FIRST DRIVE: Mk7.5 Volkswagen Golf 1.4 TSI R-Line

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.

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Jonathan Lee

After trying to pursue a career in product design, Jonathan Lee decided to make the sideways jump into the world of car journalism instead. He therefore appreciates the aesthetic appeal of a car, but for him, the driving experience is still second to none.

 

Comments

  • Same L0rr on Dec 13, 2018 at 6:34 pm

    Buy this better than X70

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 5 Thumb down 21
  • Tanbk on Dec 13, 2018 at 7:34 pm

    RM173k, better buy X70 premium + Persona.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 15 Thumb down 2
  • Autobahn on Dec 13, 2018 at 8:02 pm

    150ps at rm170k. Buy this not for space, not for comfort and definitely not for performance. Not even for prestige since its only a folks wagon. So why the hell people buy this car when you can just get the elantra 1.6 turbo that is 1 second faster and 60ps more powerful and rm50k cheaper. It is more spacious, more comfort, better handling and a lot more powerful. It also doesnt have the brand prestige just like the vw.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 18 Thumb down 8
    • 4G63T DSM on Dec 14, 2018 at 9:41 am

      While I agree that the pricetag is a north of being silly, the Golf is one of the best cars in the segment.

      I would dare say the interior fit and finish, ride and handling characteristics are 2nd to none in this segment.

      One would probably be served better by the Passat at these sort of prices if the German thing is your cup of tea.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 0
  • It is not fair to compare 2 different types of vehicles…x70 is a c segment SUV whereas golf r line is a c segment hatchback

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 8 Thumb down 0
  • VW already teasing the 8th gen Golf

    trivia : the golf is named after the gulf stream…

    The Gulf Stream, together with its northern extension the North Atlantic Drift, is a warm and swift Atlantic ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and stretches to the tip of Florida, and follows the eastern coastlines of the United States and Newfoundland before crossing the Atlantic Ocean

    warm and swift it aint when ur golf is in the workshop tho….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 2 Thumb down 4
  • I go for volvo v40

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 0
  • AhioAhio on Dec 14, 2018 at 9:55 am

    Test drove this last week, the interior quality not good, cramp space at the back, both are expected.
    The only expectation was the driving experience and performance, but they are very disappointing too.
    Handling so so, accelerating is normal and nothing to shout about. I think Golf can only shines in the GTI and Golf R, this 1.4 wouldn’t cut it.

    For the price they are charging, of course it’s totally not worth the price. Oh yea it’s a dry clutch, the risk could be higher too.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 7 Thumb down 1
  • MercFanatic on Dec 14, 2018 at 11:42 am

    Price 173k is steep for a golf. You can call it whatever grade you want.
    Again there is price to everything. If around 120k
    then can close one eye….

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
  • Sekhar on Dec 16, 2018 at 3:01 pm

    I lost over RM100k on this car when I sold it a few years after purchasing it brand new. Tons of problems with the DSG transmission. Car halts abruptly on the road, and one time I waited a few hours for roadside assist to come when the car just stopped in the middle of the PLUS highway. Nice cars to drive but a total pain to maintain. Many trips to the service centre, even they got sick of fixing it

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 3
 

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