2022 Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years revealed, due in Australia by October

Volkswagen is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its hero Golf R hot hatch with the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years special edition – and it’s coming to Australia this year.

Based on the latest ‘Mk8’ Golf R hatch, the 20 Years edition ushers in a range of exterior and interior enhancements to pay homage to the original Mk4 Golf R32 of 2002 – and the most powerful iteration of Volkswagen’s turbo four-cylinder engine yet.

Specific engine details remain scarce as of publishing, however Volkswagen says a new turbo “pretensioning” system – and a function that keeps the throttle valve open on the overrun – improve response, and deliver a louder sound.

Power and torque outputs from the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine are yet to be confirmed as of publishing. Rumours suggest the car will be boosted to 245kW and 420Nm – up 10kW from the standard, full-strength Golf R’s 235kW/420Nm claim.

Australia will receive the same engine tune as the European market, a company spokesperson confirmed to Drive – indicating the inclusion of a petrol particulate filter, which is currently not fitted to our Golf R hatch (and thus develops ‘only’ 235kW/400Nm).

Alongside the performance improvements, an Akrapovic titanium sports exhaust is standard – usually a costly option in Europe, and not offered on any VW product in Australia since 2019’s Golf R Special Edition.

Fitted as standard are 19-inch ‘Estoril’ alloy wheels, finished in gloss black with Lapiz Blue exterior paint, or in a mix of gloss black and blue, when white body paint is selected. Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 semi-slick tyres are available an an option in Europe.

Other visual upgrades include blue R badges and mirror caps, ’20’ badging on the front door frame, and bespoke puddle light projection with ’20 R’ branding. The enlarged rear spoiler standard in Australia is also bundled with the special edition.

Inside, genuine carbon fibre is used across the dashboard and door cards – said to be a Volkswagen first – while the R logo on the steering wheel is now blue. Nappa leather sports seats are standard, per Australian models.

Order books for the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years edition are due to open in Europe next Thursday, June 2, with the vehicle to be available for one year only.

First Australian arrivals are due to commence in the third quarter of 2022 (July to September). Like in Europe, local availability is said to be limited by time, rather than specific production numbers.