• Eye of the R: the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is in showrooms now.
    Eye of the R: the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R is in showrooms now.
  • The car is equally at home on the road and racetrack.
    The car is equally at home on the road and racetrack.
  • The Golf R has a new all-wheel drive system.
    The Golf R has a new all-wheel drive system.
  • The R generates 320hp from its two-litre TSI engine.
    The R generates 320hp from its two-litre TSI engine.
  • The R insignia
    The R insignia
  • The new R has been fitted with a motorsport-style front spoiler
    The new R has been fitted with a motorsport-style front spoiler
  • Colour options include Deep Black Pearl-Effect and Lapiz Blue Metallic, seen here, and Pure White.
    Colour options include Deep Black Pearl-Effect and Lapiz Blue Metallic, seen here, and Pure White.
  • Volkswagen has digitalised most of the displays and controls in the R
    Volkswagen has digitalised most of the displays and controls in the R
  • The Golf R goes from 0-100 kilometres per hour in 4.8 seconds.
    The Golf R goes from 0-100 kilometres per hour in 4.8 seconds.
  • The standard model comes with 18-inch wheels.
    The standard model comes with 18-inch wheels.
  • Getting some speed up at Dubai Autodrome.
    Getting some speed up at Dubai Autodrome.
  • The R features dynamic turning lights.
    The R features dynamic turning lights.
  • That R insignia finds its way into a number of places both inside and out.
    That R insignia finds its way into a number of places both inside and out.
  • The R features dual left and right chrome exhaust pipes.
    The R features dual left and right chrome exhaust pipes.
  • Drifting is not a problem, as you can go around corners a lot faster.
    Drifting is not a problem, as you can go around corners a lot faster.
  • The R's blue brake calipers.
    The R's blue brake calipers.
  • The sporty seats are made in black with blue details.
    The sporty seats are made in black with blue details.
  • The cabin has a 10-inch touchscreen with voice-controlled satnav and plenty of safety features.
    The cabin has a 10-inch touchscreen with voice-controlled satnav and plenty of safety features.

Lifestyle

Motoring

Volkswagen Golf R review: a stylish pocket rocket

The German manufacturer has released its latest hot-hatch, and lack of power is not an issue

Simon Wilgress-Pipe
Simon Wilgress-Pipe

June 10, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Plenty of cars have a reputation for being great to tear around in and, in recent years, the list has been expanding. It’s fair to say, though, that Volkswagen’s Golf would be high up on most motoring enthusiasts’ roster of spicy rides, especially as it is arguably the car that defines the hot-hatch category like no other.

The most famous of the breed is the GTI, but (whisper it), the GTI has a sibling rival. Said competitor goes by the name of the Golf R, and Volkswagen has unleashed the latest version.

Perhaps it's understood in these days of the continual improvements car manufacturers make to their products, but we will still say it: the new R is more powerful and agile than ever before.

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Just to get those performance figures out there first — the 2022 R generates 320 horsepower from its two-litre TSI engine, which is enough to get you to 100 kilometres per hour from a standing start in 4.8 seconds.

Volkswagen’s engineers have developed a new all-wheel drive system with “torque vectoring on the rear axle”.

If that sounds too technical, this is a series of improvements to ensure the power is distributed in the most effective way. Basically, you can go around corners a lot faster, which is always good news.

And it is noticeable. Any Golf is nifty in and out of the bends, but the 2022 R makes all that turning a particular joy, especially when you floor it when the straight comes into view and the extra power becomes more than apparent.

The car is close to the ground, so the sensation of speed when you’re gunning it is significant. As you’d expect, the amount of room inside is not significant, but the R’s seats cuddle you nicely as you go around the corners with wild abandon.

The shape of the Golf hasn’t changed radically in recent years, so the R is recognisable as a member of VW’s famous family. However, it has a few design cues that mark it out (not least its own insignia, which finds its way into a number of places both inside and out).

Look closely and you'll see the blue flashes
Look closely and you'll see the blue flashes

The 2022 R has a motorsport-inspired front spoiler, with exaggerated air-intake grilles, and two pairs of chrome exhaust pipes. The brake discs have a larger diameter, and the blue callipers are hard to miss.

You have three colour options — white, black, or blue. However, in the way of car manufacturers, VW describes these as Pure White, Deep Black Pearl-Effect, and Lapiz Blue Metallic.

