A few months ago, we got to see a preview of the Volkswagen Golf R-Line & Golf GTI Mk8. Now some time has passed and these models are finally launched. Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) just opened up pre-bookings and launched the all-new Golf R-Line and the Golf GTI today. Let’s take a deeper look at the new locally assembled 8th gen Golf.
Volkswagen Golf R-Line
The R-Line is the “entry-level” model of the two and has a relatively sporty design. Volkswagen claims that it has improved performance, enhanced digitalisation and intuitive control.
On the exterior, both its LED headlights and front grille are quite thin, giving it a striking look. Looking at the interior, you will notice something they call the “Driver’s Workspace”, a fully digital interior landscape. This includes a large 10.25″ digital cockpit, a steering wheel with haptic-touch control and a 10″ Discover Media infotainment system. This system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The R-Line also features a new compact gear selector design, which makes it the first Volkswagen model in Malaysia to have it. Volkswagen claims that the Golf R-Line has 381 litres of luggage space.
To control the vehicle’s system, you can use the intelligent voice control system. Just like Siri or Cortana, just say “Hello Volkswagen” and it will listen to your voice commands. You can even say “I’m cold” and it intelligently increases the temperature. It will even locate where the speaker is sitting and adjust the temperature zones accordingly.
Interior and engine
The R-Line goes alone with the sporty theme with its front seats, made of Sardegna fabric with Art Velours side bolsters. It even has the R-line logo embossed on the seats.
Under the hood, you’ll find a 1.4TSI turbocharged engine coupled with an 8-speed automatic shift by wire transmission, producing 150PS and 250Nm of torque. It has a rated fuel economy of 5.8 litres per 100km. The R-Line takes 8.5 seconds to reach 100km/h, which is actually slower than the R-Line Mk7.5’s 8.2 seconds. This is because they swapped the DSG from the Mk7.5 for a more conventional eight-speed automatic on the Mk8.
In terms of safety features, the R-Line does not have much to offer for something in its price range. It features ESC (Electronic Stability Control), Post Collision Braking System, Electronic Differential Lock (XDS), and six airbags. Unfortunately, it lacks advanced driver assistance systems such as autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assist and adaptive cruise control. This is a shame for a 2022 car that costs more than 100K, as even the 2022 Perodua Myvi has Advanced Safety Assist and it costs less than RM60,000.
The Volkswagen Golf R-Line is locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang, and is available in five colours: Atlantic Blue in metallic finishing, Deep Black and Oryx White with pearl effect, and matte Moonstone Grey and metallic Kings Red, which are new additions.
Malaysian pricing and availability for the Golf R-Line
The Golf R-Line is open for pre-bookings from RM155,000 to RM165,000. Upon purchase, VPCM will provide three years of free maintenance, five years of unlimited mileage warranty, and five years of roadside assistance.
The previous generation Golf R-Line was priced at RM166,990, which is higher because it was a fully imported model.
Volkswagen Golf GTI
If you’re looking for a car with more grunt, VW has also launched the Golf GTI Mk8 which VW claims to be the ultimate everyday sports vehicle.
Exterior and engine
The design of the body modernises the previous model by featuring its honeycomb front grille and red trims along with 18″ Richmond alloy wheels, and full LED headlamps and taillights. The GTI’s boot offers 374 litres of luggage space compared to the R-Line’s 381. This is because the GTI has a large 50-litre fuel tank versus the 45-litre tank on the R-Line.
Under the hood, the GTI gets a more powerful 2.0TSI turbocharged engine paired with a 7-speed wet clutch DSG to produce a whopping 245PS and 370Nm of torque. It has a rated fuel economy of 7 litres per 100km, and it also lets you select driving profiles with its Vehicle Dynamics Management system. The GTI Mk8 can go from 0 to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds.
Interior and control system
In the interior, you’ll find front sport seats made of Vienna leather with red trims, with the driver seat featuring power-adjustable memory feature and lumbar support as well. The GTI also features the “Driver’s Workspace” with a 10.25″ Digital Cockpit, multifunction steering wheel with haptic-touch control and heating, as well as a 10″ Discover Media infotainment system.
The Golf GTI has the same safety features as the R-Line, which means that it’s also missing advanced safety features like autonomous emergency braking or lane-keeping assist.
First GTI assembled outside of Germany and China
The Golf GTI Mk8 is also locally assembled in Pekan, making it the first time a GTI is assembled outside of Germany and China. Erik Winter, Managing Director of VPCM, had this to say about this milestone: “The GTl is certainly the most iconic three letters in the automotive industry. It has amassed loyal fans globally, and more so in Malaysia where we have a very passionate fanbase. We are proud that we are now rolling it out from our Pekan plant – a historical milestone, really. The new GTI is full of innovation, and we are sure that it too will set new standards and thrill our customers.”
It is available in five colours: Kings Red and Atlantic Blue in metallic finishing; Moonstone Grey for non-metallic option; as well as Deep Black and Oryx White with pearl effect at no additional charges
Malaysian pricing and availability for the Golf GTI
Bookings for the new Volkswagen Golf GTI are now available, starting from RM211,698 with sales tax exemption. The GTI comes in five colours: Kings Red and Atlantic Blue in metallic finishing, Moonstone Grey for non-metallic option, and Deep Black and Oryx White with pearl effect. You can make bookings and test drive arrangements at all authorised Volkswagen dealerships across Malaysia, or you can visit the Volkswagen eShowroom.
With the local assembly, the Golf GTI is more affordable than the previous imported Golf GTI which was priced at RM239,900.
As with the R-Line, the Golf GTI comes with three years of free maintenance, five years unlimited mileage warranty, and five years roadside assistance.
