By Otsile Kadiege

Volkswagen unveiled the most potent Golf ever-made – the Golf 8.5 R facelift. The updated Golf R sports a sharper design, new hardware and software, an uprated four-cylinder engine, Extended Digital Cockpit Pro, and an exclusive Black Edition package.

Updated exterior

The updated Golf R models are clearly recognisable by their redesigned front with new LED headlights, a Volkswagen badge that is now illuminated for the first time, new air curtains in the bumper, new LED tail light clusters and the new optionally available 19-inch Warmenau forged wheels.

Updated interior

New details inside include a latest-generation infotainment system with a visually free-standing display and a new menu structure. The Digital Cockpit Pro in the versions with the Performance package has been enhanced with a new G-meter and a GPS lap timer. Despite the increased power, new-generation infotainment system, numerous improvements to the finer details and DCC adaptive chassis control system are now included at no extra cost.

Performance

Underneath the hood of the Golf 8.5 R is Volkswagen’s EA888 LK3 evo4 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection engine (TSI). It develops 245kW (10kW increase) between 5,600 and 6,500 rpm, making it the highest output of the engine tuned by Volkswagen R. The engine develops its maximum torque of 420 Nm in the engine speed range from 2,100 to 5,500 rpm. The powerplant is paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission and it sends its power to all four paws via the brand’s 4Motion AWD system.

Volkswagen claims it has a zero to 100km/h sprint time of 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 250km/h or 270 km/h with the Performance package.

Golf 8.5 R Black Edition

The Golf R Black Edition is designed to have a completely dark look and has a top speed of 270 km/h. It boasts features such as black 19-inch Estoril wheels (19-inch Warmenau forged wheel in black available as optional equipment), darkened Volkswagen badges and R logos, black R brake calipers with a dark R logo and black tailpipe trims. The new, darkened IQ.light LED matrix headlights are also standard. Its standard equipment also includes the otherwise optional Performance package; in addition to the higher top speed, it offers two additional modes for motorsport enthusiasts who also drive on tracks away from normal road traffic: Drift and Special. The latter was specifically adapted to the Nürburgring Nordschleife. Additional downforce is provided by a larger roof spoiler through which the air flow is routed. The Performance package also includes the GPS lap timer and the G-meter.

Availability

Volkswagen South Africa is yet to announce local availability.