The new Volkswagen Golf R is here, and it’s now more powerful than before

Drum roll, please: VW has finally launched the new Golf R. Following on from the new regular Mk8.5 Golf and the new Golf GTI, the hottest VW hatch is now here and it’s nearly 20 horsepower hotter.

That takes the R’s 2.0-litre four-pot direct injection engine – mated to a seven-speed auto ‘box and 4WD – up from 316bhp to a marginally sweeter 333bhp. More power means the 0-62mph sprint now takes 4.6 seconds, down from 4.7 – in part thanks to a ‘lag-free’ turbo and the capacity to develop 308lb ft torque from 2,100rpm.

The top speed, um, tops out at 155mph, though that can be pushed to 167mph with the optional Performance Package. VW says the 8.5 R’s performance puts it on par with the Arteon R Shooting Brake.

There have been tweaks to the four-pot’s thermal management (via an electronic coolant regulator unit), and we’re told VW’s tinkered with the ignition to give us a more emotive acoustic experience (read: nice und loud), enhanced by an Akrapovic titanium exhaust.

VW reckons the all-wheel-drive R should be more dynamic and less thirsty. It’s even introduced an ‘eco’ driving mode, which we couldn’t see anyone in an R engaging anytime soon. But hey, you never know, right? Elsewhere, the Golf R estate has the same power and achieves a sprightly 0-62mph run of 4.8 seconds.

Both models get all the revisions of the facelifted Mk8.5, including a redesigned front end with a slimmer grille, 3D LED head lights and an illuminated VW badge. There are also new bumpers with air curtains and optional super lightweight Warmenau 19in alloys, which, we’re told, improve stability and better handle thermal stress.

The cabin features the new 12.9in display, with an improved infotainment package and the ChatGPT-based IDA voice assistant. There’s also an optional Performance package introducing a better G-meter and GPS lap timer.

But, it’s the new Golf R Black Edition that has us truly intrigued. The Black Edition’s heritage was all about adding Golf R looks to a more benign engine package. So this is a Golf R-looking Golf R? Glad we cleared that up.

It’s a classy-looking thing, mind. Head-to-toe in glossy black, including those fancier 19in rims, black VW badges, black tailpipe trims, black brake calipers and darkened IQ matrix lights. It’s very, er, shadowy.

There’s more downforce from a bigger roof spoiler, and as with the regular R, it has seven driving modes including the Nurburgring-developed ‘Special’ mode and ‘Drift’ mode. ‘Race’ mode is initiated by a blue button on the steering wheel which VW tells us it’s ‘increased the trigger activation’ to prevent accidental initiation. ‘Fess up then, who kept pushing the button at the school gates?