R-Line/Golf R: What does the R stand for here? The quick answer is “racing.” The Golf R is a performance model, while R-Line options offer sportier styling that are meant to remind you of the track. Read More: What are Volkswagen R-Line trims?
The Mk8 Volkswagen GTI and Golf R will arrive in the U.S. for the 2022 model year, with production for all Golf models moved to the company's manufacturing facility in Wolfsburg, Germany.
Give the new 296bhp Golf R a DSG gearbox to chew on and it'll monster the 0-62mph sprint in just 4.9 seconds. Remember, this is a car capable of taking your missus furniture shopping.
Unless you're getting a very good discount on a Mk7 Golf, we'd recommend you wait for the Mk8 Golf because it represents a big leap forward, in terms of technology, from the Mk7.
2019 Volkswagen Golf R Engine SpecsThe engine specs of the 2019 VW Golf R have been ever so slightly reduced from the 2018 model to improve handling and efficiency. While torque has remained consistent, horsepower is 4 less than the 2018 VW Golf R.
The 2017 Golf GTI is able to earn a slightly better fuel economy rating for both city and highway driving, but still manages to produce 210 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. The Golf R produces 292 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque which helps it to achieve 0-60 in less than 5 seconds.
It's so worth it! The Golf R is fun, while not calling much attention to itself. The analogy might be to an outwardly conservative individual who plays it cool much of the time, but who can flip a switch and become a champion sprinter and really show his or her stuff.
It may be a little more expensive than the GTI, but the Golf R is substantially faster, even better to drive and no less usable every day. Given its lofty reputation, the R is likely to hold more of its value over the coming years as well.
In the real world, the 2019 Volkswagen Golf R is the best-balanced, easiest to live with hot compact car. Surprisingly for many, it also happens to be relatively reliable. The second best is the Honda Civic Type R but if you take one for a test-drive, you'll be forced to select it over the Golf.
The 2019 Golf GTI utilizes a turbocharged, 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine which generates 228 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The 2019 Golf R features a more-powerful version of the same engine, producing 288 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque.
2019 Golf GTIThe new Golf has a top speed of 155 MPH and can get to 60 MPH in only 4.9 seconds.
Two reasons: EU protectionism and economic nationalism. At this point it is well documented that VW produces some of the most unreliable cars in the industry.
At the top of the range, there are no less than four high-performance Golfs to choose from: the traditional Volkswagen Golf GTI petrol model, the more frugal (yet still quick) GTD diesel, the advanced GTE petrol-electric hybrid and the hugely fast and powerful Golf R.
If you have heard that Volkswagens are expensive to own, that's mostly true. The majority of models in the range are more expensive to maintain than competitor vehicles, although it's great that the German company offers a five-year capped-price plan, which is longer than a few of its biggest competitors.
Volkswagens are German cars, but most of them aren't luxury vehicles. At the same time, they cost more to maintain than other cars in their class. Well, the average driver spends about $676 per year on Volkswagen maintenance cost, according to RepairPal. That's higher than many other brands.
Since last September, the Volkswagen brand has been embroiled in a catastrophic emissions cheating scandal that has decimated the company's reputation in the US and around the world. VW admitted to equipping more than 11 million diesel-powered cars worldwide with software designed to cheat government emissions tests.
This model year had slightly fewer complaints than 2009, but Volkswagen Tiguan owners were still experiencing a lot of problems. The engine continued to malfunction with main oil seal leaks, excessive oil consumption, and a skipping timing chain.
Tried and Tested: Volkswagen's Most Reliable Cars
- The original Volkswagen beetle car is still known as one of the best Volkswagen vehicles ever to be created.
- When you think of Volkswagen vehicles, you might think of the older styles like the Mkll and the Beetle, but not all VWs are old.
- The new Volkswagen GTI Jetta is similar to the old Mkll.
Diesel engines are considerably more durable than gasoline engines, the engine blocks should run for darn near ever in our TDI's. However, all of the crap they've had to add onto that engine, mostly for emissions purposes, is temperamental, unreliable crap, which makes the care overall significantly less reliable.
As a whole, Volkswagen dependability isn't where it earns the best scores. However, the company make good cars and consistently score well when it comes to performance, design and overall quality. Perhaps a little bit of unreliability is worth a car that is well built and great to drive.
Generation Gap: Ranking each and every VW Golf GTI generation
- 1. 1983-1984 Rabbit GTI Mk 1. First spot goes to the original, the watershed Mk 1 GTI.
- 1985-1992 Golf GTI Mk 2 (1985-1992) In the hierarchy of GTI importance, I'm placing the Mark 2 in second spot.
- 2007-2009 Golf GTI Mk 5.
- 2015-present Golf GTI Mk 7.
- 2000-2006 Golf GTI Mk 4.
- 2009-2013 Golf GTI Mk 6.
- 1993-1999 Golf GTI Mk 3.
Some of the reasons some VWs have depreciated are the diesel emissions scandal, and some other engine issues which are largely attributable to poor maintenance. If you buy one of these cars used pay close attention to the maintenance records, especially for cars with the turbocharged engines.
The TDI engine may last up to 500k miles but everything around it won't. And if you depend on VW dealerships to perform the repairs, plus the added premium of diesel fuel over high octane gas, the long term cost savings will erode.
Despite Volkswagen's spotty reputation for reliability - the brand fairs poorly in J.D. Powers' annual rankings of long-term dependability - its cars hold their value well. At base, Volkswagen is simply the most affordable European brand you can get in this country.
As you can see, TSI itself is a standard reliable unit. BUT it has one “weak link” that spoils the whole picture, especially in powerful versions (from 140 and above) - this is the timing chain. Here it is "irreplaceable" and is designed for the entire life of the motor.
One of the most important is reliability because we want the car to serve us for a long time and not leave us stranded on the side of the road. For many years now, Volkswagen has received the highest ratings for reliability and there are not many vehicles that can compete with it in this segment.
The 2.5L is one of VAG's most reliable engines.
CarBuyer reports the Mk6 overall is considered more reliable than the Mk5. But Consumer Reports recommends avoiding 2010-2012 GTIs. In fact, Car Complaints ranks the 2012 model as the worst Volkswagen GTI model year. The 2013 and 2014 models, though, are more reliable.
