Aided by brake-based traction control that works to emulate a limited-slip differential, the R corners neatly and surprisingly flat at its limits. The Golf R is fitted with beefy brakes as standard.

The ultimate Golf is the most mature, best all-around hot hatch on the market—with a price to match.

Welcome to Critic's Notebook, a quick and off-the-cuff car review consisting of impressions, jottings, and marginalia regarding whatever The Drive writers happen to be driving. Today's edition: the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R.

Congratulations—you've become a real adult. You've braved the listless wilds of your twenties, nailed down a decent career track, and somehow made it to the next financial level. You're far more mature than you were 10 years ago, and it's time for a new car to reflect that. Problem is, you just can't stop reminiscing about that clapped-out Honda Civic DX hatch you had way back in high school. How to combine these two disparate impulses?

There are no shortage of answers on the used car market, but in terms of new whips, there's precious little that can compare with the duality of the 2018 Volkswagen Golf R. Now, other hot hatchbacks are usually associated with a certain kind of person who has a certain kind of mentality—let's call it 'unserious.' That's not an insult, but rather a recognition that pulling up in a flamboyantly-designed Honda Civic Type R projects a slightly different image than making an entrance in the demure Golf R. Volkswagen's ultimate compact car offers serious performance potential..in a body that wouldn't make a cop look twice.

Hopefully, at least, because this pocket rocket can get you into legal trouble right quick if you're susceptible to traits like killer handling, punchy acceleration, and a steady all-wheel drive system. It might not look the part, but the Golf R is a proper hot hatch.

Really, it's arguably the best hot hatch on the market, when you consider the overall package. Others may offer more under certain sections of the spec sheet, but there are none that will dutifully play both daily driver and weekend toy quite like the Golf R thanks to its highly customizable drive modes and an honest, tech-focused interior. Does the 'less is more' theory hold true when it comes to one of the less-serious corners of the automotive world? The Drive borrowed a 2018 model from Volkswagen for a week of mountain climbing and beachside cruising in southern California to find out.

VW Golf R—The Pros

• You say subdued, I say sleeper. Of all the hot hatches on the U.S. market, the Volkswagen Golf R is the least visually-differentiated from its lesser econobox brethren, with only quad exhaust pipes, 19-inch wheels, and a few subtle 'R' badges separating it from the workaday base model. There are no surprises in the sixth year of the MK7, and its traditional two-box hatchback profile still gives the Golf its instantly recognizable shape. It's an earnest, unadorned design, free of the visual hyperbole found in competitors like the Honda Civic Type R and Ford Focus RS. It looks sensible—perfect for blending into the daily commute to your grown-up job before unleashing your post-work anger on an empty canyon road.
• In the end, a hot hatch is only as good as it drives..which is to say, the Golf R is very, very, very good. We'll have to see how it ages to judge whether it truly belongs in the historic pantheon of hot hatch greatness, but all the ingredients for success are present. The car's EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine—the same block found in the Golf GTI, with a bucket of upgrades—sends 292 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque to all four wheels through either a six-speed manual or a seven speed dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission, both of which are great.
• Then there's the now-standard Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive suspension system with customizable driving modes, plus VW's capable and economical 4Motion all-wheel-drive setup that normally runs in front-wheel drive but can send half its power to the rear wheels if the situation calls for it. It all adds up to a foolproof fun time, though maybe a little too foolproof when it comes to the traction control system. But more on that in the next section.

• The interior is clean, well-organized, and uncluttered; this is Teutonic tidying at its finest. The biggest highlight here is the 12-inch Digital Cockpit display that completely replaces the gauge cluster—a relative of Audi's slightly more advanced Virtual Cockpit system. Digital gauges are among my biggest sources of heartburn, but I was pleasantly surprised to discover that the screen itself is noticeably crisp and unobtrusive to use, with intuitive steering wheel controls. The rest of the well-thought-out cabin shows why the Germans have such a reputation for high-quality interiors—premium, Audi-like materials abound, and every touch point feels solid. We're missing the GTI's Tartan seats here, but the black leather buckets in the R were plenty comfortable and nicely bolstered.
• The title of Jane Austen's 1811 novel Sense and Sensibility refers to the supposedly-dueling personalities of the two sisters at the center of the story, one of whom is prudent and rational while the other is far more emotional. The Volkswagen Golf R is pretty much the only hot hatch around that can play both sisters' roles. Slip it into Race mode for a hard-charging time, or leave it in Eco and watch the R do its best impression of a fuel-sipping snoozer. There's a wildness in there, but it's mitigated in part by an extensive suite of standard driver safety tech like automatic forward emergency braking and lane keep assist. If you're looking for a spicy compact to daily, this is the most compromise-free package you'll find for around $40,000.

