2023 Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen has long been held responsible for making the hot hatch popular, and for the past few decades, it has produced some of the most fun small cars around. The USA missed out on most of them, but thankfully, we do get a sampling of what makes the segment so great. The automaker only offers two Golf models stateside, the hot GTI and the even hotter Golf R. While the main difference between these two cars is the fact that the Golf R gets all-wheel-drive and more power, it's also more desirable based on its status alone. The EA888 engine under the hood produces 315 horsepower in the Golf R and, in the right hands, will hit 60 mph in well under four seconds. With adaptive suspension and a refined interior, this Golf is far removed from VW hot hatches of old; it's more of a premium German car with attitude, plus the benefit of a hatchback-style rear liftgate. The recipe clearly works, as competitors to the VW Golf R include the Honda Civic Type-R, which has a similar modus operandi. But at this price point, is the Golf R worth the splurge?

The 2023 VW Golf R's price starts with an MSRP of $44,750, excluding tax, registration, and a destination fee of $1,095. If you opt for the seven-speed DSG automatic transmission, this price rises to $45,540. The 20th Anniversary Edition with the six-speed manual will cost $45,390, and $46,190 with the DSG. This places the Golf R above most competitors in terms of pricing. The Golf GTI starts significantly lower at just over $30k, and the Honda Civic Type R starts at over $42k. Fully loaded with accessories, the Golf R will set you back around $49k.

The Golf R doesn't try to hide its main purpose; everyone who sees this car will know that it's meant to go fast and handle well in the corners, and we're pleased to say that it delivers. The fact that this vehicle comes equipped with standard AWD might lead some to think that it tends to understeer, but in reality, Volkswagen has managed to get the power distribution and overall balance on point. Throw the Golf R through a set of your favorite corners, and you'll be rewarded with sharp steering response, quick turn-in, and tons of grip. The car's electronic locking differential and adaptive damping help it keep the power on the ground, resulting in a vehicle that points and shoots better than most in its class and its torque-filled engine does an impressive job of pulling it out of corners. When not racing about, the Golf R is beautifully comfortable to drive and feels just as accommodating as any compact German executive sedan.

The combination of hatchback practicality and sporting ability makes this one of the best segments to shop in. Volkswagen has managed to take a brilliant car, the Golf GTI, and turn the volume up to eleven while still maintaining a level of refinement you'd only expect to see on cars in higher price brackets. We adore how it drives and launches, and the joy you get from behind the wheel of a spicy hatchback is truly special. And in this guise, you still get all the benefits of that adaptive suspension on the highway when doing long-distance driving. The main issue we have with the Golf R isn't with the car itself - it's the fact that the cheaper Golf GTI is nearly as fun and just as practical, for less money. Or the fact that the brilliant Toyota Supra costs about the same as the Golf R does. We're not sure the Golf R is that much more brilliant than it's GTI sibling to warrant the price tag - but we also get why brand loyalists won't settle for anything other than the R-badged VW.

There are just two models to choose from, and the differences aren't that substantial. You'll be happy with either, in our opinion, and the price difference isn't so massive that opting for the standard model saves you thousands. Whichever model you opt for, add the LED dynamic turn signals, opt for the striking blue paint, throw in some dynamic center caps for the wheels, and you're good to go.