Frankfurt 2009: Volkswagen Golf R20

There's a metric ton of exciting new metal coming out at Frankfurt this year. The list is pretty long:  R8 drop-top, Ferrari 458, a bunch of cool concept cars, a new Bugatti, supercars galore, little diesel-hybrid things, and god knows what else.  What am I most excited about the debut of, though?  ...A Volkswagen Golf.  Well, this Volkswagen Golf, to be particular.

This is the new Golf R20, the high-performance variant of the new MKVI Golf/Jetta chassis.  You may notice a name change, and you're not to be blamed for thinking it isn't for the better.  The R20 replaces the Golf R32 as the top dog in VW's staid, sensible family hatchback range.  Where as the previous Golf R32 had a howling 24v 3.2L VR6 motor (a V6 with a super-narrow V angle sharing a common head, like those Lancia V4's of old), The new one ditches the big six for a little four-banger.

But lately VW has been working some magic, replacing large inefficient engines with smaller, more economical AND more powerful ones.  Just like the S4, which lopped 0.4 seconds off it's 0-60 time while dropping two cylinders and gaining almost 25% better highway fuel economy, the Golf R20 drops cylinders but adds power and economy.  The 2.0T FSI (equipped with a K04 turbo, twin intercoolers, and who knows what else) makes 270bhp, as well as 350nM (258lb-ft) of torque between 2,500 and 5,000 rpm.

Transmission choices are a six-speed manual, or a 7-speed DSG (twin clutch automated manual).  While the Golf R shares it's powerplant with the Scirrocco R, the big advantage the Golf has is the presence of Haldex all-wheel-drive to put the power down.  Performance is impressive: 0-100km/h takes 5.7 seconds with the manual transmission, and 5.5 with the DSG.  Fuel consumption has decreased from 10.7L/100km (MKV R32) to 8.5L/100km, and as you'd expect the top speed is limited to 155mph.

The R20 does get some bling to differentiate it from the plaebian Golfs.  Up front, Audi's gorgeous LED daytime running lights have trickled down to VW, as well as the neat LED-lit taillights.  The R20 gets some eye-grabbing wheels wrapped with sticky performance tires, as well as some rather large brakes.  The front bumper is reshaped to include massive Audi RS-style air intakes, while around back the center-exit exhaust pipes that debuted on the MKV R32 make a return appearance.

The inside is a treat as usual, with the newly redesigned MKVI dashboard, as well as some fantastic looking hip-hugging sports seats with suede bolsters.  I really like the jewel-like gauge cluster, the piano-lacquer black part of the steering wheel, and all those little details that make it a VW, like the extensively sculpted flat-bottomed steering wheel.  Way cool.

The R20 goes on sale at the end of the year in Germany, although initial pricing has yet to be announced.  VW's press release for the R20 was a little sparse and left something to be desired, so perhaps there will be more information on this hot hatch to come.  While it may  not be as powerful as the bonkers 300bhp Ford Focus RS, you can bet it's a more composed and refined car - and thanks to the AWD grip, I'd put my money on the VW from a dead stop.  Of course the best thing about the R20 compared to the Focus RS is that it's got a chance of being exported to the States.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed!