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2017 Volkswagen Golf R

2017 Volkswagen Golf R
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MSRP range
$35,655 - $40,475
Edmunds Rating
4.5 out of 5
Consumer Rating
(14)
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2017 Volkswagen Golf R
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2018
2017
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2012

Pros

  • Impressive performance from the all-wheel-drive system
  • Great handling without sacrificing ride quality
  • Interior is well built with excellent materials
  • Accommodating and flexible cargo space

Cons

  • Performance gains may not justify the hefty price tag
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2017 Volkswagen Golf R pricing

in Ashburn, VA
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2018 Golf R

msrp

$39,785
starting price
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Which Golf R does Edmunds recommend?

The base Golf R production is limited for 2017, so chances are your only choice will be the upgraded Golf R with the adaptive suspension and navigation system. We recommend upgrading to the optional dual-clutch automatic transmission for improved acceleration.

Edmunds' Expert Review

Overall rating

4.5 / 5
The Volkswagen Golf R is a wildly entertaining hatchback with an abundance of power, the control of all-wheel drive and sporty handling that'll get your pulse racing. Even more significant, however, is that it also gets high marks for comfort and convenience.

2017 Volkswagen Golf R configurations

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R is a higher-performance version of the Golf and GTI. It is only available as a five-passenger, four-door hatchback with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine (292 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque). Power is sent to all four wheels through either a standard six-speed manual transmission or an optional six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DSG).

A base model Golf R is available in very limited quantities with standard feature highlights that include 18-inch wheels with performance tires, adaptive xenon headlights, heated mirrors, a rear spoiler, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a 12-way power driver seat, heated front seats, VW Car-Net emergency telematics and infotainment, Bluetooth, a 6.5-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, an eight-speaker CD player with satellite radio and USB/auxiliary input.

The Golf R with DCC and Navigation is more common and adds an adaptive suspension system (called DCC) and a navigation system along with 19-inch wheels, front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning and mitigation, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a lane departure warning system, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control and a Fender premium audio system.

Trim tested

2016 Volkswagen Golf R (2.0L 4-cyl. turbo; AWD; 6-speed dual-clutch automatic)

Driving

5.0
The Golf R's 292-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder produces strong power that few competitors can match, and its braking and handling are impressive as well. Importantly, the R's upgrades represent clear improvements over the Volkswagen GTI. As a performance machine, it doesn't disappoint.

Acceleration

5.0
There's plenty of torque right off the line, but power really explodes around 4,000 rpm. It reaches 60 mph in an effortless 4.6 seconds with the DSG automatic and launch control. Our best GTI time is 6.2 seconds; the Subaru STI takes 5 seconds. AWD assures there's no torque steer, either.

Braking

5.0
Stopping from 60 mph required only 102 feet thanks in part to the summer tires, but that's still fantastic for any car. The reassuring, progressive pedal response is accompanied by good feedback. It's easy to get just the right amount of braking you want.

Steering

4.0
In Normal mode, the steering can feel numb and overly light considering the car's sporting intent. Race mode is better and feels more responsive, but in the end, the Golf R's steering is good but not great.

Handling

4.5
The combination of all-wheel drive, summer tires and a smart stability control system makes the Golf R very easy to drive aggressively. When going around turns, there's lots of grip, and it's predictable and manageable.

Drivability

5.0
The DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission fires off smooth shifts without the slow-speed stuttering and hesitation of other such transmissions. It's an easy car to drive quickly or slowly. The traditional manual is also easy to use, even in bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Comfort

4.5
Despite its performance potential, the Golf R is surprisingly comfortable, especially compared to other sport compacts. Your daily commute or your date doesn't have to suffer because of your weekend fun, but it's obviously less comfy than like-priced luxury cars.

Seat comfort

5.0
The seats are superb, offering just enough side bolstering to keep the average person in place through turns without feeling confining the rest of the time. They're also very supportive over long distances.

Ride comfort

4.0
The ride is firm compared to similarly priced luxury cars, but it's a La-Z-Boy compared to some rival hot hatches. Ruts and bumps are well-damped and rarely harsh. The mostly standard DCC adaptive dampers further improve the ride.

