Drag race: new Volkswagen Golf R vs BMW M135 vs Audi S3 vs Mercedes-AMG A35

This is the new Volkswagen Golf R, and it’s been given a handful of tweaks to keep it looking and feeling fresh. Not only does it have a revised styling and an improved interior, the 2.0-litre engine has also been tuned for more power.

It was already a rapid hot hatch, but how does this new one get on in a drag race against its three deadliest rivals? To find out, we’ve lined it up against the new BMW M135, the facelifted Audi S3 and the not-so-new, but still very fast Mercedes-AMG A35.

New Volkswagen Golf R

The new Volkswagen Golf R still has the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine as before, however it’s been tuned from 300hp to 333hp. You also get 420Nm of torque.

This is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. It tips the scales at 1,548kg, and the new Golf R costs £44,985.

New BMW M135

This is the updated BMW M135, and it was given a much more comprehensive facelift than the Golf in 2024. As well as losing the i from its name, it has a new look and an overhauled interior.

Power is still the same though from its 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, and 300hp and 400Nm of torque on tap. This goes to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch ‘box, and it weighs in at 1,550kg. It’s slightly cheaper than the Golf R at £43,600.

New Audi S3

Next up is the Audi S3, which was also given a facelift in 2024. It should be very evenly matched to the Golf R, because it has exactly the same 333hp turbocharged petrol engine with the same 420Nm of torque on offer.

Like the Golf, power is sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, but it’s slightly lighter at 1,535kg. Despite being almost identical mechanically to the Golf, it’s a few thousand pounds more expensive. A new S3 will set you back £47,520.

Mercedes-AMG A35

Finally there’s the Mercedes. It may not have been updated for a while, but it should still put up a strong fight with its 306hp 2.0-litre petrol engine putting out 400Nm of torque. Like the other cars here it has all-wheel drive, but it’s the only one with an eight-speed dual-clutch gearbox.

The Mercedes is the lightest car of the four as well, coming in at 1,495kg. This posh hot hatch can be yours for £46,000.

But which of these cars will come out on top? You’ll have to watch the video to find out…

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