp and 280 lb-ft it produced in the R’s previous iteration. Both a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are compatible with the engine. For better handling, the 4Motion AWD system comes standard with a rear differential that can actively divide torque between the left and right rear wheels. The “R” button on the steering wheel can be used to choose between the different drive modes available in the Golf R. Every model includes larger front disc brakes than previously, a performance exhaust system, and variable-ratio steering. A pair of 19-inch wheels with summer performance tyres also support the vehicle. The Golf R car tested at 3.9 seconds to 60 mph with the seven-speed automatic transmission, compared to 4.9 seconds with the six-speed manual.
Volkswagen Golf R Mileage
| 2023 Volkswagen Golf R Mileage | City | Highway |
| Automatic | 23 mpg | 30 mpg |
| 6-Speed Manual | 20 mpg | 28 mpg |
According to the EPA, the Golf R’s dual-clutch automatic gearbox model, which received ratings of 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway, is the most economical model. The manual gearbox reduces those statistics to 20 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the interstate, which is a worthwhile sacrifice in our opinion for the six-speed stick’s greater engaging factor.
Dimensions & Space
| 2023 Volkswagen Golf R Dimensions | |
| Length | 168.9 in |
| Width | 70.4 in |
| Height | 57.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 103.5 in |
| Cargo Volume | 20 ft3 |
| Airbags | 9 Airbags |
The 10.0-inch touchscreen located in the centre of the dashboard will control the infotainment system in the Golf R, just like it does on the new GTI. In lieu of traditional knobs and buttons, it uses touch-sensitive sliders as supplementary controls. The device should include a Harman/Kardon premium stereo in addition to the required charging connectors. A Wi-Fi hotspot and well-known features like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also anticipated.
Pricing
| 2023 VW Golf R Trims | Price (USD) |
| Golf R | $45,835 |
| Golf R 20th Anniversary Edition | $$6,056 |
The most important choice to make when purchasing a Golf R is whether to switch from the basic six-speed manual to the optional seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission because the Golf R is primarily marketed as a single fully outfitted variant. The latter option just adds $800 to the standard price. Yet we like the stick shift more.
Specifications, Quarter Mile, 0-60 Mph & Top-Speed
| 2023 Volkswagen Golf R Specifications | Specs |
| Engine | turbocharged inline-4 |
| Drivetrain | AWD |
| Horsepower | 315 hp |
| Torque | 310 lb-ft |
| 0-60 MPH | 3.9 sec |
| 0-100 MPH | 10 sec |
| 1/4 Mile | 12.5 sec |
| Top-Speed | 155 mph |
Conclusion
The Golf R builds on the GTI’s strengths and adds greater power and all-wheel drive, but at the sacrifice of the affordability that made the Golf so alluring. A larger rear skew for Drift mode wouldn’t hurt, the infotainment design is going in the wrong direction, and the starting price puts it in close proximity to hotter competition. Appropriate daily intake of horsepower and torque, superb handling characteristics, and any justification for driving one is appropriate.