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Spyshots: Volkswagen Golf R Estate

For these American readers not familiar with the concept of a Golf Estate, let's just clarify that it's the same car as the Jetta SportWagen, only a lot newer. Over in Europe, a brand spanking new model based on the MQB platform was launched back in summer 2013. That's the same MQB platform used by every regular Golf model, going right up to the top-spec R version with 300 PS.
Volkswagen Golf R Estate 17 photos
Photo: Automedia
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Our latest set of spyshots suggests Volkswagen is working on combining the Golf Estate / Variant with the R badge and engines to create the fastest car with a big boot they've ever made.

Spotted completely undisguised on the streets of Germany, the prototype has the same front bumper and R18 five-spoke wheels as the Golf R hatch. Had this been a car created by a Golf fan, the wheels would not have been covered up with black paint.

There is one detail on the car that doesn't make sense though. The exhaust features two oval tips, just like on Leon Cupra models, as opposed to four pipes like on the new Golf R. SEAT engineers are also working on a fast estate model, the ST Cupra, and we thing the two will be mechanically similar.

The 4Motion badge on the boot suggests this is all-wheel drive, unlike the Scirocco R and the hot Spaniard. But the R Estate could be offered with slightly less power so as not to undermine its flagship hatch brother. In Japan, the new Golf R was just launched with 280 PS instead of 300 PS, meaning Volkswagen has access to a 2.0 TSI 280 that it can mate to the Haldex drive. Of course, both six-speed manual and DSG gearboxes will be available on the car. Standard features should include sports suspension (not including the adaptive option), LED headlights and a cavernous boot with up to 1,620 liters cargo space (with the seats folded flat).

Since we mentioned the upcoming SEAT Leon ST Cupra, we might as well talk about other potential rivals. Peugeot is also working on a sports estate right now, the Peugeot 308 SW GTi. Ford already has its Ford Focus ST fitted with a big boot, but by far the most interesting opponent is Opel's Insignia OPC. Even though technically it's in a class (and size) above, a competitor to the S5 Avant, the low price and the fact that it has a V6 turbo engine make it a formidable car.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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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.
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