Volkswagen's final combustion Golf R balances sporty tweaks and eco‑mode

Volkswagen kept us guessing for a long time, sharing materials with the new Golf R in the lead role for months. However, these were just demonstration runs with a well-camouflaged specimen.

Almost precisely with the arrival of summer, the Germans finally showed the world their new gem. The facelifted Volkswagen Golf R is simultaneously the last to have an internal combustion engine under the hood. So, what does the final representative of the pre-electrification era look like?

The most significant changes in design are those we've already had the chance to get used to. New, narrower headlights, a glowing Volkswagen badge, and rearranged rear lights look good, but the surprise factor is likely gone for anyone. However, this does not mean that the new R guarantees nothing interesting compared to its predecessor or the facelifted base Golf.

For instance, the front bumper has been changed, with the elements Volkswagen calls "hockey sticks" elongated and narrowed. This curved part is the most eye-catching. Small changes in body lines make the hatchback and the Variant, or station wagon, look slightly more muscular. However, these differences are subtle. The rear spoiler has been left unchanged, while the side skirts have been toned down.

The R symbols on the sides have been placed slightly differently—they have been stripped of their black outlines and integrated directly into the car's body. The special black edition has much more black.

In the pre-facelift version, the Volkswagen Golf R received special editions 20 Years and 333, which offered customers a power increase of 333 horsepower. This time, the Germans decided not to hold back — right off the bat, the driver will get just that power in the new Golf R, a slight increase from the previous 320 horsepower.

This could potentially mean that this unit might have even more capabilities. Of course, for the sake of accuracy, it should be added that we are still dealing with the very well-known EA888 engine — a turbocharged inline-four with a capacity of 2 litres.

As with the engine, the suspension from the Golf R 20 Years and 333 Limited Edition has also been adopted. However, we're talking about software improvements so we won't see a revolution. Notably, a similar approach has been taken with the transmission, which is now much more responsive and quicker to react to driver commands, especially in performance-oriented modes.

Some changes have been made to the interior. First and foremost, they decided to remove the touch buttons on the steering wheel. They used haptic technology, which can be seen as a kind of compromise, but on the other hand, the resistance required for the system to register a press is now significantly higher. Accidental clicks should, therefore, be much less common.

The infotainment system has undergone some updates. In addition to the previously mentioned additions from the premiere of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Clubsport, such as a new 3D model representing the version of the car we own or the implementation of AI, engineers have given drivers more options to play with the car’s settings.

We can independently adjust the suspension, exhaust, or engine. There's nothing stopping you from firing up all the rockets and switching to the fastest driving modes while leaving the exhaust in the quiet Eco mode. Of course, you can also choose the opposite route — whatever you prefer.

That's right, Eco — in the case of the Golf R, this driving mode is new and tells us a bit about the car's character. As I mentioned during the first drive, the new "R" is like two cars in one, and that's the effect Volkswagen wanted to achieve. Accordingly, in Eco mode, we are dealing with a very calm vehicle, but you only need to press Sport or Race to wake the beast comfortably sleeping under the hood.

An exciting addition that might appeal to some is the built-in speed measurement software. For example, it takes just a few seconds for the car to be ready to measure a 0-100 km/h sprint or a 400-metre run. It will even measure our reaction time. Another option is lap time measurement using GPS. Just activate it at the start-finish line, and the car will determine the endpoint. With one button and one warm-up lap, you can start setting records.

It is clear that Volkswagen did not aim to change the face of the Golf R for the last combustion-engine edition. However, they improved things that annoyed users and added new options that enhanced the car's track capabilities.

At the same time, with the new Eco mode and the more gentle appearance of the side skirts, it feels like this is, in a sense, an attempt to find a compromise between a utility vehicle and a sports car. A bit like the latest Golf R, it is meant to suit everyone and guide the development of the new era of this model, which is approaching fast, towards versatility. Time will tell if this is the right path for the R line.