2015 VW Golf R TFL4K Review: One Powerful AWD Hot Hatch to Rule Them All? [Video]

The 2016 VW Golf R is poised to give Subaru and Ford a run for their money.
The 2015 VW Golf R is poised to give Subaru and Ford a run for their money.

Introduced to the american market for 2004, the original VW Golf R was a loud, brash, unapologetic machine, its naturally-aspirated VR6 belting out a warbling, melodious tune.  Through the years however, the VW Golf R lost its original luster.  The VR6 was replaced by a turbo-four, the suspension was softened, and the platform became larger and heavier.

While it was still quite fun to drive, it couldn’t quite carve itself into a proper niche – too expensive for Focus ST and WRX, not engaging enough for Evo and STI.

VW promises significant updates and a grand infusion of driver involvement in its latest Golf R, however.  Can this new generation finally find its voice?  Check out the TFLcar review of the 2015 VW Golf R in dazzling TFL4K to find out!

Powered by a 292-HP turbocharged four-cylinder engine, all-wheel-drive and a six-speed automatic transmission, the 2015 VW Golf R will surely pack a punch.  Never fear, purists, as VW says a six-speed manual version will be available by mid-2015.

Check out the TFLcar live-streamed launch video of the 0f the 2015 VW Golf R from beautiful San Diego here:

For more beauty shots, check out our 2015 VW Golf R mini-gallery below: