The 2018 Golf R in Violet Touch Pearl.
Fans have coined the Golf R the ‘ultimate’ Golf. But with it’s premium price tag is this 2018 Golf R a better choice than the very capable and less expensive GTI? I get a week in this sporty hatchback and am excited to make my own decision.
The standard 19” Spielberg alloy wheels look fantastic. It is details like this that attract me to a vehicle. I was giddy like a school girl when I saw that my VW was in a gorgeous shade of purple. If you don’t already know this about me from my social media platforms, I love purple. VW calls it Violet Touch Pearl. The Golf R is available in 30 colours. For an additional $3000 you can get just about any colour you can imagine. Three shades of purple, ten shades of blue and five shades of green; just to give you an example.
A few differences in packaging and comfort features between the Golf R and the GTI. But for most people, what it will come down to is how this hatch handles on the road.
Under the hood of this car is a 2.0L turbocharged straight injection engine (TSI) that allows higher torque at lower RPMs. You can get more power and use less fuel. Two things that I love about this engine. Rated at 9.6L/100km in combined city and highway driving, you don’t have to sacrifice fun for fuel efficiency.
The R is capable of getting to 100km/hr in just under 5 seconds. Delivering 292hp and 280lb/ft of torque through a very slick 7-speed DSG transmission. The GTI comes just under these numbers with 220hp and 258 lb/ft of torque.
Dynamic Chassis Control, ESC with Sport Mode, progressive steering and sport suspension work together to deliver a light weight car that dashes confidently in all driving conditions.
The Golf R includes Volkswagens 4-Motion all wheel drive system as standard equipment. Being able to distribute the power to all four wheels as required. Making this a fun little all year round car for Canadians. The GTI comes as a front wheel drive vehicle. The Driver Assistance Package is an extra $1500. This additional cash gives you blind spot detection, adaptive cruise control, lane assist and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian warning.
The Golf R starts at $42,000. The custom paint colour and Driver Assistance Package brings the price of this specific R to just over $48,000. The GTI with Autobahn trim and the Driver Assistance Package is about $9000 less.
Both cars have ups and downs when it comes to features and options. Both are very capable and a lot of enjoyable to drive. At the end of the day, the big question remains. Do you spend your money on the Golf R or GTI. In my opinion, the extra 70hp isn’t worth it additional money. However, the numerous, unique colour choices, leather seats paired with the 4-motion AWD would all be reasons that I would consider spending my own money on this Golf R.
