2022 Golf R-Line And Golf GTI Launched In Malaysia - From RM155k

The CKD 2022 Volkswagen Golf R-Line and Golf GTI have officially been launched by Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM), coming in at RM155k-RM165k for the Golf R-Line and RM211.698 for Golf GTI. 

2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI

For those of you unaware, this will be the first time that a GTI has been assembled outside of Germany and China. Built at VPM's automotive assembly plant In Pekan, Pahang, the GTI might have taken its time to be introduced to Malaysians, but we're pretty sure that the CKD pricing has helped to assuage the delay. 

The Golf GTI takes several design cues from the latest crop of VW vehicles such as the Passat and T-Roc, with the upper line of the grille and headlamps forming a seamless line that runs the width of the front fascia for a low and wide stance. In addition, standard in the CKD GTI is LED headlights.

For the very first time, the radiator grille (which features the characteristic red GTI stripe) is illuminated by a slim LED strip that extends into the headlight modules' LED daytime running lights on the left and right.

Along the flanks, the CKD GTI is offered as standard with 18-inch alloy wheels and red brake callipers.

The thick C-Pillar is another trademark feature of the Mk8 GTI.

At the rear, the GTI's roof spoiler which extends significantly towards the rear, boosts the downforce of the rear axle. Down below, the sporty diffuser distinguishes the GTI from other Golf variants, while the new model's exhaust system has one round tailpipe each on the left and right.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged and direct-injected four-cylinder mill under the bonnet will pump out 245 PS and 370 Nm of torque, 15 PS and 20 Nm more than the current Mk7.5 GTI. As before, power is sent to a 7-speed wet dual-clutch 'DSG' gearbox.

Volkswagen is now equipping the Mk8 Golf GTI with an electronically controlled front-axle locking differential as standard. The electronic differential offers the GTI precise steering and immense grip in the bends.

The CKD 2022 GTI also comes with VW's new Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM) system, which coordinates and activates the functions of the electronically controlled front axle locking differential, the electronic 'XDS+' differential lock as well as the electronically controlled shock absorbers.

The VDM measures the individual wheel damping 200 times a second and then accurately controls all the car's chassis systems to adapt to the road conditions. As a result, VW claim they have almost entirely eliminated understeer in corners – a common issue with high-powered front-wheel-drive cars – giving the GTI a very neutral demeanour in corners.

On the inside, the 2022 Golf GTI no longer features an ignition lock, having been replaced by an Engine Start/Stop button. Additionally, as a completely new feature, the button pulses red once the doors have been opened until the GTI engine is started.

Elsewhere, the digital display starts up as soon as the doors are opened. There are also two-display screens, one 10.25-inch for the digital instrument cluster and a centrally-positioned 10-inch screen that takes care of all the infotainment functions which feature 3D inbuilt navigation, wireless CarPlay and Android Auto, and seven high-quality speakers.

Other characteristic GTI interior details such as the classic three-spoke sports steering wheel have now evolved into a sports steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls. The driver seat comes with power-adjustable memory feature and lumbar support too. All the seats are decked out in Vienna leather for deluxe comfort. 

The all-new 2022 Golf GTI is built for safety as the frame is constructed using a combination of high-quality steel that is extensively engineered to provide maximum occupant protection in the event of an accident

Other key safety features include ESC (Electronic Stability Control); Post Collision Braking System that prevents a second collision; Electronic Differential Lock (XDS) that improves traction and reduce understeer; six airbags for post-collision protection and more.

Colours

It is available in five colours: Kings Red and Atlantic Blue in metallic finishing; Moonstone Grey for non-metallic option; as well as Deep Black and Oryx White with pearl effect at no additional charges.

2022 Volkswagen Golf R-Line

The more affordable Golf out of the two is equipped with a carryover 1.4-litre TSI engine from the Mk7.5 Golf, but instead of a DSG dual-clutch gearbox, the new 2022 Golf R-Line is equipped with an eight-speed torque-converter automatic. Its output also remains the same, featuring 150 PS and 250 Nm of torque.

Being an R-Line, the regular Golf comes with sporty styling and features many similarities with the GTI, but without the hot hatch's signature cues such as the honeycomb grille, red pinstripe and larger wheels (17-inch Valencia alloys). There are also no visible tailpipes (faux exhaust) on the R-Line, and comes equipped with LED Plus headlights and LED taillights.

On the inside, you'll find non-powered fabric seats with R logos on the headrest, a new-generation 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit; a multifunction steering wheel with haptic-touch control; as well as an advanced 10-inch Discover Media infotainment system with navigation. Another new feature is the compact and innovative new-generation gear selector – it is the first Volkswagen model in Malaysia to carry this. 

Safety-wise, the Golf R-Line only comes with the regular ABS and ESP as well as six airbags. Surprisingly the R-Line is not equipped with any advanced driver assist systems.  

Colour

The R-Line is available in five colours, including two new ones – the matte Moonstone Grey and metallic Kings Red. Other colours are Atlantic Blue in metallic finishing, as well as Deep Black and Oryx White with pearl effect.

Warranty

VPCM supports aftersales care with three years free maintenance, five years unlimited mileage warranty, and five years roadside assistance for both the 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI and R-Line.