belfast col

When the Mk7 Volkswagen Golf R launched, it did so costing less than thirty grand. Like the Ford Focus RS and BMW M135i, it arrived with a tantalising price tag – just £29,900 – to pique everyone’s interest. And my, didn’t it work with spectacular effect: the attractive lease deals followed, and now you’d be forgiven for thinking half of all Golfs sold have circa-300bhp and an R badge. Six years on, the Mk8 Golf R has launched. And it costs… £39,270. Which illustrates a) such a thing called ‘inflation’ exists and b) VW’s adjusted its halo Golf to reflect that everyone bought them as specced-up, DSG-shifted five-doors, not entry-level manual three-doors. Indeed, it now only comes as a DSG-equipped five-door. And it’s a little more powerful than before – up 20bhp, at 316bhp – while still utilising a winter-friendly (or drag race-friendly) four-wheel-drive system, now hooked up to a clever new differential and torque vectoring system to make its performance even better pub fodder. Its 0-62mph time is 4.7secs, and its top speed as high as 168mph. You only get the latter by spending an additional £2,000 on the R-Performance Package. Making it – yes – a £41k Golf. Albeit one with a ‘what could go wrong?’ Drift Mode, that higher top speed and a Special option added to the drive select. It unlocks the perfect settings for tackling the Nordschleife, should you want to replicate Volkwagen’s own sub-8 ‘Ring lap endeavours without immediate YouTube infamy. You also get inch-larger 19in alloys and a bigger spoiler. Prefer your Golf with just front-wheel drive? Half the TG office does, and so several of us would be more tempted by the new Mk8 Golf GTI Clubsport, below. Cheaper than the R, at £37,215, it possesses barely less performance – a 296bhp peak yielding 0-62mph in 5.6secs – and it gets that ‘Ring-bashing Special mode as standard. Which Golf takes your fancy, Internet? Or would you save another few grand and go for the Toyota GR Yaris? Article courtesy of Top Gear View full article

That is stunning.... See you at the lottery booth......

Bless you darling. Hope all is well in the world with you Misses! X

What, as they say, could possibly go wrong?! If you need any help under the bonnet let me know Gaz.

Just firing up the ZX Spectrum! 1, Print 'Gaz is a bell-end' 2, Goto 1 Run

Hey buddy, Sorry to read this. Even though I'm not on as much as I used to be (used to be a total gob shite) this place has kept me sane over the years. I hope you get sorted and feel free to use us as a form of head space!! Col

Just back from the 24 hours of Nurburg and saw this in the flesh. Nice looking car IMHO.

So as my S3 heads towards 100k miles I shall be chopping it in as BIK tax costs me £359 a month and instead opting out of the car scheme, taking an allowance and I'm 90% sure I'm getting a 335D M-sport touring (2nd hand). This car will be doing circa 30k a year. I will be claiming back mileage at 45p for the 1st 10k then 25p etc so this car ticks all/ most boxes. 0 - 60 as quick as my S3/ Golf R 50 MPG on the motorway It won't be as fun but I can't think of any other car with the performance and MPG...... Ps. I know it rides too high but then again it will never see a track.

Abarth??

Mr Bellend Col to you lad. Ps. Dan is sorting them.

I believe it's the 296 bhp engine from the Mk7.

Not sure we should all panic just yet. The GTi and R will always be pumped up and this image isn't so bad!!

Yeah we're out of stock Becs. Will chat to the guys and see when the next batch are due!! @Danno @Stubsy @invisiblekid

Had a friendly play with this car today (all within the law obvs). I was the filthy grey S3!