Last year, we were introduced to different versions of the Volkswagen Golf - from the base variant to the GTI and more recently, a sneak preview of an electrified one, on its way to make its mark in Singapore's electric car market.
But if you are looking for more, and if the fantastic GTI isn't enough for you, it's time you meet its more muscular brother - the Volkswagen Golf R.
Developed by the very people from Volkswagen R GmbH, the Golf R is slated to be the fastest Volkswagen hatchback ever and offers a faster and more focused version of the iconic hatchback than the GTI.
Like before, the car is available in three (indent basis) or five-door versions, like the one we have here today.
Exterior
Parked among its other brethrens, the Golf R may remain well-camouflaged from afar but look closer and you will start to realise a few distinctive aspects that don't come across as overly done.
Up front, the new Golf R features a larger air intake and a revised bumper. Put these together with the dual U-shaped Bi-Xenon headlights as well as the tweaked grille with an R logo and you get a really menacing stance.
Wing mirrors decked out in matt chrome, R badges along the fenders and twin exhaust pipes further distinguish the car from its regular brethrens.
Interior
The interior of the Golf R retains the excellent layout of the seventh generation of the iconic hatchback.
Switchgear is laid out ergonomically while the 8.0-inch Discover Pro multimedia system responds intuitively, allowing the driver to focus on what the car is all about - driving.
The standard Golf's superb dash is also complemented by a glossy black centre console and carbon-look decorative trim, which is also found on the gear lever.
Leather sport seats not only provide comfortable driving position, they also grip driver and front passenger snugly without the discomfort of traditional sports seats.
The interior of the Golf R retains the excellent layout of the seventh generation of the iconic hatchback.
Switchgear is laid out ergonomically while the 8.0-inch Discover Pro multimedia system responds intuitively, allowing the driver to focus on what the car is all about - driving.
The standard Golf's superb dash is also complemented by a glossy black centre console and carbon-look decorative trim, which is also found on the gear lever.
Leather sport seats not only provide comfortable driving position, they also grip driver and front passenger snugly without the discomfort of traditional sports seats.
To help further emphasise the Golf R's status, the instrument panel features blue needles while the flat-bottomed steering wheel has been labelled with an 'R' badge.
In terms of space, the Golf R is just like the regular Golf. Head and legroom remain comfortable for occupants while boot space is more than adequate for the weekend shopping or an occasional short trip to the neighbouring country.
The Drive
Start the car up and the EA888 four-cylinder turbocharged unit, also seen in the Golf GTI as well as the Golf R's distant cousin, the S3 Sportback, rumbles to life.
On the go, there is some initial low end lag as the turbocharger spools up, but revs build quickly with an impressively smooth and hugely flexible delivery.
Being heavily reworked to produce 276bhp and 380Nm of torque, the 2.0-litre engine is a solid one with much gusto, allowing the Golf R to be the current most powerful, and fastest production Golf.
Speaking of fast, push pedal to the metal, and in five seconds, you realise you have already reached the three-digit figure zone. This century sprint timing is 1.5 seconds faster than the GTI and 0.7 seconds faster than its predecessor.
Complementing all the drama is a wonderful soundtrack from the exhaust, responding with a deep blare at every gear change from the smooth six-speed DSG transmission. The exhaust crackles on a trailing throttle, instantly heightening the appeal of the range topping Golf.
Start the car up and the EA888 four-cylinder turbocharged unit, also seen in the Golf GTI as well as the Golf R's distant cousin, the S3 Sportback, rumbles to life.
On the go, there is some initial low end lag as the turbocharger spools up, but revs build quickly with an impressively smooth and hugely flexible delivery.
Being heavily reworked to produce 276bhp and 380Nm of torque, the 2.0-litre engine is a solid one with much gusto, allowing the Golf R to be the current most powerful, and fastest production Golf.
Speaking of fast, push pedal to the metal, and in five seconds, you realise you have already reached the three-digit figure zone. This century sprint timing is 1.5 seconds faster than the GTI and 0.7 seconds faster than its predecessor.
Complementing all the drama is a wonderful soundtrack from the exhaust, responding with a deep blare at every gear change from the smooth six-speed DSG transmission. The exhaust crackles on a trailing throttle, instantly heightening the appeal of the range topping Golf.
Despite having all that performance contained in a pocket rocket, the Golf R is one machine that is easy to control. The well-weighted steering feels sharp and connected, while the feedback is nicely tactile.
And thanks to the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, the Golf R stays very well-planted, giving you that much needed confidence when tackling bends.
Volkswagen's driver profile selection system also allows you to choose from Eco, Normal, Race or the customisable Individual mode, and with Adaptive Chassis Control, damping is adjusted alongside throttle response and steering weight.
Conclusion
Despite its sporty setup, the Golf R doesn't come across as uncomfortable, and is easily one of the more pleasant hot hatches to live with on a daily basis.
And considering the fact that the Golf R can do everything the GTI can while packing more performance, it is, no doubt, the ultimate all-rounder for now.
