VW Golf R, Now With 10 Horses Less Due To WLTP Modifications

Volkswagen facelifted the Golf R almost two years ago for the European market, and in addition to the design changes, the hot hatch also received an extra 10 horsepower.

This meant that the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was good for 310PS (306hp / 228kW) and 400Nm (295lb-ft) of torque. But VW, along with the rest of the automakers selling vehicles on the Old Continent, has to comply with the WLTP requirements, which will be introduced in September.

Thus, they have fitted a new exhaust system to the Golf R, reports Autocar, which cuts down on CO2 emissions and also reduces the power of the engine to 300PS (296hp / 221kW).

Also Watch: Which Is The Fastest Super Hot Hatch? RS3 vs AMG A45 vs Civic Type R vs Golf R vs Focus RS

“In the context of new homologations, there are adaptations for the exhaust gas treatment and for power output. From now on, all Golf R models will feature a 300PS engine”, a VW spokesperson told the British publication.

Customers who are still waiting to take delivery of their new Volkswagen Golf R will be informed by the German brand of the changes.

Aside from the power loss, the hot hatch will only be offered in a five-door hatchback body style, in the United Kingdom at least. Also, the dual-clutch automatic transmission will be the sole choice in this market, so no more manual gearbox for the Brits. These decisions are apparently linked to customer demand.

Meanwhile, SEAT was also forced to drop the output of the Leon Cupra to 290PS (286hp / 213kW), from the previous 300PS (296hp / 221kW). This move is also related to the new Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP), which tests emissions based on real-world data rather than the current lab analysis of the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC).