VW Golf R Review

The 2016 Volkswagen Golf R, or VW Golf R is the hottest hatch in the VW stable. It has more power than the VW GTI and standard AWD or all wheel drive. This Golf R is sold with a manual or DSG and has 292hp and 280lb.-ft of torque. The Golf R shares the same platform, engine and AWD system with the more expensive Audi S3. With seating for 5-passnegers and a practical hatchback design, the Golf R is a real value in the hot hatch market.

Competitors to the S3 are the Mercedes CLA, Audi S4, BMW 2 Series, BMW 3 Series, Acura TLX, Acura TL, Lexus IS, Infiniti Q50, Volvo S60, Volvo V60, Cadillac ATS, Cadillac CTS, Mercedes C-Class, Subaru WRX, VW Golf R, Volkswagen Golf R and the BMW X1.

Zack Spencer
Zach Spencer
Canadian Car Review
Motormouth Canada

[mohawkc]

I wanted one of these a few weeks ago but went with the S3 instead. If I wanted one of these in my colour etc I'd have to factory order it which would have put me in early 2016. This R has no moonroof but may be available now. Who knows. I love my S3 and am happy I went with it. Keep up the great work Zack.

[miklar]

Wow, in North Vancouver the R is $15K more than the GTI high end!!???

[JoJoJoker]

Thanks for being the voice of reason. The majority of reviews hound this car on price. Option-for-option the GTI, Golf R and Audi S3 sit about $5, 000 apart. A loaded GTI or S3 is quite pricey but it they get a sunroof, which is the biggest reason I won't buy an R.

[MarioDallaRiva]

Great fun, Zack!
What a hoot being with Carpentier too. 👍🏻

[MrFrozenCanuck]

Calabogie has an awesome track Did laps there in one of their race prepared mustangs.

[MechRider]

I'm thinking more and more I should have got the golf R instead of the GTI....awd's been my go to for fun and snow driving for years...

[paulfairchild]

Great video as always. Wonder if the Golf R400/R420 will be coming to Canada!!!

[kimandrews]

Was that Patrick Carpentier?.. you said it as i was typing

[ThreeSixFour]

Zach you have good taste in watches as well, I saw a Submariner in your previous videos... could not make out what you have in this one but looked like a Omega Speedmaster man on moon? I have a Tudor Blackbay diver / Speedmaster combo as well.

[brilliantradience]

They sell Golf R coupes in Canada? can I buy one and import it to the US?.

[joinsouthwest]

Hey Zack, do you know if 2017 version would have sunroof? Thanks a million!!

[williamk]

Getting my Lapiz Blue DSG Tech Pack next week in BC, Canada.  Thanks for the review Zack!

[rickb.]

Hey Zack,
quick Q. I am in toronto and this car is sold out everywhere... will all dealers quote approx. what you said "just under 40K" after order fees?

[venom]

The guy at the beginning is clearly Johnny Depp's biggest fan:)

[dripper]

Wow been a long since I saw Patrick!!!

[hiroshimikimoto]

OMG!!!! Why is that cable coming out of Carpetier's private area????

[supercooled]

No sunroof in Canada? What's wrong with you, VW Canada?

[cyrus]

ehem!!! so where is the review? because that is not

[carlover]

This is not a review. This a test drive on a track.

Where's the thoroughndtetaailed walk through of the exterior, interior, engine bay, changes from last year, price, etc...?

[Pipsicle]

Absolutely outrageous that you pay a third less for it in Canada than we do in Europe and that's where it's from! Volkswagen really is pushing its luck with its home market.