The rain is coming down, not quite a deluge, more like the kind of drizzle that makes the roads slick and uninviting for a high-performance car. Especially one boasting nearly 300 horsepower and all-wheel drive. Yet, in drought-stricken Southern California, any rain is welcome, even this half-hearted attempt. The landscape remains scorched from summer wildfires, the trees bearing the scars, their bark a pale ivory, mirroring the leather in this European-spec test model – one of only four brought stateside by Volkswagen, and uniquely equipped with a manual transmission.
Glancing in the rearview mirror, the San Diego County Sheriff’s SUV recedes over the horizon. The turbocharged 2.0-liter engine confidently pushes the Golf R towards 100 mph, showcasing the robust top-end power that distinguishes it from its front-wheel-drive GTI sibling. However, the six-speed manual gearbox is shared with the GTI, and my thoughts drift to the superior DSG transmission.
Volkswagen, anticipating the manual’s 2016 release in the US, provided us with European Golf R models, complete with striking 19-inch wheels and the manual gearbox. While these sound appealing, for optimal ride comfort, the 18-inch wheels are preferable, and the DSG, frankly, is a more harmonious match for the car’s overall character. Choosing to manually shift gears almost detracts from the experience.
Consider this: the DSG-equipped Golf R is quicker. It can sprint to 60 mph in under five seconds thanks to the transmission’s rapid shifts. The manual adds about half a second to that time. Shifts are indeed swift, especially in “Race” mode. But in everyday driving, it’s hard to reconcile this gearbox with the memory of older VW manuals that struggled on hills and exhibited clumsy clutch engagement in first gear. Technology has come a long way.
Furthermore, the manual gearbox in this Golf R isn’t exceptional. Having experienced the same six-speed manual in both the GTI and the R, it’s perfectly adequate. The shifter throws are light yet precise, and the clutch is easy to modulate. However, back-to-back drives with the DSG expose the flaw in the “manual good, automatic bad” argument. The fact that the pedals are spaced too far apart for effective heel-toe downshifts further diminishes its appeal. The sole advantage of the six-speed manual is the $1100 price reduction compared to the $37,415 MSRP of the DSG version.
The rest of the Golf R package, however, delivers impressively. The steering is as sharp and communicative as the GTI’s, and the flat-bottomed steering wheel is a welcome sporty touch. Compared to a recent BMW 2-Series, the Golf R’s steering makes BMW’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” feel surprisingly numb. The brake pedal might feel a bit too sensitive initially, but the braking power itself is undeniable, mirroring the GTI Performance Pack. Despite the buzz around the Haldex all-wheel-drive system, its most significant benefit is the elimination of torque steer during corner exits – a common issue in the front-drive GTI. Otherwise, the AWD operates seamlessly, almost unnoticed in typical driving. Perhaps a more challenging environment than sunny Southern California would better showcase its capabilities. A longer test drive in a Canadian winter would be illuminating.
Beyond performance, the 2015 Golf R shares the many virtues of other MQB-platform Golf models. The cabin feels remarkably spacious for a compact car, offering ample room for both front and rear passengers. The interior materials are of a quality that wouldn’t be out of place in an Audi. However, the current infotainment system is dated and in dire need of an update – lacking even a basic USB port for smartphone connectivity. Thankfully, a revised infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration is slated for the 2016 models.
While Volkswagen positions the Golf R against rivals like the Subaru WRX STI and BMW M235i, its truest competitor resides within VW’s own showrooms. The price difference between a base Golf GTI and a Golf R is around $10,000. A fully equipped GTI 5-door with DSG and the Performance Pack narrows this gap, but the critical point remains: the GTI is exceptionally good, even with front-wheel drive. It’s difficult to strongly advocate for the Golf R unless you meet specific criteria: either you live in a region with significant snowfall where AWD is a practical advantage, or you are a dedicated Volkswagen enthusiast who must own the ultimate Golf, perhaps for bragging rights within the online community. For most drivers, a well-optioned GTI combined with an aftermarket ECU tune would be just as satisfying, and more economical.
