Faults:

Frequent coolant leaks.

Faults in the crankcase ventilation system that cause pressure buildup or minor oil leaks.

The factory-original clutch disc slips easily if the car is driven hard or if a power tune is used.

Touchscreens or infotainment modules experiencing intermittent restarts or sporadic freezes.

A bit of noise and squeaking in the suspension.

General Comments:

Like the GTI, the R has not lost any of the Golf's practical features. The trunk remains spacious, and the hatch allows for loading large items that fit easily thanks to the folding rear seats. However, taller passengers (like myself) might find it uncomfortable. Up front, there are cupholders, bottle holders, and a sunglasses holder, but, curiously, there is no storage space in the center armrest. And yes, the glovebox still retains the air conditioning vent.

The power and strength of the turbocharged 2.0-liter engine in the Golf R are fantastic! It delivers 292 hp, 82 more than the GTI, and boasts impressive torque, enough to pin you to your seat at any engine speed, right up to just under 6,500 rpm, where it begins to lose steam. It is a highly flexible engine that is more reminiscent of the classic VR6 than of a typical four-cylinder turbo.

The transmission is quite good. Gear shifts are short, well-defined, direct, and firm. The clutch engages low in the pedal travel and requires little effort. However, it is not perfect: there appears to be a sort of delay valve in the hydraulic system that prevents very rapid shifting.

Inside, it adopts an Audi-esque style; the snug sports seats are upholstered in soft leather, as is the thick, flat-bottomed steering wheel. Everything you see and touch appears to be made of high-quality materials. The ride is quiet but not overly muted; the engine is audible without being intrusive, and a faint turbo whistle can be heard. While the infotainment system offers plenty of options, the screen is somewhat small, and some of the programmable buttons are quite tiny.

Suspension is excellent for a street setup, offering very high limits. It is firm but not uncomfortable. Bumps are absorbed well, and it only becomes uncomfortable when the vehicle hits an obstacle affecting both sides of the car, such as a bridge expansion joint. Body roll and yaw are minimal during spirited driving. Those who push a bit too hard will encounter predictable understeer.

While the Golf was never a cheap car, it isn't expensive either, especially considering it doesn't give much trouble and offers low fuel consumption for such a powerful engine.

All in all, owning a Golf R today is a smart move.

Faults:

Battery needing changed, not the car's fault.

Had it one year, just a service and new brakes as they were an MOT advisory from the last owner.

General Comments:

Modern, reliable, classy, cheap to run... Golf does all you need.

The car is 9 years old but feels like a 3 year old car. Pleasant to drive and look at.

2.0 diesel "BlueMotion Tech" is the one to go for, fast enough and economical. I've never had less than 50 mpg and I drive fast.

All models are well equipped, but the Match spec is a nice one. Quality interior materials and design. Enough space for me at average height and weight.

Perfect for those who want a no nonsense car. Can be expensive to repair when it does go wrong, as any car can these days. But find a nice low mileage car that's been looked after and you have pretty much perfect transport.