Shereen Shabnam
Walking to a social event organised by Volkswagen Middle East recently, my heart skipped a beat. Position in the corner of the room was the all-new Golf R in the same colour as my first car which eventually saved my life when a driver crossed a red light and hit my precious blue drive partner. If there is one thing everyone loves about the Volkswagen Golf, it is the fast performance and quick response of the car.
Now this ultimate performer, the all-new Golf R has arrived in the Middle East and delivers sheer power as we found out later when testing the car at the Dubai Autodrome. The sports-tuned suspension and 4MOTION all-wheel drive of the Golf R ensures the driver both control and comfort.
With a robust 2.0-litre 320 HP TSI petrol engine, the all-new Golf R releases power exactly when and where you need it. The all-new Golf R is not only an elite member of the model series but also the star of the R-brand. Ithas 235 kW / 320 HP making it capable of accelerating to 100km/h in a mere 4.8 seconds.
According to Victor Dalmau, Managing Director of Volkswagen Middle East, the Golf R is Volkswagen’s top performance model and the elite member of the R-Brand and this latest edition unites speed, precision and power achieveing a driving experience like never before.
The all-new Golf R is an unmistakable icon fully loaded with performance features, an exclusive design and equipment, and represents its class’s gold standard of technology. In addition, the all-new Golf R is the first Golf to be launched with a new all-wheel drive system: 4MOTION with R-Performance Torque Vectoring and selective wheel torque control on the rear axle.
This innovative drive significantly increases the agility of the new Golf R, particularly when cornering. As a result, drivers will get precise and neutral handling, optimum traction characteristics and exceptional agility. In other words: maximum driving pleasure. Distinctive exterior features of the new Golf R model include; matt chrome mirrors and R logo floor projection when the car door is opened and closed.
Inside the Golf R, updates include the customised and enhanced premium sports seats, a new specially designed ergonomic DSG, and an R button that allows quick access to different driving modes. In addition, the Golf R is equipped with the latest technology, including a 10-inch infotainment system and digital cockpit, which has been updated for the Golf R.
The new Golf R can also be ordered with an optional Performance Package. The R Performance Package includes a larger, prominent rear spoiler for extra downforce on the rear axle, 19-inch wheels in the Estoril design (also available in complete black finish), and two additional driving profiles, “Special” (Nürburgring mode) and “Drift”.
The driving profile selection can be rapidly accessed by pressing the R button on the steering wheel. In addition to this, you can have the adaptive chassis control as an optional feature, and for the first time in the Middle East region, the new Golf R also offers an optional Akrapovic titanium exhaust system, which is seven kilograms lighter than the standard system and controls the engine sound.
Even though our drive at the Autodrome was brief, it is safe to say that the Golf R is a car made for everyone who strives for more power and performace on the road, while still be assured that they are fully in control and can easily adapt to all drive situations.
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