Golf R Variant, the big box of humming under the hood

Soooo long is the VW Golf R Variant. Really a space wonder for a Golf. Although the Variant is not new in itself. I always found him huge. Now it is in the version "R", which is totally ingenious unreasonable. Volkswagen did everything right and sent us on the track for testing with the Golf R Variant.

Before the understandable doubts arise that you will not drive a Variant on the racetrack, if only because of the long wheelbase, I say: It was a very good idea. If Volkswagen had sent us with the Golf R Variant only on the road to "start", then certainly longer faces would be the result. So much power under the hood and then not even really gassing? 90km/h on the highway - oje! Always afraid of the next corner, whether a Spanish transporter is not cutting the curve or crossing a Spanish cow? Nah, that was good that we could let the Golf R Variant off the leash.

The Golf R Variant can do something! Really! I did not think that the "R" performs relatively well on the Ascari circuit. A 650 liter wardrobe on wheels and so agile. It really bites into the curves like a coat hook for heavy coats on the wall. But enough raving about it, because for me a variant would be too big and long at the moment. However, I can well imagine if I were still in the wholesale fashion industry and had a collection that the variant would then be "my car". I would have plenty of room for sample parts during the week, and with my sweetheart I could quickly drive around the weekend. Excursions, short trips, road trips, golf or skiing ... wonderful. Plenty of space for your hobbies and free time. And as different as the design, so you can customize his driving style. The Golf R Variant has an important driving mode more than the others. The driving profile selection that is set on the touchscreen has four and, in conjunction with the optionally available Adaptive Suspension Control (DCC), even five driving modes: Eco, Normal, Individual and Comfort (only with DCC) and then "Race". The 300 hp also want to be moved. As a circuit only a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) is available, together with the permanent four-wheel drive 4MOTION. Does not sound sporty enough? Behind the steering wheel paddles are mounted, with which one can up and down in all 3 automatic modes (D, S and manual).

As a treat, the Golf R Variant even has a Launch Control available. If you really want to and can, the PS-Klotzprotz goes in 5.1 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h.

There is also an ESP Off. Press the button for three seconds and the driving aid is gone. There is nothing more to help! But that the R Variant is lowered by 20 millimeters. The engineers have done a great job and just as cleverly adjusted the chassis that the station wagon feels really good.

The Golf R Estate is really a good mix of street car and family coach. You do not have to heat like that, if the dear family is there. But when she gets out of the car, Eco or Comfort are back on race, the paddles are back in action and the driving fun continues.You finally get something for your money. Lots of driving pleasure in a big Golf!

More opinions about the Golf R and Golf R Variant can be found among the dear Auto-Blogger colleagues:

• autogefuehl.de: VW Golf R Variant 300 hp station wagon test
• ubi-test.de: VW Golf R 4-Motion DSG
• The Autotester: A lap with the Golf Variant R over the Ascari Race Resort
• and very fresh with passion winter experience: driving: VW Golf R VII Driving Report - Winter sports is back!

Many thanks to VW for inviting you to the Ascari racetrack. My own opinion I have formed on the asphalt, not only at the press conference (on which there was of course important info). :-D