While traditional wagons are losing ground to crossovers and SUVs, Volkswagen will launch a Variant version of the all-new Golf R. Spotted undergoing testing at the Nurburgring, this prototype tried to pass as the Alltrack, with fake plastic cladding and cleverly placed vinyl stickers, but the blue brake calipers visible from behind the lightweight alloy wheels and quad exhaust pipes give it away.
The final production version, which will
be marketed as a more practical and less expensive take on the Mercedes-AMG CLA
35 Shooting Brake, will look different, with a sportier front end, aggressive
rear diffuser, beefier side skirts and perhaps larger roof-mounted spoiler. The
body will also be adorned by the R logos.
More “R” branding will be found inside,
alongside exclusive upholstery, sports steering wheel, aluminum pedals and
dedicated ‘R’ button that will automatically select the sportiest settings for
the suspension, gearbox and engine upon pushing it. Like its predecessor, the new
Golf R Variant will continue to use a 2.0-liter turbo-four, although it’s
rumored to deliver a healthy 328 HP. Power will be directed
to the standard Haldex-based four-wheel drive system paired to a seven-speed
dual-clutch automatic transmission. Helping put that power on the road will be
VW’s XDS+ electronic differential locks and a stability control system, with
some reports claiming that it will offer a drift mode similar to other German
performance cars.
While the 2021 Golf R hot hatch has been
confirmed for a world premiere on November 4, Volkswagen did not mention
anything about the Golf R Variant. We could see VW lifting the curtain for both
models at the same time, though we wouldn’t be surprised if the long-roof
version is presented at a standalone event later next year.
