The TCR has the same 2.0-litre turbocharged engine as the GTI Performance but more power, with 286bhp rather than 241bhp. For reference, the all-wheel-drive ‘super-Golf’, the Golf R, has 296bhp. Torque remains the same at 273lb ft, but even so the 0-62mph time tumbles from 6.2 seconds to 5.6 seconds. If you’re entirely uninterested in speed limits the TCR will top out at 155mph, but “Vmax can optionally be increased” to 161mph for a fee, says VW.
Away from the engine, the bodywork has been treated to a few subtle tweaks, there are 18-inch wheels or optional, exclusive 19-inch gloss black alloy wheels, the whole car has been lowered by 20mm, the brakes have been upgraded, there’s the limited-slip differential from the GTI Performance, and adaptive dampers are fitted as standard. There’s also a new stainless-steel exhaust or an optional Akrapovič system for those who like a little extra volume.
Climb inside and you’ll notice a new seat fabric, new seatbelts and a new steering wheel with a red 12 o’clock marker.