Mk8 Volkswagen Golf R-Line 1.4 TSI rivals in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: It has been 47 years since the Volkswagen Golf made its global debut and since the first-generation model, also known as the Mk1 appeared we have seen the ‘growth’ of this humble VW Golf to its current size. Yes, we are talking about its increasing size and also weight.

Meanwhile, its petrol engine size has reduced to meet global emission standards whilst it delivered driving performance has increased.

Also Read: All-new Volkswagen Golf R-Line bookings open in Malaysia

Now, the eighth generation of this globally popular car promises to build on the huge success of its forebears through crisp, refined design inside and out. It also promises greater efficiency with reduced emissions, high safety features, state-of-the-art technology, and the trademark Volkswagen brand.

This new VW Golf's cutting-edge digital architecture makes this family five-door hatchback among the most advanced in its class.

Sitting on the latest version of Volkswagen Group's Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) platform, this new Volkswagen Golf measures 4,284 mm long, 1,789 mm wide (excluding wing mirrors), and 1,491 mm high. The wheelbase now stands at 2,619 mm. For comparison, the outgoing Golf (Mk 7) measures 4,258 mm long, 1,790 mm wide (excluding wing mirrors), 1,492 mm high, and has a wheelbase of 2,620 mm. Design and aerodynamic refinements have cut the new Golf's Cd figure from 0.30 to 0.275 which makes this new VW Golf the sleekest and most refined to date.

Under the hood is the previous version’s 1.4TSI turbocharged engine paired with an 8-speed automatic shift by wire transmission, producing 150PS and 250Nm of torque.

So, with an asking price of RM155,000 to RM165,000 the question some Malaysians might have is, which other car competes with this Mk8 Golf? Well, there are only a small number of 4-door hatchback options on sale in Malaysia and most are from premium brands.

Also Read: 2022 Volkswagen Golf GTI now on sale in Malaysia

To start, we have the sleek-looking Mazda3 Liftback 2.0L Highline which is priced at RM160,059 and is fully imported from Japan. This 1998cc engine delivers 163bhp and 213Nm of torque while working with a SKYACTIV Drive 6-Speed semi-auto gearbox.

Next, you have the Peugeot 308 THP which comes with a proven award-winning 1.6 litre THP engine mated to a six-speed auto transmission with Quickshift Technology. It has an output of 167 PS at 6,000 rpm and 240 Nm of torque. It sells for RM129,888 and it is also a fully imported hatchback.

In case you were wondering, the BMW 118i with a 1.5L engine (used to be about RM170k) is no longer being offered in Malaysia and the Volvo V40 (was priced at about RM170k) is no longer in production and there is no replacement planned by Volvo Cars in the near future.

In this segment, the most prized hatchback is the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and continues to command a premium price of RM219k for the A 200 Progressive Line running on a 1.3L turbocharged engine generating 163 horsepower.

So, now that you have the possible rivals for this segment, you can make your purchase decision much easier.

Also Read: Volkswagen Golf R launched in Malaysia at RM 356,412