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Space with pace: Volkswagen unveils new Golf R estate at la auto show

Volkswagen has today unveiled one of the sportiest all-rounders in the compact class: the Golf R Estate. This new car combines the high performance, driveability and comfort of the Golf R hatchback, which was launched in March this year, with the spacious boot of the Golf Estate; this is the first time that the Golf R has been developed in an estate bodystyle.

Like its hatchback sibling, the Golf R Estate is powered by a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged TSI petrol engine which develops 300 PS from 5,500 to 6,200 rpm. Maximum torque of 380 Nm is available from just 1,800 rpm right up to 5,500 rpm and is channelled via a standard six-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) to the permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Distribution of the power across all four wheels guarantees maximum traction, performance and active safety.

Ensuring dynamic performance are sport suspension (lowered by 20 mm), Volkswagen's innovative progressive steering system and ‘ESC Sport' mode which can be deactivated for use on a race track if desired. Optional highlights include the newest generation of the DCC adaptive chassis control system with a driving profile selector that features a Race mode.

The Golf R Estate's engine combines with these features to ensure safe but swift performance: standstill to 50 mph takes just 3.8* seconds, and to 62 mph 5.1* seconds, while top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Yet on the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), the Golf R Estate consumes just 7.0* l/100 km - or 40.4* mpg - equating to CO2 emissions of 163* g/km.

Despite its performance, the Golf R Estate does not compromise on space. With a luggage capacity of 605 litres (up to the back seat backrest), this Volkswagen offers an impressively large boot even with five people on board. With the seats flat and loaded up to the backs of the front sports seats, capacity grows to 1,620 litres.

The Golf R Estate's design follows that of the Golf hatchback up to the B-pillars. It is then distinguished and stands apart from the rest of the Estate range thanks to a new R design bumper, a high-gloss black diffuser, four chrome-plated tailpipe trims, so-called ‘aero flaps' on the D-pillars, cherry-red taillights and LED number plate illumination. At the front, the Golf R Estate has an
R specific bumper with particularly large air inlets, a distinctive radiator grille (with R logo) as well as bi-xenon headlights with integrated daytime running lights. The LED daytime running lights form a distinctive dual ‘U' design beneath the dual headlights, projecting a particularly striking light pattern during the day and at night.

R-style body-coloured side sill panels distinguish the Golf Estate range-topper, along with R logos on the front bumpers and matt chrome door mirror caps. Distinctive 18-inch ‘Cadiz' alloy wheels are unique to R models, while black-painted brake callipers with R logo complete the look. Optional 19-inch ‘Pretoria' flow-formed wheels (exceptionally lightweight and sturdy) in motorsport design are also available.

Inside the cabin, the Golf R Estate retains the styling cues of its hatchback counterpart, with Alcantara upholstery, R logos on the seats and steering wheel, a high level of standard equipment and blue highlights, for example in the ambient lighting and dash dials.

The Golf R Estate makes its debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show today and will be on display from 18-30 November. UK Retailers are due to start taking orders for the new car in spring 2015, with first deliveries in the summer.

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