THE hottest version of the latest Golf has been revealed by Volkswagen and it comes with a new all-wheel-drive system as standard as well as the option of a drift mode for maximum fun.

With a 2.0-litre turbo engine boosted to deliver 320ps it is the most powerful production Golf and capable of 0 to 60 in 4.7 seconds.

Power is up by 27 horsepower over its predecessor and the newcomer is fitted with VW's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system that incorporates torque vectoring to optimise traction.

The R model will be available either as a six-speed manual with the option of a seven-speed DSG box. Top speed is limited to 155mph.

An optional R-Performance package is also available which not only increases performance but adds features such as a rear spoiler to the design.

The performance option also includes an R button on the steering wheel for quick access to the car's ‘race' mode which has a drift setting for use on track.

The R sits some 2cm lower than the standard Golf and comes with bigger front air intakes, specific R badges while at the rear there are quad exhausts protruding from a diffuser.

Prices for the model are still to be announced but are expected to be slightly more than the £32,000 entry price for the previous Golf R.

The new R is expected to be on the road early next year.