VW Golf R—The Cons

• Yes, that's $40,000 for a Volkswagen Golf. I'm not opposed to the idea of a Golf that costs just a few thousand less than an Audi A3, or one that costs over 10 grand more than a GTI, but it is fair to say that the result could feel a little more special for the price. The 72-hp bump over the lesser GTI isn't as noticeable as you'd think, considering both cars put a premium on handling over raw force, and there's always a question of value when a top-trim model from a lesser marque bumps up against the lower rungs of a more premium brand.
• Oh, bother. This is supposed to be Volkswagen's ultimate performance hatchback, so why the nanny-state move of preventing owners from fully deactivating the traction control? You can hold that off button until you're as blue in the face as the car's paint, but the system will magically spring back to life if it thinks you're about to die. You're probably not, though—and once it happens, you're definitely not having as much fun as you were 10 seconds ago. It's definitely not an issue during normal driving, but it does highlight the fact that the Golf R is a little softer around the edges than some of its rivals.
• With that in mind, it doesn't really lead the stat sheet in any significant ways when stacked up against the competition. It's slower than a Honda Civic Type R, not as grippy as the Ford Focus RS, and it's not built for track duty like the Subaru WRX STI Type RA. Volkswagen's 4Motion system is more designed for slick conditions than performance-minded grip, and its brake-based torque vectoring isn't supplemented by any sort of limited-slip or properly locking differentials. The Golf R is plenty capable when it comes to lighter fare like autocross, but any owner with dreams of track day glory might find it a little less than ideal for the task.
• I get that the under-the-radar look might be a bridge too far for some especially considering the price. If your hot hatch isn't complete without a crazy wing or some other form of visual ostentation, the Golf R will leave you wanting more for the money.

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R, Ranked

Performance: 4/5

Comfort: 4/5

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Luxury: 4/5

Hauling people: 3/5

Hauling stuff: 3/5

Curb appeal: 4/5

“Wow” factor: 3/5

Overall: 4/5

The Bottom Line

Less really is more with the Volkswagen Golf R. Less visual drama, more places you can take it without feeling a little self-conscious. Less flash, more money in your pocket from flying under the radar and avoiding speeding tickets. Less junk you don't need in the interior, more peace of mind when you slide behind the wheel. Less specialization, more balance.

And that's what the Golf R is all about: balance. Hot hatch or not, few cars strike as pure a harmony between their split personalities as this one. That comes through in the very nature of this little hatchback—the way it looks almost exactly like a base model Golf while hiding over 100 more horsepower under the hood—but it also comes through the way the car slides seamlessly between propriety and hooliganism. In Eco mode it's a polite, fuel-sipping box; in Race mode, it will bite. Hard.

The Golf R also serves as an unwitting, if appropriate, metaphor for adulthood. You have to be respectable, take care of your responsibilities, and do a lot of boring things..but you also get to have so much more fun than you ever did as a stupid kid. You just need to find the right mix, and the R shows there's a way to hold onto your wild side longer than you ever thought possible. It's just not the cheapest way to stay forever young.

The 2018 Volkswagen Golf R, By the Numbers

Price (as tested): $40,885 ($41,970)

Powertrain: 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine ,292 horsepower, 280 pound-feet of torque; six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission; all-wheel drive

Curb Weight: 3,334 pounds

Fuel Economy: 22 mpg city, 29 highway (EPA)

Cargo Space: 22.8 cubic feet in the trunk, 52.7 cubes with the rear seats folded

0-60 mph: 4.8 seconds with dual-clutch automatic transmission (Car & Driver testing)

Number of Times I Had to Explain to Someone This Wasn't a Regular Golf: 6

The MK7 Volkswagen Golf R has, at times, generated mixed feelings among motoring fans. When it was released in 2014, it was lauded by the motoring press, who loved it's blend of speed and refinement. The hot hatch arms race that has developed since the release of the Golf has meant that VW's range-topper looks, on paper at least, like a poor substitute for the Ford Focus RS or Mercedes A45 AMG, but is that the reality?The Golf's case hasn't been helped by the fact that the car also became the weapon of choice of the leasing crowd, who snapped them up by the thousand at almost unbelievable prices. For some reason, there are people out there who don't like other people leasing cars and, for another reason, some of them decided that should tarnish the reputation of the actual car too.Just to get this out of the way, I was one of those tossers who leased one so, if you want to direct any anger at me, do feel free. I do want to offer some defence though, both of myself and others who chose the leasing route.

