Volkswagen Golf R 2018 review - the best all-round performance car?

The Volkswagen Golf R. On the face of it, £33,000 seems like a lot of money for a family hatchback - so what makes this one so special? I find out in this carwow in-depth review.





Read our full Volkswagen Golf R review –

Volkswagen Golf infotainment and interior review –

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[Matt_BGW]

I love my Golf R but for anyone considering getting one, I have had 3 attempted burglaries of my car in the 3 months I've owned it. I love the drive but I'm sick of the stress of owning it

[tomgray]

that colour and wheel combo looks amazing

[lukasbauer]

Got a good deal for the used Golf R last week. Bought it instantly! Still under warranty. Drives like a mini sport car!

[stevieh]

I’ve had more R on a 3 year lease. It’s been a dream. And I’m dreading collection day. Furiously fast if need be. Then do the school run.

[AbdurRahman-ioln]

Matt does the best reviews, top reviewer. Keep up the good work.

[oliverthemog]

I've owned both the GTI and R. One thing I rarely see any review pick up on is just how less of a turning circle one has with the R. Turning into a tight parking space for the first time in the R was a bit embarrassing. Both are lovely though.

[scorpiollama]

I've got the golf R 2ltr DSG petrol 19 plate. It does 0-60 in 4.3 seconds it's the best car I've ever had. The boot i would say is alot smaller than the regular golf though. It's a very fun drive if you get on the motorway alot. Pointless buy if just driving to work.

[jonessenoj]

0-60 in 4.5 secs that's only 1.5 secs off a super car....!!! Let that sink in...this car can carry a family...go to the local tip ! And even in snow it can get you home? For the money you simply can not beat it !

[AreaofInterestTV]

*Noooo* .... Old style of your video is much better... with that top 5 things and all... ☹

[byep]

Who on earth has the audacity to dislike a Mat Watson video? Shame on all of you !!!

[lexellagames]

Matt these are some car reviews I would like to see Toyota Yaris, Ford Galaxy, Skoda Karoq, Mercedes-Benz GLC coupe, Seat Arona, Nissan Juke, Renault Captur, Nissan Navara, Vauxhall Mokka x, Vauxhall Grandland X, Kia Picanto, Kia Stonic, Renault Kangoo, Citroën Berlingo, Vauxhall Crossland X, Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Baleno, Hyundai Kona, Renault Megane Sport Tourer, Mercedes-Benz V Class, Vauxhall Safira, BMW 6 Series GT, Infiniti Q60, Fiat Tipo, Fiat 500, Fiat 500L, Fiat 500X, Porsche Panamera, Toyota Avensis Sports Tourer, Maserati Levante, SsangYong Tivoli XLV, MG ZS, Mandarin CX-5, Mazda MX-5, Kia Rio, Ford Ka+, Fiat 124 Spider, Dacia Sandero, Dacia Logan, Bentley Continental GT, Bentley Mulsanne, Ford B-Max, Suzuki Jimny, Renault Koleos, Lexus RC Coupe, Infiniti QX30, Kia Sorento, Citroën C3 Aircross, Citroën DS 3, Citroën DS 5, Peugeot Bipper Tepee, Seat Alhambra, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Volskwagan Amarok, Vauxhall Viva, Vauxhall Adam, Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, Honda Jazz, Honda NSX, Isuzu D-Max, Lotus Elise, Lotus Exige, Lotus Evora, Alfa Romeo MiTo, Mitsubishi Eslispe

[kevink]

I just bought a 2018 Golf R in Lapiz Blue....Love it!!! My is 6 spd manual ( I’m old school). Lol. I agreed...plenty of room in the petals for those of us tall big footers!! Awesome review.!! New to the channel...big hello from 🇨🇦

[MrAndrew]

As a long term proposition I’d have the R any day- can’t stand Honda styling.

[vishwav]

So.. In Considering, shortlisting and Buying terms, are you hinting us to just go ahead and buy this Mat?

[nikitasmirnov]

Ye my dad has a golf r stage 2 miltek exhaust and our gearbox is automtic and stage 2 is making 0-100 in 3.4 seconds

[Pete.R]

Been thinking long and hard whether to 'upgrade' my Golf 7.5R manual 3 door to a Golf 8R, and been looking back at some of the older reviews of the Golf 7.5R including yours - my car is also lapiz blue but with the silver cadiz alloys and mirror caps. . . .for me it would be too much of a sacrifice and have decided to keep my Golf 7.5R and have a subtle refresh with some gloss black pretoria alloys and mirror caps inspired by your video. . . . cheers Matt and all the best for 2021 👍

[kirbster]

I want to see how the manual and automatic Golf R's do against each other and a Focus RS.

[Tenths]

Had the joy of filming a Mk7 Golf R wagon recently, proper pocket rocket!

[longtailgt]

This car looks insanely good! Especially in this spec. Way better than S3 and Civic Type R. Would have this in a heartbeat!

[vladc]

This is amazing. The Golf R with the DSG does 0-62 in 4.6 SEC.