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Volkswagen Golf R (2013-2020) review - MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Given its huge performance potential, the R is surprisingly cost effective to run

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs rating

3.8

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Considering the supercar levels of performance, fuel economy isn't bad at all. Under the most recent WLTP test procedure, the DSG auto version of the Golf R has claimed economy of up to 32.8mpg, which is a figure you can expect to achieve in real life if you're easy with the loud pedal. Emissions range from 195-197g/km. 

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A car capable of such pace is never going to be cheap to insure, but compared to similarly fast models the Golf R is surprisingly affordable. It helps that it comes with VW’s range of driver assistance systems that you get with the normal Golf. 

Fixed-price servicing means you won’t face supercar bills, either, while predicted residuals of over 50 per cent mean the Golf R should hold on to its value well. VW also offers a range of attractive finance solutions, which include the offer of low cost servicing pack.

With a list price of around £37,000, buyers should think carefully about any options they choose for their car. If the total price of the vehicle, including any extra equipment, comes in at over £40,000, they'll have to pay a further £325 a year in VED vehicle tax on top of the standard £150 rate. This applies for years 2-6, so you'll be looking at an additional total charge of £1,625. 

Insurance groups

Despite its humble hatchback origins, the Golf R is a serious piece of high-performance machinery, which means there's a higher risk of an accident in inexperienced hands, while the car's desirability means it's attractive to thieves too. As a result, the R falls into a relatively high insurance grouping of 37.

Depreciation

The combination of desirable VW badge and exceptional driving dynamics has meant strong demand for Golf R models on the secondhand market. And while the fast flagship sells in greater numbers than the GTI, our experts predict that the popular R will retain at least 50 percent of its new value after three years.

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