The long-awaited 8th generation Volkswagen Golf R-Line has been launched in Malaysia.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has finally debuted the Golf Mk.8, which they anticipate to be priced between RM155,000 and RM165,000. For the first time ever, the Volkswagen Golf will be locally-assembled in Pekan, Malaysia, as predicted. Despite the tax incentives and SST exemption, this is still a rather high price for a C-segment vehicle from a non-premium marque. Let’s see if the equipment and powertrain can justify the high asking price.
The Golf R-Line will be powered by a familiar 1.4TSI 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine which produces a healthy 150PS and 250Nm of torque. While this engine has been seen before, what’s new this time around is a shift-by-wire 8-speed automatic transmission apparently sourced from Aisin.
This powertrain combination is made to comply with the older Euro 5 emission and is not offered in Europe itself. Still, it makes about as much power as any of the alternative petrol powertrain options do. Previous iterations of the Golf have all come with quick shifting DSG, which developed quite a reputation for itself. Perhaps this conventional automatic will help with customer confidence.
In terms of equipment, the 8th generation Volkswagen Golf R-Line is filled quite impressive in most areas. You can expect LED Plus headlights, an LED lightbar, a new 10.25″ Digital Cockpit with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a multifunction steering wheel with haptic-touch control, electronic parking brake, triple zone climate control, ambient lighting, 10″ Discover Media infotainment with navigation, plenty of capacitive touch controls, a new-generation gear selector, sport seats covered in Sardegna fabric and Ars Velours side bolsters for deluxe comfort and embossed with the R-Line logo. These are the highlight of the new Golf R-Line’s interior.
Of course, as the name suggests, the vehicle also comes with the R-Line bodykit, inspired by the new Golf R, which was also launched alongside the Golf GTI. The wheels on the Golf R-Line are 17″ Valencia alloys.
Unfortunately, the Volkswagen Golf R-Line is also not equipped with any Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). At all. A little strange considering the asking price and the fact that even the cheapest passenger car in Malaysia now comes with basic ADAS as an option. Well, perhaps Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia found something out during their market research about what their customers want most.
If you’re interested in the Volkswagen Golf R-Line, colour choices in Malaysia include Atlantic Blue metallic, Deep Black, Oryx White pearl, and two new colours, Moonstone Grey matte, and Kings Red metallic.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia is offering a 5 year, unlimited mileage warranty with 5 years of roadside assistance and 3 years of free maintenance.
