Mk7 VW Golf R-line packages

Volkswagen has unveiled the new Golf R-line package, which looks to preview the styling of the mk7 Golf R. The pack follows the usual R-line recipe, adding some tautness and aggression to the hatchback’s design as well as some sneaky little R badges, though dynamic tweaks are available too.

There are three levels of R-line specification. R-Line Sport Package costs 430 euros in Europe, and brings with it sports suspension, Progressive Steering (standard on the mk7 VW Golf GTI, tested here) and tinted windows.

The R-line Exterior Package (from 995 euros) includes a rear spoiler, fog lights, a new front grille (complete with R badge), more assertive front and rear bumpers and side sills and a black rear diffuser.

The R-line Interior Package (priced from 640 euros), as you’d expect, focuses on the Golf’s inner quarters. It provides a pair of front sports seats, stainless steel pedals and a flat-bottomed steering wheel, while ‘Vienna’ leather can be added at further cost. ‘Salvador’ alloy wheels are available in 17 and 18in sizes.

The R-line kits are reserved for European Golfs for now, with no immediate plans for UK sale, and are offered on petrol and diesel models from the 1.2-litre TSI upwards. Though with other models – Polo, Scirocco and Touareg – possessing an R-line option, it seems a good bet to appear on these shores later in the mk7 Golf’s life.

For now, it provides us with a taster of how the next Golf R will look. The hot hatch – which sits above the new mk7 Golf GTI – will have four-wheel drive and a 2-litre turbo petrol engine set to produce over 280bhp, keeping the VW on pace with rivals from Renaultsport and Vauxhall.