Volkswagen Passenger
Cars Malaysia (VPCM) will introduce the facelifted Volkswagen Golf Mk7.5 range
in the country very soon. At the time, we were told the range will include the
standard Golf, the high-performance Golf GTI and even higher-performance Golf
R.
Now, the company has begun teasing the arrival of
all three models on its official website, where interested parties can also
register their interest. Exact specifications aren’t confirmed yet, but the
images on the site do provide some hints (although speculative).
Starting with the standard Golf, a 1.4 litre
four-cylinder TSI engine (150 PS and 250 Nm of torque) will continue to be of
service (no 1.5L TSI Evo), and is mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic
transmission. Other features include adaptive LED headlights (replacing the
previous bi-xenon units), Air Care dual-zone Climatronic system, Driver Profile
Selection, seven airbags and a rearview camera.
Next up, the Golf GTI packs a 2.0 litre TSI, which
should serve up 230 PS, or 245 PS if it is the Performance variant. The hot
hatch also gets a six-speed DSG automatic, Adaptive Chassis Control system,
keyless entry and start, as well as power-adjustable seat(s). Aesthetic items
include chrome exhaust tips and Vienna leather interior upholstery.
Lastly, the Golf R. Under the bonnet will be a 2.0
litre TSI that is likely upgraded to make 310 PS, mated to a seven-speed DSG
and 4Motion all-wheel drive system. While the image states a 0-100 km/h time of
5.1 seconds, a quick check with Volkswagen’s German site reveals that figure to
be for models equipped with a six-speed manual transmission, which we won’t get
– a DSG-equipped Golf R does the sprint in 4.6 seconds. The likely scenario is
we could be getting a detuned TSI unit like the current Golf R on sale, hence
the slower 0-100 km/h time.
Powertrain and performance aside, the Golf R looks
to be fitted with 19-inch wheels, paddle shifters, chrome exhaust tips,
Discover Pro infotainment system, Park Distance Control, Vienna leather
upholstery, Driver Profile Selection and adaptive LED headlights.
