What's the news?
Orders are now being taken for the range-topping Volkswagen Golf R. Customers can choose three or five doors and between manual and DSG automatic transmissions with a three-door manual version costing £29,900. Deliveries are due to start in March 2014.
We covered the Golf R in detail a few months ago, but the key figures are: 300hp from a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine; a claimed 0-62mph time of 5.3 seconds - or 4.9 seconds with the DSG gearbox; 38.9mpg combined cycle fuel economy; and 'progressive steering' with 2.1 turns lock-to-lock.
Unlike other Golfs the R comes with an electronic stability control system that can be fully turned off for track driving. Customers can also specify the optional Adaptive Chassis Control DCC with a 'Race' mode to stiffen the damping. Other options include 19-inch alloy wheels to replace the standard 18-inch items and leather instead of cloth upholstery.
Anything else?
Specifying the DSG gearbox adds £1,415 to the list price. Five-door models cost £655 more than the equivalent three-door.
John Lambert - 12 Nov 2013