Used 2018 Volkswagen Golf R Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2018 Golf R, so we've included reviews for other years of the Golf R since its last redesign.
Superb, practical car
Chuck, 02/01/2020
2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2.0T w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
I owned a 2016 GTI before I bought my 2018 Golf R. There are differences. The R feels heavier and is less eager off the line (without using launch control). It also has a less tight turning radius than the GTI. However, once underway there is no comparison - it has serious horsepower and is very stable in all weather conditions, It just feels more refined than the GTI. I hear all the time that it's expensive, but for the same performance in anything else you're going to pay the same price. I got mine out the door for about $40k. People draw comparisons to the Civic Type R, but it's less refined, has poor all weather capability, cannot be had with a DSG-type transmission, and looks like an 18-year-old's car. In the real world the R is much better. I've had a few BMW 3-series cars and I would take this over any of those but the M3 (and the M3 is almost twice the price). The steering does lack some feel, but it is precise. The DSG transmission is just plain better than the manual - end of story. It's lightning quick in race mode and is smooth as silk. 0-60 times are noticeably better with the DSG in any test you read. There's a reason most Porsches have PDK transmissions now. Get over your manual fetish. The engine is very smooth and very docile when you want it to be. I get 29 MPG routinely on my 30-mile commute and 34 if I'm steady state on the interstates. In Normal mode it's a daily driver. In Race mode, it opens up the exhaust valves and snarls eagerly. Race mode is intoxicating, but gas mileage drops dramatically and tire wear goes up :). My negative comments are few - the engine could sound more like a performance engine without the fake sound. For 40k+ the passenger seat should be power adjustable. By default the passenger seat sits higher than the driver's seat which is weird. A really strange thing in the R is that center console does not open. It's exactly the same as the GTI which does. The little compartment is there, you just can't get to it. Sooo, I bought an aftermarket tray and kit that allows the arm rest to both slide and open. It's frankly stupid that VW did this. Finally, the R doesn't look "special" enough. It's the only US VW made in Germany, is VW's highest performing model, and it should look more the part. Not boy racer, but something a little extra. It really is just about a perfect daily car/performance car balance and worth every penny over the GTI (but the GTI is a great car). For the record, I have ZERO mechanical issues in 2 years with my GTI and going on 2 years with my R.
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Just an absolute riot
Bill Iannopolis, 04/20/2017
2017 Volkswagen Golf R w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I cross shopped this with much more expensive cars. Once I started driving it, I was blown away. It's quick, but not incredibly fast. It handles, but isn't the best handling car. That being said...it all blends together into an incredibly balanced and engaging vehicle that makes driving to work a rush. The interior is beautifully finished. The seats are comfortable and the nav has some fun features. The stereo is pretty damn good. Not really able to point out a fault.
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Performance, comfort, luxury, & practicality
Chris Stiles, 05/09/2017
updated 11/12/2018
2017 Volkswagen Golf R w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
6 months of ownership in Lapiz Blue, DSG, & dynamic chassis control, and overall I'm very satisfied. A hoot to drive, fast, excellent grip, reasonably luxurious, stops on a dime, & practical. Handled well in snow with high performance all season tires. An Audi S3 for $4500 less. The Fender audio is excellent, but my entertainment & navigation shut down and required a dealer refresh to get it back up again. For $40K this car should have a Homelink garage door opener, LED tail lights, and a sunroof should be an option since the interior is black, dark & serious. An open roof would give the car a more airy interior. And how come the center console is bolted shut? Makes no sense and the dealer was unaware & of no help. But other than minor gripes, this car is special and exclusive. Hope it proves reliable. Highly recommended if you can strike a good deal. 2 years and 15K on the odometer. Car has been reliable but I haven’t put many miles on it either. Balance of performance & practicality is hard to beat. Still highly recommend this car.
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Beast !
DAVID OLLIFF, 03/18/2018
2017 Volkswagen Golf R w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
So much fun!......great sound system.....fast.......nice fit and finish.....great fuel economy.
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Driver's Car
Luca van Gorkom, 08/14/2020
2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2.0T w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M)
4 of 6 people found this review helpful
This car costs a lot compared to normal golfs. And when you drive it normally it feels like a normal golf. Interior is a bit plasticky and the fabric seats are firm as heck. The leathers are a little better. So not worth the money for that bit alone. However, once you put your foot further than about halfway down the pedal stroke, it opens up a bit and you realise this isn't a normal golf. In dynamic mode it's incredibly tight around corners, leaps forward at the touch of the throttle, and just eats up back roads. Incredibly fun to drive, however, every other part of it is just a normal golf. Which can be a good thing in certain ways, but not if you compare it to other, better value for money cars, like the Kia Stinger.
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