Volkswagen sells hundreds of thousands of cars every year. As one of the largest automakers in the world, Volkswagen has a wide range of vehicles. This includes hatchbacks, sedans, and even premium SUVs. While Volkswagen does well at creating a car for everyone, they have also created a high-performance line of vehicles.
Known as Volkswagen R, this special division is responsible for creating some of the most powerful models in Volkswagen’s range. This division is not separated from the rest of Volkswagen, but it's designed to compete with other sports divisions such as the M division from BMW and the RS division from Audi.
Thinking about getting a new performance car? Here are 10 reasons why gearheads should consider getting one of Volkswagen’s R cars.
10 The Original Golf R32
The origins of the R division date back as far as 2002. This is when Volkswagen began producing the Mk4 Golf and decided to create a performance version specifically with gearheads in mind. Known as the R32, this was the first production car to ever feature VW’s dual-clutch gearbox.
The Volkswagen R32 came with a 3.2-liter engine that could produce around 238 HP and 236 lb-ft of torque. These impressive stats came in a compact and lightweight design that promised a driving experience that nobody could compete with. The success of this model allowed Volkswagen to create another R32 with the Golf Mk5.
9 VW’s High-Performance Range
Volkswagen’s Mk4 R32 was unexpectedly popular. While it was released for the German market only, the automaker expanded into the United States and Australia a few years later. Volkswagen released the Mk5 R32 in 2005 followed by the Passat R36 in 2007.
The success and popularity of these models helped build an entire brand for Volkswagen. While there were not as many R models during that time, the automaker has expanded to include an R model for almost every vehicle they produce. This includes the Golf, Tiguan, and even a few of the compact crossovers as well.
8 Affordable Performance
The R models from Volkswagen come with an upgraded exterior kit, but also include significant performance increases. These performance upgrades are subtle but ensure that the R model is the most powerful version of that car.
These performance upgrades are notable but are also significantly more affordable than most of the competition. The modern Golf R competes with the A45 AMG and the Honda Civic Type R, however, the Golf R only costs around $45,000 while the A45 AMG costs over $58,000.
7 Aggressive Design
The R models come with a significantly more aggressive look. While each model comes with different kits, most modern R models include an upgraded front and rear bumper. The R models also include performance exhausts that don’t just look great, but sound great as well.
The exterior upgrades also make use of the classic R color scheme. This may differ from model to model but is generally black and blue. Some R models have blue accents around the car, helping them stand out from the rest of the range. The new Golf R features a distinct blue line across the front bumper, leading directly into the front headlights for a seamless look.
6 Interior Upgrades
The R model does not just improve the exterior of the car, it also upgrades the interior as well. This includes R badges in the cabin along with various premium finishes as well. The most notable are leather seats and an upgraded infotainment system.
While Volkswagen does let owners customize their model to include premium interior finishes, the R model comes with most of these as standard. While the offerings do change depending on the model you choose, most R models come with leather seats, digital gauges, and the latest driver technology available.
5 The R-Line Kit
Volkswagen leveraged the success of the R models by allowing customers to add the body kit to other models in their lineup. This is listed as an exterior package that customers can add to their car when customizing it. This package came with both an exterior and interior option.
The exterior R-Line package included an upgraded front and rear bumper and bigger wheels. However, the interior package adds premium finishes throughout the cabin. This includes the upgraded infotainment system and digital gauges. Volkswagen’s digital gauge cluster is based on the same technology as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, making it one of the best on the market.
4 Tons Of Badging
R models from Volkswagen come with an aggressive design that stands out from the rest of the range. These models also feature tons of R badging throughout the exterior and interior of the car. Every R model comes with the R badge on the front grille while modern R models include the badge under the Volkswagen logo at the rear of the car.
The interior of all R models also includes R badging. Some models feature the logo on the headrest while others have more subtle badging around the cabin. The R logo is also displayed on the infotainment system in some models, adding to the interior experience of the car.
3 The Golf R
The Golf R is the original R model and helped set up the entire brand for Volkswagen. The modern Golf R is one of the most impressive hatchbacks on the market and comes with premium finishes that help make it the best daily driver money can buy.
The new Golf R comes with a 315 HP engine that can also produce 295 lb-ft of torque. The interior of the new Golf R features the latest version of Volkswagen’s digital cockpit alongside a touchscreen infotainment system. The Golf R is the most powerful Golf you can get and comes with a manual gearbox as well.
2 High-Performance SUVs
While the entire brand was developed around performance hatchbacks, the R division has grown to include premium SUVs as well. This includes models such as the Tiguan, Taos, Touareg, and even some of the smaller, crossover SUVs as well.
These models come with aggressive body kits and modern technology. Some of these models are also available with the R-Line kit. This allows owners to get the same exterior look of the R model without having to pay for the added performance upgrades.
1 R Models Get New Technology First
The R models are designed to be the top-of-the-range version of every car in Volkswagen’s lineup. As the flagship of each range, the R model often gets new technology first. This includes the latest infotainment systems, driver aids, and safety features.
These new features are sometimes available as options for other models in the range, but some are kept exclusive to the R model. This makes the R model perfect for those who love having the latest technology available on the market today.