2015 Volkswagen Golf R Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review$36,595 to $39,090
Original MSRP
--
expert review
avg user rating
(0 reviews)
Complete with a reworked engine, redesigned body, lightened chassis, technology options, and improved interior for 2015, the Golf R is an all-new version of the most impressive car Volkswagen has ever brought to the table. Volkswagen’s XDS system, which increases handling performance and was previously available only for the GTI, has become a standard feature for the hatchback this year as well.
A brand new color created exclusively for the Golf R, Lapis Blue Metallic, shines with azure beauty and can now be applied to the exterior. Adding distinctive flair, the new designs of the front bumper and grille give unmistakable recognizability.
Aggressiveness radiates from the newly widened, lengthened body and reshaped rims, and the novel smoky taillights add a bit of attitude to the formula. Not to be wasted, the added size also means more usable interior space. Finally, Volkswagen also emblazoned a noticeable U-shape into the design of the new LED headlights for even more personality.
Long trips are quiet and comfortable in the Golf R, and the reengineering of the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine delivers smooth, ready power on the go with as little lag as possible. German engineering has managed to squeeze a stunning 292 hp and 280 lb-ft of tire-smoking torque from this little 4-banger, which breathes in boosted air ravenously and expels it through the additional 2 chrome tailpipes. Expect mileage to run 23 mpg city/30 highway, which isn’t stellar, but a small price to pay to go from 0-60 in just a tick under 5 seconds.
Traversing roads with challenging topography, such as the streets of San Francisco or that ever-so-famous highway out of California, is a breeze in this 4-door. The acceleration right off the line from the smooth shifts of the 6-speed automatic transmission and the grip of the all-wheel-drive system is nothing short of breathtaking. The fine-tuned suspension absorbs road impurities effortlessly, and provides high-level stability in cornering. This is also good news for handling hazardous elements like rain and snow.
Even when the weather outside gets grim, the inside of the new Golf R stays as cozy as ever. Small redesigns here and slight touches there dot the interior, with plenty of soft-touch surfaces and leather to suit anyone’s palate. A notable new option is the 5.8-inch center console screen equipped with proximity sensors that cue the screen to life when a hand draws near. The Golf R provides abundant space for all passengers and still gives cargo space graciously to the tune of 52.7 cubic feet—30% more than last year.
2012 saw the introduction of the Golf R to U.S. customers and the dawn of a new flagship in the hatchback segment. Since then, this performance-enhanced, seventh generation Golf has risen to become highly awarded. It has the potential to tackle any type of driving engagement, including the act of shifting gears with a manual transmission (coming next year).
A steep price is the worst drawback of this car. And yes, the WRX and Lancer are more frugal and track-worthy, but German design is fabled for its meticulous attention to detail and pursuit of perfection.
User reviews for 2015 Volkswagen Golf R
Write a reviewWhat users have asked
Top Comparisons
2015 Volkswagen Golf R Pricing
Trims & 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 · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Voice recognition audio system · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.4 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: front · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Locking differential: center
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: low oil level
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: cornering
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Rearview monitor: in dash
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 power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
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 · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer
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 · Voice recognition audio system · Bluetooth auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Fender premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 13.4 · Front brake width: 1.2 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.2 · Rear brake width: 0.9 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with pass-thru · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: proximity entry system · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: front seatback · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Locking differential: center
Exterior Features
Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color · Rear spoiler: roofline spoiler · Rear spoiler color: body-color · Rear trunk/liftgate: liftgate · Window trim: black
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5.8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: turn off headlights
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Active head restraints: driver · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Rearview monitor: in dash
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 power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat manual adjustments: height · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · 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 · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer