Southern California rain, even a light drizzle, can turn the roads into a slick, unpredictable surface. Not exactly ideal conditions to test the limits of a nearly 300-horsepower hot hatchback, even one boasting all-wheel drive. Yet, as the raindrops, no bigger than #12 shot, peppered the windshield of the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R, it felt like a fitting baptism for this Euro-spec marvel. Volkswagen had brought only a handful of these manual transmission-equipped Golf Rs stateside – four to be exact – and I was fortunate enough to get behind the wheel.
Moments earlier, a San Diego County Sheriff’s Expedition had filled my rearview mirror, a stark reminder to keep things in check. Now, with the law enforcement vehicle disappearing over the horizon, the Golf R’s potent 2.0-liter turbocharged engine began to stretch its legs. Pushing towards 100 mph, the car showcased a top-end torque that its front-wheel-drive sibling, the GTI, could only dream of. Interestingly, the 6-speed manual gearbox in this R was the same unit found in the GTI. And as I rowed through the gears, my mind couldn’t help but wander: would I actually prefer the DSG in this performance-focused machine?
Alt text: Close-up of raindrops on the windshield of a 2015 Volkswagen Golf R, highlighting the wet driving conditions during the car review.
Volkswagen, anticipating the manual transmission’s 2016 US release, provided us with European specification Golf R models. These test cars sported the visually appealing, but perhaps less practical, 19-inch wheel package and the aforementioned three-pedal setup. While both might sound enticing on paper, real-world driving reveals a different story. For optimal ride quality, especially on less-than-perfect roads, the 18-inch wheels are the wiser choice. And the DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) – VW’s dual-clutch automatic – is so exceptionally well-suited to the Golf R’s character that opting for the manual feels like a step back in terms of overall driving enjoyment.
One crucial point to consider is performance. The Golf R with the DSG transmission is undeniably quicker. Engage launch control and let the DSG work its magic, and you’ll hit 60 mph in under five seconds. The manual version, while engaging, adds about half a second to that sprint. Shifts with the DSG are rapid, particularly in “Race” mode, snapping through gears with impressive speed. It’s almost hard to believe that just a couple of generations prior, VW’s automatic transmissions were known for their sluggishness and hill-rolling tendencies. The progress is remarkable.
Alt text: 2015 Volkswagen Golf R side view, emphasizing the sporty wheel design and stance of the performance hatchback during the road test.
Furthermore, the manual gearbox itself isn’t without its flaws. Having experienced this 6-speed manual in both the GTI and the R, it’s certainly… adequate. The shifter throws are light and reasonably precise, and the clutch is easy to modulate. However, when directly compared to the seamless brilliance of the DSG, the manual’s appeal diminishes. The classic enthusiast argument of “three pedals good, two pedals bad” simply doesn’t hold up in this context. Adding to the manual’s shortcomings, the pedal placement makes heel-toe downshifts – a technique favored by performance drivers – rather awkward to execute. The primary advantage of choosing the 6-speed manual? An $1100 price reduction compared to the $37,415 MSRP of the DSG-equipped model.
Beyond the transmission debate, the rest of the 2015 Golf R package shines brightly. The steering is as sharp and responsive as in the GTI, offering excellent feedback and precision. The flat-bottomed steering wheel is a welcome sporty touch. In fact, compared to a recent BMW 2-Series we tested, the Golf R’s steering makes BMW’s “Ultimate Driving Machine” feel surprisingly numb, almost Toyota-like in its lack of feel. The brake pedal initially feels a bit grabby, but the braking performance itself is undeniably strong, utilizing the same components as the GTI Performance Pack.
Much has been said about Volkswagen’s Haldex all-wheel-drive system in the Golf R. Its most significant benefit, particularly for a high-powered front-wheel-drive car enthusiast, is the near-elimination of torque steer when accelerating out of corners – a common issue in the front-drive GTI. Otherwise, the AWD system operates with remarkable transparency, so seamlessly integrated that it’s easy to forget it’s even there during typical driving. Perhaps a more demanding environment than sunny Southern California, like a Canadian winter, would truly showcase the Haldex system’s capabilities. A longer-term review in such conditions would certainly be welcome.
Alt text: Interior shot of the 2015 Volkswagen Golf R, highlighting the dashboard, flat-bottom steering wheel, and driver-focused cockpit design.
Putting performance figures aside, the 2015 Golf R inherits all the positive attributes of the other MQB platform-based Golf models. The cabin feels remarkably spacious for a compact car, offering generous room both in the front and rear seats. The quality of the interior materials is impressive, feeling more akin to an Audi than a typical Volkswagen. However, the infotainment system at the time of this review was showing its age. Notably, it lacked a USB port for smartphone connectivity, a significant omission in modern cars. Thankfully, Volkswagen addressed this for the 2016 model year, introducing a revised infotainment system with USB ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration.
Volkswagen positions the Golf R to compete with the likes of the Subaru WRX STI and the BMW M235i. However, its most significant rival might actually reside within VW’s own showrooms: the Golf GTI. The price difference between a base GTI and a Golf R is roughly $10,000. While opting for a GTI 5-door with the DSG and Performance Pack narrows this gap, the fundamental question remains: the GTI is so exceptionally good, even with front-wheel drive, that justifying the extra cost for the Golf R can be challenging. Unless you absolutely require all-wheel drive for snowy climates, or you are a die-hard Volkswagen enthusiast who simply must have the ultimate Golf for bragging rights, a well-equipped GTI combined with an aftermarket ECU tune might be the more sensible and equally satisfying choice for most drivers.
