Which used Volkswagen Golf R should you buy?

Launched in 2014, the Volkswagen Golf R sits above the Volkswagen Golf GTI in the range. Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine developing 304PS or 314PS, depending on the date of registration.

The power was upped from 304PS to 314PS as part of a 2017 update, but was downgraded back to 3004PS in 2018 due to emissions regulations.

Regardless of the output, the Volkswagen Golf R is seriously quick, and unlike the Volkswagen Golf GTI, which sends its power to the front wheels, it’s four-wheel drive. This helps to harness all that power when accelerating, as well as to provide reassurance on slippery roads.

You can get a six-speed manual gearbox or a six or seven-speed automatic transmission, known as a DSG. The latter features launch control.

Pure White is the standard colour, with Tornado Red, Reflex Silver, Limestone Grey, Deep Black, Oryx White and the popular Lapiz Blue available as options. Also look out for Volkswagen Golf R models fitted with the optional 19-inch alloy wheels, as these are a common addition.

The Volkswagen Golf R lived on until 2020, so there are plenty to choose from, but it’s rarer than the Volkswagen Golf GTI, so brings more exclusivity.

Read our full Volkswagen Golf R review

What used Volkswagen Golf R trim levels are available?

There’s not a huge amount of choice with the Volkswagen Golf R, with the big decision whether to opt for the Performance package. There are also some tempting options available. Read on to learn more about the specification that comes as standard.

Volkswagen Golf R

As the flagship model in the Volkswagen Golf range, the Volkswagen Golf R comes with a long list of standard equipment. It’s worth noting that the media system evolved during the car's lifecycle. 

• Six-inch touchscreen media
• 8.5-inch touchscreen media with gesture control (on later models)
• 9.2-inch digital driver display (optional)
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Lowered suspension
• Black brake callipers
• R styling pack
• R badging
• Bi-xenon headlights with cornering function
• Full LED headlights with dynamic curve lighting (on later models)
• Leather multi-function steering wheel
• Cloth velour racing seats
• R gear knob

Volkswagen Golf R Performance Pack

The R Performance Pack was a £2,300 option when new, so it’s well worth seeking out on the used car market. The package includes the following:

• 19-inch alloy wheels
• Performance brakes
• Silver brake callipers
• No speed limiter
• Performance rear spoiler

Other desirable options included carbon fibre door mirrors (£450), extra tinting for the rear windows (£95) and heated leather seats with adjustable lumbar support (£2,615). The Akrapovic titanium exhaust system is another desirable upgrade. It saves 7kg in weight and features round twin tailpipes, left and right, and a valve control system. 

Is a used Volkswagen Golf R a good buy?

Understated and subtle are two words you might use to describe the look of the Volkswagen Golf R, but you wouldn’t say the same about the performance.

It’s every bit as quick as other leading hot hatchbacks such as the Honda Civic Type R and storming Ford Focus RS.

But it’s not only about barnstopping power. One of the benefits of driving a Volkswagen Golf R over a coupe or sports car is the practicality on offer.

The four-wheel-drive system takes up a little space under the boot floor, so the luggage capacity drops from 380 litres in the standard Volkswagen Golf to 314 litres.

But you’re unlikely to notice too much of a difference. If you want more space, take a look at the practical Volkswagen Golf R Estate.