Supercar Blondie’s Sergi Galiano recently hopped behind the wheel of the new Mk8 VW Golf R.
The latest in the line of hot hatches, this 320hp all-wheel drive beast is one of the fastest out there.
Priced from $44,600, it comes loaded with some clever tech that sets it apart from the rest of the hot hatch crowd.
Check out the full review of the Mk8 VW Golf R below:
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In terms of styling, the Golf R stands out with its blue highlights, including the brake calipers and the trim across the front grille.
Many hot hatches – its lesser sibling the Golf GTI among them – often go for red as a feature color.
There’s also a full-width light bar across the front of the new Golf which stands out most at night.
Silver side mirror caps stand out on the side of the Golf R, while at the back, the redesigned ‘R’ logo is loudly on display.
There is also a set of quad tips for the Akrapovič exhaust system at the back.
This exhaust system is optional, but it’s well worth forking out for as it gives the Golf R’s sound some real snap, crackle, and pop.
Also making the back of the new Golf R look a bit fancier is its roof spoiler with aerodynamic ducts.
It even has sequential turn signals – something Sergi notes is a common aftermarket mod people made to older models.
There’s also a little party trick at the back of the new Golf many won’t notice.
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Normally, the VW badge doubles as the handle to open the trunk.
But when you put the car in reverse, the reverse camera pops out from behind the badge as well, despite it not being visible before.
Inside the Mk8 Golf, there’s plenty more tech to get excited about.
There are big screens for the instrument cluster and infotainment system, and they wrap around the driver so everything’s easily visible.
What’s unique about the Golf’s interior is that there are no physical buttons for the radio or climate controls.
Instead, there are sliders that you run your finger over which provide haptic feedback.
“I think it’s cool, but I’m not sure I prefer it over physical buttons,” Sergi says.
Regardless, there is at least the convenient placement of an R drive mode button on the steering wheel.
This lets you switch between its Race, Drift, and Special drive modes.
And yes, this hatchback has Drift mode, which diverts more power to the rear wheels to allow for some oversteer.
Finally inside, there’s a mix of standard and perforated leather on everything from the steering wheel to the seats, with blue stitching and piping.
There are also little pockets in the back of the seats for passengers in the rear to put their stuff in.
With the VW Golf R capable of getting from 0-100km/h (0-62mph) in just 4.8 seconds, it’s not only tech-savvy, but it’s a serious performer as well.
Is this the ultimate hot hatch out there? Sergi reckons “it’s every young man’s supercar over in Europe.”
