The flagship VW Golf is undeniably fast, but it might not be the car for you.
If that’s the case, don’t fret – there are plenty of hot hatches and fast family cars that fit the bill instead.
Here are 10 of the best cars that are similar to a Volkswagen Golf R, and you’ll find many of these for sale at Motorpoint.
Audi S3
Better than the Golf R for: a premium interior
The Audi S3 is very much like a Golf R, because it uses the same engine, gearbox, four-wheel-drive system and chassis. As such, the S3’s performance numbers are the same as the Golf’s: 333hp and 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds. The S3 is even more subtle than the Golf R – from the front, the S3 looks no different to a high-spec A3 – which makes it great for surprising people at traffic lights. Nappa leather upholstery is included as standard in the S3, whereas the Golf R gets cloth seats, so the S3 is a nicer place to sit.
Shop used Audi S3 cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Audi S3 review
Mercedes-AMG A35
Better than the Golf R for: noise
It’s easy to assume that all of these four-wheel-drive premium German hot hatchbacks with 300-ish horsepower and 4.7-second 0-62mph times all drive the same. But jump out of the Golf R and into the A35 and you’ll immediately notice that the Mercedes feels a bit more switched on. A bit angrier. Its talents are unlocked sooner than in the Golf R. But perhaps the biggest difference is what you hear – the Golf is muted and almost apologetic, while the AMG is a noisy gargling firecracker.
Shop used Mercedes-AMG A35 cars for sale at Motorpoint
Cupra Leon
Better than the Golf R for: proper steering wheel buttons
There’s a Cupra Leon to compete with every petrol Golf, including the flagship R. Admittedly, the 333hp four-wheel-drive Leon is only available as an estate, but everyone with great taste knows the estate is the one to go for. Or you could pick the Formentor crossover. The Cupras have a sportier-feeling interior than the Golf, but not at the expense of usability. While the R is one of the last Golfs to suffer the awful haptic touchpads on the steering wheel, Cupra fits tactile buttons as standard. You’ll never turn the cruise control on by accident again.
Shop used Cupra Leon cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Cupra Leon review
Toyota GR Yaris
Better than the Golf R for: being a rally car for the road
For all its talent, the Golf R is so competent and so clever that you never feel like you’re testing its abilities. This might leave you feeling a bit detached – whereas the Toyota GR Yaris is brimming with engagement. The Golf R is faster off-the-line and a better all-rounder, but the GR Yaris is much more fun, with a tenacity and a single-mindedness that’s hard to turn down. On a winding and maybe undulating B-road, the GR Yaris is approaching automotive nirvana.
Shop used Toyota GR Yaris cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Toyota GR Yaris review
Ford Focus ST
Better than the Golf R for: changing gears yourself
Volkswagen doesn’t offer a single manual performance car any more, which is a bit of a shame. A manual gearbox adds a level of engagement to a car’s experience, so it’s well worth hunting out a Focus ST. The manual gearbox is quick, weighty and immensely satisfying to use, and the Focus ST makes it easy to rev match when you’re going down the gearbox. A bit like the GR Yaris, you get the impression that the Focus ST much prefers going fast than just pootling around town.
Shop used Ford Focus ST cars for sale at Motorpoint
BMW M2
Better than the Golf R for: a full-on sports car experience
For the price of a brand-new Golf R, you could slide into a BMW M2 that’s a couple of years old. Rather than being a top-of-the-range hatchback, the M2 is a proper sports car with incredible road presence. It looks considerably more expensive than a Golf R, and has considerably more power and performance than the VW. Its six cylinders sound much better than the four-cylinder EA888 engine under the Golf R’s bonnet. To be honest, the M2 is in a completely different league to the Golf R.
Shop used BMW M2 cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our BMW M2 review
Audi TT
Better than the Golf R for: a sporty body style
The Audi TT combines the tried-and-tested mechanicals of the Golf with a sleeker coupe body style. So, if you don’t need the Golf R’s practicality, you can cut a dash in Audi’s iconic sports car. You’ll want the TTS for similar performance to the Golf R, or upgrade to the TT RS for the same five-cylinder zinger as the Audi RS3. All TTs have a fantastic driver-focused interior and sharp looks. And there are convertible models if you want the wind in your hair.
Shop used Audi TT cars for sale at Motorpoint or read our Audi TT review
BMW M340i
Better than the Golf R for: boot space
If you’re considering the Golf R as a potential family car, its 341-litre boot might be on the small side – especially if you’re still in the prams and pushchairs stage. Yes, there’s a Golf R estate, but you could also look at the BMW 3 Series M340i. Available as a saloon or estate, the M340i is another six-cylinder BMW with a rewarding driving experience. As good as the Golf R is, we reckon the M340i is an even better all-rounder.
Shop used BMW M340i cars for sale at Motorpoint
Porsche Macan
Better than the Golf R for: SUV ride height
Like the M2 above, the Porsche badge points to a more premium experience than the Golf R offers. The Macan lets you sit higher up – which you’ll either appreciate for its easier access or its more commanding driving position – but is still a sporty and fun-to-drive car. It doesn’t feel too big for our roads, either.
Shop used Porsche Macan cars for sale at Motorpoint
Smart #1 Brabus
Better than the Golf R for: something no one else has
Perhaps you’re put off by how many Golf Rs you see around and you want something a bit more exclusive. In which case, let us present the Smart #1 Brabus. As we write this, there are only six used examples for sale on Auto Trader. It’s fully electric so will suit you if you can charge at home, and the performance of the Brabus model will embarrass some supercars – let alone the Golf R – away from traffic lights. Thanks to four-wheel drive and nearly 100hp more than the Golf R, this sporty Smarty hits 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds. Sheesh.
Shop used Smart #1 cars for sale at Motorpoint
