Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia has launched the facelifted 7th generation Golf (Mk 7.5), in 2018. It was offered in four variants – the Golf TSI Sportline, Golf TSI R-Line, Golf GTI and Golf R. It was priced at RM 159,990, RM 169,990, RM 239,900 and RM 295,990, respectively.

The Golf comes in either the 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine or the 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine. The output for the 1.4-litre engine is registered at 148 hp and 250 Nm of torque, while the 2.0-litres has two different output, which is the 228 hp and 350 Nm of torque for the GTI and 288 hp and 380 Nm of torque for the R.

In this following data, we will mainly focus on the legendary 7th generation Golf R, which has stopped production in August 2019.

Just like most of the Volkswagen models, the dashboard design is elegant, minimalist and slightly modern, with its buttons and switches easy to reach.

The Golf TSI R-Line is fitted with the 12.3-inch active info display virtual instrument cluster that display all the important information of the performance hatch.

The Golf TSI R-Line seats are finished in Vienna leather with the R-Line logo in front. Rear seats come with 60:40 split-folding function for extra storage.

Front occupants have no problem with headroom, shoulder room and legroom. As for the rear occupant, it has generous headroom and shoulder room. However, if there is a tall occupant in front who extended the seat to its maximum, then the directly rear occupant may face a shortage of legroom.

It has a decent size glove compartment that can hide your girlfriend or wife’s small purse or mini Ipad. The armrest compartment can fit in other essentials like hand sanitisers, wet tissues, masks and many more.

The steering is wrapped with leather, it has functions like buttons to adjust the infotainment system and instrument cluster.

There are a total of 4 cup holders and 4 bottle holders. 2 cup holders are located near the front armrest, while 2 more is located at the rear passenger’s centre armrest. Bottle holders are each located at the door panels.

A total of 2 12-volt power socket and 2 USB ports to charge your devices. 1 of the 12-volt power socket is located near the front armrest, while the other is placed in the boot.

The overall build quality is solid with premium quality material used. All the trims from the black piano, honeycomb black and carbon touch, the details were fantastic.

The Golf body dimensions are 4,258 mm in length, 1,799 mm in width, 1,492 mm in height, a wheelbase of 2,620 mm, and a fuel tank capacity of about 50 litres.

At first glance, the  Golf TSI R-Line boasts a striking and confident appearance like every other Golf generation. It has the advanced adaptive full LED headlamp with a dynamic indicator as well as a sporty and fierce-looking bumper coupled with the dynamic radiator grille.

The rearview has clean lines and European styling that comes with twin-exhaust pipes tips and full LED taillamps with dynamic indicator functions.

 Golf TSI R-Line’s headlamps are full-LED units with dynamic indicator and daytime running lights function with blue line trim to differentiate with their other variants.

The taillamps are full-LED units with dynamic indicator.

Its side mirrors are electrically adjusted and folded with turn indicator.

The  Golf TSI R-Line is wearing the 17-inch "Singapore" alloys.

Active safety features include an anti-lock braking system, traction control, auto hold, electric parking brake, electronic stability control, progressive steering, electronic brake distribution, electronic differential lock, and proactive passenger protection system.

Comes with 7 airbags, three-point seat belts with pre-tensioners, and ISOFIX points.

The Golf TSI R-Line comes with cruise control to support the driver during long-distance drives.

Golf TSI R-Line’s infotainment system consists of an 8.0-inch touchscreen discovery media infotainment system.

It comes with the 8-speaker sound system that plays loud tunes.

The Golf TSI R-Line is powered by the 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged engine.

Mated to the 7-speed wet clutch DSG.

Power is transferred to the Front Wheel.

The Golf TSI R-Line can dash to 100 km/h from zero in 8.2 seconds with its top speed electronically limited to 216 km/h.

The manufacturer published the official data of 5.4 litres per 100 km.

Features such as the driver profile selection, Air Care dual-zone climatronic system, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, and keyless-entry with push to start button to give convenience to the driver.

The rear air vents is located at the centre.

The Golf TSI R-Line is comfortable, the suspension setting is on the firmer side. Even though it is a firm suspension, it doesn’t give the train-liked feeling of an adjustable shocks setting.

In most conditions, the Golf R-Line is pretty quiet in the cabin, with most of its wind noise, tyre noise muted. At high speed, the engine sound is music to car enthusiasts.

Overall, the Golf TSI R-Line is an amazing and powerful hot hatch. Behind the wheels, it gives the driver the confidence that can overcome most corners with ease and at higher-than-average speed. It is most suited for young executives that demand speed and performance, with comfort for everyday use.