VOLKSWAGEN GOLF R

Proven facelift fixes plus the promise of even better _ handling and performance for the punchiest Golf

- GREG KABLE

The hottest version of the Mk8 Golf certainly left its mark when it arrived in 2021 with an updated version of Volkswagen's EA888 turbo four making 316bhp: we described its acceleration as "unrelenting until it has snagged fourth at close to triple figures".

Even so, Volkswagen's R division hasn't been resting on its laurels. The result is this 'Mk8.5' Golf R, now on sale at £43,895 - £4495 more than the Golf GTI and £1740 more than the Golf GTI Clubsport (see right).

The exterior design changes are predictably subtle, comprising a new-look front bumper with larger cooling ducts, a more prominent splitter for added downforce at speed, a larger tailgate-mounted spoiler and a reworked diffuser to better manage the airflow and downforce at the rear.

Inside, the changes are familiar from lesser Golf models. Central to these is a new infotainment touchscreen, which is notably larger than before, at 12.9in. The home screen is now customisable and the controls for the air conditioning and seat heaters are now permanently displayed in the lower portion, while the adjoined touch 'sliders' for regulating the volume and temperature remain but now feature backlighting. This is all supported by a new software package that's more responsive as you scroll through the menus and more intuitive to operate.

However, unlike in other facelifted Golf models, there are no buttons on the steering wheel. Yes, the oft-criticised capacitive controls remain although more pressure is required to engage them now.