READY. SET. LAUNCH CONTROL

Golf R’s all-wheel-drive system always manages to find the eye of the storm

The old adage, ‘the more things change, the more they stay the same’ sums up the latest Golf R to a tee. And now that I’ve got the first, and thankfully last golfing pun out the way, we can see how VW has once again twisted the needle a fraction to ensure the Mk8 Golf R keeps its reputation as the fastest Golf, with a warranty and service plan, that money can buy. 

Considering that the eighth version of the GTI received a lukewarm reaction caused by some rather low-tier materials and a finicky touchscreen, the Golf R isn’t launching offits usual strong platform. Not that a few niggles are enough to dethrone the most affordable all-wheel drive hot hatch that has an answer to everything you throw at it.