While everybody is busy testing that Hellcat edition, Doug DeMuro is playing off-beat with a Volkswagen, the Golf R. Right off the bat, he argues that it's better than its rivals, even though his review doesn't really support this.
As per usual, the video is 80% sitting around and looking at quirks. A Volkswagen hatchback shouldn't have any since it's a very serious German car. However, Doug still finds some.
The first is a feature every VW owner takes for granted: the fact that the trunk latch is the rear badge. However, the reviewer gets a kick out of the fact that the camera also pops out from under there. "Magic," he calls it.
The chrome strip that connects the grille and headlights along with the radar cruise control in the front badge is also pointed out. We think that by "better than its rivals" Doug means the Golf R is different, more civilized.
The driving portion of the video highlights the comfortable ride and decent performance which, admittedly, is below that of the savage Ford Focus RS.
Getting back the quirks, we find that the Golf R's key gets a special aluminum insert that you have to assemble yourself. The "grown-up" appeal of the VW is amplified by the fact that it comes with a digital driver's display which can show maps in place of the usual dials.
You can also adjust the tone and volume of your parking sensors or determine which gas stations are shown on the map. However, the owner's manual is the weirdest feature of them all, since "failure to heed warning lights or text warnings can result in vehicle damage" is written on every page.
We think it comes down to choice. However, Doug believes the Civic Type R is ridiculous-looking, and the Focus RS punishes you with its stiff setup. But should you be comfortable and discreet in a sports hatch?
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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