2017 Volkswagen Golf R release date, specs, price news: Hatchback gets more power and updated design

Volkswagen has updated its facelifted Golf lineup to include the most powerful model in the family — the 2017 Golf R. This latest addition allows customers to purchase all versions of the new Golf.

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R features the same design language seen in all of the new Golf models which were unveiled last month.

"The new Golf marks the beginning of the largest product offensive in the history of Volkswagen," Dr. Herbert Diess, Management Board Chairman, said during the launch.

The Golf R benefits from standard features like the new headlights, LED daytime running lights, a redesigned bumper, sharper LED tail lights and new alloy wheels. Prospective buyers can also order optional features like the new Active Info Display and the latest semi-automated driving technologies such as Front Assist with new Pedestrian Monitoring, Traffic Jam Assist and Emergency Assist.

What sets apart the Golf R from the other variants is that the German car manufacturer has given it increased power and torque. It is powered by a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbo engine that delivers 306 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. When mated to the new and faster seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission, the compact car is able to go from 0 to 62 miles per hour (mph) in 4.6 seconds which is 0.3 seconds faster than its predecessor. The 2017 Golf R is also available with the six-speed manual gearbox and achieves the same feat in 5.1 seconds. The engine is paired with the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.

The 2017 Golf R has a starting price of €40,675 or about $42,500 for the model with a manual gearbox. It is also available as a Variant wagon model which has a starting price of €44,800 which is roughly $46,800. The wagon comes with the DSG transmission.

The 2017 Volkswagen Golf R will be available to purchase in the United Kingdom starting February of next year. No word yet on U.S. pricing and availability.