Cars.com reviewer Kelsey Mays got an early peek at the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R last week during the 2014 Chicago Auto Show and was optimistic about what he saw. The performance hatchback, slated to go on sale early next year, has stepped up its speed game with a 2.0-liter four-cylinder that gets hefty boosts in both horsepower and torque. The result is a sub-5-second zero-to-60-mph time with the available six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. Style-wise, Mays liked the new front end, but found the quad-tailpipes indulgent. Watch the video above.
Former Assistant Managing Editor-News Matt Schmitz is a veteran Chicago journalist indulging his curiosity for all things auto while helping to inform car shoppers.