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    CR's Take
    The third generation of the Golf R replaced the previous R32's 3.2-liter V6 with a 215-hp, 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine, a more powerful version from the GTI's. It has standard all-wheel drive and six-speed manual transmission. It comes in a 2-door version and a 4-door version is new. A special tuned suspension made the R more performance oriented than the GTI. The R also comes with many luxury features.

    2012 Sports Cars & Convertibles Reliability

    This Car
    NA
    vs. Similar Cars

    Crash Tests

    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
    NA
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
    NA
    IIHS Side Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
    NA

    Crash Tests

    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
    NA
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
    NA
    IIHS Side Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
    NA

    Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

    Volkswagen vs. Other New Car Brands

    Crash Tests

    IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
    NA
    IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
    NA
    IIHS Side Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
    NA
    NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
    NA

    2012 Sports cars 4/5-seat Ratings

    Features & Specs
    Body Style
      2-door hatchback
      4-door hatchback
    Seating
    2 front, 3 rear
    Drive Wheels
    AWD
    Engines Available
    • 2-liter 4 turbo (256 hp)
    Transmissions Available
    • 6-speed manual
    Warranty

    In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

    Read more about extended warranties
    Model History