As we first reported earlier, the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R will soon be locally-assembled (CKD) here in Malaysia, and Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has now opened the order books for the R-rated hot hatch ahead of its official launch sometime this year.
The new CKD 2023 Volkswagen Golf R is estimated to be priced between RM330,000 to RM350,000 here in Malaysia, although official pricing will only be available when the car is launched.
Aside from the car now being assembled in Pekan, Pahang (first outside of Germany), VPCM has also given the 2023 Golf R a whole bunch of upgrades, most notably the R Performance Pack that now comes as standard, consisting of the Akrapovic exhaust system, an elaborate roof spoiler, new lighweight 19-inch ‘Estoril’ wheels, as well as the ‘Drift’ and ‘Special’ driving modes – the former lets you unleash your inner child through silly tyre-burning sideways action, while the latter designed for maximum traction on bumpy backroads.
Underneath the bonnet remains the same EA888 evo4 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged inline-four engine, which continues to make 320 hp and 400 Nm. Paired to the seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission and the marque’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system, the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R sprints from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, onwards to a top speed of 250 km/h.
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Inside, the new 2023 locally-assembled Volkswagen Golf R now gains a new head-up display, so the driver can keep his focus on the roads while flying down the track or touge runs. On the highways, the new IQ.Drive advanced driver assist suite – consisting of an adaptive cruise control system (Travel Assist), autonomous emergency braking (Front Assist), lane-keeping assist (Lane Assist), and blind spot monitor (Side Assist) – help take the load off the drivers.
Otherwise, the locally-assembled 2023 Volkswagen Golf R is identical to the car that first made its debut early last year, with highlights including the model-exclusive exterior body kit consisting of a more aggressive front bumper, a prominent diffuser round the back, signature satin-silver wing mirror covers, and blue-coloured R-styled brake calipers.
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Inside, the CKD 2023 Volkswagen Golf R gets a pair of 10-inch displays for its instrumentation and infotainment, both with R-specific displays, R brushed stainless steel pedals, a leather-wrapped haptic flat-bottom steering wheel with dedicated R buttons and larger gearshift paddles, R carbon grey trim, 10-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, as well as the sport seats wrapped in Nappa leather.
The locally-assembled 2023 Volkswagen Golf R is now open for bookings at any authorised Volkswagen dealerships throughout the country, available in three exterior colour options, including the signature Lapiz Blue (pictured), Deep Black, and Pure White.
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