VW GOLF R

THE ONE THAT DOES IT ALL

Text and Photos: Reinis Babrovskis

Whilst the new car sales market is dominated by the “R Driver warrior”, the mighty Fiesta (the most sold car in UK in 2019) as well as random SUVs for their all-important school/church, we - the big kids are only interested in one thing (*well there is another but I shall not mention that) - sports cars. Nothing screams more than a boy racer than a well pimped-out sports hatchback. It attracts more attention than a girl with striking curvy lines at the shop queue. And when we talk about sports hatchbacks, clearly we all agree the one that comes to our mind first is the mighty VW Golf.

* The other thing us men are interested was Xbox if you wondered

#CAROFTHEPEOPLE

For 45 years the Golf GTI has been bringing fun to the masses; the quintessential do-it-all family car with a bit of a rebellious streak has been the crown favourite. It really is the thinking man’s hot hatch. With over 35 million golfs sold since its launch back in 1974, it equates to a brand new VW Golf being sold every 41 second. To put that into perspective - 1 or 2 new Golfs have sold since you started reading this article! Volkswagen has stuck to the classic: “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” attitude. Performance Golfs are like the 911 of the hot hatch world, they don’t make any big leaps forward between generations, they just have to subtly evolve and make small tweaks, and hence why it is so difficult for many to choose anything other than a fast Golf.

However 18 years ago VW decided to add a bit of chillies to the grandma’s recipe, result: …

#RISFORRACING

What happens when you take the undisputed lightweight heavyweight champion, Golf GTI and add more power and a 4WD system to it? You end up with the Golf R. First R series Golf was launched back in 2002, and immediately became a head turner and was highly sought after by true Volkswagen enthusiasts and motoring journalists. Named after the naturally aspirated 3.2 litre V6 petrol engine the Mk.IV VW Golf R32 was the start of something special.

Fast forward 18 years and ta-da – we have VW Golf R 7.5. Designed by the utterly talented Volkswagen’s chief designer Walter de’Silva, the MK7 was debuted at the September 2012 Paris Motorshow, before facelifted in 2017 with the MK7.5 model. Now powered by a 2.0l forced induction engine the mighty car of the people produces 300hp and 400Nm of torque. Alongside the 7-speed dual clutch DSG gearbox and the 4wd technology it is capable of accelerating to 60mph from a standstill in a mere 4.9 seconds (which if you ask me puts it alongside the rallying icons like Subaru Impreza WRX STI and Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution).

#BUSINESSATDAYFUNATWEEKEND

However, don’t be fooled. Whilst the rally purpose built beasts excelled at one thing, they lacked a bit in others. The Golf R was always designed as the one that does it all and whereas in most occasions this formula means – it does f**k all, with the Golf R this is actually untrue. The VW Golf R is a very capable car on track as many motorsport and Nurburgring records will demonstrate.

To further improve the already mighty capable R, Mark opted for the Racingline lowering springs, thus lowering the centre of gravity of the car and reducing the body roll in the car, giving it a much more planted feel when driving, whilst also improving the aesthetics of the car.

When you take it out of race mode, suddenly this car becomes a magnificent daily with all the technology features one would want as you expect from a German engineered car. The ride is very smooth, comfortable and the car is as spacious (yes they did think of the poorer Golfers). It really has a well-balanced formula that will satisfy the majority of car enthusiasts.

#NICELEASECARBRO

Now to address the “elephant in the room”, the Golf R’s greatest success is also its biggest downfall, aka - the sheer amount of them on the road. Whilst it could be heavily down to the pure success of the car, it also comes thanks to the wonderful finance and lease schemes VW offered. There were once some very competitive lease deals to be had and Golf R’s were leaving UK showrooms as fast as toilet papers in Tescos did during the Covid-19 outbreak.

To some this may have completely ruined the image of this wonderful car. Luckily for Mark though it didn’t; he had his heart set on a Golf R 7.5 and he did what a lot of us dream to do - spec and purchase a brand new car from factory with the exact spec he wanted. Mark’s Golf R is undoubtedly one of the highest spec Golf Rs ever to leave Wolfsburg.

#DASWELTAUTO

VW has been around the globe for a very long time providing enjoyable travel via their production vehicles; however, it also has placed a massive imprint on the global motorsport scene. From Pikes Peak record to Dakar Rally victories, rallycross records to WRC 4 Championship titles. VW has been unstoppable behind the wheels of many legendary drivers.

Racingline is a Tier 1 Partner to the Volkswagen Group, initially founded by Volkswagen. They have worked closely with the Volkswagen to deliver the Volkswagen Racing Program since 1997. Through this partnership they have migrated into supplying OEM+ parts to the performance cars in the Volkswagen Audi Group Range.

Over the last two decades Racingline has run the Volkswagen Motorsport Program, they have built and run some incredible competition cars, competing in the premier levels of race and rally on behalf of the manufacturer around the globe. This experience led Racingline to develop performance parts and software for use on the production cars. This partnership with Volkswagen and the R&D which goes into these products gives a huge reassurance to their Customers such as Mark. The list of Racingline parts Mark has invested in is huge.

#EXTERIOR

There are two ways to piss of a VW Golf R owner:

1) As discussed before – just say to them nice lease car bro! and;

2) If it has a rare and expensive colour make sure you mention “my friend has a white one too”

For the love of… it is not white. Mark’s VW Golf R is finished in one of the rarest colours found on the R - Oryx White Mother of Pearl* (*fancy term for white). What also makes it that extra special is the amount of doors on it: Mark’s Golf R was one of the last 3-door models which rolled of the line in Wolfsburg since Volkswagen announced they would be discontinuing the 3-door range, making it incredibly unique.

