Is The Volkswagen Golf R Performance Pack Worth It?

The Volkswagen Golf R Performance Pack comes with a variety of upgrades for your Golf R. But is the extra cost worth it? Stable Lease finds out.

The optional Golf R Performance Pack includes:

• Removes the 155mph limit for a top speed of 168mph
• Gains a larger dual-plane rear spoiler which improves downforce
• Wheels are upgraded to 19-inch 'Estoril' alloys
• Two additional driving modes: 'Special' and 'Drift'

Let's break the options down one by one:

1. Removes the 155mph limit for a top speed of 168mph

If you're planning to use your Golf R on the track or taking it to private roads for legal top speed runs, the 168mph top speed will definitely appeal to you, otherwise, it is essentially useless for every day driving. But at least it gives you bragging rights to your friends that your car is capable of doing 168mph.

2. Gains a larger dual-plane rear spoiler which improves downforce

The larger dual-plane rear spoiler definitely looks better appearance-wise than the standard and Volkswagen have told us that it adds a useful 20 kilograms of downforce under hard acceleration. However, the data on how that helps with aggressive acceleration and improving 0-60mph times isn't out there yet for the latest Golf R Mk8. 

3. Wheels are upgraded to 19-inch Estoril alloys

The 19-inch 'Estoril' alloys are a nice upgrade from the standard 18-inch 'Jerez' alloys. The 19-inch wheels on the R Performance Pack will improve handling, especially in the corners, as there is more contact with the road and tyre surface thanks to the larger alloys. They also look great within the Golf R's wheel arches, as they look more in proportion with the rest of the body. The design looks fantastic as well and is definitely eye-catching to hot hatch connaisseurs. 

4. Two additional driving modes: Special and Drift

These two modes are brand new to the Golf R series. 'Special' is a mode specifically tailored for the Nürburgring Nordschleife race track. It adjusts the damping response, steering sensitivity, throttle maps and differential settings in order to maintain the most efficient performance around the 12.9-mile circuit. Although this mode was designed for the Nürburgring, there's no reason it couldn't be used for any race track of your choosing. 

The 'Drift' mode alleviates some of the strict traction control and allows the engine to send more power to the rear axle. This allows the Golf R to perform 'powerslides' thanks to the extra torque on the rear wheels. This will make the Golf R more lively in corners when you want to allow the back end to drift a little when powering through sharp turns. Or you can just take it to a private car park and do doughnuts. We'll let you decide. 

Is the Volkswagen Golf R Performance Pack worth it?

It depends on whether you are going to be using the features above bundled with the package. Bear in mind the Golf R Performance Pack costs an extra £2,000 to have added. The improved rear spoiler and 19-inch 'Estoril' alloys are definitely worth it, at least when it comes to improving the appearance of your Golf R. The top speed limit removal is great if you're expecting to take your car to the track, as well as the 'Special' mode which will make it a track-focused weapon. The 'Drift' mode seems like great fun and is something we expect many people will get the R Performance Pack just for.