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Volkswagen has released new pictures of its most powerful Golf - the Golf R hot hatch. The Golf R is available in two guises - a six-speed manual and an automatic with a direct-shift gearbox (DSG) and steering wheel mounted paddles. Both feature front-wheel drive, a 266bhp 2-litre turbocharged engine and a top speed of 155mph.

Key figures - manual
• 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds
• 33.2mpg average fuel economy
• CO2 emissions of 199g/km

Key figures - auto
• 0-62mph in 5.5 seconds
• 33.6mpg average fuel economy
• CO2 emissions of 195g/km

The Golf R is on sale now, with an estimated 12-week delivery date. Rivals include the Ford Focus RS, Renault Megane R26.R and Seat Leon Cupra R.

It's priced at £30,090 for the three-door model and £30,675 for the five-door variant, with the auto DSG gearbox available at an additional £1,305.

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