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Yes, this is a review of a gearbox, but the rationale for this is twofold.
Firstly, it allows us to spend more time behind the wheel of the new Mk7.5 Golf R, which David Morley recently discovered (October 2017) is A Very Good Thing.
Secondly, it’s all too easy to say the manual is the true enthusiast’s choice, but in these times of launch control and super-slick self-shifting gearboxes, is that still the case?
On the road, this shortfall matters not a jot. The revised EA888 – new injectors, variable cam lift and an electronically controlled turbo wastegate – now makes 213kW/380Nm; this is 8kW down on Euro cars due to Australia’s ‘hot climate’ but you won’t miss them, as this boosted four delivers masses of shove regardless of where the (now digital) needle is on the tacho.
The clutch is light, pedals well-spaced for heel-and-toe work and if you fluff it and stall simply jab the clutch pedal again and the engine automatically re-fires. Further benefits of the manual version include a 21kg weight saving, though some of that will be negated by the extra $2500 in your pocket.
It’s not as raw or playful as a Focus RS, but it’s only too willing to move its rear mid-corner, allowing you to play with the balance constantly. The all-wheel drive traction and ability to eliminate electronic interference (unlike in the front-drive GTI) makes it a more rewarding car to drive hard, yet it retains a level of refinement that nothing in its segment can approach.
And yes, unless you spend your life in gridlock hell we’d take the manual. Golf R? It should be called the Golf Goldilocks.
4.5 stars out of 5 Likes: Monster engine; great chassis Dislikes: Not much… a little lacking in aggro?
2017 Volkswagen Golf R manual specs: Engine: 1984cc inline-4cyl, DOHC, 16v, turbo Power: 213kW @ 5400-6500rpm Torque: 380Nm @ 1850-5300rpm Weight: 1429kg 0-100km/h: 5.2sec (claimed) Price: $52,990
