Premiere of the updated Volkswagen Golf R (2024): now 333 hp and Variant

Volkswagen has unveiled the updated Golf R, which will be available in both hatchback and station wagon body styles. It will also get a special "Black Line" version.

Like the Golf GTI, the top-of-the-range Golf R has a new front end with streamlined headlights and an illuminated Volkswagen logo. These are joined by a new bumper that looks a little more aggressive.

Moving your eyes to the rear, you'll notice matte chrome mirrors, sporty side skirts and 18- or 19-inch wheels. The Golf R also gets new taillights, a glossy black diffuser and a four-pipe exhaust system. Volkswagen said the sound of the latter has been "fine-tuned to improve the acoustic feedback and ... the car's racing feel."

Buyers who prefer a sportier look can opt for new 19-inch Warmenau forged alloy wheels, each weighing just 8kg. This makes them around 20 per cent lighter than standard wheels and helps reduce unsprung weight. On top of that, Volkswagen said their open design helps improve brake cooling.

In terms of options, the Golf R can be fitted with an Akrapovic titanium exhaust, IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and new 3D LED taillights with dynamic flashing function. And the Golf R Black Edition can also be ordered with tinted headlights, dark emblems and a selection of black components including wheel discs, brake calipers and exhaust tips. The Black Edition also features the Performance package as standard. The latter can be identified by a particularly large spoiler on the edge of the roof.

The updates continue inside: the Golf R is equipped with a new infotainment system with a 12.9-inch display. In addition to the larger screen, the system has a new menu structure and improved graphics. In addition, the 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster has been updated. If the Performance package is available, it displays dynamic cornering overloads as well as a GPS lap timer.

The list of changes includes improved climate control and a sports steering wheel with 'optimised' buttons. As in other current generation Golfs the updated IDA voice assistant now has a connection to the ChatGPT chatbot.

In addition to the new features, the Golf R is equipped with sports seats and faux carbon fibre trim. Other features include blue accents, stainless steel pedals and a 30-colour ambient lighting system.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine has been upgraded and now develops 333 hp of power and 420 Nm of torque (unchanged). This is 13bhp more than before and gives the standard Golf R the same power as the Golf R 333 Limited Edition.

The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and is complemented by the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring technology. This package allows the Golf R to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds. When equipped with the Performance package, the cars can reach a top speed of up to 270 km/h.

Pre-sales will start on 3 July in Germany. The Golf R will be available from €53,795 for the hatchback and from €55,065 for the Golf R Variant station wagon. The new Golf R Black Edition is available from €58,440. The US version of the updated Golf R will be introduced in early 2025.

Source: Volkswagen