As soon as Mark got the message the car has landed in Northern Ireland, being a fussy bastard as he is, he made sure that the VW Golf R left the showroom with every single piece of protecting plastic wrap on the car and went straight to “PMG Autocare” in Belfast where it got treated to a Gtechniq Crystal Serum Ultra Ceramic Coating. This was to make sure that the pearl paint would pop in the sunlight as much as a well glittered exotic dancer at an entertainment house for years to come.

The subtle mods Mark has done over the year of ownership collectively make a massive impact on the overall aesthetics of an already beautiful Golf R. Mark has added a range of parts to exaggerate the aggressive lines of the car, including a Rieger front Splitter, Maxton Design Side Skirts and a genuine GTI TCR lip spoiler along some dechroming work and a must-do for every hatchback: a rear wiper delete. Combining the aggressive styling with the shear amount of white and black, is it any wonder the car is often nicknamed the Storm Trooper!

#INTERIOR

As you would expect from German engineering, the inside of the R is loaded with technology - digital cockpit, high beam assist, reversing camera, sunroof, winter pack, adaptive cruise control, infotainment system; it’s like Playstation on wheels. It was one of the biggest selling points of this sports hatchback over competition for Mark.

Being a millennial child Mark also couldn’t accept this car without a great audio system and made sure the Golf R came with the upgraded 400W Dynaudio Excite Pack, delivering crystal clear audio and punching a very powerful bass. To further enhance this dynamat was installed throughout the car.

The lack of ability to customise and spec the previous generations Performance Golf Recaro seats was probably one of the major disappointments with the 7.5 Golf R. Mark; therefore, took it upon himself to source a set of fully heated Wingback Recaros. To stick with the OEM+ look, they were retrimmed in genuine Volkswagen materials: half cloth/half leather with alcantara backs. Mark travelled across the pond to collect these himself and didn’t wait long until they were glamorously sitting inside his R. The seats act not only as a great finishing touch on the aesthetics but also provide you with amazing “hug” when doing an adrenaline-filled journey on some of the finest backroads Northern Ireland has to offer.

The standard DSG paddles bolted onto the steering from factory were replaced by beautiful Racingline paddle shifters, making every gear change feel like you’re qualifying for the Nürburgring GP.

#CARBONEVERYTHING

Some men have fetish for tights, some love cakes; us, boy racers crave the carbon. Who doesn’t love it and it can never be enough... Mark’s most recent addition to the car - a Racingline carbon rear brace is not only an eye candy, but also completely tightens the rear end while driving, thus removing any flex or body roll the car may experience throughout the corners. It remains fully functional with the seats both either folded up or down; however, let’s be honest who will hide such a beautiful part.

#WHEELSANDTIRES

The factory upgraded optional extra 19” Pretoria Alloys are perfect for the Golf R; to further highlight them an anthracite respray job was on the list. Pretorias are wrapped in the sticky Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymetric tires, giving Mark the confidence to know he can use all the power he needs through any corner. To ensure the 19” wheels fill the arches, Mark installed H&R rear wheel spacers and opted for a small tire stretch, giving the R a perfect stance.

Having soon realised the brakes could do with a bit more of a bite, the Performance Pack brake upgrade (the same as one would find in the GTI Clubsport) was purchased and installed. This pack features drilled discs with a silver backing plate on the calliper to really catch your eye.

#ENGINEANDTRANSMISSION

Fun fact : VW Golf R in fact is actually powered by an Audi power unit. The famous 2.0 litre petrol TSI inline-four engine, code name EA888 was originally designed by the Audi; however, presently it is fully utilised across the whole VW/Audi range. The four cylinder engine found in the Golf R produces mighty impressive 300hp. Compared to the GTI’s EA888 Golf R engine it has a modified cylinder head, exhaust valves and valve seats/springs, as well as pistons, injection valves and larger turbocharger and intercooler. Even though this may not be the best sounding engine from factory, VW soon realised that and offered an alternative Akrapovic system. Mark; however, opted for a Milltek exhaust system, as well as Racingline R600 induction kit, turbo muffler delete, high flow turbo elbow, silicone turbo inlet pipe and an R600 coolant relocation underhose. There is simply no better hardware on the market to let your engine breath. Mark’s R now resembles a pissed off Darth Vader breathing down your neck.

The engine is a true testimony to German engineering skills and produces astonishing power and torque. The engine is tuned for eco or sport or full race driving modes and in the puppy mode will be as sensible, economical and daily-friendly as any other modern hatchback; however, when you let the fat lady sing in the full race spec my word this car performs. Heavy touch on the right foot and the throttle response is instantaneous. The Golf R will reach 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds in stock and with a bit of work it will go down drastically.

From late 2018, many cars have had to be fitted with a PPF (Petrol Particulate Filter) in the exhaust system to meet the EU regulations and help reduce the emissions from the vehicle. This PPF acts like a DPF in a diesel, burning off unwanted soot from the exhaust and releasing less harmful emissions back into the atmosphere. Sadly, with a PPF comes a lot of restrictions in the noise from the exhaust. Luckily, Mark got his hands on one of the first Milltek PPF-Back Exhaust Systems. He has finished it with the Milltek Polished Oval Tips to really give the car the OEM+ look. I can assure the noise of this car is something else, pops, bangs and farts all day long!

#RESUME

There is a huge variety of performance hatchbacks on the market – Civic, Hyundai, Bmw, Mercedes-Benz etc, yet none of them are as popular as the mighty “car of the people” aka Das Welt Auto...I think that says a lot if you’re wondering if this is the car for you.