2011 Volkswagen Golf R Australian Technical Details Revealed

VOLKSWAGEN AUSTRALIA confirmed to TMR late last year that the 2011 Golf R - the more highly-tuned, all-wheel-drive sibling to the already impressive Golf 6 GTI - will get its local debut around the middle of this year.

"We expect to have it (the Golf R) here in mid-2010," VGA Managing Director Anke Koeckler told TMR. "It fits very well into the Australian market.

"It will be easy to live with as a day-to-day proposition, and will be a very practical and enjoyable package."

Volkswagen has yet to reveal the exact specification and trim grades the Golf R will be offered with in Australia, but documentation from the Australian Government’s Road Vehicle Certification System (RVCS) shows that VGA has received approval for a particularly appealing version of the range-topping hot hatch.

While it is too early to say if Volkswagen Australia will offer the full range of approved options, the RVCS has approved both the three- and five-door bodystyles, along with three wheel options - including mammoth 19-inch examples. Giant 345mm brake discs will sit behind the front wheels, with 310mm discs at the rear.

Both the six-speed manual and six-speed DSG have been approved, with the automatic adding 20kg to the Golf R's 1476kg tare mass.

The Golf R's 2.0 litre turbo-charged engine is expected to be de-tuned from the European model's 199kW to 188kW, Australia's warmer climate being the main concern. Nonetheless, the Golf R's power is a considerable leap from the 155kW offered with the GTI.

Front foglights/daytime-running-lights and a sunroof are expected to feature on the Golf R's options list.

Exact pricing and launch details have yet to be revealed. Speaking with TMR today, Volkswagen Australia's Jenny Wu said that at this stage, a June or July launch is the most likely window.