VW Golf R faster than Focus RS
15.09.2009 - Adrian Hearn
(17)
This is the new Volkswagen Golf R - the flagship VW hot hatch which will destroy the Ford Focus RS in a straight line.
The Golf R is the successor to the R32 model, and Volkswagen has fitted its new model with a smaller engine for reduced weight and improved fuel economy.
VW has slotted a 2-litre turbocharged engine developing 265bhp into the R - 35bhp less than the Ford Focus RS. But the semi-automatic R model accelerates from 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds - 0.4 seconds quicker than the Ford Focus RS. Yep, that got our attention too.
It will outgun the fast Ford initially but the electronically-limited top speed of 155mph means the RS has 8mph on its German rival.
Let's be honest, it's a classier looking model than the RS which screams 'you want some' more aggressively than any other production hot hatch.
The Golf R is all-wheel drive and with a manual 'box still accelerates to 62mph in an impressive 5.7 seconds. With a combined fuel economy of 33.2mpg, it's 21 per cent more efficient than the R32.
Here lies the quandary: you may think the Golf is a little conservative and the Focus RS is too outlandish but you can meet in the middle with the Scirocco R which is on show in Germany.
