The previous generation VW Golf R held a special place in the hearts of many car enthusiasts. It offered a potent combination of speed, all-weather capability, and understated styling, all at a surprisingly accessible price point, especially with attractive lease deals. However, for drivers who truly relish twisty roads, it sometimes felt like something was missing. While boasting around 300bhp, its all-wheel-drive system often prioritized traction over driver engagement, leaving some longing for a more playful, front-wheel-drive hot hatch experience where power could feel almost overwhelming.
The Audi S3, a close relative, has historically suffered from a similar issue – a reputation for being capable but perhaps a little too sanitized and predictable. But the 2021 VW Golf R emerges as a different beast altogether, setting itself apart from its Audi sibling with a significant technological upgrade: a cutting-edge version of the Haldex all-wheel-drive system.
Explore 2021 Golf R Pricing and Options
This advanced system incorporates torque vectoring, enabling it to direct up to 100 percent of the available torque to a single rear wheel. Opting for the Performance Pack, a worthwhile £2000 investment as seen on our test vehicle, unlocks the coveted “Drift Mode,” a must-have feature in the modern hot hatch arena. This package further enhances the Golf R with more stylish wheels, a dedicated Nurburgring driving profile, and a larger rear spoiler, amplifying both its performance and visual appeal.
Even before engaging Drift Mode, the 2021 Golf R exhibits a dramatically different dynamic character compared to its predecessor. The previous generation’s inherent tendency towards “traction, traction, traction, and then understeer” has been completely eradicated. The front end grip is phenomenal, and depending on the corner’s nature and the driver’s throttle input, inducing power oversteer becomes genuinely achievable.
While these are typically subtle slides, quickly and effectively managed by the intelligent all-wheel-drive system without demanding opposite lock, the potential for more pronounced drifts is there. Unleashing truly lurid slides would require deliberate provocation and ample space to maneuver, but the shift in handling philosophy is undeniable.
This newfound willingness to rotate fundamentally alters the on-road feel of the Golf R. Crucially, when the rear end does step out slightly, it does so in a remarkably natural and progressive manner. It avoids the artificial or contrived sensation sometimes encountered in rivals like the Ford Focus RS or Mercedes-AMG A45, where the drift experience can feel somewhat forced or unnatural.
The positive attributes extend beyond handling. The steering, while still lacking in ultimate feedback, is commendably fast, predictable, and significantly better weighted than many other performance-oriented vehicles within the Volkswagen Group. The adaptive damping system demonstrates excellent real-world calibration across its various modes. For drivers seeking granular control, the touchscreen interface offers an impressive 15 levels of damper firmness adjustability via a slider. While such digital complexity might initially seem excessive, experimenting with settings beyond “comfort” reveals a tangible improvement in ride quality tailored to varying road surfaces.
For spirited driving, “Race” mode is the optimal setting, ideally paired with the Electronic Stability Program (ESP) set to “Sport” or completely deactivated. This configuration sharpens the throttle response of the turbocharged inline-four engine and allows the rear end to exhibit a more playful character. Leaving the ESP in its standard setting tends to prematurely curtail the fun, intervening earlier to maintain stability.
The heart of the 2021 Golf R is the refined EA888 ‘evo 4’ engine, producing a robust 316bhp and 310lb ft of torque. This translates to a brisk 0-62mph acceleration time of just 4.7 seconds. Equipping the Performance Pack further elevates the top speed from 155mph to a claimed 168mph. While subjectively fast, the performance might not feel overwhelmingly breathtaking in today’s high-performance landscape. A particulate filter, designed to reduce emissions, unfortunately mutes the exhaust note somewhat, potentially diminishing the perceived value of the optional £3100 Akrapovic titanium exhaust system. However, satisfying pops and crackles can still be elicited from the exhaust during spirited driving.
The seven-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox proves to be a well-suited partner for the engine’s characteristics. The absence of a manual transmission option is not keenly felt, as the DSG delivers rapid upshifts and generally responds promptly to downshift commands. However, the transmission’s insistence on automatically upshifting at the rev limiter, even in manual mode, is a minor drawback for purists seeking complete control.
The much-hyped “Drift” profile warrants further exploration. Initial impressions suggest it noticeably loosens the rear end, although not dramatically so. It also appears to sharpen throttle response, presumably to facilitate more aggressive weight transfer for initiating slides. However, the steering feel in Drift mode becomes somewhat unusual. A comprehensive assessment of Drift Mode necessitates a more controlled environment and dedicated testing time. In its current iteration, it arguably leans towards being a novelty feature rather than a truly essential performance enhancement.
Fortunately, Drift Mode is easily ignored if desired. Less avoidable are the ergonomic and technological shortcomings inherited from the standard Golf 8. The Golf 7 excelled in user-friendliness, boasting intuitive control layouts, robust build quality, and infotainment systems that were functional and frustration-free. The Golf 8, however, represents a significant step backward in these areas.
Physical climate controls have been eliminated, with most functions relegated to a fiddly and sluggish infotainment touchscreen. While temperature shortcuts are present, they reside on a flat, touch-sensitive bar beneath the screen, demanding the driver’s attention to be diverted from the road. Despite efforts to declutter the dashboard, the placement of the air vents appears unconventional and potentially less effective. Furthermore, the overall interior ambiance lacks the premium feel that characterized the previous Golf R generation.
Perhaps the most concerning issue is the recurrence of a cruise control software glitch previously encountered in the VW ID.3. This malfunction causes the Golf R to occasionally misinterpret speed limit signs, leading to unexpected and potentially hazardous braking. For instance, a 50mph sign might be misinterpreted as 50kmh, causing the car to abruptly decelerate to 31mph. Erroneous “110” speed limit displays and instances of the car braking for traffic in adjacent lanes further compound the problem.
While Volkswagen acknowledged this issue during the ID.3’s launch and indicated a fix was underway, clarification regarding its prevalence in the Golf R and the availability of a resolution remains pending. These software anomalies, coupled with the underwhelming infotainment system, detract from the seamless and polished ownership experience traditionally associated with the Golf brand. They impart a sense of rushed development and incomplete refinement.
This is particularly relevant because the enduring appeal of the Golf has always been its ability to seamlessly integrate into daily life with minimal compromise. This shift in user experience makes recommending the new GTI over its rivals slightly more challenging, as its driving dynamics remain relatively similar to its predecessor.
However, the 2021 Golf R distinguishes itself significantly from the previous generation. It has evolved into a hot hatch specifically tailored for drivers who prioritize cornering prowess and driver engagement. Despite a slight power deficit compared to competitors like the Mercedes-AMG A45, the Golf R presents a compelling alternative. For those willing to overlook the frustrating infotainment system, the 2021 Golf R delivers an exhilarating and dynamically rewarding driving experience.
2021 VW Golf R Key Specifications
Engine: EA888 inline-four turbo
Power: 316bhp
Torque: 310lb ft
0-62mph: 4.7 seconds
Top speed: 168mph
Price: £39,295 (plus £2000 Performance Package)
