Volkswagen R
R. You ready
Volkswagen New Zealand hopes so - because 2022 is the year of R.
R for Racing. A badge proudly worn by the iconic Volkswagen Golf R for 20 years… but now it’s not alone.
For the first time in Aotearoa, Volkswagen will introduce a range of premium performance vehicles. Made up of the highly anticipated fifth generation Golf R and three exclusive high-performance SUVs: Tiguan R, T‑Roc R and Touareg R.
“R” - says Volkswagen General Manager Greg Leet – “is much more than a badge”.
“It’s a symbol that promises an intricate blend of sport, high performance and indescribable thrills. The all‑new Volkswagen R range is all about excitement.”
The first two R models off the rank in the first part of the year will be the new Golf R and
Tiguan R. They represent a blood-pumping drive with a powerful 2.0L turbocharged TSI petrol engine, boasting 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque. Expect an adrenalin rush from both models.
These will be the first Volkswagen products to feature an all‑new drive system - 4MOTION with R-Performance Torque Vectoring. This technology delivers an extensive ride and handling upgrade, distributing drive not just between the front and rear axles, but also variably between the two rear wheels. Enabling a new dimension of agility and sportiness with maximum grip and stability, particularly when cornering.
Twenty years of Golf R deserves its own exclusive feature and Volkswagen has delivered with not one, but two, special driving modes: ‘Drift’ and ‘Special - Nürburgring’*. The ‘Drift’ profile distributes 100% of the rear torque to one wheel for optimal driving dynamics… away from public roads. This feature opens a new level of driving dynamics and further exploits the potential of Torque Vectoring by provoking oversteer instead of neutral vehicle handling. *Available on Golf R 1st edition only.
“As you can see, Kiwis really will have the opportunity to feel the true power of R,” says Leet.
The technology born out of Volkswagen’s participation in generations of motorsport research and events means that today’s owners can experience the same level of racing performance, without compromising on space and practicality.
It is also a pedigree that doesn’t compromise customers on price. The Volkswagen R range will offer a level of performance technology that has only been available previously within the more high-end vehicle categories.
“But Kiwis will also need to be as quick if they want the chance to claim one as their own.”
That is because the only thing preceding these vehicles’ reputation is the anticipation New Zealanders have for them. The first shipment in the New Year is already more than 70% pre-sold for the Golf R alone, but more cars are expected in April. So Leet says be sure to visit your local dealer to secure your R car. For more information on arrival times and vehicle specifications, you can register your interest online here.
The Touareg R and T‑Roc R are both scheduled to arrive in the second half of 2022. Touareg R will be the first Volkswagen SUV with plug-in hybrid technology to be released in New Zealand.
Volkswagen’s R performance range is coming. Ready or not.
The new Volkswagen R range
· Golf R From $76,990 Arriving Q1 & Q2 2022
· Tiguan R From $79,990 Arriving Q1 & Q2 2022
· T‑Roc R TBD Arriving late 2022
· Touareg R (PHEV) TBD Arriving late 2022
Ends.
About Volkswagen
Volkswagen Passenger Cars is one of the world’s most forward-thinking car manufacturers. Vehicles are produced in 14 countries for over 150 markets. The Volkswagen Group, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany, is one of the world's leading car and commercial vehicle manufacturers and Europe's biggest car producer. Volkswagen Group is paving the way for the biggest change process in its history: the realignment of one of the best carmakers to become a globally leading provider of sustainable mobility.