Following the presentation of the Golf R, a thoroughbred sports hatchback, Volkswagen has introduced the next variation on its high-end Golf model: the VW Golf R Estate. Blending high performance with the flexibility offered by a large luggage compartment volume, this second-generation model is the ideal sports estate. With an output of 235 kW (320 PS), the new Golf R Estate is the most powerful and dynamic of all Golf estate models. More performance, more longitudinal and lateral acceleration, more innovations, more space and more emotional impact make this car better than ever. The all-wheel drive 4MOTION with R Performance torque vectoring, which comes as standard, is supplied with a maximum torque of 420 Nm by the 2.0 TSI. An exceptionally fast 7-speed dual clutch gearbox is responsible for power transmission. And the new Volkswagen Golf R Estate accelerates to 100 km/h in just 4.9 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h. Optionally, the Golf R Estate can also be ordered with the R Performance Package, which increases the top speed to 270 km/h. The R Performance Package also includes 19-inch wheels instead of the standard 18-inch versions and the additional driving profiles Special (Nürburgring mode) and Drift (for power slides).
The new Golf R Estate is equipped as standard with the latest development stage of Volkswagen’s 7-speed DSG.The dual clutch gearbox is designed for high torque forces and offers excellent shifting performance without interrupting traction. This is thanks to the DSG’S sophisticated design. The dual clutch gearbox consists of two automated gear train halves, each with a clutch. One gear train half is for the even gears, the other for the odd gears. Both gear train halves work together on the same gearbox output. For example, if the vehicle is in fourth gear, the third or fifth gear is automatically pre-selected via the second gear train half. If the driver now accelerates or decelerates, one clutch closes at lightning speed while the other opens. This enables gear changes to be made within a few hundredths of a second, making it a key element of the sophisticated construction that is the high-performance Golf R Estate. Gear shifts are likewise fully electronic (shift-by-wire). On the one hand, this allows for a gear knob that is much smaller, thus saving space. On the other hand, it makes changing gear more comfortable for the driver. For example, thanks to shift-by-wire, the vehicle can already engage reverse while it is travelling forwards at low speeds, which facilitates manoeuvring. The Golf R Estate does not make its smooth shift to “R” until the speed is right. In this way, the electronics system prevents incorrect operation.
Adaptive chassis control DCC is optionally available for the new Golf R Estate. This system continuously reacts to the road surface and driving situation while taking into account steering, braking and acceleration manoeuvres, for example. The Estate R can reach speeds of up to 270 km/h and weighs just 1,630 kilograms, so it requires reliable and supreme deceleration when needed. At the front there is a new brake system with 18-inch discs – one inch (25.4 millimetres) larger than the brake discs in the predecessor model. The change in disc dimensions is from 340 x 30 millimetres to 357 x 34 millimetres. The new brake is built with pin discs and a brake pot made of aluminium, which reduces the weight by 600 grams on each side. A speed-dependent map in the electromechanical brake servo ensures precise brake control. When manoeuvring, the brakes respond particularly harmoniously; at high speeds, they are spontaneous and vehement, as desired. Thanks to precise optimisation in the high brake pressure range, the new brakes still permit very exact control even just before ABS intervention. This is due in no small part to the now larger brake master cylinder, which ensures a crisp yet refined response combined with sporty, short pedal travel which the driver definitely notices subjectively.
A true sports estate like the new Volkswagen Golf R Estate needs a powerful heartbeat, and for that, it has to be fitted with the best components. This applies without restriction to the legendary TSI from the EA888 product line in its fourth incarnation: As an evo4, the 1,984 cm3 four-cylinder turbocharged engine now develops an output of 235 kW (320 PS). That’s 14 kW (20 PS) more than the predecessor (third-generation) engine. The maximum torque has increased from 400 Nm to 420 Nm. This is available even at low engine speeds of just 2,100 rpm and remains constant at this high level up to speeds of 5,350 rpm. Integrated into the cylinder head of the direct-injection engine is a system for water-cooled exhaust gas recirculation to the turbocharger.And the TSI is economical too – a fully electronic coolant regulator unit enables very efficient thermal management with a short warm-up phase. Consumption in accordance with NEDC is just 7.3-7.2 l/100 km combined. The TSI also features variable valve timing with double camshaft control. The new engine complies with the latest Euro 6d-ISC-FCM emission standard, in part thanks to the valve lift, which can be switched between two levels on the exhaust side. This allows optimum control of gas exchange with respect to performance, consumption and exhaust emissions. The 320-PS TSI’s impressive power is transmitted to all four wheels by a 7-speed DSG.
The Golf R Estate may be exceptionally sporty, but it also retains all the characteristics you’d expect from a Golf estate: this is a comfortable leisure-oriented and family-friendly estate car for all walks of life. The Volkswagen Golf R Estate is supremely suited to everyday driving, and this is in no way compromised by its highly sporty design. On the contrary. “It represents the perfect combination of a compact Golf R and an estate. Sportiness, performance and emotional impact meet space, variability and innovation,” says Sven Smeets, Head of the R Business Unit. With a loading capacity of 611 litres plus five usable seats, or a maximum luggage volume of 1,642 litres when loaded to roof height, the Golf R Estate gets the whole family and all their luggage to where they want to go – quickly, safely and comfortably. “Thanks to the optional comfortable running gear and intelligent comfort and assist systems, the Golf R Estate is also well-equipped for long-distance driving,” says Sven Smeets. For the first time, the Golf R Estate is available with an optional ball coupling with a permitted maximum trailer weight (braked) of up to 1.9 tonnes and a drawbar load of 80 kilograms.
