Later this year, Australia is set to welcome the 2023 Volkswagen Golf R 20 Year Edition, a landmark celebratory variant of Volkswagen's most captivating hot hatch. A result of various unanticipated delays that have rocked the global automobile sector, Volkswagen has now confirmed that 50 exclusive models of the lauded Golf R 20 Year Edition will touch down in Australia, featuring a notable power upgrade, an exhilarating exhaust note, and several one-of-a-kind aesthetic enhancements.

Valued between $8,500 and $10,500 more than the standard Golf R, this limited edition will be the priciest Golf and four-cylinder Volkswagen passenger vehicle ever marketed in the country. With a starting price of $77,490 before on-road costs, it will retail for $8,500 more than the standard Golf R post a $2,000 price increase expected to be enforced on the base model from July 1.

Online orders for the exclusive Golf R 20 Year Edition will commence from July 13, 2023, with deliveries beginning on August 1, 2023. Among the fifty units designated for the Australian market, 32 will feature Lapiz Blue bodywork complemented by black wheels and mirror caps, while the remaining 18 will don a Pure White exterior, accented by black and blue wheels, and blue mirror caps.

Under the hood, the 20 Year Edition propels power and torque levels of the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine to 245kW and 420Nm respectively. This represents a significant leap of 10kW and 20Nm over the standard Golf R hatch sold locally, thereby promising a superior driving experience. A petrol particulate filter (PPF) is included to minimize emissions, further boosting its environmental credentials.

The 20 Year Edition surpasses its standard sibling with a 0-100km/h acceleration time of just 4.6 seconds, two-tenths faster than the base model. The inclusion of an Akrapovic titanium sports exhaust system, a new feature for the Mk8 Golf R in Australia, significantly contributes to the sporty character of the anniversary edition.

The unique 'Emotional Start' mode, turbocharger 'pre-loading', and more assertive overall sound, coupled with a 'jolt' during manual upshifts in Sport and Sport+ modes, further enhance the appeal of the Golf R 20 Year Edition. Meanwhile, distinct design cues vary by exterior color, with black 19-inch Estoril alloy wheels and mirror caps for the Lapiz Blue models and black and blue Estoril wheels, and blue mirror caps for the Pure White ones.

A universal '20 Years' badge on the driver's door pillar and puddle lights, blue R emblems, and genuine carbon-fibre inserts inside the car add a special touch. Standard features for this edition include a panoramic sunroof and Harman Kardon sound system, optional for the base Golf R.

This commemorative edition pays tribute to Volkswagen's Golf R heritage dating back to 2002. With nearly 20,000 Golf Rs and R32s sold in Australia since the debut of the original Mk4 Golf R32 in 2004, the 20 Year Edition stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Volkswagen's iconic R-badge. However, due to the prevailing high demand, Volkswagen has currently suspended orders for the Golf R.

2023 Volkswagen Golf R Australian pricing (estimated drive away prices)

Golf R hatch – $76,084 (from July 1)

Golf R wagon – $79,234 (from July 1)

Golf R 20 Years hatch – $85,009 (new, orders open July 13)

2023 Volkswagen Golf R 20 Years adds (over Golf R):

245kW/420Nm high-output engine tune with petrol particulate filter

New seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission tuning

'Emotional Start' mode

Akrapovic titanium sports exhaust (valued by VW at $6000)

Panoramic sunroof (valued at $1900, optional on standard model)

Harman Kardon premium sound system (valued at $1000, optional on standard model)

19-inch Estoril alloy wheels in black on Lapiz Blue cars, blue/black on Pure White cars

Mirror caps in black (on blue cars) or blue (on white cars)

20 Years door pillar badging and puddle light projection

Real carbon-fibre dashboard and door inserts

Blue R badges