New Volkswagen Golf R Hatchback Specs, Speed & Performance
The Golf R specs make this the hottest hot hatch around. From a 0-60 mph time that's a cut above its class to MPGs that make it a guilt-free power trip, the Golf R retains its firm grip on the segment that its parent brand invented in the first place. That's right: The hot hatchback as a concept was created by the VW brand with the Golf GTI back in the 1970s and the Golf R was sent forth to re-establish dominance over the crowd that formed in the Golf GTI hatchback's shadow.
The only thing in contention is whether you want your daily drive to remain boring. If you don't, then take a look at the Golf R specs below and come experience them with a test drive at Gunther Volkswagen Delray Beach.
VW Golf R Specs at a Glance:
- Its turbo engine makes 315 horsepower and up to 295 pound-feet of torque
- A six-speed manual transmission is standard; a seven-speed DSG automatic is available
- The Golf R 0-60 mph time is as fast as 4.1 seconds1
- A four-year/50,000-mile warranty covers the powertrain2
- The model delivers up to an EPA-estimated 22/31/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined)3
2024 Volkswagen Golf R Specs: Fierce All Around
The Golf R specs speak for themself: You get 315 horsepower, a standard six-speed manual transmission (hallelujah indeed) or an available seven-speed DSG automatic, standard R-Performance 4MOTION AWD, standard electronic locking differentials, specially tuned suspension, and dynamic Adaptive Chassis Control. That recipe is ripe for both intense acceleration and G-force-rich handling on any road, though it's best enjoyed fully on the racetrack.
This formula gets whisked together, baked into an aerodynamic shell, garnished with luxury features like a heated and ventilated 12-way power driver's seat, and served up to those who have a craving for true gas-burning performance.
While the Golf R horsepower rating remains a steady 315 in all forms, the torque can vary. Namely, those who opt for the automatic DSG transmission get 295 pound-feet from this hot hatch, while motorists who choose the six-speed manual experience 280 pound-feet on account of the fact that they can slam gears as they please.
Also on account of transmission variances, the Golf R 0-60 times, as tested by Car and Driver, are a stunning 4.1 seconds1 with the DSG, or a still-fast 4.9 seconds with the manual.1 During the same Car and Driver Golf R specs tests with manual and DSG transmissions, the quarter mile was completed in 12.6 seconds1 and 13.4 seconds,1 respectively.
VW Golf R Engine Specifications: Impressive Engineering Tidbits
The Golf R specs derive from a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine. However, this isn't just any engine: It's the EA888 Evo4 engine.
It has a solid cast-iron block to reliably handle the intense power, aluminum-alloy cylinder heads for greater precision and lighter weight, the Audi Valvelift System with variable valvetrain dynamics taken from the hatchback's more expensive siblings, and 21.8 psi of maximum turbo boost.
In case this engineering's well-regarded reliability doesn't inspire confidence, the four-year/50,000-mile warranty covering the powertrain2 will do the trick.
| 2024 VW Golf R | |
|---|---|
| Engine Type: | 2.0L turbocharged 4-cyl |
| Engine Construction: | Cast iron block & aluminum alloy cylinder heads |
| Valvetrain: | Variable - Audi Valvelift System w/ 16 valves |
| Transmission | - 6-speed manual (standard) - 7-speed DSG automatic w/ Tiptronic (available) |
| Horsepower: | 315 |
| Torque: | - 280 lb-ft (w/ 6-Speed Manual) - 295 lb-ft (w/ 7-Speed DSG) |
| 0-60 mph: | - 4.9 seconds (w/ 6-speed manual)1 - 4.1 seconds (w/ 7-speed DSG)1 |
| Drivetrain: | R-Performance 4MOTION AWD w/ torque vectoring |
| Differentials: | XDS Cross Differential System |
| Brakes: | 14.1-in cross-drilled front rotors / 12.2-in vented rear rotors |
| Handling: | Adaptive Chassis Control DCC w/ Sport Suspension |
| Standard Cockpit Features: | - Head-Up Display - 12-way power-adjustable, heated/ventilated driver's sport seat - Driving Profile Selection - Volkswagen Digital Cockpit Pro & Discover Pro Touch-Screen w/ Navigation |
| New Vehicle Limited Warranty: | 4-years / 50,000 miles2 |
VW Golf R Specs: Great Fuel Efficiency on Top of It All
While no one should expect this to be the most economical vehicle in our new VW inventory, the Golf R specs are surprisingly fuel-efficient considering the performance. Like the torque output, ratings vary by transmission; all versions, though, have a 14.5-gallon fuel tank and require premium 91-octane gasoline to protect the high-compression turbo engine.
