2017 Volkswagen Golf GTI spec confirmed, Golf R 4.8s 0-100

Refreshed versions of the Golf R and GTI will arrive in local showrooms from mid-August this year.

Volkswagen Australia has revealed that the forthcoming Golf R will be its quickest model yet thanks to a new seven-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission and an increased power output.

Set to roll into local showrooms alongside the updated Golf GTI in mid-August this year, the R continues to employ a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, but it now benefits from a 7kW boost in power to 213kW whilst torque remains steady at 380Nm.

Unfortunately, the alleged hot-weather conditions Down Under continue to prevent the local arm from importing the full-fat 228kW/400Nm version of the all-wheel drive R that is sold in Europe.

Nevertheless, the Aussie R will knock down the dash from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds when paired with the DSG transmission. A six-speed manual gearbox remains an option for purists, but its local performance figures are currently unknown.

Standard equipment added to the five-door hot hatch in this refresh includes a 9.2-inch touchscreen multimedia system, gesture and voice control, 12.3-inch digital instrument panel, electric driver's seat with memory function and lumbar adjustment, 19-inch 'Spielberg' alloy wheels and power folding door mirrors with memory function.

A driver assistance package – which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assistant and blind spot detection – and panoramic sunroof are the only two options.

Meanwhile, the aforementioned GTI has also been facelifted and features a detuned version of the R's engine, which instead produces 169kW/350Nm – a 7kW improvement over the preceding model.

These outputs match those of the outgoing GTI Performance. This vehicle has received a power bump overseas to 180kW, but it has not been confirmed yet for Australia.

Either a six-speed DSG or manual can be fitted with the GTI, while its included kit now extends to an 8.0-inch touchscreen multimedia system, 18-inch 'Milton Keynes' alloy wheels and LED headlights with dynamic cornering functionality.

Three options packages – 'Infotainment', 'Driver Assistance' and 'Luxury' – are available with the GTI, but inclusions have not been detailed at this time.

The German carmaker has also confirmed it will add an oil-burning alternative to the Golf Wagon with the 110TDI Highline to join the range when non-performance models go on-sale in early July.

It will be powered by a 110kW/340Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four and be paired exclusively with a seven-speed DSG.

Equipment levels will include leather upholstery, electric heated front seats with driver's memory function, keyless entry and start, 17-inch 'Karlskoga' alloy wheels, chrome interior and exterior highlights, LED headlights and panoramic sunroof. Driver assistance and multimedia packages will be available optionally.

Pricing for all variants in the Golf 7.5 line-up will be released early next month.

Does the Golf R offer better bang for your buck than its fellow hot hatch competitors? Tell us what you think in the comments below.