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Are you the kind of one that could be okay with a ‘Cucci’ purse? Or some ‘Mike Air Jordams’?
Effectively… has Volkswagen received a deal for you! That’s as a result of this isn’t a Golf R, however you possibly can be satisfied – at a look, that it’s.
The Volkswagen Golf R-Line just isn’t a brand new idea – there have been R-Line takes on the small hatch theme earlier than.
Nonetheless, this one has the next worth than any earlier model, and it doesn’t even have the snappy DSG dual-clutch transmission that sporty Golfs get.
So, is it enjoyable sufficient to idiot you into pondering it’s a sensible purchase? Learn on to seek out out.
How a lot does the Volkswagen Golf value?
The 2024 Volkswagen Golf R-Line begins from $41,690 plus on-road prices.
Meaning it’s a $3100 soar over the Golf Life ($38,590) however represents an almost-$14,000 low cost over the GTI ($55,490).
We’ll run via the usual tools in additional element beneath, however simply know that in comparison with the Life the R-Line seems sportier, drives sportier and feels sportier inside. Perhaps it’s even sufficient to persuade you that the additional spend on a GTI received’t be vital…
So, what about rivals? You’re trying squarely on the likes of the Hyundai i30 Hatch N Line Premium ($39,000), Peugeot 308 GT ($43,990), Mazda 3 G25 Astina Hatch ($42,320). And hey, a Cupra Leon V isn’t that far as much as soar, at $45,190.
What’s the Volkswagen Golf like on the within?
It seems and feels much more upmarket than the fundamental Golf, and that’s a part of the explanation I feel that is so convincing.
The ‘R’ sports activities seats have an incredible feel and look to them; they’re correctly sporty and wholly convincing that that is extra particular than a regular Golf.
The ‘R’ embroidered into the highest part of the seat may be a bit of bit a lot for some folks, however they’ve glorious bolstering and the crosshatch end on the seat inlays is a very nice look. There are leather-ish outer sections as nicely, and the seats are very supportive and comfy for longer drives.
Some prospects could lament the dearth of electrical seat controls, however there’s a rotary dial for backrest adjustment and a pump top adjuster too. There may be the anticipated slide fore and aft, and a guide lumbar adjustment management lever as nicely.
You additionally get a sportier steering wheel, once more with an ‘R’ on it, and with perforated leather-based edging for the grip factors. However, annoyingly, the haptic controls on the steering wheel are straightforward to bump and typically sluggish to reply as nicely.
For instance: to show off the lane-keeping help, you should hit the tip of one of many stalks on the steering column, earlier than hitting the OK button on the correct facet of the steering wheel. On some events, the button was not as responsive, or I seemingly miss-hit it, although I believed I used to be doing the very same motion every time.
The doorways characteristic the identical kind of micro-fleece materials that’s a part of the seats, with tender elbow pads and a design ingredient that runs from the entrance doorways all the best way throughout the dashboard.
The motive force’s digital instrument show is crisp and clear and simple to be taught (for those who can grasp these haptic steering wheel controls). I do love the truth that this automobile additionally comes with a color head-up show, which is an excellent at-a-glance choice for checking your velocity, navigation instructions or security settings.
In case you’ve learn another Volkswagen Golf protection in latest instances you’ll know that the most important sticking level for lots of people is the infotainment system: that’s the case with this reviewer as nicely.
The display is comparatively fast to reply at instances, however will be laggy with loading when leaping between menus. There may be additionally the widespread lament of no illuminated controls beneath the display for quantity and temperature: it’s nonetheless an issue.
There are a few buttons down beneath the display for shortcuts to drive modes, local weather management, parking help, in addition to the security settings. They do assist, but it surely isn’t so simple as a bigger array of buttons as you as soon as had within the Golf vary.
With regards to storage there’s a wi-fi cellphone charger forward of the gear selector and likewise a small tray alongside the gear selector. That is the place you would possibly need to put your pockets or keys.