Given that it was possible to 'own' a 295bhp, 4WD hot hatch for little more than £200 a month, is it really any surprise that the speedy Golf is so popular? I've known people to spend more than that on maintaining a 15-year old snotter that they own outright, so I'd recommend a little caution when you get all worked-up over people who choose to lease their car rather than buy it.Anyway, that dealt with, my year-long relationship with the Golf R ended last week when it was returned to its owners.

So, what was the car actually like to live with every day? The cabin of the Golf R is a very nice place to be.While the Golf is a very good car, it isn't without its faults. When I ordered mine, sat-nav was an option on the R, but it was standard on the 'lesser' GTI, which seemed a bit odd. Thanks to the cost of adding it to the lease, I didn't spec it, so expect to find a lot of used examples without it. VW have now made it standard equipment, but it was a bit annoying at the time. Also, there were a few other things on the options list that perhaps could have been standard.

The Focus ST3 has heated, electric, leather seats and keyless entry - all optional on the Golf R. These are first-world problems I admit, but are worth considering if you're going to buy a used one.While we're on the subject of faults, I do want to talk a little bit about build quality.

People often put VW on a pedestal, claiming that they are far superior when compared to the likes of Ford and Vauxhall, but I'm not so sure. My particular Golf picked up an annoying rattle from the rear seat latches within a few thousand miles, along with one from the driver's upper seat belt mounting point. And one in the dashboard. And the apparently quite common rattle from the Soundaktor (the speaker that transmits 'engine noise' into the cabin).

The infotainment system also seemed a bit temperamental, with a slightly unstable Bluetooth connection and an occasional random loss of volume. No car is perfect but I'm not sure I would say that the Golf is that far beyond what the 'budget' manufacturers are knocking out. The infotainment system is easy to use but, in my car, it did have a few random faults at times. Sat-nav was an option on earlier cars too.Despite these minor irritations, the Golf R is still very easy to get on with. It deals with the daily grind without breaking into any kind of sweat and all the switches and buttons are exactly where you want them to be. It's comfortable, refined, well-equipped and, for a pretty high performance car, it rides very well indeed. You could easily mistake the R for being like any other Golf to be honest, but we'll get to that shortly.

Understated StyleMoving to the outside, the Golf is a pretty handsome looking thing. I always felt the proportions of the MK6 Golf were a little off, but the MK7 is definitely a return to form and the styling additions for the R only further enhance the cars underlying good looks. It doesn't have the rudeboy styling of the Focus RS or Civic Type-R and, at times, I did wish it looked a bit more shouty, but the ability to blend in also has a lot of benefits when you just want to drive at work without everyone looking at you. Mine only had the standard 18' wheels (that leasing thing again) but I'd recommend going for the optional 19' Pretoria alternatives if you can, as they look a lot better, though probably don't do much for the ride. The Golf R a handsome beast, but does perhaps look a bit too much like lesser models.My only real criticism of the R is that it looks a bit too much like it's sporting stablemates.

I think most people just assume it's a diesel and, to these eyes, it's almost indistinguishable from the Golf R-Line. One final note, and that is to question whether four exhausts is really necessary on a hot hatch?

VW aren't the only ones guilty of it, but I always preferred the twin pipes of the previous generation MK6 R and the MK5 R32. A tailpipe for each cylinder is a bit excessive on a five door hatchback. Does Speed Equal Excitement?The intensity of the aforementioned hot hatch arms race has perhaps made people forget just how potent the Golf R actually is. The 300PS from it's 2.0 turbocharged EA888 was a pretty shocking figure for a Golf, but perhaps not as shocking as the claimed 0-60 time of 4.9 seconds (5.1 for the manual).

While it was overshadowed by the bonkers power output of the Audi RS3 and Mercedes A45 AMG, the Golf R is still a mightily quick car on the road. It's also worth noting that, while it's domestic rivals may be faster on paper, in some tests the Golf actually outshone it's more premium cousin, the RS3. That five cylinder lump is heavy, giving the relatively lightweight Golf a real opportunity to regain ground - and offer a more rewarding drive too. That 2.0 engine is certainly impressive in the way it delivers the goods; virtually no lag means that, once you press the loud pedal, you are catapulted towards the horizon in short order. The DSG gearbox only emphasises this turn of speed further, with virtually instant shifts and good response, even in Normal mode.

