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2018 Volkswagen Golf R Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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Since its inception, Volkswagen’s Golf has been the heart of the brand. It’s no surprise, then, that the Golf was chosen to carry Volkswagen’s top-of-the-line R performance series. Now in its seventh generation, the Golf family was comprehensively redesigned in 2015. For 2018, the Golf R received a major refresh with many noticeable changes. The front and rear fascias were redone, tweaks were made to the drivetrain, and new infotainment features were added.
The Golf R only comes as a five-door hatchback. Unlike most of its hot hatch competitors, the Golf R is a subtle affair. Car aficionados may mistake it for a Golf or Golf GTI, and non-enthusiasts could outright dismiss it as another economy hatchback. The R can be identified by its unique bumper cover with larger openings for brake cooling and the intercooler, twin LED signatures in each headlight pod, satin-chrome mirror covers, unique side skirts, dual exhaust tips on each side, and a slightly-larger R-specific rear spoiler. All in all, the R’s minimal ornamentation combines with the Golf family’s straightforward, chiseled shape to cut a handsome, understated figure that will age well.
Between the Golf R’s shapely fenders lies a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine making an impressive 292-horsepower and 280-pound-feet of torque. The Golf R goes from 0 to 60 miles per hour in 5.3 seconds with the 6-speed manual transmission or 4.5 seconds with the optional 7-speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission, an upgrade from prior 6-speed DSG models. This routes power to all four wheels via a performance-oriented version of Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system and can send up to 50 percent of the power to the rear axle via an electronic coupler. The Golf R can brake each wheel individually, simulating front and rear limited-slip differentials. The suspension is unique to the R, riding 0.8-inches lower than an ordinary Golf and 0.2-inches lower than the Golf GTI. Drivers can select from one of four driving modes, Normal, Individual, Eco, and Race. The dynamic chassis control (DCC) system—standard with the DSG upgrade—adjusts each individual damper’s force on the fly, and adds a fifth Comfort driving mode. Steering is improved for 2018, with a new, quicker rack that only requires 2.1 turns lock-to-lock, versus 2.75 turns for the Golf and Golf GTI. The 13.4-inch front and 12.2-inch rear rotors are borrowed from the Golf GTI’s Performance Pack. Fuel economy is 21 miles per gallon city, 29 highway, and 24 combined with the 6-speed manual, or 22, 29, and 25 with the DSG automatic.
Reviewers describe the Golf R as effortless. In normal driving modes, it communicates to the driver just enough of what’s going on while a bevy of computers work unobtrusively to turn a novice driver into a pro. That said, in automatic mode on the DSG version, there is some noticeable turbocharger lag versus competitors, especially in one of the less-aggressive driving modes. Thanks to Volkswagen’s electronic Soundaktor system, simulated hints of audible aggression pop out at just the right times, a throaty exhaust burble or turbocharger whistle. The brakes perform admirably, with minimal fade or wear across a series of high-speed track runs. The electronic stability control system can be completely deactivated via the R’s two-stage switch. Relying solely on the mechanical performance upgrades, the R is a willing, but less-competent track partner. The Golf R performs best when the computers are left in the equation. Buyers looking for more of a mechanical, natural experience may find a better match in another model. The Golf R outshines competition by providing a comfortable daily driver with a ride that’s firm but never punishing. Tighter steering and handling are an asset in city driving.
The Golf R is one of two North American Golf variants assembled in Germany and imported. That’s reflected in the interior, which shares some amenities with the European versions, such as authentic leather seats with race bolstering, an electronic parking brake switch, sliding front cup holder cover, and a frameless rearview mirror. The door sill plates, pedals, and dead pedal are ornamented with a stainless-steel look. Another R exclusive is the new-for-2018 “Virtual Cockpit”, \ consisting of a large LCD in place of the instrument cluster. It provides drivers with various combinations of infotainment and driving data and can be controlled by steering-wheel mounted buttons. The steering wheel is a flat-bottomed unit, shared with the Golf GTI, that could be mistaken for an upscale luxury car. Buyers will be impressed by the Golf R’s neat center stack, dressed in faux carbon-fiber trim, and its minimalistic row of temperature controls. For 2018, there’s a brand-new 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which has received high praise in other Volkswagen models for bridging the gap between oft-clunky car interfaces and smooth, snappier ones in today’s leading smartphones. That infotainment system is an integral part of the R’s performance experience, showing diagrams of the car’s drivetrain performance and forming an interface through which the driver can change driving settings. The interior as a whole is upscale and well-executed, far above that of any similar hot hatches, and easily on par with a luxury sedan.
Volkswagen offers the 2018 Golf R in two well-equipped trims, Base and DCC with Navigation. The latter trim adds the aforementioned DSG automatic transmission and DCC options to the experience, as well as automatic start-stop, paddles for manual gear selection and on-board navigation that can be activated on both the infotainment and instrument cluster displays. Otherwise, standard features include a 12-way powered driver seat, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and MirrorLink connectivity, three USB ports, satellite radio, a reversing camera, high intensity discharge (HID)/LED adaptive front headlights with LED accents, LED tail-lights, and adaptive cruise control. A sunroof is not offered on either trim.