Noise & vibration

4.5
Tire and wind noise is minimal, especially compared to other high-powered sport compacts. The engine note has a fantastic snarl, and it sounds even better when the car is put in Race mode. You can also select the louder engine note individually.

Interior

5.0
Yes, this is a very expensive compact hatchback, but it's arguably the best in terms of practicality. The added R touches don't take anything away from that, making the Golf R a car you'd be happy to use every day.

Ease of use

4.0
Driver-centric controls are close, clearly labeled and easy to use. The touchscreen is better than those of rivals, thanks to sharp graphics, large icons and quick responses. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also included.

Getting in/getting out

5.0
Wide and tall doors with a moderately high seat make this an easy car to get into and out of, especially for its size. Given that cars of similar performance are often coupes, this four-door hatch gains an even greater advantage.

Driving position

5.0
With 10 power adjustments for the driver and a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, drivers of nearly any body type will be able to find their ideal position.

Roominess

5.0
The cabin feels spacious, and the backseat offers plenty of leg- and headroom for even tall passengers. This is as good as it gets for cars in this class.

Visibility

5.0
Visibility is superior all around, and a high seating position gives the driver an unobstructed outward view. A rearview camera is standard but not entirely necessary, and the same holds true for the advanced safety features.

Quality

4.0
Unlike other high-dollar sport compacts, the regular Golf already has a near-luxury cabin with superior materials and switchgear. The Golf R sweetens the deal with standard leather and attractive blue stitching. In this case, the quality matches the price.

Utility

4.0
In general, hatchbacks gain an edge for their versatility and generous cargo capacity for the size. The Golf R is no different and gets a slight advantage for everyday usability as a result.

Small-item storage

4.0
We like the anti-tip cupholders and forward media bin, but the center armrest bin annoyingly doesn't open for extra storage space.

Cargo space

4.0
The cargo area has a maximum of 22.8 cubic feet with the rear seats up, or 52.7 with them down, which is comparable to some compact SUVs.

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R.

Overall Consumer Rating
4.514 reviews
Write a reviewSee all 14 reviews
5(79%)
4(7%)
3(7%)
2(0%)
1(7%)

