This astonishing pace, which comes when the Golf R is specified with a twin-clutch automatic DSG gearbox, makes it as fast away from the lights as older sports cars like the Ferrari 355, the 4.0-litre TVR Cerbera and the Caterham 7 R300.

With a manual gearbox the incredibly quick family hatchback is 0.4 seconds slower to hit the acceleration benchmark, but shares the same 155mph electronically limited top speed. It puts its 296bhp – the most for any production Golf in history – down to the road through a fifth-generation part-time four-wheel drive system that hooks up under high power.

Under the bonnet is the EA888 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the GTI, but enhanced with modifications to the cylinder head, exhaust valves, valve seats and springs, pistons, injection valves and turbocharger.

Larger brakes have been installed to counter the huge speed on offer, with discs of 340mm at the front and 310mm at the back.

The images in the press photographs show huge wheels underneath the arches, but the standard rims will be 18-inch alternatives. However, the R will ride 5mm lower than the GTI with which it shares an engine, and 20mm lower than the regular Golf. A unique spring and damper tune has been reached for this model, too.

Running costs are not expected to be prohibitive unless the huge performance is deployed a little too often. Fuel economy hovers around 40mpg for both the manual and the automatic versions, while the tyres are a relatively affordable 225/40 section as standard.

Visually the Golf R will be distinguished by four exhausts, R logos and larger air intakes – which are needed to cool the higher-performance engine. The front bumper is therefore a different design as well.

The car will star on the Volkswagen stand at the Frankfurt Motor Show next month, with a UK on-sale date to be confirmed after that time.