On track to success

WHEN you think about sports cars, chances are you imagine brands like McLaren, Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston Martin and Ferrari ... but all that might change once you get inside the new Volkswagen Golf R.

At 188 kW/255 bhp, not only is it the most powerful version of the model series ever built, it's also the most fuel-efficient. So, why is that so special? Well, allow me to answer that question with another question. How often do you get a high-class sports car with compact-class fuel economy? Exactly!

It's not just fuel efficiency that makes this model so appealing. The interior and exterior design is fresh and modern and, most importantly, the Golf R handles like a dream come true.

After the official unveiling at last week's Qatar Motorshow, I was fortunate enough to be taken to the Losial International Circuit to put this new model through its paces ... and I did just that! Once I arrived at the floodlit track on an uncharacteristically cold, dark winter night, I was greeted by two beautiful Volkswagen employees, clad in race gear as a convoy of gleaming, white Golf R's sat waiting for motoring journalists from across the region.

My initial impression was 'this is a car with an immediate presence' because it boasts an impressive set of exterior and interior features. On the outside, the Golf R has independent styling with a bundle of well-co-ordinated refinements, including large air scoops to meet the cooling demands of the beastly 255 bhp engine.

The design is significantly different to the GTI because it has a more aggressive looking front grill, wider side skirts, LED tail-lamps, centre-mounted exhausts and an attractive roof spoiler too.

The Golf R features new 'Talladega' style wheels, black brake callipers with R-logo and new bumper design. In front, three very large air intakes shape the front bumper section and standard LED strips that serve as daytime running lights are built-in to the two outer air intakes. It also models Bi-Xenon headlights with dynamic cornering light, as standard, which will light your way on even the darkest night ... useful if you don't happen to have a set of floodlights to hand.

Once you step inside, the sensory experience continues. Since it's a race car after-all, there are bucket seats that hold you as firmly and safely as a mother with a newborn baby, the pedals are stainless steel, and perforated leather is used at the top and bottom of the sports steering wheel to ensure maximum hand grip.

If it weren't for the world-renowned efficiency of the Germans I would have been amazed at how many features have been packed into such compact car. And, thanks to Volkswagen's 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, specially-tuned suspension and anti-role bars I had all the confidence in the world to fling it around the race track like there was no tomorrow.

However, what really impressed me was the DSG gearbox with double clutch, which has been supercharged to deliver huge amounts of torque, meaning that gear changes are almost instantaneous and there is an uninterrupted flow of power to this racing machine, which does 0-100kmph in just 5.7 seconds.

As I put my foot to the floor, the Golf R bolted down the track like a flash of lightning, letting out an almighty roar and throwing me back into the bucket seat as my hands steadily gripped the leather steering wheel. The corners at the track were fairly tight and frequent but this nippy little number came up trumps every time, gripping the ground like a fat kid grips a picnic basket.

After my amateur attempt as a race driver, I was put through my paces in the Golf R courtesy of a professional, winning Dakar Rally driver Nasser Al Ahiyah. The Qatari national, 40, gave me a 'taxi ride' of the circuit, which was a thrilling experience to say the least. During my test drive around the track, I had my foot to the floor a fair few times, but if you compare my lap time to his, let's just say there's a reason I write about cars and he drives them for a living!

For more details contact the Volkswagen Showroom in Sitra by calling 17459977 or email vwsales@behbehani.com.bh