(Article updated 4 November 2023)

The Volkswagen Golf is like that dependable friend you’ve known forever – always there when you need it, and a true crowd-pleaser where it counts. It has the perfect blend of sugar, spice, and everything nice, making it still one of the most desirable hatchbacks on the market today.

Now in its eighth incarnation, it’s no surprise that this hatchback has a dedicated global fan base. But, due to the ever-fluctuating COE (Certificate of Entitlement), local Golf prices have been thrown a curveball, making it a bit of a tougher sell.

The good folks at Volkswagen saw this, and decided to roll out variants that could slide under the more affordable Cat A COE category. We were first introduced to the Golf Life and Life Plus, and now their more attractive sibling has made their way onto the stage. Cue the R-Line.

Sneaky Power Play

Now, if you’ve never experienced the charm of a Volkswagen Golf, you might be wondering what all the hype is about. It’s the quintessential German hatchback for the everyday driver, and with a treasure trove of advanced safety features and a tech-packed cabin, it’s evolved into something that feels premium.

The Cat B Volkswagen Golf we’ve seen before boasted a zippy 150bhp from its feisty 1.5-litre turbo engine, complete with a 48-volt mild-hybrid boost. It was the ideal urban runabout, but the mercilessly pricey Category B COE segment didn’t do it any favours.

So, what’s the solution? Volkswagen decided to give that engine a little makeover, now christened the 1.5-litre eTSI. Same car, same engine, but with a slight detune to 129bhp. Why, you ask? Well, Cat A cars can’t have more than 130bhp. Crafty, right?

Peak torque sits at 200Nm, which is 50Nm less than its Cat B sibling. This power reduction does mean it takes a smidge longer to hit the century mark – 9.4 seconds to be precise.

Does the power deficit make it worse? Absolutely not. You just need to tweak your driving style a little. No more flooring it; it’s all about mastering the art of momentum-based driving.

Time your overtakes, keep your speed in check through corners whenever possible, and you’ll find that the Golf still handles like a champ.

This new engine is a gem, with its mild hybrid assistance allowing the car to glide along with the engine taking a little nap when it’s got enough juice. It’s a fuel-saving wizard. I’ve easily managed 16-19km/litre on highway stints, and even stop-and-go traffic situations garnered an average of 13.7km/litre. 

(update: 4 November 2023)

After hearing about how frugal the Golf R-Line is, our resident fuel economy-minded friend was keen to have a go. The Golf R-Line didn’t disappoint, for Vivek managed an average of 23.5km/litre or 4.25litres/100km over a test-driven 629km, and bettered Volkswagen’s claimed 20.8 km/litre or 4.8-litres/100km.

As usual, your mileage may vary depending on use case and driving style. However, drive smoothly (not slowly) and work with the eTSi engine’s “2-cylinder” and ‘coasting’ modes, and great fuel economy is there for the taking.

After his mostly highway drive, Vivek was interested to see what the EA211-based eTSi engine in the Golf R-Line could do during an “eco-challenge drive” in the same vein as that of the Volkswagen Caddy 5 Cargo.

35km/litre is just 0.7 shy of what the turbodiesel Caddy did!

Once again, it bears repeating that no one is going to drive like this daily in real life. This was done purely as an academic exercise.

(/update)

With soaring petrol prices constantly on our minds, the Golf’s fuel efficiency is a definite plus. If you play it frugal, you can easily conquer 800km on a single tank. That’s Genting Highlands and back on a single tank, and then some.

And if you’re itching for a thrilling drive through winding roads, the Golf’s got your back. The key difference between the Cat A variant lies in its torsion beam trailing arm rear suspension setup.

On paper, it might seem like a downgrade from the fully independent rear suspension of the Cat B Golf R-Line. But that’s not a bad thing; it actually makes the car more predictable when tackling corners. The Golf feels poised even at higher speeds, and if you encounter any understeer, just ease off the throttle and the car behaves itself.

The Volkswagen engineers know what they’re doing, and they’ve made a masterpiece that drives beautifully without needing excess grunt, keeping your wallet happy. As the saying goes: It’s more fun driving a slow car fast than a fast car slow, right?

All Dressed Up

One thing’s for sure, the Volkswagen Golf R-Line knows how to stand out in a crowd of hatchbacks. It flaunts an illuminated LED strip above the grille and boasts a lower ride height, thanks to the sports suspension. Plus, the Lapiz Blue Metallic you see here is a shade exclusive to the R-Line.

Visual appeal is also enhanced thanks to larger 18-inch ‘Bergamo’ wheels and rear lamps with dynamic indicators. I can bet you with almost certainty that most folks on the roads won’t realise this is a Cat A car. That is why the R-Line is well worth the extra dough. 

Sporty tech

So where does your dough translate to the most? The cabin, of course. It is swathed in ‘Carbon Grey’ inserts on the dash and front door panels. The sports seats, with integrated head restraints, are wrapped in a blend of ‘Sardegna’ fabric and Art Velour microfleece upholstery – perfect for keeping you snug while you zip through turns.

