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There’s something inherently right about a 2.0-litre petrol turbo driving all four corners, and the Golf R wagon Wolfsburg Edition finesses the formula better than most.
WHAT IS IT? A well-equipped wagon version of the multitalented Volkswagen Golf R, for those who don’t pack light and need an all-weather heavy hitter.
WHY WE’RE TESTING IT We’ve previously sampled the Golf R wagon at its international launch. Now we get to drive the full-fruit version that Volkswagen Australia hopes will separate us from $59 grand of hard-earned.
THE WHEELS VERDICT The extravagantly talented Golf R wagon Wolfsburg Edition could easily carry an $80,000 sticker price if it wore Audi rings. So at less than $60k with no real need to add options, this 206kW light load lugger emphatically delivers. Capability, desirability, and charisma? Yep, yep and yep.
PLUS: Soundtrack, composure, torque, build quality MINUS: DSG software calibration, we don’t get as much power as the Euros
Naturally, Volkswagen will attempt to sell you the benefits of the wagon’s 605 litres of luggage space with the seats in place and 1620 with them folded, but that’s the secondary attraction here. Enthusiasts will enjoy the added emotional capital that’s built into the Golf R wagon. Its 74kg weight penalty tacks two tenths to the sprint through 100km/h, but 5.2 seconds isn’t exactly the response of a darted sloth.
The progressive steering system is one of the more natural-feeling examples of its ilk, but a little more heft when it’s loaded up mid-corner wouldn’t go amiss. The ride, however, is perfectly judged: firm enough to instil confidence yet never lapsing into harshness. The body control of a tectonic plate allows you to dial up the pace without terrifying your passengers.
SPECS Model: Volkswagen Golf R wagon Wolfsburg Edition Engine: 1984cc, 4cyl turbo, dohc 16v Max power: 206kW @ 5100rpm Max torque: 380Nm @ 1800-5100rpm Transmission: 6-speed dual clutch Weight: 1509kg 0-100km/h: 5.2s Economy: 7.2L/100/km Price: $58,990 On sale: Now
Click here to read the full range review of the Volkswagen Golf
