VW Golf R: hot hatch gets supercar performance

Volkswagen has just ripped the covers of its new flagship hot hatch – the Golf R.

Boasting 221kW/380Nm and a 0-100km/h dash of just 4.9 seconds, it’s not only the most potent Golf ever offered, but is equipped with supercar-baiting performance.

Using the same, albeit highly tweaked, 2.0-litre turbocharged engine found in the standard Golf GTi, the R’s donk includes a new cylinder head, turbo, pistons and high-pressure injection valves.

Power is sent to all four wheels, with its standard six-speed manual shooting it from 0-100km/h in 5.3 seconds.

Mate it to VW’s dual-clutch DSG, though, and it’ll crack 4.9 seconds to 100km/h – that’s Porsche 911 rivalling territory.

The Golf R will officially be launched at next month's Frankfurt Motor Show, with Aussie customers having to wait until the first half of 2014 before it arrives Down Under.