If you desire a compact car that blends incredible performance, stylish design and versatility in one enticing package, then you'll be very impressed with the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R. Possessing a powerful turbocharged engine, excellent driving characteristics, upscale interior, generous cargo capacity, high fuel economy and standard all-wheel-drive, the Golf R offers an excellent blend of driving enjoyment, refinement and practicality. Take a look at this 2016 Volkswagen Golf R vs 2016 Audi S3 comparison to see how the Golf R stacks up against one of its high-performance compact car competitors.
The 2016 Golf R is easily the most affordable choice, with an MSRP of $35,650, which is nearly $7,000 cheaper than the $42,500 MSRP for the 2016 Audi S3. Despite the cheaper price, the Golf R is chock full of premium features, especially on the technology front. Its new MIB infotainment system supports all three available connected car systems: Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. With USB and VW-Car Net App-Connect, it allows owners with these systems to access select apps from their smartphones directly through the vehicle’s head unit. The Golf R is equipped with front sport seats with 12-way power adjustment for the driver and leather seating surfaces integrated with “R” logo embroidering, as well as new bumpers, side skirts, rear diffuser, dual chrome exhaust tips per side, Bi-Xenon headlights and standard 18-inch aluminum-alloy wheels.
2016 Volkswagen Golf R | VS | 2016 Audi S3 |
$35,650 | MSRP | $42,500 |
292 Horsepower 2.0T TSI | Engine | 292 Horsepower 2.0T TFSI |
4Motion All-Wheel-Drive | Drive System | Quattro All-Wheel-Drive |
22.8 cu-ft | Cargo Capacity (Trunk) | 10.0 cu-ft |
In terms of engine output, both high-performance compact cars are evenly matched, with each one producing 292 horsepower. The Golf R has an even more advanced version of the EA888 four-cylinder turbocharged and direct-injection TSI 2.0-liter engine that’s fitted to the new Golf GTI. Equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, the Golf R will reach 60 mph from rest in 5.3 seconds, an improvement of 0.4 seconds over the old car. With the six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, the car completes the sprint in just 4.5 seconds. The Golf R also benefits from the standard 4Motion All-Wheel-Drive system. Using refinements such as the Haldex 5 coupling, the latest-generation 4Motion system is activated before any wheelspin occurs, helping eliminate nearly all traction losses.
The 2016 Golf R not only delivers impressive performance, but also a great deal of utility as well. With seating for five, 60/40-split, folding rear seats, adjustable cargo floor and no compromise on versatility, the Golf R is a wonderfully functional example of what a performance hatch can be. While the Audi S3 only offers a cargo capacity of 10.0 cu-ft, the Golf R comes with 22.8 cu-ft of storage space. When you fold the seats down, that expands to an impresive 52.7 cu-ft. If you'd like to get behind the wheel of the 2016 Volkswagen Golf R and experience its incredible performance and outstanding features, then don't hesitate to contact us at Capistrano Volkswagen.