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2012 Volkswagen Golf R Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Four years in the making, Volkswagen finally unveils the Golf R. Essentially, this is a GTI on steroids, containing a 2.5-liter turbocharged inline 4-cylinder, with 256 hp, 243 lb-ft of torque and all-wheel drive (AWD). Comparisons abound to the Audi TT RS, which is built on the same platform, but the R is aimed at a more sensible, frugal consumer that still wants something special; this model is limited to only 5,000 vehicles for the U.S. market.
But the thing that sets it apart from the others is the inclusion of its powerful 4th-generation Haldex 4Motion AWD. Also helping to eliminate the understeer common in the GTI is a powered rear axle. In keeping with its racy spirit, only a 6-speed manual transmission will be installed in U.S. models. As a hot hatch, the R is available in 3-door and 5-door iterations, and offers options for sunroof and navigation features.
With a slightly more aggressive stance than the GTI (15mm lower) and larger air intakes in front, the new model proudly plants its R badge on both the front and rear. Dual center exhaust tips add to its sporty looks. The 3-setting suspension won’t be available in the U.S., but it will also be tuned overall to emphasize sport.
The R's interior is in the vein of most VWs: easy on the eyes and strong on quality. All Rs come with cruise control, power windows, mirrors and locks, and keyless entry. An 8-speaker sound system comes with Bluetooth and an aux input. Trims with the sunroof and navigation have a premium touchscreen sound system, while base trims offer an old-fashioned CD/AM/FM. All your standard safety fare—airbags, antilock brakes, traction and stability control—are included at all levels.
In its debut run through the steep, icy, snowy roads of the Swiss Alps, the R impressed all drivers and onlookers with how it handled itself, especially on curves. Although it’s a solid performer, some still feel the GTI is a little more fun on the road. The R being at a higher price point might also be a barrier to acceptance from some consumers. But you could also look at it another way—the new R is a budget-minded TT RS.
Enthusiasts have been waiting many a year for this baby, and she looks sweet. The care and quality Volkswagen puts into its cars is readily apparent, and those looking for a solid, sporty hatch will not be disappointed.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2012 Volkswagen Golf R
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Jonny H
Aug 23, 2022
Substantial thrill value for the money, handling and highway motoring are engineered to the high standards GmbH is known for. When comparing to asian manufacturing the fit and finish is obviously a level above. The Golf R has the complete kit worth checking out, and 27 mpg efficiency is subliminally appreciated.Aug 23, 2022
by Andre P
Dec 12, 2021
A likeable car. Rather get a BMW. I liked it a lot. I did not LOVE IT….. it needs more power to be truly enjoyable. Got on the freeway at the same time as a 535i xdrive. The very car we were comparing it to. The beemer smoked us getting on the on ramp. That answered all our questions. Went to test drive a 535d after this test drive. And we ill be getting that instead. Rather get a BMW. But. Its a very likeable car. I like the Golf R. I LOVE the BMW!Dec 12, 2021
by Matt P
Apr 30, 2014
This car will do whatever you need. Haul 5 people around, or take it to the track and beat cars that cost twice as much. Comfortable interior, much nicer materials used than comparable cost Jap cars and ride quality is much better.Apr 30, 2014
User rating:
by Jonny H
Aug 23, 2022
Substantial thrill value for the money, handling and highway motoring are engineered to the high standards GmbH is known for. When comparing to asian manufacturing the fit and finish is obviously a level above. The Golf R has the complete kit worth checking out, and 27 mpg efficiency is subliminally appreciated.Aug 23, 2022
by Andre P
Dec 12, 2021
A likeable car. Rather get a BMW. I liked it a lot. I did not LOVE IT….. it needs more power to be truly enjoyable. Got on the freeway at the same time as a 535i xdrive. The very car we were comparing it to. The beemer smoked us getting on the on ramp. That answered all our questions. Went to test drive a 535d after this test drive. And we ill be getting that instead. Rather get a BMW. But. Its a very likeable car. I like the Golf R. I LOVE the BMW!Dec 12, 2021
by Matt P
Apr 30, 2014
This car will do whatever you need. Haul 5 people around, or take it to the track and beat cars that cost twice as much. Comfortable interior, much nicer materials used than comparable cost Jap cars and ride quality is much better.Apr 30, 2014
by Anonymous
Jan 10, 2014
With some inexpensive modifications by VW Racing and Alabama-based APR, the Golf R can be transformed from really quick to OMG fast. And since it's got VW's all-wheel drive system on board, you don't just burn rubber all over the place, or torque-steer into the nearest guardrail...you can actually handle this car, and easily pull away from pretty much all other traffic, including really surprised dudes in their Porsche Caymans. Best of all, you get to keep your reputation as a reasonable person who drives a reasonable car.Jan 10, 2014
by Alicia S
Mar 11, 2013
omg, what a fast little car! and, awesome brakes if you happen to get caught being a bit too fast..... so much fun to drive- just have to go and find twisty roads with great places to test the handling and acceleration. Thank goodness VW was smart enough to offer this only with a manualMar 11, 2013
by Jeff B
Jan 30, 2013
Nothing not to like. AWD, great handling and very comfortable. Everything that I was looking for; sporty, and the interior rivals Audi for fit and finish. Plus it's a VW. Everything is within easy reach and if you've got a family of four, why buy an expensive AWD SUV when you've got an AWD vehicle for lots less and you can park it anywhere?Jan 30, 2013
by Lewis K
Apr 23, 2012
this car is quality it is amazing it has amazing grip it is pretty quick and has back seats so you can take your family out to places the car is really fun to drive and is really good its awsomeApr 23, 2012
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2012 Volkswagen Golf R Pricing
Original MSRP
$33,990 to $36,090Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 300 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brake width: 0.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Easy entry: manual driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Engine
Alternator: 140 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Lights
Headlights: cornering
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 300 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brake width: 0.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: sunglasses holder
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Engine
Alternator: 140 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Lights
Headlights: cornering
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · Dynaudio premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 300 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brake width: 0.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Easy entry: manual driver and passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): front and rear · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: front seatback
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Engine
Alternator: 140 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Lights
Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · Dynaudio premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 300 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.6 · Front brake width: 1.18 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brake width: 0.8 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: rear · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): two 12V · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Storage: door pockets
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time
Engine
Alternator: 140 amps
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black · Mirror color: black · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Lights
Headlights: cornering
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Roof
Moonroof: tilt/slide
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: fuel cut-off
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat manual adjustments: height · Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Spare Tire
Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary
Steering
Steering ratio: 15.6 · Turns lock-to-lock: 3.0
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse