VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R

Yes Volkswagen!!

The previous generation Golf R was one of the most popular cars in the BOTB competition and with good reason – the perfect combination of all-weather performance, practicality, subtle looks and VW build quality meant it was the performance hot hatch that everyone wanted.

But then VW introduced the Golf Mk8 and there was no R – until now! The Golf R is back and brings everything the old car did, and more.

So firstly, the 2.0 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder engine now has 316bhp and 420Nm, meaning the 0-62mph time has dropped to 4.7 seconds. The power still goes to all four wheels but now it has the 7-spd DSG gearbox as standard.

But it’s the oily (and electronic) bits that have seen the biggest change – there’s a new torque vectoring system for the AWD setup, more camber on the front wheels, stiffer spring rates all round, quicker steering, lighter and more powerful brakes and there’s even a Drift Mode that puts most of the power to the rear wheels.

The best has just got better!