This is the fastest – and most expensive – Volkswagen Golf in the history of the iconic model.

So, it’s hardly surprising the Golf R has also been one of the most anticipated. Now it’s here, we’ve spent a week driving it on UK roads.

The Golf R is subtle in its execution – there are no boxed wheelarches or rally wings here. Look for the signs and they are there; you’ll just need to be a hot hatch aficionado. LED daytime running lights are the most obvious give-away, followed by the centrally-positioned twin tailpipes.

A new ‘Talladega’ design of 18- or 19-inch alloy wheels wrap around sizeable brakes and R-branded callipers. The bumpers, black door mirrors and side sills are all unique to the Golf R and Its LED rear lights deserve special mention, as their design is a real step-up from the standard units. It’s undoubtedly a great looking car, but arguably a less iconic one than the cheaper GTI it’s based on.

And, there’s bad news for fans of the 3.2-litre V6 fitted in the Golf R32 this car replaces. Due to its poor emissions (255g/km) and thirst (26.4mpg) it has been dropped in favour of the 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the Audi S3.

On paper its win-win, thanks to better performance and economy, and it’s certainly hard to argue with the figures. Thanks to 267bhp, this is the fastest Golf ever to 62mph, taking just 5.5 seconds with DSG and 5.7 with a manual ‘box.

That makes it quicker than the front-wheel drive Ford Focus RS and Renaultsport Megane 250.

Emissions drop to a far-less expensive 199g/km and economy climbs to 33.2mpg on the combined cycle. So, it’s just a shame the new car doesn’t sound as wonderful as the old one or rev quite as smoothly.

In keeping with its looks, the engine note is surprisingly subtle, making the R a refined car to drive. Ride comfort is also more sensible than you’d expect from a small car with big, low-profile tyres.

Great interior

The standard Golf has our favourite hatchback interior, so the R is off to a good start. The highly contoured and flat-bottomed steering wheel encourage you to steer like a racing driver – it’s almost too chunky to feed through your hands the way your driving instructor taught you.  Excellent Recaro bucket seats finished in cloth and Alcantara (leather is an option) hold you in place but are still comfortable on longer trips.

Sticking with R-trim tradition, the main gauges feature blue needles over white graphics, which sweep around the dials on start-up to whet the appetite. Unique door sills, aluminium pedals and a leather gear gaiter complete the look. It’s a fine interior, and our only criticism lies with the DSG paddles, which are too small and can be hard to find during cornering.

Surefooted handling

The latest 4Motion four-wheel drive system sends power to the wheels with the most grip in slippery conditions, giving the Golf R a very surefooted demeanour.

Accelerate hard from a standstill and there’s no fuss, just strong acceleration. It’s certainly simpler than getting the brawny Focus RS off the line without smoking the front tyres.

And, this fuss-free speed continues to be the theme as you travel from A to B. There’s lots of grip and traction and stopping power from the brakes is reassuringly sensational.

What’s absent is the heightened feeling of response you get in the Focus and Megane.

Some drivers will prefer the Golf’s approach. For day-to-day driving it’s a lovely way to travel, and its all-weather ability is tremendous.

It’s hot hatch fans who may be disappointed, both by how sensible the Golf R feels to drive, and its whopping £30k price tag.

Key Facts

Model tested: Volkswagen Golf R 2.0 TSI 4Motion 3dr DSG
On the road price: £31,395
Date tested: March 2010
Road tester: Andy Goodwin