2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Golf R-Line: Spec comparison

It was only a few days back (16th January) that Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia launched the new 2022 VW Golf GTI and opened bookings for the 2022 VW Golf R-Line in the local market. Thus, bringing the Malaysia-spec Golf range to three models - R, R-Line, and GTI. It sure makes it difficult for the consumer as to which one to purchase.

Fret not,  enters Zigwheels Malaysia on rescue. As of today we’ll be comparing the two latest Golf models one-on-one and see how they are different and/or similar. So, let’s get started

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Golf R-Line: Price

VW Golf variant	Price
Golf GTI	RM 211,689.54
Golf R-Line	RM 155,000 - RM 165,000

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Golf R-Line: Dimensions

Dimensions	Golf GTI	Golf R-Line
Length	4,287 mm
Width	1,789 mm
Height	1,444 mm	1,456 mm
Wheelbase	2,631 mm	2,636 mm
Wheels	7.5J x 18” with 225/40 R18 tyres	7.5J x 17” with 225/45 R17 tyres
Boot capacity	1,230-litre	1,237-litre
Fuel tank capacity	Approx. 50-litre	Approx. 45-litre

 

Not much difference between the two Golf models on this end.

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Golf R-Line: Engine

Specs	Golf GTI	Golf R-Line
Engine	2.0TSI Turbocharged Direct Injection 4-cylinder engine	1.4TSI Turbocharged Direct Injection 4-cylinder engine
Power	245 PS	150 PS
Torque	370 Nm	250 Nm
Transmission	7-speed DSG	8-speed automatic transmission
Driven wheels	Front wheel drive
Fuel efficiency	14.28 kmpl	17.24 kmpl

So, the deal is quite clear here. So, if you want a powerful car then the Golf GTI is a more clear choice. The R-Line is a good option too with substantial power in hand. However, the bigger the engine, the more fuel it will consume.

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Golf R-Line: Exterior

The main distinguishing element between the two Golfs here are the styling packages they use. For instance, the Golf GTI benefits from the GTI styling pack that includes - a GTI front bumper featuring honeycomb front air intake, radiator grille, side skirts, and rear bumper. The chrome exhaust tailpipes are a great addition to the rear.

The Golf R-Line, on the other hand, gets the R-Line styling pack that comes with an R-Line design front bumper with a unique C signature Gloss Black front air intake, side skirts, radiator grille, and rear bumper. It also gets chrome-effect trapezoid faux exhaust tailpipes.

The common exterior design elements include - Full LED headlights with cornering & all-weather light, LED tail lights with dynamic indicators, LED illuminated strip between headlights, DRLs, front & rear door handle recess lighting, and tailgate with a rear roof spoiler.

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Golf R-Line: Interior

The new Golf GTI on the inside benefits from GTI-specific interior styling that includes GTI design black headliner, brushed stainless steel pedals, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls, Black Metal Chrome trim on dashboard and front door panels, and front sport seats with Vienna leather. It also features active front seats and an electronic driver seat with lumbar adjustment.

For the Golf R-Line, we get it with R-Line interior styling pack which includes a R-Line black headliner, brushed stainless steel pedals, leather-wrapped sports steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls, Carbon Grey trim on dashboard and front door panels, front sport seats with Sardegna fabric upholstery and Art Velours side bolsters.

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Golf R-Line: Comfort & technology

Coming to the comfort part of things both the GTI and R-Line features -

• Ambient lighting with 5 preset themes
• Automatic Coming/Leaving Home lighting feature
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Automatic headlights and wipers
• Electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors
• 3-zone electronic climate control with automatic air recirculation and allergen filter
• Keyless vehicle entry and engine start including start/ stop button on centre console
• Front and rear parking sensors
• Rear-view camera

Like the comfort part of things, the two Golfs share a common technology spec sheet that surely make the GTI and R-Line superb options for the consumer.

The list includes -

• 10” Discover Media infotainment system with navigation
• Hello Volkswagen voice control
• Digital Cockpit, 10” high-resolution TFT dashboard display screen with customisable menus and information
• Wireless App-Connect® (Google Android Auto and Apple CarPlay)
• Bluetooth mobile phone and audio connection for compatible devices
• 7 front and rear speakers
• Preloaded Malaysian navigation data with 2D/3D map view
• Simultaneous pairing of 2 compatible mobile devices
• Electronic parking brake with auto-hold function
• Music playback
• 1 rear USB charging socket
• 1 front USB-C connection

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Golf R-Line: Safety

The two cars share a common safety spec sheet that includes -

• 6 airbags (2 front, 2 front side, 2 curtain)
• Front seat side impact airbags
• Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
• Driver Alert system with fatigue detection
• ESC (Electronic Stability Control) including EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) and ASR (Traction Control)
• ISOFIX child seats for front passenger and rear seats (compatible with i-Size child seats)
• Remote central locking with 2 mobile keys
• Steel space saver spare wheel
• Tool kit and jack
• Anti-theft alarm system with interior monitoring, backup horn, and towing protection
• Driver and front passenger safety-optimised head restraints
• Driver and front passenger airbags with airbag deactivation switch
• Anti-theft wheel bolts
• Electronic engine immobiliser
• Height-adjustable front 3-point seat belts with tensioners

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI vs. Golf R-Line: Colour options

Golf GTI	Moonstone Grey, Oryx White Pearl Effect, Atlantic Blue, Kings Red, & Deep Black
Golf R-Line	Moonstone Grey, Oryx White, Atlantic Blue, Kings Red, & Deep Black

Conclusion

The two Golfs, the GTI and R-Line are similar on several points, safey, tech, and comfort included. The major difference we see is on the engine and model-specific (GTI & R-Line) package.

So, which will you buy? Let us know in the comments.

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