What Is the 2024 Volkswagen Golf R?
The Volkswagen Golf R is a speedier, more upscale take on VW’s fun-loving Golf GTI hatchback. Unlike its front-wheel-drive sibling, the Golf R comes standard with all-wheel drive, along with a punchier 315-horsepower, turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder in place of the GTI’s 241-hp turbo four. Like the GTI, the R offers the choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. The Golf R’s starting price of more than $45,000 — very steep for a mainstream-brand compact car — means it competes with both mainstream- and luxury-brand rivals, including the Acura Integra, Audi S3, BMW 330, Honda Civic Type R, Subaru WRX and Toyota GR Corolla.
What’s New on the 2024 Volkswagen Golf R?
The Golf R has no notable updates or changes for 2024, but Volkswagen has announced that this is the final model year in which the Golf R (and GTI) will have an available six-speed manual transmission.
What Features in the 2024 Volkswagen Golf R Are Most Important?
Standard features include:
- 10-inch touchscreen
- 10.25-inch digital instrument display
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Wireless device charging
- Nine-speaker audio system
- Heated front seats
- Heated steering wheel
- 30-color ambient interior lighting
- Four USB ports
- Tri-zone climate control
- Lane departure steering assist
- Traffic sign recognition
- Rain-sensing wipers
- Adaptive suspension
- Adaptive cruise control
- Rear cross-traffic warning
- Front and rear parking sensors
Available features include:
- Seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- Three available exterior colors
Should I Buy the 2024 Volkswagen Golf R?
The Volkswagen Golf R is a refined, entertaining and versatile performance car. It has a more upscale feel than the typical hot rod compact, and its spacious hatchback body style makes it laudably practical, too. Its well-rounded nature doesn’t come cheap, however, and VW’s finicky touch-sensitive controls can be very frustrating to use.
