Her + His Car Reviews
2016 Volkswagen Golf R
There are two sides to everything, right? To keep our car reviews innovative and interesting, we provide an animated, insightful, detailed and sometimes uncouth two points of view on the same car from - Her + His perspectives.
Her: Anne Fleming, Car Buying Advocate, women-drivers.com
His: Don Hammonds, Writer, AutomobileJournal.com
| HER | HIS |
|---|---|
| Price | |
| $41,110 | $38,995 base, $41,110 as tested |
| Performance | |
| Absolutely loved driving the Golf R with Turbo and All Wheel Drive. The get up and go on this 6-speed automatic transmission along with the DCC® Dynamic Chassis Control Adaptive Suspension options makes for a smooth ride. Handling is always so responsive; an A plus. | Pittsburgh, our home base, is known for its terrible potholes and road buckles. But you would never know it in the R. Barely a ripple. And this car psychologically makes you feel like you are in charge. You never, ever worry about stability in such a powerful small car. like knowing I can get out of trouble in a pinch quickly. And the R delivers on all of that. |
| Fuel Economy | |
| 23 city/30 highway and 25 highway miles overall. | The lusty 2.0 liter turbocharged engine gets 25 miles per gallon overall, with 23 city and 30 highway ratings. The R uses four gallons of gasoline per 100 miles driven, and you will spend $1,000 more a year for gasoline over five years than you would compared to the average new vehicle--but we hasten to add strongly that every penny you spend on this car is well worth it! |
| The Car | |
| This Golf R is a favorite. There is no road to big and no parking spot too tight for this sporty hatchback. When driving, you will have no issues merging onto highways, as there is plenty of get-up-and-go. It packs so many features into so much square footage...ssshhh--zzzaammm. But don't think that the vehicle is small and doesn't carry. Not all all. Five adults transport well in the Golf quite comfortably. Further, it's cargo roominess is spacious with split-folding rear seats and pass-through for longer items.
19" alloy wheels. Simple and smooth responsiveness. Roomy and fun. Heated everything for winter and inclement weather. And the interior materials and touch points all have an upward slanting feel. A little oddity we found when exploring the trunk for a spare tire was - well, the subwoofer. |
And what a car it is! Blindingly fast, but blissfully practical--the R has all the stops covered and then some. Perfect car in all ways as far as I am concerned. VW says in a news release, that the Golf R is the most powerful version of the Golf ever to be sold in the U.S. market. It redefines the hatchback category with enough space for five adults and more trunk space than most mid-size sedans. It features an even more advanced version of Volkswagen's EA888 four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI® 2.0-liter engine that's fitted to the Golf GTI, which was named an Automobile "2015 All-Star." |
| Safety | |
| Rearview camera, Keyless access, Push Start Button. Airbag Front and Side. Airbag Supplemental Restraint Systems for Driver and Front Passenger. Anti-Lock Braking System. Intelligent Crash Response System. LATCH. Forward collision, Adaptive Cruise Control, Braking Assist, Forward Collision Warning, Blind Spot Warning, Rear Traffic Alert, Lane Departure Warning, Parking Pilot. | Safety equipment includes Front and Side airbags with supplemental restraint systems for both driver and passenger side curtain protections, head impact airbags, three point safety belts for all seating positions, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, intelligent crash response system, and tire pressure monitoring system. |
| Technology | |
6 speed DSG Automatic Package. Media center 6.5" Touchscreen w Navigation AM/FM/HD radio w new USB ports and Aux-in. Sirius XM radio and partial subscription. Premium fenders audio systems. Bluetooth mobile telephone connectivity. Keyless access with push button start. CAR-NET Features Equipped with:
|
Standard equipment includes the 2.0 liter, 292 horsepower turbocharged four with a Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive Suspension; vented disc bikes front and rear; 19 inch alloy wheels, a selective drive mode system; performance summer tires, automatic, adaptive bi-xenon headlights that turn as you turn; LED daytime running lights and LED front turn signals, rear spoiler, Golf R bumpers, side sills and exterior trim; chrome-tipped quad sport exhaust system; rain sensing front wipers with heated washer nozzles; dual zone automatic climate control; tilting and telescoping, multi-function sport steering wheel; steering wheel mounted shift paddles; leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob; heated, power drivers sports seat with lumbar support; heated power reclining front passenger sport seat, split folding rear seat with armrest and pass-through; leather seats; alloy pedals and door sill scuff plates; and front center console with armrest and upholders. Some notable technological features include rearview camera; Discover Media, 6.5" touchscreen navigation; AM/FM/HD radio with CD player, USB & Aux-in; Fender premium audio system; Bluetooth mobile phone connectivity; satellite radio; cruise control; and other features. Of particular interest is Volkswagen's Car-Net system that includes App-Connect (Smartphone integration and Interface); Guide & Inform (Navigation and entertainment); security and service (Emergency assistance, Remote Access and Vehicle Health). |
| Aesthetics & Styling | |
| In the competitive sector of compacts, the redesigned Golf looks feels a head of the class. Interior the layout is sleek, accessible and sizable. | What's fascinating about the Volkswagen Golf R is that it is so "down low," so to speak. It looks very sedate and normal, even suave and elegant on the outside, with no clue of its heritage and demeanor except for the stylized R emblem you see on its flanks. |
| Warranty | |
| 3 Years/36,000 miles Limited Warranty. 5 Years/60,000 miles Powertrain Warranty. 12 Years/120,000 miles Corrosion Warranty. 3 Years/36,000 24-hour Roadside Assistance. | 3 Year, 36,000 limited warranty and 5 Year, 60,000 powertrain warranty. 12 year, 120,000 mile for corrosion. 24-hour roadside assistance. |
