Volkswagen's Ultimate Golf 'Golf R' Arrives in Japan

Volkswagen Golf R

The Ultimate Golf, the Golf R, Arrives in Japan

The Volkswagen Golf R finally landed in Japan on February 20th. It's the most extreme Golf, producing a maximum output of 280ps and a peak torque of 380Nm from its 2-liter inline-4 turbo engine.

Text by HORIGUCHI Yoshihiro (OPENERS)

The Pinnacle of Golf

The newGolf Ris the top model, engineered by "Volkswagen R GmbH.," which handles Volkswagen's racing activities including WRC, based on the 7th generation Golf.Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013It was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2013. Six months later, on February 20th, it finally arrives in Japan.

Visually, it sports sporty features such as a front bumper with large air inlets, smoked LED taillights, a rear diffuser, and dual exhaust pipes on each side. Behind the 18-inch wheels fitted with low-profile 225/40 tires, you'll find black brake calipers with an R logo.

The 2.0-liter inline-4 TSI enginethe previous generation based on the Golf 6delivers 280ps, a 24ps increase over the previous generation. Peak torque has improved by 50Nm to 380Nm. Meanwhile, it incorporates the latest fuel-saving technologies like an idling stop system and brake energy recovery system, improving fuel efficiency from 12.4km/ℓ to 14.4km/ℓ.

The model introduced in Japan is right-hand drive only, equipped with a 6-speed DSG (dual-clutch) transmission. It features 4WD.

This all-wheel-drive system, unique to the Golf 7 in Japan, uses a 5th-generation Haldex coupling, with a computer constantly controlling optimal torque distribution. Furthermore, it expands upon the "XDS" system, which applies brakes to prevent wheel spin during cornering by detecting inner wheel differences, by adopting "XDS+" for dynamic control. This combination maximizes traction in both the longitudinal and lateral directions of the vehicle.

The Japanese specification Golf R comes standard with the Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), which is an optional feature in its home market.

Consequently, the Driving Profile Selection function, which allows various vehicle settings to be changed with a button, offers five modes: "Eco" for fuel efficiency, "Normal" for the most neutral setting, "Comfort" for ride comfort, "Race" for dedicated sports driving, and "Individual" for manual fine-tuning.

The suspension has been specially engineered. It is 20mm lower than the standard Golf and 5mm lower than the Golf GTI.

In addition to these driving functions, safety features such as adaptive cruise control with full-speed follow, city emergency braking, pre-crash brake system, and lane keep assist are all standard. Luxury items like the latest navigation and infotainment systems, and power leather seats are also standard.

The price in Japan is set at 5.1 million yen, including consumption tax.

OPENERS was among the first to test drive this new Golf R in Japan. We encourage you to read that report as well.

Test Drive the Ultimate Golf R of the 7th Generation