2012 Volkswagen Golf R Review - Lots of Fast for Lots of Cash - By Larry Nutson
2012 Volkswagen Golf R
Lots of fast for lots of cash
by Larry Nutson
Senior Editor, Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel
Let me say this right off the bat, the fun-to-drive quotient of VW’s Golf R is very high. I didn’t even think about trying to get good fuel economy during my week-long test drive. As a matter of fact, while I had my right foot to the floor I had the AC cranking out as much as it could with Chicagoland temps pushing into three-digits. The Golf R’s on-board temp gauge once read 106ºF.
The Golf R is a pretty amazing little car. It drives superb with the 256 HP turbo 2-liter engine pushing through a 6-speed manual and putting power to the pavement through the 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Zero to 60 takes about 5.7 seconds and the R tops out at 130mph. All this can be had for around $35,000 of your hard earned cash.
Here’s where I give pause. Think about what happens in the lower price range of the car market where new cars…entry level, that is…are compared to really good used cars of higher-priced brands. In the case of the Golf R I ask myself should I spend nearly $35,000 for a really fast and fun VW that on the outside is a Golf, or do I buy a couple year old BMW 3-series, for example.
Now granted, to the enthusiast and the purist the Golf R will get noticed despite its understated appearance. This 2012 R is the successor to the 2004 and 2008 VR6 powered R32s of which VW only built 5000 of each. The plan is to do another 5000 of this new Golf R. Exclusivity does have a price.
![]() |
A few more facts: The 2-door is priced at $33,990. With the sunroof and navigation package it’s $35,490. For 2012, the 4-door only came with sunroof and navigation priced at $36,090. But, for 2013 VW has added a “base” R 4-door priced at $34,590. Destination charge adds $770 and there are no options. The interior is black leather, only. And on the outside it’s Black, Red, White, Blue, or Grey. Easy, huh!
![]() |
![]() |
Brakes are also upgraded compared to the GTI. Golf R gets vented 13.6-inch-diameter front and 12.2-inch rear discs, up from the GTI’s 12.3-inch-diameter vented front and 10.7-inch solid rear discs. Anti-lock brakes (ABS) are standard, along with electronic brake pressure distribution (EBS) and hydraulic brake assist (HBA). Steering is electric-assist and quite quick with just the right amount of feel and feedback.
![]() |
In the end, I think the Golf R is an interesting proposition with its understated exterior appearance, excellent driving performance, a comfortable and well-equipped interior, and lots of fun-to-drive plus the versatility of its hatchback design. By the way, it’s produced in Wolfsburg, home of the first VW.
The exclusivity may just be worth it.
© Larry Nutson.