Volkswagen Golf R revealed

Volkswagen has unveiled its new Golf R at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show. The high-performance Golf gets the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine as the Golf GTI but it’s been tuned to deliver 300PS.

The Golf R gets an all-wheel drive powertrain and is offered with wither a manual or DSG automatic. Specifying the latter means a o-62mph sprint time of 4.9 seconds, while the manual manages it in 5.3 seconds. Expect it to cost a little less than £30,000.

The Golf R has tuned springs and dampers and a ride height 20mm lower than a standard Golf – 5mm lower than the GTI. Like the Golf GTI and GTD there’s quicker steering to make for a more engaging driving experience. Externally there’s a new front bumper, body-color sills, 18-inch alloy wheels, smoked rear lights, an ‘R’ rear diffuser and quad exhausts – but it still manages to look understated for such a powerful car.