The Volkswagen Golf R is finally on sale locally, and now that we have pricing, we can compare it with its key rivals. Two key rivals to the Golf, from a pricing and performance perspective, are the Audi S3 and the BMW M135i. but which one would we choose? Looking to add one of these powerful performance cars to your garage but need to sell your current car first? AutoTrader can get you an Instant Offer on your vehicle!
Related: 2023 Volkswagen Golf 8 R Pricing Revealed, On Sale End of April 2023
Volkswagen Golf R
Powertrain and performance
Powering the Golf is a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with outputs of 235kW and 400Nm that is sent through all four wheels via a 7-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.8 L/100km and 0-100km/h is claimed at 4.8 seconds.
Standard equipment
The R comes as standard with mobile inductive charging, panoramic sunroof, keyless entry/start, ‘Discover Pro’ navigation system, Wireless App-Connect and Voice Control, 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, Adaptive Chassis Control including driving profile selection, Light and Vision Package including light assist, Nappa leather R sport seats, cruise control, climate control,
Safety
The Volkswagen Golf received a 5-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in 2022.
Practicality
The R comes with a 341-litre boot with expands to 1 197-litres with the rear seats folded flat. It also offers seating for five, making it reasonably practical.
Price and value proposition
At R912 800, the Golf R is similarly priced to key rivals but is not the value-packed hot hatch it once was.
The competition
Audi S3
Powertrain and performance
Powering the S3 is the same 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine as seen in the Golf, only with less power at 213kW and the same 400Nm of torque. The power is sent through all four wheels by the same 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox too. Fuel consumption is claimed at 8.0 L/100km and it will get from 0-100km/h in a claimed 4.9 seconds.
Standard equipment
The S3 comes with cruise control, a colour touchscreen infotainment system with Apple Car Play and Android Auto, a digitised instrument cluster, 19-inch alloy wheels, 6 airbags, cloth and leather-covered seats, climate control, a multifunction steering wheel, ambient interior lighting and rear PDC.
Safety
The S3 was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2020, where it achieved a 5-Star rating.
Practicality
The S3 features seating for five occupants but has the smallest boot here at 325-litres, which expands to 1 145-litres with the rear seats folded flat.
Price and value proposition
At R906 100, the S3 is the cheapest car here, and despite its relatively low standard specification, the few thousand saved on the initial cost price will allow buyers to add some options to the equation, especially when comparing it to the BMW.
BMW M135i xDrive
Powertrain and performance
Powering the M135i is a 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine that produces 225Kw and 450Nm that is sent through all four wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Fuel consumption is claimed at 7.5 L/100km and 0-100km/h is claimed at 4.8 seconds.
Standard equipment
The M135i comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, 6 airbags, climate control, keyless entry/start, a multifunction steering wheel, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, partial cloth/leather seats, ambient interior lighting, cruise control, a multifunction steering wheel
Safety
The 1 Series was crash tested by Euro NCAP in 2019 where it achieved a 5-Star rating.
Practicality
With a 380-litre boot that expands to 1 200-litres in addition to being the largest vehicle in this comparison, by a small margin, the BMW can be considered practical.
Price and value proposition
At R930 537 before options, the BMW is the most expensive product here, and the least well-specified, making it the least value-filled proposition here.
Facts and figures:
|
|
Volkswagen Golf R |
Audi S3 Sportback |
BMW M135i xDrive |
|
Engine size (cyl/size) |
4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol |
4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol |
4-cyl, 2.0-litre turbo petrol |
|
Power/Torque |
235 kW/400 Nm |
213 kW/400 Nm |
225 kW/450 Nm |
|
CO2 emissions |
178 g/km |
185 g/km |
171 g/km |
|
Service plan |
5-year/100 000km (maintenance) |
5-year/100 000km (maintenance) |
5 yr/ 100 000km (maintenance) |
|
Airbag count |
6 |
6 |
6 |
|
Fuel tank capacity |
55 litres |
55 litres |
50 litres |
|
Ave Consumption * |
7.8 L/100km |
8.0 L/100km |
7.5 L/100 km |
|
Driven wheels |
All |
All |
All |
|
0-100km/h* |
4.8 sec |
4.9 sec |
4.8 sec |
|
Kerb weight |
1 553kg |
1 459kg |
1 600kg |
|
Price |
R912 800 |
R906 100 |
R930 537 |
* Manufacturer's claimed figures.
Pricing was all-inclusive at the time of writing but may change without prior notice.
Verdict
Looking at the figures, all three of these products are likely to be liberally specified by their prospective owners, making their list prices fairly arbitrary, however, looking at the trio in standard trim, the Volkswagen Golf R offers the most value.
