Review: 2016 Volkswagen Golf R, the R is for rocket

The Golf R is a gem – and a versatile one, too. Whether stop-and-go driving on city streets, stretching its legs on four-lane highways, rocketing through twisty roads or pushing the limits on a purpose-built racetrack, this car adapts equally well and handles the shift with style.

All these road types were experienced on a 60-minute drive from a test starting point at the tony Brookstreet Hotel to Calabogie Motorsport Park about 100 kilometres west of Ottawa. There Volkswagen made the 13-turn, 2.81-km East Track available for lapping, with former IndyCar and NASCAR driver, turned RDS television commentator, Patrick Carpentier as hall monitor.

At the tight Calabogie track with a couple of good straights, the Golf R tossed off its commuter hatchback exterior and showed that it can run with the thoroughbreds.

The car comes with either a six-speed manual or dual clutch automatic gearbox, both of which performed well on the twisty track. The manual was smooth and clean, while the paddle-equipped automatic responded with lightning quick shifts, both up and down, and allowed for the added fun of left-foot braking.

With Carpentier leading the action, the car never got out of fourth gear, but it was plenty of speed to test the car's cornering and accelerating abilities, without pushing things to far.

The 292-horsepower under the hood gives the Golf R ample kick, and the turbo's torque offers loads of grunt when stomping on the throttle at the apex. The all-wheel drive delivers plenty of traction, although the ultra-grippy surface of the Calabogie track made it tough to determine whether it or the asphalt was the reason for the quick corner exits.

The same goes for the Golf R's cornering ability, which was enhanced by the abrasive tarmac; nevertheless, it was clear that the car's adaptive chassis control's stiffer and more responsive race mode would get the blood pumping on any track, and most roads, too.

All of the fun is standard equipment with the Golf R, which has only one option – a "technology package" that includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot detection with cross traffic alert, and lane assist as well as an upgrade of the entertainment centre to an eight-inch touchscreen.

You'll like this car if ... You want a good-looking, loaded-with-extras, four-door car that's fun to drive even when its carrying five people (comfortably) – but still sets your heart racing when you see curves ahead on an open road.

TECH SPECS

• Base price: $39,995
• Engine: 2.0-litre turbocharged
• 16-valve inline four-cylinder
• Transmission: Six-speed manual or six-speed automatic
• Fuel economy (litres/100 km): 10.9 city; 7.7 highway
• Drive: All-wheel drive
• Alternatives: Subaru WRX STI, Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution

RATINGS

• Looks: The Golf R keeps the same basic look as its predecessors, but with a more slippery look and clean lines, plus a wide variety of paint options.
• Interior: There’s plenty of room inside and its ride is surprisingly smooth when the suspension is switched to comfort mode. The cars oozes refinement and attention to detail.
• Performance: The Golf R’s turbocharged engine certainly gets the blood flowing, and the chassis delivers precise handling and feel. If you want some hair standing on end, switch to race mode and stomp on the throttle.
• Technology: The Golf R comes loaded with extras including smartphone integration, Bluetooth with voice control, a touchscreen entertainment and navigation system, and keyless access and start button.
• Cargo: The Golf R has 60/40 split folding rear seats with the hatchback, and good cargo space.

The verdict

8.5

Volkswagen has hit a home run with this car.

Former Canadian race car driver Patrick Carpentier takes a lap in a Golf R of Calabogie Motorsports Park near Ottawa:

The writer was a guest of the auto maker. Content was not subject to approval.

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