Volkswagen Golf R vs Audi A3 Sportback
Overview | |
Years produced2012-2013 | Years produced2016-2018 |
MSRP$47,100 | MSRP$39,500 |
Listings838 | Listings91 |
Ratings & Reviews | |
User Reviews | User Reviews |
Expert reviews7.7 out of 10 | Expert reviews |
Pros
Cons
| |
Reviews SummaryThe 2025 Volkswagen Golf R is the hotter of VW’s two hot hatchbacks, boasting more power than its Golf GTI platform mate, plus a standard all-wheel-drive system (AWD), known as 4Motion, and a commensurately higher base price that puts it in the same competitive set as the Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla. The current-generation Golf R was launched as a 2022 model but gains a handful of small updates for 2025, including a new touchscreen infotainment system and two new styling packages. Verdict: It’s hard to fault the Golf R’s performance capabilities and everyday usability, but the same can be said of its GTI sibling. | |
Reviews Summary | |
No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | |
Engine2.0L 328 hp I4 | Engine1.4L 204 hp I4 Hybrid |
Drive TrainAWD | Drive TrainFWD |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Horsepower328 hp @ 5850 rpm | Horsepower204 hp @ 5000 rpm |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity8.8 kWh |
MPG City22 | MPG City81 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway86 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)2.5 hours |
Engine | |
Engine Name2.0L 328 hp I4 | Engine Name1.4L 204 hp I4 Hybrid |
Torque295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | Torque |
Horsepower328 hp @ 5850 rpm | Horsepower204 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | Battery Charge Time (240V)2.5 hours |
DrivetrainAWD | DrivetrainFWD |
Fuel Economy | |
EV Battery Capacity | EV Battery Capacity8.8 kWh |
MPG City22 | MPG City81 |
MPG Highway31 | MPG Highway86 |
Interior | |
Leather SeatsOptional | Leather SeatsStandard |
Seating Capacity5 | Seating Capacity5 |
Key Features | |
Navigation SystemOptional | Navigation SystemStandard |
Sunroof/MoonroofOptional | Sunroof/MoonroofStandard |
Dimensions & Capacity | |
Cargo Space19.9 cu ft | Cargo Space13.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight3450 lbs | Curb Weight3616 lbs |
Height57.8 in | Height56.1 in |
Length169.1 in | Length169.7 in |
Width81.6 in | Width77.4 in |
Wheelbase103.5 in | Wheelbase103.5 in |
Maximum Payload959 lbs | Maximum Payload1080 lbs |
Number of doors4 | Number of doors4 |
Overview | ||
Years produced | 2012-2013 | 2016-2018 |
MSRP | $47,100 | $39,500 |
Listings | ||
Ratings & Reviews | ||
User reviews | ||
Expert reviews | 7.7 out of 10Read full review | |
Pros & cons | Pros
Cons
| |
Summary | The 2025 Volkswagen Golf R is the hotter of VW’s two hot hatchbacks, boasting more power than its Golf GTI platform mate, plus a standard all-wheel-drive system (AWD), known as 4Motion, and a commensurately higher base price that puts it in the same competitive set as the Honda Civic Type R and Toyota GR Corolla. The current-generation Golf R was launched as a 2022 model but gains a handful of small updates for 2025, including a new touchscreen infotainment system and two new styling packages. Verdict: It’s hard to fault the Golf R’s performance capabilities and everyday usability, but the same can be said of its GTI sibling. | |
Video | No video found | No video found |
Popular Features & Specs | ||
Engine | 2.0L 328 hp I4 | 1.4L 204 hp I4 Hybrid |
Drive Train | AWD | FWD |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5850 rpm | 204 hp @ 5000 rpm |
EV Battery Capacity | 8.8 kWh | |
MPG City | 22 | 81 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 86 |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 2.5 hours | |
Engine | ||
Engine Name | 2.0L 328 hp I4 | 1.4L 204 hp I4 Hybrid |
Torque | 295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm | |
Horsepower | 328 hp @ 5850 rpm | 204 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Battery Charge Time (240V) | 2.5 hours | |
Drivetrain | AWD | FWD |
Fuel Economy | ||
EV Battery Capacity | 8.8 kWh | |
MPG City | 22 | 81 |
MPG Highway | 31 | 86 |
Interior | ||
Leather Seats | Optional | Standard |
Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
Key Features | ||
Navigation System | Optional | Standard |
Sunroof/Moonroof | Optional | Standard |
Dimensions & Capacity | ||
Cargo Space | 19.9 cu ft | 13.6 cu ft |
Curb Weight | 3450 lbs | 3616 lbs |
Height | 57.8 in | 56.1 in |
Length | 169.1 in | 169.7 in |
Width | 81.6 in | 77.4 in |
Wheelbase | 103.5 in | 103.5 in |
Maximum Payload | 959 lbs | 1080 lbs |
Number of doors | 4 | 4 |

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