R rated

FOR a few more dollars over the already competent Golf GTI, the high-performance Golf R promises 60 more horses and four-wheel-drive. $30,000 to be exact. But is it worth the extra cash?

At first glance, the Volkswagen Golf R looks like a snazzier GTI, with cosmetic differences such as a more distinctive front end and two pairs of chrome tailpipes - a first for the Golf R.

Under the bonnet is an almost totally re-worked version of the GTI's 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, with a newly designed cylinder head and heavily modified or completely redesigned components. Much work has been done to it so that it is almost a bespoke motorsports unit.