Skip advert
Advertisement

Volkswagen Golf R (2013-2020) review - Practicality, comfort and boot space

Beneath the Golf R’s high performance exterior beats the heart of one of the most practical family hatchbacks available

Practicality, comfort and boot space rating

4.4

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

The addition of a bodykit and larger wheels have given the Golf R a more hunkered and purposeful look, but against the tape measure its dimensions are identical to the standard hatchback and estate models.

Leg room, head room and passenger space

Despite its pace, the R is still a Golf – so that means plenty of space inside. So you have a reasonable sized glovebox, huge door bins both front and back, a drawer under the driver’s seat, a large central cubby under the arm rest and a couple of cup holders. There is plenty of adjustment in the seating position and this, plus height adjustment for the driver’s seat and reach and rake adjustment for the steering wheel, means that most people will be able to find their ideal driving position.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There is plenty of space even for adults in the back seats, although the transmission tunnel does get in the way of the middle passenger. This middle position is worse in the R model than the normal Golf on account of its sculpted rear bench, which suffers from an uncomfortably raised centre section.

Boot

It's a similar story with the boot. The addition of bulky four-wheel-drive components in the rear axle raises the boot floor, and means the Golf’s boot capacity shrinks from 380 litres to 343 litres. However, with the seats folded, you get 1,233 litres of luggage space and the R comes with an 18-inch space-saver wheel as standard. 

Although no longer featuring in the range, the larger Golf R estate is obviously more practical, with a 605-litre boot, which rises to a healthy 1,620-litres with the rear bench folded – although you don’t get a totally flat load area. It also features a number of handy storage cubbies, a 12V power supply and a handy ski-flap for longer items. As the wheelbase remains the same as the hatch, rear passenger space is just as generous. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £14,480Avg. savings £1,864 off RRP*Used from £6,700
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,572 off RRP*Used from £11,995
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,230Avg. savings £3,710 off RRP*Used from £15,416
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £12,200
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!
Skoda Octavia vRS - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: Skoda Octavia vRS is the consummate all-rounder and only £255 a month!

A three-time Auto Express Family Car of the Year winner, paired with Golf GTI power, is our Deal of the Day for 6 July
News
6 Jul 2025