The new Golf R debuted last year as the most powerful production Golf yet, but Volkswagen hasn't finished expanding the eighth-generation Golf family yet. Last year, we caught VW testing the new Golf R Variant, a more practical wagon version of the high-performance hatchback.

This time, our spies have spotted VW testing a prototype of the Golf R Variant with no camouflage whatsoever, giving us our best look yet at the new performance wagon. Since we already know what the Golf R looks like, it's not surprising that VW hasn't bothered to disguise its new wagon sibling apart from a strip of black tape covering the R logo.

As expected, the styling changes introduced to the Golf R have also been applied to the wagon including new headlights and taillights, while wider side sills and unique bumpers and air intakes set it apart from the regular Golf R wagon. The suspension is also lowered and bigger brakes with blue calipers are fitted for superior stopping power.

For the first time, a tow hook has been fitted to the prototype, but it remains to be seen if this is for testing purposes or if it will be available as an optional extra. An optional Akrapovic quad exhaust system also appears to be fitted to the prototype.

Like its hatchback sibling, the new Golf R wagon will be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine sending 315 horsepower and 310 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic or a six-speed manual.

In the regular Golf R, 0-62 mph takes 4.7 seconds and tops out at 155 mph, but the larger and heavier wagon will likely be slightly slower off the line. Of course, the more practical wagon will make up for this with an increased cargo capacity and rear legroom so the whole family can join in the fun. Now that the camouflage has come off, the production Golf R Wagon should debut within the next few months. Sadly, VW refuses to sell the regular Golf Variant in America, so the hardcore Golf R wagon won't be available here either.