http://cdn.app.evo.co.uk/editions/uk...496a4/web.html


:)

I must be alone in thinking that the Golf R looks bland and as special as a bread bin?

its not a bad price considering the GTI is 27K, seems a no brainer to me.

but I agree its no R32 looker is it.

Yeah I'm sure it goes well and for only another £2-£2.5k on top of the GTi you'd be silly not to try and go for it if it floats your boat.

This annoyed me as, having run a long term M135i and showered it with praise (as well as Richard giving it a glowing review in the vid against a Carrera), they've done what so often happens; got bored of it so slated it.

Do I want a 4 pot Haldex AWD VW (same as our van...) over a six pot turbo RWD BMW? Do I f**k.

I was also wondering why at first they loved the M135i and now dont like its handling? Odd?
Ps the awd haldex with E-diff is not the same as older designs of awd found in your vw van!

"Fifth-generation Haldex coupling

Permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive has always been a trait of the Golf R. The latest generation 4MOTION system is now being used in the fourth-generation Volkswagen Golf R. This all-wheel drive system is coupled with a 6-speed gearbox that has a reinforced clutch and short-travel shifting. Another optional feature is automatic shifting with a 6-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) that also offers manual shifting as an alternative.
The 4MOTION all-wheel drive system of the Golf R, further perfected by enhancements such as the Haldex 5 coupling, is activated even before any wheel starts to slip. This eliminates nearly all traction losses. The system achieves this by using an advanced control function based on specific driving conditions. When operating under a relatively low load or when coasting, forward propulsion comes primarily from the front axle, and the rear axle is decoupled. This basic drive layout saves fuel. However, the rear axle of the Golf R can be variably engaged in fractions of a second whenever necessary. This is done via a Haldex coupling, which is activated by an electro-hydraulic oil pump.
Situation-based power distribution

A control unit continually calculates the ideal drive torque for the rear axle and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should be closed by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates in proportion to the torque desired at the rear axle. So, the amount of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to vary continuously the magnitude of the transmitted torque. The wheels of the 300 PS Golf R are prevented from spinning even when driving off and accelerating, because the control unit regulates the torque distribution as a function of dynamic axle loads. Activation of the Haldex 5 coupling is based primarily on the engine torque demanded by the driver. In parallel, a driving status identification system within the all-wheel drive control unit evaluates such parameters as wheel speeds and steering angle. If necessary, nearly 100 per cent of the drive torque can be directed to the rear axle.
Four-wheel EDS as transverse locks

In addition to the Haldex coupling that acts as a longitudinal lock, four electronic differential locks (EDS) integrated in the electronic stability control system act as transverse locks. The system briefly brakes a wheel that is slipping, enabling uninterrupted and stable transfer of drive power to the wheel on the opposite side. In the Golf R, the electronic differential locks are implemented at both axles in what is referred to as four-wheel EDS.
XDS+ makes tracking in bends more precise

In addition, the Golf R is equipped with XDS+ at the front and rear axles. This brakes the wheels on the inside of a bend during fast driving through bends, optimising steering behaviour. In the latest version, known as XDS+, this functionality is applied to a larger range of dynamic performance - making the vehicle more agile even when the car is not in an acceleration state. In technical terms, XDS+ is a functional extension of the electronic differential locks. When the car is being driven fast, as soon as the electronics detect excessively light loads on wheels on the inside of a bend, the hydraulics of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) apply brake pressure to this wheel to restore optimal traction. XDS+ thereby operates as a transverse differential lock that compensates for understeer during fast cornering.
ESC Sport

The new Volkswagen Golf R is equipped with the "ESC Sport" function as standard. The system is activated by a two-stage switch on the centre console. When the driver presses this switch briefly, Electronic Stability Control (ESC) switches to the "ESC Sport" mode. In very fast driving with lots of bends - such as on a race track - the ESC system reacts with a delay, which enables even more agile handling properties. When the ESC button is pressed for longer than three seconds, the system is fully deactivated for professional driving on a race track - this deactivation is only available in the Golf R and not in any other models of the Golf series."

Is it just me or do they look all remarkably similar. Almost dull


The French always bit stylish, but it looks very like an astra infact and that Nissan hatchback .

Just no imagination nowadays / cost saving

Love the Megane, probably would have chosen that over the Golf if I wasn't keeping my track prepped Impreza.

Rickya; I was slightly over egging the point...!

I guess the Golf is more "secure" and unflappable. Driving mine really hard does show a slight twitchiness but I like that.

Anyway I view ours as more of a cut price 911/M3 than a hot hatch. It's in a different group really.

Of the current range of four pot hyper hatches, I'd go for the R too.

I think the Leon looks miles better than the Golf. If VAG let them fit the Haldex to the Cupra R version it would be epic (in looks, performance and sadly, depreciation..)

I don't see what all the fuss is about, I don't things have actually moved on very much apart from all the electronics, which in my mind just means more expensive stuff to go wrong.

I'll stick with my WRX Wagon PPP and still be right there with all of the above cars but for £20/25k less.:cool:

What bhp is yours Ditch?

I can see your point and some things have almost moved backwards (e.g the move to electric assisted steering) but other stuff has definitely moved on - the stuff mentioned here is more comfortable, sensible on emissions (our M135i is lower than our old 1.3 Jimny!), okayish mpg is possible, turbo lag has been pretty much eliminated, etc.

Same here - had it since new for 8 years now and nothing's gone wrong except the struts. But for the day when it does die or get too expensive to keep on the road, the Golf R and 2015 CTR are the current favourites.

I'd prob wait for seats 300 bhp beast, they always make them look half decent, failing that the R would be where my money would go....but I'm 4wd biased

The difference between the GTI R and the standard GTI seems crazily small

For the 2 odd grand extra you get quite a lot for the money

The R does seem a no brainer over the GTi. Still no leather as standard though which is a bit tight. And £35k (with a bit of kit) for a four pot would still cause me mental anguish however good it is.

Yeah, would not buy a car without leather

Even my Subaru had a leather interior