2022 Volkswagen Golf: Variants explained

Volkswagen Golf is an ultimate hatchback that can easily impress anyone with its dynamic performance, exterior styling, and advanced technology. It is offered in three variants in the local market - base-spec R-line, mid-spec GTI, and top-spec R; the former two are locally assembled in Pekan, Pahang while the latter is an imported one. Here, we bring a detailed explanation of the Golf variants for prospective buyers. So, let’s get started with the pricing -

Volkswagen Golf price 

variants	Price (on-the-road, including SST but excluding insurance)
Golf R-Line	RM 170,560
Golf GTI	RM 227,012
Golf R	RM 391,162

 

Let’s discuss each variant, one by one, starting with the base-spec model.

Volkswagen Golf R-Line

Sitting at the bottom of the Volkswagen Golf lineup in Malaysia, the Golf R-Line retails for RM 170,560. For this price, you get a sporty hatch with gloss black accents and variant-specific grille inserts and exhaust finishers. The leaner grille is teamed up with narrow LED headlights, and an imposing R-Line bumper. Also, parts of the exterior kit are LED tail lights with dynamic indicators, a roof spoiler, 17-inch Valencia alloy wheels shod with 225/45 profile tyres, and electrically heated and adjustable door mirrors.

The Golf R-Line colour options include Moonstone Grey, Kings Red, Atlantic Blue, Deep Black, and Oryx White. 

The interior and safety features of the 2022 Volkswagen Golf R-Line includes - 

• Manual Sardegna fabric upholstery with an R logo and suede-like Art Velours
• Touch-sensitive panels
• Multi-function leather sports steering wheel
• Paddle shifters
• 10.25-inch digital instrument panel
• 10-inch Discover Media infotainment unit with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
• Seven speakers
• Ambient lighting
• Triple-zone climate control with rear vents
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirror
• Keyless vehicle entry and engine start 
• 6 airbags (2 front, 2 curtain, and 2 front side)
• Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
• ABS with EBD and BA
• Electronic stability control
• Rear-view camera with front and rear parking sensors
• Sport suspension

Powering the Golf R-Line is a 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged inline-four gasoline engine that delivers 150 PS of power output at 5,000 rpm and 250 Nm of peak torque between 1,500 - 4,000 rpm. The power is sent to the front wheels via a new 8-speed automatic shift gearbox, enabling the hatch to complete the century sprint in 8.5 seconds before hitting a top speed of 224 kmph.

Volkswagen Golf GTI

The combination of the Golf and three iconic letters GTI enjoys a very passionate fan base around the world, including Malaysia. It is priced at RM 227,012 i.e. almost RM 57k higher than the R-Line. But with this additional cost, the automaker offers a whole lot to attract enthusiasts.  

Under the hood, it is equipped with a bigger and more powerful 2.0-litre TSI engine that pumps out 245 PS (95 PS more) of power and 370 Nm (120 Nm more) of peak torque. Shifting duties are managed by a 7-speed wet clutch DSG. 

In terms of performance, the hot hatch runs from zero to 100 kmph in 6.4 seconds (almost 2 seconds earlier than the R-Line) and touches a top speed of 250 kmph. 

Other key specifications that set the Golf GTI apart from the base R-Line are 

• GTI interior and exterior styling
• LED daytime running lights
• 18-inch Richmond alloys paired with red brake callipers
• Automatic Coming/Leaving Home lighting feature
• Active climate front seats
• Electric driver sport seat with lumbar adjustment
• Vehicle Dynamics Manager with Dynamic Chassis Control
• Front differential lock

Volkswagen Golf R

On top of the Golf variants ladder, the performance hatch Golf R sits at the top. With several nationwide records under its belt, this imported Golf is touted as the most powerful Golf R model yet.

It runs on a 2.0-litre TSI turbo engine, which is good for making 320 PS and 400 Nm of maximum torque. The engine is coupled with a 7-speed DSG and 4MOTION All-Wheel Drive system, allowing the hyper hatchback to clock the 100 kmph mark in just 4.8 seconds. The speed is electronically limited to 250 kmph.

Other than the performance, the top-spec Golf also gets the following additional bits that make it superior over the R-Line and GTI -

• R exterior styling, including R design bumpers, R radiator grille, quad exhaust tailpipes, and R side skirts
• LED illuminated strip between headlights
• 19-inch Adelaide dual-tone alloy wheels
• Colour options - Lapiz Blue, Deep Black, and Pure White.
• Premium 480W Harman Kardon 10-speaker sound system
• Nappa leather upholstery
• Performance Torque Vectoring
• Side Assist with rear cross traffic alert

Each of the Volkswagen Golf variants comes with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, 3-year free maintenance, and 5-year roadside assistance. 

Also read: Check the real-time availability of Volkswagen cars via its new eShowroom