review:

So you're after a hot hatch, but you don't want the pomp and fanfare of the Focus RS. You want a car that fits in with the crowd, has good performance but retains the creature comforts and reliability. Well look no further; VW's latest Golf R is exactly what the doctor ordered.

The new R model replaces the out-going R32 for the sixth generation of Golf, and the major difference is hidden under the bonnet. Gone is the 3.2-litre V6, which makes way for a 2-litre turbocharged lump with 266bhp and 258lb/ft. The swap brings the Golf in-line with other popular hot hatches, although its four-wheel drive system means traction isn't hard to come by when pressing on.  It's refreshing to drive a hatch with the ability to launch so decisively out of corners, but more on that later.

The swap to a smaller engine is an inspired move. Older Golf's with the R badge were nose-heavy, and suffered from remarkable understeer when at the limit. The new car instantly feels quite different, the R suddenly feeling like a good hatch should. There's none of the implied lifting of the rear wheels under braking, and when accelerating the car just squats and goes. And oh boy, it really goes...

If there's no replacement for displacement, why lose 1200cc?

Easy answer: there is a replacement for displacement. It's called a turbocharger. I challenge anyone to spend time in the Golf R and come back to me saying they honestly prefer the larger engine. Sure, there's a bit of lag while the exhaust gasses do their thing, but I decided after about 30 minutes and two tunnels that I quite like that. The lag is the calm before the storm, and once the direct injected engine gets that turbo spooled up there's a rush of power akin to a powerboat just after you jamb both throttles open.

If you're wringing the R's neck you'll find a rev needle constantly harassing the red line, and VW has made such a good job of the soundtrack that you forget it's "only a four pot". One of the older engine's party pieces was the noise of a V6, and while the R isn't as boomy and visceral, there's a raw throb on acceleration which when coupled with the classic turbo noises harks back to the finer Celica GT4's and Ford Cosworth's of yesteryear.

Does it go 'round corners?

Around the bends I had to push very hard to get any kind of reaction out of the chassis. Mr R just felt so planted! I was honestly surprised. Slower speed corners were met with a direct feeling that the car will go exactly where you want it to. Prodding the throttle on the exit became addictive as I tried to explore the limits of the chassis. High speed cornering in the R was surprisingly poised for a car with such a short wheelbase. The way the car handles inspires confidence, and to really squeeze the most out of it requires a race track and a big dollop of talent.

The ESP system deserves a special mention. Direct injection means the fuelling is a lot more precise, which translates into a very smooth and controlled application of traction control-type features. Also thanks to DI, you can't even feel the rev limiter (it just seems like you're still accelerating, rather than the noticeable retardation you'd get on an older car). It's isn't all fun though. Turn the ESP off and the light flashes constantly on the dash. This quickly becomes annoying enough to turn the system back on again, but that's no bad thing for an everyday road car. Maybe my perversion with switching off driver aids to extract raw performance is a little 'old hat' these days, anyway.

Is it a looker?

The exterior is another iteration of the same Golf formula. Reserved tweaks to the styling make the R somewhat hard to pick out amongst the range of warm GTI and GTD models, the optional black wheels and twin centre exhausts being the only giveaway in the case of my press car. It's a far cry from the bright green Focus your mate just bought. Whether that's a good thing or not will probably dictate which of the two cars is really for you.

What's it like inside?

Inside, the car was somewhat disappointing. It's not the car's fault though. My test mule had been ordered with the lower-spec cloth seats rather than VW's all-singing, all-dancing Recaro optionals which really make driving a fast VW such a pleasure. The dash is clear and easy to navigate, and also fairly stylish in a reserved sort of way. Typical Golf dimensions mean there's plenty of space, too.

How could the R be improved?

In my most humble of opinions, the Recaro's weren't the only thing missing on the car I drove. The turbo engine is simply crying out for a dual clutch gearbox. I'd go as far as saying DSG is a compulsory option on the Golf R if you want the full package. A six speed 'box is OK, but feels agricultural where the engine feels so refined. It left me feeling like it was the last piece of the puzzle, and would turn the R into something that cut above the Focus.

There's only one reason to spec the six-speed: modifying. As much fun as this car is on the road, I can't help thinking a tuned version will be staggeringly fast. Four wheel drive, a nice big turbo and some more boost and you'll have a car that'll worry the odd 911 turbo, which is no mean feat. The VW badge also means you don't pay the premium of a quick Audi, but the jury is still out as to whether it'll retain its appeal once the new RS3 hits showrooms.

Ride quality is typically VW, but I'd like to drive one with the optional adaptive suspension too. I'd hope for a more forgiving ride in everyday situations. Where the R is planted and stable, it also suffers when trying to absorb bumps in the road. It isn't 'jarring', but it's no Bentley either.

To conclude

There's no escaping the fact that £32k is a lot of money for a Golf. Upon browsing the VW configuration tool today I learnt that this is only the tip of the iceberg, however. Ticking all the right boxes meant a close-to-£40k price tag, and left me feeling such an over-inflated price lends itself to a second-hand buy rather than a brand new one.  Still, it's a comprehensive package that does everything you'd expect it to.

It's got the tech, it's got the power and it's got the typical German build quality; But has it got that raw appeal of other, less refined cars? That bright green Focus has a lot to answer for...