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Golf R Estate review: The hottest hatchback turns into an all conquering estate

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The high performance and driveability of the Golf R hatchback with the spacious boot of the Estate

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14 July 2015

Golf R Estate review

What is it?

The resurgence of the fast estate shows no sign of stopping and the latest arrival to this high-performance stable is the new Golf R. Carrying over all of the fundamentals from the hatchback, the R estate is the fastest, most powerful load-lugger in its class.

Over the hatchback, the estate had grown by 307mm, costs an additional £695 and is only available with the six-speed DSG gearbox. It can sprint from 0-62mph in only 5.1 seconds – that’s almost a second quicker than its closest rival the SEAT Leon ST Cupra – and can hit a top speed of 155mph.

You can thank VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel drive system for the performance and huge amounts of grip. Yet, despite its impressive stats the R estate is also one of the roomiest models, boasting a 605 litre boot which increases to 1,620 litres with the rear bench folded flat.

What’s hot?

  • The first thing to note is the R estate’s ferocious straight-line speed. It may only have a 2.0-litre turbocharged engine but it develops 296bhp and the launch control system means none of that grunt is lost to wheel spin.
  • Because of the popularity of the DSG gearbox in the hatchback, VW decided to only offer the estate with the automatic gearbox, but changes are smooth and well timed.
  • Equally impressive is how capable the Golf R is in the corners. The steering is incredibly accurate and the nifty XDS+ system brakes the inside wheel when corner to help maintain speed and stability.
  • When you’re not taking advantage of the performance, the Golf R is capable of a complete character transformation. The low speed ride is incredibly supple and forgiving for of car of this type. Neither the Focus Estate nor Leon ST Cupra are a match for the Golf on the move.
  • VW’s Driver Profile system is fitted as standard, which allows the driver to flick between modes ranging from ‘comfort’ to ‘race’.
  • Despite its performance it’s also hugely practical, with a spacious 605-litre boot with the rear seats in place.

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