Best performance car of 2011

Best performance car of 2011<br />
IOL mot dec15 coty golf r

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Golf R is like a GTI, but better.

WINNER - VW GOLF R:

It's almost just like a GTI, but better. It's faster because its 2-litre turbocharged engine has been pumped-up to 188kW and 350Nm (from 155 and 280), and it lays it all down to the ground in such a calm and collected manner because it's all-wheel drive.

There's no torque steer to speak of, which is a good thing when you're trying to run from a pack of chasing Focus STs, Megane RSs and Mini Cooper Ss. Rip from 0-100km/h in SA's fastest Volkswagen (we got it at 6.4 seconds) and have a chilled conversation with your passengers while doing it because it's so quiet inside.

Choose between two of the world's best gearboxes in a quick-changing DSG, or a slick-shifting manual.

PRICING: R419 300 - R433 800

*This contest was judged by the motoring journalists of the Independent Newspapers group, representing IOL, Star Motoring, Drive Times, Pretoria News and Mercury Motoring.