Previewed: Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 CKD with R Performance Package, Est. RM330K

The Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 CKD is now open for booking!

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has once again refreshed its eighth-gen Golf lineup this year, as the marque previews the updated Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 today. Unlike the previous fully-imported (CBU) model,  this updated version is now available with the R Performance Package as standard.

Similar to its GTI-badged twin, this updated Golf R will be manufactured in VPCM’s facility in Pekan, Pahang – making it the third Golf Mk8 variant to be locally-assembled (CKD) here, apart from the aforementioned Golf GTI and the discontinued Golf TSI R-Line.

The Golf R now gets Akrapovic quad-piped exhaust system!

As we mentioned earlier, this updated Golf R now comes standard with the R Performance Package. On the visual front, this package sees the hot hatch getting snazzier 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels finished in dual tone hue, more aggressive rear spoiler, as well as a new Akrapovic quad-piped titanium exhaust system – the same one used on the limited-edition Golf R 333.

On the performance front, the R Performance Package bestows the Golf R CKD model with two new driving modes – ‘Drift’ and ‘Special’. Accessible via the ‘R’ button located on the steering wheel, the ‘Drift’ mode disengages the car’s Electronic Stability Control (ESC) system and shifts the torque distribution to its rear axle, allowing you to slide the car around. Meanwhile, the ‘Special’ mode – which is known as the ‘Nurburgring’ mode in certain markets – is more catered for track use or on B-roads with twisty corners, as it adjusts the Golf R’s adaptive suspensions for optimum contact with the tarmac.

In terms of the powertrain, this updated Golf R CKD still employs the same 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbocharged TSI mill as its fully-imported (CBU) counterpart. Still outputting 320 PS and 400 NM, this engine is mated to a re-tuned seven-speed dual clutch DSG transmission that helps to send drive to all its four wheels via VW’s signature 4Motion all-wheel drive system with performance torque vectoring. As a result, this CKD model is still capable of matching its previous 0-100 KM/H sprint time record of 4.8 seconds.

On board, this updated Golf R still comes standard with a slew of R-specific parts, notably its sporty flat-bottomed steering wheel and blue-stitched sporty R seats. Apart from that, this model also gains a few new tech equipment such as the head-up display (HUD) and wireless smartphone charger, while the headlights now come with automatic high-beam assist. 

Speaking of assist, the Golf R CKD is also laced with the latest VW IQ.Drive ADAS suite – the same one bestowed on the recently-updated Golf GTI. This adds active safety features like Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), Side Assist, Front Assist, Lane Assist and Emergency Assist, to name a few.

Available in three colourways – Lapiz Blue, Deep Black, and Pure White – the updated Volkswagen Golf R Mk8 CKD will be opened for booking on Aug 9, with its estimated prices starting from RM330,000 to RM350,000. Regardless of its final pricing, this puts the CKD version much cheaper compared to the fully-imported unit beforehand, which was tagged at RM431,162 on-the-road.

Bookings for the new Golf R Mk8 CKD can be made at any authorised Volkswagen dealerships nationwide. For more information regarding this model, you can visit Volkswagen Malaysia’s official website.