直列4気筒
Like the GTI, the Golf R is also built as a three- or five-door hatchback. It is powered by a newly developed version of the turbocharged EA888 petrol FSI Inline-four engine used in the latest Golf GTI (and Audi S3), but in this application producing ( for "hot climate" markets such as Australia, South Africa, Japan, USA) from 5,500 to 6,200 rpm and from 1,800 to 5,500 rpm of torque. Compared to the GTI's powerplant, the Golf R's engine has a modified cylinder head, exhaust valves, valve seats and springs, pistons, injection valves and larger intercooler and turbocharger. DSG equipped models also come with an auxiliary oil cooler on the passenger side on right hand drive models.