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.
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.
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.
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.
What is unique about your car? Have you customized it in any way?
I have done many, many modifications to my car and to make it easy for readers to understand, I’m going to list the upgrades below.
In the looks department:
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 fenders 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
On the Interior:
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
For Performance:
Racingline lowering springs
Xforce performance cat-back exhaust
Michelin PS4s
Brembo disc and calipers
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 Racing line 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.
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!
