The Golf R began its history with the fourth generation of the Golf. It was then called the R32 and was equipped with a 3.2-liter V6.
Generation four of the Golf R was the first production car in the world to be equipped with a dual-clutch gearbox.
The model quickly became popular and has since lived on for four more generations as the R.
Let’s test the latest special edition celebrating 20 years of the Golf R.
Golf R “20 years” celebrates, unsurprisingly, 20 years of Golf R. Photo: Joel Sandberg Smaller engine, more horses
Over the years, the engines in the top version have decreased in size, but the number of horsepower has increased.
In the latest generation Golf, which is the eighth in the line, the Golf R has a four-cylinder petrol engine that produces a respectable 320 horsepower.
For approximately SEK 30,000 more than the regular Golf R, it has been possible to get a special version that celebrates the model’s 20th anniversary.
The car is called, rather self-explanatory, Golf R “20 years”.
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Golf R “20 years” boasts 333 horsepower. Photo: Joel Sandberg20 years as R
The “20 years” extension means a few more horsepower, a little more blue elements in the styling and some mechanical improvements.
In other words, it is not a matter of any major change, but rather a little plastering and tinkering.
The engine is a little more responsive and the gearshifts feel a little more distinct than those in the regular Golf R.
The sound coming out of the four rear exhausts is somewhat reserved, especially inside the car. From the outside, the engine growls more, especially at full throttle, without breaking any eardrums.
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There is not much that distinguishes the Golf R “20 years” from the regular Golf R. Photo: Joel Sandberg Sporty but controlled
The Golf R behaves extremely well on curvy roads. The grip into and out of the curves is phenomenal and the car generally instills great confidence in the driver.
The shock absorbers are set relatively hard, which is felt when you happen to hit a pothole, but which also means that it stays upright in the curves.
The four-wheel drive helps to keep the car in check on wet surfaces and to make the Golf R an attractive year-round option.
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The new generation Golf is around the corner. Photo: Joel Sandberg Fast hatchback
Golf R 20 years is a nimble car. If you press full throttle from a standstill, the acceleration is felt throughout the body, regardless of the surface, precisely thanks to the four-wheel drive.
More impressive, however, is the power if you choose to stomp your right foot on the floor at slightly higher speeds.
Carrying out fast overtaking on 2+1 roads is a breeze and if you choose to keep the gas at the bottom, it easily happens that the speedometer will soon show well over the limit indicated on the signs.
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The Volkswagen Golf R is surprisingly accommodating. Photo: Joel Sandberg Hardly motivated choice
However, the 13 extra horsepower in the special version of the latest Golf R is not something you will feel while driving.
The price premium compared to the regular Golf R is therefore difficult to justify given the small differences between the versions.
Having said that, Volkswagen managed to sell out of the special version with the same engine, Golf R 333in eight minutes – despite the price tag of almost SEK 900,000.
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The R in the designation Golf R stands for “racing”. Photo: Joel Sandberg Like a completely normal Golf
If you choose to drive the model at a slower pace, the Golf R “20 years” is experienced much like a regular Golf.
Of course, the seats are more cupped and the carbon fiber materials in the interior testify that you are sitting in something a little sportier than a regular Golf.
However, the driving experience is pleasant and the seven-speed dual-clutch box feels smooth even at a slower pace and in city traffic.
No major changes
Externally, there is not much that separates “20 years” from the regular Golf R.
The rear-view mirror housings are blue, the rims have elements of a blue color and the B-pillars are decorated with a placard with the text “20 years”.
However, the Golf R “20 years” comes standardly equipped with the R-performance package. This means that two extra driving modes can be selected in the display, Drift and Special.
In addition, the top speed has been raised to an autobahn-compatible 270 kilometers per hour (instead of 250 kilometers per hour).
If you look at the back of the model, you can also see an extended roof wing that is painted in black.
The interior is experienced as thoroughly German. Photo: Joel SandbergVolkswagen Golf R “20 years” is the mischievous domestic cat
The Volkswagen Golf R “20 years” is a nimble little hatchback.
You can feel the power and the careful German engineering that underlies the entire driving experience.
The car never feels out of control or difficult to handle, no matter how hard you try to prove the opposite.
The Golf R is like a domestic cat that is full of energy. It is quick, nimble and lively, but you know it so well that you know it will never do anything extreme or unexpected.
The “20 years” version with 333 horsepower is the fastest of them all, and the most powerful Golf R ever. Simply the most mischievous domestic cat.
Rating of Volkswagen Golf R “20 years” 4/5
Volkswagen Golf R “20 years” (2024)
Engine: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder, gasoline, 333 horsepower, 420 newton meters
Transmission: 7-speed dual clutch, four-wheel drive
Acceleration 0-100 km/h: 4.6 seconds
Top speed: 270 km/h
Weight: 1,666 kg
Dimensions (length/width/height): 4290/1789/1458 mm
Award: SEK 586,900 (Test car approx. SEK 600,000)