Is the mk7 Golf R Really Magic?

Alexander John
Aug 22, 2017 · 4 min read

The mk7 Golf R has been with us for almost three years now and is arguably one of the best all-around cars on sale today.

Personally I adore the mk7 chassis. The golf, gti, golf wagon, alltrack, golf r, they are all great vehicles and each of them fill a different role for their niche markets.

I thought for sure a secondhand Golf R would be my next purchase because it really is the perfect all-rounder. AWD, four doors, an automatic and all features as standard, who can argue with that?

The 2017 Golf R comes standard with all the goodies now. It features DCC Adaptive Chassis Control, basically adjustable suspension, steering and throttle response. The Golf also comes with adaptive cruise control, navigation, park-assist, premium audio and lane assist all for a base MSRP of $39,375.

That’s a serious kit for under 40 grand and that made me wonder, is there anything better than the Golf R within it’s price range?

Now you can argue MSRP’s all day long, but in the real world it’s not a fair comparison.

So to be fair my Golf R, in Deep Black Pearl with the optioned DSG, rang in at $41,295 including destination charge.


After searching around and playing around with building my own cars on several sites, I found serious competition. But let’s look at the competitors first.


The first vehicle I stumbled upon is the Alfa Romeo Gulia Ti RWD. Now due to the blindingly difficult to operate building page, I couldn’t get a screenshot of the car with the options I had selected.

With that being said I did opt for the Ti 19-inch Sport Package which includes Alfa’s signature five-hole wheels, all-season tires, aluminum paddle shifters, aluminum pedals, painted brake calipers (had mine in black), black window moldings, sport front and rear fascias, sport seats and a sport steering wheel.

Now I also opted for the Ti Performance Package which includes active suspension and a mechanical limited-slip differential, a must have for any sporty RWD car in my opinion.

My Guilia Ti RWD in Alfa White with the Ti 19-inch package and Ti Performance Pack rang in at a total MSRP of $44,440 and $41,690 after offers and incentives.

Mind you even though this is still a fairly bare bones Alfa Guilia, I believe this would be a great alternative to the Golf R if you’re looking for pure driving pleasure and the thought of never knowing when your car will inevitably break down.

Thus I had to look elsewhere.


Enter the realm of BMW.

I thought for sure this would be the last place I would end up. BMW’s styling hasn’t peaked my interest in years. Their model-lineup is aging along with the faulty driving dynamics of some of the M cars.

I gave it a try and I found perfection within.

This current three-series generation (F30/31/34) has been with us for nearly seven years now, I really can’t believe it.

To stack on the options I needed to make this car a proper contender I started with the 170hp 320i, and I know what you’re thinking. How is this comparable to the near 300hp Golf R and 330hp Alfa Guilia?

Just hear me out on this, please.

Two words: track package.

The 320i with it’s pathetic 170hp turbo-four can be equipped with a proper M-division inspired track package. This includes a variable electric steering rack, M-sport brake package and M-sport adaptive suspension. The Track Handling Package can be had as a $1,700 option.

Along with the track pack I went with the Sport Package which includes anthracite headliner, M steering wheel and sport seats for $1,300. I also opted for the lighting package ($700), Dakota Black Leather ($1,450), Fineline Anthracite Wood Trim with PearlGloss Chrome highlight ($500), Jatoba Brown Metallic paint ($700) and a manual transmission free of charge, what a time.

Total MSRP as built including destination came out to $40,795.

Better than the Golf R, I say yes, but that’s for you to decide.

)
Alexander John

Written by

Kent State University journalism grad. Volkswagen sales. Car fanatic. Beer enthusiast.

Welcome to a place where words matter. On Medium, smart voices and original ideas take center stage - with no ads in sight. Watch
Follow all the topics you care about, and we’ll deliver the best stories for you to your homepage and inbox. Explore
Get unlimited access to the best stories on Medium — and support writers while you’re at it. Just $5/month. Upgrade