autoevolution
 

Volkswagen Golf R SportWagen Facelift Spotted Trying to Hide Its Muscles

The Volkswagen Group, with all its brands, is a master of cannibalization prevention, so, when it comes to mixing an insanely powerful Golf with family assets, there's no wagon trim for the GTI. Instead, we get the uber-muscular Volkswagen Golf R SportWagen and we're here to show you the facelifted model.
Volkswagen Golf R SportWagen Facelift 15 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
Volkswagen Golf R SportWagen FaceliftVolkswagen Golf R SportWagen FaceliftVolkswagen Golf R SportWagen FaceliftVolkswagen Golf R SportWagen FaceliftVolkswagen Golf R SportWagen FaceliftVolkswagen Golf R SportWagen FaceliftVolkswagen Golf R SportWagen FaceliftVolkswagen Golf R SportWagen FaceliftVolkswagen Golf R SportWagen FaceliftVolkswagen Golf R SportWagen FaceliftVolkswagen Golf R SportWagen FaceliftVolkswagen Golf R SportWagen FaceliftVolkswagen Golf R SportWagen FaceliftVolkswagen Golf R SportWagen Facelift
The revamped model was recently spotted in Germany, where it was testing alongside the hatchback incarnation of the current Golf R. As you can see, Vee Dub engineers did their best to conceal the performance assets of the model, hence the steel wheels. Oh and let's not forget the faux stickers hiding the new inner graphics of the taillights.

While the styling changes set to be brought by the upcoming mid-cycle refresh will follow VW's traditionally-limited recipe, the front end is still covered in heavy camo. And that's because the bumper, along with the grille will be new, while the headlights will only come with fresh graphics.

The changes will be just as shy inside the car, but since the Golf R Touch concept, which was introduced back in January, offered a 9.5-inch central infotainment screen, expect a serious upgrade in this area.

Some of the wildest rumors out there talk about the facelifted Golf getting the Passat's optional digital instrument cluster, while gesture control is also on the rumor mill menu.

While the current Golf 7 introduced pioneering technology for its class, such as adaptive cruise control, you shouldn't expect the facelift model to carry on that path and come with autonomous driving features.

The standard Golf 7 facelift should make its debut in November, but we're not sure about the introduction date for the all-wheel-drive hot hatch/wagon seen here.

And while the SportWagen may only get a slightly massaged version of its current 295 hp (300 PS) two-liter turbo-four, unofficial reports talk about the Volkswagen Golf R400 (hatch) coming back from the dead - the 395 hp Golf was axed due to Dieselgate's financial toll, but it might just be resurrected for the facelift.

Volkswagen's compact, throttle-happy estate isn't offered in the US. However, if we remember the fact that the Golf R SportWagen made its debut at the 2014 Los Angeles Auto Show and ignore the financial consequences mentioned above (and maybe ask Santa for one) there might still be a tiny chance for these family rockets to land in American showrooms.
If you liked the article, please follow us:  Google News icon Google News Youtube Instagram X (Twitter)
About the author: Andrei Tutu
Andrei Tutu profile photo

In his quest to bring you the most impressive automotive creations, Andrei relies on learning as a superpower. There's quite a bit of room in the garage that is this aficionado's heart, so factory-condition classics and widebody contraptions with turbos poking through the hood can peacefully coexist.
Full profile

 

Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?

You will only receive our top stories