Used 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2.0T w/DCC and Navigation Hatchback Review
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2.0T w/DCC and Navigation Hatchback.
Most helpful consumer reviews
Three GTI’s and Now Perfection
Rex Applegate, San Diego, CA, 11/08/2018
2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2.0T w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
My 2012 GTI (after an ‘84 and ‘96) was running fine but I felt a need to upgrade. Wanted all the latest tech and was thinking Autobahn but don't like the moonroof that is standard on that model. Nothing for it but to go Golf R. Six months and 6k miles later and I Love it! More performance than my driving ability can use, but it’s nice to know than when you want to punch it the result … is pure joy. I also like having a comfortable, practical, low profile hatchback that doesn’t attract attention. If you crave driving down the street and having people gawk at you, get the Subaru WRX STI or Honda Civic R. This is a car for people who want to have it but not flaunt it.
Loving VW Golf R
LaCa Golf R, Santa Monica, CA, 05/21/2018
2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2.0T w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Had 2 GTI’s before this car. Loved them and decided to go for even more bang. It’s more than I need but super fun to drive. The tech on it is great and I enjoy driving this car. The suspension is sporty so you do feel the road, which I like. But avoid potholes. Update: May 2021 Still LOVE the car but have to put suspension DCC in Comfort as potholes have gotten 2 tires and ruined one … rim.... If you live in an area with good roads it won't be an issue. But I live in LA......
Superb, practical car
Chuck, Ashburn, VA, 02/01/2020
2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2.0T w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
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.
Exciting little car
Hot Hatchman, Elmhurst, IL, 08/02/2021
2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2.0T w/DCC and Navigation 4dr Hatchback AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 7AM)
Installed APR Stage 1 tune. Huge difference in performance. Highly recommend. This thing is a sleeper and super fun to drive. Suprise a lot of other performance cars.
Had 2018 VW Golf R for 2 years now. No problems at all still an exciting car with plenty of torque. No need to downshift in 3rd or 4th to rocket past traffic. Love it.
Edmunds Summary Review of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R 2.0T w/DCC and Navigation Hatchback
What’s new
- Seven-speed automatic transmission
- Adaptive LED headlights
- 8-inch touchscreen display
- Part of the seventh Golf generation introduced for 2015
Pros & Cons
- Pro:Impressive performance from the all-wheel-drive system
- Pro:Great handling without sacrificing ride quality
- Pro:Interior is well-built with excellent materials
- Pro:Accommodating and flexible cargo space
- Con:Outstanding performance aside, hard to justify the lofty sticker price
Which Golf R does Edmunds recommend?
There's only one Golf R trim level. As such, your choice comes down to picking one of the R's five colors and either the manual transmission or the new dual-clutch automatic. The automatic is the more pragmatic and sensible choice, but you'll have more fun if you choose the manual.
Full Edmunds Review: 2018 Volkswagen Golf R Hatchback
Driving
9.0The 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.
Comfort
8.5Despite its performance potential, the Golf R is surprisingly comfortable, especially compared to other sport compacts. Your daily commute doesn't have to suffer because of your weekend fun.
Interior
9.0Yes, 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.
Utility
8.0In 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.
Technology
A centerpiece of the new Golf R's tech offerings is an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen that responds when you hover a hand over the screen. Elsewhere, the Golf R offers a robust set of driver aids, including lane departure warning, automatic high beams and pedestrian detection.
Edmunds Insurance Estimator
The Edmunds TCO® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2018 Volkswagen Golf R in Ohio is:
not availableLegal