You're about to watch the first real-life acceleration test with the all-new Golf R. The 2022 hot hatch shows some pretty impressive sprints from 0 to 62 mph (100 kph) and past that to 124 mph (200 kph).
The Golf R is a car that needs no introduction, basically being the pioneer for this AWD family hatch formula. You could say that Subaru and Mitsubishi did it first, but the Germans also like to blend expensive technology and premium interiors, which is what ultimately made the Vdub king of its little hill.
But that crown is now hotly contested. We recently watched a drag race between all three of its direct rivals, which include the Audi S3, BMW M135i, and Mercedes-AMG A35. In addition, sister brand Cupra makes a compelling case with its Leon and Formentor.
On paper, the Golf R doesn't shine particularly brightly. Its 2.0-liter turbo makes 315 hp (320 PS), which is only slightly more than the outgoing model and pretty much in line with what its rivals have. However, this independent test from YouTuber Automann-TV demonstrates a rapid pace that might even make it a segment leader.
From 0 to 100 kph (62 mph), the tester is measured at 4.4 seconds. This result is on damp roads with winter tires, so it should be even faster under ideal conditions. Just think of all your favorite AMG or M cars from about a decade ago. Are they still faster?
The truth behind AWD hot hatchbacks is that they use launch control to accelerate faster. If you don't build the boost, the Golf R probably won't take your breath away. But the one thing that really makes it worth buying is not the performance, but the AWD system.
Volkswagen has developed a new setup which is currently available in this and the Tiguan R. It can send more than just the usual 50% of available torque to the rear, and there's even a 'drift mode.' This kind of feature could be pretty fun to have on a German hot hatch, which otherwise isn't a tail-happy machine.
But that crown is now hotly contested. We recently watched a drag race between all three of its direct rivals, which include the Audi S3, BMW M135i, and Mercedes-AMG A35. In addition, sister brand Cupra makes a compelling case with its Leon and Formentor.
On paper, the Golf R doesn't shine particularly brightly. Its 2.0-liter turbo makes 315 hp (320 PS), which is only slightly more than the outgoing model and pretty much in line with what its rivals have. However, this independent test from YouTuber Automann-TV demonstrates a rapid pace that might even make it a segment leader.
From 0 to 100 kph (62 mph), the tester is measured at 4.4 seconds. This result is on damp roads with winter tires, so it should be even faster under ideal conditions. Just think of all your favorite AMG or M cars from about a decade ago. Are they still faster?
The truth behind AWD hot hatchbacks is that they use launch control to accelerate faster. If you don't build the boost, the Golf R probably won't take your breath away. But the one thing that really makes it worth buying is not the performance, but the AWD system.
Volkswagen has developed a new setup which is currently available in this and the Tiguan R. It can send more than just the usual 50% of available torque to the rear, and there's even a 'drift mode.' This kind of feature could be pretty fun to have on a German hot hatch, which otherwise isn't a tail-happy machine.