Most helpful consumer reviews

2017 rrrrrrrrr is a true pirates car
Alan,10/18/2016
I love my new golf R! I was skeptical at first even with all the reviews, however after I test drove the car I was hooked. The car moves like a rocket, but holds the road tight. The 19 inch tires are wonderful,and I bought a set of 17 inch snows that will come in handy here in the northeast. The fender sound system is better than most, and the ability to switch driving modes from comfort to race really makes a difference.I can truly say this is a great car to drive and enjoy!
A real "Q" ship
75 year old car lover,02/19/2017
The Golf R is a car that many just can't understand. $41K for a mere VW Golf? It's certainly no chick magnet regardless of color. And it's not designed to cosset the boss on a ride to a sales appointment. But like the mundane-appearing WW II freighters that packed hidden heavy guns, it is a real "Q ship." For those who value performance , it equals or exceeds more than a few so-called sports-cars. Compare its acceleration, handling, and braking statistics, for example, to those of the last generation C5 Corvette. While equipped with the same engine and transmission as the Audi S3 and TTS, it sells for thousands less with fit and finish to match. Unlike some ostensibly competitive "hot hatches," it doesn't beat you up in daily driving. It's as quiet as many popular sedans, it absorbs road irregularities with aplomb, and provides all the convenience of a four-door hatchback that can haul all kinds of stuff home from Best Buy and Home Depot. Oh yes, it's not perfect. The video screen is simply too small and the lack of an automatic garage door opener is inexplicable. Similarly, I very much dislike the car's inability to run the navigation system without having to listen to the radio. The new adaptive cruise control is terrific, but the lane-keeping system needs a good bit of work. Whatever you, do not compare this car to the previous generation Golf-R. Having just sold my 2012 R, I can say without the slightest hesitation, it's vastly better, particularly in NVH. The car's greatest problem are its beautiful, very light alloy wheels. They simply are not sufficiently strong to withstand the potholes of late Midwestern winters. And at a replacement cost of $800 a wheel, that's not a trivial issue. Additionally, VW needs to do some work with its proximity warning system and integrated navigation system. Unless you turn it off completely, there is no way to shut off the proximity system's warning sound, which most times remains on far too long. Similarly, there is no way to use the navigation system without also having the radio running. Honda's figured that one out, VW should, too.
Scary quick.
rpeyw1@gmail.com,02/10/2017
This vehicle has interested me for almost 2 years. When the 2017 came out with DCC, I started a little more research and decided to pull the plug. The ride home from the dealership on I-95 left a smile on my face until the next day, when I got an even bigger smile after understanding more about the systems. The car is scary quick, and goes exactly where you point it. The seats are very comfortable, even after spending over 4 hours in the vehicle on the second day. The tech may be a little intimidating at first, as the vehicle has almost every conceivable bit of information at your finger tips. VW's carnet blows away Onstar. The fender sound system is absolutely outstanding. I leased mine because of my previous experience with VW products. They all developed "issues" around 60K miles. Assuming this vehicle hangs with me, I will probably buy it outright at the end of my lease. There is supposed to be a limited quantity of these this year. I say if you can find one, drive it, and you will smile like a lil kid. Hatchbacks are not everyone's cup of tea, but if you are a hatchback type of person, IMHO, this one is very hard to beat. Happy motoring!
Broken engine before 2nd Oil Change
Nelson,02/13/2018
We bought our 2017 Golf R as a weekend/road trip car and I was super satisfied with it's performance. I babied it for the first couple thousand miles as advised and I was very meticulous about maintenance, well I finally decided to give it a nice spirited drive on the highway on a late Saturday night. BIG MISTAKE!!! It had exactly 7,701 miles on the odometer as I did a full throttle acceleration from 40 mph, we heard a few loud POPS, I immediately let off the gas, and as I pulled over it sounded like a bunch of rocks in a clothes dryer! I towed it to the dealership the following Monday, I was told the engine block cracked severely!! Well I was confident thinking my warranty would cover a new block when VW decides to VOID MY WARRANTY!!! They lied and said I had an aftermarket tune that was not covered! A complete lie. I had no modifications done, everything was stock but they say otherwise. I currently have a lawyer fighting VW for me as I don't plan on making these big car payments for a horrible product stuck in my garage! plus we put a big down payment to drive it off the lot! It's already been 3 months, hopefully my problem gets resolved soon.
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Features & Specs

MSRP
$39,375
MPG
22 city / 31 hwy
Seats 5
6-speed manual
Gas
292 hp @ 5400 rpm
MSRP
$35,655
MPG
22 city / 31 hwy
Seats 5
6-speed manual
Gas
292 hp @ 5400 rpm
MSRP
$36,755
MPG
23 city / 30 hwy
Seats 5
6-speed automated manual
Gas
292 hp @ 5400 rpm
MSRP
$40,475
MPG
23 city / 30 hwy
Seats 5
6-speed automated manual
Gas
292 hp @ 5400 rpm
See all 2017 Volkswagen Golf R features & specs

Safety

Our experts’ favorite Golf R safety features:

VW Car-Net
In an emergency or breakdown, help is only a button push away.
Front Assist
This system will warn you if you're in danger of rear-ending the car in front and apply the brakes if you don't.
Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
In a crash, the brakes automatically engage to prevent additional impacts.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
  • Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
    Overall4 / 5
    Driver5 / 5
    Passenger4 / 5
  • Side Crash Rating
    Overall5 / 5
  • Side Barrier Rating
    Overall5 / 5
    Driver5 / 5
    Passenger5 / 5
  • Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
    Front Seat5 / 5
    Back Seat5 / 5
  • Rollover
    Rollover4 / 5
    Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
    Risk Of Rollover13.4%

2017 Volkswagen Golf R for Sale

Volkswagen Golf R 2017 w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
New 2017
Volkswagen Golf R
w/DCC and Navigation
(3)
Karen Radley Volkswagen
30 mi away
MSRP$40,515
Est.Loan: $657/mo
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More about the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R

Volkswagen's legendary GTI is the car credited with introducing America to the hot hatchback phenomenon, and the Golf R is a hot-rodded version of it. The Golf R has an even more powerful engine, all-wheel drive and a suspension tuned for maximum grip and response. This is a serious performance car that will get your pulse racing, yet it has all the comfort and practicality associated with the Golf, which — though not terribly popular in America — is one of the world's best-selling cars.

