The 2024 Volkswagen Golf R-Line
starts from $41,690 plus
That means it’s a $3100 jump over the Golf Life ($38,590) but represents an almost-$14,000 discount over the GTI ($55,490).
We’ll run through the standard equipment in more detail below, but just know that compared to the Life the R-Line looks sportier, drives sportier and feels sportier inside. Maybe it’s even enough to convince you that the extra spend on a GTI won’t be necessary…
So, what about rivals? You’re looking squarely at 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 up to jump, at $45,190.
What is the Volkswagen Golf like on the inside?
It looks and feels a lot more upmarket than the basic Golf, and that’s part of the reason I think this is so convincing.
The ‘R’ sports seats have a tremendous look and feel to them; they are properly sporty and wholly convincing that this is more special than a standard Golf.
The ‘R’ embroidered into the top section of the seat might be a little bit much for some people, but they have excellent bolstering and the crosshatch finish on the seat inlays is a really nice look. There are leather-ish outer sections as well, and the seats are very supportive and comfortable for longer drives.
Some customers may lament the lack of electric seat controls, but there is a rotary dial for backrest adjustment and a pump height adjuster too. There is the expected slide fore and aft, and a manual lumbar adjustment control lever as well.
You also get a sportier steering wheel, again with an ‘R’ on it, and with perforated leather edging for the grip points. But, annoyingly, the haptic controls on the steering wheel are easy to bump and sometimes slow to respond as well.
For example: to turn off the lane-keeping assistance, you must hit the end of one of the stalks on the steering column, before hitting the OK button on the right side of the steering wheel. On some occasions, the button was not as responsive, or I seemingly miss-hit it, even though I thought I was doing the exact same action each time.
The doors feature the same sort of micro-fleece material that is part of the seats, with soft elbow pads and a design element that runs from the front doors all the way across the dashboard.
The driver’s digital instrument display is crisp and clean and easy to learn (if you can master those haptic steering wheel controls). I do love the fact that this car also comes with a colour head-up display, which is a very good at-a-glance option for checking your speed, navigation directions or safety settings.
If you’ve read any other Volkswagen Golf coverage in recent times you’ll know that the biggest sticking point for a lot of people is the infotainment system: that is the case with this reviewer as well.
The screen is relatively quick to respond at times, but can be laggy with loading when jumping between menus. There is also the common lament of no illuminated controls below the screen for volume and temperature: it’s still a problem.
There are a couple of buttons down below the screen for shortcuts to drive modes, climate control, parking assist, as well as the safety settings. They do help, but it isn’t as simple as a larger array of buttons as you once had in the Golf range.
When it comes to storage there is a wireless phone charger ahead of the gear selector and also a small tray alongside the gear selector. This is where you might want to put your wallet or keys.
Behind that you’ll find a pair of cupholders with an adjustable element to the front one (so you can have a better fit for your cup if you need it) and further back is a console bin under the centre armrest.
How does the Volkswagen Golf drive?
The addition of the progressive steering system and lowered sports suspension combine to give this a more intense, fulfilling drive experience than a standard Golf. Admittedly though, even a bog-stock Golf still drives really well.
Thankfully, the 15mm lower suspension doesn’t result in a sharp or unpleasant ride, as it’s still well resolved and comfortable in most situations - though with a slightly firmer edge than some other hatchbacks in the segment.
The steering has more direct response to it, which gives the car a purposeful feel, even when you’re just doing boring urban driving - like I did.
Golf R-Line highlights:
18-inch alloy wheels
R-Line exterior trim with body kit
Lowered (15mm) R-Line suspension
Progressive steering
LED performance headlights
Rear privacy glass
30-colour interior ambient lighting
Manually adjustable sports seats with ‘R’ themed fabric trim
Readmore:/www.carexpert.com.au/car-revi...
1 июл 2024
