Anything but a Johnny come lately, Volkswagen's venerable Golf has earned a ponderence of kudos. Golf remains hugely popular in Europe and emerging world markets, historically ranking as Volkswagen's top selling vehicle with sales north of 27 million since its debut way back in pre-disco days of 1974. While it's one of the best-selling models worldwide ever unleashed, here in the U.S., it remains a steadfast, pricey, yet sometimes overlooked proposition. Germany's largest automaker began offering cars stateside in 1955, creating an instant niche with the iconic compact Beetle.
In 2011, Volkswagen opened a new, highly mechanized U.S. assembly plant in northern Tenn. The sprawling Chattanooga, Tenn. facility currently churns out the popular mid-size Passat sedan.
This current, German engineered 2012 Golf represents a sixth-generation effort onboard since the 2008 model year. Gen. seven is not far off. Both VW and its up-scale Audi division boast well-earned reputations for interiors extraordinaire. Golf continues in this tradition sporting a dashboard with no annoying gaps built upon attractive tight-fitting construction.
Conventional, front-drive Golfs sold in the U.S. offer two powertrains in 2012, including an impressive high-mileage clean diesel and one of the few inline five cylinders in the compact class. Three and five-door hatchbacks body styles are available with both engines. For 2012, Volkswagen simplified Golf's trim level and option portfolio. Each powertrain comes with three trim trees and two option groups.
In addition, Volkswagen offers two unconventional, higher output variants: a four-cylinder turbocharged GTI and our tester of the week, the limited production Golf R sporting a new, updated, 2.0-liter four cylinder. On sale since early in the 2012 calendar year, Golf R stands out as a performance leader in the compact class. Its spunky 2.0-liter, in-line four-cylinder turbocharged engine utilizing gas direct injection (GDI) delivering an inspired 256 horsepower. It's a powerful choice right out of VW's upscale Audi luxury division. This engine comes in three-door or five-door hatch styles and unlike its conventional Golf and GTI siblings, comes standard with all-wheel drive (what VW coins 4MOTION) and six-speed manual standard (no automatic is offered). The 4MOTION technology delivers power to the front wheels in normal driving. If slippage is detected, up to 100 percent of torque can be automatically directed to the rear wheels.
Volkswagen's gas direct injection married with a turbocharged design is a similar thinking to Ford Motor Company's much hyped EcoBoost engines. Both heighten engine output while tweaking up fuel efficiency efforts.
The turbocharging process pressurizes air prior to the intake stroke via a turbine air compressor powered by recycled exhaust gasses. The highly volatile air mixes with the gas/fuel to create a bigger bang. Turbocharging maximizes engine oomph without adding additional cylinders or much extra weight. Direct injection technology is a more efficient delivery of the combustion chamber's gas/fuel mixture.
Volkswagen tags the 2012 Golf R as 'intelligent downsizing.' Recently retired R32 models (first debuting in the 2004 model year) utilized non-turbo, 3.2-liter, V-6 engines yet delivered six less horsepower and fewer miles per gallon.
The limited edition Golf R comes well equipped and should with a $33,990 starting tab. Upscale nuances include heated exterior mirrors and Xenon headlamps that turn in concert with the steering wheel to a maximum of 15 degrees to better monitor upcoming twists. The bottom line ended at $34,760 with $770 destination charge. Golf Rs are available with one option package (a Sunroof/in-dash navigation and push-button start not part of this test drive) adding about $1,500 to the bottom line. The lowest-priced conventional two-door Golf with manual transmission and five-cylinder starts at $17,995.
Front buckets include side bolsters for optimal tush control, keeping seats planted firmly within the seats. Riders situate a slight bit closer to the ground than other compacts. Special R badging is found on front seat backs. Outside, R badging highlights the narrow slated front grille and back hatch. The piano black interior includes gentle hints of brushed aluminum trim with white stitching on arm rests while black stitches adorned the leather-like seat surfaces.
The instrument panel includes two circular analog gauges with neon-like blue needles (an R exclusive). In between is a rectangular, easy-to-view digital message center proving radio frequency, time, direction, outside temperature, current gear and other factoids. The speedometer on the left offsets the tachometer with built-in smaller fuel gauge on the right. Dash and doors illuminate with red backlighting once the sun sets. The R's textured, leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescoping, three-spoke steering wheel borrows a page from the auto racing circuit with a flat bottom. Power window and mirror controls reside at a 45-degree angle on the driver's door while power lock buttons are near the small door handle. Dual zone climate controls along the lower center resemble an old-school 1970's car radio with dual temp knobs at the ends with a ventilation push bar controlling fan speed in between and a row of buttons atop monitoring fan speed. Above is the seven-inch touch screen controlling the stereo with broadcast push button options flanking each side.
Those appreciating the finer points of a six-speed manual transmission will enjoy Golf's hill holder clutch preventing the vehicle from rolling backwards when starting from an incline. The system provides a four-second hold, allowing the right foot to move from brake to accelerator.
Golf is one of the few compacts in the U.S. offering the two side doors and a hatch combo on a wide variety of engine selections. Many, like the recently redesigned-for-2012 Hyundai Accent compact, follow a trend towards four door and five-door hatch body style. Golf's hatch, hinged at the top, opens manually from the bottom with the help of a hidden handle disguised as the circular VW logo, a quirky design taking the place of a cupped under region. When opened, head clearance is enough for those six-feet and under. Side mirrors smartly incorporate blinker bands helping alert those nearby of near future intentions. With second row prone, a usable but relatively compact 15.2 cubic feet of cargo room is available. Both head and tail light housing incorporate a band-like look with led-style daytime running lights. Dual side-by-side exhausts come standard. The relatively flat roof connects with a top-side diminutive rear spoiler. Overall, the exterior incorporates smooth flowing sheet metal rather than edgy contours and creases: a simple elegance. Wheels include a starfish-like five-prong design.
If entering row two, do so from the passenger side where the bucket seat easily slides forward on floor tracking. The driver's seat is firmer planted. Once in back, two folks fit most comfortably especially with a vertical floor hump dividing interior spheres. Back windows are static. Seatbacks fold onto cushions with a 60/40 split, allowing an expansion of the cargo hatch region. With seats prone, a removable hatch cover cloaks items stored in the region.
Our six-speed manual transmission coupled with the turbo charged gas engine generated 19 miles per gallon city and 27 mpg highway. Keep in mind, premium fuel is recommended for this direct-injection engine. For maximum fuel dollar savings, check out the conventional Golf's turbo diesel engine busting into the top 40 with both manual and automatic transmissions pulling in an identical 30 mpg city and 42 highway.
Unique R suspension calibration help keep tires planted during spirited maneuvers. The manual transmission shifted smoothly with no notchy experiences.
At a glance:
2012 Volkswagen Golf R
Price as tested: $34,760
Engine: 2.0-liter GDI turbocharged
Horsepower: 256
Fuel estimates: 19 city/27 highway
Length: 165.4 inches
Wheelbase: 101.5 inches
Height: 58.2 inches
Curb weight: 2,967 pounds
Drivetrain warranty: Five-year/60,000 miles
Assembly: Wolfsburg, Germany