2012 Volkswagen Golf R Review Summaries

What reviewers liked most about the Volkswagen Golf R:

In addition to the better balance, the Golf R also makes great use of the Haldex center differential, which seems almost telepathic in the way it engages the rear wheels

-- Road & Track

What reviewers liked least about the Volkswagen Golf R:

loved it on track except for one key thing, and that's the fact that you cannot totally turn off stability control.

-- Automobile

Volkswagen Golf R Comparisons:

we can think of two other four-wheel-drive hot rods that'll stop the hand that Volkswagen attempts to slap 'em with: the Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution GSR and the Subaru Impreza WRX STI. Both of those make more power, and the STI is slightly lighter than the 3450-pound R.

-- Car and Driver

Best one-liner about the Volkswagen Golf R:

The Golf R is something else, a fine car for pre-midlife semi-gents who don't have time for a crisis.

-- AutoWeek

After spending six minutes behind the wheel of Volkswagen's new Golf R, we can confirm that it is indeed a very special car.

-- Car and Driver