- The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R, which goes on sale early next year in the U.S., is priced from $34,760 for the two-door hatchback and $36,860 for the four-door hatchback.
- Volkswagen bills the 2012 Golf R as the "heir" to the 2008 R32.
- The new Golf R has more power and torque and better fuel economy than the R32.
HERNDON, Virginia — The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R, which goes on sale early next year in the U.S., is priced from $34,760 for the two-door hatchback and $36,860 for the four-door hatchback. Prices include a $770 shipping charge.
Volkswagen bills the 2012 Golf R as the "heir" to the 2008 R32 and "the most powerful VW sports performance vehicle ever sold in the U.S." In fact, the latest hot rod Golf boasts not only more power and torque than its predecessor, but also better fuel economy.
The 2012 Golf R is powered by a high-output version of VW's familiar 2.0-liter TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine, which delivers 256 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Driving all four wheels through a six-speed manual gearbox, the Golf R is rated by the EPA at 19 mpg in city driving and 27 mpg on the highway.
In comparison, the 2008 VW R32 was priced at $32,990 plus shipping. It featured a 3.2-liter V6 engine rated at 250 hp and 236 lb-ft, and was mated to a six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox. The EPA fuel-economy figures were 18 mpg/city and 23 mpg/highway.
Inside Line says: More power, better fuel economy and only a modest bump in price — what's not to like?
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morphrius says:
12:18 AM, 01/25/2012
I've owned S4 sedans and wagons, all modified. Heavy front nosed luxury automobiles. I recently sold my Carrera for a WRX (all wheel drive, cheap rally performance, 4 door) and I staged 3'ed it. About 400 hp and despite what the tuner world has to offer, and KB, the car is not of German heritage, and it will never be. STI's, EVO's.. despite their track times and street/$ appeal, still not German. I've tracked and raced my WRX, will smoke just about anything out there and still bored as hell. I'm looking forward to the R. Have one on order and will make the needed mods to have a track/street worthy performer that delivers balance, daily driver lux comfort and performance, all in a non-pretentious boy racer piece of history.
lookatmyshoes says:
08:49 AM, 10/07/2011
The problem with the R-20 is that is too expensive to be a golf/rabbit. There are very good options with similar performance but significantly cheaper and under VW brand will never be considered as a premium car.
VW should consider:
Add 30 hp to the GTI to be on par with the MazdaSpeed.
Bring the Sirocco
Instead of the R-20 I would bring the S3. under Audi's brand people will consider this as an option to the BMW 1M. Maybe not as fast but better looking yes...
ctrinidad says:
12:32 AM, 10/07/2011
256 hp and 243 torque? lol you gotta be kidding me vw.. my mkv has 280 hp and around 290 torque hahaha.. i wish that golf R would try to race me,, 5.3 secs 0-60.... i don't think i'd be trading.. try again VW
agnh says:
11:13 AM, 10/06/2011
Hotrodw-
You're right, and I have egg on my face. I had incorrectly said there is no A3 2.0Q with the gas motor in America. It appears there is, unfortuantely only with the auto trans.
I was going off info I remembered from about two years ago when I last priced one out.
k55 says:
10:39 AM, 10/06/2011
"raguilar says:
10:23 AM, 10/05/2011
The .:R is for VW fans. It's a car that makes sense only to VW fans. There are a lot of cars more powerful for less money. k55, it is worth the $10K over the GTI, and yes, it is better than any GTI. I had both MKIV and MKV R32s and have driven many GTIs. There really is very little comparison when it comes to driving dynamics or experience. "
Rags ,ok, congratz . I guess your the intented audience. I had a Mk5 GTI and have driven both the 10 and 11 stick and DSG Mk6 GTI's. For the vast majority I doubt that 10k more spent will equate to 10k better......not even close. Is it better? well I suppose it should be eh? but 10k better is the point. Maybe some have 10k to throw around in this POS economy ........I have had a new BMW ,2 Audi's and a Porsche.......and I will tell you that I dont. I may look at a 12 GTI w/DSG but hoping to hear of a bump up in HP from the current 200/207 version before I do.
nyccarguy says:
10:38 AM, 10/06/2011
Interesting car. Don't be scared away from the MSRP though. Like someone pointed out earlier, the hardcore VW fans will gobble up this car at (or maybe over) MSRP when it comes out. By the end of the year there should be a nice crop of leftovers with some hefty incentives ready for the picking.
There's also always going to be someone who says "I can modify the less expensive version for less $" You might be able to buy parts or take it to a specialty tuner shop, but without shelling out big dollars you'll never get the complete package offered by an auto manufacturer.
nonohonda says:
07:12 AM, 10/06/2011
That is just way too much coin for this car. $32K?? ok. 36K? uh no.
lincolnman3 says:
11:01 PM, 10/05/2011
I'll wait for the Volvo C30 Polestar...........
tbone85 says:
09:06 PM, 10/05/2011
I certainly see absolutely nothing compelling in the design. I'm sure VW has picked the right number to import of this model. It's not how I'd spend my money, as a chipped GTI would certainly satisfy 95% of even VW aficionados. However, there are certain to be SOME takers.
cz_75 says:
08:26 PM, 10/05/2011
Does part of that price include a AAA membership for the warranty period?