Used 2011 Volkswagen Golf R for sale near Welwyn Garden City

The first Golf R appeared in 2010, based on the sixth-generation Golf hatchback. This high-performance version replaced the V6-engined R32 at the top of the Golf range, sitting above the GTI, and used a turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine with around 275 horsepower. However, it was only sold for a couple of years until the Mk7 Golf came along, and the Mk7 Golf R came along in 2014. The Mk7 R had a similar recipe: turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, this time giving 300 horsepower, along with 4Motion all-wheel drive, and a choice of manual or dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It also had sports suspension, upgraded brakes, and some unique sporty styling details, although it's still quite visually restrained considering the performance on offer. The Mk8 Golf R followed in 2020 with all the same characteristics, but this time with 320 horsepower.