New VW Golf is now a hybrid, R-Line trim avaialble.

By CARSIFU | 9 March 2020


LONDON: The Volkswagen Golf (Mk8) is now available with the new eTSI 48-volt mild-hybrid powertrain as well as the popular R-Line that provides interior and exterior sporty upgrades.

The eTSI badge is applied to all trim levels (Life, Style and R-Line), which means that the mild-hybrid powertrain is standard for the eighth-generation Golf (Mk8).

Regardless of powerplant (1.5 petrol or 2.0 diesel) a seven-speed wet direct-shift gearbox manages power delivery as standard.

The German carmaker boasts that the electrified option provides as much as a 10% improvement in fuel economy and reduction in emissions over the outgoing non-electrified models.

The hybrid system is paired with VW's 150PS 1.5-litre TSI engine and comprises of a 48-volt lithium-ion battery together with a 48-volt belt starter generator.

The starter generator takes on the role of the alternator and starter, and also operates as a small electric motor providing a boost during acceleration.

VW Golf eTSI R-Line - 02


The generator also starts the TSI engine, with the system allowing the car to coast with the engine shut off as much as possible while the car is in motion for optimal efficiency, while ensuring almost imperceptible transitions between engine-off coasting and engaging the petrol engine.

As for the R-Line styling package, this entails a sportier front and rear bumpers, 17-inch ‘Valencia’ alloy wheels, rear tinted glass and a sports suspension (-15mm ride height).

This also includes a Progressive Steering system and Multiple driver-profiles allow tailoring of the steering and gearbox responses to personal preferences.

Inside, the cabin sees sports seats getting fitted with the car’s fabric upholstery finished in ‘Sardegna’ design, and the inner sides of the bolsters in high-quality ‘Art Velours’ before embroidering the head restraints with the R-Line logo.

Also featured is an R-Line multifunction leather-wrapped steering wheel with more badges on the side trim panels.

There will also be brushed stainless steel pedals and metallic trim elements to complete the interior package as well as a 30-colour ambient lighting system.

The company added that further details regarding the Golf range - particularly the GTI, GTE and GTD models, will be revealed in due course.

Keywords