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2018 Golf R trim level differences

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R is the hot-rod edition of the Golf and GTI hatchbacks. The four-door Golf R seats five and comes 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 seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (called DSG).

Standard features include 19-inch wheels with performance tires, an adaptive suspension, adaptive LED headlights, heated mirrors, a rear spoiler, keyless entry, push-button ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, a power-adjustable driver's seat and heated front seats. On the tech front, the R comes with VW Car-Net communications, Bluetooth, a navigation system, a digital gauge cluster, an 8-inch touchscreen, a rearview camera, and an eight-speaker Fender audio system with a CD player and satellite radio.

Advanced safety and driver aids include front and rear parking sensors, forward collision warning and mitigation, pedestrian detection, blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert, a lane departure warning system, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.

Which 2018 Golf R trim 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.

Compare 2018 Golf R trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Des Moines, IA
Vehicle
Golf R 2.0T w/DCC and Navigation
Vehicle
Hide similarities
Section Title

Features

Bluetooth
standard
Navigation
standard
Satellite radio
standard
Keyless Ignition
standard
Cruise control
standard
Adaptive cruise control
standard
Parking assistance
standard
Upholstery
leather
Heated seats
standard
Cooled/Ventilated seats
Not available
Folding rear seats
standard
Sunroof
Not available
Section Title

Specifications

Country of final assembly
Germany
Drivetrain
all wheel drive
Engine power
292 hp @ 5,400 rpm
Engine torque
280 lb-ft @ 1,800 rpm
Engine displacement
2.0 l
Engine configuration
inline 4
Transmission
6-speed manual
Tire size
235/35R19
Wheel size
19 X 8.0-in
Wheel type
alloy wheels
Run flat tires
Not available
Section Title

Fuel economy

City/Hwy/Combined MPG
21 / 29 / 24 MPG
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe
Not applicable
Fuel Capacity
14.5 gal.
Driving Range (city/hwy)
305 / 421 miles
Fuel Type
premium unleaded (recommended)
Section Title

Dimensions

Turning circle
35.8 ft.
Curb weight
3,300 lb.
Ground Clearance
4.8 in.
Overall Width with Mirrors
Overall Width without Mirrors
70.8 in.
Height
56.5 in.
Length
168.4 in.
Wheelbase
103.5 in.
Seating Capacity
Cargo Space
22.8 cu. ft.
Cargo Space, Rear Seat Down or Removed
52.7 cu. ft.
Front Head Room
38.4 in.
Front Leg Room
41.2 in.
Front Shoulder Room
55.9 in.
Rear Head Room
38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room
35.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room
53.9 in.
Section Title

5-Year Ownership Costs

True Cost to Own®
Not Available
Average Cost Per Mile
Not Available
Depreciation
Not Available
Financing
Not Available
Taxes & Fees
Not Available
Fuel
Not Available
Insurance
Not Available
Maintenance
Not Available
Repairs
Not Available
Section Title

Colors

Interior
Titan Black, leather
Exterior
Deep Black Pearl Metallic
Indium Gray Metallic
Lapiz Blue Metallic
Tornado Red
Oryx White Pearl Metallic