Volkswagen Golf range updated in Malaysia

TSI, GTI and R variants of Mk7.5 now on sale, RM160k-RM296k

Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) has updated the entire range of one of the brand’s most iconic nameplates, the Golf. Dubbed the Mk7.5, the facelifted Golf enters the Malaysian market with three separate powertrains for the Golf TSI, Golf GTI and Golf R respectively.

Starting with the Golf TSI, Wolfsburg’s familiar 1.4-litre turbocharged engine soldiers on in the base model. It sends 148hp and 250Nm to the front wheels via a seven-speed DSG (dual-clutch transmission), making the Golf good for an 8.2-second century sprint. The 1.5-litre TSI Evo engine making waves in Europe currently is said to be unavailable in South East Asia at the moment.More Sport Car news or information please click here

Two trim lines are available for the Golf TSI, namely the Sportline and R-Line priced at RM159,990 and RM169,990 respectively. Both models boast new features such as an eight-inch infotainment system and Proactive Occupant Protection System but the R-Line dresses the pedestrian-spec Golf a bit to look more like the Golf R.

The middle child of the Mk7.5 family is the Golf GTI, which bumps things up with a two-litre four-pot turbo now developing 227hp and 350Nm of torque. Mated to a six-speed wet-clutch DSG, the GTI will do 0-100kph in 6.4 seconds before topping out at 248kph. Full LED lighting including dynamic turn signals in the rear and 18-inch alloys are the main exterior differentiators while inside, it’s dressed up in Vienna leather upholstery and a 12.3-inch Active Info Display. The GTI is priced at RM239,990.

At the top of the range lies the Golf R, which will set you back a cool RM295,990. The sole AWD variant of the Mk7.5 Golf utilises an uprated version of the GTI’s engine – its 286hp/380Nm output working in tandem with the 4Motion powertrain and seven-speed, wet-clutch DSG for a sprint time of 5.1 seconds and an electronically-limited top speed of 250kph. More Sport Car news or information please click here

Like the GTI, the track-ready Golf R is equipped with paddle shifters and DCC (Dynamic Chassis Control) to help modulate the hatchback’s response for different types of driving conditions.