Volkswagen Australia has announced it will bring 50 examples of its special edition Golf R 20 Years model to Australia, priced from $77,490 before on-road costs.
It will be available exclusively for purchase via the Volkswagen Australia website from July 13, and will be distributed via its dealership network.
Only 32 Lapiz Blue Premium Metallic and 18 Pure White examples will arrive locally.
The Golf R 20 Years has a more powerful version of the regular R’s 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, producing 245kW (+10kW) and 420Nm (+20Nm) thanks to improved turbocharger performance.
It has a claimed 0-100km/h in 4.6 seconds, making it the fastest Golf ever sold in Australia.
Engine responsiveness has been improved by turbocharger preloading and an open throttle valve in overrun phases, meaning the turbos spool before you accelerate and the throttle stays open for longer.
The engine continues to be mated to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, with drive sent to all four wheels through a 4Motion all-wheel drive system.
The model is distinguished from the regular Golf R with the following:
- New Akrapovič titanium exhaust system which increases “pops” and “bangs” even at low revs
- Carbon inlays across the dashboard and doors
- ’20 Years’ B-pillar badging
Volkswagen now says thanks to its updated exhaust system and longer starter sequence, the engine now delivers a more aggressive sound.
The special edition model comes standard with a panoramic sunroof and Harman/Kardon sound system.
The 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels have a unique Lapiz Blue finish on models painted in Pure White, with matching mirror caps.
Customers who choose the Lapiz Blue exterior paint option will receive black side mirrors and alloy wheels.
“As our flagship hot hatchback evolved to become the Mark 6 and Mark 7 Golf R they led the segment for all-wheel drive traction and performance at a time when rally-bred sedan rivals departed the segment or simply didn’t evolve,” said Michal Szaniecki, director of Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles.
“Now, the Mark 8 Golf R moves onto another level with its torque-vectoring all-wheel drive system fused with incredible technology.
“It is fitting that this 20 Years special edition is about both enhanced styling, more power and torque, sharper responses from the transmission and an even more expressive sound.”
Volkswagen says the 20 Years edition model has sold out globally.
It says it has sold 19,833 Golf R32 and R hatchbacks and wagons in Australia to the first quarter of 2023.
Volkswagen first introduced its R-badged Golf in 2002 globally, where it took its name from the German word “rennen” or “racing”.
When the first R-badged Golf was first 20 years ago, called the R32, its 3.2-litre six-cylinder engine produced 177kW of power. That was good for a claimed 0-100km/h sprint of 6.6 seconds.
The brand recently announced a $2000 price increase for the Golf R hatch and wagon. They are now priced from $68,990 before on-road costs and $71,990 before on-road costs, respectively.
Volkswagen Australia says all orders before June 30, 2023 as well as exisiting orders are price-protected at what the contract price was at the time of sale.
However, Volkswagen says high demand for the Golf R has led the company to pause orders.