The stylings are all very impressive, too, with two-tone flashes in black and blue throughout the cabin and a selection of ambient colours. The kit includes a 10-inch touchscreen with satnav that can be voice-controlled, all fitted with VW’s Discover Media package. There are plenty of safety features, including front and rear parking sensors, cameras and lane-change assist.

An optional Performance Package is available, and comes with 19-inch Estoril-style alloy wheels, steering improvements and a drift mode.

We’ve talked a lot here about the excitement of the new R, but, despite the fact it is most assuredly a pocket rocket, don’t be fooled into thinking it’s little more than a track-day car.

These vehicles sell because they work in a variety of environments. You wouldn’t be taking an R for a tear through the kind of terrain your average 4x4 might find challenging, but a jaunt around a racetrack? Absolutely. Picking up your weekly shopping? Without doubt. Looking good while you do both? Almost certainly.

Porsche Taycan CrossTurismo Turbo review: stunning, on and off the road — in pictures

  • The electric Porsche Taycan CrossTurismo Turbo. All photos: Porsche
    The electric Porsche Taycan CrossTurismo Turbo. All photos: Porsche
  • The EV is powered by a motor in each of the front and rear axles.
    The EV is powered by a motor in each of the front and rear axles.
  • The CrossTurismo comes with the Porsche 911 Coupe's inherent good looks.
    The CrossTurismo comes with the Porsche 911 Coupe's inherent good looks.
  • Despite the Taycan’s raised height, the centre of gravity is low thanks to the batteries being hidden in the floor.
    Despite the Taycan’s raised height, the centre of gravity is low thanks to the batteries being hidden in the floor.
  • The EV goes from 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250kph.
    The EV goes from 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds and has a top speed of 250kph.
  • Gravel Mode splits torque to the wheels, winds back the stability control and equalises the speed of each wheel to mimic a diff lock on an SUV.
    Gravel Mode splits torque to the wheels, winds back the stability control and equalises the speed of each wheel to mimic a diff lock on an SUV.
  • The zero-tailpipe-emission EV is a practical family wagon, offering 1,171 litres stowage in the rear and 84 litres up front.
    The zero-tailpipe-emission EV is a practical family wagon, offering 1,171 litres stowage in the rear and 84 litres up front.
  • The cabin has a central, 10.9-inch infotainment display with a touchscreen that uses haptic feedback via pulses through the fingers.
    The cabin has a central, 10.9-inch infotainment display with a touchscreen that uses haptic feedback via pulses through the fingers.

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

W.
Wael Kfoury
(Rotana)

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206.1%22%20Super%20Retina%20XDR%20OLED%2C%202778%20x%201284%2C%20458ppi%2C%20HDR%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20P3%2C%201200%20nits%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20A15%20Bionic%2C%206-core%20CPU%2C%205-core%20GPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECapacity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20128%2F256%2F512GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPlatform%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20iOS%2016%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%2012MP%20main%20(f%2F1.5)%20%2B%2012MP%20ultra-wide%20(f%2F2.4)%3B%202x%20optical%2C%205x%20digital%3B%20Photonic%20Engine%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%2C%20Smart%20HDR%204%2C%20Portrait%20Lighting%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMain%20camera%20video%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%20%40%2024%2F25%2F3060fps%2C%20full-HD%20%40%2025%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20HD%20%40%2030fps%3B%20HD%20slo-mo%20%40%20120%2F240fps%3B%20night%2C%20time%20lapse%2C%20cinematic%2C%20action%20modes%3B%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%204K%20HDR%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012MP%20TrueDepth%20(f%2F1.9)%2C%20Photonic%20Engine%2C%20Deep%20Fusion%2C%20Smart%20HDR%204%3B%20Animoji%2C%20Memoji%3B%20Portrait%20Lighting%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EFront%20camera%20video%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204K%20%40%2024%2F25%2F3060fps%2C%20full-HD%20%40%2025%2F30%2F60fps%2C%20HD%20slo-mo%20%40%20120fps%3B%20night%2C%20time%20lapse%2C%20cinematic%2C%20action%20modes%3B%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%204K%20HDR%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204323%20mAh%2C%20up%20to%2026h%20video%2C%2020h%20streaming%20video%2C%20100h%20audio%3B%20fast%20charge%20to%2050%25%20in%2030m%3B%20MagSafe%2C%20Qi%20wireless%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%2C%20Bluetooth%205.3%2C%20NFC%20(Apple%20Pay)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBiometrics%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Face%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Lightning%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECards%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dual%20eSIM%20%2F%20eSIM%20%2B%20SIM%20(US%20models%20use%20eSIMs%20only)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Blue%2C%20midnight%2C%20purple%2C%20starlight%2C%20Product%20Red%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20iPhone%2014%2C%20USB-C-to-Lightning%20cable%2C%20one%20Apple%20sticker%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dh3%2C799%20%2F%20Dh4%2C199%20%2F%20Dh5%2C049%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Day 1, Dubai Test: At a glance

