2017 Volkswagen Golf R gets 306bhp - 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R (pictured) comes with 306bhp

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R – the most potent take on VW’s recent Golf Facelift – comes with 306bhp and can get to 62mph in just 4.6 seconds.

The Volkswagen Golf came in for a bit of a facelift last month, but VW didn’t reveal exactly what updates were in store for the flagship Golf – the 2017 VW Golf R.

But we now know that the Golf R not only comes in for a similar raft of cosmetic updates to the rest of the Golf range, but it also benefits from an increase in power and torque too.

Power for the 2017 Golf R increases from the current car’s 296bhp to 306bhp, with maximum torque increasing by 20lb/ft to 295lb/ft.

That increase in power – and the extra torque – means the Golf R fitted with the seven-speed DSG auto can now get to 62mph in 4.6 seconds, and the Golf R estate in 4.9 seconds.

That power output is exactly the same as the limited edition VW Golf GTI Clubsport S revealed last year, but thanks to the R’s 4WD it’s a lot quicker off the line, and even with a bit of a price hike for 2017 it’s likely to cost less too.

Aside from the power increase, changes to the Golf R for 2017 are in line with the rest of the range, with tweaks to bumpers, lights and alloys, as well as more technology including Active Info Display and connectivity like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R will go on sale in VW’s UK dealers early in 2017. Expect prices a bit up on the current model.