The Volkswagen R32 is well known around the globe for being one of the most aggressive hatchbacks available on the market. Made in limited production, owning and driving one of these machines is somewhat of a privilege. Now for 2011, VW has released the successor to the R32 with the Volkswagen Golf R and it is better then ever. The Volkswagen Golf Rhas the 2.0 liter TSI engine with 265 horsepower coupled with the 4Motion all wheel drive system for the ultimate in handling. The main difference found between the R32 and the new Golf R is the transmission. The transmission in the Volkswagen Golf R is much more representative of the way that the Audi R8 works. In the Golf R the activation of the all-wheel differential no longer requires a difference between the front and rear axle speeds which means power can be shifted from front to rear as needed. This means that while cornering at high speed for example more of the power can be shifted to the rear wheels allowing for less torque steer and a more fluid turn. This is key for dynamic performance handling and safety all around.
When the R32 was introduced for the 2004 model year it was only available in a manual transmission. When reintroduced in 2008 the R32 was only available in a DSG automatic. Volkswagen found that this only was appealing to some of their enthusiast driving base each time. Now for the Golf R, Volkswagen has reevaluated things and is offering the hatchback in both a manual transmission or an automatic DSG which will appeal to a much larger client base.
Volkswagen has really made an effort to make the Golf R an exciting not only for its current drivers but also for new drivers who may not be familiar with VW yet. With that the German auto maker has added more technology features than the predecessor, the R32. On top of the new and improved dynamic all wheel drive, the Golf R is also equipped with DCC or dynamic chassis control. This gives the driver three options for the type of ride they would like that can be manual changed with the push of a button. The system is set up to adapt the suspension damping per road condition, allowing for even greater handling and control.
The Golf R is not completely different than the original R32 though. Upgraded sport suspension, larger 17 inch brake system, 18 inch alloy wheels, xenon headlights, chrome tail pipe and a full body kit are characteristics that the Volkswagen R series has had regardless of the year. The interior cabin is set up with the driver in mind. A fine mix of luxury comfort with sportiness creates an upscale yet tuner feel. Heated leather sport seats, multi-functional leather wrapped steering wheel, aluminum door sills and stainless steel pedals are outfitting the Golf R with the German quality finish work that is expected of higher end cars like Audi or BMW.
When it comes down to deciding on a sport hatchback that is capable of being a daily driver and fit for the more performance enthusiast drivers, the Volkswagen Golf R is a perfect fit. The sprightly 2.0 liter turbo offers great fuel efficiency and excellent power. The Volkswagen Golf R will be hitting showroom floors sometime in the first half of the year so if this is a car for you get on the list because this limited production hatchback will be a hard vehicle to find. For more information about the Golf R check with a Volkswagen Dealership near you.
