Volkswagen R family expansion plans

VOLKSWAGEN will expand its range of pumped up, high-performance R-vehicles in a similar manner to the Mercedes-AMG range, it says, and continue a push into premium territory.

While the coveted R badge has so far only resulted in a handful of higher-performance versions, limited run specials and optional packs, the German carmaker says it’s getting serious with R and the brand will soon form a more consistent and present line of vehicles.

Speaking at the launch of the Golf 7.5 - a car also set for an R resurgence - Volkswagen Group Australia CEO Michael Barsch told Wheels that the italic R has more to give and the family is set to grow.

“Yes it’s extremely versatile and it is intended that the R will be like AMG is,” he said. “That is very much part of our product planning.”

While VW has teased its intent with a number of R-Line offerings that bring sporty promise and light enhancement, the sharpened R-focus will bring more hardcore versions of the line-up with pedigree performance.

Barsch explained that supply constraints have been the greatest thorn in the R brand’s side and the Australian branch was working with global supply to secure a more consistent supply for local customers.

“It’s obviously dependent on being available from Germany but what you’ve seen with us here in Australia, the R; we bring out 300 cars and then we stop for a year. We need to make the R part of the sub-brand of Volkswagen.

“We want to always have R models as part of the offering within the product portfolio. It’s very powerful. What I would like to see here in Australia is more consistency in the supply line.”

To date, the Volkswagen R flagbearer has been the Golf, which was offered in both hatch and limited wagon form and will return with the updated 7.5 range next month, but Barsch said the badge is not limited to select models, unlike the GTI brand which is sworn to the small hatchback.

“It’s already applied to the Touareg, Passat and the Golf. In theory it can be applied to anything it’s simply a question of if it’s available.”

As for what is in the pipeline, Barsch said nothing is yet confirmed but a spicier version of the freshly launch Tiguan mid-sized SUV was top of the wish list.

“The car that we’re hanging out for is the Tiguan. If I had my dream and wish list - a Tiguan R.”

The introduction of more R cars fits with the company’s strategy to push VW brand perception into more upmarket landscapes, including the next-gen Touareg, which is said will compete with BMW’s X5, and a forthcoming Arteon luxury sedan.

Alongside the other new premium offerings, a more conspicuous R family would continue to fluff Volkswagen’s pillows and boost its appeal for customers looking for a more emotive line-up of vehicles, concluded Barsch.

“To me as a car nut they’re [R cars] critical in creating the emotion of the brand and when you think about it, what put the Golf on the map was the GTI, and the R is a GTI on steroids”.