The typical Southern California drizzle was doing its best to dampen spirits, a light rain that barely wets the pavement but is enough to make any thoughts of spirited driving in a high-performance car seem ill-advised. Especially when that car is a near-300 horsepower hot hatch. Yet, even under these less than perfect conditions, the 2015 Vw Golf R, with its all-wheel-drive system, hints at the fun it’s capable of delivering. The parched landscape, still bearing the scars of recent wildfires, serves as a stark contrast to the fresh, almost ivory hue of the leather in this European-spec test model – one of a handful Volkswagen brought stateside equipped with a manual transmission.
Looking in the rearview mirror, the silhouette of a San Diego County Sheriff’s Expedition disappears over a hill, and the potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine effortlessly pushes the Golf R towards 100 mph. The engine’s top-end torque is noticeably stronger than its front-wheel-drive sibling, the GTI. However, the six-speed manual gearbox, shared with the GTI, immediately brings a different thought to mind: the DSG dual-clutch transmission might be the better choice for this car.
For the 2015 model year, Volkswagen initially offered the Golf R in Europe with options like the striking 19-inch wheel package and the aforementioned manual transmission. While these might sound appealing on paper, real-world driving suggests a slightly different configuration is optimal. For improved ride quality, especially on less-than-perfect roads, the 18-inch wheels are the smarter choice. And for maximizing the overall driving experience, the DSG transmission is so seamlessly integrated with the Golf R’s character that opting for the manual feels like a step backward.
One crucial aspect is performance. The Golf R with the DSG is demonstrably quicker. It can sprint to 60 mph in under five seconds when the transmission handles the gear changes. The manual transmission, while engaging, adds about half a second to that sprint. Gear shifts with the DSG are rapid, especially in “Race” mode. It’s a far cry from older Volkswagen gearboxes that were prone to rolling back on hills and exhibited noticeable clutch engagement when starting from a stop.
Furthermore, the six-speed manual itself isn’t exceptional. Having experienced this manual in both the GTI and the R, it’s certainly adequate. The shifter throws are light yet precise, and the clutch is easy to manage. However, when compared directly to the DSG, the manual weakens the argument that a manual is inherently superior. The pedal placement, not ideally suited for heel-toe downshifts, is another minor drawback. The primary advantage of the manual is a modest price reduction of around $1,100 compared to the DSG-equipped Golf R, which has a starting MSRP of $37,415.
The rest of the 2015 Golf R package lives up to expectations. The steering is as sharp and direct as the GTI’s, and the flat-bottomed steering wheel is a welcome sporty touch. Compared to contemporary BMW 2-Series models, the Golf R’s steering feel is noticeably more communicative and engaging. The brake pedal might feel a bit sensitive 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 during hard acceleration out of corners – an issue occasionally present in the front-wheel-drive GTI. Otherwise, the AWD system operates discreetly, almost unnoticed under normal driving conditions. A more demanding driving environment, perhaps a Canadian winter, would likely showcase its capabilities more dramatically.
Beyond performance, the 2015 Golf R shares the positive attributes of other MQB platform-based Golf models. The cabin feels remarkably spacious for a compact car, offering generous room in both the front and rear seats. The quality of the interior materials is surprisingly upscale, approaching Audi levels. However, the infotainment system at the time was showing its age, lacking even basic smartphone connectivity features like a USB port. Fortunately, Volkswagen addressed this for the following model year, with a revised infotainment system incorporating Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration becoming available for 2016.
While Volkswagen positioned the 2015 Golf R to compete with cars like the Subaru WRX STI and the BMW M235i, its most direct competitor arguably resided within VW’s own lineup. The price difference between a base Golf GTI and a Golf R was approximately $10,000. While a well-equipped GTI 5-door with the DSG and Performance Pack narrows this gap somewhat, the core issue is the GTI’s inherent excellence. The GTI, even with front-wheel drive, is so capable and enjoyable that justifying the extra cost of the Golf R can be challenging unless certain specific needs are present. Those needs typically boil down to two scenarios: living in a region with frequent snow where AWD is a significant advantage, or being a dedicated VW enthusiast who desires the ultimate Golf, perhaps for its exclusivity and performance pedigree. For most other drivers, a nicely optioned GTI, possibly enhanced with an aftermarket ECU tune, would likely provide comparable driving enjoyment without the higher price tag of the 2015 VW Golf R.
