Volkswagen Golf R: A Unique Perspective by Faizan Bukhari

The Volkswagen Golf R has been known to be a great car for those who want everyday practicality and usability along with immense amounts of performance. Having said that, the Golf R is a hot hatch that is mainly purchased by enthusiasts, and that means its owners are always on the lookout for ways to make it better, faster, and sportier. Today, we speak to Faizan Bukhari, who tells us more about his truly unique Golf R and what kickstarted his automotive passion.

Current Vehicle

What car do you currently drive?

I currently drive a Volkswagen Golf R, and if I’m being specific, it’s the MK 7.5.

Previous Vehicles

Have you owned any interesting cars in the past?

I’m not sure if you would classify it as interesting, but I did own a Volkswagen Golf GTI MK 7.5 in the past, and that is the car that got me into the Golf community in the UAE.

Passion for Cars

What got you into cars?

It all started many, many years ago when I was in school. I remember picking up car magazines and reading them cover to cover. I had posters of cars all over my bedroom walls, but it is my brother who got me interested in the tuning and aftermarket scene. We used to own a Wagon R, which he had customized very heavily, and after seeing that, I have this urge to never keep any car stock.

Be it a wrap, a new set of wheels, interior modifications, or engine and exhaust modifications, I love aftermarket tuning and the potential it gives owners nowadays.

Unique Modifications

What is unique about your car? Have you customized it in any way?

I have done many modifications to my car, and to make it easy for readers to understand, I’m going to list the upgrades below.

Exterior Modifications

• Forged carbon Aspec design hood
• Maxton design front lip
• Aspec design side skirt
• Custom forged carbon diffuser
• Custom forged carbon rear wing
• Forged carbon mirror caps
• Blacked accents
• Light interior trims painted black
• Custom forged carbon front grill
• Custom illuminated front logo
• Custom 3D printed fender blades
• Custom rear R logo
• Custom stealth logo
• Rear light blacked out
• Badgeskins brake light vinyl
• Badgeskins rear reflective vinyl
• Neuspeed Rse 10 alloys
• Badgeskins headlight brow
• Custom tire stickers
• Full tinted windows
• Underglow LED
• Carbon fiber Xforce exhaust tips

Interior Modifications

• Carbon fiber steering wheel with blue trim
• Carbon fiber interior trims (door, dashboard)
• Painted silver accents in candy blue
• Blue footwell LED
• Blue seat belts
• R logo foot mats
• Racingline paddle shifters painted in candy blue
• Badgeskins vinyls
• Tempered glass for the infotainment

Performance Modifications

• Racingline lowering springs
• Xforce performance cat-back exhaust
• Michelin PS4s
• Brembo disc and calipers

Future Modifications

Do you have any upgrades or modifications in the pipeline?

Although my current modification list is quite extensive, I do have more in the pipeline. I plan on adding a Stage 2 tune to the car for improved performance, a Racingline intercooler, a Racingline air intake system, and a Milltek downpipe. I also plan to change the styling a little bit by adding the first Rocket Bunny widebody kit in the GCC, adding an Airlift performance suspension, and three-piece forged carbon rims.

Future Aspirations

Tell me one car you would swap your current car for?

I really don’t think I can... I might buy something else in the future, but can’t give this one up!