2017 Volkswagen Golf R facelift boosted to 306bhp

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R produces 310bhp from its turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, which is 10bhp more than the pre-facelift car and matches the peak output of the Golf GTI Clubsport S, as well as the Honda Civic Type R.

That power hike makes this the quickest variant of Volkswagen’s best-selling hatchback ever sold, and it’s joined by a jump in torque of 20lb ft, bringing the maximum figure to 295lb ft.

2017 Volkswagen Golf facelift revealed

The added potency helps to trim the all-wheel drive R’s 0-62mph time down to 4.6sec, three-tenths faster than before, when the seven-speed DSG auto is fitted. No time has been released for the six-speed manual version at this stage, but expect a similar reduction to the old car’s 5.3sec time.

The Golf R estate also benefits from the same engine improvements, and its 0-62mph time improves by two-tenths to 4.9sec with the DSG auto.

Along with its uprated engine, the 2017 Golf R gets a very lightly tweaked exterior with new LED lighting and restyled bumpers. Inside, there’s a new optional Active Info Display with 12.3in high-definition monitor.

Additionally, the latest generation of Volkswagen’s on-line services, including an updated App Connect feature that allows it to integrate with the latest versions of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and MirrorLink, are included.

2017 Volkswagen Golf-e revealed in LA

There are also new and updated driver assistant systems, such as Traffic Jam Assist, Emergency Assist, which detects the driver is incapacitated, Lane Assist plus ACC for active lane keeping, an updated City Emergency Braking system, Front Assist function that employees autonomous braking for collision avoidance, and Park Assist 3.0.

The 2017 Golf R is on sale in Germany now, but UK order books won’t open until February. Prices are expected to grow slightly on the outgoing car, which starts at £31,685.