For Europe only, this is the hot Golf Wagon we want
316 hp, AWD, space for the dog
The best version of the Volkswagen Golf-R was just revealed. But you can’t have one. It’s the Golf R Estate, with more power, improved dynamics, and more cargo space.
It’s the most powerful Golf wagon ever offered, thanks to 316 hp coming from a 2.0L turbo-four shared with the four-door version of the car. The same 4Motion all-wheel drive system sends power through a torque vectoring system to the wheels that can best handle the power, and there is a seven-speed dual-clutch box that is specific to the R models.
Like the standard Mark VIII Volkswagen Golf wagon, this one is 66 mm longer between the wheels than the hatch, with more legroom and a maximum cargo capacity of 1,642L if you load it to the gills.
That means more than enough room for a set of track wheels and tires, or, if you’re needing a home base for the weekend, this is the first R wagon that can tow. An optional hitch lets it handle up to 1,900 kg.
Of course we’re not expecting to see the R wagon here, just the standard hatch versions of it and the GTI, but that won’t stop us from dreaming about this one. Tantalizing details include a suspension lowered 20 mm, R-specific front and rear bumpers with a sports exhaust. Plus the Lapiz Blue Metallic paint that is the signature of Volkswagen’s R cars.
Inside, it will get sports seats in the front with R logo headrests. The center panels are fabric with microfleece for the inside bolsters. Volkswagen will also offer the Golf R wagon with a Nappa leather package that comes with carbon-look trim.
The one thing we don’t like, and probably the biggest reason the car won’t come here, is the price. Order books are open in Germany from tomorrow, with the car starting from 51,585 euros. Yes, that number includes tax, but it’s still more than $75,000 Canadian, and that could be a tough sell for a Volkswagen here.
