Alongside the new Golf GTI facelift, Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has previewed the Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf R-Line in Malaysia, which will mark the reintroduction of the standard variant since its discontinuation in 2023.
Still wearing the R-Line trim as before, the new Mk8.5’s body kit has been given a slight restyling, alongside new sleeker headlights which gets the IQ Light LED matrix headlights as standard. These are paired to the full-width daytime running lights and illuminated front “VW” emblem for the first time, as well as the redesigned IQ Light 3D LED tailights with dynamic turn indicators and animated rear graphics.
Other exterior equipment found on the Volkswagen Golf R-Line model includes:
- R-Line front bumper and radiator grille
- R-Line design rear bumper featuring chrome exhaust
- R-Line side skirts
- 17-inch Coventry alloy wheels
- Puddle lights with “VW” emblem light signature
- Illuminated door cups
- Manual tailgate with integreted roof spoiler
- Heated and power-adjustable side mirrors with memory settings and environment lighting
- Automatic IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights and tailights
- Automatic windshield wipers
- Rear fog lamp
Inside, the new Mk8.5 Volkswagen Golf R-Line in Malaysia features a larger 12.9-inch infotainment display running on Volkswagen’s latest MIB4 operating system, with a voice assistant feature and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. The driver benefits from the 10-inch Digital Cockpit Pro gauge cluster. This setup offers customisable menus and information across three display modes: Classic, Reduced, and Navigation. Other interior features of the Volkswagen Golf R-Line include:
- Seven-speaker sound system
- Four Type-C USB ports
- Automatic dimming rear-view mirror
- Three-zone automatic climate control with rear aircon vents and a dedicated control panel for rear passengers
- Wireless charging pad
- Illuminated touch slider for climate and volume control
- Manual height and lumbar adjustable driver and front passenger seats
- 30-colour ambient lighting with customisable LED light in the front footwell
- 12.9-inch infotainment display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- 10-inch driver’s digital gauge cluster with heads-up display
- Electronic parking brake (EPB)
- R-Line black headliner
- R-Line brushed stainless steel pedals
- R-Line leather-wrapped multi-function heated sports steering wheel with physical buttons
- R-Line Carbon Grey trim on the dashboard and front door cards
- R-Line fabric upholstery for front and outer rear seats with ‘Artvelours’ pattern
Powering the Volkswagen Golf R-Line is a 1.5-litre eTSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine with mild-hybrid technology producing the same 150 hp and 250 Nm as its predecessors, which featured a 1.4TSI turbocharged engine.
Power is sent to the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling a 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.6 seconds, coming in 0.1 second slower than its predecessor. It achieves a rated fuel consumption of 5.2 L/100km.
For safety features, the Volkswagen Golf R-Line is equipped with seven airbags and Volkswagen’s IQ.DRIVE suite of ADAS systems, which include:
- Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcyclist monitoring
- Adaptive cruise control with travel assist
- Rear cross traffic alert with exit warning
- Park distance control
- Driver attention detection
- Emergency lane keep assist
VPCM did not disclose estimated pricing for the new Volkswagen Golf R-Line. However, for context, the previous Golf R-Line retailed at RM170,560 back in 2022.
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