New VW Golf R : More Balls For Golf Game (Part 2)

There’s a technique, but first I have to press the centre console’s “ESC” button to activate ESC Sport, which would allow the car to “let loose” on the slippery surface. Push the button for more than three seconds and the ESC is fully deactivated (the R is currently the only Mk 7 Golf with this full deactivation function). Meant for hard-core driving on a racetrack, this feature is less ideal for soft-snow driving, with the car skidding (predictably) out of control at the slightest provocation.

Push the button for more than three seconds and the ESC is fully deactivated (the R is currently the only Mk 7 Golf with this full deactivation function).

Provoking a drift (with ESC Sport activated) in the Golf R isn’t difficult – charge towards the bend, steer in as I lift my foot from the throttle pedal, let the rear end over steer (which seems to happen in slow motion), then reapply the power generously and work the steering wheel to manoeuvre the car towards the next bend.

Said steering (it’s the same progressive system as in the GTI) is direct and quick, but never feels nervous.

With an average drifting speed of 50 to 70km/h, and short straight bursts that barely hit 100km/h, this might be the slowest international press drive of a new sports model that I’ve ever attended. But there’s no doubt that the Golf R is naturally rapid, complete with rabid engine-and exhaust notes (especially in the Race mode of the car’s Driving Profile Selector programme) that make the Golf GTI sound a little restrained.

With an average drifting speed of 50 to 70km/h, and short straight bursts that barely hit 100km/h, this might be the slowest international press drive of a new sports model that I’ve ever attended.

The styling and cabin of the Golf R reflect its “grown-up GTI” status. On the outside, there are no flashes of red; just tasteful silver appliques, plus four chrome tailpipes (a pair on either side) instead of the GTI’s two, quadruple U-shaped daytime running lights (versus the GTI’s double DRLs), a special paint job called Lapis Blue, and obligatory “R” emblems. On the inside, there are no “hero” red threads or retro tartan upholstery; just grey-coloured stitching and supportive seats trimmed in a handsome combination of fabric and Alcantara (full leather trim is optional, but likely to be standard for the Singapore market).

The cockpit’s unique “R” touches include blue needles for the instrument gauges, a 320km/h speedometer (versus the GTI’s 280km/h speedo, but the R is electronically limited to 250km/h anyway), door sill guards illuminated in blue, and a customised start menu for the infotainment touchscreen (the GTI has its own “GTI” start-up graphic, too).

The rest of the interior is pure Mk 7 Golf, which means good space for four adults and their stuff, logical ergonomics, genuine German quality, and a variety of helpful gadgets (most of which cost extra) to make the drive safer or even easier.

The new VW Golf R will arrive in Singapore around May. It’ll leave the Swedish snow behind, of course, but it’ll also drop 20bhp – the 300bhp engine will be detuned to a less ballsy 280bhp for tropical countries such as ours.

The new VW Golf R will arrive in Singapore around May.