In the sophisticated, practical and fun hatchback category, the Volkswagen Golf has always been a clever choice. The ‘R’ version of the Golf is pretty special and has been winning car awards throughout the last few years.

When Volkswagen’s UK press department offered me their Golf R on test it was difficult to refuse. The car was a beautiful Lapis Blue – a colour now associated with fast Volkswagens – and the three-door version. Golfs have always had kerb appeal and the Golf R will age like a fine wine.

Race inspired seats and a well-designed dashboard
The Golf R’s interior is a nice place to spend time. Sliding into the Titan Black and Grey R logo race inspired seats, they gripped all the right places. The dashboard functions were well-designed, clear and easy to reach. I particularly loved the blue needles on the dials.

The beautifully stitched leather and gloss black R logo height/reach adjustable steering wheel felt good and the six-speed manual gearbox with golf ball gear knob felt classic Volkswagen. There is an optional DSG dual clutch box, which is one of the best in the business and takes the 0-60 mph time to 4.9 seconds verses 5.3 for the manual.

The Golf R manages 296bhp via front and rear electronic differentials and grip through its clever fifth-generation 4MOTION four-wheel drive system. It is lowered on sports suspension by 20mm which gives a planted feel.

Several driver settings
The Golf R shares the same four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged TSI petrol engine as the GTI, however the R’s engine has a modified cylinder head, exhaust valves, valve seats and springs, pistons, injection valves and turbocharger. The combined fuel consumption is a quoted 39.8mpg (40.9mpg with the DSG).

On the road there were several driver settings to select on the excellent 5.8inch colour touchscreen. The options were ‘Eco’, ‘Race’, ‘Normal’ and ‘Individual’. A fifth profile ‘Comfort’ was available on this model as it had optional Adaptive Chassis Control. I tried the ‘Normal’ setting and the car felt like an everyday commuter. I then selected ‘Race’ and the game changed completely.

The quad exhausts fired a fresh new tone and the engine management ordered a different animal. A lighter throttle when pushed gave a delicious harmony of turbo whirr, a higher growl of rev range – an exciting prospect for the road ahead.

A perfect all rounder
The Golf R gripped like it was on rails due to the intelligent four-wheel drive system. The accurate steering feel and stopping power was superb. I can imagine the Golf R would be a reassuring winter companion for a slippery journey to the office.

The Volkswagen Golf R can be classed as a perfect all-rounder. It has a generous standard kit list, ideal for family duties (huge boot space), and at the weekend is a car to be savoured.

Prices start at £29,900 for the three-door model with six-speed manual gearbox, and £31,315 for the three-door with six-speed DSG gearbox. The five-door versions cost £30,555 and £31,970 respectively.