Volkswagen Golf R Mk7 spied undisguised

The next Volkswagen Golf has been revealed ahead of its big debut at the Paris Motor Show. So, now we know what the standard car looks like, the prototypes for the next VW Golf R have started shedding their disguise, too.

These pictures confirm that the next high-performance Golf R will carry on where the old model left off, offering a subtly enhanced bodykit, bigger intakes on the bumper and twin tailpipes for the exhaust at the rear.

Like the previous Golf R, the new model will use a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. But whereas the Golf R Mk6 actually used a modified version of the previous Mk5 Golf GTI’s EA113 engine to keep development costs down, the new car will get the latest Audi-developed EA888 engine.

This means the Golf R will benefit from Audi’s direct injection and valvelift inlet valve timing technology, which is intended to help increase torque but not at the expense of emissions.

So expect a power output of around 276bhp - up from today’s 266bhp - with claimed fuel consumption creeping up to around 36mpg, from today’s 33.2mpg for a manual gearbox-equipped car.

Power will still go to all four wheels via either a six-speed manual or optional DSG dual-clutch gearbox. The latter will get seven gears, replacing the current six-speed DSG.