Photo: Volkswagen
Volkswagen of America has just announced that the all-new Golf R hot hatch will arrive in dealerships for the price of $36,595 plus $820 for the destination. This statement was made from the sidelines of the Los Angeles Auto Show, where a wagon version of that car is making its global debut, and is accompanied by details regarding what you get for that much money.
For now, all Golf Rs will be sold with a DSG gearbox, which ensures 0 to 62mph sprints take only 4.9 seconds. A Haldex all-wheel drive system ensures power from the 292 hp 2-liter turbo engine can be distributed to all the wheels. Thanks to 36 hp and 37 lb-ft more than the previous R, this is now the fastest Volkswagen ever made, not that it counts for much in America.
Volkswagen will also sell a better equipped Golf R with DCC and navigation at $39,090 (before delivery).
For example, you could visit an Audi dealership and walk out… or rather drive out with the new S3 for $41,100. It has the same 2-liter engine, the same all-wheel drive, the same gearbox and even hatchback fans will agree the sedan body looks better.
But the really big problem here is the 305 horsepower Subaru WRX STI. For $38,495, you can get a full-spec STI Limited. It's got navigation, more power and a traditional stick-shift gearbox.
Still, there's something about the Golf R that nobody else has, something that speaks to the boy racer inside of everybody. The first 500 models are available for pre-order and we can't wait to see them on the streets.
Volkswagen will also sell a better equipped Golf R with DCC and navigation at $39,090 (before delivery).
Will anybody ever pay $40,000 for a Golf?
Judging by their recent sales numbers, American buyers are more keen to step into a GTI than they are a regular Golf, so the R should do well. However, we still think it might be a bit too much, especially considering the market is a lot more competitive right now than a couple of years ago.For example, you could visit an Audi dealership and walk out… or rather drive out with the new S3 for $41,100. It has the same 2-liter engine, the same all-wheel drive, the same gearbox and even hatchback fans will agree the sedan body looks better.
But the really big problem here is the 305 horsepower Subaru WRX STI. For $38,495, you can get a full-spec STI Limited. It's got navigation, more power and a traditional stick-shift gearbox.
Still, there's something about the Golf R that nobody else has, something that speaks to the boy racer inside of everybody. The first 500 models are available for pre-order and we can't wait to see them on the streets.
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