2023 Volkswagen Golf R Hatchback

2023 Volkswagen Golf R Review

　　Alex Nishimoto has worked in the automotive industry since 2007. He was a staff writer for MotorTrend for 10 years and since then has contributed to CNET, PRI, AutoWise and other publications.

　　The GTI is Volkswagen's hot hatch, and the Golf R is the brand's extra-spicy version. Based on the eighth-generation Golf, the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R is a four-door hatchback equipped with a 315-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine and a fancy all-wheel-drive system that can distribute power a number of different ways to its wheels.

　　For 2023, Volkswagen celebrates 20 years of the R brand — which began with the 2004 Volkswagen Golf R32 — with a 20th Anniversary Edition limited to 1,800 units. The special model receives unique interior and exterior details, including real carbon-fiber interior trim. Beyond that, there are few changes since the Golf R was only introduced in 2022. The standard Golf R still comes fully loaded, with no options or packages available.

　　With the release of the Toyota GR Corolla and redesigned Honda Civic Type R, the Golf R faces new hot hatch competition. As the only one of the trio to offer an automatic transmission option, the Golf R is perhaps the best suited for daily driving duties. It also has the longer features list and a quieter, more comfortable interior. It might not be quite as thrilling as its rivals, but the Golf R provides a good balance of performance and everyday drivability. Check out our Expert Rating below to get the full breakdown on VW's hottest hatch.

　　zzdcar Expert Rating

　　Our VerdictThe zzdcar Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.

　　Great

　　8.3

　　out of 10

　　zzdcar TESTED

　　Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

　　How does the Golf R drive? The Golf R uses one of the best turbocharged four-cylinder engines around. Our automatic-equipped Golf R test car ripped from 0 to 60 mph in a scant 4.3 seconds and cleared the quarter mile in 12.7 seconds at 108.3 mph. Those are outstanding acceleration times for a hot hatch or compact performance sedan. The engine is powerful and smooth, and the dual-clutch transmission's shifts feel far more refined than those from traditional automatics in some rivals.

　　Braking and handling impressed too. The Golf R stopped from 60 mph in just 105 feet and pulled 0.99 g on the skidpad, again among the best we've ever seen from any compact. The standard adaptive suspension does a wonderful job of keeping body motions well in check, and standard all-wheel drive means traction is never an issue. The car feels light and nimble thanks to that well-tuned suspension as well as responsive steering that translates more road feel than the closely related Volkswagen GTI. It's not the sharpest or most dynamic car in its class, but it's not too far off the benchmark. Some editors found the steering to be a bit heavy in Sport mode, but it lightens up at low speeds, which makes the Golf R a breeze to park.

Comfort

　　How comfortable is the Golf R? The Golf R's adaptive suspension dampers help improve not only handling but ride comfort too. There's a distinct difference between Comfort and Sport settings, though the latter is still reasonably compliant. The Golf R's seats are also great. They offer excellent support, with fixed bolsters that hug without squeezing too tight. The front seats are both heated and ventilated; the rear outboard seats are heated too. Padding in both rows is supportive but not overly firm.

　　The Golf R is relatively quiet, with only a mild amount of wind and road noise at highway speeds. The exhaust is adjustable, though even in its loudest setting you won't have trouble talking to your passengers. The exhaust note is beefy for a four-cylinder engine, and there's a lovely bit of turbo whine at full blast.

　　Our biggest complaint is the car's climate control system. While the standard three-zone automatic climate control is a plus, controlling and adjusting the setting can be cumbersome and frustrating. In fact, you can't even see the capacitive touch controls at night as Volkswagen (incorrectly) believed it didn't need backlighting. Using voice commands is a crutch, not a solution. At least the air conditioning blows cold.

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