Moment of the day Sadeera Samarawickrama set pulses racing with his strokeplay on his introduction to Test cricket. It reached a feverish peak when he stepped down the wicket and launched Yasir Shah, who many regard as the world’s leading spinner, back over his head for six. No matter that he was out soon after: it felt as though the future had arrived.

Stat of the day - 5 The last time Sri Lanka played a Test in Dubai – they won here in 2013 – they had four players in their XI who were known as wicketkeepers. This time they have gone one better. Each of Dinesh Chandimal, Kaushal Silva, Samarawickrama, Kusal Mendis, and Niroshan Dickwella – the nominated gloveman here – can keep wicket.

The verdict Sri Lanka want to make history by becoming the first team to beat Pakistan in a full Test series in the UAE. They could not have made a better start, first by winning the toss, then by scoring freely on an easy-paced pitch. The fact Yasir Shah found some turn on Day 1, too, will have interested their own spin bowlers.

The alternatives

• Founded in 2014, Telr is a payment aggregator and gateway with an office in Silicon Oasis. It’s e-commerce entry plan costs Dh349 monthly (plus VAT). QR codes direct customers to an online payment page and merchants can generate payments through messaging apps.

• Business Bay’s Pallapay claims 40,000-plus active merchants who can invoice customers and receive payment by card. Fees range from 1.99 per cent plus Dh1 per transaction depending on payment method and location, such as online or via UAE mobile.

• Tap started in May 2013 in Kuwait, allowing Middle East businesses to bill, accept, receive and make payments online “easier, faster and smoother” via goSell and goCollect. It supports more than 10,000 merchants. Monthly fees range from US$65-100, plus card charges of 2.75-3.75 per cent and Dh1.2 per sale.

• 2checkout’s “all-in-one payment gateway and merchant account” accepts payments in 200-plus markets for 2.4-3.9 per cent, plus a Dh1.2-Dh1.8 currency conversion charge. The US provider processes online shop and mobile transactions and has 17,000-plus active digital commerce users.

• PayPal is probably the best-known online goods payment method - usually used for eBay purchases -  but can be used to receive funds, providing everyone’s signed up. Costs from 2.9 per cent plus Dh1.2 per transaction.

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Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

More from Neighbourhood Watch:
What is a calorie?

A food calorie, or kilocalorie, is a measure of nutritional energy generated from what is consumed.

One calorie, is the amount of heat needed to raise the temperature of 1 kilogram of water by 1°C.

A kilocalorie represents a 1,000 true calories of energy.

Energy density figures are often quoted as calories per serving, with one gram of fat in food containing nine calories, and a gram of protein or carbohydrate providing about four.

Alcohol contains about seven calories a gram. 

UPI facts

More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions

While you're here
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The biog

Alwyn Stephen says much of his success is a result of taking an educated chance on business decisions.

His advice to anyone starting out in business is to have no fear as life is about taking on challenges.

“If you have the ambition and dream of something, follow that dream, be positive, determined and set goals.

"Nothing and no-one can stop you from succeeding with the right work application, and a little bit of luck along the way.”

Mr Stephen sells his luxury fragrances at selected perfumeries around the UAE, including the House of Niche Boutique in Al Seef.

He relaxes by spending time with his family at home, and enjoying his wife’s India cooking. 

Company name: Play:Date

Launched: March 2017 on UAE Mother’s Day

Founder: Shamim Kassibawi

Based: Dubai with operations in the UAE and US

Sector: Tech 

Size: 20 employees

Stage of funding: Seed

Investors: Three founders (two silent co-founders) and one venture capital fund

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

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MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League last-16, second leg:

Real Madrid 1 (Asensio 70'), Ajax 4 (Ziyech 7', Neres 18', Tadic 62', Schone 72')

Ajax win 5-3 on aggregate

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Updated: May 11, 2023, 11:54 AM
VolkswagenWeekend