VW has a few performance variants in its line-up. The Polo and Golf GTI immediately spring to mind. The list of performance models from Wolfsburg will increase in the coming months with the news that Volkswagen South Africa will add the Golf R and Tiguan R to the local line-up.

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Later Than Planned

The VW Golf R and Tiguan R were due here some time ago. However the brand, like most others, has been plagued by shortages of critical electronic components. These components have put the brakes on automotive production across the globe. Both the VW Golf R and Tiguan R have been on sale in Europe since 2020. Local VW fans can expect the SUV-based model here in October. The hottest Golf hatch will go on sale in the early part of 2023.

Learn about all the generations of VW Golf GTI by clicking here.

Turbo AWD

Both the VW Golf R and Tiguan R are based on the same platform that underpins the Golf 8. The R variants are both powered by the same 2,0-litre inline four-cylinder engine. The turbocharged unit produces a maximum of 235 kW along with 400 N.m of torque. Drive is sent to all four corners through a dual-clutch transmission.

Thanks to AWD traction and a launch control system the Golf R can sprint from rest to 100 km/h in 4,8 seconds. The Tiguan R takes a shade longer to cover the same benchmark test at 5,1. Both cars are capable of doing 250 km/h. However, an optional performance pack raises the top speed of the Golf to 270 km/h. This option also brings with it a tail-happy ‘drift mode’.

Read our Mk8 VW Golf GTI driving review at this link.

Standard Equipment

Both the performance Golf and Tiguan are chock full of standard features. These include Nappa leather seats, keyless entry, a digital instrument cluster, infotainment with satellite navigation, inductive mobile phone charging and a panoramic roof.

Other standard items, which help set the performance derivatives apart are 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, a lower ride height, model-specific body kits and a raft of R logos. The body kits include matt chrome mirror caps, rear diffusers and a quartet of tailpipes poking out of the rear bumper. 

The Golf R and Tiguan R both come standard with a three-year/120 000 km warranty and five year/100 000 km maintenance plan. Pricing will be confirmed closer to the time of introduction.