Here’s your first look at the updated new Volkswagen Golf R, with the performance hatchback glimpsed ahead of a full reveal later this year.
VW has been busy facelifting all of its Golf models, and last week saw the official reveal of the standard hatchback and the sporty GTI model.
Now it’s the snarling R’s turn, and it’s seen here in its natural habitat - belting around an frozen race track in the Austrian Alps.
Like the rest of the Golf range, the all-wheel drive R has been treated to exterior style tweaks, complete with LED matrix headlights and an illuminated VW badge.
It’s also expected to get an improved interior, with a new 13-inch free-standing touchscreen now up for grabs.
As with the Golf GTI, we don’t yet know what power the R will enjoy, but you can expect it to use the same 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine as before and we’d anticipate a hike in power from the existing 320 PS.
For now, though, just sit back and enjoy the Golf R taking part in the annual Ice Race in Zell am See, Austria, while being piloted by motorsport legend Hans-Joachim Stuck and six-time World Rallycross Champion Johan Kristoffersson.
Volkswagen describes the Ice Race as ‘a bit wild’, which sounds like classic German understatement to us.
Hans-Joachim Stuck says: “The Ice Race is a real spectacle. Other drivers would be putting on snow chains in these conditions, but for us racing drivers, this is when the fun really starts. At the Ice Race, you meet true motorsport fans and also many people who otherwise have little contact with motorsport – but go home with a lot of enthusiasm for it.”
Johan Kristoffersson (below) adds: “I love driving a powerful all-wheel drive car on ice and snow – especially if it’s an R model. It was great fun to sit in the brand- new Golf for the first time. I can only say that even though the Golf R has not yet been revealed, there is a true sports car under the camouflage that fans of the R brand can already look forward to.”
We’ll bring you further announcements as and when they arrive.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 29/01/24.
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