2021 Volkswagen Golf R vs. its rivals

Volkswagen dealers in the UK are now accepting orders for the R version of the eighth-generation Golf.

The newcomer has three obvious rivals which also feature a 2.0 litre, four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine and all-wheel drive. They are the Audi S3 Sportback, BMW M135i xDrive and Mercedes-AMG A 35 4Matic Hatchback.

Interestingly, none of them can be specified with a manual gearbox. The Audi, Mercedes-AMG and Volkswagen are equipped with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, while the BMW has a traditional eight-speed torque-converter automatic.

Here’s how the four contenders rank across a range of key benchmarks:

Power

1. Volkswagen – 315 bhp (235 kW / 320 PS)
2. Audi – 305 bhp (228 kW / 310 PS)
3= BMW – 302 bhp (225 kW / 306 PS)
3= Mercedes-AMG – 302 bhp (225 kW / 306 PS)

Torque

1. BMW – 450 Nm (332 lb-ft)
2. Volkswagen – 420 Nm (309 lb-ft)
3= Audi – 400 Nm (295 lb-ft)
3= Mercedes-AMG – 400 Nm (295 lb-ft)

0-62 mph (100 km/h)

1= Mercedes-AMG – 4.7 seconds
1= Volkswagen – 4.7 seconds
3= Audi – 4.8 seconds
3= BMW – 4.8 seconds

Top speed

1= Audi – 155 mph (250 km/h)
1= BMW – 155 mph (250 km/h)
1= Mercedes-AMG – 155 mph (250 km/h)
1= Volkswagen – 155 mph (250 km/h)

Fuel economy (WLTP Combined)

1. Audi – 38.1 mpg (7.4 l/100km)
2. Volkswagen – 36.2 – 35.3 mpg (7.8 - 8.0 l/100km)
3. BMW – 35.8 - 34.4 mpg (7.9 - 8.2 l/100km)
4. Mercedes-AMG – 34.9 - 33.2 mpg (8.1 - 8.5 l/100km)

CO2 emissions (WLTP Combined)

1. Audi – 170 - 169 g/km
2. Volkswagen – 177 - 181 g/km
3. BMW – 182 - 177 g/km
4. Mercedes-AMG – 193 - 184 g/km

On-the-road starting price

1. BMW – £37,685
2. Audi – £37,900
3. Mercedes-AMG – £38,825
4. Volkswagen – £39,270

Many people might be surprised that the Golf R is the most expensive, particularly because the others are from supposedly more premium brands.

Prospective buyers should be aware that all the figures shown above involve flat white paintwork. Choosing a metallic colour instead will cost at least £560 (BMW), £575 (Audi) or £595 (Mercedes-AMG). For Volkswagen customers, the only two alternatives are Deep Black Pearl (£625) or Lapiz Blue Metallic (£695).

The Golf R’s invoice amount could be easily inflated by numerous options, too. For example, the £2,000 R Performance pack adds 19” ‘Estoril’ alloy wheels (replacing the usual 18” ‘Jerez’ rims), a larger rear spoiler and two extra driving modes. The car’s top speed is raised to 168 mph (270 km/h) as well.

Among the various other temptations are Dynamic Chassis Control (variable suspension settings, for £785), an Akrapovič titanium sport exhaust (£3,100), Discover Pro navigation (£1,600) and Nappa leather with heated front seats (£2,600).

Indeed, by selecting every available item, it’s possible to increase the Volkswagen’s list price to a staggering £53,960.