Performance Icons
Light, quick and built to be driven hard.
3 cards
Volkswagen Golf R315HP
INLINE-4 TURBO · 2.0 L
HOT HATCH HALL
FACT
The Mk8 Golf R hides a genuine party trick: a factory Drift Mode, built into the updated all-wheel-drive system of what's still, on paper, a practical family hatchback.
BURBLES02/4 EDITION
Volkswagen Golf R292HP
4 CYL · 2.0 L · AWD
HOT HATCH HALL
FACT
The Mk7 Golf R's all-wheel drive isn't always all-wheel drive — under light load or while coasting, it disconnects the rear axle entirely to save fuel.
BURBLES02/4 EDITION
Volkswagen Golf R256HP
4 CYL · 2.0 L · AWD
HOT HATCH HALL
FACT
America's Mk6 Golf R wasn't quite the car sold everywhere else — when it arrived for 2012, VW left out the dual-clutch gearbox entirely and quietly detuned the engine.
BURBLES02/4 EDITION