2013 Volkswagen Golf R Overview
Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2013 Volkswagen Golf R and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2013 Golf R featuring deep dives into trim levels and features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process
This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors.
We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder. Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life.
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2013 Volkswagen Golf R and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2013 Golf R 4.8 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars. Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2013 Golf R.
Vehicle
4dr Hatchback AWD w/Sunroof, Navigation (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
Review
I did a lot of research on the R, including comparing the 2012/2013 model mk6 with the current mk7. I bought a used mk6 with 21k miles for about $12k less than a new one and I couldn't be happier. The AWD is fantastic, especially in cornering. It has plenty of power, any more and you run the risk of multiple speeding tickets. The 6 speed is the best I've ever used. The turbo sound is beautiful. The pervasive criticism of the mk6 R has been mainly that it should do more and offer more, such as offering a DSG transmission (as in Europe), more aggressive styling and the ability to turn off stability control and more HP. Not for me. I'm not going to take it to the track. I hate automatics (even DSG's) and I prefer the understated styling. I want people to think it's just a Golf. Further, the new mk7 doesn't offer a sunroof (my mk6 does) and has limited and basic colors to choose from (none that I liked). My dark grey/greenish understated R mk6 is perfect. My only complaint is that there is no basic USB (why they put in a proprietary MIDI cable I don't know). The integration with iPhone could have been done better, even in 2012. Sat/Nav is acceptable. The sound quality is superb, however. This is a driver's car for old school manual transmission enthusiasts that enjoy *the art* of driving, more than just shaving .5 seconds off 0-60 that a DSG would give you.
See all consumer reviews and retings for the 2013 Volkswagen Golf R
Edmunds Value
Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including rich, trim-level features and specs information like: MSRP, average price paid, warranty information (basic, drivetrain, and maintenance), features (upholstery, bluetooth, navigation, heated seating, cooled seating, cruise control, parking assistance, keyless ignition, satellite radio, folding rears seats ,run flat tires, wheel type, tire size, wheel tire, sunroof, etc.), vehicle specifications (engine cylinder count, drivetrain, engine power, engine torque, engine displacement, transmission), fuel economy (city, highway, combined, fuel capacity, range), vehicle dimensions (length, width, seating capacity, cargo space), car safety, true cost to own. Edmunds also provides tools to allow shopper to compare vehicles to similar models of their choosing by warranty, interior features, exterior features, specifications, fuel economy, vehicle dimensions, consumer rating, edmunds rating, and color
Available Volkswagen Golf R 2013 Submodel Types: Hatchback
Available Trims: w/Dynamic Chassis Control and Navigation, Base
Exterior Colors: Lapiz Blue Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, Carbon Steel Gray Metallic, Limestone Grey Metallic, Rising Blue Metallic, Tornado Red, Candy White, Deep Black Metallic, Oryx White Pearl
Interior Colors: Black leather, Titan Black leather
Popular Features: AWD/4WD, Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Bluetooth, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Heated seats, Leather Seats, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Post-collision safety system, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, Upgraded Headlights, Aux Audio Inputs, Power Driver Seat, Back-up camera, Keyless Entry/Start, Navigation, Parking sensors, Sunroof/Moonroof, Adaptive Cruise Control, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Departure Warning, Pre-collision safety system, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, USB Inputs
Engine/Mechanics: 4 cylinders
Transmission: MANUAL, AUTOMATED_MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (recommended)
Drivetrains: all wheel drive
