While there have not been many significant changes made in the 2024 model year, big changes are in store for next! That being said, the 2024 Golf R has much to offer and much to boast about, including mighty turbo-four power, a great driving experience and hatchback practicality. It is important to note that beginning in 2025, the Golf R will come exclusively with a self-shifting dual-clutch automatic, ending a whopping four decades of three-pedal Golf enjoyment with a traditional manual transmission.

In the area of power, the Golf R, which starts at $46,890, makes 315 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque from its turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four engine, deploying spectacular urgency to all four wheels. The engine pairs with either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In addition, the standard 4Motion all-wheel-drive system boasts a rear differential the can actively distribute torque between the left and right rear wheels for improved handling.

Drivers have the option to choose from the Golf R’s various selectable drive modes, including Comfort, Sport, Race, Special, Drift and Individual, each of which can be activated simply by pressing an “R” button on the steering wheel. Each model comes with a sport exhaust system, variable-ratio steering and larger front disc brakes than before. It also rides on a set of 19-inch wheels.

With this power comes quickness behind the wheel, a reactive dual-clutch automatic and intelligent all-wheel-drive system. Its acceleration time from 0-60 mph was just 4.1 seconds for the Golf R with seven-speed automatic transmission, and 4.9 seconds with the six-speed manual.

This densely packed hatchback body offers much when it comes to head, leg and cargo room. Inside, the Golf R is similar to the new cabin design found within the GTI, including a sportier aesthetic and thick-rimmed steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls that operate a 10.2-inch digital gauge cluster with comfortable layouts.

Front seats are wrapped in supple nappa leather, with the exclusive buckets featuring blue and carbon-look accents in the side sections, as well as a blue “R” logo in the backrest. Drivers and passengers alike enjoy other interior benefits like the 30-color ambient lighting as well as impressive cargo space. There are also stainless steel pedals within and more carbon-look trim on the dashboard.

Overall standard equipment includes adaptive suspension, a sports exhaust, LED headlights, nappa leather interior with blue highlights, tri-zone climate control, keyless entry, push-button start, wireless smartphone charter and a head-up display.

Aside from three exterior paint colors at no extra cost, an available option to the Golf R is a panoramic glass sunroof that adds $1,900 to the asking price.

Its size equates with total ease of parking with the vehicle 4290 mm long, 1789 mm wide and 1458 mm tall. Its wheelbase at 2631 means extra roominess within.

To stay connected, the Golf R’s infotainment runs through a 10.0-inch touchscreen situated in the center of the dashboard. Secondary controls include touch-sensitive sliders, and the Golf R also is presented with charging ports, a 9-speaker Harmon/Kardon premium audio system and the ever-popular Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a Wi-Fi hotspot.

When it comes to safety, the Golf R is a standout, offering more driver-assistance technology than its predecessor. Key features include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist. More information on the vehicle’s crash-test results can be found by visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety websites.

The Golf R also features standard forward-collision warning and automatic emergency braking, standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist and standard adaptive cruise control with semi-autonomous driving mode.

VW has you covered in the area of warranty and maintenance coverage, with limited warranty and powertrain warranties covering four years or 50,000 miles and complimentary maintenance covered for two years or 20,000 miles.

A benchmark in performance with a practical interior and grown-up looks, VW’s Golf R, a do-it-all hot hatch, sits at the pinnacle of mass-production small-car performance for the brand since its introduction in 2009 with the sixth-generation Golf. Small but mighty has never looked this good! Take a test drive, and reserve yours today!