Used Volkswagen Golf R for sale: everything you need to know

Volkswagen recently celebrated 20 years of its R badge on Golfs, and the mission has always been the same, knocking the GTI off its perch as the quickest Golf, and adding all-wheel drive into the bargain for great all-weather performance.

Like the latest GTI, the latest Golf R is a strong performer, with the not insignificant benefit of being based on a car as adept as the latest Golf. And like the latest GTI, it’s not the most entertaining hatch on the market, but it’s one you’d be happy to own and use every day for many years.

Other all-wheel drive hot hatch options include the Audi S3, BMW M135i, and Mercedes-AMG A35 (or for the Golf R Estate, the Mercedes-AMG CLA35), while there’s still plenty of choice among front-wheel drive hatches, including the Ford Focus ST, Hyundai i30N, and Honda Civic Type-R.

Should you buy a Volkswagen Golf R?

The Mk7 Volkswagen Golf R was a knockout success, helped in no small part by a period of spectacular finance offers that made it incredibly affordable for a car with such high performance. The Mk8 car doesn’t have that benefit, but the appeal is much the same: all the practicalities of Golf ownership, mixed in with rampant performance and all-wheel drive traction.

It offers a useful step up from the Golf GTI in terms of acceleration, and while the actual driving experience isn’t much different (unless the road is damp, when you can more easily feel the driven rear wheels helping you out), the R badge has its own appeal these days.

The cabin generally looks and feels good, but you’ll have to get used to a control layout that uses the touchscreen, or touch-sensitive buttons, for several key functions. The driving position is spot-on though, visibility is good, and it’s nearly as spacious and practical as other Golfs - the boot is 40 litres smaller, but opt for the estate and you get 605-1620 litres, with the rear seats up or down.

The R doesn’t even have much more of a thirst for fuel than the front-wheel drive GTI, and its new price overlaps with some of the higher-spec GTI offerings, something you’re likely to find with used models too.

While the Golf GTI competes with front-wheel drive hatchbacks, the R instead takes aim at cars like the Mercedes-AMG A35, BMW M135i, and the related Audi S3. If you don’t need all-wheel drive though, cars like the Honda Civic Type-R and Hyundai i30N still beat the Golf in terms of outright fun, and the Golf GTI itself is still worth a look.

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What’s the best used Volkswagen Golf R model to b

Other than the 20 Years special edition, which despite some engine tweaks is largely similar to the regular car, there’s effectively just one model. That includes having just a single gearbox available, as this time around, VW hasn’t offered a manual. So effectively, choosing a Golf R means finding one in your preferred colour, and keeping an eye open for any optional features, such as leather trim.

Used Volkswagen Golf R fuel economy and performance

• Volkswagen Golf R 2.0 TSI 4Motion: The Golf R uses a derivative of the 2-litre TSI petrol engine used by the Golf GTI, only in this application, it develops 320PS through a standard 7-speed DSG automatic, and 4Motion all-wheel drive. 0-62mph takes 4.7 seconds (4.6 in the 20 Years edition), and VW claims up to 36.2mpg.

What used Volkswagen Golf R trim levels are available?

The Mk8 Golf R has so far been offered in a pair of trim levels, a standard model and a 20 Years special edition celebrating the first appearance of the R badge on the VR6-powered R32 of the early 2000s. You may well find that previous owners ticked a few option boxes, too - Nappa leather trim is a popular upgrade, while VW also offers a Harman Kardon audio system.

• The Volkswagen Golf R comes as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, a heated three-spoke steering wheel, 10-inch infotainment touchscreen, fabric and artificial suede sports seats, blue brake calipers, an R styling kit, rear diffuser with a pair of twin tailpipes, and rear privacy glass.
• The Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years gets 19-inch alloys (with an optional blue finish, and optional track-focused tyres), 20 Years badging, blue design accents, a roof spoiler, genuine carbonfibre interior inlays, Nappa leather sports seats, and different engine tuning.

Used Volkswagen Golf R dimensions and boot size

The Volkswagen Golf R’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4396mm
• Width: 1789mm (without mirrors), 2073mm (with mirrors)
• Height: 1491mm

The Volkswagen Golf R’s boot size is:

• 341 litres
• 605 litres (Golf R Estate)
• 1230 litres with the rear seats folded (to roof)
• 1620 litres with the rear seats folded (to roof, Golf R Estate)

Used Volkswagen Golf R road tax

The Golf R started just below the £40,000 threshold at which the government adds a VED or ‘road tax’ surcharge. We’d recommend you double-check the new price of any model you’re looking at, but those that avoid the surcharge attract a yearly bill of £180. Over this, including 20 Year models, you’ll currently pay £570.

How much is it to insure a Volkswagen Golf R?

Golf R insurance starts in group 32 (out of 50), which actually isn’t so bad given the performance on offer. A BMW M135i starts in group 36, so the Golf should be cheaper to insure than the BMW.

Read our full Volkswagen Golf R review