First Drive: Volkswagen Golf 8 R and Tiguan R

First Drive: Volkswagen Golf 8 R and Tiguan R

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Volkswagen's R division has always been good at awakening assertive emotions since its launch in Mzansi in 2007 with the first Golf 5 R, known as the R32. Unlike its GTI sibling, the R32 wielded an all-wheel-drive system.

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The introduction of the Golf Mk6 saw VW ditching the '32' nameplate in 2011 for the 'R' label which, frankly, has been easier to adopt. With that said, the Golf R has now entered its 8th generation and it brings with it the application of the R badge to the Tiguan for the first time in VW's history.

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Yes, it's taken Volkswagen a while to join the fold where some rivals have played for years. Roughly 6,000 Golf Rs have found homes across South Africa since 2007 and the local arm of the German brand hopes to sell more units of the new Golf R in the foreseeable future. Add to that the popularity of both the Tiguan and the R nameplates, and the Tiguan R should, by all accounts, be a sound business decision.

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Good things take time

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This time around, I jetted to Cape Town to tame the latest Golf R and first-ever Tiguan R, and before getting into details about the duo, it's worth mentioning that the Golf R will only arrive in Mzansi in the first quarter of 2023, while the latter is now available locally. Why the delay of the Golf R? You ask. Well, besides the semiconductor shortages, the manufacturing plant is short of seatbelt harnesses due to the ongoing war in Ukraine where they are sourced.

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Off the bat, these are two German products to come out of the R division that'll appeal to a set of different customers. As the father of the R sub-brand, the Golf 8 R still makes a strong case for itself as a hot hatch, even though electrification seems to be taking the lead.

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It looks the pa(R)t

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Arriving at the launch, VW South Africa had a line-up of both the Golf 8 R and Tiguan R models at its dealership planted within Cape Town CBD. Speaking of the Golf R, it's seen some refinements on the outside and swaps all the red details you'd find on the GTI for the blue shade which is synonymous with the R brand. These include a blue radiator strip, large brake callipers in a blue shade with the R logo, larger air intakes, plus a more R-specific aggressive front bumper.

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It doesn't end there; you get matt mirror caps and a body that's been lowered by 20 mm compared to the GTI. The front of the Golf R, meanwhile, means business and the rear remains the most attractive portion of the car, if I am honest. Think of the R's signature four exhaust tips, R-specific bumper design as well as gloss black diffuser. Match those with the optional Akrapovic exhaust system that was fitted on my tester and you get a hot hatch that doesn't only look the part but also sounds… what's the name, brutal!

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As standard, the Golf 8 R sits on 18" Estoril wheels that can be upgraded to the optional 19" wheels of the same design.

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Bigger, Taller, Fatter

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I view the Tiguan R as the taller, fatter, more practically-minded version of the Golf R. Don't get me wrong, though, it means business. Again, you'll understand why I say these two products will appeal to a set of different customers. Like its Golf R counterpart, the Tiguan R gets R-specific tweaks such as four exhaust tips (optional Akrapovic), R bumpers, and a performance-inspired diffuser.

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The biggest difference is that the Tiguan R rides on bigger 20" Misano alloys by default but is upgradeable to the optional 21" Estoril alloy wheels. The Golf R is only available with a choice of three exterior shades while the Tiguan R can be had in six colour options.

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Nothing out of the ordinary here

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Saddling inside the Golf 8 R, there's nothing out of the norm except that you get a very well-built interior and a few R tweaks such as blue detailing and R emblems on the front seats, more decorative inserts with contrasting blue stitching, brushed aluminium pedals, multi-functional steering wheel plus R-specific seats wrapped in high-quality Nappa leather.

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You still get a smartphone charging pad, a panoramic sunroof, a 'Discover Pro system with satellite navigation, adaptive chassis control with driving profile selection, a Light and Vision Package, as well as high-beam control light assist.

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The list of optional extras includes IQ. Light LED Matrix headlights, Akrapovič exhaust, a head-up display, Harman Kardon sound system, rear assist with a rear-view camera, Travel Assist with Lane Assist and Adaptive Cruise Control, IQ. Drive Adaptive Cruise Control plus a Black Performance Package with a Drift mode.

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The Tiguan R, on the other hand, boasts a completely different interior than what you'd find inside the Golf R. It has a more upmarket feel thanks to R detailing on the seats, door sills, steering wheel and dashboard. Unlike the Golf R, the Tiguan R's headrests aren't integrated into the seats and you get Carbon Grey decorative inserts and an electric tailgate.

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As for the optional features, they remain pretty much similar to that of the Golf. The Tiguan R adds a trailer hitch and trailer manoeuvring system.

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The heart of the operation

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Underneath, the duo shares the same EA 888 2.0-litre TSI engine that also beats at the heart of the Golf GTI but with more power. As you would expect, the whole 235 kW and 400 Nm are shoved to all four corners via the brand's 4Motion system for extra grip. A 7-speed DSG transmission is standard on both vehicles. Sadly, there are no manual gearboxes.

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Though the Golf 8 R isn't an A45 S or a RS 3 chaser, it hasn't lost any of its brilliant manners as a driver's car with thrilling prowess when going through the corners as fast as physics will allow, thanks to the lowered ride height, which ensures great confidence behind the wheel. There's excellent grip, a comfortable, yet firm, ride quality and well-maintained body roll even when pushed hard. Still, it's comfortable enough to use as an everyday vehicle.

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Volkswagen claims that it hurtles from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds. It dashes off the mark with no drama, and, well, if I'm honest, it feels more rapid than the claimed time would suggest. The top speed is capped at 250 km/h but that can be raised optionally to 270 km/h.

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Dial the drive mode selector to Comfort and the ride quality is compliant and cushions the cabin in the most aplomb manner accompanied by a subtle exhaust cacophony and a DSG transmission that knows exactly what it's supposed to do.

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The Tiguan R has the same DNA qualities as the Golf R, and yet it executes its tasks in a very mature way. Think of a more subtle exhaust tone, increased ride height, an even more comfortable ride and levels of practicality the Golf R can't possibly match. As expected, it's not as fun to drive as its hatchback counterpart due to its weight and size, but drive it normally, and it's exceedingly comfortable. This is in large part thanks to the adjustable suspension that takes care of road imperfections in a well-mannered way.

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Which to buy?

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This brings us to the question, which of the two should you consider? Well, the Tiguan R caters for those seeking the thrilling sensation that comes with driving the Golf R but in a different, more grown-up, package. Think of it as an all-around family sports car that's remarkably civilised when you want it to be and transforms into something aggressive at the flick of a switch.

Whereas the Golf R sticks to what it has always been associated with, fun. That's further complemented by adequate practicality as well as street cred. In essence, it all depends on where you are in life, and your intended use of the two, but either way, you won't regret it.

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Pricing

• Tiguan R: R999,990
• Golf R: To be confirmed closer to the launch date in 2023

The Tiguan R's pricing includes a 3-year/120,000 km warranty, a 5-year/ 100,000 km EasyDrive Maintenance Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.

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