To celebrate 20 years of Golf R, Volkswagen has built the most powerful Golf ever. Meet the Volkswagen Golf 8 R 20 Years.

It’s crazy to think that 20 years have passed since the first 6-cylinder powered Golf made its debut back in 2002. It was quick, with around 180 kW driving all 4 wheels and popular too, with Volkswagen claiming that it sold three times the number it had planned. Since then, more than 260 000 Golf R models have been sold around the world. To celebrate, Volkswagen has made the most powerful Golf R yet and the simple teaser campaign had us puzzled.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged 4-cylinder outputs have been increased, going from 230 kW and 420 Nm, to a mighty 245 kW. It appears torque stays the same. It’s not just about the power though as Volkswagen has fitted the car with something called Emotion Start, which is likely to upset those who live around you first thing in the morning. Turn the key and enjoy what Volkswagen calls“heightens the anticipation of a typical R driving experience.”

The quick-shifting DSG transmission has been reprogrammed to deliver a bit more physical involvement. Pull the gearshift paddle to change up in one of the Sport modes and Volkswagen says the gearchange will be more engaging. We suspect this means it’ll give a satisfying feel, like a bolt-action rifle. There’s also a tweak to the engine’s turbo that is said to keep it preloaded to allow for faster power development and acceleration.

The standard Golf R is good for a 4.7 second run to 100 kph, and while performance figures for the Golf 8 R 20 Years have yet to be announced, we reckon it’s probably down to 4.5 seconds.

Visually, you get a more aggressive spoiler on the roof, 19-inch Estoril wheels finished in blue, subtle 20 badges, not so subtle blue R badges, while the cabin gets carbon-fibre trim and a subtle blue R badge on the steering wheel

The standard Volkswagen Golf 8 R is expected to touch down in South Africa in the 3rd quarter of 2022.

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Further Reading

Volkswagen Golf R (2021) International Launch Review

Volkswagen Golf 8 GTI – what’s it like in the real world?