The Most Powerful Station Wagon in Golf History Arrives in Japan | Volkswagen

Volkswagen Golf R Variant | Volkswagen Golf R Variant

Volkswagen Golf R Variant Launch Edition
Volkswagen Golf R Variant Launch Edition

The Most Powerful Station Wagon in Golf History Arrives in Japan

Volkswagen Group Japan has announced the Golf R Variant, the most powerful specification of the station wagon "Golf Variant." To commemorate its launch, a limited edition "Golf R Variant Launch Edition" will also be offered, with only 100 units available. Orders for both models have now opened.

Text by YANAKA Tomomi

Golf R Variant Launch Edition Limited to 100 Units

The Golf R Variant, boasting the most powerful specifications in the history of the Golf's station wagon, was unveiled on May 16th and 17th at the "Volkswagen Fest 2015" held in Odaiba.

Like the hatchback "Golf R", it was developed by "Volkswagen R GmbH," which supports Volkswagen's sports models and WRC racing. Bearing the "R" name, Volkswagen's highest designation, it has been crafted into a sporty vehicle with a cool exterior and interior.

The powertrain features a 2-liter TSI engine, inherited from the Golf R, producing 280ps and a maximum torque of 380Nm. This is combined with a 6-speed dual-clutch DSG, the 4MOTION full-time four-wheel-drive system, and a 20mm lowered "R"-exclusive sports suspension, creating the most powerful specifications in the Golf Variant's history.

Volkswagen Golf R Variant

The Golf R Variant is also equipped with comprehensive safety features. It marks the first time in the Golf series to adopt "Blind Spot" detection for rearward blind spots, and "Rear Traffic Alert," which monitors traffic conditions behind the vehicle when reversing and automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent. It also includes the "Pre-Crash Brake System" and "Lane Keep Assist."

The exterior features R-exclusive design bumpers, a rear spoiler, and a diffuser. The interior, on the other hand, offers a sense of luxury with exclusive leather seats, while maintaining the functionality of a station wagon with cargo space that can be expanded from 602 liters to a maximum of 1,602 liters, just like the standard Golf Variant.

The limited-edition "Golf R Variant Launch Edition," with only 100 units available, comes with exclusive features such as two-tone modern gray and black Nappa leather seats and larger 19-inch alloy wheels.

Deliveries are scheduled to begin in June. The price for the Golf R Variant is 5.59 million yen, and the Launch Edition is 5.818 million yen.

Volkswagen Golf R Variant Launch Edition

Volkswagen Golf R Variant | Volkswagen Golf R Variant
Volkswagen Golf R Variant Launch Edition
Volkswagen Golf R Variant Launch Edition
Body Dimensions | Length 4,595 x Width 1,800 x Height 1,465 mm
Wheelbase | 2,635 mm
Weight | 1,560 kg
Engine | 1,984 cc Inline 4-cylinder DOHC
Maximum Output | 206 kW (280 ps) / 5,100 - 6,500 rpm
Maximum Torque | 380 Nm (38.7 kgm) / 1,800 - 5,100 rpm
Transmission | 6-speed DSG
Drivetrain | Full-time 4WD (4MOTION)
Fuel Economy (JC08 mode) | 14.2 km/ℓ
Steering | Right
Tires | R225/40R18 (Launch Edition) 235/35R19
Price | 5.59 million yen (Launch Edition) 5.818 million yen