That bragging right belonged to the Golf which wears the "R" designation, and the new Golf R is the first of two products from Volkswagen’s new wholly owned subsidiary, R GmbH.
Similar to Audi’s quattro, BMW’s M and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG, R is responsible for the creation of Volkswagen’s hottest and sportiest models, albeit both in the looks and performance department.
Despite its huge front air intakes and dominant 19-inch rims, the Golf R’s stylish yet sombre gloss black finishing on the grilles and wing mirrors gives it a look of restrained aggression rather than boy-racer aspirations.
Unlike its over-endowed R32 predecessor, its nose packs a 2-litre 4-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged engine, rather than the old 3.2-litre VR6 powerhouse.
Modest in size it may be, but not in power figures as the new engine is stoked to produce 252hp and 330Nm of torque, 2hp and 30Nm more than its predecessor did.
With all four wheels driven and gear swapping duties done by a snappy six-speed dual clutch transmission, the Golf R can launch itself to 100km/h from a standstill in 5.7 seconds.
Though the figures say that peak torque is only reached at 2,400rpm, fairly high up the rev range for a turbocharged unit, the drivetrain still manage to pull like a train from across the rev range.
At idle and low speeds, the engine produces a lusty growl, but swing the rev counter’s needle past 4,000rpm and the engine really starts to clear its vocal chords to deliver an audio audacity that would melt the sternest hearts.
Even with so much power at play, the Golf R feels benign to drive at any speed, thanks in part to the copious amount of grip derived from its wide 235-width performance tyres and 4Motion system.
You don’t need race driver’s reactions to fully appreciate the breath of the Golf R’s abilities and extract big speeds from it.
Its stiffer and lowered suspension settings gives the Golf R excellent cornering stability, while its precise steering allows you to carve up any road with supreme ease.
It is so tractable, so impeccable in its manners and so refined inside that you wouldn't think that it has enough pace to give sports car drivers something to think about.
Though a proper hatchback with space in the back for passengers and luggage, the Golf R is somewhat compromised when it comes to day-to-day tasks.
The steering for example is deliciously weighty to maximise the reward you get out of stringing a series of fast corners, but it will prove a tiresome chore when negotiating a tight parking space.
The R’s front bucket seats will provide all the lateral support you need for hard and fast corners, but it becomes bothersome when getting in and out of it in a hurry.
Of course, few will question the useability of the ultimate performance Golf, but many will question if it reclaims the hot hatch crown.
Unfortunately, the Golf R doesn’t quite clinch the crown.
Though this is the best top tier Golf ever made, with its downsized engine and more manageable thirst of RON97 fuel compared with its R32 predecessors of old, it doesn’t quite make the driver feel "heroic".
Hot hatches should reward driver effort, but the Golf R’s “sports car hunting cruise missile for the whole family” repertoire does leave us a little cold.
It doesn’t engage like the Megane RS, or dance like its sister, the Scirocco R, though we have to say that calling this blue missile a "hot hatch" would be downplaying its true nature.
With its power, pace and practicalities, the Golf R has transcended that title, and is a bargain for anyone looking for a superb motorway companion with enough ability to challenge the sports car fraternity, yet without any compromise in everyday sensibilities.
Specifications of the Volkswagen Golf R
Engine: 1,984cc 4-cylinder direct-injection turbocharged, EA113
Max power: 252hp (188kW) @ 6,000rpm
Max torque: 330Nm @ 2,400 – 5,200rpm
Transmission: 6-speed dual-clutch, four-wheel drive
Acceleration (0-100km/h): 5.7 seconds
Fuel consumption (Combined): 8.4L/100km
CO2 emissions (Combined): 195g/km
Safety features: Five airbags, ABS with EBD and brake assist, electronic stabilisation program (ESP), traction control system, LED daytime running lights, Isofix child seat anchor points
Price: RM270,060 OTR without insurance
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