Golf R drives around semi-conductor shortage

VOLKSWAGEN Group Australia (VGA) says it has found a way to ensure a steady supply of its eagerly awaited eighth-gen Golf R hatch and ‘wagon (while slicing $1000 off their list prices).

Supplies of the newest Golf R – which is due in Australian showrooms from April – were in jeopardy following the announcement that the global semi-conductor shortage would impact supply of the model’s standard Harman Kardon premium audio system, thereby freezing production of the model for several months.

By removing the feature from the vehicle, VGA says it has guaranteed the on-time supply of its upcoming Golf R hatch and wagon. The firm states that the premium audio package will be reinstated to production as soon as the necessary components become available.

“With more than 7000 expressions of interest in the new R range and in excess of 1000 deposits, our foremost intention is to meet rapidly growing customer demand,” VGA passenger vehicles brand director Michal Szaniecki explained.

“Initially both versions of the Golf R will be offered at the revised RRP without Harmon Kardon, and with this sound system at $66,990 for the hatchback and $69,990 for the wagon. 

“This and the choice of a sunroof are the only two options on the Mark 8 Golf R,” he added.

GoAuto News understands several Golf Rs allocated to the Australian market have already been produced with the Harmon Kardon premium sound system and that these vehicles will retail for the full price of $66,990 (plus ORCs) for the hatch variant and $69,990 (plus ORCs) for the wagon. 

Vehicles made to order will be offered at the reduced price with the upgrade audio system available as an option. The Golf R is further available with options such as premium paint and an electric tilt and slide sunroof.

VGA says the semi-conductor shortage will not affect other content in its latest Golf R. The IQ Drive active and passive safety package, new torque vectoring system, drift mode and R driving profiles are still available as standard.

The Golf R duo is equipped with 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels, performance front brakes (358mm rotors), six drive modes, extended rear roof spoiler (hatch), adaptive dampers, sports exhaust, Matrix LED headlights, Nappa leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats with driver’s side electric adjustment and memory, tri-zone climate control, ambient interior lighting, keyless entry and start, adaptive cruise control with Stop and Go, lane centring assist, AEB, and semi-autonomous parking.

All Golf R variants also include a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster with R-specific modes, and a 10.0-inch infotainment array with wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto connectivity, satellite navigation, and DAB+ digital radio reception.

The 2022 Volkswagen Golf R hatch is powered by a 235kW/400Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and enhanced 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. VW quotes a 0-100km/h time of just 4.8 seconds.

The slightly heavier Golf R wagon features an additional 20Nm of torque and is said to accelerate from zero to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.

Volkswagen Golf R variants are available to order now.

2022 Volkswagen Golf R pricing*:

Options:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.