Volkswagen Australia has extended the availability of its "more emotional and dynamic" styling and technology package to several of its key models.
Now available on Golf wagon and Tiguan, the R-Line package joins Golf, Beetle and Touareg R-Line models in offering more style and technology for as little as $2000.
On Golf hatch and wagon models the R-Line package builds on the equipment levels offered in the Highline trim level with 18-inch Salvador alloy wheels, an R-Line steering wheel (with paddle shifters on DSG-equipped variants), R-Line interior with sports seats, stainless steel pedals and sports suspension.
Body styling is also enhanced with a rear spoiler, reprofiled front and rear bumpers and aerodynamic side skirts, while progressive-rate steering is also included.
For Golf hatch and wagon variants the R-Line package adds $2200 to the list price of the Golf Highline (from $32,290 plus on-road costs).
The recently revised Tiguan SUV also receives the R-Line treatment, from a competitive $2500. Offered on Tiguan 132TSI (from $36,990 plus ORCs) and Tiguan 130TDI (from $39,990 plus ORCs), the package adds sports suspension, comfort sports seats, R-Line styling cues, 18-inch Mallory alloy wheels, R-Line steering wheel (with paddle shifters on DSG-equipped variants) and front door sill plates.
A new R-Line-equipped variant, dubbed Tiguan 155TSI R-Line, is also available, adding the same equipment as listed for the R-Line-enhanced Tiguan models, but with a more powerful 155kW/280Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Priced from $44,990 (plus ORCs), the Tiguan 155TSI R-Line also receives adaptive dampers (Adaptive Chassis Control) and heated, electrically-adjustable leather seats.
Of course the Beetle with R-Line package remains available, as does the large Touareg R-Line SUV. Volkswagen Australia says it may also consider adding the Passat R-Line when the model arrives here in October next year (2015).
The Beetle R-Line is available with both manual and DSG (dual-clutch) transmissions and receives unique front and rear bumpers, 18-inch Twister alloy wheels, sports instrumentation binnacle with analogue turbo boost, oil temperature and stopwatch dials, tinted rear glass and R-Line steering wheel (with paddle shifters on DSG-equipped variants).
It is offered for $2000 on top of the price of the Beetle 118TSI (see full R-Line pricing details below).
The original R-Line model in Australia, the Touareg V8 TDI R-Line, includes model-specific bumpers, oval exhaust outlets, a matte black diffuser, roof-edge spoiler, 21-inch Mallory alloy wheels and rear privacy glass.
Inside, the model receives stainless steel sill plates on the front doors, a heated multifunction steering wheel with paddle shifters, stainless pedals and a leather gearshift knob. The Touareg's Comfort Assistance package and Driver Assistance Package (except Lane Assist) is also included, taking the model's list price to $114,990 (plus ORCs).
Volkswagen R-Line models are styled by R GmbH which has since 2010 been responsible not only for R-Line packages, but also for dedicated 'R' badged performance models like the Golf R and Scirocco R. The engineering arm is also responsible for VW Exclusive and R-Engineering, making special vehicles including emergency vehicles, and for designing all of Volkswagen's alloy wheels.
2014 Volkswagen R-Line model pricing:
Golf 103TSI Highline with R-Line package (DSG only) $34,490 (plus ORCs)
Golf 110TDI Highline with R-Line package (DSG only) $36,990 (plus ORCs)
Golf Wagon 103TSI Highline with R-Line package (DSG only) $36,040 (plus ORCs)
Golf Wagon 110TDI Highline with R-Line package (DSG only) $38,540 (plus ORCs)
Beetle 118TSI with R-Line package (manual) $32,390 (plus ORCs)
Beetle 118TSI with R-Line package (DSG) $34,790 (plus ORCs)
Tiguan 132TSI 4MOTION with R-Line package (DSG only) $39,490 (plus ORCs)
Tiguan 130TDI 4MOTION with R-Line package (DSG only) $42,490 (plus ORCs)
Tiguan 155TSI 4MOTION R-Line (DSG only) $44,990 (plus ORCs)
Touareg V8 TDI R-Line (auto. only) $114,990 (plus ORCs)