Volkswagen Golf R Arrives in Israel With 333 HP for NIS 310,000

Volkswagen Champion Motors has launched the 8.5 generation Golf R in Israel, positioning it as the most powerful Golf in the lineup, surpassing even GTI models. This new iteration boasts 333 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and an automatic transmission, with a price tag of 310,000 NIS, plus a 3,899 NIS licensing fee.

The 1,984cc turbocharged gasoline engine delivers 333 horsepower and 42 kgm of torque, paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and four-wheel drive. According to manufacturer data, the car accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, reaches a top speed of 250 km/h, and has a combined fuel consumption of 12.2 km/liter. The vehicle weighs 1,550 kg.

The all-wheel-drive system features torque distribution between axles and rear wheels, along with a selector offering five driving modes. The Golf R is lowered by approximately 20 mm compared to a standard Golf and is equipped with adaptive suspension and a braking system with 357 mm front discs and 310 mm rear discs. It comes with forged 19-inch wheels.

Interior features include a 12.9-inch multimedia screen, a 10.2-inch digital instrument cluster, leather seats, and a panoramic sunroof. Safety systems include adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, automatic emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and nine airbags. An optional titanium exhaust system, costing an additional 30,000 NIS, reduces the car's weight by about 8 kg.

The market for sporty compact and family cars with gasoline engines is shrinking in Israel due to rising prices, a preference for crossovers, and the availability of electric models offering similar performance at a lower cost. Year-to-date sales figures show the Hyundai Elantra N leading with 110 units sold, followed by the Skoda Octavia RS (93 units), Cupra Leon VZ (63 units), and Volkswagen Golf GTI (30 units). The Mercedes-AMG A35 has sold only one unit.