The CKD Volkswagen Golf R lands locally with the R Performance Package fitted from factory.
Following on from its initial preview late last year, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VCPM) has finally debuted the locally-assembled Mk8 Golf R over here. This fastest CKD model the German automaker has introduced to date lands locally with the R Performance Package as standard, at a price tag of RM 332,990.
The aforementioned R Performance package brings with it various boy-racing upgrades such as a titanium exhaust system by Akrapovič, a new rear spoiler and 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels. Though the one extra add-on from this package that really should pique the interest of proper boy (or girl) racers is the new Drift and Special drive modes.
Both accessible through the ‘R’ (haptic) button on the steering wheel, Drift mode sees for the torque from its 4MOTION all-wheel drive system be prioritised to the rear wheels for fluid and controlled slides. The Special mode meanwhile, which VW touts to be specifically designed for the Nürburgring-Nordschleife by the way, apparently adjusts suspension settings for optimum contact to offer the best backroad driving experience.
Under the hood of the Mk8 Golf R is Volkswagen’s venerable EA888 2.0-litre turbo TSI four-pot, which in this hottest of VW hatches pumps out a respectable 320 PS and 400 Nm of torque. Mated to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch DSG transmission that sends power to all four of its wheels, 0-100 km/h is claimed to be achievable in just 4.8 seconds before eventually topping out at the typically Germanic 250 km/h (155 mph).
Visually now, this flagship of the Golf range is differentiated from its other less potent siblings through its its motorsport-inspired R front bumper and R radiator grille. Three colour choices are available for the Malaysian market: the signature Lapiz Blue, Deep Black and Pure White.
The sportiness of the R further evident within its interior from the R decorative trim in Carbon Grey, premium Nappa sport leather seats complete with iconic R styling, in addition to an R performance steering wheel with a blue backlit R button and shift paddles. Though this still being a Golf, the cabin still nets the usual luxuries befitting of a premium hatch that includes a heads up display, a 10-inch Discover Pro infotainment system, a 10-speaker, 480 W Harman Kardon sound system, wireless smartphone charging and automatic high beam assist.
To further emphasise the point that this is an everyday hyper hatch too, the Golf R is naturally also available locally with Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE suite ofadvanced driver assistance systems. This in turn brings with it Travel Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Side Assist, Front Assist, Lane Assist and Emergency Assist.
Denyu Bostandzhiev, Managing Director of VPCM is delighted to introduce the Golf R for sale in Malaysia. “The Golf R represents the pinnacle of what the Volkswagen R team is capable of. R models stood for the brand’s most powerful and best of the best, and the Golf R is the brand’s sportiest and most emotion-invoking one, inspiring generations of hatchback fans.”
“To have this performance hatchback be locally assembled, is truly an achievement for us. Even better, our delight is doubled as we are able to introduce this history-making model in the country at such a competitive price point. Stock is limited, so I urge fans to place their bookings today!”
The Golf R will be on display at the upcoming Malaysia Autoshow, taking place from 22nd May to 26th May 2024 at MAEPS in Serdang. Also on show at the Volkswagen booth located in Hall 2 will be the newly-unveiled Touareg R-Line 4MOTION, as well as the Arteon R-Line 4MOTION.
VPCM further announces for attendees to the event interested in purchasing a Volkswagen will be able to enjoy up to RM 36,000 worth of savings, with those who are looking for an Arteon able to also enjoy free scheduled maintenance for the first 7 years of ownership. Those who book any Volkswagen model at the Malaysia Autoshow stand a chance to win an all-expenses luxury holiday for two at the Banjaran Hotsprings Wellness Retreat in Ipoh too, though this promotion actually is to be running nationwide until the 31st May 2024.
