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Word from the 'Ring: VW Still Undecided on Golf R Estate

Our spies stationed at the Nurburgring have sent us fresh information about what the Germans are up to. A second prototype for the upcoming Golf R Estate has once again been seen going round the track with a few extra details added since the last time we saw it. Only question is: Will they actually build it?
Volkswagen Golf R Estate Spy Photos 7 photos
Photo: Automedia
Volkswagen Golf R Estate Spy PhotosVolkswagen Golf R Estate Spy PhotosVolkswagen Golf R Estate Spy PhotosVolkswagen Golf R Estate Spy PhotosVolkswagen Golf R Estate Spy PhotosVolkswagen Golf R Estate Spy Photos
Speaking to the test driver of the vehicle, our spies have learned that production has not yet been approved. Volkswagen is testing the car, but has not decided whether or not to the R Estate is worth the planning, marketing and fabrication money.

There's no question that a high performance estate is cool. Just look at the RS4 and RS6, for example. However, both those cars have a loyal following of die-hard Audi fans, while the R Estate would be a brand new nameplate. Another problem might be that performance SUVs have a better image.

But come on, this is Volkswagen we're talking about. They're one of the biggest brands in the world and have delivered 3.25 million cars in the first four months of 2014. Surely they can afford make something for the fans.

So what exactly are the guys at Vdub giving us. Starting up front, the R wagon packs a 2.0-liter TSI engine with either 280 or 300 hp. It will send all its power through a Haldex 5 all-wheel drive system and a choice of 6-speed manual or automatic gearboxes. A more aggressive bumper design, 19-inch wheels and a quad exhaust system are just some of the things that will set this car apart.

The R Estate will not be without its fair share of competitors, each as weird as it is. The French at Peugeot are working on a 308 GTI SportWagon with FWD and somewhere around 250 hp. Meanwhile, Ford has been offering the Focus ST with a wagon body for quite some time now, and let's not forget about the Skoda Octavia RS Combi.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

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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