Volkswagen had been one of the few
brands in the United States that hasn't decided to Buick-ize its styling and
sponge down its ride. And, indeed, the Golf R promises to be anything but
vanilla. With the Golf R's AWD, 280 hp and a real six-speed gearbox, Volkswagen
is at last bringing a genuine WRX fighter to the U.S. Volkswagen is even
committing two body styles to the contest, pitting this car against the Mini
Paceman (only a three-door). Fuel economy is said to be 20 percent better than
the old R32, at a price that should be near $32,000. It will have new brake
rotors, plus more aggressive stability-control settings with "track
setting" or the equivalent. Expect both two- and four-door body styles,
both of which will get R-body-style cosmetics and sport exhaust
