Malaysia is the only country outside of Germany to assemble the updated Golf R

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has previewed the new locally assembled Golf R, with an expected price range between RM330,000 to RM350,000 and Malaysia is now the only country outside of Germany to assemble the Golf R.

The “R-Rated” Volkswagen Golf R is introduced with the “R Performance Package” as standard, with features that include titanium Akrapovic exhaust, “Drift” and “Special” modes, a new rear spoiler and 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, all of which add to the appeal of this larger than life hot hatch.

Moreover, the exhaust is now 7kg lighter, and is designed by leading exhaust company Akrapovic. Known for their high-performance, premium exhaust systems, the brand is synonymous with the most outstanding Volkswagen models, including the Volkswagen Golf R and GTI.

Another exciting update in the Golf R are the “Drift” and “Special” modes, via the “R” button located on the flat-bottomed steering wheel. When activated, “Drift” Mode turns off Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and shifts the evenly distributed torque to the rear, making the hatchback even more fun to drive.

Meanwhile, “Special” mode is best on back and country roads, where suspension is adjusted for optimum contact on the tarmac. Specifically designed for the Nurburgring-Nordschleife, this mode gives the car a set-up that meets the distinctive requirements of what is probably the most demanding racetrack in the world.

Under the hood, the updated Volkswagen Golf R is powered by a 2.0TSI turbocharged engine, pushing out 320PS of power and 400Nm of torque resulting in a  century sprint time of 4.8 seconds. A 7-speed DSG transmission ensures quick gearshifts while its 4MOTION all-wheel drive system provides greater stability.

On top of that, safety in the new Volkswagen Golf R is supported by the IQ.DRIVE technology, offering a suite of features such as Travel Assist with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Side Assist, Front Assist, Lane Assist and Emergency Assist, while convenience features like a head-up display (HUD) has also been added.

The lineage of the Volkswagen Golf R can be traced back to the R32 which launched more than two decades ago, it boasted a 3.2-litre naturally aspirated version of Volkswagen’s unique VR6 engine. The R32 was also the first Volkswagen to be equipped with a dual clutch gearbox.

Five generations later, the Golf R remains the “halo” Golf model. Its appeal lies in the fact that it is one of the most well-rounded models available in the market, and this explains why, to date, more than 250,000 units of the Golf R have been produced and sold around the world.

The new Volkswagen Golf R is available in three colour options, namely, the signature Lapiz Blue, Deep Black and Pure White. Personally I am happy to see blue as the “hero colour” for once. What do you guys think about the hot hatch though?