Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Avondale

2012 Volkswagen Golf R

Now available at Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Avondale in Avondale, AZ

  • Starting MSRP$35,490
  • Horsepower256 hp
  • EPA MPG19 city / 27 hwy
  • DrivetrainAll Wheel Drive
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Common questions
2012 Volkswagen Golf R
2012 Volkswagen Golf R shown

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R brings 256 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual transmission to a performance-focused hatchback format at Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Avondale in Avondale, AZ. This page covers the Golf R’s pricing, dimensions, engine configuration, fuel economy, cargo space, and comparisons with same-year alternatives, helping shoppers understand how it fits their driving priorities before exploring Volkswagen inventory and dealership resources in the Phoenix West Valley.

Starting MSRP
$35,490
Horsepower
256 hp
EPA MPG
19 city / 27 hwy
Drivetrain
All Wheel Drive
Fuel
Premium Unleaded (Recommended)
Body Style
Hatchback

How the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R Compares With Its Competitors

Pricing, power, efficiency, drivetrain, and fuel requirements can shape the right choice among compact performance-oriented cars. The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R has a starting MSRP of $35,490; MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees.

2012 Volkswagen Golf R compared with 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3, 2012 Ford Focus, 2012 Kia Forte
Spec2012 Volkswagen Golf R2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 32012 Ford Focus2012 Kia Forte
Starting MSRP$35,490$24,000$22,700$19,600
Horsepower256 hp263 hp160 hp173 hp
EPA MPG19 city / 27 hwy—27 city / 37 hwy—
DrivetrainAll Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel DriveFront Wheel Drive
FuelPremium Unleaded (Recommended)Premium Unleaded (Required)Flex-Fuel (Unleaded/E85) / ElectricRegular Unleaded

Manufacturer figures for the model year shown; a range spans that model's trims. Starting MSRP excludes tax, title, registration, and dealer fees.

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R starts at $35,490 with 256 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and premium unleaded recommended, while the 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 starts at $24,000 with 263 horsepower, front-wheel drive, and premium unleaded required. The Golf R favors buyers seeking all-wheel-drive traction, while the Mazdaspeed 3 favors shoppers focused on lower starting price and slightly higher quoted power.

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R offers 256 horsepower, 19 city MPG, and 27 highway MPG with all-wheel drive, while the 2012 Ford Focus starts at $22,700 with 160 horsepower, 27 city MPG, 37 highway MPG, front-wheel drive, and Flex-Fuel (Unleaded/E85) / Electric fuel. The Golf R suits buyers prioritizing power and all-weather drivetrain capability, while the Focus favors shoppers emphasizing fuel economy, lower starting price, and flexible fuel options.

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R starts at $35,490 and produces 256 horsepower with all-wheel drive and premium unleaded recommended, while the 2012 Kia Forte starts at $19,600 with 173 horsepower, front-wheel drive, and regular unleaded. The Golf R favors buyers seeking stronger performance and all-wheel-drive traction, while the Forte favors shoppers looking for a lower starting price and regular-fuel compatibility.

Specifications and Configuration

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R comes in one trim, keeping the model’s configuration straightforward. Its 2.0-liter inline-four engine produces 256 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, with peak power at 6,000 rpm and peak torque at 2,400 rpm.

A six-speed manual transmission sends power through an all-wheel-drive system. Premium unleaded is recommended, and the hatchback returns 19 city MPG and 27 highway MPG.

The Golf R measures 165.8 inches long, 70 inches wide, and 57.5 inches high, with a 101.5-inch wheelbase. It provides 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats, while its 14.5-gallon fuel capacity supports longer stretches between fill-ups.

Buying a 2012 Volkswagen Golf R in Avondale

Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Avondale serves Avondale and the Phoenix West Valley, including Goodyear, Glendale, Peoria, Surprise, Buckeye, and Phoenix. The dealership is located at 10205 West Papago Freeway in Avondale, AZ 85323, just off I-10 in the Avondale Auto Mall.

Vehicle availability changes on a rolling basis, so shoppers can search inventory for current Volkswagen options and contact the dealership at (623) 400-7146 for assistance. Online tools also support trade-in planning through value your trade.

What to Weigh Before Buying

The Golf R’s one-trim approach simplifies the decision, but its performance-oriented configuration deserves a close look. Consider whether 256 horsepower, all-wheel drive, a manual transmission, premium unleaded, and the stated fuel economy align with daily driving habits.

Its hatchback body provides useful cargo flexibility within a compact footprint, while the 14.8 cubic feet behind the rear seats may matter for regular shopping, commuting, or weekend gear. Comparing power, drivetrain, fuel type, and starting MSRP with alternatives can help clarify which priorities matter most.

Frequently Asked Questions

6 common questions answered

How many trims does the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R have?The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R comes in one trim.

Its single configuration pairs a 2.0-liter inline-four engine with a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive.

  • 256 horsepower
  • 243 lb-ft of torque
  • Hatchback body style
What is the starting price of the 2012 Volkswagen Golf R?The starting MSRP is $35,490.

MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees. The destination charge is $770.

  • One available trim
  • Six-speed manual transmission
  • All-wheel drive
What engine and drivetrain does the Golf R use?It uses a 2.0-liter inline-four engine with all-wheel drive.

The engine produces 256 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque, with a six-speed manual transmission.

  • 1,984 cc displacement
  • Peak power at 6,000 rpm
  • Peak torque at 2,400 rpm
What fuel economy does the 2012 Golf R offer?The Golf R is rated at 19 city MPG and 27 highway MPG.

Premium unleaded is recommended, and the fuel tank holds 14.5 gallons.

  • Premium unleaded recommended
  • 19 city MPG
  • 27 highway MPG
How does the Golf R compare with the 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3?The Golf R has all-wheel drive and 256 horsepower, while the Mazdaspeed 3 has front-wheel drive and 263 horsepower.

The Golf R starts at $35,490, compared with $24,000 for the Mazdaspeed 3. The Golf R favors shoppers seeking all-wheel-drive traction, while the Mazdaspeed 3 favors buyers focused on a lower starting price and slightly higher quoted power.

  • Golf R: all-wheel drive
  • Mazdaspeed 3: front-wheel drive
  • Both use premium unleaded fuel
How can I see a Volkswagen Golf R in person?Contact Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Avondale in Avondale, AZ, to discuss current vehicle options.

The dealership is located at 10205 West Papago Freeway, Avondale, AZ 85323, just off I-10. Vehicle availability changes on a rolling basis, so the live inventory page is the best place to begin.