2014 Volkswagen Golf R revealed as sub 5-second hot hatch

The problem with the Volkswagen Golf R isn't necessarily its standalone performance, nor its refrained styling. It's that it costs $10,000 more than the Golf GTI, but lacks the necessary pizazz to justify the additional cost. But perhaps that's about to change.

The 2014 Golf R revealed today sports an upgraded 2.0-liter turbocharged motor, boasting 296 hp (a 30 hp increase) and 280 lb.-ft. of torque (a 22 lb.-ft. increase). It's fitted to a new 4MOTION all-wheel drive system that promises improved traction, and comes with a choice of a six-speed manual or a dual-clutch DSG automatic transmission.