2024 Volkswagen Golf R

The MkVIII Golf R is the quickest, most capable Golf that has ever been sold in the States, no question. On tight, twisting roads, the Golf R's terrific grip, unflappable brakes, and capable AWD system seemed to defy physics as we charged through corners. We drove the same roads in the FWD GTI and found ourselves slipping the front wheels and smoking tires.

The manual transmission's shifter is satisfying to use, too, though clutch engagement is a little vague. We're sad to hear the row-your-own option will be gone after this year, but thankfully, Volkswagen's dual-clutch is fast and satisfying. Ride quality is impressive, too, successfully transmitting road texture through the seat without beating up its occupant. We do wish the chassis was a bit more playful, though, as it can be difficult to rotate the car and have some fun.

As is the case with the GTI, we also have some issues with the Golf R's interior. We like Volkswagen's digital instrument cluster and have kind words for the well-bolstered seats, but there's a steep learning curve to the infotainment setup and ergonomically, the capacitive touch control placement means it's easy to make unwanted inputs. Likewise for the buttons on the steering wheel.

Although the Golf R is not without occasional frustration, Volkswagen's turbocharged AWD hatch continues to offer a sophisticated, capable option for those who want something a little more grown up than a Civic Type R or Subaru WRX.

Volkswagen's quickest and most powerful offering is the Golf R. A 2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 producing 315 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque (280 lb-ft for manual transmission models) provides motivation, and 2024 is the final year buyers can choose between a six-speed manual and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. All Golf Rs are AWD, and examples with the automatic can launch to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. Based on our testing, the manual needs an additional second to do the same. The EPA rates fuel economy at 20-23/28-30 mpg city/highway, with dual-clutch models achieving the better results.

The current-gen Golf R earned a 2022 IIHS Top Safety Pick+ when new, but it hasn't been evaluated in the stricter updated side crashworthiness tests and only earns an Acceptable headlight rating. Therefore, it doesn't qualify for more recent awards.

Volkswagen is generous with active safety features here, though. Adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and automatic high-beams are all standard. The Golf R also includes front and rear parking sensors, semi-autonomous parking capability, and traffic sign recognition.

The Golf R isn't quite as spacious inside as Honda's Civic Type R, as that vehicle provides more front legroom, rear legroom, and cargo space. That said, the Volkswagen bests the Toyota Corolla's interior dimensions in all these areas except front legroom.

The Golf R is pricey, but you're not only paying for performance. In addition to the 10.0-inch infotainment touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto), 10.3-inch instrument cluster, and head-up display, there's also a collection of useful convenience features. Heated and ventilated front seats, a heated steering wheel, nine-speaker Harman Kardon audio, rain-sensing wipers, three-zone automatic climate control, and exterior puddle lights are all standard.

If you want a new Golf R with a manual transmission, act fast. This will be the final year Volkswagen offers its AWD hot hatch with a stick, and up until now, the MkVIII has only had a manual option in the U.S. and Canada. We're sad to see manual transmissions die in general, but in the case of the Golf R, we actually prefer the dual-clutch automatic.