The Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years edition gives the hot hatch extra power and other touches to mark two decades since the launch of the R32 – the first VW to wear the R badge. It's coming to Europe, North America, and other markets in mid-2022. Pricing isn't yet available. VW only plans to offer this model until the middle of 2023.
The Golf R 20 Years edition pushes the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder to 328 horsepower (245 kilowatts), versus 315 hp (235 kW) for the regular model. This makes the special version the most powerful Golf ever available from the factory.
Gallery: Volkswagen Golf R "20 Years" (2022)
The Golf R 20 Years edition also offers what VW calls an Emotion Start option. When activated, the vehicle revs to 2,500 rpm on startup to give the hot hatch a more aggressive sound.
This model comes with R-Performance equipment as standard, rather than being an option on the standard Golf R. The upgrades include a rear spoiler on the roof. R-Performance Torque Vectoring. and extra driving modes with Special and Drift settings.
The special edition has R logos on the grille, fenders, and hatchback. The mirror caps are blue unless customers order the vehicle in that color because then they are black. A "20" badge is on the B-pillar and is the image for the puddle lights. The hot hatch rides on 19-inch wheels with a two-tone black and blue color scheme, or buyers can specify them entirely in black.
Inside, the Golf R 20 Years edition has sport seats with Nappa leather upholstery and the blue R logo on the upper portion of the backrest. The model also has carbon fiber trim on the dashboard and door panels.
VW has sold over 260,000 R models worldwide since the launch of the R32 in 2002. That model boasted a 3.2-liter VR6 engine making 240 hp (179 kW) in the US and had all-wheel drive.