Behind that you just’ll discover a pair of cupholders with an adjustable ingredient to the entrance one (so you possibly can have a greater match on your cup for those who want it) and additional again is a console bin below the centre armrest.
Each doorways have massive pockets with bottle holders moulded into them, and flocking inside as nicely, which cease issues from rattling round while you’re on the highway.
In case you plan to have tall occupants within the again seat on a regular basis, it could be a bit squishy. At 182 cm or 6’0” tall I had sufficient foot room (simply) behind my very own driving place, however my knees had been up towards the seat forward. Headroom, nonetheless, is superb.
In case you do plan to take three throughout the again pew, the middle-seat rider should play footsies with these within the window seats as there’s a major transmission tunnel.
In case you have smaller occupants this might be much less of a difficulty. My daughter’s forward-facing little one seat match positive immediately behind my driving place: her ft couldn’t fairly attain the seat in entrance.
On the seatbacks are map pockets and a few further system pockets, however the seatbacks have a tender cloth end on the again, so little ones would possibly do some injury over time.
Nice to see that there’s a third zone of local weather management for second-row riders and directional air vents as nicely. An additional bonus is a pair of USB-C ports.
Even though it does have a darkish headliner, there is a component of airiness to the backseat expertise and good visibility out the facet home windows. You additionally get touch-sensitive rear LED lights for maps or studying, or when loading in a kiddo at evening.
There are additionally seize handles within the again (and entrance) and it’s good to see that the again doorways additionally get the identical micro-fleece-style lining, and tender elbow pads.
As for storage, there a big door pockets with lining, and a fold-down central armrest with cupholders. There may be additionally a ski port within the center part of the seat as nicely.
Boot area is sweet for a small hatchback, with 374 litres of cargo capability and an adjustable boot ground that means that you can maximise the area for those who want it. Fold down the rear seats and you’ll open up 1230L of cargo area, and beneath the boot ground is a space-saver spare wheel as nicely.
On the edges of the boot ground on both facet are some further storage areas, a pair of procuring bag hooks, some cargo tiedown factors, and a 12-volt outlet.
What’s below the bonnet?
It’s no R-spec engine, however that’s a part of the explanation it’s comparatively inexpensive.
The R-Line makes use of the identical 110TSI petrol engine discovered within the base Golf Life, which means it has a 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing – you guessed it – 110kW of energy (5000rpm) and 250Nm of torque (1500-4000rpm).
These figures have remained the identical for a number of years now, however propels the car nicely. It’s teamed to an eight-speed computerized transmission with paddle-shifters, and like most Golfs, front-wheel drive.
The Golf R-Line will get a decrease suspension setup to make it look and drive sportier, and there’s additionally VW’s “progressive steering” system, which has a extra direct feeling than different setups.
The official mixed gasoline consumption determine is 5.8 litres per 100 kilometres, which is outstanding for a non-hybrid hatchback. It does have brake vitality recuperation as a part of the engine start-stop system, which certainly performs some minor half within the gasoline use determine being so low.
Certainly, it’s replicable in the actual world, too. Over every week of driving, I noticed an as-tested determine of 5.9L/100km throughout a mixture of city, freeway and freeway testing. It has a 50-litre gasoline tank, and requires 95 RON premium unleaded petrol.
How does the Volkswagen Golf drive?
So does this really feel sportier to drive than a traditional Volkswagen Golf? Sure it does!
The addition of the progressive steering system and lowered sports activities suspension mix to offer this a extra intense, fulfilling drive expertise than a regular Golf. Admittedly although, even a bog-stock Golf nonetheless drives very well.
Fortunately, the 15mm decrease suspension doesn’t end in a pointy or disagreeable journey, because it’s nonetheless nicely resolved and comfy in most conditions – although with a barely firmer edge than another hatchbacks within the phase.
The steering has extra direct response to it, which provides the automobile a purposeful really feel, even while you’re simply doing boring city driving – like I did.
