Three Volkswagen Golf variants launched at Sepang: 1.4 TSI, GTI and R
The eighth generation Volkswagen Golf has debuted in Malaysia. Three variants are available, the Golf 1.4 TSI which is now called the R-Line, the Golf GTI and the range-topping all-wheel drive Golf R. The R-Line and GTI are assembled in Malaysia. The R is imported.
The distinctive silhouette of the Golf has been retained in the latest iteration but the all-new Golf 8 has evolved with a leaner front grille and narrow LED headlights and new LED tail lamps.
The Golf R-Line is powered by a four-cylinder 1.4-litre turbocharged engine that produces 148bhp and 250Nm of torque. An eight-speed automatic gearbox with Sport gear, replaces the seven-speed dual-clutch in the Golf 7.
Inside the driver and front passenger have sports seats with R-line logo embroidered into the back rest, in Sardegna fabric and Art Velours side bolsters. There is a new-generation 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit, multifunction steering wheel with haptic-touch control as well as a 10-inch Discover Media infotainment system with navigation. The gear selector is a new compact style, the first Volkswagen model in Malaysia to have this.
The latest Golf GTI is assembled in Malaysia which is a historical milestone. It is the first time the GTI is assembled outside of Germany and China.
The GTI is more powerful than its predecessor. The four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged engine with seven-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch transmission produces 241bhp and 370Nm of torque, up 24bhp and 20Nm of torque from 217bhp and 250Nm with a seven-speed dry-clutch dual-clutch gearbox in the seventh-generation Golf GTI. There is a Vehicle Dynamics Manager system to control driving modes and handling characteristics with a personalisation option. Claimed fuel consumption is 14.3km/L.
Safety features include ESC, Post Collision Braking System, Electronic Differential Lock (XDS) for improved traction and reduced understeer and six airbags. There is also Tyre Pressure Loss Indicator.
Key styling points are red highlights on the body with signature honeycomb front grille and 18-inch Richmond alloy wheel with red brake callipers and full LED front and rear lamps.
When the vehicle key is detected, the doors unlock. Inside, the Vienna leather driver’s seat with red trim is power-adjustable with memory and lumbar support.
The meters and displays are now all digital with a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit with multiple colour options. The multifunction steering wheel has haptic touch and heating. The 10-inch Diver Media infotainment system has 3D navigation, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto and seven speakers.
There are voice control as well as manual, touch slider, controls for cabin comfort features like climate and entertainment. The GTI features three-zone Climatronic air con with Air Care to filter out pollen, spores and particulates.
The all-new Golf R completed the introduction of new Golf models. The all-wheel drive performance hatch’s four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine now boasts even more power – 316bhp and 400Nm of torque – paired with seven-speed wet clutch dual clutch transmission. The latest generation torque vectoring enables power to be distributed between the front and rear, and also selectively between the rear wheels to improve agility. This is the first Volkswagen to be launched with this system.
The Golf-R has key safety features such as six airbags, side assist with rear cross traffic alert, rear view camera, automatic post-collision braking system, Driver alert system, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS), Electronic Parking Brake (EPB), Anti-theft alarm system, proactive passenger protection system, and more.
There is Vehicle Dynamics Manager alongside electronic differential lock (XDS), dynamic chassis control and progressive steering.
R-specific exterior features include signature bumpers and air-intakes, newly-designed diffuser in high-gloss black, 19-inch Adelaide alloy wheel and blue brake callipers.
Inside, the R has a Harman Kardon 480-watt audio system with 10 speakers. The sports seats in front are Nappa leather with R logo stitched in. The driver’s seat is electrically adjusted and has lumbar support. The Digital cockpit and digital infotainment system each have 10-inch monitors. Wireless app-connect for CarPlay and Android Auto are included along with navigation.
The Golf R-Line and Golf GTI are are available in matte Moonstone Grey, metallic Kings Red and Atlantic Blue as well as Deep Black and Oryx White with pearl effect.
- Volkswagen Golf R-Line – RM155,000 – RM165,000
- Volkswagen Golf GTI – RM211,689
The Golf R is available in Lapiz Blue, Deep Black and Pure White. Limited units are available
- Volkswagen Golf R – RM356412.85
The eighth-generation Volkswagen Golf comes with three years free maintenance, five years unlimited mileage warranty, and five years roadside assistance.
Volkswagen Golf R-Line
Volkswagen GTI
Volkswagen Golf R