The Golf R shows an interest in safety and crash prevention not seen in most of its rivals. A whole suite of driving aids comes standard with every unit: forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking with pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning, cross-traffic detection, front and rear parking sensors, a parking assistant, and front and automatic high-beams. Another safety feature, Volkswagen’s Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, applies the brakes after an initial crash to prevent additional damage from the vehicle sliding into other hazards. If the airbags have deployed, the Intelligent Crash Response system shuts off the fuel pumps, unlocks the doors, and switches on the hazard indicators. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) last tested the 5-door Golf hatchback in 2017, when it received top ratings of Good in every crash category.
Volkswagen’s Golf R is a commendable performance car that does what other hot hatches cannot, provide performance, comfort, and practicality in equal measure. The mature interior and exterior mean that the R won’t look out of place in any setting. For its base price, just under $40,000, it comes equipped to the roof with high-tech useful features and a lavish cabin. Also new-for-2018 is a warranty that lasts for 6 years or 72,000 miles, both bumper-to-bumper and powertrain. Whether equipped with the 6-speed or the DSG, the Golf R is a solid, alluring choice in a track machine that can double as transport to a formal dinner.
Published May 31, 2022 by Kyree Rollerson
User reviews for 2018 Volkswagen Golf R
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Mike W
Nov 11, 2023
Such a fun car to drive .would personally only buy the manual version. Amazing acceleration and handling . If you have the $$$$ and need the backseat would fullly recommend buying one .Nov 11, 2023
by Anonymous
Apr 17, 2022
I check the vehicle I buy it was gray choice Apr 17, 2022
by Justin P
Dec 19, 2021
Rather disappointing. Two days after getting home the oil change light came on. The car was cleaned with what feels like grease. And it makes a knocking noise Dec 19, 2021
User rating:
by Mike W
Nov 11, 2023
Such a fun car to drive .would personally only buy the manual version. Amazing acceleration and handling . If you have the $$$$ and need the backseat would fullly recommend buying one .Nov 11, 2023
by Anonymous
Apr 17, 2022
I check the vehicle I buy it was gray choice Apr 17, 2022
by Justin P
Dec 19, 2021
Rather disappointing. Two days after getting home the oil change light came on. The car was cleaned with what feels like grease. And it makes a knocking noise Dec 19, 2021
by Joe P
Nov 04, 2021
The fun factor is undeniable in the Golf R :) It is a great all around performer!Nov 04, 2021
by Anonymous
Mar 13, 2021
The handling, feel of the driving, and responsiveness is amazing!Mar 13, 2021
by John F
Jan 06, 2021
Only from test drives and write ups . Buying an M2 because the R’s are too pricey Jan 06, 2021
by Roy L
Oct 20, 2020
An amazingly fun and practical car. AWD, hatchback, good power-to-weight ratio, the list goes on!Oct 20, 2020
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Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 2018 Volkswagen Golf R?Compare this car
2018 Volkswagen Golf R Pricing
Original MSRP
$39,785 to $39,785Price range
$26,858 to $27,476Average price on CG
$27,046YoY price change
$27,021 to $27,046Trims & 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: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Fender premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 400 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · 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 storage and pass-thru · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: simulated carbon fiber · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · 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: voice recognition controls · Storage: sunglasses holder · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.30 · Locking differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
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: black · 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
Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Android Auto ready · Infotainment screen size: 8 in.
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: range · Instrument cluster screen size: 12.3 in. · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: cornering · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: manual folding
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · 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
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.1
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with voice recognition · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app compatibility: Car-Net · Smart device app function: vehicle location
Tires
Type: summer performance
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · 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 · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: mast · Voice recognition audio system · USB auxiliary audio input · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Fender premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 8 · 400 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Electronic parking brake: auto off · 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 storage and pass-thru · Dash trim: simulated carbon fiber · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Foot pedal trim: alloy · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Assist handle: rear · Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Cargo cover: hard · Center console: front console with armrest and storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · 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: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 3.30 · Locking differential: center
Engine
Alternator: 140 amps · Battery: maintenance-free
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: black · 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
Connected in-car apps: app marketplace integration · Infotainment: Apply CarPlay ready
Instrumentation
Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: maintenance reminder
Lights
Daytime running lights: LED · Headlights: automatic high beam dimmer · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: manual · Manual Adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: 60-40 split bench
Safety
Camera system: rearview · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Cross Traffic Alert: rear · Crumple zones: front · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning · Rearview monitor: in dash
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 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
Security
Power door locks: anti-lockout
Spare Tire
Kit: inflator kit
Steering
Turns lock-to-lock: 2.1
Suspension
Driver Adjustable Suspension: ride control · Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Stabilizer Bar: diameter 24 mm · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Stabilizer Bar: diameter 22 mm · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Suspension control: electronic
Telematics
Electronic messaging assistance: with read function · Navigation system: touch screen display · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Smart device app function: horn/light operation
Tires
Type: summer performance
Windows
Front wipers: speed sensitive · Liftgate window: fixed · Power windows: with safety reverse · Rear wiper: with washer