Even in this ‘base’ Cat A Golf, you’re treated to a fully loaded digital cockpit experience. The R-Line features the Discover Pro infotainment system with a generous 10-inch display and seven speakers. That’s a big upgrade from the Life Plus, which receives the Composition system with an 8.25-inch screen and six speakers.

Ambient light customisation is also available to jazz up your cabin space.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are seamless and wire-free, and there’s even a wireless charging pad to keep your gadgets juiced up. The only gripe I have with the interior are the haptic controls on both the centre console and steering wheel; the previous generation buttons and rotary dials worked an absolute treat. 

For those who revel in manual gear-shifting, paddle shifters on the steering wheel are your trusty companions.

It even has ample space to boot. The hatchback-esque proportions give way to ample headroom for rear occupants, and 3 adults can get cosy in the back without much debate.

Cargo space is decent for a hatchback as well, spanning 380 litres. Drop the rear seats, and this figure swells to a capacious 1237 litres. Who says a hatchback can’t be practical?

In essence, it’s tried and tested, and it’s a darn good interior. What more could you ask for?

A Bit Of Style Does Wonders

It’s no secret that looks are one of the defining features that sell a car. You could have a car that works terribly under the surface, but as long as it has gorgeous visual appeal, there are folks who would still fork out top dollar for it. Alfa Romeo is a great example.

But, who’s to say you cannot deliver both stylish looks and practical performance? And that’s exactly what the Golf R-Line delivers. It takes all of the brilliant points of the Life Plus and wraps it up with better handling and a more eye-catching design. Perfect for everyday drivers who crave a sportier hatchback without sacrificing everyday runabout comfort and functionality.

This is one of the most affordable Golfs you can get in Singapore today, and it hasn’t lost an ounce of its renowned fun factor. There’s a unique magic to the Golf, urging you to hit the road again as soon as you park it.

If driving pleasure is a top criterion for your car choice and you want something that brings a smile to your face every time you get behind the wheel, the Volkswagen Golf R-Line should be high up on your shopping list.

Technical Specifications

2023 Volkswagen Golf R-Line

Engine: 1,498cc in-line 4 turbocharged, mild hybrid
Power: 129bhp
Torque: 200Nm
Gearbox: 7-speed DSG
0-100km/h: 9.4 seconds (claimed)
Top Speed: 213km/h
Fuel Economy: 20.8km/L (claimed)
Price: S$195,900 with COE (accurate at the time of this article)
Contact: Volkswagen Singapore

Photo Credits: Sean Loo (@auto.driven)

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Volkswagen Singapore has recently unveiled the 130hp iteration of the Golf R-Line, the trim that usually crowns the illustrious Volkswagen Golf range. Priced at $189,900, this R Line-badged hatchback adds another attractive option to the Cat A-friendly range.

Originally launched in 2021, the launch variants came with powertrains that sat at 150hp. That meant that every car graced with the illustrious ‘Golf’ badge earned the title of being a Category B COE car. 

As we peer into the present, the very COEs that once bore a modest price tag of around $50,000 have undergone a transformation of value, transcending to a realm where their premium has surged astronimically. 

That’s why the 130hp Cat A-friendly version makes a lot of sense for the market. While this iteration wields a tad less power compared to its brethren, it has not lost any of its shine, the essence of driving prowess coursing through its veins.

So what do you get with the R-Line kit? Well, the more obvious visual difference is the sportier kitting, adding a dash of dynamism to the exterior aesthetic.

Larger 18-inch ‘Bergamo’ wheels give the car some added muscle and an LED strip gracefully adorns the grille, an emblem of modern elegance that commands attention. The rear lamps are also adorned with dynamic indicators.

The R-Line incarnation of the Golf doesn’t merely stop at exterior embellishments; it extends its prowess beneath the surface. Sports suspension is standard on this hatchback, a gesture that imbues it with a touch of athletic grace.

While it may not boast the acclaimed fifteen-stage adjustable DCC suspension system found in the GTI and Skoda Octavia RS, it does flaunt a two-stage configuration that mirrors its 150hp counterpart.

The cabin showcases ‘Carbon Grey’ inserts that grace the dash and front door panels. Settle into the sports seats, a fusion of ‘Sardegna’ fabric and Art Velour microfleece upholstery, an embodiment of comfort and style. An uprated 10-inch ‘Discover Pro’ infotainment system promises enhanced audio quality and wireless connectivity for both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

To make driving more engaging, a meatier ergonomic R-Line leather-wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel is at the command of the driver. Capacitive touch-sensitive controls, akin to those found in the GTI and Golf R, adorn its surface, accompanied by the ever-enchanting pedal shifters. The R-Line hatchback also boasts progressive steering, a phenomenon that enhances manoeuvrability and delivers a response that is nothing short of exhilarating.

The Volkswagen Golf R-Line is now available in showrooms.

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But, this wasn’t what Volkswagen did. They quietly launched this – the new face-lifted Arteon. Most people won’t realise this is new, even if it’s sitting pretty right in front of you in the showroom. Ironically, this new facelift actually makes for quite a compelling upgrade over its predecessor, and I feel the Arteon should receive more love in that regard.