See the MPG-related side of the Golf R specs below:
| 2024 VW Golf R | |
|---|---|
| EPA-Estimated MPG (Cty/Hwy/Cmb): | - 20/28/23 (w/ 6-speed manual)3 - 22/31/25 (w/ 7-speed DSG)3 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: | 14.5 gal |
| Fuel Type (Required): | 91-octane premium gasoline |
2024 vs. 2023 VW Golf R Specs
The Golf R specs have not been altered for 2024. This is also true of the Golf GTI for sale, as both versions of this hatchback are a part of the innovative and still-fresh Mk8 Golf generation.
Golf R Specs vs. the Competition
The Civic Type R shares the "R" designation and an equal 315 horsepower output. What isn't equal, though, is how the Golf R specs make use of the 315 horsepower.
As mentioned, the Golf R can have as fast as a 4.1-second 0-60 mph time1; as a slower hot hatchback, the Civic Type R manages a 4.9-second 0-60 mph time in its fastest form.4 The Golf R specs also include standard AWD for full apex-smashing prowess, while the Civic Type R is only a FWD vehicle.
The newest nameplate to enter this segment is the Toyota GR Corolla; it's also the newest hot hatch to falter in the face of the Golf R specs. It makes 300 horsepower, has a 4.9-second 0-60 mph time,5 and delivers a maximum mileage estimate of 21/28/24 MPG (City/Highway/Combined).6
And finally, we'll look at the hottest Golf R vs. Mazda3 Hatchback comparison.
For starters, the MAZDASPEED version of this hatchback model has been dead for years, which shows how much the Mazda brand cares about the hot-hatch world. The new Mazda3 Hatchback is available with a sporty-flavored CARBON TURBO trim that has standard AWD. But it only produces 250 horsepower, has no manual transmission, and delivers the slowest 0-60 mph time here: a 5.6-second run to 60 mph.7
The new Golf R for sale is keeping the gas-burning, downshift-burbling hot hatch flame alive as the leader of the pack. We love it for that fact and know that you do, too. So, what are you waiting for? Visit our VW dealership and experience the Golf R specs on local roads with a test drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much horsepower does a Golf R have?
The Golf R has 315 horsepower in all configurations but will make 280 or 295 pound-feet of torque with the six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, respectively. All versions include R-Performance AWD, Adaptive Chassis Control, a sport suspension system, the XDS Cross Differential System, and more performance features: a 4.1-second 0-60 mph time1 is the result.
What is the 0-60 for Golf R?
The Golf R 0-60 mph time depends on the transmission you select. With the available seven-speed DSG automatic, the Golf R has a 4.1-second 0-60 mph time;1 versions with the standard manual transmission can go from zero to 60 mph in around 4.9 seconds.1 Its 315-horsepower engine, advanced R-Performance AWD, and intelligent drivetrain engineering make this possible.
What makes the Golf R so fast?
The Golf R is brutally fast due to its high-output engine, high-traction advanced AWD system, dynamic road-holding technologies, and sleek aerodynamic design, along with a well-geared manual transmission or lightning-quick DSG transmission. It has a 0-60 mph time as fast as 4.1 seconds1 and an EPA-estimated 22/31/25 MPG (City/Highway/Combined),3 making it the king of hot hatches.
Contact Us To Learn More About The VW Golf R
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Continue Your VW Golf R & Golf Research:
1This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/volkswagen/golf-r-2024
24 years/50,000 miles (whichever occurs first) New Vehicle Limited Warranty on all new MY24 vehicles. See owner’s literature or dealer for warranty exclusions and limitations.
3EPA estimates only. Your results will vary.
4This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/honda/civic-type-r
5This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/toyota/gr-corolla
62024 projected EPA-estimated mpg rating estimates as determined by manufacturer. EPA estimates not available at time of posting. Use for comparison purposes only. Your mileage will vary for many reasons, including your vehicle's condition and how/where you drive. See www.fueleconomy.gov.
7This information is not verified by the official manufacturer and shall serve solely as unofficial general information. For details, visit: https://www.caranddriver.com/mazda/mazda-3
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