VW Golf R Estate revealed: Full details and launch date
Volkswagen has released full details on the 296bhp Golf R estate at the LA Motor Show
After various spyshots and an undisguised appearance at the Nurburgring, Volkswagen has finally given us details of its flagship all-wheel drive Golf R Estate. The brand also confirmed that the red hot wagon will go on sale in Europe in Spring 2015.
The scorching load-lugger looks set to be the fastest of its kind, with an advantage of nearly 50bhp over its nearest rival; the 247bhp Ford Focus ST. Permanent four-wheel drive will also allow buyers to make full use of the sportscar-like performance.
Despite the 100kg weight penalty that comes with the longer body, the Golf R Estate's performance certainly doesnt disappoint. The 2.0 litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine remains untouched, pumping out 296bhp, with 380Nm of torque available from just 1,800rpm. A 0-62mph time of 5.1 seconds is only 0.2 seconds down on the DSG-equipped hatch, while the 155mph limited top speed stays the same.
The R Estate is still capable of 40.3mpg on the combined cycle, and CO2 emissions don't stray much further from the hatch, at 163g/km. There's no manual variant coming to the UK, due to the popularity of the six-speed DSG and lack of interest in the manual 'box on the standard Golf R hatchback.
Like the hatch, the standard 4MOTION Haldex5 all-wheel drive system can send 100 per cent of drive to the rear wheels. This is coupled with the XDS+ electronic differential locks, and a two-stage stability control set-up. Dynamic Chassic Control is optional.
Exterior changes on the R are similar to those on the R hatchback, with the R-specific front bumper and large air intakes, the sportier grille design and Xenon headlamps with built in LED daytime running lights. The 18 and 19-inch wheel options remain. At the rear, the standard elongated Estate profile is beefed up with quad exhaust tailpipes, a gloss black diffuser and distinctive aero flaps on the D-pillars.
Inside is the familiar Golf R flair, with Alcantara or leather sports seat options, ambient lighting and carbon dashboard trim. The boot is unchanged from the standard estate at a useful 605 litres.
Price-wise we expect around a £1,000 premium on top of the £30,000 asking price for the R hatch.
Read our 2014 LA Motor Show coverage here
