The Golf 1.4 TSI R-line – A perspective from a Golf Mk6 owner

I’m feeling a little nostalgic.

I have with me the Golf Mk7.5 which was introduced to Malaysian shores on April this year. I have to admit that when I first saw it being unveiled, I wasn’t that impressed. Too many lines that makes the front look a tad too fussy for my taste. Sure it looked sharp, with mirrored ‘L’ LED DRLS that runs on the inside of the front headlights, making a continuous horizontal line across the front bumper. This thing looked like it could cut anyone’s eye balls just by staring at it.

It’s a bit over the top for me. Call me conservative

Yet after driving it a couple of days (and parking it at various locations), I began to appreciate how well it stood out among other more mundane & common looking vehicles. I still find the Tumeric Yellow color a bit gaudy but there’s no doubt it adds to it’s presence on the road. If you’re thinking of getting a Golf then wrapping it in some yellow chrome, don’t. Just take this and you’re sure to be the center of attention. As a side note; R-line refers to additional kits but other performance-related enhancement are not present; you can call the R-line a nicer, dressed up 1.4TSI.

But is it worth buying in the first place?

Well, this brings me back to that feeling of nostalgia.

You see, when I bought my Golf Mk VI in 2011, I was moving from another C-segment hatchback. For the equivalent amount of money for that continental hatchback that offers similar if not better driving experience, only the Polo 1.2 TSI qualifies; circa RM120k, continental driving feel. There was only one small problem and that was it; it was small. Coming from a C-segment to a B-segment is too much of a downgrade and so the only other option back in 2011 was to go for the Golf, increasing the budget to RM160k. Could have taken a Camry for that price but preferred the easy-to-drive-around-town footprint so bit the bullet & took the Golf.

When the Golf Mk VII was introduced in March 2013, there was an alternative VW model; The Jetta, being a C-segment sedan model was a logical option and its cheaper price tag (vs the Golf) just adds to its appeal. But since the Jetta has been removed from VW’s line up, we’re now back to a similar buyer dilemma as 2011; taking a Golf if you want a size bigger than the Polo but smaller than a Passat. There is no middle ground.

 

 

Performance

The Golf Mk 7.5 is available in three forms in Malaysia; the 1.4 TSI R-line, the 2.0l GTI and the R. Some might wonder if the R-line is reserved for people who can’t afford the “real deal” but I can tell you my opinion as a buyer is the same as 7-years ago; the 1.4 litre turbocharged four-cylinder TSI engine that dishes out 150 PS @ 5,000 – 6,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 250 Nm from 1,500 – 3,500 rpm is more than enough for daily usage. Taking it up to Genting over the weekend proves its capabilities in overtaking most traffic on the curvy roads uphill. It’s XDS electronic differential lock, coupled with the Driving Mode Selection allows drivers to maintain a steady harried pace up and felt a lot more planted compared to my Mk 6. Unless you’re coming from a vehicle with a higher engine output, you won’t find the 1.4l engine to be under-powered.

The lighting-quick 7-speed dry clutch DSG enhances the power delivery greatly. If compared to my Mk 6, the Mk 7.5 feels a lot smoother to drive, it’s power band a lot more easier to modulate and control. The Mk 6 doesn’t like sudden increase/decrease in speed, partly also due to it having a heavier front thanks to its twin-charged engine. The Mk 7.5 with its turbocharged only configuration and the lighter MQB platform makes it flow better around corners. On this merit, I can understand the merit of those who’re considering to move from the Mk 6 to the Mk 7.5; it’s just that much nicer to drive.

 

 

Cabin Convenience

On the inside, it’s a world of difference comparing the Mk 7.5 to the Mk 6. For one, keyless entry and push start was not present in the Mk 6 but standard in the Mk 7.5.

Then we have the 8″ touchscreen ‘Composition Media’ infotaintment system with USB and iPod/iPhone interface, SD card slot, AUX-IN, Bluetooth with App-Connect smartphone connectivity (not present in the Mk 6), 8 speaker system (Mk 6 had only 6),  12.3″ high definition Active Info Display (analog in the Mk 6), Electronic parking brake with auto-hold function (Handbrake in the Mk 6), Driver Settings Personalisation and Rear view camera system (Rear Assist. Mk 6 only has *BEEP, BEEP* rear sensors)

Both Mk 6 and Mk 7.5 do share some similarities such as the ‘Climatronic’ air conditioning system with 2-zone temperature control

Rear legroom is slightly better in the Mk 7.5 vs the Mk6 but I’ve lived with the Mk6 for over 7 years now and I find that it is quite sufficient to ferry adults around. Of course the extra few inches would make the commute better in the Mk 7.5

And of course, boot space is pretty decent for a hatchback at 380litres but multiple large luggage bags might find it a bit of a squeeze. Good thing the rear seats can be folded down.

 

Safety

Other similarities include 6 airbags, ESC, ISOFIX but the Mk7.5 has a lot more new technologies such as Maneuver Braking which autonomously applies the brakes when moving at speeds below 10km/h (ie parking or reversing out of a parking lot), Automatic Post Collision Braking System which triggers automatic (emergency) braking once an initial collision has been detected to avoid a subsequent crash and the Driver Alert System that tells when when is a good time for a coffee break.

In conclusion, I feel the Golf R-line retains it’s position of what VW should represent; unyielding compromise towards quality and price.

I added price because I’ve always felt price discounts though understandable why VW Malaysia has done so, dilutes the brand position of VW in Malaysia.

Yes, the Golf R-line’s RM174,110 OTR excluding insurance price tag is expensive (you can save RM14k with the lesser equipped Golf Sportline). You can buy a number of D-segments with that (heck, even the bigger VW Passat 1.8TSI is cheaper) or even have a lot change if you choose Asian made C-segment sedans (that also has lower periodic maintenance cost).

But you know what? That’s precisely what sets the Golf apart.

The Golf buyers are people who appreciate the hatchback for the quality and driving experience it provides. It is not a luxury model but the overall package that comes with it makes anyone who sits in it feel …. expensive. Like premium brand level expensive.

Which brings us to the next point; there will certainly be those who will say might as well top up a bit more for a BMW 1-series (doesn’t have as much power or space) or the newly launched A-class (over RM220k for the base A200 & you can forget about discounts for now since it’s freshly launched). If you want to use that logic, then I’d say the Volvo V40 T5 (priced RM180,888) is as close as it ever gets to the Golf R-line since they’re just a couple of thousands apart.

That said, it’s still no Golf.

The Golf is a class of its own, retaining it’s status as a cult favorite.

The way everything fits so tightly together and how it feels so solid to drive around. I’d dare say not all VWs drive the same as the Golf and till this day, I enjoy taking the Mk 6 out for a spin, rekindling the love and affirming my choice had been right 7 years ago.

And 7-years on, the Mk7.5 carries this torch well.