Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Golf R (2013-2020) review - Interior, design and technology

The Golf R is subtle but stylish, with a few key differences to the Golf GTI

Interior, design and technology rating

4.6

How we review cars
Find your Volkswagen Golf
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

With a classy and subtly revised look, the Golf R doesn't shout about its potential. The R grille features a chrome strip, while unique bumpers, wider side sills and smoked chrome mirror caps are the only markers that this is a special Golf. Spec it in a metallic grey hue, and bystanders could easily mistake the R for a diesel Golf in R-Line trim.

Advertisement - Article continues below

At the back, you’ll spot LED light clusters and the quad exhausts, which are the biggest giveaway to the R's performance. The optional 19-inch alloy wheels add an aggressive look and, combined with the 15mm lower ride height, they contribute to the Golf R’s purposeful look.

With its boxy proportions and practical image, the estate version is even more low key, giving the model real Q-car appeal. Although no longer offered on the Golf price list, it still looks particularly stealthy on the standard 18-inch alloy wheels.

The cabin blends the sporty feel of a hot hatch with the swish ambience of an upmarket executive car. The standard Golf’s superb dash is complemented by a gloss black centre console and carbon-look decorative trim. Sports seats and aluminium pedals come as standard, while the classy and sporty multifunction wheel and first-rate switchgear make everything you touch feel suitably special for a £30k+ car.

Snazzy LED interior lights, exterior puddle lights, LED headlights and classy dials add to the Golf’s upmarket feel, while the standard kit tally also includes Bluetooth, parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and a DAB radio. The driving position is spot-on, too, with lots of steering wheel and seat adjustment.

Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

The standard Discover Navigation touchscreen set-up is easy to use and features clear mapping, using an 8-inch screen. You can upgrade to the Discover Navigation Pro set-up that features a larger 9.2-inch screen that features gesture control, too.

All versions of the Golf R get an eight-speaker set-up and a relatively modest 4x20W power output. However, listening to your music is straightforward thanks to a DAB/AM/FM tuner, single CD player, Bluetooth connectivity and a USB connection. You can add the Dynaudio stereo upgrade that includes an eight-channel digital amplifier with a healthy 400W output.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,704 off RRP*Used from £7,649
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,676 off RRP*
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £31,499
Audi A3

Audi A3

RRP £26,295Avg. savings £2,513 off RRP*Used from £5,500
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK
Tesla Model X on two-post inspection ramp

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK

New technology and driver assistance systems require changes to annual testing, says EC
News
25 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025