Yes, you may be playing “spot-the-difference” trying to figure out the new changes, as some of the updates are barely noticeable. But, add a tech refresh to the interior, a new engine and drivetrain, and this car breathes new life.

Come, let me show you.

Smooth like butter

Since its inception, the Volkswagen Arteon has always been a good-looking car, and this new facelift refines the already well-polished design. Much like an already handsome guy, whose newly toned muscles are a subtle but noticeable improvement.

The R-line styling pack as depicted here decks the car out with a new front bumper, gloss black front air intakes with a C-shaped Front LED headlight bar, and LED taillights with dynamic signal indicators.

R-line badging on the sides and 20-inch R-line specific rims complete the look, in case anyone doubts you own the more expensive trim version.

Overall, there’s not much change, but honestly, why change what already looks good? Just look at another German manufacturer, and you’ll understand that being bolder in your design language doesn’t always equate to good looks.

Simple, functional charm

Take one glance at the interior and it looks pretty premium, with black carbon Nappa leather, a Black roof liner and frameless doors. Front passengers also benefit from 14-way ErgoComfort sport seats, which are pretty comfortable.

However, spend more time in the cabin and the interior does start to feel “cheap”. Your touch-points do not feel posh, and the haptic HVAC and steering wheel button controls do not feel intuitive to use at all. Volkswagen has already made plans to revert back to traditional buttons and dials, but the Arteon just has to live with it.

You get a decent amount of room in the back for passengers, and the coupe-ish roofline does not hinder headroom even for adults. But, because of its fastback form factor, the rear doors are pretty narrow, potentially making ingress and egress tougher for some.

A generous 563-litre boot provides sufficient cargo space, and its hatchback tailgate allows for easy access to store bulkier items.

Entertainment is controlled by a new 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit instrument cluster and revamped multi-functional steering wheel. The native UI is not the best to use, and having to scroll to access different settings is not intuitive to use at all, especially when driving.

Thankfully, you get mapped buttons along the sides to jump menus quickly, and this helped tons. But, once I got Android Auto hooked up, entertainment became simple. The touchscreen integrates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto nicely, in fact its one of the rare occurrences that Android Auto actually scales properly. Better still, everything is completely wireless, so you don’t have to worry about forgetting your cable.

The thing I love about the Volkswagen Arteon is just how simple everything is. Jump in, hit the ignition, pop your phone into the wireless charger and go about your day. The car connects up everything automatically, and it is an absolute treat.

No cables, no mess, no fuss. Which makes you enjoy the driving experience even more.

Holding its ground against its rivals

New Volkswagen Arteon, new engine. Well, not exactly new, but the updated, tried and true EA888 2-litre 4-pot banger pumps out 190bhp and 320Nm of torque. Even though it is smaller than its predecessor, it is still fairly energetic and can deliver healthy doses of power. Couple that to a 7-speed DSG gearbox, and you have a fan-favourite formula that never goes out of style.

However, arguably the biggest change from its predecessor is the exclusion of 4MOTION; what Volkswagen likes to call all-wheel-drive (AWD). Instead, you would have to make do with a front-wheel-drive (FWD) setup.

Does it detrimentally affect performance? Absolutely not. The Arteon can still hold its own while driving hard. You will feel a little under-steersy in the corners, and the power steering can sometimes feel a little disjointed, numbing you from feeling the road well, but nothing that screams danger.

Yes, the AWD variant of yesteryear could rocket out of corners, but this new facelift isn’t crippled by its FWD underpinnings at all.

To spruce the car up even further, Volkswagen has fitted tight steering from lock to lock, and a selection of drive modes with full Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) settings. Sport stiffens up the steering and DCC suspension, hunkering down the whole car in anticipation for more enthusiastic driving. Even in its rougher setting, the car still feels relatively comfortable over undulating terrain.

Pop the car into Eco or Normal instead, and the Arteon transforms into a stylish city cruiser. Plus, the added benefit of a FWD setup is better fuel economy, and during my test the car returned an average of 12.5km/L. Mind you, that is with some amount of enthusiastic pedal pressing, so props to the car.

Spring for the R-Line, and the inclusion of 360 cameras and sensors make parking a breeze. This alone makes the trim upgrade worth it, as it can help ease the ownership experience for people who might not be as used to larger vehicles, or cars like the Arteon where visibility out of the C-pillars is slightly more challenging due to its fastback-esque design.

Longevity Bliss

Overall, for a luxury sedan the Volkswagen Arteon is quite the challenger stepping into a ring of fierce executive sedan competitors.

Yes, you do not get many posh materials in the cabin. Yes, it may feel “cheap” to some. And if I’m very honest, most people will look past this car purely because of the badge. Some of you might spring for something else instead, albeit still German in nature.

But, look past these things, and for the right price this is a pretty solid option. The Arteon drives great, has boot space to spare for all your cargo needs, enough room in the back for passengers to not complain, and an infotainment system that works like an absolute charm. I cannot stress that last point enough.

What you want to look for in a car to own is longevity. Something that is easy to use from the day you buy it, till the day you sell it. Convenience shines over a lot of other aspects. The Arteon delivers this point to a tee, and it makes the user experience that much more enjoyable.

These are the little things that work, and it’s really the little things that count.

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