2018 Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen dropped some big news about the Golf R while one was in our hands: colors! Starting with the 2019 model year, the Golf R will be available in 40 custom colors–plus the standard five hues.

From VW’s media site:

VWoA’s Product Marketing team worked in tandem with Volkswagen Canada to select a diverse range of colors for the 2019 model year Golf R that will appeal to owners, while still paying homage to the rich heritage of the Volkswagen color spectrum. Viper Green Metallic, originally found on the European Mk 3 Scirocco, and later featured on the Lamborghini Huracán, has been the most popular color to date in Canada. Other colors that will resonate with enthusiasts include Deep Blue Pearl from the Mk 4 and Mk 5 R32, Ginster Yellow from the 1997 Driver’s Edition GTI, and Mars Red from the Mk 1 GTI.

Back to the present day. The Golf R is a Golf with everything–kinda like one of those crazy pizzas that the locals would never order. But instead of pineapple and bacon, we’re talking all-wheel drive, stiffer suspension, turbo power, a trick center diff and 19-inch wheels. It’s more or less the Volkswagen version of the Subaru WRX STI or Ford Focus RS–or, maybe, the front-drive Civic Type R.

Here’s one thing the Golf R doesn’t have, though: a giant wing. Or assorted scoops, bulges or other accoutrements.

The six-speed manual Golf R starts at $39,785 (including navigation, even), while the DSG-equipped version starts at $40,885. If you hold out for one of the custom colors available for 2019, budget another $2000.

Read the entire review for staff impressions.

Now available in 40 colours, every fanboi will select Nimbus Grey. 

captdownshift said:

Now available in 40 colours, every fanboi will select Nimbus Grey. 

Lambo purple and green is the color I keep hearing getting ordered up north. I see no reason why that would not happen here. 

I love the metallic pink. "Fresh Fuchsia Metallic"

It's too bad it's such a boring looking car. 

z31maniac said:

It's too bad it's such a boring looking car. 

That's what I like about it, actually.

captdownshift said:

Now available in 40 colours, every Dealer will select Nimbus Grey. 

Fixed that for you...

$43k golf?!

In reply to Run_Away :

It really feels more like an Audi than a VW.....if that helps you justify it.   There is no lack of technology or luxury.    

Run_Away said:

$43k golf?!

My thoughts as well

Run_Away said:

$43k golf?!

I'm in the market for a new car in the next year and will likely go for the GTI over the R. Why? Because at the end of the year you can find GTI SE (with LSD) at my local dealers for under $25k - while the R's at end of year still go for upper 30s. Not sure the performance (and much worse fuel economy) is worth $15k. For that matter you can still get a WRX for just over $25k or an STi for low 30s with similar performance to the Golf R, at least around here. 

I like what the Golf R offers, but compared to the regular GTI SE, it looks like a bit of a ripoff unless you're a fanboi, with the GTI looking like a bargain.

But, as a current WRX owner, I'll almost certainly be going GTI by this time next year, thanks to VW's new great warranty. 

Run_Away said:

$43k golf?!

Well, it's basically an Audi S3 with a Golf body. Which makes it better, IMO, since they don't offer the S3 in a hatch.

only 1100 lbs

My HPDE student just this past weekend was driving one of these and I was very impressed with the car - except for the MT which seemed vague to me and I was not driving it.  It indicated to me the DSG would be the choice to make unless you just enjoy rowing through the gears like racer boy Dan. It is not a late model Porsche 6-speed for sure.  Very nice Germanic interior, solid and rattle-free, extremely quiet so it would be a great road tripper.  In today's world is $40g a lot for a great car?

1100 lbs.  wouldn't that be nice. 

Now why can't Mazda offer the Miata in 40 custom colors? Or at least add a green or yellow.

Irish: I'm also a Subaru owner looking to possibly get into a GTI or Golf R.

The 2017 Sport model was exactly what I wanted (Plaid seats, no sunroof, LSD, 220hp) but the 2018 ditched that trim level and went straight to the SE, which has the features I want (LSD, Lighting package) and one I don't (a sunroof). It's a decent value proposition.

