Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Tucson
2012 Volkswagen Golf R
Now available at Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Tucson in Tucson, AZ
- Starting MSRP$35,490
- Horsepower256 hp
- EPA MPG19 city / 27 hwy
- DrivetrainAll Wheel Drive

The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R brings 256 horsepower, all-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual transmission to a compact hatchback format. At Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Tucson in Tucson, shoppers can learn how this single-trim performance Volkswagen is configured, compare it with same-year alternatives, and explore current Volkswagen inventory options. Its 2.0-liter inline-four produces 243 lb-ft of torque, while the hatchback body adds useful cargo space behind the rear seats. This page also outlines key dimensions, fuel economy, pricing context, and practical considerations for buyers in Tucson and the surrounding Southern Arizona communities.
- 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 Golf R Compares With Competitors
Pricing, power, drivetrain, fuel requirements, and efficiency help define the differences among compact performance-oriented hatchbacks and other small cars. The 2012 Volkswagen Golf R has a starting MSRP of $35,490; MSRP excludes tax, title, registration and dealer fees.
| Spec | 2012 Volkswagen Golf R | 2012 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 | 2012 Ford Focus | 2012 Kia Forte |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting MSRP | $35,490 | $24,000 | $22,700 | $19,600 |
| Horsepower | 256 hp | 263 hp | 160 hp | 173 hp |
| EPA MPG | 19 city / 27 hwy | — | 27 city / 37 hwy | — |
| Drivetrain | All Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Premium Unleaded (Recommended) | Premium Unleaded (Required) | Flex-Fuel (Unleaded/E85) / Electric | Regular 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 Mazda Mazdaspeed 3 starts at $24,000 and produces 263 horsepower, compared with the Golf R's $35,490 starting MSRP and 256 horsepower. The Mazda's front-wheel drive and required premium unleaded fuel may suit shoppers focused on a lower starting price and front-drive performance, while the Golf R's all-wheel drive favors buyers seeking added drivetrain traction.
The 2012 Ford Focus starts at $22,700 and makes 160 horsepower, with EPA fuel economy of 27 city / 37 hwy and front-wheel drive. Its flex-fuel (unleaded/E85) / electric fuel configuration and lower price may appeal to efficiency-minded shoppers, while the Golf R emphasizes stronger power and all-wheel-drive capability.
The 2012 Kia Forte starts at $19,600 and produces 173 horsepower through front-wheel drive using regular unleaded fuel. Its lower price and regular-fuel requirement favor budget-conscious commuting, while the Golf R offers more horsepower and all-wheel drive for shoppers prioritizing performance and traction.
Specifications and Configuration
The Golf R comes in one trim, giving shoppers a straightforward configuration rather than a range of trim choices. Its 2.0-liter, 1,984 cc inline-four engine sends 243 lb-ft of torque through a six-speed manual transmission and all-wheel drive.
Peak power arrives at 6,000 rpm, while peak torque arrives at 2,400 rpm. The recommended fuel is premium unleaded, and fuel economy is rated at 19 city MPG and 27 highway MPG. The hatchback provides 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats.
Exterior dimensions measure 165.8 inches in length, 70 inches in width, and 57.5 inches in height, with a 101.5-inch wheelbase. Its 14.5-gallon fuel capacity supports the compact hatchback layout.
Buying a 2012 Volkswagen Golf R in Tucson
Larry H. Miller Volkswagen Tucson serves Tucson and the greater Tucson metro area, including Catalina Foothills, Oro Valley, Marana, Sahuarita, Green Valley, Dove Mountain, and Tanque Verde. The dealership is located at 900 West AutoMall Drive, Tucson, AZ 85705.
Vehicle inventory changes regularly, so shoppers can search inventory for current Volkswagen options and use the store's online tools to begin the purchase process. A trade-in can also be started through value your trade.
What to Weigh Before Buying
The Golf R's single-trim format simplifies the configuration decision, but its manual transmission and premium-fuel recommendation are important ownership considerations. Buyers should also weigh the 19 city MPG and 27 highway MPG ratings against their typical Tucson driving patterns.
All-wheel drive and 256 horsepower give the Golf R a distinct performance focus within the compact hatchback class. Its 14.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats keeps everyday utility part of the design, while the compact dimensions make its footprint easy to consider for city driving.