Standard front and rear parking sensors, lane-departure warning and intervention, and auto high beams aim to up the value for this performance Volkswagen, but are the extra goodies worth its elevated price?

Earlier this year, you could get a “base” Golf R that came without the safety systems, navigation, or Dynamic Chassis Control for $37,575, but that was a very limited-release trim that’s been pushed aside for the most part. Now you have to accept all those features if you want a Golf R, and that means you’ll have to accept an elevated price as well: $41,295. The Golf has always been a do-nearly-anything entrant, and the Golf R only reinforces that image with all-wheel drive and a lot of extra power. Now with the added safety systems, navigation, and the dynamic suspension dampers, it truly offers the manic attitude of a canyon carver and the smooth power of a freeway cruiser all in one package.