New 2014 VW Golf R gets 296bhp - first photos

The new Mk 7 VW Golf R has been revealed ahead of a debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show and gets 296bhp and 4WD. On sale early 2014.

The 2014 Volkswagen Golf R (pictured) revealed ahead of its Frankfurt debut

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We had expected the new Volkswagen Golf R to debut at Geneva this year, but that debut turned out to be the rather disappointing Mk 6 VW Golf R Cabrio, that not only sacrificed 4WD but came at a silly price (which VW subsequently dropped by more than £5k).

But this time there’s no mistake, and the 2014 version of the VW Golf R – complete with 4WD, we’re pleased to say -will arrive next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show before going on sale in early 2014.

Under the bonnet the 2.0 litre petrol turbo delivers a healthy 296bhp (300PS) and 280lb/ft of torque which is sent to all four wheels through VW’s latest Haldex 4Motion 4WD, with the ability to decouple the back axle drive under low load conditions and send almost all the power to the back wheels too when demanded.

All that adds up to a Golf R which should be more dynamic to drive – it also gets suspension 5mm lower than even the Golf GTI and progressive steering – and a chunk quicker too at 5.3 secondsd to 62mph and just 4.9 seconds if fitted with the optional DSG ‘box.

Despite that, VW claim the new Golf R to be more frugal than the Mk 6 – up to 18 per cent more efficient – with the DSG equipped R managing 40.9mpg and the manual 39.8 on the official cycle.

Cosmetically the new Golf R is what you would expect; butch looking but in an understated way.

That means new front bumper with bigger air intakes, new grill with ‘R’ logo, bigger sills, R diffuser, two pairs of chrome tail pipes, big ventilated discs with R’ logos on the calipers, 18″ alloys, bi-xenon headlights with integrated running lights, smoked LED tail lights and an interior (although VW hasn’t sent us photos) with sports seats with Alcantara bolsters, R logos and bespoke instrument dials.

The new VW Golf R will debut at Frankfurt next month and go on sale early 2014. After the debacle with the Golf R Cabrio’s pricing we doubt VW will come on too strong on price, so hopefully the new Golf R won’t any more than the (now) £33k Cabrio.