For This is the fastest performance Golf you can buy, and standard four-wheel drive gives it superb traction out of bends. It’s comfortable and practical for a hot hatch, too, and the ride is smooth.

Against It doesn’t feel as agile as its GTI brother, so it’s no more enjoyable to drive. It costs way more to buy and run, too. The styling is too understated.

Volkswagen Golf Hatchback

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

The fastest Golf isn’t necessarily the best. We’d save ourselves a few quid and go for the GTI. It does most of what the R does, and it’ll cost you way less.

What Car? readers say

4.135135

Volkswagen Golf Hatchback 2.0 TSI 270 R 3dr full review

  • Performance

    4 out of 5 stars

    The R has way more power than the GTI, but ultimately, doesn’t feel a whole lot faster. That said, it's not what you'd call slow. This is a Golf that will give Subaru WRXs and some Mitsubishi Evos a scrap, although the power doesn't arrive quite as progressively as in VW's other TSI engines. There are distinct kicks at 2000rpm and then again at 2500rpm.

    Review-OnRoad

  • Ride & Handling

    5 out of 5 stars

    The R feels a bit heavier on its wheels than the GTI, so it doesn’t feel quite as agile. Both cars ride effortlessly smoothly, though, which may come as a surprise when you see the size of the wheels and tyres. Nevertheless, the car corners with precious little roll, and what body movement there is is superbly controlled. The only impact is on the turning circle - you can manoeuvre a jumbo jet more easily.

    Review-OnRoad

  • Refinement

    5 out of 5 stars

    This is another of the Golf's strengths. It's quieter than some executive cars when cruising on the motorway, but crack open the throttle, and you'll unleash a nice beaty drone - albeit one that's no match for a V6. Specify the optional DSG semi-auto gearbox and the exhaust pops and bangs every time you shift gear at high revs – utterly addictive.

    Review-OnRoad

  • Buying & Owning

    3 out of 5 stars

    The R’s greater power than the GTI means it costs a little more to run, but the high list price is more of a problem – it’s just not worth it over the GTI.

    Review-Ownership

  • Quality & Reliability

    4 out of 5 stars

    The Golf is about as swanky as small family hatches get, and the sporty versions are no different. Many of the interior surfaces are soft to the touch, and those that aren't are rubberised for a better texture. Even tucked-away plastics are fairly good. The switches feel slick and the build is solid, but Volkswagen's record in our reliability surveys could be better.

    Review-Ownership

  • Safety & Security

    5 out of 5 stars

    It's hard to think of a box that the R doesn't tick. You get stability control to help you stay on the road, and if a crash is unavoidable, seven airbags are on hand, including a driver's knee 'bag. Security is equally comprehensive, with deadlocks, an alarm and a visible vehicle identification number all included.

    Review-Ownership

  • Behind The Wheel

    5 out of 5 stars

    There's a huge range of adjustment to help the driver get comfortable, plus the seats are heavily bolstered to hold you in place during hard cornering. Other sporty touches include a flat-bottomed steering wheel and drilled aluminium pedals. Meanwhile the controls are simple to use and all-round vision is good.

    Review-Cabin

  • Space & Practicality

    4 out of 5 stars

    Even in three-door guise the Golf is a practical hatchback, while those who regularly carry rear passengers can have a five-door version for a few hundred pounds extra. Whichever you choose, there's room for four to travel in comfort, and transporting five isn't out of the question thanks to good rear shoulder room. The boot is big and well shaped, although it's a bit disappointing that the rear seats don't fold down completely flat.

    Review-Cabin

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5 stars

    The R is well equipped, with electric windows, 18-inch alloy wheels and dual-zone climate control as well as its unique bodykit. However, the price can still spiral if you get carried away with the options because leather upholstery, satellite-navigation and Active Chassis Control are all expensive extras.

    Review-Cabin