So we got a 2011 VW Golf R with DCC
Exactly as the title says. Volkswagen’s Middle East office has like three or four VW Golf R hatchbacks on media duty. When we picked up the white VW Golf R earlier this month, the only one available happened to be the version without Dynamic Chassis Control, a system that adds adjustable suspension. So we simply asked for another round, this time with the DCC version, and they obliged. After driving the non-DCC car, we were already impressed, and had made up our minds that adding complicated suspension gimmickry would only add weight and nothing else. We were wrong.
But first, we’ll do our usual walkaround of a car that is definitely more attractive than the white car we drove. Amazing what some blue paint and black wheels can do to a simple hatchback.
While our white VW Golf R had 18-inch alloys, we hear all GCC-spec Golf R models will have 19-inchers now, and the DCC models will have them in black.
We also noticed that this blue DCC model has little plastic flaps on the edge of all four wheel wells, possibly to aid aerodynamics a bit more.
The interior of the DCC model is exactly the same as that of the base Golf R model, except for the addition of a navigation system for the touchscreen. The dual-zone a/c even has rear vents, but it took a long while to cool down the cabin after leaving it in the sun. We remember the a/c in our white Golf being better, although the blue one’s a/c seemed to work much better if initially parked underground in the shade.
The discrete button to switch between Comfort, Normal and Sport makes all the difference.
An iPod cable is seemingly optional, but there is no standard USB port.
The covered cup-holder can be converted into a simple storage compartment, while that middle piece can be removed to become, what looks like, a beer-bottle opener?
Ignoring the nod to drunk-driving, there are some truly useful features in the Golf, such as five hooks in the boot to hang grocery bags from, as well as a 12V power point.
The VW Golf R is probably the only car we’ve come across that reminded us of the driving feel of the Nissan GT-R, only on a smaller scale. A direct-injection turbo engine, DSG automanual gearbox, premium interior, adjustable suspension and all-wheel-drive? Its asking price is arguably reasonable. More in the full review.
Comments
assassin
I raced with the Golf R few weeks ago. It isn’t that fast, it takes time to wake up from the standstill; the awd system isn’t helping this car a lot in the acceleration.
ROJ
If you’re taking down a golf with your V8 car then dont bother posting this comment..
assassin
Taking down 250hp turbocharged AWD hatches from standstill in RWD muscle V8 is not easy thing. i was lucky that the street was new and i had minimal power cut by traction control.
I tore my hair that time when raced with the STI which was way faster.
ROJ
Doesnt matter really cuz you never knew why.. Right?
In all cases I would buy this car as a weekend mountain climber. Take it for a fun run some of Muscat’s mountain ranges. This is where it works best.
The car’s handling dynamics are pretty breath taking..
assassin
yeah, i never new that this site is full of VW fanboys. OK i will never say anything bad again about the vw.
Zeratul
Im not a VW fanboy and VW doesnt pay me to defend them.
Niloy
‘Tore your hair’? wtf.
Choucrallah
This looks like an awesome car but what they ought to bring would be the Scirocco R with DCC. It sits lower, has a wider wheelbase and would probably inch that Golf by a bit.
ronnie
what would be the price now with the additional features?
stig
Black rims! So beautiful.
Rahul Jones
I don’t think most buyers in UAE would notice that DSG in the gearstick untill that transmission breaks down. 😛
NO OFFENCE….. ☮
ROJ
I dont think its that bad… What would break down a DSG? I dont think the defects rate is that high..
Rahul Jones
Crazy drivers rate is high.
ROJ
I will buy this one!
And to add something I witnessed some 4-5 golfs that went for an autocross round here in dubai and after a couple of rounds their DSG gearboxes started slapping/kicking. It worried me to see such a thing.
Still this is a GT car meant for spirited driving an occasional tracking and this was nothing more than autocross rounds..
ROJ
I will buy your idea not the car.. in case anybody misunderstood..
Rahul Jones
I would never take a risk of this kind. That’s why I never push any car with technological transmission hard.
ROJ
Cuz they built it for that purpose..
Imagine saying I will not push my Ferrari on track cuz its has an electronic Auto-manual gearbox??
In all cases I agree that conventional drivetrains are still proving to be solid, reliable and durable for all kinds of use..
Rahul Jones
May be we can see some arabs testing the limits of Ferraris at RAK skidding grounds. But don’t know if its manual or automatic but still those rides are doing good facing the torture.
But still I would never be confident with the durability of an automatic transmission.
Xalan Mustafa
nice pictures .
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Thanks
Samer
Frankly, I think the white one looks better
Rahul Jones
Today at 3:40 p.m I saw a same colored Golf flashing by in front of Galadari showroom (Mazda) on Ittihad road was that you Mash?
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
Haha, probably. I just returned the car around that time. If indicators were being used to change lanes, it was me.
Rahul Jones
Well, I was waiting at the traffic signal in front of Galadari Showroom. Then goes a Golf of the same color. He went through the right turn towards TERMINAL-2 a bit fast that made me doubt more. 😀
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
I usually take that turn faster. You saw me going slowly, because there was a taxi ahead in the right lane I was afraid won’t stay in lane.
Rahul Jones
So, I did see you today…. Yeah…..
Tushar Sagar
I guess Its not standard in the 2012 Golf R
When do we get it?
I hopefully was looking forward to having DCC and will the price be the same?
I may want to shift my order to DCC 😉
Asad A.
DCC will only help better your track timings slightly. Id say stick to the non DCC type unless you plan to visit the autodrome every weekend. The extra option would come at a price.
Tushar Sagar
Whats the price with the DCC?
Any Idea?
Mashfique Hussain Chowdhury
The Dubai price is Dhs 171,000.
ROJ
Im sorry overpriced!!! Not priced competitvely… Thats not money worth spending on a mainstream car. i understand theres tons of gadgetry but it doesnt make sense..
Shimmy
171,000 is not bad. I was at the dealership a month ago and the price for the standard one is 160,000. It is a lovely car. I asked about the black 19 inch rims and they cost 10,000 dhs as an aftermarket option. It’s such a nice car. *drool*
Ghaleb
Beautiful ride, although it doesn’t replace the r32 in any way. I must say I love everything about this car.. except the price tag.. I mean come on, give me a break. Even 135,000 would be too much to ask for. Moneywise, as a first car, I might choose a used r32 over this.