VW's Golf 8.5 R introduces a host of thrilling improvements

 VW's Golf 8.5 R introduces a host of thrilling improvements

‍

‍Following the debut of the facelifted Volkswagen Golf GTI earlier this year, the Wolfsburg-based automaker has now subtly refreshed its flagship Golf R, addressing the prevalent criticisms of the pre-facelift variants.

Locally known as the Golf 8.5 R, it retains the familiar features of the current Golf R but adds expanded R-specific equipment. This includes a redesigned front end with LED Plus headlights, an illuminated VW badge, air curtains in the front bumper, and new LED tail light clusters.

It sits on new optional 19-inch ‘Warmenau’ forged wheels, which VW claims weigh only 8kg each, offering effective cooling. VW is also adding the Black Edition, which features dark treatments for the VW badges, R logos, R brake callipers with a dark R logo, black 19-inch Estoril wheels, and darkened tailpipe trims.

‍

The vehicle's LED matrix IQ lights come standard with darkened insets. Additionally, the R-Performance package is included as standard on the Black Edition, but it’s available as an optional extra for other models.

Inside, notable changes include a new and enhanced 12.9-inch free-standing infotainment system, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, illuminated touch sliders for the volume control and air conditioning system, and an optional Nappa leather interior with carbon-link elements. 

While we expected the updated Golf 8.5 R to feature a new steering wheel with physical buttons on the steering wheel, VW stuck with the haptic touch controls but says that the responsiveness has been optimised. Previously, the haptic controls on the steering wheel were prone to unintentional activation. 

Under the bonnet lives the same EA888 2.0-litre TSI engine that has been massaged to deliver 245kW and 420Nm (10kW and 20Nm more than its predecessor) to all four wheels via a 7-speed DSG transmission and 4Motion system with R-Performance Torque Vectoring. 

On the performance front, it’s quicker than before. Volkswagen quotes a 4.6-second sprint to 100km/h from rest, outperforming the previous model’s 4.8-second time. It can continue to accelerate until 250km/h or 270km/h with the optional R-Performance package. 

For enthusiasts who have expressed dissatisfaction with the car’s muted engine sound, Volkswagen has taken steps to make it more interesting, especially when the optional Akrapovic pipes are specified.

The Volkswagen Golf 8 R continues to assert itself as a formidable contender in the gradually diminishing hot hatch segment. Crafted from the brand’s mass-market foundation, the facelift introduces many exciting improvements.