Volkswagen’s Golf R performance range has been streamlined for MY19 with two equipment packed variants. There’s also the addition of 400 ‘Special Editions’ that come loaded with R Performance options, at a price.

The Golf R hatch and wagon now gain some key safety and driver assist systems as standard. Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Lane Assist with adaptive lane guidance, Traffic Jam Assist, Blind Spot Monitor and a 7-speed DSG.

But the headline act is the new Volkswagen R Performance options that until now has been reserved for the European market. Exhaust manufacturer Akrapovic has added a R Performance exhaust and rear muffler setup made from titanium alloy. Capable of withstanding higher temperatures the new pipes come in the form of a quad system. The exhaust is sure to annoy the neighbours with some serious extra bark at higher speeds. The lightweight system is said to be 7kg lighter than a standard R system.

There are also new anchors with cross drilled front brake discs and improved pads. The callipers feature a silver R logo plate and are a further 2kg lighter. The rims add some more wow factor via Pretoria 19-inch alloys. Volkswagen Australia has ensured your favourite playlist will resonate better than ever thanks to the Dynaudio 400W premium audio system.

Full pricing and spec details are as follows.

MY19 Golf R $56,490

MY19 Golf R Wagon $58,490

• 213kW/380Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine
• 7-speed wet-clutch DSG
• 4MOTION all-wheel-drive
• Extended Electronic Differential Lock (XDL)
• Active Info Display
• Vienna leather appointed upholstery
• Electrically adjustable driver’s seat with memory function
• Dynamic cornering lights
• Dynamic Light Assist
• R body styling
• Front Assist with City Emergency Brake (City EB) and Pedestrian Monitoring
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) and Lane Assist with adaptive lane guidance
• Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert
• 19″ alloy wheels and adaptive chassis control
• 9.2″ satellite navigation system with App-Connect
• Gesture Control
• Voice Control
• LED headlights and Light Assist
• Leather sports multi-function steering wheel
• Electrically foldable exterior mirrors
• Rear View Camera (RVC) and Park Assist with manoeuvre braking
• Keyless Access, keyless entry and starting system
• Dark tinted rear and rear side windows
• Metallic and Pearl Effect paint
• Exterior mirrors with memory function
• Luggage partition net and chrome roof rails (Wagon)

Options

Panoramic electric glass sunroof $1900
Dynaudio Excite 400W premium audio system $1000

Golf R Special Edition $61,990

As above with:

• Turmeric Yellow Metallic paint choice
• Akrapovic titanium exhaust system
• Performance brake package
• Glass Black door mirrors
• Black Pretoria 19″ alloys wheels
• Dynaudio Excite 400W premium audio system
• “R Performance Options” tailgate badge

Option

Panoramic electric glass sunroof $1900