When people here talk about the Volkswagen Golf, the conversation usually gets skewed towards the hot, attention-grabbing GTI and R models – and with their aggressive demeanour and high-performance powertrains, who can blame them? But it’s easy to forget that Wolfsburg still sells the standard 1.4 TSI model in Malaysia, and that’s the model we’re looking at today in our first drive video review.
The latest Mk7.5 is currently offered in R-Line form, equipped with a sporty bodykit with unique front and rear bumpers inspired by the R – complete with fake twin exhaust outlets. It also comes with goodies including LED headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, a digital Active Info Display instrument cluster and an eight-inch centre touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Oh, and gets this exclusive Turmeric Yellow hue.
Our market doesn’t get the new 1.5 litre TSI Evo engine, sticking to the existing 1.4 litre turbo unit. It produces 150 PS at 5,000 to 6,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque from 1,500 to 3,500 rpm, sent to the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG dry dual-clutch transmission and an XDS differential lock. It sprints from zero to 100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and goes all the way to a top speed of 216 km/h.
Clearly, then, that while it retails at a steep RM173,390, the R-Line offers a lot for the money. But is the Golf really the all-round family hatchback that everyone says it is? More to the point, is it any good to drive? Watch the video above to see what we think, and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Source: Read Full Article