Volkswagen Golf R Mk6 (2010-2012): Review, History, And Used ...

The 4Motion system featured a centre diff in the form of a Haldex clutch. This distributed drive to the wheels with the most grip. The engine was the EA113 taken from the Mk5 Golf. It was chosen because of its ability to be heavily tuned but in the Mk6 R it benefitted from a reinforced block, a new cylinder head, uprated pistons and conrods, and high pressure fuel injectors. Beside these modifications it also received a new turbocharger that ran at 1.2bar alongside a more effective intercooler to deal with the increased thermal load. Hence this engine is ideal for further tuning. There are plenty of examples that have been remapped to well over 300bhp.

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To compensate with the vast increases in power and performance, handling improvements were also made. The ride height was dropped by 25mm compared to the Mk6 Golf GTI and the springs and dampers were each tweaked for sharper responses, although ACC switchable adaptive dampers were a cost option. The brakes were impressive and featured 345mm discs up front with ‘R’ monogrammed calipers.

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With the price of the R at £30,000 (7k more than the Mk6 GTI), VW felt the need to justify the price. Clear distinctions between the R and the GTI came in the form of 18-inch Talladega alloys (a 19-inch option was also available), a subtle bodykit and twin centrally located exhaust tailpipes that protruded from a gloss black diffuser. The interior remained largely unchanged from the GTI, but Recaro seats were available as a highly desirable option.

Specs

Engine	In-line 4cyl, 1984cc, turbocharged
Max power	266bhp @ 6000rpm
Max torque	258lb ft @ 2500-5000rpm
Transmission	Six-speed manual, four-wheel drive
Weight	1521kg
Power-to-weight	178bhp/ton
0-62mph	5.7 sec (claimed)
Top speed	155mph (limited)
Price new	£30,235

Checkpoints

Engine

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The EA113 engine has a reputation for being strong and reliable. This tends to remain the case even once the engine has been tuned to over 300bhp. However, this can fail to be the case if the engine has not been fastidiously maintained and serviced. Andy McLeish at VW/Audi specialists APS advises every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. The only real weakness of the engine is that the fuel pump cam follower is prone to premature wear, which in turn scorns the camshaft. On the plus side, replacing the follower is inexpensive. Discovering whether this has been done or not is also a good indicator of the how the car has been cared for.  A leaking water pump is also another area to look out for and the changing of the cambelt at 60,000 miles of 4 years is another essential to healthy maintenance of the car. Ideally the water pump needs to have been replaced at the same. The budget for all this work if not done is £300 from a specialist.

Transmission

Some of the earlier cars particularly from 2010 tend to suffer from a failure of the Haldex pump. This is the electronic pump that that generates the hydraulic pressure needed to push the plates in the centre diff together and send the torque to the axle with the most grip.

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