The Volkswagen Golf isn’t as formidable a seller as it once was, but it is one of the longest running nameplates on the road today. VW is dropping the manual transmission option from the sporty Golf GTI and sportier R in 2025, meaning 2024 is the last year for those who want the six-speed, marking the end of an era.
But that’s about the only old technology embedded in the new Golf R. Love it or hate it, everything else is digital including the driver cluster, infotainment, volume and climate control.
Most of the all-wheel drive Golf R’s ($45,455) competitors have been on the market for a while, but there are a few new ones. The 271-horsepower (hp) Subaru WRX is far less expensive at $30,605, but also underpowered and less refined. The new Toyota GR Corolla ($35,900) matches up almost exactly on drive and power, but is a size smaller.
The Honda Civic Type R ($43,295) and Acura Integra Type S ($51,995) are both front-wheel drive, but perform in the same vein and offer a manual transmission. The forthcoming Subaru WRX STI will match up more closely in horsepower with the Golf R and will be closer in price.
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The Golf R differs from the GTI (the only two Golfs on sale in the U.S. today) in style and engine output. The R uses a turbocharged 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine delivering 315 hp and 295 pound-feet (lb-ft) of torque. Like the 241-hp Golf GTI, the Golf R can also be ordered with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
There are a few ways to tell the difference between a GTI and R. Besides the stylized “R” on the grille, A blue line stretches across the grille continuing through each headlamp and eventually merging with the fenders. It also has an R-specific front bumper meant to reduce lift at high speeds and 19-inch black machined aluminum-alloy wheels as standard, fitted with summer performance tires.
It also features an extended two-piece rear spoiler and a rear diffuser in black that frames a quad-tipped exhaust system. Side mirrors project R logos on the ground when the doors are open. As with last year, the Golf R is available in three colors: Lapiz Blue Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, and Pure White.
The cabin is almost plain except for the screen, without any buttons or knobs on the dashboard. The three-zone climate system is controlled by sliding a finger on a panel under the screen, which also has a volume slider. All are hard to spot and tap while driving. Usually there would be a spot to brace a hand while tapping, and there isn’t in this vehicle. It does have redundant controls on the steering wheel, including volume.
Volkswagen of America
A 10-inch infotainment display is standard with Bluetooth, voice control, HD radio, and the ability to connect satellite radio. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, as is wireless charging. The Golf R also has four USB-C ports featuring 45-watt fast charging. A digital instrument cluster is standard as well with a 10.25-inch configurable screen that can display a full-width map when equipped with navigation.
The system works well and is generally easy to navigate, however, physical controls are still better for most things in a performance vehicle like this. They’re easier to feel and adjust while keeping your eyes on the road.
The leather-wrapped sport seats are medium stiff but have great side bolsters for holding the driver during speedier turns. The accent piping comes in blue as does the R logo in the front seats. The adjustment is great with adjustment options for height and seat bottom angle.
The six-speed shifter is plastic and feels a little cheap, but the movements are true and the gears are easy to find. The clutch is light and takes some practice to get smooth shifts. The brakes are expectedly excellent with a short pedal stroke and a sharp bite on the discs.
Volkswagen of America
The 315-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is also smooth in any situation with a sonorous growl in the upper ranges. It’s quick with turbo power, even in sixth gear on the highway, where no shifts are needed except for when passing in oncoming traffic. It does not have automatic rev matching, a feature that taps the throttle on downshifts for smoother gear changes.
There isn’t very much steering feel at slow and medium speeds, which is surprising considering the Golf R is the sportiest of VW’s offerings. The variable ratio steering does tighten up at higher speeds. The amount of effort is comfortable, and the perforated leather makes for good handholds. Overall, the R feels light and nimble, compared to most on the road, and the suspension has a wide range damping from Comfort driving mode to Race.
The Golf R also has a Drift mode where all of the power is sent to the rear wheels. In normal operation, the Golf R will understeer first, meaning the front end of the car continues to go straight when asked to turn. In drift mode, the rear tires lose grip more easily allowing experienced drivers to slide the tail of the hatchback around a turn like a muscle car.
Overall, the 2024 Volkswagen Golf R is extremely fun to drive, if also expensive. It does have the hatchback so there’s some utility, but many of those competing options mentioned above are less expensive and just as entertaining.
For the VW fans, this is it: the last manual transmission Golf. Because of that, VW won’t have a problem moving these off the lot.
Uncommon Knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
