| Model year | 2012 |
| Make | Volkswagen |
| Model | Golf R |
| Style | 2dr Hatchback (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6M) |
| Base MSRP | $32,500 |
| As-tested MSRP | $32,500 |
| Drive type | All-wheel drive |
| Engine type | Front-mounted transverse inline-4 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 2,480cc (151 cu-in) |
| Block/head material | Iron/aluminum |
| Valvetrain | Double overhead camshaft, four valves per cylinder |
| Compression ratio (x:1) | 9.8 |
| Redline (rpm) | 7,000 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 266 @ 6,000 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 258 @ 2,500-5,000 |
| Transmission type | Six-speed manual |
| Transmission and axle ratios (x:1) | I=3.36; II=2.09; III=1.47; IV=1.09; V=1.10; VI=0.91; R=3.99; FD=4.24 |
| Suspension, front | MacPherson strut, coil springs, antiroll bar |
| Suspension, rear | Multilink, coil springs, antiroll bar |
| Steering type | Electric speed-proportional power steering |
| Steering ratio (x:1) | 15.0 |
| Tire brand | Continental |
| Tire model | ContiWinterContact |
| Tire type | All-season |
| Tire size, front | 225/40R18 Y |
| Tire size, rear | 225/40R18 Y |
| Wheel size | 18-by-7.5 inches front and rear |
| Wheel material | Cast aluminum |
| Brakes, front | 13.6-inch ventilated disc, single-piston sliding caliper |
| Brakes, rear | 12.2-inch ventilated disc, single-piston sliding caliper |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 15.9 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 3,188 |
| Length (in.) | 165.8 |
| Width (in.) | 70.0 |
| Height (in.) | 57.5 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 101.5 |
| Track, front (in.) | 60.4 |
| Track, rear (in.) | 59.6 |
| Turning circle (ft.) | 35.8 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 41.2 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 35.8 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 39.3 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 38.5 |
| Shoulder room, front (in.) | 54.7 |
| Shoulder room, rear (in.) | 52.8 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 12.4 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | 46.1 |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard dual front |
| Head airbags | Standard front and rear |
| Antilock brakes | Four-wheel ABS |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Braking assist, electronic brakeforce distribution |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
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