The typical Southern California rain, fine and persistent like birdshot, slicks the asphalt and beads on the windshield. Hardly the ideal conditions to unleash nearly 300 horsepower from an all-wheel-drive hot hatch. Yet, even a half-hearted drizzle is welcome in this parched landscape, where recent wildfires have left their mark, charring trees to skeletal silhouettes, their remaining bark bleached to an ivory hue reminiscent of the leather in this European-spec Volkswagen Golf R test car. One of only four brought stateside with a manual transmission for evaluation.
Moments ago, a San Diego County Sheriff’s Expedition receded in the rearview mirror, disappearing over the rise. Now, the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine eagerly propels the Golf R towards the century mark, showcasing the robust top-end power that distinguishes it from its front-wheel-drive Golf GTI sibling. Both share the same 6-speed manual gearbox, and truthfully, the dual-clutch DSG transmission feels like a more fitting choice for this car.
Initially, Volkswagen offered us European market Golf R variants equipped with striking 19-inch wheels and the aforementioned three-pedal setup, as the manual gearbox’s US release was slated for 2016 models. While 19-inch wheels might sound appealing, the reality is that 18-inch wheels enhance the ride quality of the Golf R, and the DSG transmission’s seamless integration elevates the overall driving experience, making manual shifting seem almost like a step backward.
The DSG transmission makes the Golf R demonstrably quicker. Opting for the automatic allows you to achieve 60 mph in under five seconds, while the manual adds about half a second to that sprint. Gear changes are rapid, especially in “Race” mode. It’s easy to forget that just two generations prior, Volkswagen’s automatic transmissions were far less refined, prone to rollback on inclines and exhibiting noticeable clutch engagement when starting from a standstill.
However, the manual transmission itself isn’t the highlight here. Having experienced this 6-speed manual in both the GTI and the Golf R, it’s undeniably adequate. The shifter offers light yet precise throws, and the clutch is forgiving and easy to modulate. Yet, in direct comparison to the DSG, the traditional argument of “manual good, automatic bad” loses ground. The pedal placement, unfortunately, hinders heel-toe downshifts, further diminishing the manual’s appeal. The primary advantage of the 6-speed manual is the $1,100 price reduction compared to the $37,415 MSRP of the DSG-equipped Golf R.
The rest of the Golf R package fulfills its promise. The steering retains the GTI’s sharpness and directness, and the flat-bottom steering wheel is a welcome sporty touch. Compared to a recent BMW 2-Series model, the Golf R’s steering makes what’s marketed as “The Ultimate Driving Machine” feel surprisingly detached, almost Toyota-like in comparison. The brake pedal can feel a bit abrupt initially, but the braking performance itself is undeniably strong, utilizing the same components as the GTI Performance Pack. Despite the buzz around the Haldex all-wheel-drive system, its most significant benefit in everyday driving is the virtual elimination of torque steer when accelerating out of corners – a characteristic that subtly but persistently impacts the front-drive GTI experience. Otherwise, the AWD operates unobtrusively, becoming almost invisible in its effectiveness. Perhaps a more demanding driving environment than a rain-soaked Southern California would more clearly showcase its capabilities. A longer test drive, ideally during a Canadian winter, would be revealing.
Beyond performance, the 2015 Golf R inherits all the positive attributes of the MQB platform Golf family. The cabin feels remarkably spacious for a vehicle in the compact segment, offering generous room for both front and rear occupants. The interior materials are of a quality that wouldn’t be out of place in an Audi. However, the current infotainment system is showing its age. Notably, it lacks a USB port for smartphone connectivity. Fortunately, Volkswagen planned to address this with a revised infotainment system for the 2016 model year, incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration.
Volkswagen positions the Golf R against competitors like the Subaru WRX STI and the BMW M235i. However, its most significant rival may reside within VW’s own showrooms. The price difference between a base Golf GTI and a Golf R is approximately $10,000. While a five-door GTI equipped with the DSG transmission and Performance Pack narrows this gap somewhat, the core issue is the inherent excellence of the GTI. Even with front-wheel drive, the GTI is so accomplished that justifying the extra cost of a Golf R becomes challenging unless you have specific needs. These needs might include living in a region with frequent snow, where the AWD system becomes a genuine advantage, or being a dedicated Volkswagen enthusiast who simply must own the ultimate Golf, even if primarily for online bragging rights. For most drivers, a well-equipped GTI and an aftermarket ECU tune could deliver comparable thrills without the Golf R’s premium price.