On the open highway or a rustic again highway is the place you’re going to get probably the most out of it, because it has a pleasant steadiness to the best way it handles corners and bumps. These sporty seats actually do assist maintain you in your house too.
Bridgestone Turanza (225/40/R18) rubber may not be the final word tyre answer for all, however they do provide a reasonably good quantity of grip in several driving conditions.
The 1.4-litre turbo petrol engine is definitely sprightly sufficient for most individuals’s wants, and it does have good sturdy responsiveness via the rev vary.
What possibly isn’t as sporty in its responsiveness is the eight-speed computerized transmission. That is going to be completely positive for lots of people who’re simply going in regards to the regular day-to-day drudgery of life.
Nonetheless, for those who begin to ask a bit of bit extra of the transmission it doesn’t fairly stay as much as the efficiency and snappy shifts loved by those that had purchased a Golf with a DSG (dual-clutch) auto transmission.
There’s a helpful trade-off at decrease speeds although: the eight-speed auto is sort of amenable to city driving. It’s each easy and responsive, and may also help you get away from a standstill with first rate urgency, one thing that DSG transmissions (particularly these of years passed by) can’t match in all conditions.
One of many bugbears of this technology of merchandise from the Volkswagen Group is highway noise intrusion, and that continues to be a little bit of a sore level with this mannequin. That is because of the mixture of low-profile tyres, and a inherent noisiness on course-chip surfaces, leading to some racket on rougher surfaced roads.
What do you get?
Golf R-Line highlights:
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- R-Line exterior trim with physique package
- Lowered (15mm) R-Line suspension
- Progressive steering
- LED efficiency headlights
- Rear privateness glass
- 30-colour inside ambient lighting
- Manually adjustable sports activities seats with ‘R’ themed cloth trim
That’s over what you get within the Life, which incorporates:
- LED headlights and tail lights
- Rain-sensing wipers
- 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Professional (digital devices)
- 10-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- 8.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
- DAB+ digital radio
- 7-speaker sound system
- Wi-fi cellphone charger
- Satellite tv for pc navigation
- 10-colour inside ambient lighting
- Tri-zone local weather management
- Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
- Energy-folding facet mirrors
- Keyless entry and begin
- Baggage partition
- Emergency Help
- Exit warning system
Is the Volkswagen Golf secure?
The Golf vary has a five-star ANCAP security ranking from 2019 checks.
It scored 95 per cent for grownup occupant safety, 89 per cent for little one occupant safety, 76 per cent for weak highway person safety, and 80 per cent for security help.
Customary security tools contains:
- 9 airbags incl. front-centre airbag
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Pedestrian, Bike owner detection
- Multi-collision brake
- Applies brakes for those who’re in a crash, stopping additional chaos
- Lane hold help
- Journey Help
- Entrance cross-traffic alert
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Blind-spot monitoring
- Adaptive cruise management with cease/go
- Driver fatigue monitoring
- Park Help
- Reversing digicam
- Entrance, rear parking sensors
- Emergency Help
- Secure exit warning
How a lot does the Volkswagen Golf value to run?
Volkswagen provides a five-year, limitless kilometre guarantee in Australia, and as customary there’s one 12 months of roadside help included.
In case you service your automobile with VW, you can be eligible for as much as 10 years cowl for roadside help, which is nice.
Servicing is due each 12 months/15,000km, and there are alternatives in relation to upkeep – you possibly can both pay as you go, or you possibly can prepay your upkeep.
The three-year/45,000km plan prices $1550, representing a saving of as much as $200 off pay-as-you-go, whereas the five-year/75,000km service plan is $2550, making for a saving of as much as $704.
CarExpert’s Tackle the Volkswagen Golf
Greater than only a mimic of a sportier Golf, the R-Line mannequin is a convincing tackle the sportier-than-average-hatchback theme.
It isn’t fairly as fast or as sharp to drive as some dearer Golf fashions, however for many who need to look the half however play it good financially, it could possibly be the best alternative.
Click on the photographs for the total gallery
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