While this is all very efficient, I think it would be a stretch to describe it as exciting. I have made my feelings about modern turbocharged engines known in previous features and the EA888 is a perfect example of where things have gone wrong. In their quest for efficiency, and in response to the idea that all lag is bad and must be eliminated, VW have created an engine that has absolutely no character whatsoever.

Even in Race mode, there is no sense of theatre, no anticipation. Instead, a slightly strange noise that sort of resembles an engine emanates from the Soundaktor and you're off.Once you've become used to the performance that the hottest Golf can muster, the only mild excitement comes from the 'thud' from the exhaust each time you pull on the paddle to shift up a gear. But, after a while, even those start to grate. A popping exhaust used to be a sign of a pretty tasty car, while now it is mapped into virtually every performance hatchback on the market, so the magic has been lost.

It's just a bit conceited somehow.While the DSG 'box makes the Golf R even faster, it doesn't do an awful lot to improve interaction. It's mighty effective and will let you hold gears, while also giving a nice blip when you downshift. Unfortunately, like all other automatic gearboxes, it can also be annoying when you want to nip out of a junction or onto a roundabout. It's great on the move, but there is still a slight delay when you pull away, meaning you can end up just rolling out in front of some poor soul, before it wakes up and then fires you down the road faster than you intended. I know some people might call me pedantic for criticising this, but it is annoying, I don't care what you say.

To the Twisty Bits.The handling of the Golf R is, in many ways, similar to the engine. The Haldex 4WD system means that traction is essentially limitless in normal conditions and, like most modern cars, there is a seemingly endless reserve of grip. Covering ground in a Golf R is an effortless affair. While my review may seem somewhat critical so far, there is no denying the rate at which this thing can cross the countryside.

It doesn't matter what kind of road it is, it doesn't matter what the weather is like, if you want to get somewhere quickly, there aren't many better weapons than a Golf R. A Golf R going round a corner. I wasn't driving it.Sadly though, while the handling is effective, I still don't consider it to be particularly engaging. I'm sure that if you throw it around on a track, you could probably have some fun with it, but most of us don't live in that world. We use our cars to drive to work, or for the occasional blast on a nice country lane.

In these circumstances, the Golf never really feels alive. The steering actually took some getting used to, as it felt a little too light and disconnected at first. I did adjust to it pretty quickly, but the feeling of connection that you would get from a RenaultSport product never materialised. Similarly, while it is 4WD, you don't get the feeling of the rear axle pushing you out of corners like in a Focus RS. Predominantly, it feels like a FWD car, just one with unlimited traction. The Not So Special OneFor me, this is where the real problem lies with the Golf R. It is a mightily impressive car and it will do everything you ask of it; transporting the kids to school and transporting you to work during the week.

Then, if you suddenly realise that you need to drive from London to Edinburgh using only B-roads, it will do it quicker than almost anything else you can buy. However, while it will do all of those things brilliantly, it just doesn't excite while it's doing it.The Golf just doesn't feel 'special' like a RenaultSport Megane or a Civic Type-R and it doesn't have the yobbish appeal of a Focus RS. When you're plodding along in any of those cars, you know that there is a hooligan under the surface, just aching to get out. When you're plodding along in the Golf R, you may as well be in a base model diesel. ConclusionSo, after driving one for a year, would I recommend it to others? That's actually a pretty complex question and I think it would very much depend on what type of person I was speaking to. To me, the Golf R is more of a fast cruiser than out-and-out racer and that will appeal to a lot of people reading this.

The pub figures are very impressive and, for the amount of time you can actually spend driving quickly in the real world, it will deliver enough thrills for Joe Average. For a true petrol head though, for a person that wants to feel like they are driving a thoroughbred, even when they're doing 10MPH through a town centre, I would suggest looking elsewhere. Bye bye Golf.However, before you conclude that I don't like the Golf R, it's time for me to throw a final spanner into the works. Yes, it's those leasing tossers again.

The popularity of the Golf R as a lease car means the used market is now flooded with them. You can pick-up 2014 models for little more than £18,000.

Want an A45 AMG? A Civic Type-R will cost you at least £23,000 and you don't even want to ask about the Audi RS3. So, while the Golf might not be the most exciting car of the bunch, it is turning out to be a rather good value choice if you want a piece of the super hatch revolution. And, if the speed of those pesky A45s and RS3s is too much to bare, you could always modify your Golf. A simple remap could unlock as much as 375PS and Revo Technik built a 450bhp demonstrator a couple of years ago. That might well liven things up a bit.Good pictures courtesy of Volkswagen while the bad ones are courtesy of yours truly.