New Golf Clubsport And VR6-Powered VW Arteon R Due Later This Year

The VW line-up is set to get considerably more exciting this year. According to Auto Bild, three new R models will be launched in 2018, inflating a range which currently only contains one vehicle - the Golf R.

Those who are after a fast crossover will have two to choose from: the T-Roc R and Tiguan R. Both are expected to be powered by VW’s EA888 inline-four turbo, presumably with a more powerful version fitted in Tiguan R. We had previously seen what appeared to be a Tiguan R prototype undergoing testing with Audi’s 2.5-litre inline-five under the bonnet, but in light of more recent spy footage, we’re thinking that might have been a cunningly disguised test mule for the next RS Q3.

But don’t be too disappointed, as the third new R model will be powered by something much more interesting than a turbocharged four-banger. We’re talking about the Arteon R, which is in line to receive an all-new 3.0-litre turbocharged VR6. Late last year, VW told Car Throttle that a prototype Areton R had been built, which at the time was running over 400bhp.

Our favourite piece of news though? That concerns a new Golf Clubsport. We ran one as a long-term test car last year and adored it, so a version based on the new ‘Mk7.5’ Golf is an enticing prospect. It’s not something we’d expected, either - the last Clubsport, after all, was a special-edition car made to celebrate the Golf GTI’s 40th anniversary. Auto Bild expects a power figure of around 300bhp, up from the 286bhp the last one made when its ‘overboost’ function was engaged.

Which of these incoming fast VWs do you like the sound of most?