The VW Golf R is what Most GTI Owners Wish They Drove

That's right, the Golf R is an upgrade from your GTI. With 315 HP and 295 lb-ft of torque sent to all four wheels and through a new differential in the rear, It has a lot going for it. It's pushed upmarket more than ever before but has it been welcomed or deemed over-priced? To find out we stopped by PG Performance here in Surrey, BC.

Out of all the 6-speeds to bite the dust, the Golf R and GTI certainly cannot be labeled as "early retirement". They've put in the work over the decades defining the genre and while I expected them to stay in the fight to the bitter end, i'm hoping the void will continue to be filled by our friends over in Japan.

It's a near perfect car but still a bit strange to me. It's boring to look at from where I'm standing, even though hiding in the rear end is a weapon of madness that'll throw up snow, mud, and smoke on command. It's almost too refined for its own good. When I look at the new RS3 it gets me excited to drive just sitting there... same differential and sideways potential, but with outward style.

The manuals that survive this decade need to shout "HEY! LOOK AT ME!" whenever they can. The Golf doesn't do that and I have a feeling that's why 2024 is the final year for the 6-speed GTI and R.

Enjoy.

Thank you PG Performance! https://pgperformance.com/