HAVE you ever come across an iconic car and said it could use more power? The need for more speed is in the blood of every motorhead and industry player.
It's one of the reasons why we have different variants of the same car or why modifying a car remains popular.
Enter the MK8 Golf R, Volkswagen's (VW) most powerful Golf to date and the premium end of the MK8 Golf series.
Earlier this year, I called the MK8 Golf GTI the indisputable hot hatch king for this year. Now, imagine taking that car and turning the dial up to 11 where performance is concerned.
MORE POWER
The most powerful Golf model yet, the MK8 Golf R outperforms its predecessors with a powerful 320PS and 400Nm of torque from its delicious 2.0TSI turbocharged engine and seven-speed direct-shift gearbox.
Though it shares the same engine, the tune-up places it ahead of the MK8 Golf GTI's 245PS and 370Nm of torque.
The performance is pushed further with it being notably the first Golf to be launched with the new 4Motion all-wheel drive system with performance torque vectoring.
Its agility, especially when cornering, is improved upon thanks to its intelligent system that enables power to be distributed not only between the front and rear, but also selectively between the rear wheels.
Optimum traction and handling is achieved with greater precision from its Vehicle Dynamics Manager system, which is closely integrated with its other running systems inclusive of electronic differential locks, dynamic chassis control, and progressive steering.
Overall, the design inside out remains largely similar to its MK8 Golf siblings save for R-specific characteristics.
They adorn the model from signature bumpers and air intake to the newly-designed diffuser in high-gloss black that is flanked by a pair of tailpipes on both sides, R emblems, and 19-inch Adelaide alloy wheels.
Another unique feature is the light projection of the R logo when the driver's door is opened and closed.
Inside is a Carbon Grey decorative trim, premium front sport seats with integrated headrest and R logo in Nappa leather, all furnished with the active climate feature.
The driver's seat can be electrically adjusted and provides lumbar support.
Other innovations come in the form of the multifunction sports steering wheel, where it now has the blueback-lit R button that instantly activates the "Race" mode with one push, as well as the larger shift paddles.
The 10-inch digital cockpit comes with various customisations, including an exclusive "R View".
Its auxiliary display shows data such as output, power, torque distribution, charge pressure and lap timer.
The 10-inch digital infotainment system offers connectivity with in-built navigation, and Wireless App-Connect for CarPlay and Android Auto.
It also has 30-colour ambient lighting, a three-zone Climatronic system, and a Harman Kardon 480-watt audio system with 10 speakers.
The key safety features include six airbags, side assist with rear cross traffic alert, rear view camera, automatic post-collision braking system, driver alert system, electronic stability control, intelligent crash response system, electronic parking brake, anti-theft alarm system and proactive passenger protection system.
It is only available in the three colour options of Lapiz Blue, Deep Black and Pure White.
BURNING HEART
There's no better way to illustrate the R's potential other than to pit it against the GTI variant. That's because of how similar yet different the two are.
There's also the bar set by the GTI that is really high. Who better to go against than one of the best in the market right now?
To recap, the GTI has been about delivering the superior driving experience as a package. It has the potential to make you a better driver as well as enticing you to drive more.
Its size, technology, accessibility, and power makes it so fun and responsive that many who had driven it didn't want the journey to end. Until now, it remains as one of the cars where putting away its keys is just heart-wrenching.
Picture all that and more, as everything the GTI can do, the R can do better with more gusto.
It may sound like I am overselling it but the R is not kidding around when it comes to performance. Even its standard drive is the "Sports" mode.
Touch the R button to enter "Race" mode, where you'll hear the valves open and the roar kicks in. This is the true potential of the Golf R and why you're paying extra. You can actually feel the numbers.
But with greater power comes greater responsibility. The Golf R certainly packs more punch, which also means it takes greater restraint to properly control it.
Bear in mind that it is now stronger and more sensitive for that greater control in the same body frame.
Also we have to talk about the interior. Though the MK8 has it cleaner and more streamlined, the dashboard design and lack of physical buttons, a.k.a digital touchpoints, are divisive with some feeling how it doesn't mesh with the performance-centric characteristic of the Golf.
While I wrote it off as bearable in the GTI when you consider all the goodness you're getting out of its drive, the same can't be said with the R.
Not that it looks worse but because it is effectively the same design in function and layout, its shortcomings become even more jarring when you consider the price.
The GTI is priced at RM227,012 while the R is priced from RM356,412.85. That's more than RM100,000 more.
Once a minor setback, the constant navigation of the menu to reset your preferred settings each time you turn on the engine is now a chore. Its clean simplicity design is now seen as too bland or lacking inspiration.
It's an odd sore point to bring up because of how fantastic the MK8 Golfs are and arguably one of the best in the current market when it comes to performance for its price and as a hot hatch.
Strategically, it makes sense for VW to fully push the digitisation and buttonless narrative. But doing so means you really have to hit close to the mark to avoid even minor criticism.
VERDICT
Consider this; the MK8 Golf GTI is a fantastic car and the R is superior to it in almost every way.
You're really here because you're serious about experiencing one of the best driver performances for the price.
Comparing it to the GTI, what you're paying for with the R is its superior engine tune-up, 4Motion AWD system, and exclusivity with only 250,000 units produced globally. A true collector's item for diehard fans and how much the difference matters is entirely the value you place on Golfs.
Its only weakness is how similar it is to its siblings. The in-cabin dashboard digital touch points and user interface of its infotainment works but could benefit with improvements. It would have been preferable if it had the layout from VW's other new models like the Tiguan or Arteon.
An important point that needs to be made because there are expectations not only between variants but with its competitors as well at this price range. It is for this reason I believe the already-great GTI will remain the more popular choice.
But when all is said and done, the R variant will give you the best MK8 Golf experience, there's simply no contest.