At the heart of the Golf R is Volkswagen's venerable 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, but not in the same form to which you may be accustomed. The Golf R's version is hypertuned for 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. Both a six-speed manual and a six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission are offered. The dual-clutch is the quicker of the two, and we've clocked it to 60 mph in a very impressive 4.6 seconds — just over 1.5 seconds quicker than we've seen in the GTI (and when talking about 0-60 mph times, 1.5 seconds is akin to 1.5 hours). EPA fuel economy estimates are 25 mpg combined for both transmissions, with the manual rated at 22 city/31 highway and the automatic at 22 city/30 highway.

The Golf R has the suspension to back up that engine. With all-wheel drive to boost the grip, the Golf R is incredibly quick and responsive through the turns, and driving it fast is relatively easy and a lot of fun. The optional DCC adaptive suspension ups the ante significantly, and though the steering is a bit lightly weighted for our tastes, switching to Race mode improves the feel significantly. Braking is excellent, although the standard-fit summer tires will need to be changed out for winter driving.

Most cars with the Golf R's abilities are unsuitable for day-to-day driving, but the Golf R is the exception to the rule. The no-nonsense dashboard is smartly trimmed and easy to use, leather upholstery comes standard, and there's plenty of headroom so you can sit up properly. The Golf R has a perfectly usable backseat and plenty of cargo space, and for 2017 it adds optional driver aids, including adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning with automatic braking. The Golf R comes exclusively as a four-door, making it a great choice for family duty. You can't say that about a Corvette.

If there's one drawback to the Golf R, it's the price — the bump over the GTI is significant, and many potential buyers will have to ask themselves if so much performance is really necessary. Volkswagen sells the Golf R as a four-door hatchback in a single trim level. An optional package adds the DCC suspension, navigation and advanced driving aids, and Volkswagen is expected to limit availability of Golf Rs without this package for the 2017 model year. Edmunds can help find the perfect 2017 Volkswagen Golf R for you.

2017 Volkswagen Golf R Overview

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R is offered in the following submodels: Golf R Hatchback. Available styles include w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M), 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM), and w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM).

What do people think of the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R?

Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2017 Golf R 4.5 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 2017 Golf R.

Edmunds Expert Reviews

Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R and all model years in our database. Our rich content includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2017 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.

What's a good price for a New 2017 Volkswagen Golf R?
2017 Volkswagen Golf R w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) can be purchased for less than the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (aka MSRP) of $40,515. The average price paid for a new 2017 Volkswagen Golf R w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is trending $5,238 below the manufacturer’s MSRP.

Edmunds members save an average of $5,238 by getting upfront special offers. The estimated special offer price in your area is$35,277.

The average savings for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) is12.9% below the MSRP.

Available Inventory:

We are showing 1 2017 Volkswagen Golf R w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) vehicle(s) available in the in the Ashburnarea.

Which 2017 Volkswagen Golf RS are available in my area?

Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 Volkswagen Golf R for sale near. There are currently 1 new 2017 Golf RS listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $40,515 and mileage as low as 3 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2017 Volkswagen Golf R. Then select Edmunds special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to $5,238 on a used or CPO 2017 Golf R available from a dealership near you.

Can't find a new 2017 Volkswagen Golf Rs you want in your area? Consider a broader search.

Find a new Volkswagen Golf R for sale - 6 great deals out of 24 listings starting at $12,143.

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Why trust Edmunds?

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.

Should I lease or buy a 2017 Volkswagen Golf R?

Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.

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