I've driven the Golf R and it is an absolute blast, and I absolutely prefer it to the SE but I really can't see buying one of those new and NOT getting a custom color. Which puts it so far out ahead of the SE model in price the it kind of starts to seem like a crazy idea. You're in the same price range as a brand new BMW 330, MSport package with a few options thrown in (build code DPVUXYKB)

That green, though. If I could get a GTI in that green, it would be no contest, but I could probably have a pro vinyl wrap done in that color for a fraction of the price. 

They feel solid in a way that makes them feel heavier than they are. 

I actually was not much of a VW fan prior to researching and buying my 2018 (Mk7.5) R.  I chose it because it's simply the best car in its class if you want a properly fast daily driver.  The Focus RS is insane all the time, and the seats are uncomfortable for long hauls and bigger guys like me.  Ride quality is ridiculous on Michigan roads.  I'm also not a big fan of the interior (I owned 2, 2012 Focus Titanium hatchbacks).  The Civic Type-R is ugly and was being marked up $8,000 at my local dealer.

I wanted AWD because my other goal is serious HP through tuning and an upgraded intercooler.  The R is a great tuner vehicle, known to be able to handle at least 400 hp without issue.  Toward that goal, I also opted for the excellent DSG transmission, because it's significantly quicker than the stick, and the difference in acceleration numbers gets bigger the more power you add to the car.  With a TCU tune, it can also handle the increased torque better than the stick.

I've had it now for about 4.5 months and 12,000 miles (yeah, I drive a lot), and it's without a doubt the best DD I've ever owned.  Hopefully the long-term reliability will match my previous DD, my 2014 Mazda3 (that my son now drives).  That car's been amazing through 127,000 miles.

I'm not a VW fan (or an anything fan really) but I instructed someone at a track day who had a 2017 one of these and I drove one session in it. I was amazed by how capable this car was on track. Great handling - you can really throw the car around without feeling like anything bad is going to happen. Suspension, power, brakes all well balanced for the car. I liked the quote about a middle-aged person who still likes to have fun now and again - this is a car you can have a great track day in, and then buy a table and drive it to Alaska in cheery comfort.

I drove one before settling on the V.  Really Really Good.  I struggled with the price tag for VW but the performance, handling, and fit were incredible.

I was a skeptic for a long time but absolutely love my '16 GTI SE. I just hope it doesn't give me too much grief once I crest 100k. Pro tip: the shifter feel is GREATLY improved with some aftermarket delrin bushings and a replacement of the stock plastic cable guides/levers with metal. No "short shifter" needed.

I do see lots of the Rs both in real life and online so clearly there are a lot of people that feel they are worth the money spent. The GTI does everything I need/want it to for a fraction of the price though.

My wife likes several of the colors.  If they were optional on the GTI, it wouldn’t surprise me if she’d trade up her ‘15 to a ‘19.  I doubt she’ll be willing to spend the extra money on the R, though.

Started with a Sirocco in 1978, then a GTI in 1984, and back to a MK7 GTI SE/DSG in 2016. The MK7 has a stage 1 APR tune and makes 315HP and 310 Torque, which cost only $800.00.  It is a rocket. Aprox $31,000 all in. The R is an awesome car, but I struggle with that much cost increase....if it was $35,000, it would be the bargain of the century. At +$40,000, it is a tough call, but I think the GTI is much better bang for the dollar.

I want an R.  You have to look at them as a hatchback, 6MT version of an Audi S3, because that's exactly what they are.

It is hard to justify the additional cost vs the GTI SE, ~$15k for awd is a tough choice.  One of my friends just was in that position and decided to get the GTI SE, he bought it brand new for $25,500, so that's a screaming deal.

I test drove a Golf R several times last year when contemplating my next daily driver. Backseat had to be kid friendly and ultimately I decided to spend more and picked up a used M3. I really enjoyed the car though, it was a nice place to be and seems like a great all-around vehicle. I feel like it's a little harder to justify the more hardcore options like the STI and the Focus RS at this point because they have fallen so far behind other cars. It was a different story in 2004 when the STI and the Evo were giant killers. the class just really hasn't Advanced that much in terms of speed, and the Golf R is such a nice place to be.  They're also pretty mod friendly, they can be made seriously quick with a tune and downpipe while remaining reliable.  That said the increased spending over a GTI is significant and it's a bit hard to justify.  I am loving this big color palette, wish more manufacturers would offer that.