Volkswagen expands R-Line family
Volkswagen has extended its sporting R-Line package across more of its passenger car range.
Volkswagen has extended its sporting R-Line package across more of its passenger car range.
Building on the success of the dress-up and suspension packages already available on the regular Golf hatch and retro Beetle, as well as the dedicated range-topping Touareg R-Line model, the German brand has extended its GTI-lite series to now include the Golf Wagon and Tiguan compact SUV.
While the additional models extend Volkswagen's R-Line to now cover the majority of its passenger car range, there are no plans to do the same with either its Amarok utility or, at least in the immediate future, with its Polo even though there is an R-Line kit available on the city car in Europe after it was revealed at the Geneva motor show earlier this year.
Each of the new R-Line variants has enhanced styling through the additional of a sporty body kit, but each also has a unique mechanical specification.
In the case of the newest arrivals, Volkswagen has upgraded the flagship Tiguan 155TSI to become an exclusive R-Line model – like the 4.2-litre turbo diesel V8-powered Touareg - with the fitment of adaptive suspension, 18-inch alloy wheels, leather sports seats and steering wheel shift paddles for the six-speed dual-clutch automatic.
The mid-grade 130TDI and 132TSI Tiguan models can also be optioned with an R-Line package (but not the entry-level 103TSI), featuring the same exterior highlights but missing the electronic dampers, sports seats and paddle shifters but instead picking up lowered sports-tuned suspension and Alcantara trimmed comfort seats.
The Golf Wagon receives the same R-Line features already available for the hatch. Available only on the 103TSI and 110TDI Highline models, the package includes a body kit, 18-inch alloys, sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, heavier bolstered front seats and progressive steering, which it says offers "noticeably more direct and agile steering response in dynamic situations."
2015 Volkswagen R-Line prices (plus on-road costs)
Golf 103TSI Highline with R-Line package (DSG) $34,490
Golf 110TDI Highline with R-Line package (DSG) $36,990
Golf Wagon 103TSI Highline with R-Line package (DSG) $36,040
Golf Wagon 110TDI Highline with R-Line package (DSG) $38,540
Beetle 118TSI with R-Line package (Man) $32,290
Beetle 118TSI with R-Line package (DSG) $34,790
Tiguan 132TSI with R-Line package (DSG) $39,490
Tiguan 130TDI with R-Line package (DSG) $42,490
Tiguan 155TSI R-Line (DSG) $44,990
Touareg V8 TDI R-Line (Auto) $114,990