The history of the automobile would not have been the same without the existence of Volkswagen. An influential manufacturer like few others, his enormous contribution is measured by names like Beetle, Golf, Passat or the mythical “Bulli” van, true brands by themselves.
In the case of the Golf, it is enough to say its name in any conversation about cars so that everyone knows that it is a Volkswagen model, the best-selling in all of history, probably the most important.
But Volkswagen's contribution to the automotive industry goes beyond imagining and developing cars. The Wolfsburg manufacturer is also the creator of a few initials that have made history: GTD, TDI, TSI, GTI or R.
The model in question, the Golf R 20 Aniversario, commemorates precisely the appearance of a model defined with a letter: R. We are talking about the 2003 Golf R32, a car that Volkswagen designed to outperform the legendary GTI in performance. That first edition already had a 241 hp V6 engine, all-wheel drive and 3.2-liter displacement; hence its name.
This edition to celebrate the 20th anniversary offers, from the outset, a power that exceeds the current Golf R production model. We went from 320 to 333 CV. With this engine power, our Golf R accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and its top speed is limited to 270 km/h. It's not bad at all.
The mechanical cocktail is completed by the 7-speed version of the effective DSG dual-clutch transmission and Volkswagen 4Motion all-wheel drive.
Thanks to the significant improvement in engine response, the increased power can also be appreciated in everyday situations such as overtaking manoeuvres. It's not that it's easy, it's a game. Like on the PlayStation.
It is the most dynamic Volkswagen R model of all time. The clear increase in performance is also the result of the extensive standard equipment that includes exceptional technical elements such as the R Performance package, the ride dynamics manager and the R Performance Torque Vectoring system.
This torque vectoring technology allows the two-axle differentials to independently regulate force at each wheel.
In addition to the usual Comfort, Sport and Race driving profiles, this special R model features Special and Drift modes. The Special profile has been developed for the circuit and the Drift, for skidding, since it sends traction to the rear end. It goes without saying that the Special and Drift modes require experience behind the wheel and, above all, a suitable setting. The open road is useless.
For most it will be one more Golf. Nothing is further from reality. For sports fans and Golf fans it will be instantly recognizable.
Thus, blue wheels and rear-view mirrors give away this very special specimen. Also an identification plate on the B-pillar. A spoiler at the end of the roof, which covers the rear window, tells us about its greater aerodynamic effectiveness. Brakes and tires are also specific.
More special are, if possible, the double exhausts of the prestigious firm Akrapovich. Of course, all standard included in the aforementioned R Performance package.
The fastest and most expensive Golf in history is an exceptional car, truly complete, seamless. It is very expensive and if we drive it in sports mode the consumption skyrockets. That's where the unfavorable points end. The rest is all praise. From the quality to the superb dynamic behaviour. And it is also a versatile car, since it responds wonderfully both on a long trip and in daily use. Without forgetting, of course, his sports facet in which he meets with honors.
On the road it is a very easy and noble car to drive. It stands out for its excellent poise in all types of curves. It has a precise and direct steering that helps everything to happen naturally when it comes to increasing the pace of the march.
It is a very powerful car, but it is never radical. The electronics and all-wheel drive neutralize any excess with the accelerator so that it allows entering slow corners -and accelerating out- in complete safety.
Race mode is the one to experience its almost endless dynamic potential on the road. The hoarse sound coming from the exhausts is also accompanied by detonations in the reductions of the DSG change. It is fascinating.
And the limited slip rear differential makes it even more efficient in curves. It runs a lot and it doesn't seem like it. The security it transmits is very high.
For its part, the 333 hp 2.0 TSI four-cylinder engine always responds forcefully, especially with the sporty driving modes. The standard change is the seven-speed dual-clutch DSG, fast and very easy to use.
And if we want a comfortable, calm and quite refined driving, it is enough to opt for the Comfort driving mode. So we can travel comfortably, with a consumption of around 10 liters. Although, yes, this R is rigid and precise steering in any situation. It could not be otherwise.
