Power to the People's Car: New VW Golf R Makes US Debut in Detroit

Nashua, USA, 01/20/2014 / SubmitMyPR /

For young driving-enthusiast parents who must forgo the sports car for something a little more practical, the new Volkswagen Golf R will be arriving early next year to prove that growing up doesn't have to mean giving up horsepower. Recently making its U.S. debut at the Detroit Auto Show, the next-generation VW Golf R hot hatch will be the most powerful production Golf ever sold in North America, yet it boasts significantly improved fuel efficiency over its predecessor, allowing families to put more money toward groceries and diapers.

The new Volkswagen Golf R will come with a turbocharged and direct-injection 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI engine that is estimated to produce 290 horsepower, an increase of 34 horsepower compared to the 2013 model. That extra output will allow the vehicle to be 0.4 seconds faster in a sprint from 0 to 62 mph, taking just 5.3 seconds when equipped with the standard six-speed manual transmission. When buyers opt for the six-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, that figure improves to 4.9 seconds. Meanwhile, Volkswagen predicts that fuel economy will be elevated to 31 mpg on the highway with the manual gearbox, a four-mpg boost over the outgoing model.

"The Volkswagen Golf has always been a great option for young families who want a versatile car that doesn't sacrifice driving fun, but the new Golf R will turn up the wick with its excellent blend of responsiveness and fuel efficiency," said Jared Saunders, general manager of AutoFair Volkswagen of Nashua, a New Hampshire Volkswagen dealer. "If those things don't fully convince parents that they're making the right choice over a minivan or Prius, then the Golf R's sporty styling and refined interior certainly will."

With massive air inlets, a revised radiator grille with an "R" logo and U-shaped LED daytime running lights integrated beneath bi-xenon headlights, the front end of the new Golf R communicates a menacing look that matches the hatchback's amped-up performance. Inside, the driver and front passenger receive sport seats with Nappa-leather seating surfaces, while standard ambient lighting in the door-trim panels and a leather-trimmed three-spoke "R" sport steering wheel complete the cabin's upscale feel.

About AutoFair Volkswagen of Nashua:
Part of the AutoFair Automotive Group that has served New Hampshire and Massachusetts drivers for more than two decades, AutoFair Volkswagen of Nashua offers a broad inventory of new and pre-owned Volkswagen models backed by expert sales and service teams. New Hampshire Volkswagen fans can feel confident they'll leave the dealership satisfied, whether they are looking for a new Volkswagen Passat sedan, a used Volkswagen Beetle or maintenance for their Volkswagen Tiguan SUV. Visit AutoFair Volkswagen at 717 Milford Road (Route 101A) in Merrimack, N.H., reach them by phone at 603-821-4313 or find them online at www.autofairvolkswagenofnashua.com or on Facebook.